Chapter 102: The Guardian
Ning Rongrong smoothed the hem of her skirt, a refined smile resting on her lips as always.
"Yes, Teacher Qin. Isn't our Heaven Dou Imperial Academy all about teaching according to aptitude and encouraging independent learning?"
"Lin Yuan and Xiao Wu are peerless geniuses to begin with. Lin Yuan is already a high-rank Soul Grandmaster, and Xiao Wu is about to reach Soul Grandmaster as well. With talent like that, shouldn't you, as their teacher, feel gratified and strive to earn their recognition?"
"Why escalate such a minor matter into something so serious?"
Her tone was gentle, but every word carried a hidden edge.
More importantly, she represented the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Qin Ming looked at the two girls standing on either side in open defense of Lin Yuan and felt completely stunned.
Dugu Yan.
Ning Rongrong.
These two were the academy's most powerful background—most untouchable "little ancestors."
Normally, while proud, they still maintained basic respect toward him.
Yet today, for the sake of a newly enrolled Lin Yuan, they were openly contradicting him?
"This… you two…"
Qin Ming opened his mouth, only to realize he had no grounds to refute them.
In this Royal Academy, where background and talent determined status, he, a rootless commoner teacher, truly seemed powerless before these two towering forces.
In another corner of the classroom, Yu Tianheng frowned deeply.
He stared at Dugu Yan standing so protectively beside Lin Yuan, and an inexplicable irritation, even jealousy, rose within him.
"Yan Yan… she's never contradicted a teacher like this for me."
Turning to his teammates, he asked in a low voice, "Yufeng. Osler. What exactly is her relationship with this Lin Yuan?"
"And Ning Rongrong, how long have they even known each other? Why are they defending him like this?"
Yufeng and Osler exchanged confused looks.
"Boss, how would we know…"
"Though…" Osler hesitated before whispering, "Judging from this situation, it's definitely not ordinary."
"Boss, if you don't step up your game, the person you've set your sights on… might really be taken."
At those words, Yu Tianheng's fist clenched tightly, his knuckles cracking audibly.
A dark glint flashed through his eyes.
"Lin Yuan…"
He had chosen Heaven Dou Imperial Academy instead of Blue Tyrant Academy precisely because of Dugu Yan.
He had intended to start as friends and take things slowly.
But now, out of nowhere, a rival had appeared midway.
"Ding ding ding—"
Just as the atmosphere reached an impasse, the bell rang.
Lin Yuan helped Xiao Wu, whose emotions had finally stabilized somewhat, to her feet.
Without even glancing at Qin Ming's ashen face on the podium, he simply took Xiao Wu's hand and walked toward the exit.
"Let's go, Sister Yan Yan. Rongrong."
"Let's eat."
"Coming!"
Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong exchanged a look and immediately followed.
Ye Lingling, who had remained silent but firmly stood on their side, quietly packed her things and trailed behind the four.
The five of them formed a small group and strode out of the classroom without hesitation.
Only Qin Ming remained standing at the podium, staring at their departing backs, his fists clenched tightly.
"What… what exactly just happened?"
"How could Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong go this far for a newcomer?"
He simply could not understand.
All he knew was that his authority as a teacher had been completely trampled today.
And what unsettled him even more—
This Lin Yuan seemed to possess some kind of charisma.
On his very first day, he had already gathered the academy's top heaven-blessed daughters around him.
Night fell. Stars shimmered overhead.
The night view of Heaven Dou City was breathtaking, especially from the luxurious dormitory district, where the entire city's glittering lights stretched endlessly into the horizon.
Lin Yuan sat alone in his spacious private dormitory. He did not immediately begin cultivating.
Midnight struck.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host, on completing today's diary entry!]
[Ding! Congratulations, Host, on triggering a critical hit reward!]
[You have obtained a Special Summon Card: Guardian Zhao Yun!]
[Description: The Ever-Victorious General from the Three Kingdoms. Absolutely loyal to the Host.]
As the system's voice faded, the space before Lin Yuan suddenly rippled violently.
A razor-sharp yet fully restrained spear intent flooded the entire room in an instant!
Then—
A young general clad in silver-white armor, holding a Dragon Gallant Bright Silver Spear, stepped out from the void.
His face was handsome and resolute.
His aura was unfathomable, like a bottomless abyss, yet also like an unshakable mountain.
His gaze swept across Lin Yuan. The sharpness in his eyes softened instantly into reverence.
Dropping to one knee and clasping his fists, he declared:
"Your subordinate Zhao Yun pays respects to my Lord!"
Lin Yuan's eyes flashed with delight as he immediately activated the system's appraisal function.
[Name: Zhao Yun (Courtesy Name: Zilong)]
[Level: 99 (Ultimate Douluo)]
[Martial Soul: Dragon Gallant Bright Silver Spear]
[Soul Rings: Seven Black, Two Red]
[Soul Skills: Seven-Exploring Coiling Snake Spear, Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix, etc. (Converted into Douluo system soul skills)]
[Evaluation: Courage incarnate. Loyal and righteous. So long as he lives, none shall harm his Lord.]
"Hiss!"
Even though he had been mentally prepared, Lin Yuan still drew in a sharp breath.
Rank 99.
An Ultimate Douluo.
And possessing two hundred-thousand-year soul rings!
In this era, that configuration was beyond luxurious.
In an age where gods did not descend, Zhao Yun stood at the absolute pinnacle of combat power!
Aside from existences like Qian Daoliu or Bo Saixi, who could borrow divine power—
Who could be Zhao Yun's opponent?
Even the current Bibi Dong might not measure up!
"Good! Excellent!"
Lin Yuan stepped forward, personally helping Zhao Yun to his feet, smiling broadly.
With Zhao Yun, he finally possessed the confidence to walk sideways through Heaven Dou City, even across the entire Douluo Continent!
And suddenly, a spark of inspiration flashed through his mind.
Hadn't he previously fabricated a so-called "mysterious hidden expert master" to bluff Chen Xin and Dugu Bo?
Now—
That hole in the story could finally be filled.
"Zilong."
Lin Yuan looked at Zhao Yun and spoke solemnly.
"From today onward, you need not follow me openly. Remain hidden in the shadows and protect me."
"If I encounter insurmountable danger, or if I need to intimidate petty enemies, then you may appear."
"But in front of outsiders, your identity is not my guard."
"You are my teacher, a reclusive, peerless powerhouse!"
Zhao Yun did not hesitate in the slightest. He clasped his fists once more.
"This subordinate obeys!"
"To serve as my Lord's teacher shall be Zilong's duty!"
With that, his figure flickered into a streak of silver light and melted into the surrounding darkness.
His presence vanished completely—as though he had never appeared at all.
End of Chapter