Azure Dragon Academy had become a bustling center of training. Under Jiang Yun's leadership, the academy accepted talented commoners who had no backing, giving them a chance to rise through effort. With Old Poison—Dugu Bo—as the dean, his sharp gaze ensured no spoiled brats from noble families snuck in.
"Faster, Zhuqing! Yan, don't hold back!" Jiang Yun's voice cut through the air.
In the training grounds, Zhu Zhuqing and Dugu Yan were sparring. Zhu Zhuqing's shadowy speed clashed with Dugu Yan's poison mist and sharp strikes. Both moved with intense focus, testing each other's skills.
"Not bad, Zhuqing," Dugu Yan grinned, sidestepping a claw strike. "But you still have trouble against area attacks."
Zhu Zhuqing smiled, her form blurring. "And you're too reliant on poison mist."
She vanished and reappeared behind Dugu Yan, her claws stopping just short of Dugu Yan's neck. But Dugu Yan laughed, her body dissolving into a thin green mist.
"Nice try!" Dugu Yan's voice echoed before she reformed a few meters away.
Jiang Yun clapped. "Excellent! Both of you have grown stronger. But remember, don't just rely on your strongest skills. Always think ahead."
Old Poison approached, his expression smug. "Look at you, playing the wise teacher already. But you're right. Those two are progressing well."
"They have to," Jiang Yun replied with a smile. "Strength is the only way to protect what we've built."
Dugu Bo's smile faded slightly. "Speaking of that, some noble families have tried to sneak their brats into our academy. I sent them away."
"Good. This place is for those who want to earn their strength."
As they spoke, Zhu Zhuqing and Dugu Yan walked over, still catching their breath but smiling.
"Jiang Yun, I can feel the change after taking the immortal herbs you gave me. My poison is stronger, and I feel tougher," Dugu Yan reported, a hint of pride in her voice.
"I noticed it too. My speed and reaction are better than ever," Zhu Zhuqing added, her golden eyes shining.
"That's the effect of the herbs and your hard work," Jiang Yun said. "But remember, raw strength without control is dangerous."
Old Poison chuckled. "Listen to the boy. He speaks sense."
Suddenly, a loud commotion came from the academy gates. Jiang Yun's eyes narrowed. "What now?"
A group of well-dressed young nobles stood outside, trying to push their way in. "This is Azure Dragon Academy, right? We demand to enroll. Our fathers are lords of this region!"
Jiang Yun stepped forward, his expression calm but sharp. "This academy does not accept anyone without talent and determination. Money and titles mean nothing here."
One of the noble youths sneered. "You can't be serious. This is just some poor man's academy trying to act noble. Everyone has a price!"
Jiang Yun's gaze grew colder. "Is that so?"
He took a step forward, and suddenly an overwhelming pressure filled the air. His soul power surged, invisible yet crushing. The ground beneath the nobles cracked, and a cold wind swept past them.
The arrogance in their eyes vanished, replaced by fear. Their legs trembled, and a few stumbled back, their faces pale.
"This… this pressure…" one of them whispered, cold sweat covering his forehead.
"I am Jiang Yun," his voice was calm, but his gaze sharp. "And this academy is for those who earn strength. Those who think otherwise can leave."
Unable to withstand the pressure, the nobles turned and fled, their pride shattered.
Jiang Yun withdrew his aura, his expression calm once more.
"They were never worth the time." He sighed, turning to Zhu Zhuqing, who was watching him with admiration.
As night fell, the academy grounds grew quiet. Jiang Yun stood on the balcony of his room, watching the stars above.
Soft footsteps approached, and Zhu Zhuqing appeared beside him. Her black hair flowed in the gentle breeze, and her black eyes shimmered in the moonlight.
"You didn't even need to fight them," she whispered, a gentle smile on her lips.
"They were never a threat." Jiang Yun leaned on the railing. "But arrogance must be crushed before it grows."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded. Silence fell between them, comfortable yet filled with a quiet tension.
"Jiang Yun…" Her voice was softer now. "I… I never imagined I'd find a place where I belong. Or… someone I could rely on."
Jiang Yun turned to her, his gaze gentle. "You are strong, Zhuqing. With or without me."
"But with you, I feel… safe." Her cheeks tinted red, and before Jiang Yun could reply, she leaned in, her lips brushing against his.
The kiss was soft, hesitant, but filled with warmth. Time seemed to stop as they stayed there, lost in the moment.
When they finally parted, Zhu Zhuqing's face was flushed, but her eyes were clear and determined. "Don't ever change, Jiang Yun."
He smiled, his hand gently cupping her cheek. "Only if you promise to always be by my side."
"I promise."
Together, they stood beneath the starry sky, their bond stronger than ever.