In the middle school teaching building of East Sea Academy, two men were standing by the window, seemingly admiring the view outside.
One of them was an elderly man in his sixties, of medium build, with graying hair and a scholarly aura. The other appeared more like a textbook-perfect example of a school dean. These two were none other than the principal and the director of East Sea Academy.
However, saying they were admiring the scenery wasn't quite accurate—because their gazes never wandered to the flowers, trees, or the surroundings. Instead, their eyes were fixed on a brown-haired little girl down on the field.
"That's Heita? The new student who just got admitted this year? So she's actually a pretty little girl!"
"Principal Yu, you better not treat her as just some ordinary little girl. Many students—and even teachers—can't do a thing with her."
"Oh? What do you mean by that?"
As the principal of East Sea Academy, Yu naturally had his hands full every day. He couldn't possibly keep track of every student issue himself. Otherwise, who would handle the administrative work?
So, matters like these were usually handled by Director Long. Yu had heard quite a bit of feedback lately, which meant Long had likely been very busy recently.
But hearing the tone in Director Long's voice, Principal Yu perked up his ears. He seemed a bit surprised by the attitude of his director.
"Sigh… Here's what happened…"
Director Long let out a sigh and began telling the principal everything that had taken place recently. In his voice, beyond helplessness toward the student, there was also a hint of hard-to-express admiration.
"There's actually such a student?"
A glint of golden light flashed in Principal Yu's eyes. From appearances alone, one might think he was just a kind old man. But when the eyes behind his glasses were fully visible, he instantly became a wise and perceptive elder.
"Exceptional learning ability, impressive combat capability, and on top of that, the daughter of a Holy Craftsman… She's shown extraordinary talent in every aspect."
"This kind of genius… it's the first time I've ever encountered one. It's both an opportunity and a problem."
Principal Yu quickly sorted out the pros and cons. A genius like this clearly wasn't someone East Sea Academy could easily accommodate. As the principal, he was well aware that their educational resources likely weren't enough to support a student like her.
But if they just recommended her to another academy, wouldn't that be admitting that East Sea Academy wasn't capable?
"So what should we do?"
Director Long rubbed his forehead with frustration. He had been handling all matters concerning Heita recently, and he knew full well how much trouble this little ancestor could stir up.
She was the daughter of a Holy Craftsman and also had connections with the Spirit Transmission Pagoda. A single misstep in handling her could lead to major problems for the whole academy. After all, in the eyes of the Federation's higher-ups, East Sea Academy couldn't compare to any of the top institutions—let alone those with ties to both a Holy Craftsman and the Spirit Transmission Pagoda.
"True, at first glance, it seems like we really don't have the resources to properly teach this student. But don't forget—we still have one last trump card in the senior division."
"You mean… Teacher Wu Zhangkong?"
"Who else could it be? He's the top expert in our academy, and he's also a graduate of Shrek Academy. If there's anyone in our school who can guide Heita, it would be Teacher Wu Zhangkong."
After hearing Principal Yu's words, Director Long's expression shifted. He quickly considered the possibility but ultimately shook his head.
"With all due respect, Principal Yu, I believe even Teacher Wu Zhangkong may have a hard time guiding this student. She's… far too unique."
"Director Long, I understand what you're saying." Principal Yu sighed, then continued with resignation, "But you must also understand—sometimes it's not about what others want, but what we have."
"For a top-tier genius like Heita, it's not a matter of what she wants to learn—it's what we're actually able to offer. And right now, the only thing we can put forward is Teacher Wu Zhangkong…"
Was it just Director Long's imagination, or did he detect a trace of sadness in the principal's voice?
"Then… what if even Teacher Wu Zhangkong can't guide her?" Against his better judgment, Director Long asked the question. He knew it was a pessimistic thing to say—but he wanted to know the answer.
"..." Principal Yu fell silent for a while before giving a bitter smile. "If even Teacher Wu can't guide her… then the future of East Sea Academy ends here."
"Of course, that's the worst-case scenario. There's no telling whether the Federation would step in."
With those words, Director Long understood. Who would entrust their future to someone else? What Principal Yu meant was—he had no other choice either. Everything would be left to fate.
"So, all we can do now is rely on Teacher Wu Zhangkong!"
---
A few days later, Heita received an official notice from East Sea Academy. But when she arrived at the designated classroom at the scheduled time, she found that no one else was there.
Clearly, class hadn't started yet. Wu Zhangkong would not arrive before the bell.
"In that case, I might as well cultivate for a while…"
Heita closed her eyes. A flicker of spiritual light flashed across her forehead, and her entire being seemed to glow with vitality, as if she had merged with the environment itself.
Although she hadn't received any formal instruction during this period, Heita had never stopped developing herself. Insight was nowhere near as simple as people imagined. If not for the world's rules, Heita could have done even more outrageous things.
What she was using now was just a tiny, insignificant part of her vast capabilities.
As is well known, meditation is the only way for soul masters to independently increase their soul power. It's also the main method of cultivation—by guiding the soul power into an internal cycle to promote growth. Tang San's Xuan Tian Technique was equivalent to a higher-level form of meditation, making the circulation and growth of soul power even more efficient.
All soul masters can meditate. Some exceptional ones can even enter deep meditation, just like Huo Yuhao once did.
However, there exists an even higher realm of cultivation—Enlightenment!
Enlightenment typically happens spontaneously and rarely, but its depth far surpasses ordinary meditation. Every soul master who has experienced Enlightenment has undergone at least one significant leap in strength.
Now, consider Heita—she started at a far higher level than others and possessed top-tier comprehension. After this period of internal development, she could now enter a state of Enlightenment at will!
In fact, what most people might never achieve even once in their lifetime—Heita treated as a routine method of cultivation… At this point, even the word "monster" no longer sufficed to describe her.
A being capable of this… perhaps only a god could compare?
So when Wu Zhangkong walked into the classroom just as the bell rang and saw Heita, the expression on his face noticeably changed.
He finally understood at least somewhat why this student was such a challenge for the academy…