Chapter 136: Who Takes Care of Whom

Although everyone had some prior understanding, their focus was largely on the potential gains. Now, hearing even Principal Jiang, given her status, discuss the matter so earnestly, they all began to take it seriously.

"If anyone regrets it, there's still time to withdraw now," Jiang Luofu said, her gaze calmly sweeping across the room. "Once you enter the mystic realm, you'll have to wait until it closes ten days later to be forcibly sent back. If you change your mind midway and wish to return, it's simply impossible. As you all signed the life-and-death waiver earlier, you should be aware that the academy will not be held responsible for any accidents inside."

The students exchanged glances, but not a single one backed down. After all, reaching this point hadn't been easy, and they were unwilling to give up for a mere risk.

"The maps in the Yaoguang Mystic Realm are randomly generated and different each time you enter, so even if a school teacher acts as a guide, it won't be of much use," Jiang Luofu continued. "After entering the realm, all cultivators above Fifth Grade and those at high-level Fourth Grade will be required to act alone. With your strength, you are already capable of self-preservation, and to gain true experience, acting alone is the best method."

"The rest of you will accompany the teachers. Each teacher will be responsible for the safety of a group of students, and you will explore the mystic realm together," Jiang Luofu paused before continuing. "In previous years, if anyone wished to act alone, we didn't stop them. However, this time the mystic realm seems to be behaving abnormally, so it's best to be cautious. For this trip, those whose strength has not reached high-level Fourth Grade should ideally stay with their assigned teachers."

Hearing her words, many felt a sense of disappointment. After all, everyone knew that while staying with a teacher might be safer, the corresponding gains would certainly be less. When a large group acts together, it's difficult to keep any discoveries for oneself.

At this moment, a voice spoke up: "Principal, on what principle will students be assigned to teachers? After all, some teachers' abilities don't inspire much confidence, and wouldn't it be extremely unfair to those forcibly assigned to their group?"

To deal with Zu An in the mystic realm, naturally, the fewer people around him, the better.

As Shi Kun spoke, his gaze fell on Zu An, immediately drawing snickers from many. After all, Zu An's cultivation couldn't even compare to that of many students. If something truly happened, it was uncertain who would be protecting whom.

Jiang Luofu naturally knew whom he was referring to. She calmly replied, "As this concerns the life and safety of our students, the academy will not enforce groups this time. Students may choose voluntarily, joining whichever teacher they wish."

As soon as she finished speaking, the students quickly divided into groups, as if fearing the academy might change its mind if they waited too long:

"I choose Teacher Bai!"

"I choose Director Lu!"

"I choose Uncle Wang!"

...

Soon, all the students had made their choices. The majority chose Bai Susu and Lu De, as they were widely recognized as the strongest. Some also chose other teachers.

Only Zu An stood alone, with no one beside him.

A burst of laughter immediately erupted in the hall. While others were relatively restrained, Shi Kun's laughter was the loudest.

Chu Chuyan frowned. After all, he was her husband, and she didn't want to see him lose too much face. She had initially thought of joining his group, but then remembered that Fifth Graders were required to act alone. If she went to him, people would only think she was trying to protect him, which would likely cause him even more embarrassment.

Qiao Xueying hesitated for a moment. She had originally thought of joining his group. Her Fifth Grade cultivation hadn't been exposed, so she didn't have Chu Chuyan's concerns. If she were alone with Zu An, it would be too convenient to strike at him.

But later, she abandoned this idea. Joining Zu An's group under everyone's watchful eyes would be too conspicuous. If she were the only one to return from the mystic realm, everyone would be suspicious. Placing herself in plain sight would be unwise.

Just then, a timid voice spoke up: "I'll join… your group."

Ji Xiaoxi took small, hesitant steps over. Saying that single sentence in front of everyone seemed to have drained all her courage, and her palm-sized face flushed crimson.

Zu An's heart warmed. He thought, "This little girl is truly kind-hearted. She clearly subconsciously chose Bai Susu just now, but seeing no one on my side, she still mustered the courage to switch to me."

Originally, he wanted to politely decline, accepting her good intentions. But then he suddenly had a thought: his purpose for this trip was to find the Traceless Illusion Lotus. Ji Xiaoxi came from a learned family and understood medicinal properties, so she might be able to help him with this. Therefore, he didn't refuse.

"Miss Ji, you should really think twice; it's far too dangerous to be with him."

"Exactly, he's only a Third Grade. Come with us."

...

Ji Xiaoxi clearly had good relationships with people normally, and many eagerly tried to persuade her to change her mind.

"No, thank you. Teacher Zu is actually quite capable," Ji Xiaoxi said softly, shaking her head.

Pei Mianman subtly poked her close friend beside her. "Your husband is quite popular with women."

Chu Chuyan was also startled. Although she had heard that Ji Xiaoxi had helped him before, for her to stand up for him in this situation, their friendship was truly extraordinary.

"Tsk, another one," Pei Mianman poked her again, looking like she was enjoying the drama.

Chu Chuyan looked up, only to see Zheng Dan suddenly walking towards Zu An from the crowd.

"What's going on?"

This wasn't just Chu Chuyan's confusion; it was everyone else's in the hall as well. When did these two become so close?

Seeing Zheng Dan walk towards him, Zu An couldn't help but chuckle. "What, is Young Lady Zheng also joining my team?"

Zheng Dan slightly shook her head. "Not really. I just have something to tell you."

"What is it?" Zu An was momentarily stunned.

Zheng Dan leaned in close to him and whispered, "You need to be careful; someone in the mystic realm wants to kill you." After saying this, she smiled charmingly and returned to her previous group.

Seeing Zheng Dan leave, those around them breathed a sigh of relief. They thought, "If even she had chosen Zu An, then this guy's luck with women would be truly outrageous."

Zu An, however, fell into deep thought. "Someone wants to kill me? Is it Shi Kun and his group? Xue'er is also here this time; she will probably make a move too."

From a distance, Zheng Dan noticed his solemn expression, and a faint smile appeared on her face. The reason she gave the warning was that if Zu An wasn't strong enough, even with the reminder, he wouldn't be able to escape the death trap, so it wouldn't affect the outcome, and Shi Kun's side wouldn't blame her.

But if Zu An miraculously escaped, he would remember this favor, and it would deepen his good impression of her.

It was a win-win situation, so why not?

It was a pity; this mystic realm trip was originally a good opportunity to get closer to him. However, the Shi family had set a death trap, so she couldn't stay by his side, lest she be caught in the crossfire.

Seeing that the grouping was complete, Jiang Luofu frowned slightly as she looked at Ji Xiaoxi, but in the end, she said nothing. She concluded, "The deeper you go into the mystic realm, the greater the danger! Everyone must act within their capabilities and never blindly venture too deep. What you gain in the mystic realm depends entirely on your fortune; there's no need to force it."

"Yes, Principal!" everyone responded in unison, clearly in high spirits.

At this moment, the space behind the archway behind Jiang Luofu began to distort, forming swirling rings, as if a pool of water was suspended within.

After a moment, the "water surface" gradually calmed, forming a translucent gate, shimmering with a faint blue light. A fresh and powerful surge of primordial energy poured out from within.

Everyone in the hall felt a jolt of excitement. Just standing outside, they could feel such intense Heaven and Earth primordial energy. "Won't we just soar once we're inside the mystic realm?"

Jiang Luofu spoke up: "The mystic realm entrance is now fully open. I wish you all good luck."

Led by Lu De and Bai Susu, a group of people walked towards the entrance one after another. Shi Kun paused near the entrance, turned to look at Zu An, and displayed a triumphant smile.

Zu An thought to himself, "This guy wants to secretly kill me in the mystic realm. Couldn't I also take this opportunity to secretly kill him?"

At this moment, Chu Chuyan came to his side and whispered a reminder: "I just noticed Shi Kun looking at you strangely. Just in case, it's better if you stay with me once we're inside the mystic realm."

Zu An shook his head. "I'm one of the teachers leading a team, after all. How can I let a student protect me? Don't I have any dignity?"

Chu Chuyan's delicate brows furrowed. "At a time like this, you're still concerned about that?"

"If you really want to help me, keep an eye out for the 'Traceless Illusion Lotus'," Zu An said. Having more people meant more strength, and the chances would be greater than if he were alone.

"The Traceless Illusion Lotus?" Chu Chuyan was startled. She finally said, "What do you want it for? Even if I found such a legendary treasure, I might not be willing to part with it."

"You're quite honest. Oh well, just pretend I didn't say anything," Zu An shrugged, not bothered.

Ji Xiaoxi, standing nearby, became a little anxious. "Sister Chu, my father prepared a medicine for him, and it only lacks the Traceless Illusion Lotus to cure his… his hidden ailment."

Seeing Ji Xiaoxi's shy expression, Chu Chuyan finally understood. She glanced strangely at his lower abdomen, and her delicate cheeks flushed slightly. "Alright, I'll keep an eye out for it then. But don't get your hopes up too high; this item has always only existed in legends."

The words felt too awkward as soon as they left her mouth, so Chu Chuyan quickly turned and left.

"Oh, what did you say to your little wife that made her so shy?" Pei Mianman walked over curiously.

"It's a secret. Secrets make men more charming," Zu An said, wagging his finger.

"You're an amusing fellow," Pei Mianman said with a slight smile. "Alright, be careful and don't lose your life in there."

After speaking, she also entered the mystic realm.

After a while, only Zu An and Ji Xiaoxi remained. As they approached the entrance, Jiang Luofu suddenly stopped them. "Help me take good care of her. If she loses even a single hair, don't bother coming back."

Zu An chuckled. "Oh, beautiful Principal, you're being too kind. How could Miss Ji need to take care of me? Besides, what you're asking is a bit too harsh for her."

Jiang Luofu snorted. "Are you an idiot? I'm telling you to take good care of her, don't let her get hurt!"

Zu An: "???"