Chapter 64: Departure and an Unexpected Guest

The next day, at Tianzun City Airport.

Zhou Yan walked slowly, carrying two backpacks over his shoulders, following behind the sisters Luo Xuan and Luo Ke like an accompanying bodyguard.

Ahead, Luo Xuan, tall and slender, wore her hair in a neat high ponytail. She was dressed in a white uniform with red patterning, her striking yet cold features warning strangers to keep their distance.

Beside her, the petite Luo Ke wore a white dress and a baseball cap, a small bag slung on her back. She walked with a spring in her step, her cherubic, pretty face radiating youthful energy.

“Big sis, if we close the school for a whole week like this, won't it hurt business?” Luo Ke, her face bright with the excitement of a trip, nonetheless voiced her worry to Luo Xuan.

Luo Xuan replied coolly, “Yan Yong and Luo Zhiming have already dropped out. The remaining students are all summer class attendees, and most of them only signed up for beginner lessons. We can adjust the schedule and finish before summer break—it’ll be fine.”

“Sigh.” Luo Ke couldn't help but groan at her sister's response. “It’s so annoying. Those two just quit like that, and you, sis, why’d you have to be so foolish and refund them the unused tuition?”

Luo Xuan shot her a glance, answering as if it were only natural, “They’re not taking the classes anymore. Returning the remaining tuition is only proper.”

Luo Ke puffed out her cheeks. “I'm going to add a note in the billing section: No refunds on paid fees! Sis, our food, clothes, and everything depend on the school’s income. Aren’t you worried at all?”

Luo Xuan’s expression turned stern. “Don’t ever mention refusing refunds again. The Luo family has never done anything so low.”

Luo Ke fumed. “You’re so stubborn! No one can out-stubborn you. Just wait until we’re starving—I’ll watch you cry then!”

Hearing the sisters bicker, Zhou Yan laughed and interjected, “Come on, Xiao Ke, don’t get mad at your sister. I still have some money on my card. Take it for emergencies. I can always earn more working part-time.”

“Really?” The moment Zhou Yan offered his money, Luo Ke’s eyes seemed to light up with symbols of cash.

But she quickly shook her head vigorously. “No way, Zhou Yan, that’s your savings. I can’t take it.”

Luo Xuan, beside her, looked equally serious. “He’s right. Keep your own money, just pay your normal tuition.”

“Besides…” Her tone grew resolute. “This time, I’ll also apply to the Lihuo Pavilion for a rank assessment. If I reach the Marvelous rank, students will flock to our school. The money will come naturally…”

She hadn’t finished when a cold, middle-aged voice cut in from behind.

“Marvelous rank? After Luo Huayi’s death, has his daughter also lost sight of her own abilities?”

At the sound, Zhou Yan, together with Luo Xuan and Luo Ke, stopped and turned to see who had spoken.

A group of four approached, all dressed in white uniforms with red accents. Each bore the Vermilion Bird Palace crest and the words “Southern Ming” on their chests.

Another Southern Ming Sword School?

Zhou Yan said nothing, stepping aside to let Luo Xuan face the leader.

He was a gaunt, middle-aged man whose eyes were faintly mocking.

Luo Xuan, unfazed by the earlier taunt, calmly retorted, “Master Zheng, what do you mean by that?”

The man addressed as Master Zheng let out a cold laugh. “Even your father called me Brother Zheng. Yet you, a mere junior, show no respect, dreaming of achieving the Marvelous rank at your age. What a joke.”

Luo Xuan showed no sign of weakness, replying evenly, “If my father could defeat you as a junior, then as his daughter, reaching the Marvelous rank is nothing out of the ordinary. There’s no need for a defeated man like you to worry.”

“You!” Master Zheng’s face darkened, a harsh glint in his eyes. “Luo Huayi died young, but left behind a sharp-tongued daughter. I want to see just how you’ll pass the Marvelous rank assessments. You’d better hope you don’t run into me…”

Luo Xuan’s tone remained icy. “Thank you for your concern, Master Zheng, but that won’t be necessary.”

…

As Zhou Yan watched Luo Xuan stand her ground against the old fox, he edged closer to Luo Ke, who was baring her teeth in silent support, and nudged her with his elbow. “Xiao Ke, what’s that old dog’s deal?”

Luo Ke stifled a laugh, surprised at Zhou Yan’s comment. “Why are you calling him an old dog? You’ll be the death of me!”

“We were having a nice conversation and he came barking out of nowhere. What else would you call him?” Zhou Yan replied, lowering his voice.

“You’re right!” Luo Ke grinned. “That old dog Zheng is the head of the other Southern Ming Sword School in Tianzun City. When Dad opened our school here, he thought we were stealing his students, so he came looking for trouble and got beaten by Dad. He’s been at odds with us ever since.”

“I see.” Zhou Yan nodded. “After your old headmaster passed away, you two must’ve had a rough time with him, huh?”

“Exactly.” Luo Ke frowned. “He poached a lot of our students and spread rumors that my sister isn’t qualified to be head, since she isn’t Marvelous rank.”

“He’s that despicable? Which student did he bring to the competition this time? I’ll find a chance to crush him.” Zhou Yan asked.

Luo Ke pointed to a burly young man at Master Zheng’s side. “That one, Zheng Keren, his son. I hear he’s been trained with special care, hoping to impress the big shots at Vermilion Bird Palace. As for his skill… he’s okay.”

She pursed her lips. “He’s not that talented, but got by on his dad’s resources and extra coaching. He’s barely reached the Fierce rank. Basically, a stuffed shirt.”

Zhou Yan nodded, glancing at the young man Luo Ke indicated. The youth kept sneaking glances at Luo Xuan and Luo Ke, his serious expression betraying a certain hunger.

As a man, Zhou Yan immediately understood what he was thinking.

He narrowed his left eye slightly, saying nothing more.

But beside him, Luo Ke seemed to sense his thoughts, tugging at his sleeve. “Zhou Yan, just talking is fine, but don’t really provoke him. Even if he’s a stuffed shirt, with that old dog’s training, he’s at least among the top contestants in the exchange.”

Zhou Yan smiled, giving her a reassuring look. “Don’t worry, I’m not that reckless.”

“Good…” Luo Ke breathed a sigh of relief.

Up ahead, the exchange between Luo Xuan and Master Zheng had ended.

Master Zheng, apparently flustered, led his group away with a darkened expression.

Luo Xuan turned back, her face composed, and said nothing more of the incident, simply signaling Zhou Yan and Luo Ke to follow.

The three continued as planned, boarding their flight for Wing City.