Chapter 65: Trouble Has Found Me

“How about it, are you willing to spar with me?” Xiao Yuqi’s voice lingered in Sikong Xu’s ears.

Though Sikong Xu had steeled himself mentally, he was still startled by Xiao Yuqi. Sparring with this violent woman? Young man, do you wish to learn the meaning of death?

But before Sikong Xu could even refuse, a voice laced with sarcasm sounded from behind him.

“Instructor, you think too highly of him, asking him to spar with you. Oh, right, you don’t know who he is yet, do you?”

The speaker was a sweaty, sullen-looking fellow. Sikong Xu had no impression of the guy, only knowing he had barely withstood Xiao Yuqi’s aura earlier.

As soon as the words left his mouth, Sikong Xu’s face darkened. Anyone could hear the hostility directed at him, but Sikong Xu had no idea what he had done to offend the guy—they had only met for the first time today.

“Oh? Tell me, what’s this kid’s identity?” Xiao Yuqi, sensing the targeting tone, spoke up with a spectator’s curiosity.

“He’s a celebrity in our grade!” The fellow replied in a mocking, sing-song voice. “But all his fame comes from his title—the ‘King of the Cripples,’ ha!”

At once, most of those present wore derisive smiles. There was no helping it; the title “King of the Cripples” was notorious throughout the grade, even the whole school.

“Quan Jin, we’re classmates—how can you say such things?” Just then, a sharp rebuke rang out.

The speaker was Cao Dongcheng, his face full of indignation, clearly standing up for Sikong Xu.

“Cao—Cao Dongcheng, you sure meddle in a lot of things.” Facing the burly Cao Dongcheng, whose height surpassed Quan Jin by a head and more, Quan Jin’s tone faltered, revealing his name.

“I just can’t stand what you’re doing!” Cao Dongcheng displayed a strong sense of justice.

“Hmph! Did I say anything wrong?” Emboldened by the realization he needn’t fear Cao Dongcheng, Quan Jin’s tone stiffened. “I’m just stating facts.”

“You—”

“All right, enough, let’s pause for a moment. The teacher’s watching.” Seeing the argument escalate, Sikong Xu felt compelled to step in.

He first gave Cao Dongcheng a friendly smile, then turned to Quan Jin.

“Quan Jin, right? This is our first meeting, isn’t it? If you keep targeting me, you might find it tough to get along in the future…” At that moment, Sikong Xu and Quan Jin locked eyes. Quan Jin’s pupils widened in shock, and he staggered back in terror.

Xiao Yuqi’s eyes sparkled with interest—there was a hint of murderous intent about Sikong Xu.

In truth, after slaughtering countless giants, Sikong Xu had become tainted with a trace of killing aura. Now, with just a glance, he frightened Quan Jin into retreating.

As for why Quan Jin suddenly targeted him, Sikong Xu had his suspicions: perhaps seeing the “King of the Cripples” easily withstand Xiao Yuqi’s aura had triggered his petty jealousy.

“You—” Regaining his footing, Quan Jin was instantly flustered. To think he’d been intimidated by a mere cripple’s gaze—it was humiliating!

With a soft chuckle, Sikong Xu dismissed him.

“Hey, kid, are you going to spar with me or not?” Xiao Yuqi asked impatiently.

She was never one to sit still; if not for the principal’s insistence, she wouldn’t have bothered teaching these freshmen. Yet, among them, she’d found a promising candidate, and her playful spirit was immediately piqued.

Though faint, Xiao Yuqi could sense it: Sikong Xu had definitely exuded killing aura just now, something ordinary students could not accomplish.

“No, I’m not willing.” Seeing Xiao Yuqi’s sly smile, Sikong Xu shivered involuntarily. This instructor seemed far from well-intentioned.

“Kid, if you won’t drink to my toast, you’ll drink to my penalty. I’ll say it again—spar with me, or don’t make me take the initiative!” Upon hearing Sikong Xu’s refusal, Xiao Yuqi’s temper flared.

Sikong Xu felt helpless. She had a fine figure, but why was she so troublesome? Forget it—better to make my escape.

“Um… beautiful instructor, I have some matters to attend to, so I’ll be leaving now…” Since this was an elective class, leaving midway wasn’t impossible, though few did so; it was considered disrespectful to the teacher.

“You brat, get back here!” In a flash, Xiao Yuqi became a blur, instantly blocking Sikong Xu’s path.

What speed! Sikong Xu tensed. He could not react at all to Xiao Yuqi’s explosive acceleration. If she had wanted to kill him just now, he wouldn’t even have time to blink before dying.

“If you don’t want your skin torn off, do as I say.” Xiao Yuqi stood before him with an ambiguous smile.

“The rest of you, run three laps around the training hall, then grab a weapon from the rack over there.” She gestured toward a rack lined with iron swords.

“Crazy woman, what is it you actually want?” Sikong Xu realized she was dead set on keeping him here. If only he were stronger, he’d have pinned this troublesome woman to the ground and spanked her.

“Hmph, I get the feeling you’re cursing me in your heart.” Xiao Yuqi laughed, her fiery figure and beautiful face giving her a certain allure.

“You’re probably wondering why I’m so fixated on you, right? You ought to feel proud—you’ve piqued my interest. Teaching swordsmanship to you freshmen is dull, but now I’ve found something entertaining, how could I let it go?”

Something entertaining… Sikong Xu’s eye twitched. So, in your eyes, I’m nothing but a toy…

“But rest assured, I’ll suppress my strength to match yours,” Xiao Yuqi said.

“Whew…” Sikong Xu took a deep breath. Since there was no escape, he’d have to face it head-on. She wouldn’t kill him—at worst, he’d take a beating. Besides, who’s to say who will beat whom?

“I accept, but I have one condition.”

“What condition? Let’s hear it.”

“No matter who wins or loses, afterward I want you to teach me—Sword Qi!”

“Sword Qi?” Xiao Yuqi’s alluring lips curled into a smile. “No problem, as long as you have the talent for it.”