C21 Class a

When Zhang Heng heard Guo Yuan speak, he teasingly asked, "Is there anything at this school you can't handle?"

Guo Yuan, hearing this, replied, "Alright, you've caught me. See you in class later."

Zhang Heng was somewhat surprised by this, but not entirely shocked.

He had already figured out Guo Yuan's limits, yet he hadn't expected Guo Yuan to be so transparent about them.

He now felt somewhat fortunate that he hadn't fallen out with Guo Yuan.

Although he wasn't afraid of confrontation, he knew that a fallout would have made things much more complicated at school, and he was quite comfortable with the current state of affairs.

"You have that kind of influence?"

"Let me tell you, there's nothing I can't do in this school. Plus, my family sponsors the school," Guo Yuan boasted with pride.

Now Zhang Heng understood why the dean had invited Guo Yuan to dine whenever he was free—it was all about the connections. This realization made Zhang Heng even more wary of underestimating Guo Yuan.

Guo Yuan gave Zhang Heng a pat on the shoulder, signaling that it was time to head upstairs and indicating that Zhang Heng should continue on his own.

Zhang Heng waved goodbye.

As he walked alone on this floor, he noticed it was quite spacious, and the decor and structure were decent. Despite its somewhat aged appearance, it wasn't as dilapidated as he had expected.

He began to wonder if the school had deliberately chosen to maintain an older facade.

But he quickly dismissed the thought. After all, the appearance of a school is crucial, much like first impressions. An ordinary person judging the school by its exterior might assume it was subpar.

What reason could there be to intentionally make the school look outdated?

Zhang Heng pondered, "Could it be...?"

But he immediately dismissed the fleeting thought, shaking his head at the improbability.

"Intentionally concealing its strengths?"

Yet, considering the school's reputation, there was no need for such subterfuge. A school that wasn't highly regarded had no reason to hide its strengths—such tactics were reserved for more prestigious institutions.

Continuing on, he followed the hallways, passing classroom after classroom, until he finally arrived at his own.

When he entered the classroom, no one seemed surprised or particularly interested, so he made his way to a spot near the wall and took a seat. He began to observe the individuals in the institution.

Zhang Heng had noticed on his way to school that many people were dressed simply, but the attire of his classmates was notably opulent. Even the people he had seen on his way to class were dressed in a very plain fashion. He was reminded of Guo Yuan's advice from that morning, "Don't let others know you're short on money." Was this the reason for the disparity?

Doubt crept into Zhang Heng's mind once more. Weren't classes supposed to be organized by cultivation level? In theory, a class should include both wealthy individuals and those from more modest backgrounds, yet everyone in this class appeared to be well-off. It occurred to Zhang Heng that perhaps Guo Yuan's presence had influenced him.

An unsettling thought surfaced: "Could it be that most of the students in this class secured their spots with money?" This realization left Zhang Heng somewhat disconcerted. If this were true, then Class A was a hodgepodge, with no clear indication of anyone's true cultivation level.

Amidst these musings, the school's teachers arrived. The first day was always reserved for introductions rather than lessons, and after some time, the class was dismissed. By the end of the session, most students had become acquainted with one another.

Zhang Heng, however, had remained seated by the window, not engaging in conversation, which meant he didn't make many connections. Nevertheless, he had spent the time scrutinizing his peers. The class seemed to revolve around one particular man, who, judging by the attention he received, likely came from a wealthy background.

After class, Zhang Heng quickly sought out Guo Yuan, only to find him busy exchanging pleasantries. Opting not to interrupt, he stood by, observing. Guo Yuan commanded the space like a leader, casually acknowledging those who approached him.

Zhang Heng listened intently as someone nearby asked incredulously, "No way, you really took that guy as your big brother?"

Without hesitation, Guo Yuan responded, "Why would I lie to you? From now on, he's my big brother here at the academy. Show him some respect when you see him."

"What's so special about this person? His cultivation level is only D. Without your help, could he have ever made it to Class A?"

Zhang Heng immediately grasped that Guo Yuan had assisted him with his class placement.

Curious about what Guo Yuan would say next, he kept listening.

"What's the big deal? Nowadays, anyone with a little money can get into this class. I just fronted a small amount for him," Guo Yuan explained to the other person.

Zhang Heng's understanding was confirmed upon hearing this. As expected, the members of Class A were a mixed bunch, with probably only a few who had genuinely achieved a cultivation level worthy of Class A.

He then overheard Guo Yuan remark, "Isn't that just how this school operates? Those with real talent don't bother with us; they're off to other schools. Why would they come here?"

With nothing more to glean, Zhang Heng stepped out.

Guo Yuan noticed Zhang Heng approaching.

He leapt down from the table and, with a burst of excitement, introduced him to the nearby people, "You've seen him before, this is my big brother, Zhang Heng."

Zhang Heng acknowledged them with a nod and a wave of his hand.

The onlookers remained silent, offering a simple greeting before departing.

Guo Yuan watched them go.

He then turned to Zhang Heng and inquired, "So, how is it? Any new insights from your new school and class?"

After a moment's thought, Zhang Heng responded, "Nothing much new. Just that the folks in Class A dress quite opulently."

Guo Yuan, slightly embarrassed, scratched his head and began, "Well, it's not too bad. Class A is divided into several sections. Most of the people in your class are..."

He trailed off.

But Zhang Heng didn't need him to finish. It was clear that most of the class had secured their spots with money, hence the lack of financial concerns.