C10 Xiao Hui

The food court was quite far from the social welfare home they were living in. That's why it had taken them around half an hour to arrive.

As soon as they got out of the car, they immediately saw Dean Zhou. The old man had been standing by the entrance with his arms crossed over his chest.

The moment he spotted them, his face contorted into a scowl. "Where did the two of you run off to?" he demanded. "Do you know what time it is?"

Zhou Kangmin was the President of the Social Welfare Institute that Feng Yixiu and Shen Ruyu were in. While he may look incredibly strict, he had a heart of gold.

He had always taken care of the two of them, like how a father would a child. As soon as he received the call from their teacher at school, he decided to wait for them at the entrance.

"Grandpa, it's Big Brother Feng's birthday, so I went out to eat with him. That's the reason why we're late. We're sorry–you're not angry, right?"

Seeing the frustration etched across his face, Shen Ruyu tugged his sleeves like a spoiled child and pouted. While the old man was firm with them, he always had a soft spot for this pair.

"How can I get angry with you two?" His stony face faltered, and he shook his head. "Just hurry up and come with me."

The three finally arrived at Dean Zhou's office where there was a plate of different fruits waiting for them.

Just then, Dean Zhou smiled at them. "So, I've heard that the both of you have already awakened the battle spirit bloodline. It even caused a commotion." He tilted his head. Although he didn't have all the details, he got the gist of the situation.

"I'm fine. Ruyu, however, almost lit up the entire school."

Feng Yixiu picked up an apple and took a bite.

"Fine? Why don't you tell him about the little stunt you pulled in letting Lee Kaiyuan–the Vice County Chief's son–run around naked in the playground?" Despite his accusation, Shen Ruyu wasn't willing to back down so easily.

Dean Zhou had just been drinking tea this entire time. Upon hearing their words, he almost spat his drink. He clutched his throat.

"Grandpa, are you okay?" Their bickering came to a halt as they hurried towards the old man.

"I–I'm fine." The old man's lips twitched a couple times. "What else did they tell you?"

"We'll be following the teachers to Jiangshui City to participate in the Martial Exam. We might not be able to see you as much in the future." The smile on Shen Ruyu's face fell as she gazed at her lap.

She had already stayed in the Social Welfare Home for two years. It was obvious that she had gotten close with the Headmaster, even treating him as a parental figure.

Feng Yixiu, on the other hand, had been there for three years.

When he first came to the orphanage, he was labeled as a problem child. There were people who suggested that he be taken somewhere else to receive corporal punishment.

It was Dean Zhou who had saved him from the darkness, acting as his guarantor. He was the reason that Feng Yixiu had become the young boy that he was today. Otherwise, he would've lost all hope.

"Children, you've all grown up. It's about time you'll leave home, and I'm sure you'll both be outstanding War Spiritualists." Dean Zhou ruffled their hair, patting their cheeks. "You shouldn't worry about me."

"Don't worry, Grandpa. I'll take the examination, and I'll ace it! You'll see," the young boy patted his chest in promise. "I want to be as good as you someday!"

Dean Zhou was one of the few people in the world who actually cared about him, and he wasn't going to disappoint the old man. That was his promise.

"Silly child, I've only accidentally awakened my bloodline when I was thirty." Dean Zhou chuckled faintly. "I'm seventy now, and I'm still at Level 3. I'm sure the two of you would surpass me within a few year's time."

"You're still the strongest War Spiritualist in my eyes!" Feng Yixiu shook his head. "How about you let Xiao Hui come out? It's been a long time since I see you release it–I miss it!"

"Please, what's there to look at? Forget it." Dean Zhou waved his hand helplessly.

"No! Let Xiao Hui come out! Besides, we'll be leaving tomorrow, so wouldn't it be reasonable for us to say goodbye to him too?" Shen Ruyu followed his lead as she jumped the gun.

"Fine, fine!" The old man sighed. "You two really are impossible."

Just then, an ancient book appeared in Dean Zhou's hand. This was the 'Demon Spirit Grimoire' that every War Spiritualist would possess in time.

Immediately, the grimoire opened to the first page. Both of them could see a sketched figure of a hound. The more the pair squinted their eyes, the more they could feel the power thrumming through their veins.

Suddenly, the greyhound started moving. It jumped up and down across the page, looking as if it had seen its favorite toy.

"Come out and meet your old friends!"

Dean Zhou's strong voice echoed across the room. The greyhound disappeared from the grimoire, and a summoning array formation flashed across the floor of the Principal's office.

The greyhound that had the same exact pattern appeared in front of them, and their eyes widened in amazement.