C3 Are You Alright?

Zhang Nan stood with an air of elegance and grace, eliciting envy from those around him. Yet, there was a hint of concern among the onlookers. The Moon Clap technique lent him an aura of majesty and grace, making him seem almost celestial.

The young woman who had been harassed by a thug earlier was now starry-eyed. She was so captivated by Zhang Nan's composed demeanor that she didn't even notice him approach.

"Are you alright?" Zhang Nan asked, his brow furrowed, his gaze on the young woman impassive.

"Ah... I'm fine."

"Thank you for saving me. I didn't expect you to be so capable. You must be one of the academy's genius disciples."

"Not quite," Zhang Nan replied, his face awash with embarrassment.

A genius disciple? Perhaps his reputation now rivaled that of one, but whether it was a reputation to be proud of was another matter entirely. With that person's influence, he was certain the news of his downfall would quickly spread throughout the academy.

"I'm Murong Wan from the Mysterious Heaven Academy," she introduced herself, bowing with her hands clasped.

Hearing this, Zhang Nan paused, surprised to learn she was from the same academy. "Mysterious Heaven Academy... Zhang Nan," he said, his voice tinged with awkwardness.

Murong Wan's initial delight at meeting a fellow student turned to shock upon hearing his name. Zhang Nan? The same Zhang Nan who was recently labeled as the academy's notorious failure? It couldn't be. Surely, it was just a coincidence. The Zhang Nan she knew of couldn't possibly possess such prowess, especially not after recent events. She quickly separated the Zhang Nan before her from the one in her memory—the gap between them was simply too vast.

Zhang Nan, noticing her reaction, returned to his seat with a cool detachment, remaining silent. Murong Wan, seemingly oblivious to his infamous identity, followed him persistently, as if drawn to him. Zhang Nan found no reason to turn her away. After all, Murong Wan was considered the Mysterious Heaven Academy's Goddess Xuantian, with a legion of admirers trailing behind her.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that she could walk a full circle around the academy.

Imagine the envy, or rather, the sheer amount of jealousy that would stir if people knew Murong Wan was trailing behind Zhang Nan like a little girl, unabashedly persistent in her pursuit.

Yet, Zhang Nan was indifferent to it all. Murong Wan's name was just another unfamiliar one to him, and he had no inclination to strike up a conversation.

This only piqued Murong Wan's interest further, compelling her to leave her contact information and vow to properly thank him once at the academy.

As they neared Xuantian Academy, the shockwaves their presence sent through the crowd grew more intense. The academy's goddess was actually engaging with him, the notorious good-for-nothing, who wore an expression of impatience.

This was sensational news.

The pair hadn't even set foot inside the academy before the rumor had people fuming with rage, prompting a crowd to gather at the entrance in anticipation.

They were eager to see just what kind of boldness Zhang Nan possessed to dare approach their goddess.

...

"Look, Young Master Jie, isn't that Murong Wan with Zhang Nan? They're actually together!"

"Damn it! Doesn't he realize Murong Wan belongs to our boss?"

"How dare this nobody show his face at school!"

Soong Jie was preparing to lead his lackeys out for training when he witnessed this embarrassing spectacle at the entrance.

Fuming at his subordinate's commentary, he was incensed.

This nobody!

It seemed he had been too lenient a few days ago, allowing Zhang Nan to have the audacity to return to the academy and cozy up to his goddess.

The audacity!

Wasn't it common knowledge that Murong Wan was his woman?

Zhang Nan was blatantly challenging him.

Upon reaching the academy gates, Zhang Nan halted, narrowing his eyes at Soong Jie and murmured, "So soon!"

"Who would have thought we'd meet again so quickly?"

If it hadn't been for Soong Jie's dirty tricks, how could he have been labeled a nobody?

It was all because of Soong Jie.

Zhang Nan's fists tightened instinctively, but then he relaxed them.

After all, he was the heir to the Tian Qiong God Emperor's legacy. He was bound to be worlds apart from these people. Why bother getting angry over them?

However, Soong Jie noticed this seemingly insignificant detail and assumed that Zhang Nan was scared.

Approaching them, Soong Jie spoke with a cold edge, "Wanwan, why are you associating with this loser?"

"Shut up! Zhang Nan is no loser. He just saved me on the train," Murong Wan retorted.

Soong Jie scoffed in disbelief. "Wanwan, are you unaware that Zhang Nan is known as the notorious loser of our academy? How could someone like him save you?"

"Can you stop with the jokes?"

Even Soong Jie couldn't defeat him, yet he thought he could save Murong Wan.

Who would believe such a thing?

Murong Wan felt a moment of doubt but quickly regained her resolve. "Soong Jie, my relationship with Zhang Nan is none of your concern. And as for him being a loser, I'm well aware of the truth!"

What!

Soong Jie wondered if he had misheard as his face shifted between expressions, turning to Zhang Nan. "Zhang Nan, you'd better give me a straight answer about what's really going on!"

But Zhang Nan simply ignored him, moving closer and murmuring indifferently, "What's it to you?"

His voice was so low that only the two of them could hear.

After speaking, Zhang Nan slowly made his way toward the dormitory building. The events he had been through had changed him; he no longer trusted anyone. His heart had become permanently encased in ice.

Human warmth and coldness?

Ridiculous.

Soong Jie, hearing his words, erupted in a tirade at Zhang Nan, "Have you forgotten how you ended up crippled, Zhang Nan? Are you looking for death again?"

Before Zhang Nan could respond, Murong Wan's crisp voice cut in, "Enough, Soong Jie. If you dare to harm Zhang Nan, I will sever all ties with you!"

Soong Jie was left dumbfounded by her words.

Why?

I've known Murong Wan since childhood, and now she speaks to me like this because of him.

Why does Zhang Nan receive Murong Wan's affection?

"Zhang Nan, you coward, if you're brave enough, fight me again. Don't cower behind a woman!"

"You spineless jerk, let's see if you can actually fight!"

"You worthless piece of trash, come back if you dare. I'll beat you so badly you won't recognize your own parents!"

Soong Jie's taunts seemed to hit a nerve, causing Zhang Nan to halt abruptly.

Being insulted was one thing; he could dismiss it as mindless yapping.

But when they targeted his parents? That was crossing the line!

Despite the academy's ban on private duels, Zhang Nan felt an overwhelming urge to give Soong Jie a harsh lesson.

This was the perfect opportunity to set the record straight.

To show everyone who truly won that last duel!

Noticing Zhang Nan's reaction, a sinister smile crept across Soong Jie's face.

The previous duel had reduced Zhang Nan to nothing. Now, brazen enough to mess with Murong Wan, Soong Jie was determined to erase him completely.

[I want you dead!]

"Profound-grade low-tier skill, Tidal Wave Strike!"

In the moment Zhang Nan turned, Soong Jie unleashed his attack with a furious roar.