章 66: Meeting the Classmates
Juanxiu followed Professor Peng Gui, his eyes scanning the surroundings. They passed by a hallway with peeling paint, and into a room that looked outdated but clean. The chairs had portions eaten by termites, and the desk was old, but it was tidy, and the shelves held books that seemed to be well-loved.
As soon as they entered the room, Mingxia Shangguan, a young and committed professor, greeted them. She was in the middle of discussing the history of the Great Nine Provinces and Shaoying Empire, and Juanxiu could tell that she was passionate about the subject.
Peng Gui cleared his throat before interrupting Mingxia Shangguan's lecture. The young professor turned to him, a slightly annoyed look on her face. Peng Gui offered a small apologetic smile before introducing the new student.
"Sorry for disturbing your lecture, Shangguan, but I would like to introduce your new student." he said.
Juanxiu took a step forward to introduce himself. "I am Juanxiu," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Peng Gui could sense the hesitation in Juanxiu's voice, and he decided to add a few words to his introduction. "He is the disciple of Alchemist Li, one of the best Alchemists that graced the Union," he said.
Juanxiu felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him. He had not intended to reveal his connection to Alchemist Li, but now it seemed he had no choice. Now, it turned out that he was the disciple of Alchemist Li, which made Du Hong his senior. However, since he had taught Du Hong the Ethereal Blade, it made him his master. Plus he also taught Alchemist Li. The seniority and relationships were now a tangled mess, and Juanxiu could feel himself getting more and more confused.
As Mingxia Shangguan resumed her lecture, Peng Gui quietly took a seat beside her, while Juanxiu scanned the room and took the empty seat close to the back of the room.
As he looked around the room, he noticed that there were two girls and four male students. They all seemed to be focused on Mingxia Shangguan's lecture, scribbling notes and nodding along as she spoke. Juanxiu couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with these students, despite being new to the school.
After the lecture, Professor Peng Gui and Mingxia Shangguan left the room, leaving Juanxiu alone with his new classmates. The students, ranging from 12 to 14 years old, hesitated for a moment before gathering around Juanxiu.
"Hey, we're the only ones in this class, so we might as well get to know each other," said one of the boys.
Ban Zhao, a serious and studious young girl, stepped forward and introduced herself to Juanxiu with a weak voice. "Hi, I'm Ban Zhao," she said, her voice lacking energy. "Is it true that you are a disciple of Alchemist Li?" Her eagerness was evident, and her eyes shone with excitement.
Ban Zhao was thin and frail-looking, with dark circles under her eyes from the long hours of reading and learning. There was a distinct scent of herbs that surrounded her, as she was constantly experimenting with different concoctions and tinctures in her spare time. Her family ran a small drug store in the countryside, which was where she developed her interest in alchemy and medicine. Despite her quiet demeanor and scholarly pursuits, Ban Zhao possessed a fierce determination to succeed and make something of herself.
Juanxiu nodded and smiled, sensing Ban Zhao's eagerness. "Yes,"
Ban Zhao's eyes widened in amazement. "That's incredible," she said. "I've read all about Alchemist Li's famous creations and techniques. To think that you are learning from him is truly amazing. I hope you can guide me about the lessons where I am lacking."
Juanxiu replied with enthusiasm "Sure,"
Just as Ban Zhao finished speaking, another boy approached Juanxiu and introduced himself, "I'm Zhang Heng," he said respectfully. Zhang Heng was small and wiry, with bright, expressive eyes that reflected his intelligence and curiosity. He wore a hand-me-down uniform and carried a few books with him wherever he went. Despite his modest appearance, he carried himself with confidence and dignity, always eager to prove himself and his abilities to those around him.
Zhang Heng was an orphan who was found by Professor Peng Gui during one of his journeys. He was living in an orphanage, but even at a young age, Zhang Heng showed a lot of promise and intelligence. Professor Peng Gui was impressed by his abilities and thought it would be a waste to leave him in the orphanage. So, he took him under his wing and promised to provide him with educational support.
Despite his difficult upbringing, Zhang Heng was a bright and curious young boy. He had a hunger for knowledge and a thirst for adventure, always eager to learn and explore new things. He was kind-hearted and compassionate, with a strong sense of justice and fairness. Despite his lack of material possessions, he was content with what he had and didn't crave for more. Zhang Heng was also known for his unwavering determination and perseverance, never giving up on a task until he had accomplished it to the best of his abilities.
Another student stood up and introduced himself, "Hello, my name is Li Bai." He paused for a moment, taking in the class before continuing. " You may have heard about the chaos from the Li clan of the north. I come from a once-prominent family that was overthrown during an uprising led by my uncle. I was enrolled in Irexerra, a prestigious school, but was unable to pay my tuition after my family lost their wealth and status. So they kicked me out, damn wenches."
Li Bai's story piqued Juanxiu's interest, and he listened intently as he shared how his parents were killed in the aftermath of the uprising, and he found himself homeless and penniless. Despite his traumatic past, Li Bai had a passion for poetry and writing, which he inherited from his father, who was a scholar and a poet. He also shared that he reached out to Professor Peng Gui for help and was eventually accepted into Hongpuhui University.
As Li Bai continued his introduction, Juanxiu noticed his rebellious streak and his tendency to speak his mind. He admired his courage and determination to succeed despite his difficult circumstances. Despite his rough exterior, Juanxiu sensed that Li Bai had a soft heart and a deep longing for family and connection. He couldn't help but feel a sense of empathy and admiration for this brave young man.
Wang Shaojun steps forward, straightening her back and holding her head high. She introduces herself with a polite bow, her voice carrying a gentle but confident tone. She speaks of her family's modest background and their belief in the importance of education. She admits that while attending a prestigious university was not possible, she is grateful for the opportunity to attend Hongpuhui University and is determined to make the most of it.
Wang Shaojun comes from a third-rate noble family in the countryside. Despite her family's modest status, she was raised with a strong sense of dignity and grace, which are common traits among the nobility. Her father, a proud man, has always instilled in her the importance of education, and believes that attending a university is the key to achieving a better future.
When it came time for her to choose a university, her father hoped she could attend Crimson Cherry Summit, a prestigious university where the children of the wealthy and powerful often attend. However, the family's financial situation made this impossible, and they had to settle for Hongpuhui University, a more affordable option.
Yan Zhenqing stood up and cleared his throat. "Excuse me, my name is Yan Zhenqing," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Once I finished my education, I will apply to the Flying Flute Inn."
Juanxiu looked up in surprise as Yan Zhenqing introduced himself and expressed his desire to join the Flying Flute Inn. "Flying Flute Inn? Are you talking about Old Man Bai Fa?" she asked, her eyes widening with recognition.
Yan Zhenqing's face lit up at Juanxiu's words. "Yes, that's the one!" he exclaimed eagerly. "I've heard so much about it and I've always dreamed of becoming a part of it. Do you know how I can join?"
Juanxiu smiled warmly at Yan Zhenqing's enthusiasm. "Well, you're in luck," she replied. "I happen to know a thing or two about them,"
Yan Zhenqing is the 12-year-old son of a mercenary. His father had always dreamed of a better life for his son and wanted him to have an education. They lived a rough life, constantly on the move and surviving on whatever they could. When his father heard about the affordable education at Hongpuhui University, he saw an opportunity for his son to have a better future.
Despite his young age, Yan Zhenqing already possesses the hardened attitude of a mercenary. He's tough, resourceful, and not easily intimidated. He's also fiercely loyal to his family, especially his father, whom he looks up to as a role model.
In terms of physical appearance, Yan Zhenqing has sharp features and piercing eyes, a testament to his no-nonsense personality. He's lean and agile, used to running and jumping from one place to another.
Finally, the boy who spoke earlier introduced himself "Welcome to Hongpuhui University," said Liu Xie, extending a hand to the young man beside him. "My name is Liu Xie."
Juanxiu shook Liu Xie's hand firmly, sizing up his new acquaintance. Liu Xie was a young man of refined manners and delicate features, with bright blue eyes and jet-black hair neatly styled. He wore the robes of a student, but something about him suggested a life of privilege that Juanxiu could only imagine.
Liu Xie came from a noble family, but his status was complicated by the fact that his mother was a concubine. This meant that Liu Xie and his mother were not treated the same as the legitimate heirs in his family. Despite this, his mother was determined to give him a formal education and sent him to a school at the Crimson Cherry Summit. However, due to financial constraints, Liu Xie was enrolled in the dilapidated Hongpuhui University instead.
Liu Xie was a quiet and reserved young man, often keeping to himself and avoiding unnecessary attention. He was dedicated to his studies and saw education as his only path to a better life. Despite his reserved demeanor, he was fiercely loyal to his friends and would stand up for them when they were in need.
Physically, Liu Xie had a slender build with delicate features inherited from his mother. His bright, piercing blue eyes were striking, and he typically kept his jet-black hair in a neat, tidy style.
Juanxiu looked at the six students intently, carefully observing their demeanor. He couldn't help but feel a slight sense of hope as he watched them interact with one another. They seemed to possess a certain level of potential, and he couldn't help but wonder if he could help nurture their skills.
As a cultivator who had learned from the Tower of the Primordial Era, Juanxiu knew that it would not be too difficult to improve these six kids. However, he quickly pushed the idea aside. His primary reason for being here was to search for signs of his missing father, and he couldn't afford to get sidetracked by other endeavors. Despite this, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement at the prospect of being able to share his knowledge with these young students in the future.
Juanxiu looked at the six frail-looking students and he couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. These students may seem innocent and inexperienced now, but he had a feeling that they would grow into powerful forces for the Valley of Hope if nurtured.
Little did he know, these six students would go on to become some of the most feared and respected individuals in the land, earning the nickname "Nightmares" for their incredible strength and tenacity.
But that future was still far away, and for now, they would have to share this old and dilapidated room with the protagonist of our story. The journey ahead would be long and treacherous.
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