The moment Zeus accepted the challenge, the canteen erupted with movement.
Students who had been eating halfway through their meals abandoned their bowls and rushed over. Today marked the official registration of freshmen, and rumors had already spread like wildfire. Almost everyone had heard of the infamous teacher who had scored a zero in the Teacher Bar Examination—even if they hadn't seen him in person. Now that he was openly competing with another instructor, curiosity alone was enough to draw a crowd.
Seeing the number of onlookers grow, Lycori's enthusiasm only intensified. With a genial smile, he spread his arms wide. "According to the rules, we'll guide each other's students. I'll instruct yours, and you'll instruct mine."
To prevent cheating, teachers were forbidden from coaching their own students during competitions. Exchanging students was standard procedure.
"Young lady," Lycoris said gently, turning toward Luna Quinn, "go ahead and demonstrate your punching routine. Use your full strength. Strike the stone pillar."
Luna hesitated, her cheeks flushing red as she instinctively glanced toward Zeus. Only after confirming that he didn't look displeased did she step forward. She spread her stance, and a calm yet powerful aura enveloped her body.
Huhuhu—
The wind whistled as her punch tore through the air. The force behind it was fierce, steady, and clean.
Those watching were stunned. No one would have believed that such power could come from a timid-looking young girl if they hadn't seen it with their own eyes. Her stance was firm, her movements precise. Clearly, she had built a solid foundation.
Moments later, the routine ended.
Zeus heart sank.
Even after searching his mind desperately—drawing from both his current body's memories and his previous life—he couldn't identify a single flaw. Not one.
So this is why the previous me scored zero…
His eyes simply weren't sharp enough.
"Good," Lycoris said with a nod. "Now strike the stone pillar with your full strength."
Nearby stood a thick stone pillar, commonly used to measure a student's physical power. Luna walked toward it shyly, gathering the force from her earlier routine and channeling it into her fist.
Peng!
The pillar shook, and glowing numbers surfaced.
53!
"Fifty-three kilograms," Lycoris said approvingly. "That's quite impressive for a freshman—especially a female one."
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
"Your punches are powerful and vigorous," Lycoris continued, his tone professional. "However, your punch trajectory is slightly too short. If you can improve the rotational speed of your lower limbs, your strength will rise significantly. If I'm not mistaken… your legs are injured."
"Yes," Luna replied softly, nodding.
"Because of that injury, you subconsciously avoid exerting force through your legs," Lycoris said. "I'll teach you a method that won't aggravate your injury."
He then began explaining a new technique in detail, each word precise and confident.
"Let me try," Luna said.
Her comprehension was excellent. It didn't take long for her to grasp the changes. Stepping back before the pillar, she clenched her fist. Strength surged through her body like a coiling dragon.
Peng!
63!
A collective gasp followed.
An increase of ten kilograms—nearly a twenty percent improvement—after just one round of guidance.
"I'm done," Lycoris said, smiling faintly. "Your turn, Teacher Zeus."
A student stepped out from behind Lycoris , preparing to perform his routine.
"Wait," Zeus suddenly said, raising a hand.
"Oh?" Lycoris sneered. "Teacher Zeus, are you backing out?"
"Backing out?" Zeus replied coolly, though his heart was racing. "Do I look like someone who regrets his words?"
In truth, panic churned inside him.
Guide a student? I don't even know what I'm doing myself.
If this were about downloading shows or binge-watching romance dramas, he'd be a grandmaster—but cultivation guidance? That was a different story entirely.
"I just think," Zeus said slowly, buying time, "that this arrangement isn't ideal. He's your student. What if he deliberately holds back after my guidance? Wouldn't I lose instantly?"
"I'll give it my all!" the student protested angrily. "At the very least, I still have dignity!"
"Good," Zeus said with a nod. "I believe in your integrity. But even so, this competition is still unfair."
"Unfair?" Lycoris frowned. "How so?"
"Luna is my student," Zeus explained calmly. "If I win, she remains mine. If I lose, she becomes yours. What do I gain? This is like gambling where you lose nothing but I lose everything. Do you call that fair?"
Lycoris froze.
When put that way… it really wasn't.
After a brief pause, he waved his hand decisively. "Fine. If I lose, Atherwood here will become your student."
"What?!" Atherwood blurted out, his face draining of color.
Acknowledging a teacher who scored zero? He'd rather disappear on the spot.
"Don't worry," Lycoris said confidently. "I won't lose."
Swallowing hard, Atherwood stepped forward. Without waiting for Zeus to say anything, he began his punching routine, wind roaring around his fists.
Zeus watched silently.
Immediately something Jolted in his mind.
That was the moment everyone would later realize as Lycoris greatest mistake.