Meanwhile—
After calming down slightly from her earlier emotional outburst, Xiao Yu suddenly remembered something important again.
Her expression immediately changed slightly as she realized she had directly abandoned the sparring arena midway without even informing the instructor properly.
Although everyone present clearly understood why she reacted that way after suddenly seeing Xiao Feng again following several months apart, as a student, leaving during an instructor-led spar without notice was still somewhat disrespectful.
At that moment, Xiao Yu quickly looked toward Xiao Feng before speaking softly, "Wait here for a moment. I'll come back immediately."
Before he could respond, she hurriedly turned around and headed back toward the training grounds.
Meanwhile, Liu Fei quietly moved closer toward Xiao Feng while whispering softly with an amused smile, "Sister Xiao Yu really likes you a lot…".
Hearing that, Xiao Feng could only smile helplessly before replying, "She's just angry that I disappeared for too long."
Not far away, Instructor Lei was already speaking with several nearby students when he noticed Xiao Yu returning hurriedly.
The moment he saw her awkward expression, he immediately laughed knowingly. "You finally remembered your poor instructor?"
Xiao Yu coughed lightly in embarrassment before bowing slightly apologetically. "Instructor Lei… I'm sorry for leaving so suddenly earlier.
I got too emotional after seeing someone important…"
Hearing this, Instructor Lei immediately waved his hand casually as though it was nothing serious. "Alright, alright. I'm not blind.
The entire arena saw everything already." The nearby students instantly burst into laughter, causing Xiao Yu's face to become slightly red again.
Instructor Lei then helplessly shook his head while glancing toward Xiao Feng in the distance.
"Honestly, if I had someone like that waiting for me after several months apart, I'd probably react the same way too."
Hearing this teasing comment, Xiao Yu became even more embarrassed.
However, despite her embarrassment, a happy smile still unconsciously appeared on her lips afterward. Soon, she quickly returned toward Xiao Feng and the others once more.
At this moment, Xiao Feng was casually chatting with Xue Ni nearby while Liu Fei stood beside them curiously observing the lively atmosphere around the Outer Academy.
Xiao Feng calmly asked, "So? Anything interesting happen recently in the Outer Academy?" Hearing this, Xue Ni immediately became energetic and started talking rapidly.
"Of course! Recently several new instructors arrived, and the academy enrollment became even stricter this year! Also…"
She suddenly remembered something important and quickly continued, "We also got a brand-new instructor recently! She's super popular among the students because she's really beauti—"
Before Xue Ni could finish her sentence, a gentle mature female voice suddenly sounded from behind them.
"Xue Ni… are you gossiping about your instructor again?"
Hearing the voice, all four immediately turned around at the same time.
Standing nearby was a beautiful lady dressed in elegant green robes. A warm graceful smile rested upon her pretty face while her gentle eyes carried a soft tenderness like flowing water. Compared to Xiao Yu and the younger girls beside her, this woman clearly possessed the mature elegance and charm that only time could create naturally. Her graceful figure was refined and full of mature feminine beauty, while every movement she made carried an effortless softness capable of attracting people unconsciously.
Even Liu Fei blinked slightly in surprise after seeing her.
Meanwhile, the woman's beautiful eyes also slowly landed upon Xiao Feng. The moment she saw him clearly, she froze briefly.
Xiao Feng's current appearance and temperament were simply too eye-catching.
His calm black eyes, tall lean figure, composed aura, and natural confidence created by constant cultivation and alchemy gave him an unusually attractive charm. Combined with his handsome face and calm demeanor, it became difficult for people not to notice him immediately.
For a brief moment, the woman became slightly absent-minded while looking at him. However, she quickly regained her composure afterward before lightly smiling and introducing herself gracefully.
"My name is Ruo Ling. I'm currently the mentor and instructor responsible for Xiao Yu and Xue Ni."
The moment Xiao Feng heard that name, he immediately remembered her.
Ruo Ling was indeed a character who appeared several times within the original story. Even back then, whether in the novel or animation adaptation, she had always been portrayed as a beautiful and gentle mature woman. Seeing her in person now, Xiao Feng could only admit inwardly that the descriptions truly were not exaggerated at all.
At this moment, Xiao Feng calmly looked toward Ruo Ling with clear appreciative eyes. There was no lust, greed, or possessiveness hidden within his gaze. Instead, there was only simple honest admiration toward beauty itself.
Seeing this, Ruo Ling became slightly surprised inwardly.
After all, because of her naturally mature appearance and attractive figure, most men unconsciously revealed greedy or lustful gazes whenever they spoke with her. However, Xiao Feng's eyes remained completely calm and respectful from beginning to end.
That alone immediately increased her favorable impression toward him greatly.
Especially since the young man before her was already famous throughout the academy.
Youngest Sixth-Rank Alchemist.
Strong Ranking Number One.
Fire City founder.
A monstrous genius whom even the academy elders treated seriously.
Yet despite possessing such terrifying talent and status, he still greeted her politely without showing the slightest arrogance.
At that moment, Ruo Ling also quietly observed Xiao Feng carefully. He wore simple robes mixed with crimson and blue colors.
Although the clothing itself appeared ordinary, his natural temperament made even simple attire look elegant and imposing. His handsome face combined with his composed aura created an unusually attractive presence.
Meanwhile, seeing her observing him, Xiao Feng calmly cupped his hands politely before speaking.
"Greetings Instructor Ruo Ling."
"My name is Xiao Feng."
The moment she personally heard the name "Xiao Feng" from him, Ruo Ling became visibly startled again.
Although she had already guessed his identity earlier, hearing the confirmation still shocked her slightly inwardly. After all, who inside Canaan Academy did not know Xiao Feng's name now?
Youngest Sixth-Rank Alchemist.
Strong Ranking Number One.
Fire City founder.
A genius capable of shocking the entire academy repeatedly.
Yet despite possessing such status, he still greeted her respectfully without any trace of superiority.
At that moment, Ruo Ling's smile unconsciously deepened slightly as she replied warmly, "So you really are Xiao Feng… I've honestly heard your name almost every single day recently."
Before Xiao Feng could respond, Xue Ni immediately jumped in excitedly. "Hmph! Senior Xiao Feng is practically a legend throughout the academy now!" Liu Fei instantly nodded proudly as well. "Exactly! He's amazing at literally everything!"
Seeing the two girls immediately begin praising him nonstop again, Xiao Feng could only smile helplessly while shaking his head slightly.
Meanwhile, Ruo Ling quietly laughed softly before saying gently, "You really are much more approachable than the rumors describe."
Xiao Feng calmly replied, "Rumors usually exaggerate things."
Hearing that calm response, Ruo Ling's smile deepened slightly once more.
This young man…
Really was difficult not to like.
At that moment—
Seeing the atmosphere gradually becoming more lively and natural after everyone finished speaking casually for some time, Liu Fei also lightly coughed before gracefully introducing herself properly.
"My name is Liu Fei."
"I'm currently part of Senior Brother Xiao Feng's side within the Inner Academy."
"And recently, I've also started helping manage some faction matters together with Sister Han Yue and Sister Xiao Yi Xian."
As she spoke, her long fiery-red hair lightly swayed behind her while her lively bright eyes unconsciously drifted toward Xiao Feng repeatedly. The admiration and dependence within her gaze were almost impossible to hide.
Compared to her old arrogant personality from before, the current Liu Fei appeared far softer and more mature now. It was obvious to anyone present that Xiao Feng's influence had changed her greatly.
Hearing her introduction, Ruo Ling lightly nodded with a warm graceful smile.
"So you're Liu Fei."
"I've heard your name mentioned several times recently."
Soon afterward, everyone gradually finished introducing themselves properly. The atmosphere became peaceful and relaxed once more as the group casually stood beneath the shade of the training grounds pavilion.
However—
Just as Xiao Feng was about to continue speaking—
Xiao Yu suddenly stepped directly beside him.
Then—
Without hesitation—
She tightly grabbed Xiao Feng's hand before proudly declaring in front of everyone present,
"And this…"
"Is my boyfriend."
The moment those words entered everyone's ears, the reactions immediately became completely different.
Liu Fei naturally showed no surprise because she already knew everything beforehand.
Xue Ni also reacted normally since she had known about their relationship for a very long time already.
Even Xiao Feng himself only smiled helplessly while allowing Xiao Yu to hold his hand without resistance.
However—
Ruo Ling froze completely for a brief moment.
Because she genuinely did not expect that the young man she had unconsciously begun admiring only moments earlier…
Would actually turn out to be her own student's boyfriend.
Originally, if not for Xiao Yu openly rushing into Xiao Feng's embrace earlier in front of the entire arena, this relationship might have remained hidden from many people for much longer.
After all, neither Xiao Feng nor Xiao Yu were the type to publicly show off their relationship constantly.
At that moment, Ruo Ling's beautiful eyes visibly trembled slightly.
Although the reaction only lasted a short instant—
Both Xiao Yu and Xue Ni still noticed it clearly.
However, Ruo Ling quickly composed herself again like the mature woman she was. Her warm gentle smile soon returned naturally as though nothing had happened.
Yet despite her calm appearance—
Xiao Yu still understood immediately.
Her instructor had definitely become interested in Xiao Feng the moment she first saw him.
Meanwhile, Xue Ni secretly glanced between Ruo Ling and Xiao Feng several times before silently understanding everything inwardly.
Honestly—
She did not find this strange at all.
After all, a man like Xiao Feng was simply far too outstanding.
Young.
Handsome.
Powerful.
Talented.
Kind.
Respected by both students and elders alike.
The youngest Sixth-Rank Alchemist in the academy.
Founder of Fire City.
Strong Ranking Number One.
A monstrous genius who constantly shocked everyone around him repeatedly.
Not to mention—
Unlike many talented geniuses who became arrogant because of their strength—
Xiao Feng remained calm, approachable, respectful, and gentle toward people around him.
To women especially—
That kind of temperament was naturally extremely attractive.
At this moment, Xiao Yu herself became slightly conflicted inwardly.
Because unlike ordinary instructors—
Ruo Ling had genuinely taken care of her very well ever since she entered the Outer Academy.
Over time—
She gradually became someone similar to an older sister figure in Xiao Yu's heart.
Naturally—
Xiao Yu did not wish to see her become emotionally hurt.
At that moment, Xiao Yu quietly glanced toward Xiao Feng beside her before sighing inwardly.
Currently, the women closest to Xiao Feng were already Xiao Yi Xian, Xiao Qiao Lin, Zi Yan, and herself.
As for Qing Lin—
Although that little girl clearly viewed Xiao Feng as more than simply an older brother sometimes—
Xiao Feng himself remained completely dense regarding those feelings and still treated Qing Lin purely like a younger sister.
Because of that—
Xiao Yu did not fully count Qing Lin yet.
Then—
A strange thought suddenly appeared inside Xiao Yu's mind.
If Ruo Ling truly developed feelings for Xiao Feng…
Then perhaps…
She might not completely oppose it.
Of course—
That depended entirely on whether Ruo Ling herself was worthy enough.
More importantly—
It also depended on Xiao Feng himself.
And above all else—
Xiao Yi Xian's feelings.
Because Xiao Yu understood something very clearly deep within her heart.
Among all the women around Xiao Feng—
The person his heart leaned toward most deeply was still Xiao Yi Xian.
Even Xiao Yu herself knew this truth very well.
Back then—
If Xiao Yi Xian had not quietly accepted her existence—
Xiao Feng probably would have rejected Xiao Yu's confession from the very beginning.
Because despite Xiao Feng normally appearing calm and gentle toward everyone—
When it came to Xiao Yi Xian—
His feelings and consideration toward her were always placed above almost everything else.
That position inside his heart…
No one could easily replace.
Thinking about all these complicated matters inwardly—
Xiao Yu gradually calmed herself completely again.
Her originally conflicted emotions slowly settled down.
At this moment—
She secretly glanced toward Ruo Ling once more.
Then—
Another thought quietly formed within her heart.
If Ruo Ling truly liked Xiao Feng…
Then she would first need to see whether her instructor was genuinely worthy enough.
Not only in personality—
But also in heart.
Most importantly—
Whether she could truly accept the complicated situation around Xiao Feng already.
After all—
The women around him were not ordinary people.
Xiao Yi Xian alone was enough to pressure almost anyone emotionally.
Not because Xiao Yi Xian was domineering—
But because the position she occupied within Xiao Feng's heart was simply too special.
At this moment—
Xiao Yu silently thought to herself.
If Ruo Ling truly passed her observations later…
Then perhaps…
She could slowly introduce her properly to Xiao Yi Xian in the future.
Of course—
That would only happen if Ruo Ling herself genuinely proved worthy enough first.
Otherwise—
Xiao Yu would never casually bring someone near their group.
Meanwhile—
Completely unaware of Xiao Yu's current dangerous thoughts—
Ruo Ling still maintained her calm graceful smile while casually chatting with Xiao Feng and the others.
Soon afterward—
The group slowly continued walking together toward the instructors' resting courtyard area.
This courtyard had originally been shared by many Outer Academy female students and instructors before.
However—
Recently—
Most of the older members had either graduated completely or successfully entered the Inner Academy.
Because of that—
The once lively courtyard now appeared much quieter than before.
Several empty rooms remained completely unused.
The peaceful environment actually made the place feel rather comfortable.
At this moment—
Xue Ni suddenly smiled brightly before speaking.
"There are still several empty rooms here anyway."
"Senior Xiao Feng and Sister Liu Fei can stay here temporarily."
Then—
She looked toward Ruo Ling and Xiao Yu mischievously.
"Right?"
Hearing this—
Xiao Yu naturally showed no objection at all.
Meanwhile—
Ruo Ling also lightly nodded calmly.
"That's fine."
"Empty rooms shouldn't stay unused anyway."
Although her expression remained gentle and composed—
Inside her heart—
She actually felt slightly happy.
After all—
If Xiao Feng stayed here temporarily…
Then she could naturally spend more time interacting with him.
Thinking about this—
Even Ruo Ling herself became slightly surprised inwardly.
Because this was the first time in many years that she had become interested in a man so quickly after meeting him.
Meanwhile—
Liu Fei quietly observed everything from the side before secretly blinking several times.
Then—
She silently moved closer toward Xiao Feng while whispering softly.
"Senior Brother…"
"I think Instructor Ruo Ling really likes you already…"
Hearing this—
Xiao Feng immediately looked at her helplessly.
"You're thinking too much."
Meanwhile—
Xiao Yu and Xue Ni exchanged strange looks silently after hearing his response.
Both girls shared the exact same thought inwardly.
Dense.
Too dense.