Waking up, I realized it was already tomorrow, and we needed to head to the Imperial for the inter-university competitions, meaning the girls had only one day to familiarize themselves with their new gifts. Good thing no one took the Silver Grass from them, and they didn't toss it out of their inner worlds themselves. It would be more than enough to roll all our opponents into the asphalt. No wonder it's one of the best Mid-tier plants in history.
"Mmm." TuTu stretched beside me on the bed, kicking off the blanket a bit and baring her seductive body.
I'd gladly repeat yesterday's pastime, but they need to get used to their new powers. So, forcing myself to calm down, I quietly slipped out of bed and went to make breakfast. Judging by Jiao Jiao stirring after I left, they wouldn't need much time to get up.
And so it happened. As soon as I finished the tofu soup and fried noodles with meat, the girls came down to me already washed and combed. Wishing them good morning, I served their portions, then headed to the shower. Morning hygiene after a packed night wasn't canceled.
I emerged from the shower ten minutes later and joined the girls for food, not forgetting to reward each with a morning kiss. I love these ordinary, calm times. It's in them you find those little things you love life for. Constant drive and event-packed intensity are good too, but sometimes you just want to stop, look back, and sit quietly, pondering your own thoughts. Shame we have no time for that.
"Yesterday I didn't get to give you the plant seeds I hunted all week. The talent was just a nice bonus; my main gift for you is this." Waiting for them to finish eating, I placed three containers in front of each, holding seeds of some of the best High-tier plants.
I can't wait to see the envious faces of the Main Campus plant element faculty students when they realize what fell into my girls' hands. And they won't find the likes; some plants I took seeds from are already extinct, others extremely rare. Good luck trekking where no human foot has stepped in ages.
"Mmm, what plants are these?" TuTu asked, burning with genuine curiosity as she opened one container. But since she wasn't strong in her element's theory, without fusing with the seeds, she couldn't say their properties.
"Hmm, something with an earth element admixture. I suspect defensive orientation." Jiao Jiao also opened a container. She couldn't identify the plant's appearance, but she nailed its properties.
"Right, this is Sand Aloe; one leaf can block several attacks from a senior Commander-in-Chief. Let me explain your future plants in detail." When I confirmed Jiao Jiao's guess and named the plant, her eyes lit up with enthusiasm. Looks like she recognized it.
Well, now I just need to tell them all about what I brought and accompany them all day at training. Considering how I rushed around the week and how little I slept, it'll be great rest for me.
And so it went; I spent the whole day with my girls, helping with training and explaining nuances of their new plants. With all the books I've read on the topic, I could teach on their faculty.
The next day, after a splendid night where the girls kept thanking me for the gifts, we stood on the square in front of our university, where a few more students had gathered, including a couple familiar faces.
"Mu Bai!/Brother Mu!" Two voices rang out simultaneously, then their owners turned to each other in shock.
"You know him?" The question came synchronously, unlike my name. Haaa, two clowns. At least it won't be boring with them.
"Greetings, Mo Fan, Brother Zhao. Looks like you got dragged into the university exchange team too." Approaching, I politely greeted the two guys.
Hm, judging by Mo Fan's cultivation, which isn't far off canon or my past life, he stumbled on a lucky break somewhere. I think I even saw him among the students TuTu and Jiao Jiao saved from the Black Church spawn army.
"Hmph, that Evil Rat unfairly got his week in the Three-Step Tower. I'm surprised Director Xiao didn't kick him out for it." The chubby brunette sneered at Mo Fan with contempt.
Thinking a bit, I recalled this was Luo Song—Mo Fan's first university rival in Mingzhu. And what's with Mo Fan's nickname? Shouldn't he be Evil Devil? When did such a cool moniker turn into Evil Rat?
"Shut up, Luo Song! I honestly herded the Shadow Beast into the cage, as the rules required. That you were all resting after the slaughter doesn't make me a rat! I was under the same conditions as you." Mo Fan snapped back angrily.
After listening to a couple more barbs, I got it: while everyone recovered after the massive abandoned factory brawl, Mo Fan found strength to get up and quietly went to complete the director's task.
To my surprise, the Shadow Beast was alive, just stunned, so Mo Fan quickly got it to the cage. No opponents blocking him made it easy. As the competition winner, he earned his deserved week in the Three-Step Tower.
Yeah, the act's a bit ambiguous, but logical for resource-hungry Mo Fan. I wouldn't call him a rat, just a guy without solidarity. They all fought the Black Church spawn horde together, but Mo Fan quietly snagged the reward.
"Hmm, judging by your cultivation level, you asked Director Xiao for Three-Step Tower time as a reward for helping with the Scaled Demons? Not bad, I say—you're almost at the main genius of Imperial University level. Cultivation-wise, I mean." I switched to Zhao Manyan, not wanting to hear two dogs barking at each other.
"Ha-ha, yes. Family gave extra resources for boosting our rep. And Director Xiao did reward me with three days in the Three-Step Tower. As I get it, he really encourages battle-hungry aristocrats over wall-sitters." The blond puffed out his chest proudly.
"But compared to you, I'm still way behind. Did you start cultivating in the womb? How'd you break to High-tier at our age? Not just break through, but take out a bunch of that level mages while holding a beast wave?! If there's a fast-growth secret, I'm ready to pay well!" The playboy swept an envious gaze over me and my nearby girls. Noticing, they hugged my arms and stuck out their tongues at him; the blond grimaced. Not used to girls not fawning on him.
"With your looks, I think repeating my success won't be hard. Just seduce a richer older woman. Rich enough that your other girls won't ditch you, since they'll get table scraps too." I hugged my girls back, still sticking to my "sweet boy" legend. Zhao Manyan's face twisted even more at that. As heir to one of the richest clans, he couldn't use such "despicable" tactics. He looked quite miffed.
Just then, the teacher finally came out. If I'm not wrong, judging by the stubble, cigarette in teeth, and unruly chestnut hair, it's Teacher Gu, who led our group in my past life too. He was in canon too. Worlds change, but this slacker still screws up, getting appointed our escort.
"Students, follow me. We're taking the train to Beijing, leaving in half an hour. No need to say that if you keep bickering, we'll miss it." In a monotone, disinterested tone, he shoved hands in pockets and ambled toward the station. Yeah, at least no speech—good.
We reached the station peacefully, boarded without incident. Beijing road took four hours, mostly me cuddling my girls, occasionally swapping words with envious Zhao Manyan. Unable to stand the pink vibe next to me, he sat by the brown-eyed brunette—Song Xia, if I heard right—and chatted the rest of the way.
When we finally got off, an Imperial University professor greeted us and, as hospitality, offered a Great Chinese Wall tour, which none of the arriving students refused. Don't know why others cared, but I just wanted to walk the dead body of China's strongest Totem. Something thrilling about it.
As we left Beijing station toward the landmark, I caught sight of a stunning girl with snow-white hair faintly glowing icy light. She wore a sky-blue summer dress, shoulders draped in a matching shawl. A blue butterfly hair ornament accentuated her delicate look. Her sky-blue eyes challenged me, as if provoking a fight.
Well, nice to meet again, my dear cousin.