For the past few nights, Leyang had been staking out the underwear thief without proper rest. Though he could treat cultivation as rest, his body was still that of an eight-year-old child. Skipping sleep regularly was harmful to his health.
Tonight, he’d successfully caught the thief. Leyang planned to sleep soundly all night. Tomorrow, he’d head to the Adventurers Guild to claim the bounty—ten Small Yala Coins. That could cover his expenses for quite a while.
Leyang returned to the wooden cabin at Block C, No. 33. Sensing his presence, the mysterious black mist immediately floated out, as if welcoming him back. It hadn’t dared to appear that afternoon when Soya Jemi was around.
Watching the mist drift beside him, Leyang felt puzzled. What exactly was this thing? He needed to understand it—it might prove useful.
After a full night’s sleep, Leyang felt refreshed. He left unhurriedly and entered Class A’s classroom.
"Phoenix, Princess Lumei, good morning."
"Good morning, Lord Leyang."
"Good morning, Sir Leyang."
The three exchanged greetings.
"Lord Leyang, you seem in a great mood today. Did something good happen?" Phoenix, ever perceptive, couldn’t help but ask right away.
"Huh? Is it that obvious?" Leyang subconsciously touched his face. This little girl’s observation skills were sharp.
"Nothing much. Didn’t I tell you yesterday? I went to fight injustice. I gave a wanted criminal a solid beating and will get a nice bounty. Naturally, I’m happy." Leyang smiled faintly.
"A wanted criminal? Last night, Lord Leyang, you caught one?!" Phoenix’s eyes widened in disbelief.
After all, anyone on the Empire’s wanted list was at least a first-tier expert. If he could capture such a criminal, didn’t that mean he had Iron-grade warrior strength?!
"Phoenix, you’re too naive. He’s lying. Sure, he can punch with 500 jin of force, but catching a wanted criminal isn’t easy. Every Empire fugitive is cunning. Even the lowest first-tier bounty isn’t something an ordinary warrior can handle—they might lose their life. I doubt he’s even Iron-grade. Boasting about catching criminals? Ridiculous." Ailin Camila Lumier stepped in, placing her hands on Phoenix’s shoulders and bluntly exposing him.
"Believe what you want." Leyang shrugged, unfazed.
Just then, a boy approached them. Slightly startled, they turned—it was Chester Baroli.
"Um, about yesterday... thank you," Chester Baroli hesitated, then bowed to Phoenix and the others.
"Oh, that? It was nothing. How are your injuries?" Leyang waved his hand, asking calmly.
"Mentor Soya Jemi healed me completely. I’m fine now!" Baroli patted his chest happily.
"Good." Leyang nodded, saying no more.
"What happened after you left with Mentor Jemi?" Princess Lumei looked up at Baroli, asking softly.
"Well, Dean Plan Dominic called my parents. They scolded my elder brother Chester Owen and suspended him for a week to reflect at home." Chester Baroli scratched his head.
"What? That’s all? Such a light punishment?" Phoenix exclaimed.
"Indeed. Owen violated Kamila Noble Academy’s rules. I thought he’d be expelled," Princess Lumei agreed with a nod.
"Sigh... He’s my elder brother, the Chester family’s eldest son. If he’d been expelled, the whole family would lose face. So I..." Baroli looked ashamed, sighing helplessly.
"We understand. It’s not your fault. If he bullies you again, tell us. We’ll help." Princess Lumei spoke calmly.
This wasn’t weakness—it was necessary compromise. If Chester Owen had been expelled, the Chester family’s honor would suffer, affecting Baroli deeply. At his age, he relied entirely on his family. Defying them would make him a traitor, likely disowned or banished, possibly forcing him to drop out. He wasn’t Leyang, who could fend for himself. He still needed his family’s support.
Still, things improved for Baroli afterward. His monthly allowance doubled. When his parents learned their second son had fourth-tier magical talent, they began valuing him more. Life was getting better—all thanks to Leyang. Without him, Baroli would still silently endure Owen’s abuse, with no chance to rise.
"Thank you, Princess Lumei, Phoenix, and Sir Leyang." "Um, Sir Leyang, may I follow you?" Baroli stepped forward nervously.
"Huh? Follow me? Do you want to be my lackey?" Leyang looked up, expression calm but surprised.
"Yes! I know I’m useless now and might trouble you, but I can help—running errands or giving back rubs!" Baroli insisted firmly.
"You misunderstand. I don’t need a lackey. I told you: don’t rely on others. The only person you can always trust is yourself. Focus on growing stronger, not clinging to others. Go back—class is starting." Leyang waved him off.
Just then, Soya Jemi entered the classroom and called clearly, "Prepare for class. Everyone to your seats. No wandering."
