Luo Qingchuan had a pretty clear idea of what Su Yingsnow’s deepest fear—the “Heart Riddle”—was.

He took the girl’s hand and guided her to a bench against the opposite wall.

Su Yingsnow’s cheeks were flushed crimson, her head bowed in shy silence.

Once the students’ aptitude assessments neared completion,

Lu Wu stepped to the center, swept his wide sleeves—and with a magician’s flourish, “Spirit Seeker,” Truthseer, and the wooden table vanished. A wave of gasps rippled through the crowd.

Hands clasped behind his back, Lu Wu was about to smile and announce the next step when his expression subtly shifted.

Just now… his spiritual sense had brushed against a hazy, chilling aura—like a white-toothed leviathan lurking in the abyssal Nether Sea. A powerhouse far beyond his level!

Faintly familiar…

Could it be someone from Evilbane?

Why was she here? Wasn’t she handling the Foundation Establishment case at the bar?

Since she remained hidden, Lu Wu smoothly masked his unease and continued:

“Alright, students. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. Next comes class assignment.”

“Assignment?”

“Teacher Lu, with so few of us, do we really need to split up?”

“How will it work?”

Chatter erupted among the students.

Lu Wu waited patiently half a minute, then smiled warmly. “In ancient sects and time-honored lineages, accepting disciples was solemn. With three teachers guiding different paths, we tailor instruction to your talents and give each of you more focused attention.”

The two instructors beside him stepped forward.

“I am Zhang Jin,” the man said sternly. “I specialize in talismans and alchemy. Unlike Senior Lu, slack off under my tutelage, and I *will* discipline you.”

Luo Qingchuan glanced at him—early thirties, sharp features, square jaw, expression rigid to the point of coldness.

Yet Luo Qingchuan knew this man hid sinister intentions. The future hadn’t unfolded yet; had Zhang Jin changed? Would he still do *that* to the students?

Worth keeping an eye on.

“Lin Yu.” The woman—polished like a seasoned office lady, curvaceous yet radiating mature warmth—spoke crisply. “Sword cultivator.”

Immediately, many boys’ eyes lit up with sword dreams. Even some with inherited legacies felt tempted to switch paths.

Lu Wu spoke slowly next: “I master Five Elements arts and body refinement. My studies are eclectic. Even after assignment, seek any of us three for guidance.”

“I’ve reviewed your profiles. Now, I’ll announce your personal mentors. When called, join your teacher.”

Names followed.

Naturally, Zuo Tian—the most gifted, the destined protagonist who grasped everything instantly—became Lu Wu’s disciple. (Later, he’d favor swords simply because they looked cool… and because he’d inherit an ancient immortal blade. Why not use it?)

Su Yingsnow was assigned to Lin Yu for sword path training.

Luo Qingchuan joined Zhang Jin’s group. He noticed Zhang Jin’s students were all of modest talent.

Zhang Jin’s gaze lingered on Luo Qingchuan for a heartbeat—then coldly slid away.

But with senses sharpened beyond mortal limits, Luo Qingchuan caught the flicker of jealousy and disdain.

A faint smile touched his lips.

Zhang Jin, still only at Foundation Establishment, had no idea his life was already marked by a “demon lord.”

“Luo Qingchuan.”

A whisper—ethereal, soft, sweetly childish—drifted through the gymnasium, as if spoken by a middle school underclassman.

Lu Wu’s expression tightened. He glanced at Luo Qingchuan, then toward the doors.

Sunlight poured through the high windows. A slender shadow stretched long across the floor like a jet-black blade.

Silver-white kitten heels stepped lightly over her own shadow. Her calves glowed translucent in the light, faint blue veins tracing delicate paths beneath.

Hands clasped behind her back, fingers slender and fair, tiny white crescents gleaming on pink nails.

Lu Wu hurried forward and bowed respectfully. (They shared the surname Lu—but no blood tie.)

Lu Chuning gave a slight nod, giggling. “Senior Lu Wu, you were once a star in the heavens. Now you bow so low… like dust.”

Lu Wu offered a wry smile. “When dragons soar the skies, Lu Wu cannot dance alongside them.”

“Oh?” Her eyes sparkled. “But some *adore* dancing with dragons.”

“Hmm?” Lu Wu straightened, puzzled.

Lu Chuning raised a graceful hand, pointing at Luo Qingchuan—who’d tried sneaking behind the crowd. “I’d like to borrow one of your students. Him.”

Murmurs swelled.

Trapped, Luo Qingchuan stepped out, heart hammering. He pointed at his own face, bewildered. “Me?”

*How… how did Lu Chuning from Evilbane find me again?!*

*How was I exposed?*

*Does she already know I’m a demonic cultivator?!*

A flicker of unease crossed Lu Wu’s face. “May I ask… what for?”

“To make him my student,” Lu Chuning said lightly. “Is that alright, Senior Lu Wu?”

“An honor.” Lu Wu hesitated. “Might I know why?”

“Hmm… Luo Qingchuan is quite handsome?”

She laughed, eyes crinkling with innocent charm—yet her dark pupils held a lonely gleam, crimson eyeliner framing a strangely alluring gaze. She turned to Luo Qingchuan. “I rather like him. Truthseer? It’s my refined spiritual artifact. And it thinks highly of you.”

A shiver ran down Luo Qingchuan’s spine.

“I object.” Su Yingsnow stepped forward, her gaze cold as winter ice blanketing the world.

This Lu girl radiated danger. Su Yingsnow *knew*—if Luo Qingchuan left with her, he’d suffer terribly. That heavy eyeliner on such a young face? Absolutely suspicious!

Lu Chuning tilted her head, voice crisp. “You seem fond of him. What is he to you?”

Su Yingsnow’s resolve melted. Cheeks flushed, she pouted. “None of your business… But if you want to be his teacher—I object.”

A thoughtful glint flickered in Lu Chuning’s eyes.

She recalled that ambiguously intimate selfie.

Her delicate face froze for seconds—then her lips curved into a sly, knowing smile. Her gaze locked with Luo Qingchuan’s, whispering *I have your secret*.

His stomach dropped.

*…Oh no. She knows.*

*She won’t kidnap me, lock me up, and torture me… right?*

*Please, not that!*