Zhou Jiuyu naturally knew nothing of the master-disciple conversation inside the Sword Hall—he’d entered and exited with such decisiveness that crossing paths was impossible.

But on the descending cable car, he unexpectedly ran into Jing Yuansheng and his two companions.

*Heh…* Jing Yuansheng’s lips curled into a smirk at Zhou Jiuyu’s swift return. *You, the janitor, thought you could show off back there? Turns out you’re just as useless.* He glanced at his girlfriend, then let his expression twist into open disdain, launching into cold, sarcastic taunts.

Fortunately, Zhou Jiuyu had anticipated this. Bluetooth headphones on, noise-canceling mode active, he sat by the window, leaning back with eyes closed, lost in music.

Jing Yuansheng’s chatter? Akizuki Airi’s frown? None of it reached him.

He already knew the script: mocking his apparent trial failure, stomping on him to reclaim face lost earlier before his girlfriend and her friend. Rich young masters like him lived for appearances—always clinging to that lofty superiority.

As for Akizuki Airi… Zhou Jiuyu had guessed why she’d pushed forward despite knowing the outcome. Forced onto the stage, gritting her teeth.

“Hey! Don’t treat my words like they’re falling on deaf ears!”

Jing Yuansheng rambled on, expecting fury. But a closer look revealed Zhou Jiuyu had been listening to music the whole time—completely ignoring him.

A cold edge sharpened Jing Yuansheng’s voice. Faint blue sparks flickered between his fingers as he reached to yank off the headphones—and deliver a “lesson.”

Akizuki Airi’s expression shifted slightly. Cramped beside Zhou Jiuyu, she instinctively moved to stand, despite all her earlier complaints. *No matter how annoying he is… he doesn’t deserve to be shocked.*

*CRASH—WHOOSH!*

Glass shattered. A blade shot through the cabin.

The longsword grazed Jing Yuansheng’s neck, leaving a faint blood trail. His hand snapped back to clutch his throat. He stared toward Sword God Mountain’s peak, body trembling slightly, face pale with terror.

He collapsed into his seat. Wind howled through the broken window, chilling him to the bone.

“Yuansheng… are you okay?” Simo asked anxiously.

Silence.

Clutching his neck, Jing Yuansheng recalled the killing intent at the Sword Hall gates. *Not a coincidence. Punishment.* His mind raced: *What if this “janitor mutt” didn’t fail the trial… but passed it in record time?*

“Yuansheng? Yuansheng?”

Simo’s shaking pulled him back. His face paled further. *Embarrassed again… in front of her.*

Just then, Zhou Jiuyu opened his eyes.

The other three froze, unease prickling their spines. They were just fresh graduates—privileged, carefree in daily life—but real danger shattered that illusion. Panic flickered across their faces. Only Zhou Jiuyu remained utterly calm… and that calmness felt terrifying.

Zhou Jiuyu merely frowned at the broken window. A wave of his hand sealed the glass. Quiet returned. He closed his eyes again, resting peacefully.

*That sword? Just a deterrent for undisturbed rest.*

This was Sword God Mountain. Flying swords raised no eyebrows.

But to the other three, the act stole their breath. They swallowed hard, lips sealed tight. Biases aside—they now sensed this youth was no ordinary person. *Best not disturb his rest.*

Yet in one pair of eyes—Amid the panic lingered a trace of admiration.

…

At the mountain base, Zhou Jiuyu waited until the trio left before moving. No need for trouble. Off the mountain meant rule of law; certain methods were off-limits.

But Simo and Akizuki Airi approached just as he removed his headphones. Jing Yuansheng was absent.

Simo pressed her lips together, demure. She nudged Akizuki Airi with a glance.

Akizuki Airi bit her lip. “Simo… is this really okay? Won’t your boyfriend get mad?”

“Airi, you won’t tell him, right? We’re friends!” Simo blinked innocently.

“Fine…” Akizuki Airi hesitated, then turned to Zhou Jiuyu, voice flustered. “My friend wants to add you. Spare her a spot on your list…”

Zhou Jiuyu met her flustered gaze and almost smiled.

“You—what’s so funny?! She’s gorgeous! Being added is an honor! Show your QR code!” Akizuki Airi planted hands on hips, haughtiness masking embarrassment.

“Alright. For your sake, Airi,” Zhou Jiuyu said with a faint smile—surprisingly agreeable.

Akizuki Airi gritted her teeth, eyes wide. *He called me “Airi”…* But needing the favor, she held her tongue.

Zhou Jiuyu added Simo. She smiled softly. “Thank you,” then hurried off—likely to report back.

“Why aren’t you leaving with them?” Zhou Jiuyu asked the girl still standing there.

“I—I’m heading the same way, dummy!” Akizuki Airi scowled, bit her lip, and huffed. “Just coincidence. Don’t get ideas.”

He said nothing. They boarded the same high-speed train, sitting side by side.

Zhou Jiuyu nonchalantly opened his phone.

【My name is Lu Simo. Save me as "Simo."】

【Zhou Jiuyu】

He replied.

【Lu Simo: Mr. Zhou, you were so cool in the cable car—way better than my boyfriend. He’s just a rich kid with no substance.】

【Lu Simo: I really prefer someone like you.】

Zhou Jiuyu’s eyebrow lifted slightly. Beside him, Akizuki Airi shot him a look of utter contempt.

“You…! You know she has a boyfriend and you’re still flirting? Shameless!”

He ignored her and typed:

【Zhou Jiuyu: You and Akizuki Airi seem close.】

【Lu Simo: Ahaha, Mr. Zhou must dislike her, right? Don’t worry—I only befriended her because her sister has ties to the Sword Hall.】

【Lu Simo: She’s boring. Who’d genuinely like her? Just playing along.】

【Lu Simo: If Mr. Zhou dislikes her, I’ll cut contact.】

Zhou Jiuyu didn’t reply. He turned to Akizuki Airi, who’d been sneakily watching his screen the whole time.

“Seen enough?”