Jing Xin watched Shi Ji leave. Only when he was completely out of sight did she finally look away.

She stood where she was, arms folded, eyes closed as she thought about a few things.

She’d already fought Shi Ji, and this seemingly laid-back guy was even stronger than she’d imagined. He’d be one of the best even at General Star Hero Academy. Yet someone like him had been expelled from the academy for personal reasons. Jing Xin couldn’t make sense of it. Shi Ji had said it was boring, but she didn’t understand his state of mind. Of course, she couldn’t relate to how he felt, either. She had a feeling this unusual person was bound to bring her something very interesting.

She slowly opened her eyes and first turned to look behind her. A girl in a white dress and a white coat was heading this way.

The girl had silver hair, and her lovely face beamed with a radiant smile. The moment she spotted Jing Xin, she quickened her pace. Her long legs, clad in black leather stockings, carried her over in light, nimble steps.

“Mentor! It’s been so long!”

The girl was clearly thrilled to see Jing Xin.

If Shi Ji had been here, he would’ve recognized the pretty girl at once. It was none other than Lin Xinyan, who’d been sitting with him just an hour or two ago. What a coincidence—Lin Xinyan was also a student at Silver Frost Academy, and Jing Xin was her mentor.

Jing Xin nodded. “How was your break? Don’t tell me you didn’t do any of your assignments.”

Faced with Lin Xinyan’s enthusiasm, Jing Xin set aside her thoughts. Her expression settled into its usual calm, and a smile appeared on her face.

At Jing Xin’s question, Lin Xinyan looked a little pleased with herself, even proud.

“I’ve always kept your teachings in mind, Mentor. I haven’t slacked off. Actually, a few days after the break started, I officially registered as a Hero. And after working hard all break, I’m now a B-Rank Hero.”

Jing Xin had always paid close attention to her students. She’d heard about Lin Xinyan becoming a Hero as soon as it happened. As her teacher, she knew Lin Xinyan’s abilities well. In her view, Lin Xinyan was already at the level of an A-Rank Hero. It was only a matter of time before she advanced.

“Mm, not bad. Keep working hard.” Jing Xin gave Lin Xinyan the praise and encouragement she deserved.

Lin Xinyan understood what Jing Xin meant and quickly nodded. “I’ll keep that in mind, Mentor.”

After exchanging a few words, Jing Xin thought of something else. Still relaxed, she asked casually, “The academy’s regular practical assignments for the start of term have already begun. Knowing you, why are you only getting here now?”

Jing Xin had hit the heart of the matter. Lin Xinyan suddenly looked a little awkward. “Oh, I ran into some trouble on the way, so I’m late. I’ll make up for the time I lost. Actually, I’ll go now—I can’t afford to waste much more time.”

Lin Xinyan had a good attitude toward her work. Under normal circumstances, Jing Xin wouldn’t have stopped her. But this was an unusual situation, and Jing Xin had an idea.

Just as Lin Xinyan was about to leave, Jing Xin called out to her.

“It’s already this late. Don’t bother rushing off now. Start tomorrow instead. We’ve just had a new student transfer here from General Star Hero Academy, and he still doesn’t know his way around. As a senior student, you can show him the ropes.”

Lin Xinyan froze for a moment.

“A new student… from General Star Hero Academy?”

…