Today was the first day of school for institutions of all levels.

On his way to school, Lu Yuan saw students everywhere, dressed in uniforms and carrying school bags.

A boy in a blue and white uniform, wearing glasses, hurried past Lu Yuan.

Lu Yuan noticed the name "Burnt Rock No.1 Middle School" embroidered on the boy's uniform.

He suddenly thought of Xia Zhijing—the girl he had carried out of a rainy alley three months ago, as timid and docile as a kitten.

Lu Yuan took out his phone, thinking of sending 'Peaceful Zhu Bao' a message.

I initially planned to send "Happy First Day of School," but then again, what's so happy about school starting?

"Have a kick-ass start to school?"

Forget it.

"Wishing you a smooth new school year! (sun emoji)"

Is this the first time I've actually initiated a conversation with Xia Zhijing?

Before she could reply, Lu Yuan slipped his phone back into his pocket.

His home wasn't far from No. 4 Middle School.

The walk would only take about ten-odd minutes.

It was the first day of school, so classes usually didn't start in the morning. Even if they did, Lu Yuan wasn't in a hurry and strolled leisurely.

It had been a long time since he had walked this path like an ordinary high school student.

Having officially begun practicing Martial Arts only about four months ago, it felt as if he had already completely diverged from the life path of an ordinary person.

He often found himself navigating the realm of the Extraordinary, savoring the thrill that came with exploring a new world.

CAW—

A crow flew over Lu Yuan's head, flapping its wings, and landed softly on a trash can about ten meters away, watching him quietly.

Lu Yuan's gaze swept around, and he quickly noticed...

On the utility poles by the road, on the streetlights, on the signboards of the shops lining the street...

Unbeknownst to him, a considerable number of crows had gathered all around Lu Yuan.

They were hidden amidst the bustling crowds and the lively, everyday scenes of the city.

Just like that, like loyal overseers... they coldly scrutinized him.

They completely lacked the docility and warmth they once showed as his "Crows."

Lu Yuan stopped at a nearby bus stop sign.

Pretending to wait for a bus, he quietly closed his eyes.

His intangible Spiritual Power radiated outwards like light, continuously extending into the distance.

Gradually... Lu Yuan faintly sensed it.

An evil consciousness was rapidly approaching his position.

During the contract's execution period, both parties in the duel can sense each other's exact location...

"In that case..." Lu Yuan opened his eyes, murmuring thoughtfully, "I'd better pick a battlefield in advance."

「Year 11 Class Three.」

No, it should be Year 12 Class Three now.

The empty classroom, silent for an entire summer vacation, once again buzzed with long-absent noise and energy.

Following the arts and science stream selection after last term's final exams, the students promoted to Year 12 Class Three had bid farewell to some familiar faces and welcomed new ones.

Lu Yuan sat quietly by the window, casually flipping through the new textbooks that had just been distributed.

Outside the window stood a lush camphor tree. Several crows perched in its dense foliage, preening their feathers. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, scattering dappled golden specks that danced with the gentle breeze.

Lu Yuan was still sensing that gradually approaching evil consciousness.

But to any onlooker, this scene was the epitome of youthful beauty: the summer day, the sunlight, the white curtains fluttering in the breeze, and... a handsome, refined youth with a scholarly air, sitting quietly by the window.

"Lu Yuan!"

A voice pulled Lu Yuan from his reverie back to reality.

Lu Yuan looked up towards the voice and saw a smiling Cheng Peng striding towards him. Nearby, the retreating backs of a few girls who had hastily turned away could be seen.

"The homework's in my bag... I haven't written a single word," Lu Yuan stated calmly to Cheng Peng.

"Man, what were you doing all summer? We couldn't reach you, and you didn't even do your homework..." Cheng Peng exclaimed dramatically, looking Lu Yuan up and down as if to scrutinize him thoroughly.

"Are you still the good student I know?"

"Since you know I'm a good student, why ask such a foolish question?" Lu Yuan retorted, expressionless, as he pushed the black-framed glasses up his nose. "Does a true good student even need to do homework?"

He had just gotten them a couple of days ago, to hide the divine glint in his eyes.

"We'll see what rank you get in the placement test at the start of the term then," Cheng Peng said, grinding his teeth.

"It'll definitely be a rank you can only dream of achieving..." Lu Yuan casually shot back. Then he paused and asked, "Why did I barely see you at the Martial Arts gym during the summer break?"

Cheng Peng faltered for a moment, then said in a low voice, "I'm planning to put the combat classes on hold for a bit..."

"Hmm?"

"I want to get into the same university as Lan. My current grades... are still quite a ways off."

"Ah." Lu Yuan nodded. So this is the power of love.

There were things he wanted to say to Cheng Peng, but after a moment's thought, he decided against it. Why spoil the kid's pure and beautiful aspirations?

"Hey, lend me your study notes and stuff later! Bro, I'm gonna work my butt off this semester!"

"Sure, I'll get them for you then."

"That's the spirit! Once I break into the top ten of our year, I'll treat you to the small canteen for a whole month!"

"I doubt I'll get to eat that meal before graduation then..."

"Don't underestimate my determination! I'm serious this time. I've even quit gaming."

While Lu Yuan was talking with Cheng Peng, his gaze unintentionally fell upon a boy and a girl chatting by the back door of the classroom.

The boy, fair-skinned and quite handsome, was coaxingly trying to hand a cup of milk tea to the girl.

The girl accepted the milk tea and walked directly back to her seat.

As she turned her head, her eyes met Lu Yuan's idle, curious gaze.

Her cheeks instantly flushed red, as if she'd been caught doing something wrong, and she quickly hurried away.

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