Chapter 10: The Dean’s Expectations

Exhaling deeply, Du Gu Bieli opened his eyes. Exhaustion was written all over his face, impossible to hide. At the final moment of clearing the challenge, his will was completely spent, unable to sustain his presence any longer; he was forced to withdraw and return to reality.

He rose slowly, stretching his limbs. As he examined himself, he was surprised to discover that his spiritual strength had greatly increased.

“There’s even this benefit?” Du Gu Bieli was a little surprised but immediately activated his artifact-forging technique. Spiritual tendrils extended at his will, responding with perfect precision. “It’s true. Clearly, the existence of the Storm Arena is something the Six Kings painstakingly devised. Not only can it foster talent and combat skills, but it also enhances the spirit. With such development, the foundation grows ever stronger, bringing great benefits to future cultivation... Yes, when time allows, I should visit often, refine techniques, distill the essence of battle arts, and perhaps even innovate new skills to guide Wolf and Little Blossom...”

With plans forming for the days ahead, he walked out of his room deep in thought, just as his little sister returned with the child. The moment the girl saw him, her eyes lit up. She broke free from her sister’s hand and ran over, but complained, “Big brother, do you not like me anymore? You never come to pick me up.”

Du Gu Bieli stiffened, feeling guilty. He bent down to catch her, lifting her into his arms. “That’s my fault. I forgot when your class ended. From now on, I promise—”

“It’s fine, big brother, don’t take it to heart,” his little sister interjected, reaching to take the girl. But the child clung to Du Gu Bieli’s neck like a squirrel, and no matter how much her sister tried, she couldn’t pry her off. The younger sister frowned, her tone turning stern, “You’re being naughty. Can’t you see how tired big brother is? Come down! If you keep this up, I won’t like you anymore.”

The girl hesitated, glancing at Du Gu Bieli, and after careful scrutiny, saw he really was tired. Reluctantly, she let go, but pleaded, “Then, when you’re not tired, you have to play with me. I’m very good, very obedient...” She pouted, eyes brimming with tears.

“It’s alright,” Du Gu Bieli said, stopping his sister, holding the girl and coaxing softly, “Big brother isn’t tired. I’ll play with you right now, okay?”

“Okay!” The girl immediately beamed, her voice clear and sweet as she hugged his neck, even making a face at her sister.

His little sister could only watch helplessly, a hint of envy in her eyes as Du Gu Bieli carried the girl away.

...

“Old partner, I need you to step up again,” the Grand Dean called out as Wuying lounged in boredom. The dean strode over, muttering to himself, “The auction house finally responded. Now comes the negotiation. You must be careful—whatever it takes, we must acquire this batch of golems.”

“Oh?” Wuying raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Just negotiate as usual. Do I really need to go in person? The Tongtian Auction House certainly demands respect.”

“We have no choice. They’re the largest, with branches across the Five Wastelands. Only they have the resources to gather golems in bulk. Your presence will show them our sincerity, and make it clear how much we value this. Otherwise, they might try to pass off inferior goods.”

“I see.” Wuying folded his hands, lowering his gaze in thought. After a moment, he looked up. “Then I’ll go, but if my presence tips them off to our urgency, the price may be raised quite a bit.”

“There’s profit and loss in all things, can’t worry too much.” The Grand Dean shot him a glare. “Our weapons division is useless—never able to forge qualified golems.”

Wuying lowered his head again, silent.

“Sigh...” The Grand Dean heaved a sigh, urging, “Go quickly and return soon. I hope you can settle this matter.”

“Alright, I’ll leave at once.”

Wuying’s response was brisk; before his words finished, his figure had vanished. The Grand Dean had more to say, but after a moment’s hesitation, he could only chuckle wryly, shake his head, and walk away, muttering, “It’s a pity that Du Gu Bieli’s skills aren’t up to par. The few golems he’s made don’t meet the standard... Still, they’re much better than the trash from the weapons division. Let’s hope he can master his training soon and lift the academy out of this predicament...”

...

Little Blossom returned as well, limping as he walked.

When Du Gu Bieli asked, he explained—feigning normalcy—that the combat training class had introduced a new challenge system: free-for-all dueling. Some students might not fight at all, while others could be challenged to several bouts in succession. His luck was poor; he fought six rounds and ended up battered.

Du Gu Bieli listened, his gaze shifting as he fell into deep thought. He didn’t press further, merely called Little Blossom into Wolf’s room and began to speak from the most basic elements of combat. Wolf, a wanderer, had participated in many battles and was quite experienced. Little Blossom, formerly self-taught, had also picked up some experience at the academy, and grasped the fundamentals quickly.

Yet Du Gu Bieli remained patient, sharing everything he could think of, as if eager to imprint all his knowledge directly into their minds, branding it there forever. Then he began to explain more advanced concepts: the application of strength, the timing of action, and gradually delved into battle techniques.

Wolf seemed carefree and boisterous on the surface, while Little Blossom was often shy and gentle, but Du Gu Bieli could see beneath their fragile facades. Both harbored fierce pride and a refusal to accept mediocrity. He had refrained from offering guidance before, out of respect, to avoid unintentionally hurting them. But seeing Wolf bedridden for days, and now Little Blossom forced to fight six consecutive matches in the open challenge, and recalling what Su Xiruo had told him about the great upheaval in Butterfly Academy’s history, he was now almost certain of the truth.

It was just like the root of that past turmoil—the conflict between ordinary students and those from powerful families or factions. Little Blossom, as a village guardian with little strength, was naturally bullied by those scions, each taking their turn to torment him.

From this, it was clear that the academy’s control over these factions was insufficient. Perhaps it was not a matter of inability, but of unwillingness—fearing that strict measures would worsen the situation and shake the Queen’s rule.

Nearly thirty years ago, the storm that struck had gravely weakened the Butterfly Queen’s power. Many families relocated, powerful factions withdrew and sought new allegiances.

As for Master Leng Sha, though he also despised class oppression and bullying, his character was such that he would never shelter anyone. On the contrary, he hoped ordinary students, after enduring repeated humiliation, would be spurred to work harder, to strengthen themselves and fight for their own dignity.

That he did not deliberately stoke division was already a mercy.

All these signs gave Du Gu Bieli a sense of urgency. He had to set aside all reservations; even if it meant resorting to force-fed guidance, he would help the two grow stronger. After all, in these matters, it was best if he did not intervene. Without the tempering of battle and hardship, how could Wolf and Little Blossom ever truly thrive?

“Alright, let’s stop here for now. Reflect on what you’ve learned, compare notes, and see where you need improvement. If your approach is off, correct it.” After a few more instructions, seeing their fatigue, Du Gu Bieli sighed inwardly, finished his teachings, and rose to leave. As he reached the door, he paused, as if recalling something, and turned back. “Let’s make time after class to discuss and learn together. We’ll grow as one.”

Wolf and Little Blossom both started at his words.

As they watched him leave, Wolf put on a show of bravado. “The boss is getting sentimental.” Little Blossom’s eyes grew moist, fists clenched in determination. “I’ll do my best, boss. I won’t let you down...”

...

Practicing artifact-forging, instructing Little Blossom and Wolf, aiding Su Xiruo in absorbing royal power, escorting his sister and the little girl—Du Gu Bieli’s days were unusually full. Matters of the Storm Arena had faded from his mind.

Occasionally, the Grand Dean would come in person to watch as he forged golems with divine refinement. Then, regardless of their quality, the dean would collect them all, arrange them in his room, and admire them daily, full of emotion.

By now, over thirty golems had been made, mostly swords and blades. The Grand Dean ordered them by the sequence of their creation, savoring the progress of each batch.

These golems now reliably doubled combat effectiveness, placing them nearly on par with those circulating in the Wilds. Yet in terms of quality, a gap remained.

A sharp crack sounded as the Grand Dean tested one of the golems; a notch appeared immediately. This was one of Du Gu Bieli’s creations. The Grand Dean examined it, his hand gently stroking the flaw for a long while before his face broke into a satisfied smile.

“Though still lacking, compared to the earliest attempts that snapped at a touch, this is several grades higher. Perhaps, in a little while, he’ll rival the weapon-masters... Then, our Butterfly Academy can be self-sufficient and our strength will soar. This boy’s progress is beyond my expectations... Divine refinement truly is unmatched...”

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