Chapter 136: Who Takes Care of Whom

Although everyone had some prior knowledge, their focus had primarily been on the potential rewards. It was only when they heard someone of Principal Jiang’s standing discuss it with such gravity that they truly began to take it seriously.

“If anyone has regrets, you can still withdraw now,” Jiang Luofu said, her gaze sweeping calmly across the hall. “Once you enter the secret realm, you will have to wait until it closes in ten days to be forcibly sent back. There is no way to return midway if you change your mind. As you all signed the waivers, you should be aware that the academy will not be held responsible for any accidents that occur inside.”

The students exchanged glances, but not a single one backed down. Having come so far, none were willing to abandon their efforts over a minor risk.

“The map of the Yaoguang Secret Realm is randomly generated and different each time, so even having school teachers as guides wouldn’t be very effective,” Jiang Luofu continued. “After entering the realm, all those at Fifth Rank or higher, and high-level Fourth Rank, are required to act alone. With your strength, you are already capable of self-preservation, and independent action is the best way to gain true experience.”

“The rest of you will move with the teachers; each teacher will be responsible for the safety of a group of students as you explore the realm together,” Jiang Luofu said, pausing before adding, “In previous years, we didn’t stop anyone who wished to act alone, but this time the secret realm seems to be behaving unusually, so it’s best to be cautious. Those whose strength has not reached high-level Fourth Rank should preferably stay with their assigned teachers this time.”

Many were disappointed to hear her words. Everyone understood that while staying with a teacher offered more safety, the potential gains would undoubtedly be fewer, as it would be difficult to monopolize any discoveries when moving in a large group.

At that moment, a voice spoke up: “Principal, on what principle will students be assigned to teachers? After all, some teachers’ strength doesn’t inspire much confidence, and forcing students into their groups would be highly unfair to them, wouldn’t it?”

To deal with Zu An in the secret realm, it was naturally better if he had as few people around him as possible.

As Shi Kun spoke, his gaze fell on Zu An, immediately drawing a wave of laughter from many. After all, Zu An’s cultivation couldn’t even compare to that of many students; if something truly went wrong, it was uncertain who would protect whom.

Jiang Luofu naturally knew who he was referring to and replied calmly, “Because this concerns the students’ lives and safety, the academy will not enforce groupings this time. Students can voluntarily choose which teacher they wish to join.”

The moment her words fell, the students quickly took their respective positions, as if fearing the academy might change its mind if they delayed:“I choose Teacher Bai!”“I choose Director Lu!”“I choose Uncle Wang!”

Soon, all the students had made their choices. Most opted for Bai Susu and Lu De, as their strength was publicly acknowledged as the greatest. A few also chose other teachers.

Only Zu An stood alone; there was not a single person beside him.

A burst of laughter immediately erupted in the hall. While others were relatively restrained, Shi Kun’s laughter was by far the loudest.

Chu Chuyan frowned. As he was her husband, she didn’t want to see him lose face so badly. She had initially thought about joining his group, but then remembered that those at Fifth Rank were supposed to act alone. Her presence would only make people think she was there to protect him, likely causing him even more embarrassment.

Qiao Xueying hesitated for a moment. She had originally considered joining his group. Her Fifth Rank strength had not been revealed, so she didn’t share Chu Chuyan’s concerns. Being alone with Zu An would make it very convenient to strike at him.

However, she later abandoned this idea. Joining Zu An’s group under everyone’s watchful eyes would be far too conspicuous. If she were the only one to return from the secret realm, everyone would become suspicious. Placing herself so clearly in the spotlight would be truly unwise.

Just then, a timid voice spoke up: “I’ll join... your group.”

Ji Xiaoxi was seen shuffling over with small steps. Uttering that sentence in front of everyone seemed to have exhausted all her courage, and her small, palm-sized face was flushed crimson.

Zu An felt a warmth in his heart, thinking, *This little girl is truly kind-hearted. She had clearly subconsciously chosen Bai Susu just moments ago, but seeing no one on his side, she still mustered the courage to switch to his group.*

He had originally wanted to politely decline, simply acknowledging her good intentions. But then he had a sudden thought: what he was looking for on this trip was the Traceless Illusion Lotus. Ji Xiaoxi came from a learned family and understood medicinal properties, so perhaps she could offer assistance in this regard. Thus, he didn’t refuse.

“Miss Ji, please think twice. It’s too dangerous to be near him.”“Exactly, he’s only a Third Rank. Come with us instead.”

Ji Xiaoxi clearly had good relationships with others, as many actively tried to persuade her to change her mind.

“No, thank you. Teacher Zu is actually quite capable,” Ji Xiaoxi said softly, shaking her head.

Pei Mianman subtly poked her best friend next to her. “Your husband certainly has a way with women.”

Chu Chuyan was also surprised. Although she had heard that Ji Xiaoxi had helped him before, for her to stand up for him in this situation, their friendship was truly exceptional.

“Tsk, another one,” Pei Mianman said, poking her again with an expression that clearly showed she enjoyed the drama.

Chu Chuyan looked up and saw Zheng Dan suddenly walk out from the crowd toward Zu An.

“What’s going on?” This was not only Chu Chuyan’s confusion but also that of everyone else present. When did these two become so close?

Seeing Zheng Dan approach him, Zu An couldn’t help but chuckle. “Oh, is Miss Zheng also planning to join my team?”

Zheng Dan slightly shook her head. “Not exactly, I just have something to tell you.”

“What is it?” Zu An was surprised.

Zheng Dan leaned close to him and whispered, “Be careful. Someone in the secret realm wants to kill you.” After speaking, she smiled sweetly and turned back to her original position.

Seeing Zheng Dan leave, those around breathed a sigh of relief, thinking, *If even she chose Zu An, this guy’s luck with women would be outrageously good.*

Zu An, however, fell into deep thought. *Someone wants to kill me? Is it Shi Kun and his group? Xue’er is also here this time; she’ll probably make a move too.*

From afar, Zheng Dan noticed his solemn expression, and a faint smile appeared on her face. She offered the warning because if Zu An wasn’t strong enough, he wouldn’t be able to escape the deadly trap even with the heads-up. This would not affect the outcome, and Shi Kun wouldn’t blame her.

However, if Zu An somehow managed to escape, he would remember this favor, and it would deepen his good impression of her.

It was a sure-win situation with no downside, so why wouldn’t she seize the opportunity?

It was a pity; this secret realm was originally a good opportunity to get close to him. Unfortunately, the Shi family had set up a deadly trap, so she couldn't stay by his side for fear of being caught in the crossfire.

Seeing that the grouping was complete, Jiang Luofu frowned slightly as she looked at Ji Xiaoxi, but ultimately said nothing. She concluded: “The deeper you venture into the secret realm, the greater the danger! Everyone must act within their capabilities; do not blindly push deeper. What you gain in the secret realm depends entirely on your luck, so do not force it.”

“Yes, Principal!” the crowd responded in unison, clearly in high spirits.

At that moment, the space behind the archway where Jiang Luofu stood began to distort, forming swirling vortexes, as if a body of water was suspended within it.

After a while, the ‘water’ gradually calmed, forming a semi-transparent, faintly blue door. A fresh and powerful surge of vital energy poured out from within.

Everyone in the hall felt a jolt of energy. Just being outside, they could feel such intense vital energy from heaven and earth—it would be even more incredible within the secret realm!

Jiang Luofu announced, “The entrance to the secret realm is now fully open. I wish you all good luck.”

Led by Lu De and Bai Susu, a group of people began to walk towards the entrance, one after another. Shi Kun paused near the entrance, turned to look at Zu An, and revealed a smirk of satisfaction.

Zu An thought to himself, *This guy wants to kill me covertly in the secret realm. Could I also use this opportunity to kill him covertly?*

Just then, Chu Chuyan came up to him and whispered a reminder: “I noticed Shi Kun’s gaze on you was off just now. Just in case, you should stay with me once we enter the secret realm.”

Zu An shook his head. “I am, after all, one of the leading teachers. How could I let a student protect me? Don’t I have any pride?”

Chu Chuyan’s delicate brows furrowed. “At a time like this, you still care about such things.”

“If you truly want to help me, keep an eye out for the ‘Traceless Illusion Lotus’,” Zu An said. More people meant more strength, and the chances would be greater than if he were alone.

“The Traceless Illusion Lotus?” Chu Chuyan was startled. She then said, “What do you want it for? Even if I found such a legendary treasure, I might not be willing to give it to anyone else.”

“You’re quite honest,” Zu An said, shrugging indifferently. “Never mind, just forget I mentioned it.”

Ji Xiaoxi, who was nearby, became anxious. “Sister Chu, my father prescribed him a medicine, and it only lacks the Traceless Illusion Lotus to cure his... his hidden ailment.”

Seeing Ji Xiaoxi’s shy expression, Chu Chuyan finally understood. She glanced oddly at his lower abdomen, and her delicate cheeks flushed slightly. “Alright, I’ll keep an eye out for you then. But don’t get your hopes up too high; this item has always only existed in legends.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt awkward and hastily turned and left.

“Oh, what did you say to your little ‘wife’ to make her so shy?” Pei Mianman asked, walking over curiously.

“It’s a secret,” Zu An said, wagging his finger. “Secrets make a man more charming.”

“You’re an amusing talker,” Pei Mianman said with a small smile. “Alright, be careful. Don’t lose your life in there.”

After speaking, she too entered the secret realm.

After a while, only Zu An and Ji Xiaoxi remained. As they approached the entrance, Jiang Luofu suddenly stopped them. “Help me take good care of her. If she loses even a single hair, don’t bother coming back.”

Zu An chuckled. “Beautiful Principal, you’re being too polite. Why would I need Miss Ji’s care? Besides, what you’re asking is far too harsh on her.”

Jiang Luofu snorted. “Are you an idiot? I told *you* to take good care of *her*, not to let her get hurt or bruised!”