Chapter 43: Became Tang Sanzang’s Flesh

The staff member instructed, "Go in by yourself. After you've met with the principal, return to the classroom you just came from." It was clear the principal hadn't intended to see him, and the staff member, understanding the situation, left after bringing Zu An to the office.

Zu An pushed open the rather heavy door. The first thing he saw was a massive, imposing desk. Though he couldn't tell what kind of wood it was made from, its immense value was immediately apparent.

Beside the desk stood a row of enormous bookshelves, packed with various books. Zu An took a quick glance and was surprised; his eyesight was exceptionally good now, and at this distance, he should have been able to read the titles. Yet, even with wide eyes, he could only make out blurry characters.

"Are you Zu An?" a cold voice asked from the side.

Zu An followed the sound and saw that the principal wasn't seated at the desk but on a sofa nearby.

The first thing that caught his eye was a pair of long, alluring legs. Her dark, almost black, stockings seemed to shimmer with a luster that left one parched. The combination of her full, rounded thighs and the pencil skirt created an "absolute territory" that made one irresistibly curious. Her fitted shirt accentuated the perfect fullness of her chest, and her flawless face, framed by a topknot and a beautiful, swan-like neck, exuded an air of nobility and elegance.

This woman was clearly Principal Jiang Luofu, the beauty from the "Red Beauty Register" Wei Suo had mentioned. She was indeed an extraordinary beauty.

"Am I beautiful?" Jiang Luofu asked, her slender fingers intertwined, her expression cold and stunning as she gazed at him.

"Yes," Zu An replied, nodding instinctively.

"But I find your gaze quite rude," Jiang Luofu said. The moment her words fell, the air in the room seemed to drop several degrees.

Anger value from Jiang Luofu: 99! Zu An felt a powerful pressure surge towards him, making it difficult to move. He quickly blurted out, "Odd changes, even doesn't change?"

Jiang Luofu: "???"

Undeterred, Zu An pressed on, "Heavenly King covers Earth Tiger?"

Jiang Luofu immediately stared at him with the look one might give a mentally challenged child, wondering if he was perhaps an idiot.

Feeling the pressure on him suddenly lighten, Zu An excitedly lunged forward. "Sister, are you really a transmigrator too? Your little brother needs your protection!"

Unfortunately, before he could reach the sofa, Jiang Luofu lifted a foot and pressed it against his chest, preventing him from moving an inch further.

"What 'transmigrator'?" Jiang Luofu asked, frowning her beautiful brows, genuinely confused. Although rumors depicted the Chu family's live-in son-in-law as a good-for-nothing, she'd never heard he was stupid.

Zu An paused. "You're not a transmigrator? Then what's with that office OL suit you're wearing?"

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Jiang Luofu snorted, annoyed by his disjointed words. "I stumbled upon this in a secret realm and found it interesting, so I had some replicas made. Why, have you seen it before?"

"Uh, I've dreamed about it," Zu An replied, naturally unwilling to reveal his true background. Meanwhile, he wondered what a "secret realm" was, though it was clear she had no intention of explaining.

Due to wars with various races, the aesthetic sensibilities of different species in this world had gradually begun to merge. Modernized clothing elements had slowly become popular, so while Jiang Luofu's outfit was somewhat avant-garde, it wasn't entirely unacceptable to the world.

"Dream?" Jiang Luofu's brow furrowed slightly as she fell into thought. It wasn't impossible; this world had too many miraculous places that defied common sense.

At this moment, Zu An suddenly realized something. His gaze involuntarily dropped, and in their current posture, he seemed to catch sight of something he shouldn't have.

Zu An felt a powerful force in his chest, and then he was sent flying.

Jiang Luofu's cold voice reached him: "Duke Mingyue entrusted me with your care, but given your self-destructive nature, I doubt you'll survive two days in the academy."

Zu An scrambled to his feet, coughing up a mouthful of blood. To his surprise, his injuries weren't severe; it was clear she had intentionally held back. "Isn't that a bit exaggerated?" he asked.

Jiang Luofu gave him a deep look. "Your strength doesn't seem as useless as the legends claim."

Zu An's expression changed, but then he heard her continue, "Don't worry. Whether you're concealing your abilities or playing the fool to trick others, it has nothing to do with me. Duke Mingyue and I aren't close enough for me to tell him everything."

Zu An wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. "Thank you, Principal."

Jiang Luofu stated calmly, "While your strength is somewhat unexpected, it's not exceptional within the academy. Many students here come from families no less influential than the Chu clan. Do not think of causing trouble."

Zu An puffed out his chest. "Am I the kind of person who causes trouble?"

Jiang Luofu completely ignored his remark, continuing, "Private fights are forbidden within school grounds. However, if both parties agree, a duel is permitted, in which case the school cannot show favoritism. So, don't casually agree to duels."

"Thank you for the reminder, Principal." Zu An was somewhat surprised. From her words, he sensed a degree of care. Was it because of the Chu family? But she had just said she wasn't close to Chu Zhongtian. Could it be... she was captivated by his handsomeness?

Jiang Luofu picked up a newly delivered document and her brows immediately furrowed. "Your aptitude is D-minus? Impossible! Wait, the test orb exploded when you first took the test?"

Zu An inwardly cursed. However, many had witnessed the incident, and as principal, she could easily uncover the truth with a simple inquiry. He could only hum in acknowledgment, admitting, "The test orb must have been faulty."

"Come here," Jiang Luofu beckoned him with a finger.

Zu An, bewildered, walked over to her, wondering if she was about to kick him again.

"Hold out your finger," Jiang Luofu said from the sofa, her tone brooking no argument.

"What for?" Zu An subconsciously extended his hand. Then his eyes widened in shock as she sat upright and, parting her crimson lips, took his finger into her mouth.

What was happening? Could it be that the esteemed academy's top master, the lofty and beautiful principal, was captivated by his dashing appearance, fell in love at first sight, coveted his body, and decided to use her power and cultivation to... take advantage of him?

What a joke! I, Zu An, am a man of unwavering resolve, uncorrupted by wealth, unyielding to beauty...

But for someone as exquisite as Jiang Luofu, perhaps I should just give in? I just hope she's gentle when she ravages me.

"Ah!" A sharp pain shot through him, and Zu An cried out.

"A grown man, can't even stand a little pain?" Jiang Luofu pushed him away, her eyes filled with disdain.

Zu An found a small bite mark on his finger, from which blood steadily seeped. Jiang Luofu licked her lips, the fresh blood clinging to her rosy lips, giving her a strangely alluring and bewitching look.

"Are you a dog?" Zu An blurted out, no longer caring about propriety, as the reality was just too far from his expectations.

To his surprise, Jiang Luofu didn't get angry at his words. Instead, she gave him a complex look. "Your aptitude... it's the legendary super-grade."

Zu An's heart jumped. He finally understood why she had tasted his blood.

Jiang Luofu closed her eyes, seemingly hesitating and contemplating. After a long moment, she let out a long sigh. "Who else knows about this?"

Zu An instinctively took a step back. "Don't do anything rash! Plenty of people know about this. My wife, my in-laws, they all know, and also so-and-so..."

Seeing his wary stance, as if facing a formidable enemy, Jiang Luofu let out a soft laugh. Her usually stern and cold face melted like thawing ice. "Are you afraid I'll kill you to silence you, you little rascal? You've carried the reputation of a good-for-nothing for years, so you must have grand plans. How could you possibly reveal such a secret to anyone else?"

Zu An knew he couldn't hide it, so he braced himself and said, "You're right, I haven't told anyone else. But many people know I came here today. If anything happens to me, you definitely won't get away with it."

"Alright, alright," Jiang Luofu said, a slight headache forming. She raised a slender index finger to gently rub her temple. "Who said I was going to kill you?"

"Then why are you asking?" Zu An even secretly summoned his Fat Lady's Happy Ball, thinking that if she made a move, he could at least fight for his life, perhaps even turn the tables with it and his guaranteed-death dagger.

"I just wanted to warn you," Jiang Luofu said. "Your current strength is too weak. If word gets out that you possess the legendary super-grade aptitude, it will bring you mortal danger."

Zu An was stunned. "It's that serious?"

Jiang Luofu rolled her eyes at him. "Super-grade aptitudes have always been a legend throughout history; no one has ever seen one. What do you think?"

Concerned he didn't grasp the gravity of the situation, she continued, "A super-grade aptitude is something all major powers will fight to possess. If they can't acquire it, they will undoubtedly try to destroy it, never allowing other forces to cultivate it. Furthermore, legend has it that the essence blood of a person with super-grade aptitude can..."

At this point, a barely perceptible blush flashed across her face. "In short, unless you become powerful enough, you absolutely cannot reveal this matter."

Zu An swallowed hard, roughly understanding the seriousness of it. "So, you're saying I'm like Tang Monk's flesh now?"

"Tang Monk's flesh? What's that?" Jiang Luofu paused, confused.

Zu An quickly changed the subject. "But even though not many people witnessed my test at the school gate, there were at least a dozen. What if they spread the word?"

Jiang Luofu shook her head. "Don't worry. After all, a super-grade aptitude is just a legend; generally, no one would even consider it. Plus, your previous disguise as a good-for-nothing was very successful, so others won't suspect. I will now destroy the relevant records. You should also keep a low profile, and after some time, no one should remember."

Zu An nodded like a pounding mortar. "Thank you very much, Principal."

After a pause, he hesitantly asked, "Principal, why are you being so kind to me?"

Jiang Luofu replied indifferently, "As principal, it's my natural responsibility to protect every one of my students."

"That's it?" Zu An asked, his face full of suspicion.

"What else could it be?" Jiang Luofu shot him a sidelong glance. "Do you think it's because I found you handsome and fell for you?"

"I think that reason is more convincing," Zu An nodded repeatedly.

Jiang Luofu looked at him, and after a long moment, she sighed, "The fact that you've survived until now is truly a miracle."