C21 A Valiant Life Does Not Need an Explanation

Zi Hanyue felt distinctly uneasy under Ye Tian's gaze, as if a little deer were frantically bounding within her heart.

As a teacher, she was well aware that some of her students had already experienced life's more adult pleasures, wandering the red-light districts and indulging in the company of women.

Ye Tian's look seemed to conjure up images in Zi Hanyue's mind that were far from child-appropriate. How could she not bristle with irritation?

"Stop, stop, stop! Look at what you're implying. I'm asking for your help with my training, to toughen up my body through combat!"

Upon seeing Zi Hanyue's ire, Ye Tian quickly clarified his intentions. He hadn't harbored any romantic thoughts; his aim was simply to leverage Zi Hanyue's formidable strength to condition his own physique.

Among the techniques Ye Tian was familiar with, there was one designed specifically for physical conditioning called the Indestructible Battle Body.

At its zenith, the Indestructible Battle Body could withstand fire and water, resist lightning strikes, and even if the soul perished, the body would remain eternally youthful.

Ye Tian's current power was modest, but combined with the Indestructible Battle Body, his capabilities could potentially double, making an opponent like Gu Kun, at the ninth level of the Qi Profound Stage, much easier to handle.

However, the Indestructible Battle Body required intense physical training. Zi Hanyue, a teacher at Spirit Feather Academy, had already attained the Spirit Profound Stage, making her more than qualified to assist in such rigorous training.

Zi Hanyue's skepticism was piqued by Ye Tian's explanation. She hadn't realized such a technique existed, and her view of Ye Tian grew increasingly enigmatic.

"It's a deal. But if you fail to address my body's needs, I swear I'll flatten you with a single slap!"

Zi Hanyue glared at Ye Tian, playfully brandishing her fists. Her stunning features took on a mischievous air.

Ye Tian was brimming with confidence, certain he could fulfill the task at hand.

"Hey, by the way, what did you think I was suggesting earlier? Has your heart been set aflutter?"

Ye Tian's gaze deepened as he looked at Zi Hanyue once more, eliciting an even greater show of shyness. She blushed and raised her hand as if to strike him.

Ye Tian was unfazed. Zi Hanyue, no longer in the mood for confrontation, quickly rose and, with Ye Tian in tow, left the seclusion chamber.

They had lingered long enough, and time was money—Vast Essence Coins, to be exact.

As Ye Tian and Zi Hanyue exited, they walked on, rounding a corner to find the elder in charge of the seclusion chambers approaching them.

"Hanyue, back from another training session, I see. Your dedication is admirable, and you haven't forgotten to mentor your student, too!" The elder's eyes shone with pride as he regarded Zi Hanyue and the accompanying Ye Tian.

Zi Hanyue's diligence was renowned, surpassing that of many men and making her a standout figure at the Spirit Feather Academy.

Her meticulous guidance helped the academy flourish—a commendable feat indeed!

But mid-praise, the elder's eyes bulged. Zi Hanyue's attire was disheveled, and Ye Tian's was hardly immaculate.

Particularly striking was the state of Zi Hanyue's attire, revealing more skin than appropriate, a sight that even the seasoned elder found overwhelming.

"A seclusion room, a man and a woman alone, and a teacher-student pair—the nature of relationships sure has evolved since my day..."

His tone was tinged with a mix of surprise and amusement as he regarded them with a markedly different gaze.

Zi Hanyue, initially confused, caught on quickly and hastened to cover herself.

"Elder! It's not what you're thinking. We were just..."

Before she could finish, the elder gestured for silence, his demeanor effortlessly composed.

"Hanyue, no explanations necessary. A bold life seldom requires them. You're of age, and I understand these things..."

His knowing nod sent a flush to Zi Hanyue's cheeks.

She realized the elder now saw her as Ye Tian's partner.

"Ye Tian, speak up and clarify, will you? I am your teacher, after all!"

Zi Hanyue's grip tightened on Ye Tian's clothes, shaking them in a mix of urgency and frustration. This was not the time for Ye Tian's usual calm reserve, yet there he stood, the epitome of composure.

She certainly didn't want her good name to be at the mercy of a little punk like Ye Tian, not even with him being Zuo Qiu's apprentice.

"Elder, you've got it all wrong..."

Ye Tian's denial was straightforward, yet his tone carried a depth that, along with his evasive gaze, only served to astonish the elder further.

In essence, Ye Tian's explanation might as well have been a confirmation of the elder's suspicions.

The back-and-forth between Ye Tian and the elder was too much for Zi Hanyue. She had no choice but to grab Ye Tian and make a hasty retreat. As they dashed away, she could even make out the sound of the elder's clapping echoing behind them.

"Ye Tian, you little rascal, you've crossed the line. If I don't teach you a lesson today, you'll never learn why the flowers are so vibrant!"

In a state of disarray, Zi Hanyue caught up to Ye Tian and was about to strike him, but he remained unflustered, even pointing behind her.

Zi Hanyue spun around to see that everything had gone silent. The students nearby had ceased their activities to watch the unfolding drama.

"Zi Hanyue, that she-devil, she's not planning on devouring one of her students, is she?"

"What's this? Look at how disheveled the two of them are. Who knows what indecent acts they were up to before?"

"The scandal of a teacher and student affair—I can't even bear to think about it!"

The students who witnessed Zi Hanyue and Ye Tian began to gossip, their minds conjuring up images of passionate encounters.

Moreover, Zi Hanyue's reputation as the unapproachable ice queen of the academy, who had never been seen so much as holding hands with a man, made her current behavior seem all the more scandalous—like a sudden awakening of spring fever!

Suddenly, it all clicked for the onlookers. Ye Tian, once derided as a nobody, had risen to prominence so quickly—surely the result of Zi Hanyue's relentless 'guidance' behind closed doors.

After all, rest and relaxation are known to be among the quickest ways to boost one's abilities!

"Ye Tian, you've really done it this time. Now I'm completely caught up in your mess!"

Zi Hanyue, overhearing the murmurs, was livid, her frustration causing her to stamp her foot, which in turn set off a noticeable ripple across her chest.

"Don't worry, Teacher. Once we fulfill our agreement, none of this will matter!"

Ye Tian flashed a knowing wink at Zi Hanyue, and the mere mention of an 'agreement' sent the previously settling students into an uproar once again!

Rumors of Ye Tian and Zi Hanyue's pact had already painted many 'beautiful' scenarios...

Come evening, the Ye family home was ablaze with light, a warm gathering of both young and old members, with even the servants enjoying their own special banquet.

Ye Chengyun was beaming with pride; classes at Spirit Feather Academy had ended, and his son was on his way home.

Ye Zonglei's return this time marked a significant change in status, having become the disciple of Zuo Qiu, which would grant him considerable influence in Luoshui City.

"My son has always shown the makings of a great warrior. He's destined to bring prosperity to our Ye family and elevate our standing substantially!"

Unaware of the true situation at the academy, Ye Chengyun boasted with immense pride, as if his own stature had been greatly elevated.

"Chengfeng, this banquet is the old man's special arrangement for Zonglei. You never received such an honor, even in your better days, did you?"

From his place of honor at the head of the table, Ye Chengyun cast a smug look towards a somewhat frail Ye Chengfeng, his taunts tinged with self-satisfaction.