C38 Teacher Who Was Chu Yi's Team?

Chu Yi approached the training center at Seventeenth High School, only to be halted by someone just as he was about to enter. While the center was within the school's domain, it didn't quite belong to the school itself. Many of the instructors had attained Bronze or even Silver Level status, marking them as quite formidable in any context.

It wouldn't be much of a concern if there were only one or two such instructors, but the sheer number present was beyond what Seventeenth High School could typically offer. These trainers were mostly professional martial arts instructors commissioned by the government, which is why the training center generally operated beyond the school's administrative reach.

Ordinary students weren't permitted entry, but Chu Yi held an authorization from Lee Guoqiang himself. The guard, initially skeptical, scrutinized the document and, finding it legitimate, allowed Chu Yi to pass.

The training center was vast, claiming nearly a fifth of the campus, and that was just one of its buildings. The four-story structure boasted expansive floors: the first for administrative work, the second and third housing a variety of training equipment—much of it Second Level, yet distinct from what one might find in a Martial Arts Stadium—and the fourth dedicated to combat.

Upon reaching the first floor, Chu Yi made his way directly to the registration desk. The memory of this place was fresh in his mind; he had only visited once during his senior year, but the impression was indelibly etched in his memory—so much so that even after just over a month in this world, the details remained crystal clear.

With a gentle rap of his knuckles—bang, bang, bang—a voice from within invited him in. Pushing the door open, Chu Yi surveyed the expansive office with a sense of awe. This was the prestige of a warrior: even a mere registration office could rival the spaciousness and opulence of Principal Lee Guoqiang's quarters.

A middle-aged man, the sole occupant of the office, looked up as Chu Yi approached his desk. With a puzzled gaze, he inquired, "Can I help you with something, student?"

Anyone who manages to get inside this place must be qualified; otherwise, they'd never make it past the security at the entrance. So, even though he was unsure of Chu Yi's purpose for being here, the middle-aged man spoke with utmost courtesy.

Chu Yi nonchalantly presented his terminal device. "Teacher, I'm a new member of the Trial Group," he explained.

"I've come to check in..."

At these words, a peculiar look flickered in the teacher's eyes. Joining the Trial Group now? The group had been established last July, and training commenced following official enrollment in September. Now, it was April, with just over a month until the college entrance exams. His arrival seemed exceedingly late.

Chu Yi was well aware of the implication behind the teacher's expression but remained unfazed. His primary reason for joining the Trial Group was to gain combat experience, not to adhere to its training schedule. While the training could offer some improvement, he knew the extent and pace of progress would be minimal. If it were that simple, the place would be teeming with Bronze level warriors by now.

"You're only joining now?" the teacher couldn't help but ask.

With a shy smile, Chu Yi replied, "Yes, teacher, I joined partway through."

Chu Yi didn't see the need to elaborate on his late arrival. The teacher, not one to pry into others' affairs, didn't press further. After scrutinizing Chu Yi's credentials and confirming their authenticity, he directed, "Alright, you can head up to the third floor to meet your instructor. He should be there preparing the students."

As an afterthought, the teacher added, "The Trial Group won't be continuing their training here for the time being."

"They're heading out for field combat training tomorrow, and if you don't think it's a good idea, then it's best not to go," the middle-aged teacher advised with genuine concern. Chu Yi knew the teacher meant well. Joining the group at the last minute only to be thrust into actual combat was a daunting prospect. Actual combat was not the same as training, and it could be lethal!

Even with the protection of the school's teachers and the government's appointed experts, the wilderness was unpredictable, and a large demon could appear out of nowhere. Even smaller demons with strange powers could prove to be uncontrollable.

The middle-aged teacher was earnestly trying to dissuade Chu Yi from taking such a risk. Chu Yi appreciated the concern and, after expressing his gratitude, he promptly departed. The teacher watched him go, sighing deeply and sending silent blessings his way.

In the equipment room on the third floor, several teachers were now assisting a group of students in selecting the right gear. The wilderness was fraught with unforeseen dangers, and unexpected accidents could occur at any moment, making each training session a perilous and unpredictable endeavor. Since they couldn't control the environment, the only option was to strengthen themselves.

That's why the school's equipment was made fully available to the students before they embarked on their training. Of course, there were limits to what was provided. If the students were equipped with too much high-powered gear, it would defeat the purpose of the training. The school primarily supplied survival and escape equipment, with very few items designed to enhance combat abilities.

Upon Chu Yi's arrival, all fifty students were busy selecting their equipment. His sudden appearance caused many to pause mid-action. Chu Yi had become quite a celebrity. While some students might not have been familiar with his earlier performance in the small auditorium, his reputation had certainly preceded him since joining Seventeenth High School.

This was the undisputed heartthrob of Seventeenth High School.

He had held the title since his freshman year, and to this day, no one had managed to dethrone him.

So, even though Chu Yi might not know these individuals personally, they had certainly heard of him and recognized his face.

Many students looked puzzled, unsure why Chu Yi was present.

This was a training center, after all, not a place just anyone could stroll into.

So, what brought Chu Yi here?

The person most in the know about Chu Yi's appearance was none other than the most beautiful among the fifty students.

Indeed, it was Lee Zi.

Lee Zi had rejoined the Trial Group and was preparing for tomorrow's Trial.

However, her impression of Chu Yi had taken a nosedive due to previous events. After a brief, silent glance at Chu Yi, she continued to select her equipment, seemingly indifferent to his presence.

Chu Yi, witnessing this, could only sigh in resignation.

He understood the shift in Lee Zi's attitude, but there were things he simply couldn't explain.

Moreover, Chu Yi had no desire to offer explanations. If Lee Zi preferred to maintain this distance, he was content to let things be.

"Teacher, I am student Chu Yi, reporting for duty," he said, bowing respectfully.

Among the seven or eight instructors present, it was clear this one held the highest rank. While the others were busy assisting students with their life-saving gear, he was casually meandering about, clearly the one in charge.

The instructor gave Chu Yi a brief nod, his face betraying no emotion.

He harbored no doubts about Chu Yi's identity; anyone here had been thoroughly vetted. And if someone had slipped through, that wasn't his concern.

Still, Chu Yi sensed a lack of enthusiasm from the instructor regarding his arrival.

It didn't take long for Chu Yi to piece it together.

Indeed, his method of entry was irrelevant to the instructor. Yet, should Chu Yi encounter any danger here, it would fall upon the instructor's shoulders.

Under normal circumstances, the instructor might not have been concerned, but with the wilderness Trial looming on the next day, the sudden appearance of a student with an unknown background was a different matter entirely.

Even if the student in question was exceptionally strong, a qualified teacher would certainly not welcome them. Such strength represents too much uncertainty.

"You're Chu Yi, correct?" the instructor asked, his voice even-toned.

He had overheard the murmurs of the other students.

Chu Yi simply nodded, maintaining his usual smile.

"So, you're aware that the trial is tomorrow?" the instructor continued. It was important to clarify certain things beforehand.

Chu Yi nodded again, fully aware of the details.

"Good. Since you're informed, make sure to sign the agreement upon your return."

Chu Yi was familiar with the agreement; it was essentially a life-and-death pact. Once signed, if any issues arose during the trial, neither Seventeenth High School nor the Trial Group would be held accountable.

In name, that was the policy. However, should a student perish, both the school and the Trial Group would face serious repercussions.

Chu Yi nodded once more. Signing was mandatory for all; without a signature, participation in the trial was not an option.

"Alright then, go select some equipment you're comfortable with."

"Keep in mind that while we expect you to improve during this trial, our utmost hope is for your safe return."

"Do not act rashly. Don't overestimate your abilities."

"Safety, safety, safety!" The instructor emphasized the word thrice, underscoring the paramount importance of safety in his message.

"Furthermore, as previously mentioned, you'll be divided into ten teams this time. How you choose to group yourselves..."

The instructor surveyed the students briefly before adding, "That's up to you."

"Now, go ahead and discuss amongst yourselves..."

With that, the instructor turned to leave, his role as the overseer freeing him from the minutiae.

Yet, just as he was about to exit, a voice called out, "But teacher, who will Chu Yi be paired with for the trial?"