C7 The Threat from Long Hair!

The classroom swiftly regained its quietude, and the desks were neatly realigned. Yet now, none of the students dared to cast contemptuous glances at Niu Li. There's a saying that biting dogs don't bark—had someone's blow awakened this kid, transforming him from timid to menacing?

The students surrounding Niu Li were particularly subdued. Their occasional sidelong glances were furtive, lacking their former brashness and challenge. While some still harbored disdain, their reactions were muted, their eyes watching Niu Li with a peculiar intensity.

"Big brother, you're incredible," the Elf praised with an exaggerated shout from within the Creating Ring, her light blue eyes brimming with admiration.

"I'm just average. I'm not as incredible as you—you can wield magic," Niu Li replied to the Elf with a hint of pride in his mental message.

"You can use my magic too," the Elf teased, sticking out her tongue playfully.

Niu Li's body jolted with shock. "What did you say? Diaochan, repeat that," he asked, trembling. The revelation was astounding—how could he possibly wield the Elf's magic? Yet, the books he'd read did mention such a possibility: after signing a contract, humans could tap into an elf's magical powers!

"Brother, you're so silly. I've made a Blood Contract with you. Per the agreement, you can borrow half of my magic power. But my current magic is weak; you'll only be able to cast a few Water Lubricant Skills," the Elf explained, first rolling her eyes adorably, then sounding a bit downcast.

"This is my moment to shine! I can use magic now," Niu Li said, momentarily lost in a daydream of heroism.

"Brother, you're so silly. I told you, you can only cast a few minor spells. What's there to celebrate?" The Elf couldn't grasp Niu Li's excitement and looked visibly bummed.

"It's fine. I promise I'll help you grow stronger," Niu Li assured her earnestly, his heart swelling with joy.

It was just a matter of harnessing natural energy. In a few days, the May Day holiday would begin, and Shennongjia—the place he had long admired—was within reach. He planned to absorb some of nature's energy during his visit, both for sightseeing and to empower the Elf. It was the perfect plan to achieve two goals with one effort.

Elf's spirits lifted upon hearing Niu Li's words. In truth, leveling up wasn't a big deal to her; what mattered was Niu Li's attention and care, which made her feel warm and at ease.

The morning classes flew by, and with the ring of a bell, school was out.

Niu Li packed up his textbooks and left the classroom. As he did, a lanky boy in the back corner of the class pulled out his cellphone and made a call.

"Mr. Long Hair, the kid's out of the classroom."

Exiting the school grounds, Niu Li joined the stream of people heading down a street.

"Niu Li, stop right there!"

He instinctively looked up at the shout. Three young men swaggered towards him, the leader a long-haired youth with tattooed arms.

Niu Li knew them well; Long Hair had often bullied him. A flicker of fear crossed his mind. Long Hair wasn't like the other students; Niu Li could stand up to his peers, but he was wary of this thug, not wanting to worry his parents.

"Mr. Long Hair," Niu Li said, trying to sound ingratiating.

Long Hair grunted in response, casually pulling out a cigarette and lighter. He took a drag, exhaled a thick plume of smoke, and then cracked a slight smile. "Heard you made quite the impression this morning."

"Impression?" Niu Li was taken aback, then his face twisted uncomfortably. The incident had happened in the classroom, so it had to have been one of his classmates who snitched.

But why was Long Hair bringing it up? Was he here to avenge Zhao Fei?

"I'm no match for Mr. Long Hair," Niu Li said with a nervous chuckle, trying to flatter him.

Long Hair gave Niu Li a surprised once-over, his smile widening. "You seem different. You never used to talk back to me."

Niu Li's heart skipped a beat, but he just offered a forced laugh and stayed silent. It was best to keep conversations with these ruffians short; saying too much could lead to trouble.

"Forget it, I'm not interested in your drama. I'm here to propose a business deal to you. How about it? I'm a stand-up guy, right? If there's a good opportunity, I'll definitely bring you in on it," Long Hair said with a self-satisfied chuckle.

"What kind of business? Mr. Long Hair, I'm just a student. Is this something I can even handle?" Niu Li felt a bit downhearted. Why had Long Hair taken an interest in him?

"Don't worry about it. This business needs a sturdy young man like you, and trust me, it's going to be very comfortable work," Long Hair said, his face twisting into a sleazy grin.

"Mr. Long Hair, could you please explain what you mean?" Niu Li asked, growing more alarmed. Were these thugs trying to lead him down the wrong path?

"You're familiar with the Nighty Night Club, aren't you?"

"Yes, I know it's under your watch."

"Skip your evening study session tonight. I'll take you to the club for some fun," Long Hair suggested with a smile.

"That's not happening."

"Don't be so hesitant. Everyone in your class knows you can skip a week of school and it wouldn't matter. Are you saying you don't want to go?" Long Hair's mood soured quickly, and he spoke with a hint of anger.

As Long Hair's mood darkened, the two silent lackeys who had been standing by stepped forward, fixing Niu Li with a menacing glare.

Niu Li was momentarily at a loss for words, his gaze darting around uncertainly.

He had no desire to get entangled with societal riffraff, but if they were going to push him into a corner, he'd have to reconsider.

"Think it over. I'll come to pick you up this afternoon. Don't disappoint me," Long Hair said with a cold laugh before turning to leave with his henchmen.

"Brother, this guy is bad news. He's out to get you," the Elf complained from inside the Creating Ring, her voice filled with discontent. She had been in high spirits earlier, but seeing her master harassed repeatedly made her protective feelings for Niu Li bubble to the surface. Why were there so many villains around?

Startled, Niu Li asked, "Why would he want to harm me? How do you know that?"

The Elf looked puzzled and replied, "I just do. When you were looking at him, I sensed a very strange vibe. It was as if he was implying that if you go with him, you'll end up impotent in the future. What does impotence mean, anyway?"

"You don't need to delve into all the details," Niu Li said, unable to bring himself to explain as he saw the bewilderment etched across Elf's face. Yet, a surge of anger welled up within him.

They had crossed the line.