Who would’ve thought that an 18-year-old college student could become a university instructor?
No one would believe it.
Even as a teaching assistant, Su Mo found it unbelievable.
As soon as the meeting ended that night, he excitedly shared the news with Ye Qingyi.
No reply came, but Su Mo kept rambling, occasionally grinning to himself.
Finally, he added, “Remember to check this,” before putting his phone down.
Lying in bed, Su Mo mapped out his future:
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Find a way to swap their souls back. Slim as the chances were, this remained his top priority.
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The upcoming ruins expedition in 20 days—a chance to visit his parents.
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Prepare for opening his Qi Sea while keeping an eye out for ways to evolve the Green Core.
And then there was the teaching gig.
Though time-consuming, he was actually looking forward to it. After over a decade as a student, being on the other side of the lectern felt refreshingly novel.
As for the red bumps on his face? Since Zhang Yuelu had confirmed they weren’t harmful, he wasn’t worried—just cautious.
Alright, that about covers it.
Time to cultivate.
…..
On the high plateau, the frigid gales raged violently, shrouding the land in gloom.
Under a sheltered hillside, a group of a dozen disheveled individuals had set up camp. Among them, one figure stood out—a handsome young man with a well-proportioned build, sitting alone in a corner, a long blade in his arms. He spoke to no one.
His aloofness rubbed some the wrong way.
“Kid’s got an attitude.”
“That’s just how kids are these days. They call it ‘being cool.’”
“Pfft. Too young to know better. Acting tough in a place like this? He’ll die without anyone to bury him.”
“Shh, keep it down. What if he hears?”
“What’s he gonna do—”
Before they could finish, the boy was already standing before them, his hand resting on his sheathed blade.
“Leave now if you want to live. A wolf pack is coming.”
The group froze.
“Wolves don’t come here,” someone scoffed. “I’ve been here over ten times. Never had a problem.”
“Suit yourself.”
Without another word, the boy turned and strode into the darkness, unwavering.
Some hesitated, considering his warning, but with most veterans dismissing it, they stayed put.
After all, the boy was just a rookie. Who would they trust—him or the seasoned explorers?
This was the Western Sea Ruins in Xihai Province, a key site for Beidou’s training and mining operations. Outsiders could only enter at great cost—and only with approval.
The boy who’d left was none other than Ye Qingyi, who’d traveled from Jing City for training. Two months in, her clothes were tattered, her body scarred, but her sharp gaze cut through the dark like a blade.
A mile away, she glanced back at the campsite and muttered, “I warned them. If they die, they’d better not haunt me.”
Truthfully, she wasn’t sure if wolves would attack—but her foresight told her bloodshed was coming tonight. Whether by beast or man, she didn’t know. Either way, she’d rather work alone than waste energy watching her back.
Her eyes flickered gold as she scanned the area.
“Tch. Every direction’s bad… except that one.” Her gaze landed on a distant patch of sky where the moon peeked through.
Fine. That way it is.
As she walked, she remained alert. The plateau at night was treacherous—wolf packs were the least of it. The real threats were the ghost monkeys, native to these ruins.
Resembling apes but covered in long fur, standing over two meters tall, they were vicious, carnivorous, and traveled in groups. Far deadlier than wolves.
Suddenly, the wind carried a new sound—howls, distant but closing in.
Wolves. Just like I thought.
She quickened her pace, moving away from the cries.
Then, the wind died. The moon emerged, illuminating the landscape. The wolves’ agonized shrieks grew clearer, punctuated by gunfire.
Ordinary bullets won’t kill these beasts. Not against a whole pack.
She paused, glancing back, hesitation flickering in her eyes—but only for a second.
This training had taught her one thing: In a world where the strong prey on the weak, survival is a privilege, not a right.
…..
Jingjiang University, Lecture Hall
Wang Ye stood at the podium, surveying the students before him.
“Good morning, everyone. I’m Wang Ye—you all know me. Starting today, I’ll be the head of the Supernatural Studies Department. Any cultivation questions, message me on QQ.”
The audience consisted of all Jing City’s trainee supernatural recruits, divided into two batches:
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Batch One: Those who’d already undergone training, now focused on practical fieldwork and advanced studies.
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Batch Two: New recruits, still building theoretical foundations.
When Beidou lowered the minimum qualification to G-rank, the number of eligible candidates skyrocketed. After screenings, about 1,000 remained in Jing City alone. Statewide? Tens of thousands.
Beidou was in for a logistical nightmare.
After outlining the program, Wang Ye introduced the faculty—including Su Mo and Sun Yuchen, who were last.
When Su Mo took the stage, whispers erupted.
Those who knew him were shocked but not surprised. Those who didn’t? Wild theories flew.
“She’s so pretty! And so young—looks younger than me!”
“No way. Who’s that young and already teaching? Especially supernatural studies?”
“Don’t underestimate her. If she’s here, she’s qualified.”
“Then why’s she wearing a mask? Bad skin?”
“Shut it! That’s Ye Qingyi—our school’s top beauty AND an A-rank genius. Show some respect!”
The school belle?
A student?!
The skeptics’ eyes bulged as they reassessed the ethereal girl on stage.
Unbelievable.
Wait—Ye Qingyi?
Oh. That explains it. One of the nation’s rare A-rank talents.
Then came Sun Yuchen’s turn.
“This teacher looks young too. Not thirty yet, I bet. Let’s say… twenty-eight?”
Sun Yuchen, mid-speech, nearly spit blood.
Oh, so I’m old now, huh?
Kid, you’re on my list.