While Lin Yun and Xiao Xiao were whispering to each other, many students in Class 1 couldn't help but steal glances at Xiao Xiao.
Aside from those who had been familiar with her before, most found her drastically changed appearance almost unrecognizable.
Sometimes, even just a different hairstyle could make someone hard to identify—let alone Xiao Xiao's current look, which was akin to "dyeing her hair, wearing colored contacts, and putting on flawless makeup" all at once.
Murmurs spread through the classroom.
"Since when did our class have such a stunning beauty?"
The way her youthful innocence intertwined with an aura of noble grace made many young hearts flutter.
If not for the fact that Xiao Xiao was clearly close to Lin Yun—the infamous "Freshmen Tyrant"—someone would've already mustered the courage to approach her.
Just then, Ning Tian and Wu Feng arrived late, walking into the classroom and heading toward their usual seats in the corner. Since the class assignments had been finalized, the two spots in front of Lin Yun had become reserved for Ning Tian and Wu Feng. No one dared to contest them.
Ning Tian smiled as she looked toward that familiar figure.
His golden hair, his chiseled, handsome features, his gentle yet distant demeanor—he had haunted her dreams throughout the entire break.
The first thing she did upon returning to the Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda Sect was tell her mother, the current sect leader, about Lin Yun.
Though she had mentioned him in letters before, nothing compared to describing him in person. When Ning Zhirou, the sect leader, heard about such an outstanding talent among Ning Tian's peers, she was overjoyed.
But when Ning Tian added that Lin Yun belonged to a reclusive sect, her mother hesitated.
For any other disciple of the Nine Treasure Glazed Sect, Ning Zhirou would've immediately agreed to a marriage alliance. Securing ties with a powerful hidden sect was absolutely worth it.
But Ning Tian was different.
She was the young mistress, the future leader of the Nine Treasure Glazed Sect. How could she be married off as a political bargaining chip?
And asking Lin Yun to marry into their family? Impossible.
He possessed the Golden Dragon Martial Soul, wielded Ultimate Strength, and even kept a Millennium Ice Jade Scorpion with Ultimate Ice as a pet. There was no way his sect hadn't invested heavily in him.
Demanding he become a live-in son-in-law was as unrealistic as Ning Tian expecting Bei Bei to do the same. The only difference was that one was the heir of a hidden sect, while the other was the descendant of Mu En, the current master of the Sea God's Pavilion—a future pillar of Shrek Academy.
So Ning Zhirou could only advise her daughter to give up on the idea.
"Maintain a good relationship with Lin Yun. Offer help when necessary—especially financially. Our sect has no shortage of money."
Even without marriage, securing Lin Yun's friendship would ensure the Nine Treasure Glazed Sect his unwavering support in the future.
Unless, of course, his sect turned out to be some greedy, ungrateful evil soul master faction—but that was impossible.
Ning Tian was frustrated. She had already prepared to fight Xiao Xiao for Lin Yun's affection, only for her mother to tell her to back off.
"How could I sleep well after that?"
With mixed emotions, Ning Tian entered the classroom—only to see Lin Yun and a completely transformed Xiao Xiao beside him.
"You're… Xiao Xiao?" she asked after a moment of hesitation.
Despite their "frenemy" rivalry over the past year, Ning Tian could still recognize traces of the old Xiao Xiao in her now stunningly beautiful face.
But the change was so drastic that even Ning Tian was shocked.
Wu Feng, standing beside her, was no better. Seeing Xiao Xiao's looks now eclipsing Ning Tian's, her expression twisted slightly.
"Yep~ Don't recognize me?" Xiao Xiao blinked playfully, even throwing a wink at Ning Tian.
Before today, Xiao Xiao had always felt a little inferior around Ning Tian. In terms of looks, she had been slightly less striking, and in terms of temperament, she couldn't compare to the wealth-raised young mistress of the Nine Treasure Glazed Sect.
She never understood why Lin Yun had favored her over Ning Tian when the latter was prettier and nobler.
Perhaps it was precisely because he had chosen her without hesitation that she had fallen for him so easily.
But now, after her metamorphosis, Xiao Xiao could finally cast aside that tiny insecurity and stand proudly beside Lin Yun.
This was the victory of a loli!
Ning Tian, on the other hand, was at a loss for words.
"How did you… become like this? I almost didn't recognize you." She finally managed to ask, though she quickly added, "If it's a secret, you don't have to answer. I'm not trying to pry."
Instead of replying, Xiao Xiao glanced at Lin Yun.
The immortal herb had been his gift. Her new martial soul and appearance were his doing. Xiao Xiao wasn't childish enough to blurt out everything just to show off.
Following her gaze, Ning Tian also turned to Lin Yun, awaiting his response.
She was burning with curiosity!
What could possibly cause such a dramatic transformation?
Moreover, Ning Tian had a hunch—whatever happened to Xiao Xiao might be connected to the ultimate evolution her sect had pursued for ten thousand years!
Under their expectant stares, Lin Yun smiled faintly.
"It's nothing special. Just a rare treasure cultivated by my sect. As my woman, Xiao Xiao naturally had the right to consume it."
Was the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well Tang San's?
Bullshit!
As the resting place of the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings, that land rightfully belonged to the dragon race!
"Seizing my dragon clan's treasure—Tang San, you've brought death upon yourself!"
So was there any problem calling the immortal herbs there "treasures cultivated by the Beast Taming Sect"?
None at all!
"A rare treasure?!" Ning Tian's heart skipped a beat. Her premonition grew stronger.
"Was it… an immortal-grade herb?" she asked, her voice tinged with desperate hope.
Under her intense gaze, Lin Yun nodded calmly.
It really was an immortal herb?!
Ning Tian's excitement exploded. Her scorching gaze could've melted Lin Yun on the spot.
The Nine Treasure Realm. The Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda!
Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined that the immortal herb her sect had sought for millennia would now be within arm's reach!
(End of Chapter)
────────────────────────────────────
"If you're interested, please support me in my other novel [One Piece: General Blue]."
"If you're interested, please support me in my other novel [Naruto: Starting with Tsunade-san]."
"If you're interested, please support me in my other novel [Battle Through the Heavens: Heavenly comprehension]."
"If you want early access to nearly 35+ chapters, join my patreon:- patreon.com/BaDwYGaMeR"