The morning sun cast a warm glow over the Azure Dragon Academy, its fresh, green courtyard bustling with activity as students practiced their techniques. Amidst the lively atmosphere, Jiang Yun stood at the main gate, arms crossed and a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Are you sure it was a good idea to agree so easily?" Zhu Zhuqing asked, standing beside him.
Jiang Yun nodded. "Ning Fengzhi's offer was just a test, but it could be beneficial. Having a good relationship with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan is better than making them our enemy. Besides…"
He glanced at the path leading to the academy. "We can always maintain our own independence."
"Then why does it feel like you're expecting trouble?" Dugu Yan teased, leaning against a nearby pillar.
"Because I am," Jiang Yun replied calmly. "Ning Rongrong will join us today. She is not an ordinary girl—she is the spoiled princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
Dugu Yan's eyes widened. "You mean she's one of those arrogant noble girls?"
"Exactly. Her talent is undeniable, but her pride can be a problem. I've heard that she has a bit of a 'princess syndrome'—used to being pampered and having her way."
Hua Yue crossed her arms, her crimson hair swaying in the breeze. "So, what's the plan?"
"Simple," Jiang Yun smiled. "We will treat her as part of the team. But we won't pamper her. She will have to earn her place."
Feng Ming chuckled. "Oh, this is going to be fun."
Bai Ling, always the peacemaker, looked worried. "But we should be careful not to be too harsh on her. We don't want to turn her against us."
Jiang Yun nodded. "Of course. I just want her to understand that being part of our team means putting in effort and respecting each other."
Just then, the main gate opened, and a small, elegant carriage pulled by two fine horses stopped before them. The carriage door swung open, and a young girl with delicate features and a confident smile stepped out—Ning Rongrong.
She wore a pristine white and pink dress adorned with subtle silver embroidery, her bright eyes scanning the academy with curiosity and slight arrogance.
"So this is Azure Dragon Academy?" she murmured, a hint of disappointment in her tone. "It's… simpler than I expected."
Jiang Yun stepped forward, his calm demeanor unchanged. "Welcome to Azure Dragon Academy, Ning Rongrong."
Ning Rongrong's gaze shifted to him, a flicker of recognition in her eyes. "Oh, it's you. Jiang Yun, right?"
"That's right. I will be your team leader here. But I should make one thing clear."
Her eyebrows rose. "Oh?"
"You may be the young lady of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, but here, you are just another student. You will train, fight, and grow alongside the team. If you can't keep up, no one will wait for you."
Ning Rongrong's confident smile faltered for a moment before she regained her composure. "Hmph. We'll see who can't keep up."
Dugu Yan stepped forward, smirking. "I like her spirit. But I hope that attitude doesn't become a problem."
Feng Ming grinned. "I give it a week before she learns the truth."
Jiang Yun turned to the rest of the team. "Everyone, this is Ning Rongrong, our new auxiliary member. Treat her as part of the team, but don't go easy on her. She has to understand what it means to be one of us."
As they led Ning Rongrong inside, Jiang Yun found a moment to speak with Dugu Bo, who was overseeing the training grounds with his usual stern expression.
"Old Poison, we have a new addition—Ning Rongrong from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow. "That little princess? I heard she's as spoiled as they come."
"That's why I warned the team. But I wanted your advice. Ning Fengzhi offered to maintain a friendly relationship with us. Should we accept?"
Dugu Bo stroked his beard thoughtfully. "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan is strong, but they are also cautious. Ning Fengzhi is a wise man. He won't make an enemy unless forced. Keeping them close as allies is smart… but never let them hold too much sway over us."
"Exactly what I thought," Jiang Yun replied, relieved that Dugu Bo shared his view.
Dugu Bo chuckled. "You have a good head on your shoulders, brat. Just remember—friends are good, but power is better. Make yourself strong enough that they can't threaten you, even if they want to."
"I understand."
Back with the team, Ning Rongrong was being introduced to the others. Zhu Zhuqing stood with a calm expression, Dugu Yan smiled playfully, and the rest exchanged polite greetings.
"So, what's your spirit rank?" Hua Yue asked, arms crossed.
Ning Rongrong puffed out her chest. "Level 26! Isn't that amazing?"
Feng Ming raised an eyebrow. "Not bad, but you're behind the rest of us."
Ning Rongrong's smile froze. When she remembered about their level beforehand she was already dumbfounded. But being told this still left a bitter taste in her.
Jiang Yun leaned against a tree. "I told you—here, everyone earns their place. Our weakest member is already above level 30."
Ning Rongrong's face turned slightly red with embarrassment. "T-That's… I… I will catch up!"
Bai Ling smiled gently. "Don't worry, Rongrong. You are only 12 but already close to Soul Elder. We will help you grow. But you must put in the effort."
"I will!" Ning Rongrong declared, though her fists clenched slightly.
As the day continued, they showed her around the academy, explaining the training schedule and rules. Ning Rongrong tried to maintain her confident attitude, but the pressure of the team's strength quickly became apparent.
Later, as they gathered for their evening training session, Jiang Yun stood before them.
"Now that everyone is here, I want to make something clear. We train as a team, we fight as a team, and we grow as a team. If one of us is lacking, we help them improve. But we do not tolerate laziness or arrogance."
His gaze met Ning Rongrong's, who swallowed nervously but nodded.
"We are Azure Dragon Academy. We will become a force that no one can ignore."
The team nodded with determination, and even Ning Rongrong felt a surge of excitement. I will show them… I will prove myself!
But as she glanced at the calm, unshakable figure of Jiang Yun, a sense of both admiration and frustration filled her heart. Why is he so… different?