However, Zhou Yang had no intention of leveraging the influence of the four major cultivation sects to elevate his status. He wanted to rely on his own strength to raise his standing. If he truly became a fifth-grade *Qi Zun*, he wouldn't need to join any cultivation sect to bring honor to his family and obtain everything he desired.
He planned to discuss this matter with the remnant soul of the senior master residing within his body to seek his opinion.
After some thought, Zhou Yang said, "I'll think about it. I'll give you my answer tomorrow."
Xie Shiya nodded. "Alright. I'll wait for your reply."
She had no idea that Zhou Yang had the guidance of a powerful master. Even without joining the four major cultivation sects, he could still become a *Qi Zun*.
For others, entering one of the four major sects would be a dream come true, but Zhou Yang wasn't particularly eager. For an eighteen-year-old, such calmness and maturity were unusual.
Because of this, she felt that Zhou Yang was far from ordinary—he didn't seem like a high school student at all. This only deepened her curiosity about him.
After finishing their discussion, the two began chatting casually, laughing and joking along the way. Their conversation was so natural that they seemed to forget their respective roles. Zhou Yang didn't act like a student, and Xie Shiya certainly didn't behave like a teacher. At times, they even touched on more sensitive or risqué topics.
Before they knew it, they had arrived at Chunjiang No. 1 High School.
When the limited-edition Range Rover, worth over two million yuan, drove onto campus, it immediately drew the attention of many students and teachers.
Everyone could see that Xie Shiya was the one driving, while Zhou Yang sat in the passenger seat.
Instantly, the crowd erupted in heated discussions.
*"Damn, Brother Yang is actually in Teacher Xie's car! What's going on? Did they spend the night together?"*
*"I'm so jealous of Brother Yang, getting a ride to school from Teacher Xie. Looks like their relationship isn't ordinary. What about the school belle Lin Qinglu? Won't she get jealous?"*
*"If School Belle Lin really competes with Teacher Xie, she's definitely no match. Heh, I kind of hope Brother Yang becomes Teacher Xie's boyfriend."*
Lin Qinglu happened to be walking across campus at that moment. Not only did she overhear the students' gossip, but she also saw the Range Rover. As the car passed by her, she caught a glimpse of Zhou Yang in the passenger seat, smiling brightly.
Her heart instantly sank. She wasn't usually a petty person, but seeing her boyfriend so close to the beautiful teacher Xie Shiya made her mind race with wild thoughts.
She followed the car with her eyes until it stopped in front of the teaching building.
Xie Shiya and Zhou Yang got out and were about to enter when they spotted Lin Qinglu.
Lin Qinglu's expression darkened. She glanced at Zhou Yang but said nothing before turning and walking into the building.
Xie Shiya watched her leave and said, "Your girlfriend is angry."
Zhou Yang sighed. "Teacher Xie, you have to vouch for me. Nothing happened between us—we're completely innocent."
With that, he hurried into the building to catch up with Lin Qinglu.
Zhou Yang moved quickly, catching up to her in seconds. He said earnestly, "Qinglu, nothing happened between me and Teacher Xie. She just gave me a ride to school."
Hearing his explanation, Lin Qinglu felt slightly better. She forced a smile and said, "I never said anything happened. But a lot of students are talking about you and Teacher Xie. It almost feels like *she's* your girlfriend now."
Zhou Yang replied, "Don't overthink it. *You're* my girlfriend."
Those words warmed Lin Qinglu's heart, and a genuine smile appeared on her face. For some reason, ever since her rebirth, she had grown increasingly fond of Zhou Yang and had even developed a sense of dependence on him.
After returning home last night, she had lain in bed with her mind filled with thoughts of him. She had even wished he were lying beside her.
When she finally fell asleep, she dreamed of him. Upon waking up, she had been desperate to see him again—it felt like three years had passed in just one night.
Her eyes brimming with affection, she gazed at Zhou Yang and said softly, "Alright, I won't overthink things anymore. But you can't get too close to Teacher Xie, or I'll feel sad."
Zhou Yang didn't think he and Xie Shiya were particularly close—at the very least, there had been no physical contact between them. He smiled and said, "Okay, I'll keep my distance from Teacher Xie. By the way, after you went home last night, did your dad tell you to cut ties with me?"
Lin Qinglu nodded. "Yes, he was furious. He forbade me from being with you. But don't worry—this time, I won't listen to him. No matter how much he objects, I'm staying with you. As for his demand for you to come up with 100 million, don't take it seriously."
She had always been an obedient and sensible daughter. This was the first time she had ever defied her father—and the first time she had ever argued with him over a boy.
She knew full well that there was no way Zhou Yang could produce 100 million.
Hearing this, Zhou Yang felt a pang of sympathy for her. He said seriously, "Don't worry. I've already prepared 100 million. Tonight, I'll bring it to your house and meet your dad."
Lin Qinglu was stunned. *100 million yuan?*
Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Where did you get 100 million?"
Zhou Yang grinned. "I borrowed it. I really want to see how your dad reacts when he sees that money."
Lin Qinglu immediately brightened. She, too, was eager to witness her father's reaction.
...
**Office of Xie Shiya, Homeroom Teacher of Class 5, Senior Year**
Shi Yongfu, the principal of Chunjiang No. 1 High School, sat across from Xie Shiya's desk and said politely, "Teacher Xie, the incident where your student Zhou Yang injured Li Qiang has had a very negative impact. Now, Li Qiang's family is demanding that the school take strict disciplinary action against Zhou Yang. After discussing it with the other school administrators, we've decided to expel him."
As the principal, coming to Xie Shiya's office in person to discuss this matter was a last resort. After all, Xie Shiya was the daughter of Xie Qian, the head of the Xie family—one of the four major families in Chunjiang City. Though her position was lower than his, her status and influence far surpassed his.
Moreover, after Li Qiang was injured yesterday, his father, Li Jinglei, had personally met with Shi Yongfu and pressured him heavily to expel Zhou Yang.
If Zhou Yang had been an ordinary student, Shi Yongfu would have expelled him without hesitation—he was too afraid of the Li family to defy Li Jinglei's wishes.
But Zhou Yang was Xie Shiya's student, and Xie Shiya was someone he couldn't afford to offend either.
Shi Yongfu was caught between a rock and a hard place, feeling like the most miserable principal in the world.