19 Chapter 19.

"Principal, those four, I don't think any of us are capable of teaching them..." Lu Shen mumbled, wearing a wry smile.

If Du Ze and Lu Piao's test results weren't shocking enough, the two heiresses displayed results that they never thought possible: 1 Star Black Gold realm.

What does the Black Gold realm represent in Glory City? It signifies the pinnacle, as the Legend rank remains a distant dream for most. A 13-year-old Black Gold rank expert was unheard of, enough to bewilder anyone.

"Who said we plan to teach them anyway?" the principal spoke calmly. "I'm sure Heir Ye has plans for them."

"He intends to groom them as his closest subordinates," the vice-principal added. "It's no surprise they possess such high cultivation ranks. However, regarding his two younger sisters, I'm uncertain of his intentions."

"It's not difficult to guess," the principal said, a hint of amusement playing on his lips. "They both hold a very special place in his heart."

The surrounding teachers nodded, recognizing Ye Han's fondness for the two heiresses.

"Are you planning to attend the duel at the Martial Field?" the vice-principal asked curiously. "Those four are set to face Heir Ye."

Hearing this, the principal shook his head. "I would love to witness the duel, but we have pressing matters to attend to."

The Martial Field held a significant role at the Holy Orchid Institute, primarily serving for student battles during tournaments.

After completing their examination, the group made their way to the Martial Field, situated on the opposite side of the Holy Orchid Institute.

"Teacher Ye, may I be excused?" Zhu Xiangjun suddenly spoke with a nervous tone upon reaching the entrance gates.

"Can't wait to reunite with your family?" Ye Han halted a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Yes..." Zhu Xiangjun nodded, feeling embarrassed. "I wish to inform my parents about my examination results first."

Ye Han nodded and glanced at the other students, noticing similar expressions.

"Are the rest of you also eager to return?" Ye Han inquired curiously. "Given the time, I understand if you wish to depart now."

"I want to see my parents, Teacher Ye," Wang Li expressed.

"Me too," Chen Feng agreed.

When the other students echoed their desire to leave early, Ye Han permitted them.

"But before you go, accept this." Ye Han distributed a storage ring to each of them. "It's a small token from me. Use it wisely."

The rings contained demon spirit coins, alchemy pills, weapons, and armour.

"Thank you, Teacher Ye," Xia Li promptly bowed, followed by the others.

"Thank you, Teacher Ye!"

Witnessing their gratitude, Ye Han chuckled. "Now, off you go unless you wish to be late."

The students expressed their gratitude once more before departing.

"None of you are leaving early?" Ye Han turned to the six students beside him.

"Not before I demonstrate my weapon mastery, Teacher Ye," Du Ze said eagerly.

"Same," Lu Piao chimed in. "I also wish to showcase my weapon mastery."

Xiao Xue remained silent, but her contentment was evident, accompanying her beloved. As for the two heiresses...

"You're giving me the impression you're in no rush to meet your parents," Ye Han remarked wryly, noting the joy in the heiresses' eyes.

"I missed you the most, Teacher Ye, so I'm delighted to accompany you," Ning'er replied with a smile. "As for meeting my father, I'll do so later."

"I'm certain my elder brother understands my sentiments," Ziyun said with a playful grin, earning a chuckle from Ye Han.

The six of them soon reached the Martial Field, where Ye Han distanced himself from them.

"Take out your weapons," Ye Han calmly instructed as he retrieved a sword from the storage ring.

For a friendly match, there was no way he was going to use his sword.

"All the best…" Xiao Xue cheered them on before stepping away from the group, not wanting to interfere with their upcoming duel.

Ziyun unsheathed her sword, Ning'er brandished her twin daggers, and Lu Piao grasped his spear, while Du Ze retrieved his bow from the storage ring.

"A spear and a bow… Quite a good weapon selection," Ye Han remarked with a smile.

"Do not rely on your powers unless they enhance your weapon skills," Ye Han announced loudly. "Let the duel begin."

As the signal was given, the tension in the air heightened. Ziyun advanced with measured steps, her sword gleaming in the sunlight as she focused on Ye Han.

With a swift motion, she lunged forward, her strikes swift and precise. But Ye Han was like a ghost, effortlessly dodging her attacks and deflecting them with ease.

Ning'er moved with grace and agility, her twin daggers a blur as she darted around the arena. She struck with precision, aiming for Ye Han's weaknesses, but he anticipated her every move.

With a flick of his wrist, he countered her attacks, his movements fluid and precise.

Lu Piao wielded his spear with confidence, his strikes powerful and calculated. He thrust and parried, trying to find an opening in Ye Han's defences, but the master martial artist remained elusive.

With each attack, Lu Piao grew more frustrated, but he refused to give up.

Meanwhile, Du Ze remained at a distance, his bow at the ready as he carefully aimed his shots. He released his arrows with precision, each one flying towards Ye Han with deadly accuracy.

But Ye Han was a master of evasion, dodging the arrows with ease and deflecting them with his sword.

As the duel raged on, the six of them moved with skill and determination, each one pushing themselves to their limits.

But no matter how hard they fought, Ye Han remained untouchable, his movements graceful and effortless.

Finally, with a flourish, Ye Han stepped back and lowered his sword, signalling the end of the duel.

The four of them stood before him, panting and exhausted, but a sense of accomplishment shone in their eyes.

"You all did great...." Ye Han calmly spoke, putting the sword back in the storage ring. "But there is still a lot for all of you to learn."

Addressing Ziyun first, he spoke with a gentle yet firm tone. "Ziyun, your swordplay is commendable, but I noticed a tendency to become too focused on offence. Remember to balance your attacks with defensive manoeuvres, and don't underestimate the power of patience in a duel."

Turning to Ning'er, Ye Han's gaze softened with understanding. "Ning'er, your agility is your greatest asset, but you sometimes hesitate before striking. Trust in your instincts and commit fully to each attack. Confidence in your abilities will make you even more formidable."

Next, he offered advice to Lu Piao, his voice steady and encouraging. "Lu Piao, your strength with the spear is impressive, but you mustn't let frustration cloud your judgement. Focus on maintaining control in the heat of battle, and always be prepared to adapt your strategy if needed."

Lastly, he turned to Du Ze, his expression thoughtful. "Du Ze, your precision with the bow is unmatched, but remember that a true marksman must also be aware of their surroundings. Stay vigilant and be ready to adjust your aim at a moment's notice."

As Xue approached the group, Ye Han glanced at everyone and addressed them.

"The four of you didn't manage to complete the task I assigned," he said, disappointment evident in his tone.

Their guilt was palpable as if they had let him down, betraying his expectations.

"But I don't blame you," Ye Han's expression softened into a smile. "The task was exceptionally difficult, especially without guidance."

Not everyone possesses the ability to detect flaws like him.

"We won't let you down next time, Teacher Ye," Du Ze declared, determination shining in his eyes. "I'll increase my training efforts twofold or even threefold to achieve the results you expect."

"No need to push yourself, Du Ze. I wouldn't want you to risk injury in pursuit of perfection," Ye Han reassured him. "We have plenty of time to improve, so let's make the most of it, shall we?"

"We won't disappoint you next time, Teacher Ye," Ning'er chimed in, her expression serious.

"Count me in too," Ziyun added hastily, eliciting laughter from the group.

As the atmosphere lightened, Ye Han turned to Lu Piao.

"Are you leaving now?" he inquired.

"Yes," Lu Piao nodded, casting a glance at Xue. "Since we live nearby, we'll be travelling together."

"Just remember not to take advantage of her," Ning'er cautioned him sternly. "Being alone with her doesn't give you the right to overstep boundaries."

"Who, me?" Lu Piao feigned innocence, pointing to himself. "I never take advantage of anyone, and Xue isn't the type to let me get away with it."

He vividly recalled his past behaviour, but Xue had helped him overcome it by allowing him occasional glimpses of her body, citing their eventual marriage as justification.

"Just be on your guard, Xue," Ziyun warned, narrowing his gaze. "If he tries anything inappropriate, don't hesitate to let us know. We'll make sure he faces consequences."

"Count me in too," Du Ze added. "I won't tolerate mistreatment of women."

"Even you?" Lu Piao looked betrayed. "You're not my true friend. Only Teacher Ye believes in my innocence, right, Teacher Ye?"

"I have faith in you," Ye Han chuckled.

"Your expression doesn't quite match your words, Teacher Ye," Lu Piao observed, prompting laughter from the group.

"Anyway, we'll take our leave now," Lu Piao said, shaking his head. "Thanks again for your guidance, Teacher Ye."

"How many times do you have to thank me?" Ye Han grinned. "I'll visit you soon, and then we can head to Xue's house, alright?"

"Sounds good," Lu Piao nodded, bidding farewell and departing with Xue to collect his belongings.

"Can you believe they all think you're innocent and shy?" Lu Piao chuckled as they walked.

"Am I not?" Xue arched an eyebrow. "Do I need to remind you who wears the pants in this relationship?"

"That's exactly why they're fools to believe you're shy," Lu Piao laughed. "Anyway, since we'll be alone for a while, do you think we could…"

He trailed off, but Xue understood his implication.

"Just once," she blushed.

"You're the best, Xue. I love you," Lu Piao hugged her, earning a playful pinch.

As the lovebirds departed, Du Ze also bid farewell, eager to reunite with his family, especially his elder sisters.

"I'll take my leave too, Teacher Ye," Du Ze expressed his gratitude before departing.

With both of his students gone, Ye Han turned his attention to Ning'er.

"Are you heading back now?" he asked curiously. "Need a ride, or are you taking a carriage?"

Ning'er considered for a moment before replying, "I'll take a carriage. I need to pick up some gifts for my cousins."

"Leaving so soon? What about that thing we planned to show my elder brother?" Ziyun interjected, puzzled.

"Maybe another time," Ning'er suggested. "Right now, I just want to go home and rest properly."

She longed for the comfort of her bed and her favourite dishes. Only she knew how much she missed those comforts when they were away from Glory City.

"What were you planning to show me?" Ye Han inquired, intrigued.

"We'll reveal it to you tomorrow," Ning'er replied, a mysterious smile playing on her lips.

"I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised, elder brother," Ziyun added, smiling mischievously.

"So, my little sister is keeping secrets from her elder brother now... I suppose she's finally grown up and doesn't need me anymore," Ye Han muttered, pretending to wipe away tears.

Ye Ziyun panicked at his words and hurriedly reassured him, "That's not true, elder brother. I'll always be your little sister..."

Ning'er also moved to comfort him, but their concern turned to annoyance when he burst into laughter.

"You're such a tease, elder brother," Ziyun chided him, pouting.

"Haha..." Ye Han continued laughing, ignoring their protests.

As Ning'er prepared to leave, Ye Han's laughter subsided, replaced by a warm smile. "Take care on your way home, Ning'er."

"Thank you, Teacher Ye," Ning'er replied with a nod, a soft smile gracing her lips.

"Goodbye, Ning'er," Ye Ziyun waved, a hint of fondness in her eyes.

As Ning'er walked away, Ziyun turned to her elder brother. "Let's go, elder brother. I'm feeling very hungry right now."

"You're missing food more than father?" Ye Han asked, amusement dancing in his eyes.

"I miss father too, but food is definitely number one," Ziyun replied, a playful twinkle in her eyes.

"I can only imagine father's expression if he heard that…" Ye Han chuckled, taking her hand before they soared into the air.