Just as they were about to reach the dormitory, Eren slowed his pace, a sudden thought flashing across his mind. He stopped abruptly, causing Xiran, who had been following him closely, to blink in confusion.
"Master Eren?" she asked softly, tilting her head.
But Eren didn't answer immediately. He turned on his heel, heading back the way they came. Xiran hesitated for a moment before hurrying after him.
When they reached the principal's office, Eren raised his hand and knocked politely.
"Come in," Principal Ao's genial voice called from inside.
Pushing the door open, Eren stepped in with his usual calm expression, Xiran trailing behind.
"Oh, Eren… and Xiran," the principal said warmly, adjusting his glasses. "Do you have any questions you'd like to ask?"
Eren nodded lightly. "Yes, Director Ao. I want to know, what is the yearly tuition fee for the academy?"
Principal Ao blinked, momentarily taken aback. His smile faltered slightly as he misunderstood the concern.
"Ah… don't worry, children," he said kindly. "Even if you're short on money now, you can cover the yearly fees by working for a few months. If you live frugally, it won't be a problem."
Eren shook his head, his voice calm yet firm.
"No, Director Ao. You misunderstood. I'm not worried about affording it. I want to pay the full amount, six years' worth, for both of us. Can I settle it right now?"
The principal froze, staring at the boy as though he'd misheard.
"Six years…? For both of you? That would be… twelve gold soul coins! Are you certain you—"
Before he could finish, Eren reached into his pocket and, without another word, placed a neat stack of twelve gleaming gold coins on the desk with a soft clink.
"Here," he said lightly. "We've paid in full for six years. From today onward, we won't be working to cover fees. Please make a note of it."
The room fell silent for a heartbeat. Principal Ao's mouth opened, then closed again as he stared at the small fortune lying before him. His eyes flickered between the coins and the calm, almost indifferent boy who had placed them there.
"…Very well," he said at last, his tone carrying a hint of respect. "Eren, Xiran, you've completed all your tuition fees for six years. I'll inform the other teachers and staff. You can focus entirely on your cultivation without worrying about work."
A gentle smile curved his lips as he spoke again, voice filled with subtle appreciation. "You're… not a simple child, Eren. Nuoding Academy is fortunate to have students like you."
But Eren only offered a faint nod, his expression as placid as ever. He had no intention of explaining.
Satisfied, he turned and left the office, Xiran silently following, though her thoughts churned in quiet astonishment.
As they stepped back into the corridor, Eren stretched lazily, his hands slipping into his pockets as if he'd just handled the smallest of errands. His voice carried a casual drawl.
"Let's go. Dormitory Seven."
When they reached the door of Dormitory No. 7, a strange scene greeted them.
A boy with short blue hair and eyes was kneeling on the floor, his head lowered in defeat. In front of him stood a girl dressed in pink, her delicate face bright with pride as she crossed her arms, surveying the room like a queen granting favor to her subjects.
"From now on," her crisp, clear voice rang out, full of confidence, "you will all call me Big Sister Wu!"
Around her, the other working students exchanged glances before quickly nodding and chiming in with flattery, eager to please. The blue-haired boy, Wang Sheng, could only give an awkward laugh from the ground, his pride bruised but his spirit already submitting.
Just then, the room's attention shifted. The door creaked open, and two figures stepped inside, Eren, calm and unreadable, and beside him, Xiran, her quiet beauty immediately drawing more than a few curious gazes.
The girl in pink, Xiao Wu, tilted her head, her bright eyes locking onto them. A smile curved her lips, playful yet sharp.
"Oh? Two more? Are you also students here?"
Before Eren could respond, Wang Sheng scrambled up, eager to enforce the new order.
"Yes, Big Sister Wu!" He turned toward the newcomers, puffing his chest with false authority. "Listen up! Dormitory Seven follows a simple rule, the strongest becomes the boss! Big Sister Wu just defeated the strongest, so now she's the leader here. If you want to stay, you either submit to her… or defeat her in a fight!"
The room stirred with anticipation, whispers flickering like sparks as eyes darted between Eren and Xiao Wu.
Eren's gaze lingered on Xiao Wu for a moment, his expression as calm as a still lake. Then, without a word, his eyes shifted briefly to Xiran.
Xiran understood instantly. Her lips curved in the faintest of smiles as she stepped forward, her voice soft yet firm, carrying a quiet authority that silenced the room.
"If you want to challenge Master Eren," she said evenly, "you will have to defeat me first."
A ripple of shock passed through the dormitory.
Master? The word struck like a gong, setting off a wave of murmurs.
Xiao Wu's brows arched in interest, her playful smile widening as her bright eyes glittered like stars.
"Oh? So you're his servant?" She tilted her head, her tone teasing yet edged with competitiveness. "Interesting… But you kn
ow the rules. If you lose, both of you will call me Big Sister Wu."