While Class D trained in secret under Han Li's unconventional guidance, the noble families outside the academy stirred like a sleeping dragon awoken. Word had reached the ears of the mighty houses: their once-disgraced heirs were now under the tutelage of a mysterious instructor—and growing powerful.
In a lavish estate lined with golden lanterns and guarded by spirit beasts, Lord Yan of the Fallen Phoenix Clan slammed a scroll against the table. "That man… Han Li. Who gave him permission to teach our bloodline's remnants?"
His advisor, cloaked in black, bowed low. "My lord, they were rejected by the academy's main divisions. The instructor took them in when no one else would."
"Hmph. And now he makes them shine?" Lord Yan's eyes gleamed with malice. "Unacceptable. No one revives the ashes of failure unless they seek to shame the flames."
He waved his hand. A servant rushed in.
"Send our hidden envoy into the academy. I want a full report on this Han Li. If he teaches heretical methods… we'll have reason to act."
Elsewhere, in a palace built on clouds, Lady Shui of the Azure Mist Clan sat beside her daughter, Shui Lian. Her gaze was fixed on a floating jade mirror replaying Lei Jin's breakthrough.
"That boy is no longer ordinary," Lady Shui murmured. "Han Li has changed him."
"Should I be worried?" Shui Lian asked, fingers coiled tightly.
"No," her mother replied. "You should be prepared."
Across the realm, similar conversations echoed through powerful households. Some whispered of war. Others whispered of… opportunity.
But none could see the full picture.
Only Han Li smiled, back in his classroom, aware of every move they made.
"They'll come crawling soon," he muttered. "Good. I'll teach their children too."