Cultivation Simulator: Shocking the Academy

"You're here!"

Siger Meiruo's voice revealed a hint of delight. She nodded in thanks to the man, watched him leave, and then led Su Chen and Ghost Howl into the room.

"Let me introduce you—this is my second uncle's daughter. Her name is Xige Zhuxue, and she just returned from the Imperial Capital Muni City yesterday."

Siger Meiruo pointed at the beautiful and alluring Xige Zhuxue, clad in a green gauzy dress.

Ghost Howl nodded indifferently. Su Chen, however, politely said, "Hello, my name is Su Chen."

Xige Zhuxue covered her mouth with a smile, a spark of interest flashing in her beautiful eyes. This young man was indeed handsome, more outstanding than many of the boys in the family.

"Hello, I am Xige Zhuxue, your companion on this journey."

"Hmm?"

Su Chen was momentarily stunned, "You just returned from the Imperial Capital. How were you selected?"

"That's because of her capabilities. She's surely one of the top talents in the family, so she was chosen without needing to compete."

Siger Meiruo suddenly interrupted, seeing Su Chen's surprised expression, her heart swelled with pride.

Usually, you surprise me; this time, it's your turn to be amazed.

"No election needed, you must be very impressive then."

Su Chen gave a small compliment to Xige Zhuxue, which brought forth an incredibly charming smile on her stunning face.

"Hehe, you really know how to speak, I like boys as sincere as you."

She spoke words that made Su Chen blush and his heart race.

"Alright, enough flattery between you two, it's way too cheesy."

Siger Meiruo laughed, interrupting, "We don't have much time. We need to set off tomorrow; otherwise, we won't reach the Forest of Death in three days."

"Three days? Is anyone else still missing?" Su Chen asked.

"Yes, we're still missing two guys. Both are newly selected talents from the family. It's said they went somewhere unknown a few days ago, but grandfather said they should make it back by tomorrow morning."

"Including us three, that makes five people?"

Su Chen looked at Siger Meiruo. Actually, he wanted to ask, how did you get the qualification to enter the Forest of Death?

"Yes, five people. We need to start preparing soon. After all, entering the Forest of Death is very dangerous. Protective and emergency measures must be properly arranged."

Ghost Howl looked at them, paused for a moment, then said indifferently, "Then you go and prepare. I'll head back to the inn first."

Siger Meiruo glanced at him and nodded, but Su Chen felt a strange sensation in his heart, unsure if it was reluctance.

"Will you wait for me at the inn then? I don't know how long I'll be gone."

He asked worriedly.

"Barring any accidents, this special training will last a month. One month isn't too long."

Siger Meiruo tried to smile as she spoke, but she knew at heart that this special training was also perilous, and a small mistake could mean not coming back.

"I'll wait for you in Nadas City until you return, don't worry."

Ghost Howl gave Su Chen a promise, then left the room with an indifferent expression. Watching his departing back, Su Chen lowered his head silently.

"Haha, missing him already?"

Siger Meiruo teased.

Su Chen shook his head.

Seeing Ghost Howl leave, Xige Zhuxue breathed a deep sigh, lazily saying, "Was that newly arrived Guardian from the family? He truly seems cold. Sister Meiruo, is he as formidable as you say? Killing two Beast King strong persons in half an hour?"

"When have I ever lied to you?"

Siger Meiruo rolled her eyes at her, then smiled at Su Chen, "After lunch we'll need to go buy some equipment and elixirs for emergencies on the road."

"Okay."

Su Chen nodded again, but the eagerness in his words seemed to have diminished.

"The two of you stay here and get to know each other; I'll return to the family briefly and be back soon."

Siger Meiruo instructed and quickly left the room, leaving Su Chen and Xige Zhuxue standing there, the atmosphere suddenly becoming very strange.

After a long while, Su Chen finally opened his mouth to ask, "Are we really only going to the Forest of Death for special training?"

Xige Zhuxue gave him a deep look, gracefully walked over to sit on the bed, and naturally said while pressing her palm against the bed, "Yes, why, did you think we were going for something else?"

"Nothing, just casually asking."

Su Chen replied with a chuckle.

Siger Meiruo seemed somewhat uneasy. Her gaze frequently swept across Su Chen, but she was disappointed to find his mind seemed elsewhere, his eyes wandering.

"Oh~ so what should we do now, Sister Meiruo?"

Xige Zhuxue asked with a smile. She intentionally walked beside Su Chen, her hands playfully placed behind her back, leaning slightly forward to let her face get close to Su Chen.

"Now... let's go eat. I'm hungry."

Siger Meiruo forced a smile and then looked at Su Chen, "Brother Su Chen, you surely haven't tried Jin Shili's renowned dishes, have you? We'll take you now."

Su Chen responded with an "oh" and stayed silent.

The three soon arrived at Jin Shili Inn's restaurant. Though Su Chen wasn't very hungry at the moment, he couldn't help but be amazed upon seeing such a spectacular grand banquet hall.

The entire restaurant was composed of gold tones. The ceiling, floor, walls, and even the tables, chairs, and waitstaff's clothes were all resplendent gold. The vast dining room could accommodate hundreds of people. It was like a palace banquet hall, with such luxurious decor and style, it stunned every guest.

Siger Meiruo chose a window seat. After ordering some signature dishes from Jin Shili, the awkward silence between the three resumed.