Qian Jin shrugged. He had read a lot in the Qian family, but they were all life notes from powerful figures, detailing how mighty someone was, what their famous fighting skills were, and how their battles unfolded. There was never any mention of a ball; how could he possibly know anything about a ball?

“You don’t even know what a ball is, yet you’re a cadet at the Conquest Academy?” Qian Jin sighed softly as he heard a voice laced with a strangely emphasized, arrogant, and hostile tone. That voice was both detestable and terribly familiar.

Aibijia was wearing a light yellow magic robe today, still trailed by the four mage cadet retainers from yesterday. The fear from the previous day was long gone from her face.

Qian Jin took a deep breath, sizing up the provocative Aibijia. Did the daughter of the Vice-Chairman of the Crystal Magic Tower truly not know how to fear death?

“You country bumpkin from Auckland, let me tell you the real purpose of the ball,” Aibijia declared, wielding her magic staff with the air of someone dictating world affairs. “A ball is just a normal social event at a high-level war academy. After all, we senior cadets are destined to become great figures.”

Great figures? Qian Jin curled his lip. If great figures were like her, the Zhence Dynasty would have been wiped out by the Demon Race countless times. Although he was in the opposing camp to Lucifer Flowing Water, he had to admit, that demoness was quick-witted, sharp, and immensely powerful. Compared to her, Lucifer Flowing Water was a soul weapon; Aibijia was, at best, slag scraped from scrap metal.

“Great figures need retainers,” Aibijia said proudly, lifting her chin. “The ball is the venue for us future great figures to display charm, mettle, wisdom, and strength. It’s for attracting retainers to pledge their allegiance.”

Qian Jin nodded with understanding. The High War Academy certainly considered all aspects comprehensively. One's usual circle was always limited, and even trying to find a faction to self-recommend to was no easy feat.

Such a ball was indeed the best kind of occasion. People's moods were often most relaxed at that moment, making conversations easier, and even finding acquaintances much simpler.

“However, you probably…” Aibijia sneered contemptuously, shaking her head repeatedly. “I doubt you’ll attract the attention of any major power. Maybe a minor retainer position, perhaps.”

Qian Jin couldn't be bothered to waste words on Aibijia. Ever since he’d dumped her into a mud pit twice, this woman had been chasing him, snapping like a rabid dog.

Aibijia realized Qian Jin was completely ignoring her, his indifferent gaze making her feel like invisible air. She, the dignified daughter of the Vice-Chairman of the Crystal Magic Tower Guild, was being disregarded by this wild warrior who seemed to have materialized from nowhere.

“Heh heh…” Aibijia let out two cold laughs to assert her presence. “Headmaster, if I recall correctly, the ball requires partners. You’ve only just told him; I’m afraid he won't be able to find one.”

A partner? Qian Jin raised an eyebrow. If he truly intended to attend the ball, it seemed he wouldn’t lack for partners, would he? Luo Qingqing, Gu Yue Jiaying, and that sexy, ever-changing, unfathomable demoness, Lucifer Flowing Water.

Any one of those women, pulled out at random, would be dazzlingly beautiful, absolute focal points of the ball.

Qian Jin scratched his head. Perhaps avoiding the spotlight was best. Bringing one would surely displease the others. If he brought that demoness, only the Stars knew what kind of trouble she might stir up at the ball. Besides, bringing someone from outside the academy to an academy event probably wasn't quite proper protocol.

“What? Can’t find a partner?” Aibijia’s face broke into a triumphant, mocking smile, inwardly delighted beyond measure. Encountering this wild warrior always put her at a disadvantage; finally, she could make him properly understand his place. “If you really can’t, you can rent someone from the Pleasure Quarter. But don’t rent one that’s too cheap, it would disgrace our academy. Heh-harr…”

Qian Jin ignored Biluo, resting his chin on his hand as he seriously considered the ball. His return to the Conquest Academy this time was partly motivated by the hope of achieving what Serpent Emperor Pangu Hongji had spoken of: having strength and influence during his time here.

The ball was an excellent window and platform; a dance partner became an essential accessory!

Qian Jin realized that if he showed up at an event like the ball without even a partner, who would initially recognize him based on first impressions?

Who to bring? That was the question. Qian Jin’s eyes suddenly lit up as he noticed Headmaster Isabella opposite him subtly puffing out her chest slightly, a faint smile flickering in her pupils.

Headmaster? Qian Jin secretly nodded. If the Headmaster could agree to be his partner, it would be an exceptionally good choice. Not only would he become a focus of attention, but it would also prevent any trouble. Furthermore, being recognized as the Headmaster’s partner would inherently imply…

“I… I can be your partner…” A familiar, soft voice, laced with shyness, hesitation, yet strangely courageous, suddenly spoke from behind Aibijia.

Qian Jin turned back, staring in stunned recognition at the familiar figure in the oversized black magic hat and black magic robe—Biluo, who never bothered with adornment and remained unchanged year after year. She stood there, tinged with apprehension yet bearing a spark of bravery, offering her suggestion: “If you don’t have a partner, I can be yours.”

Isabella looked at Biluo, then at Qian Jin. Her sexy red lips parted slightly, and her beautiful eyes shone with immense surprise. This was the first time since entering the academy that Biluo had actively voiced her own opinion or action!

Hand-typed by Fengyu

“You?” A flood of mockery washed over Aibijia’s proud face. “You want to be this wild warrior’s partner? How tacky, how perfectly matched!”

The four retainers behind Aibijia also burst out laughing. Biluo was arguably the worst elite enrollee in the history of the Conquest Academy, holding the finest resources with utterly abysmal strength to this day. Her being Qian Jin’s partner? That would only tarnish him. The moment people saw her, who would believe Qian Jin had any strength?

“Suddenly, I’m greatly looking forward to tonight’s ball,” Aibijia said, turning away, raising her hand to cover her mouth as she let out a string of cold laughs. “Heh heh, I’ve never anticipated a ball this much before! Hah-hoo…”

Isabella crossed her arms in front of her chest, watching Aibijia depart. She glanced at Qian Jin and asked, “What? Did you offend her?”

“We met by chance outside the walls. She did several foolish things, and I tossed her into the mud pit. Later, she tried to kill me in the confusion, but someone rescued her before I could retaliate.”

Qian Jin stroked his chin with his index finger. “Yesterday, she hired thugs to cripple me. Keeping someone like that around is too dangerous.”

“That thought of yours is also rather dangerous,” Isabella said with a smile. “Showing murderous intent toward another student in front of the Headmaster? Moreover, that student’s parents are both Vice-Chairmen of the Crystal Magic Tower. If this escalates, it will be very troublesome.”

“That’s why I’m looking for an opportunity,” Qian Jin raised his eyebrows. “Although the Torrent Battle Fortress doesn't fear the Crystal Magic Tower, I don't want Uncle Mu Gui to continue taking on more burdens for me. I’ll find a way to resolve this secretly and independently. Otherwise, being constantly targeted by her, I might not remain safe forever.”

“I didn’t hear that. I heard nothing,” Isabella declared, plugging her ears with her index fingers and looking up at the sky with a look of childlike innocence. “I heard nothing. I didn't hear anything illegal. The weather is quite nice today, isn't it?”

Qian Jin looked at the Headmaster’s constantly shifting demeanor and couldn't help but wonder if this Headmaster had a relative, perhaps a younger sister, named Lucifer Flowing Water? Both were sexy, mercurial, and self-assured! The only difference was their race: one was clearly human, the other, a princess of the royal Lucifer Demon Race.

If two such women were to meet… Qian Jin realized his imagination fell short. He couldn't possibly conceive what sparks would fly between the demoness Lucifer Flowing Water and Headmaster Isabella. A battle of acting skills? A competition of sexiness? Or perhaps a contest of pure charm?

“Oh, right,” Isabella dismissed her innocent facade, returning to her seductive bearing, playfully adjusting her hourglass figure. “Kid, since you plan to attend the ball, how are your evening wear and attire preparations coming along?”

Evening wear? Qian Jin glanced at Biluo, noticing she was also peeking out from under her large hat, clearly indicating she hadn't prepared any formal attire either.

“Clothing, shoes, and even a card to introduce your identity?” Isabella looked at Qian Jin in surprise. “Kid, I reviewed your examination materials from the Junior War Academy—perfect scores in every subject! And many of your insights are at the level expected in the High War Academy. Are you truly ignorant of these matters?”

Qian Jin shook his head honestly. If the discussion turned to potions, mysterious elixirs, forging, or even warfare, he could certainly hold a conversation. But this ball… The bonfires he attended as a child only required a fiddle and bagpipes, then everyone would sing and dance cheerfully and unrestrainedly. Why prepare outfits?

Isabella lightly tapped her forehead. “Kid, you have the day off today. Your task is to find and purchase clothing and shoes, and have an identity card made.”

Qian Jin was stunned. Had the Headmaster taken the wrong medicine? Even if he’d shown decent strength in their accidental sparring session last time, she shouldn’t value him this highly, should she? Unless… Qian Jin’s peripheral vision landed on Biluo beside him. Yes! Biluo would normally never appear at such a ball, but the Headmaster was clearly fond of Biluo, or perhaps fond of the Underworld… so…

For more novels, visit storyread.net.