The loud, crystalline sound of shattering ice filled the cafeteria.
Zhao Long stumbled backward, his purple-wreathed fist stinging from the unexpected impact.
He stared in shock at what should have been Ye Chen's body. Instead, fragments of thick ice scattered across the floor, the shattered remains of a defensive barrier that had materialized from nowhere.
Standing between Zhao Long and Ye Chen was Lin Yue, her long hair waving gently in an ethereal breeze that seemed to emanate from her very presence.
The breeze flapped her dress, revealing traces of her long, creamy, pale legs.
Her hands were outstretched, palms forward, frost still clinging to her fingertips.
Her beautiful face was utterly emotionless, cold as the ice she commanded.
"What do you think you're doing, Zhao Long?" Her voice filled the air.
Whispers exploded throughout the cafeteria, students leaning towards each other in excited conversation.
"That's Lin Yue! One of the Four Flowers!"
"She's actually helping the freshman?"
"Did you see that technique? That's the Nine Frost Scripture. A Third Grade combat art!"
"I heard she's at the peak of Foundation Establishment, about to break through to Sea Opening realm! Zhao Long is completely outmatched!"
Zhao Long's jaw clenched, purple qi still swirling around his arm as he processed this unexpected development.
Lin Yue was leagues above him in both cultivation level and talent.
Her Fourth Grade physique and access to superior techniques made her a blossoming genius even among the university's elite.
If he wanted to complete his mission and get to Ye Chen, he needed her out of the way, but that was easier said than done.
"This is none of your business, Lin Yue," Zhao Long growled, trying to inject authority into his voice despite the fear creeping into his gut. "This is between me and the freshman. He owes protection fees. It's just business."
Lin Yue's expression didn't change, but the temperature around them dropped noticeably. Several nearby students shivered and stepped back.
"Aren't you ashamed?" Her voice remained perfectly level, which somehow made it more cutting.
"Three Foundation Establishment cultivators ganging up on a single Qi Gathering student. Is this what passes for strength at Tianlong University these days?"
She took a single step forward, and frost began crawling across the floor from where her foot touched down, spreading outwards in delicate crystalline patterns.
"Since you're so determined to fight with such an overwhelming imbalance, then it's my duty as a superior student to educate you on proper conduct."
The temperature plummeted further. Frost crept up the legs of nearby chairs and tables. Students backed away quickly, giving the confrontation a wide berth.
Lin Yue's spiritual energy was manifesting visibly now, with pale blue light suffused with countless tiny ice crystals that danced through the air around her like a miniature blizzard.
Zhao Long and his two henchmen stumbled backwards, their earlier confidence evaporating like morning dew under harsh sunlight.
They were Foundation Establishment cultivators, yes, but Lin Yue was at the absolute peak of that realm, her Fourth Grade physique giving her power that far exceeded what her cultivation level suggested.
Even working together, the three of them would be crushed.
And worse, even if by some miracle they managed to defeat her, the consequences would be catastrophic.
Lin Yue came from an influential family and was a favored student of multiple senior professors. Not to mention her master.
Harming her wouldn't just be slapping the face of her backers. It would definitely result in their deaths.
"This isn't over," Zhao Long spat, his face twisted with impotent rage. But he was already backing toward the exit, his henchmen following quickly. "Not by a long shot, freshman."
The three of them fled the cafeteria, leaving behind a wake of whispers and pointed stares.
The frost retreated as Lin Yue's spiritual energy settled back into her meridians. She turned to face Ye Chen, her expression returning to its customary cold neutrality.
Ye Chen grinned at her, appreciating the help. "Thank you for helping me. I really appreciate—"
"I wasn't helping you," Lin Yue interrupted, her voice crisp and matter-of-fact. "You are now in my debt. This intervention will need to be repaid later."
Her directness caught Ye Chen slightly off guard, but he found himself grinning anyway. There was something refreshing about her bluntness. "Fair enough."
Lin Yue nodded once, a brief, decisive gesture. "Good. I'll inform you when and how you can settle it."
She turned and walked away with fluid grace, her back perfectly straight, her steps measured and elegant.
Several students hastily cleared a path for her.
What Ye Chen couldn't see was the faint blush creeping up Lin Yue's neck, hidden by her long hair.
She kept her face forward, controlled, refusing to let any emotion show as she exited the cafeteria.
Her mind, however, was racing.
After she'd escorted Ye Chen to Professor Wu Tao's office earlier, her own master—Elder Bai, one of the most powerful cultivators at the university—had contacted.
The conversation had been brief but illuminating.
Elder Bai had explained that Ye Chen's Pure Yang Sacred Body was precisely the type of physique that could help Lin Yue overcome her current bottleneck.
She'd been stuck at the peak of Foundation Establishment for six months, unable to break through to the Sea Opening realm despite her talent and resources.
According to her master, dual cultivation with someone possessing Ye Chen's unique physique could provide the catalyst she needed.
Under normal circumstances, Lin Yue would never consider such a method. She had her pride, her standards.
But the Inter-University Cultivation Tournament was approaching rapidly, only three months away.
If she couldn't break through to the Sea Opening realm before then, her team would be at a severe disadvantage.
The tournament was too important, both for her personal reputation and her family's standing.
And truthfully, there was little actual downside to taking Ye Chen as a dao companion.
His Fourth Grade physique meant their cultivation compatibility would be excellent. The dual cultivation would benefit both of them.
And, she had to admit as heat continued to rise in her cheeks, he was undeniably handsome.
She'd been contemplating how to approach him about this delicate matter when Zhao Long had conveniently provided the perfect opportunity.
Now Ye Chen owed her a debt. A debt she could call in whenever she wished.
A small smile tugged at the corner of Lin Yue's lips as she walked through the corridors, already planning her next move.
She knew exactly how Ye Chen could repay what he owed her.
A/N: Hi, guys! Enjoying the story so far? Don't forget to leave a power stone or a review. Thank you!