Yue Linglong scanned the crowd, then waved her hand to conjure an arcane pattern of lines in front of her. Because it was formed from magic energy, the entire pattern flowed and shimmered, looking both real and illusory.
"This is the Secret Technique Circuit, formed from a magic damage core and a Vigorous Energy Demon Pattern. It is the basic offensive Secret Technique for a Magic-type Mage, allowing them to condense magic energy into various forms of vigorous energy to attack enemies," Yue Linglong explained, pointing at the Secret Technique Circuit.
"Students who plan on taking the magic route can use my Secret Technique Circuit as a reference. Of course, I still hope that you will be able to create your own unique Secret Technique Circuits."
Feng Hao stared, dumbfounded. Although the Secret Technique Circuit before him was composed of only two types of Demon Patterns, it contained hundreds of intersecting lines, and its complexity far exceeded his imagination.
"Question," said Xi Yueyao beside him, raising her hand.
Yue Linglong was quite fond of students who liked to ask questions. "Go ahead."
"Teacher, with so many lines, why are only a few of them connected?" Xi Yueyao asked, blinking in confusion.
Yue Linglong nodded in appreciation, her gaze toward Xi Yueyao growing even more satisfied. "That's an excellent question. You all need to understand that every Demon Pattern has a different function and effect, and these effects are entirely embodied in the lines."
"The reason only these few lines are connected is because they are the foundation of the entire Secret Technique Circuit. Through practice and comprehension, the other useless lines will gradually be pruned away, improving the overall capabilities of the Secret Technique."
After hearing the explanation, the students all looked as if they had a sudden epiphany. Only Feng Hao didn't know whether to laugh or cry. 'There's even a damn skill proficiency system?' he grumbled internally. 'You can't be serious.'
"Next, I'll show everyone the data for my Secret Technique Mark."
With that, Yue Linglong waved her slender hand, and a cyan panel made of energy appeared before everyone:
[Basic Magic Damage]
Proficiency: 38
Magic Energy Cost: 15 points
Effect: Deals 138% magic energy damage
Mark Rewind: 1.2 seconds
Casting Time: None
Seeing the skill data, Feng Hao wore an "I knew it" expression. The only thing was, the skill name was chosen too casually; it wasn't domineering at all.
"You should all be able to understand the first three stats. Next, I'll focus on explaining the last two," Yue Linglong said with a smile. "All Secret Techniques can only be cast after forming a Secret Technique Mark. After a Secret Technique is used, the mark needs a certain amount of time to recharge and recover. This recovery time is the 'Mark Rewind.'"
"Generally speaking, the more complex the Secret Technique Circuit, the longer the Mark Rewind time. As your proficiency with the Secret Technique increases, the Mark Rewind time will also decrease accordingly."
"As for Casting Time, to put it bluntly, it's the Secret Technique's release speed. The simpler the Secret Technique, the shorter the casting time. It's also closely related to the quality of the Secret Technique Circuit."
"When judging how good a Secret Technique is, these two stats are the key factors," Yue Linglong explained seriously.
Feng Hao's internal complaints were endless. 'Cooldown time and casting speed, huh?'
The class continued. Yue Linglong began explaining the Power Demon Pattern and its basic skills, only moving on to the fundamental applications of the Dark Force Demon Pattern at the very end. It couldn't be helped—who could blame her when there were so few Dark Force Damage Type Mages?
If it weren't for that girl Xi Yueyao having a Dark Force aptitude, Yue Linglong really wouldn't have bothered explaining the Dark Force Demon Pattern.
"Lastly, let's talk about the Dark Force Demon Pattern," Yue Linglong said, glancing pointedly at Xi Yueyao before skillfully conjuring the Secret Technique Circuit for basic dark force. "Unlike power and magic damage, the nature of dark force damage is quite special. Although it can penetrate armor and Gang Qi, its growth potential is relatively low. You can only maximize the growth of dark force by specializing in the Meridian Root System. Furthermore, dark force-related materials are also quite rare on the market."
"This is also why Dark Force Magic Masters are relatively rare."
"Dark force, in essence, is a special energy that relies on power to exist. Therefore, before the Meridian Root System has evolved, it cannot be used independently and can only be triggered through exertion in close combat."
Feng Hao nodded in understanding. Although he found Yue Linglong annoying, he had to admit the woman's explanation was pretty decent.
Many books mentioned the evolutionary nature of the Demon Base Root Systems. It was said that after being strengthened one hundred, three hundred, and five hundred times, the ten major Demon Base Root Systems would all evolve special effects.
After being strengthened one hundred times, the Meridian system would gain the [Dark Force Condensation] ability. At that point, dark force could be projected outward, free from the constraints of power, becoming a discipline in its own right.
"Because of these unique characteristics, Dark Force Magic Masters only have one Secret Technique, [Basic Dark Force], before their Meridian system's first evolution." Yue Linglong's gaze once again fell on Xi Yueyao. "So, Classmate Xiyue, you can try to allocate more [Gene-elements] to your Meridian Root System. That way, you can learn more advanced Dark Force Secret Techniques sooner."
"Understood, Teacher," Xi Yueyao replied with a serious nod.
Hearing this, a sinister smile touched the corners of Feng Hao's mouth. 'So that girl Xi Yueyao really is a Dark Force Magic Master. This means my grafting ability will be useful soon.'
The class period flew by. After a brief summary, Yue Linglong announced the end of class with a light laugh. "I hope all of you will seriously reflect on the contents of today's lesson. Um... Feng Hao, could you step outside for a moment?"
"Huh?" Feng Hao was still lost in the arcane mysteries of the Demon Patterns and was clearly taken aback by her words.
Confused, he followed Yue Linglong out of the classroom. A faint, sweet fragrance filled the air around him. That, combined with Yue Linglong's enchanting figure, made his blood surge.
"Hand over this month's Magic Crystals!" Yue Linglong stopped, turned, and held out her delicate hand.
Feng Hao's face darkened. Only then did he remember the condition he had been forced to agree to. He pursed his lips in annoyance and said, "Hey, beautiful, what do you need so much money for? How about we just forget about it!"
Seeing Feng Hao trying to back out of the deal, Yue Linglong couldn't help but frown. "Are you trying to go back on your word?"
"Hmph. I never agreed to it in the first place," Feng Hao said shamelessly, turning his head away.
"Hehe, it seems I'll have to report this to the Dean more often!" Yue Linglong suddenly let out a charming laugh, a playful look in her eyes. "I wonder how much money you'll have to throw at the Dean to solve *that* problem?"
"..." Feng Hao was speechless. This woman was simply devious.
With Dean Zhao Hao's appetite, anything less than a million Magic Crystals would be absolutely insufficient to solve the problem. Besides, Yue Linglong's meaning was obvious—she was clearly threatening to file complaints against him whenever she felt like it.
If this went on, he wouldn't be able to afford it no matter how rich he was. In comparison, the price this woman was asking was much more reasonable.
"Alright, you win!" Feng Hao shook his head with a bitter smile and casually took out 100 Level 1 Magic Crystals, tossing them to her.
However, Yue Linglong wasn't satisfied. She held out her delicate hand again, her beautiful eyes glinting as she said, "Given your performance just now, I believe your class fee should be doubled."
"You're fucking with me," Feng Hao snarled, grinding his teeth.
"Should I double it again?" Yue Linglong said with a half-smile.
"Fine, I'll pay, alright?" Feng Hao's expression was as foul as if he'd just eaten shit. He threw down another 100 Level 1 Magic Crystals and left without a backward glance.
Yue Linglong collected the Magic Crystals, beaming radiantly, and called out to Feng Hao's retreating back, "Don't you worry! As long as you behave, your teacher will treat everyone equally!"
"..." Feng Hao's face was ashen. He suppressed his rage and walked back to the classroom.
'Heh, trying to fight me?!' Yue Linglong chuckled to herself. She swayed away, her captivating figure moving gracefully as she hummed a cheerful little tune.
Back in the classroom, a group of students saw Feng Hao's foul expression and gloated at his misfortune.
Only that girl Xi Yueyao seemed concerned about him. "Hey, what's wrong?"
"Heartache," Feng Hao said, clutching his chest in pain.
"Did Teacher Yue beat you up?" Xi Yueyao asked, her eyes full of curiosity.
"Worse than getting beaten up."
Xi Yueyao seemed to understand what had happened. She turned away with a light laugh and happily started munching on a snack.
Just then, an excited howl came from the back of the classroom, drawing everyone's attention.
On a desk in the last row, the little fatty stood arrogantly, throwing his head back and roaring, "Haha... This young master has already formed a Secret Technique Mark! Let's see who dares to bully me now!"
"How is that possible?" A voice of disbelief rose from the crowd.
Even Feng Hao and Xi Yueyao's eyes went wide. They had only just been introduced to Demon Patterns, yet someone had already formed a Secret Technique Mark. And of all people, it was that damn fatty from before.
"Envy me! Worship me! From now on, I, Zhang Meng, am the number one genius of Class One!" The fatty, Zhang Meng, grew even more arrogant, looking down on everyone from his perch on the desk, his conceit reaching its peak.
Xi Yueyao was instantly displeased. She snorted delicately, "What did you just say, you damn fatty?"
"Hmph!" Zhang Meng crossed his arms, his eyes full of malice. "Xi Yueyao, don't think you're so great. It won't be long before the class president title is mine."
"You shameless traitor! Get down here and fight me one-on-one if you've got the guts!" Xi Yueyao bit out, grinding her silver teeth.
"I admit I'm not your match right now," Zhang Meng snorted, his gaze falling on Feng Hao. "But I'm definitely going to beat up this kid today."
"You dare?" Xi Yueyao sounded slightly anxious. After all, she didn't know the extent of Feng Hao's strength.
"Why wouldn't I dare? I think everyone here agrees with me." Zhang Meng waved his hand grandly and bellowed, "Classmates, this auditing student is a disgrace to Class One! Today, I, Zhang Meng, will enact justice and remove this shame from our class! How about it?"
"Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!" Cheers immediately erupted from all around.
Xi Yueyao's face turned pale with anger. "Fine. So you all want to rebel, is that it?"
Zhang Meng continued to sneer. "Everyone saw it! Xi Yueyao is arrogant and bossy, and she's protecting an auditing student! She's not fit to be class president!"
"That's right! Xi Yueyao isn't fit to be class president!"
"Down with Xi Yueyao! Get rid of the auditing student! Give Class One its peace back!"
"If other people find out there's an auditing student in our class, we'll never be able to hold our heads high in the academy again!"
"Zhang Meng is awesome! You're the real class president!"
...
Faced with everyone targeting her, Xi Yueyao trembled with rage.
"Don't panic, girl. Watch how I take care of him." Feng Hao stepped forward with a light chuckle to comfort her. His gaze swept over the crowd before landing on Zhang Meng. "Fatty, are you sure you want to fight me one-on-one?"
Zhang Meng hadn't expected Feng Hao to actually step up and offer himself for a beating. He said disdainfully, "You're just a useless auditing student. You think this young master is afraid of you?"
"Alright then. Let's just get started."
"Haha... Since you're so sincere about wanting to get thrashed, then I'll let you experience the power of a Secret Technique!" Zhang Meng laughed maniacally and jumped in front of Feng Hao, the fat on his body jiggling.
Seeing that a fight was about to break out, Xi Yueyao couldn't help but ask worriedly, "Medicine-selling boy, that damn fatty is already level ten, and now he's learned a Secret Technique. Maybe you should just let it go?"
"Don't worry. He's just a little brat," Feng Hao said with a grin.