As dawn broke, Nie Li, Du Ze, and Lu Piao once again found themselves in Shen Xiu's class.
Shen Xiu's classes were always predictably boring, focusing on tedious stories about nobles instead of any useful knowledge.
It was clear she was just filling in, and the three of them found her lectures utterly uninspiring.
During these classes, Nie Li and his friends were often relegated to standing in the back, waiting for the day to pass.
Students gathered in small groups, chatting away while they waited for the class to start.
Ye Ziyun, in the meantime, had seamlessly integrated with many of the girls in the class, her warm and gentle nature making her well-liked.
Shen Yue, on the other hand, sat proudly by himself, convinced of his superiority over the rest.
His presence in the class was solely due to Ye Ziyun, and he wouldn't have been there otherwise.
In two months, there would be a test, and both he and Ye Ziyun were certain to advance to the beginner demon spirit master class.
Shen Yue cast a scornful glance at Nie Li standing in the back.
"If a worthless fool like you can reach Bronze Rank one-star in two months, then the sun truly would rise in the west!"
Nie Li, chatting with Du Ze and Lu Piao, had unknowingly become a leader among the few commoner students who befriended them.
With his clever ideas and consistent advice in cultivation, he had gained their respect.
Even Du Ze, who was quite respected, gladly followed Nie Li's lead.
In a few short days, Nie Li had managed to help Du Ze and Lu Piao earn over sixteen thousand demon spirit coins, a feat Du Ze would have never imagined.
This made Du Ze admire and trust Nie Li even more, acknowledging Nie Li's capabilities.
"What should our next move be, Nie Li?" Du Ze inquired, curious, since Nie Li had mentioned they wouldn't be hunting horned goats anymore.
"You'll know after class," Nie Li replied mysteriously, a smile playing on his lips.
He had a plan in mind that involved buying Soul Crystals to test their natural affinities and starting their cultivation.
Nie Li also had a bet with Shen Xiu to reach Bronze one-star within two months.
His eyes wandered to Ye Ziyun, who stood like a crane among a flock, pondering how he might win her affection.
But just as his mind drifted, Xiao Ning'er, a girl whose beauty rivaled that of Ye Ziyun, suddenly stood up and walked toward him.
Known for her cold and aloof demeanor, she rarely interacted with anyone, making her approach all the more surprising.
Was Nie Li in trouble with Xiao Ning'er? The noble students murmured among themselves, speculating she was out to give Nie Li a hard time.
After all, what else could there be between someone like Xiao Ning'er and a lowly student like Nie Li? If the impossible were to happen, perhaps the sun truly would rise in the west.
Nie Li and his friends watched intently as Xiao Ning'er, dressed in a beautiful lace dress and adorned with elegant bracelets, approached.
Nie Li had another secret—the night before, he had given Xiao Ning'er a massage that greatly relieved her discomfort.
She had slept soundly, and the next morning, ventured to the library to research a mysterious technique Nie Li had shared with her, finding it linked to a secret art from the Snowstorm Empire.
Xiao Ning'er's cultivation had improved significantly, confirming Nie Li's abilities and making her feel unique, as she alone recognized his talent.
Standing before Nie Li, her presence commanding attention, she simply watched him with a calm gaze.
The noble students held their breath, excited to see what Xiao Ning'er would do, while Du Ze and Lu Piao were ready to step in if necessary, despite knowing they were no match for Xiao Ning'er's growing power as she neared the Bronze rank.
Even Ye Ziyun and Shen Yue were puzzled, unable to comprehend the scene unfolding before them.
They thought, did Nie Li somehow offend Xiao Ning'er? Was he about to find himself in trouble yet again?
Xiao Ning'er stood by Nie Li's desk, her intentions unclear.
Finally, Nie Li raised his head and asked, "Is there something you need?" He felt a hint of awkwardness, recalling the events of the previous night, yet now saw a gentler side in her, revealing an inner kindness.
Moving with grace, Xiao Ning'er retrieved a paper bag from her spatial ring, her voice soft.
"I made breakfast. I wasn't sure what you'd like, so I prepared a variety."
Placing the bag on the desk with a gentle gesture, she took everyone by surprise.
The entire classroom fell into a stunned silence, the reality of the situation difficult to grasp.
Du Ze and Lu Piao stood dumbstruck, their initial disbelief turning into amazement.
Xiao Ning'er, one of the class's two revered goddesses and an esteemed beauty of Saint Orchid Academy, had prepared breakfast for Nie Li?
Even setting such acts aside, the atmosphere she projected was usually unapproachable.
Yet, here she was, extending a kind gesture towards Nie Li.
Xiao Ning'er's action defied logic, leaving many to question if perhaps they were dreaming.
A student murmured in disbelief, pinching himself to confirm the reality of the situation.
For the noble students, the oddity persisted—how could such an aloof beauty favor a so-called "nobody"? The sight of Xiao Ning'er offering breakfast was unfathomable.
If they had been in Nie Li's position, surely they would savor any offering as a delicacy!
But for Xiao Ning'er, her actions were simple gestures of gratitude, unconcerned by the thoughts of others.
The world would eventually realize Nie Li's brilliance, even if they didn't yet recognize the precious jade before them.
Even Ye Ziyun observed the scene with fresh curiosity, questioning what Nie Li had done to catch Xiao Ning'er's attention.
Could his interaction with Shen Xiu somehow have led to this unexpected turn?
Meanwhile, Shen Yue observed silently, unable to reconcile Xiao Ning'er's favor upon Nie Li with any rational explanation.
How could she, with her esteemed status, extend such a gesture to someone like Nie Li?
Ye Ziyun, recalling her past friendship with Xiao Ning'er, pondered the implications of this scene.
What qualities did Nie Li possess that drew Xiao Ning'er to him?
"May I join you for breakfast?" Xiao Ning'er inquired, looking between Nie Li and his friends.
Du Ze and Lu Piao, eager yet unsure, turned their attention to Nie Li.
Though never daring to entertain prospects with Xiao Ning'er, her presence was undeniably captivating.
A moment of contemplation followed as Nie Li nodded, concealing his awkwardness from the prior night.
"Sure."
He couldn't help but recall the memory of gently easing her ailments, a memory tinged with unintentional intimacy.
Xiao Ning'er settled in, arranging the breakfast she'd brought.
The delightful aroma of various delicacies filled the room, drawing everyone's attention.
"Du Ze, Lu Piao, care to join us?" Xiao Ning'er offered with a kind gaze.
Surprised by her gesture, they felt honored, though true admiration lay in Nie Li's aura—he seemed to attract such exceptional attention.
"As long as I'm in Nie Li's company, I'll gladly partake!" Lu Piao joked, eagerly taking a bite, savoring the exquisite taste.
His friend nodding in agreement, Du Ze said nothing but shared in the feeling of a rare privilege.
Her smile brightening, Xiao Ning'er invoked wonder, leaving classmates entranced.
Such warmth revealed beauty beyond her cool demeanor.
For Nie Li, future endeavors and relationships lay yet unreached.
In a world swirling with possibility and aspiration, time would unravel the threads of destiny, weaving bonds unimagined.