As evening fell, a southern sea breeze brought a hint of coolness to the sweltering Cameron Town. The noble students, having spent the day happily exploring, finally returned in high spirits. Their cheerful laughter drifted through the hallways as they loudly discussed the day’s discoveries. For many of them, it was more accurate to call this a vacation than a training expedition. Although the Imperial Capital was incomparably prosperous, it was like food—even the most exquisite delicacies grow tiresome. This coastal town, filled with the charm of an Exotic Realm, thoroughly satisfied the curiosity of these noble students from all corners of the Empire.

Of course, some students whose families lived in Cameron Town took the opportunity to ask for leave from their teachers to visit their parents, much to the envy of many others.

Throughout the afternoon, Ling Xiao had been asking Yisha about Magical Beasts and the world’s medicinal herbs. Yisha was a true authority on the subjects and held nothing back from Ling Xiao. When discussing her area of expertise, her shyness would vanish, allowing Ling Xiao to learn a great deal.

Listening to the loud chatter of the students outside and glancing at the darkening sky, the two of them realized it was already quite late. Yisha tucked a stray lock of golden hair behind her ear and said, a little shyly, "Ling Xiao, shall we... go get something to eat together?"

Ling Xiao nodded, and the two of them opened the door and stepped out. The others in the hallway were astonished to see them emerge from the same room. They all looked at Ling Xiao with eyes full of envy. ’Look at that guy! He doesn’t even let a training expedition get in the way of picking up girls! A true master!’

Yisha’s face flushed a deep, cherry red, as if it might start to bleed. She lowered her head and walked behind Ling Xiao. ’There’s no way to explain this,’ she thought. ’Trying would only make it worse. It’s better to just stay silent. Besides, not many people would dare provoke Ling Xiao these days.’

Just then, someone suddenly shouted loudly, "Ling Xiao!"

Ling Xiao turned around and saw it was Luo Tian, a Tier One Great Sword Master from the advanced class. He stopped and asked, "What is it?"

A faint smile touched Luo Tian’s handsome face. "I was just about to get something to eat. Care to join me?"

Ling Xiao nodded in agreement. Yisha, however, was a little annoyed. ’This Luo Tian has no tact at all,’ she thought. ’Doesn’t he realize how awkward this is?’ Just then, a syrupy sweet female voice called out from ahead, "Luo Tian, I’m over here!"

They looked up to see a tall, curvaceous, fair-skinned blonde beauty standing a short distance away. Her eyes were fixed on Luo Tian with deep affection. When she noticed Ling Xiao and Yisha beside him, she offered them a gracious smile.

Ling Xiao recognized her as one of the advanced class students from his own group, though he didn’t know her name.

Luo Tian smiled and nodded at the girl, then turned to Ling Xiao and Yisha to make the introductions. "My girlfriend, Kaelin. Kaelin, I’m sure these two need no introduction?"

Kaelin blinked and smiled. "Of course. I’ve heard all about the famous Ling Xiao. And as for Miss Isabella, your reputation is even more thunderous—the Academy’s well-known shy beauty who never socializes with men. I never expected you to have such a discerning eye!"

Yisha offered a noble, faint smile. "Miss Kaelin, hello." Her posture was dignified and graceful, showing none of the girlish shyness she displayed in front of Ling Xiao.

Kaelin paused, momentarily stunned, before breaking into a smile. She walked over, took Yisha’s hand, and the two women started walking together, looking quite close.

Luo Tian winked at Ling Xiao, then jutted his chin toward Kaelin up ahead. He whispered, "So, what do you think, bro? My woman’s pretty great, right? Hehe!"

Ling Xiao was suddenly reminded of Tang Ming. This Luo Tian seemed to be just like him; they were both the type who appeared proper on the surface but were secretly sly and playful.

After the four of them took the Crystal Core Energy elevator downstairs, they ran into many members from other groups. Plenty of people knew Luo Tian and greeted him. When they saw Ling Xiao, their eyes held surprise but no longer any mockery. Word of what had happened that day had gradually spread among the students of the Imperial Academy. Regardless of the details, it was an indisputable fact that Ling Xiao had saved Teacher Shangguan at a critical moment, thereby salvaging the Academy’s reputation.

And the most incredible thing was that for some unfathomable reason, Night Owl, the Tier Three Demon Swordsman and leader of that Mercenary Corps, had become Ling Xiao’s follower. Heavens... a Tier Three Demon Swordsman pledging allegiance to a Tier Four Sword Master! No matter how fast Ling Xiao was advancing, the entire situation was utterly bizarre.

Usually, people chose to follow someone for one of two reasons. The first was to secure a better future by aligning with a powerful figure. The second was to follow a mighty Martial Artist in the hopes of receiving guidance and improving their own strength.

Therefore, witnessing such an unprecedented pledge of fealty made all the noble students who had once despised Ling Xiao shut their mouths. No one was willing to offend a guy with a Tier Three Demon Swordsman backing him. That kind of power was simply terrifying!

"Let’s go get some of the local snacks!" Kaelin, clearly an outgoing woman, suggested to Yisha with easy familiarity.

Yisha smiled and nodded, her dignified, noble demeanor on full display. Kaelin was secretly surprised. ’Is this really the shy beauty known as the most unapproachable girl in the whole academy?’ she wondered. ’Or did she change because of Ling Xiao?’

Cameron Town seemed even livelier at night than during the day. Long rows of food stalls lined both sides of the main street, and the cries of vendors rose and fell one after another. As far as the eye could see, countless Adventurers and Mercenaries in varied attire weaved through the crowds. The figures of many teachers and students from the Imperial Academy could also be spotted among them.

"Wow, it’s so lively!" Yisha remarked. Despite her preference for tranquility, her youthful spirit couldn’t help but be infected by the bustling atmosphere.

"You’d definitely regret coming here and not trying the local food!" Kaelin said to Yisha with a wide grin. "My greatest ambition in life is to eat all the delicious food across the entire continent!"

"Er..." Yisha, along with Luo Tian and Ling Xiao following behind, were left speechless. ’Such a grand ambition!’ they all thought.

Luo Tian muttered with a sense of resignation, "I have no idea how she maintains that figure."

Kaelin, whose hearing was sharp, whipped her head around and glared at Luo Tian. "What? Are you going to leave me if I get fat?"

Luo Tian let out a sheepish chuckle. "Of course not! Never! You’re my most precious darling!"

Being called "darling" by the man she loved in front of others made even the outgoing Kaelin blush. Though she was delighted inwardly, she feigned annoyance and grumbled, "Such a smooth talker! You’re infuriating!"

Yisha, however, simply smiled serenely. ’Ling Xiao would never say things like that,’ she thought. ’But that’s precisely what I like about his personality.’