Suddenly, her eyes lit up. “Wait, we enrolled the same year. Why are you the senior? Trying to take advantage of us? No way!”

Yinfu smiled sweetly. “That’s right, Frank Walker. How about this: let’s see who learns better, and whoever does is the senior, okay?”

The two little brats. Frank Walker smiled slightly. “I’m definitely older than you two. I’ve already studied potions for a year at Rose Saint Hall, class of ’97. The wise Principal Carrie Dean discovered my talent and transferred me to runes. So, by any measure, I’m your senior.”

Morton glanced at Frank Walker, not sensing any genius at all. This guy’s face just screamed “idiot.”

“Hmph, you want to be my senior? Fine, let me punch you. If you can take it, I’ll admit it!” Morton said bluntly.

Looking at Morton clenching his fist, itching for a fight, Old Walker felt a headache coming on. He really dreaded people who didn’t play by the rules. Just making friends—why get physical? “Ahem, Junior Morton, I’m into potions and runes, not combat. As your senior, let me give you some advice: don’t always want to beat people up. That’ll make others look down on you Mohuroga folks. People might even think you’re a beastman.”

“Nonsense! You’re the beastman, your whole family are!” Morton was furious, but let go of his fist. Among the Eight Tribes, Mohuroga are the strongest in raw power and pretty reckless. Comparing them to beastmen is the most literary way to insult them.

“Senior Frank Walker, I’ll be counting on you from now on.” Yinfu was actually worried about Morton hitting people. He’d always been a troublemaker, impossible to control.

“Leave it to me. Not to brag, but in these three acres of Rose Saint Hall, there’s nothing I can’t handle. Even Principal Carrie Dean often invites me for tea.” Old Walker said this with a straight face.

“You’re bluffing! Her Highness Carrie Dean wouldn’t have time for you!” Morton pouted. The Eight Tribes have great respect for Carrie Dean—she’s a true powerhouse. Back when Carrie Dean came to Mandala King’s Academy, she beat up everyone who challenged her.

“Heh, Junior Morton, if Principal Carrie Dean hadn’t arranged it herself, I wouldn’t even want to be here. Time will tell.” Frank Walker said coolly, thinking to himself that he might not even be around by then.

With Old Walker’s glib tongue and broad knowledge, he soon had the two of them dizzy. Morton wouldn’t admit defeat, but the more he argued with this human, the more he felt like an idiot.

Victory Square was already packed with people. It had to be said, the enrollment expansion was working—at least it looked lively.

The Blade Alliance is a Saint Hall system; power, wealth, and strength are all closely tied to the Hall. Although the new students could only be considered “reserves” and not official members, it was already attractive enough.

Yinfu and Morton went to find their own team. The Eight Tribes sent five people this time, all said to be outstanding among the younger generation. They certainly looked unique. The most eye-catching was the woman in the center—tall, with shining golden hair, but unfortunately wearing an exquisite mask, hiding her true face. This had to be Justin, princess of the Mandala Empire.

Old Walker couldn’t be bothered to join the crowd and found a corner to relax for a bit.

When Carrie Dean made her dramatic entrance from the sky, the entire Victory Square erupted in thunderous cheers. Yes, this was their principal, Carrie Dean, the great martial artist!

Carrie Dean was definitely the star of Rose Saint Hall, wildly popular. Her reforms had caused controversy among the higher-ups, but for ordinary people, they were a blessing. After all, who doesn’t want hope, a chance to become a hero, or at least a bit of glory?

Following behind Carrie Dean were the mentors of the eight major professions, looking super cool, soul power surging. Everyone present could feel their strength. The atmosphere, the style—cool, domineering, and over the top. That’s the vibe.

Old Walker couldn’t help picking his nose. So deliberate. You could tell this two-faced principal was a real expert. But give him some time to figure things out—who’s playing whom is still up in the air.

Chapter 9: Generous Green Tea, The Fish Pond Will Go Barren

Carrie Dean signaled everyone to quiet down. “Welcome to Rose Saint Hall. People outside say we’ve lowered our standards. Here, I want to make it clear: that’s impossible. Only those qualified can stand here. We’re just more open, more inclusive. We won’t miss any potential hero…”

“Dear disciples of the Hall, ignite your wisdom and soul, strive to temper yourselves. What is the Saint Hall? We rise in adversity, advance in hardship, excel in glory. As the late master Wang Meng said, as long as you have justice and a spirit of sacrifice in your heart, anyone can become a hero—in the freest city on the continent, Aurora City, at the forefront, Rose Saint Hall!”

The cheers from the crowd came in wave after wave. The mentors on stage also cooperated, unleashing their soul power. The massive soul force surged like a tide, piercing the clouds and making the sunlight even more dazzling.

Old Walker nodded to himself. Carrie Dean had truly mastered the essence of pyramid schemes.