Chapter Seventeen: You Want to Get Out Too?

“What are you laughing at? Was what I said so amusing?” The woman in red quickly fixed her gaze on Su Yun Yue and spoke coldly.

“Elder Hong, you’ve misunderstood. I’m not laughing at you, but at her,” Su Yun Yue hastily explained, careful not to offend her.

“Oh? You think you’re capable? Then why don’t you give it a try?” She cast a chilly glance at Su Yun Yue, her displeasure evident.

“No, I didn’t mean that. It’s just that Su Yun Qing is inherently unable to cultivate, so…” Lowering her head, Su Yun Yue felt uneasy, sensing Elder Hong’s disapproval.

Regretting her earlier laughter at Su Yun Qing’s public embarrassment, she worried that being noticed by Elder Hong might affect her future.

“Is this so funny?” The woman in red despised people like her, and her eyes reflected her disdain.

Su Yun Yue clenched her fists, biting her lip with anxiety. “N-no.”

“I’ve said before, those who disrupt my class need not continue. You may leave,” Elder Hong said impatiently, pointing towards the door.

“Elder Hong, I… I admit my mistake.” She wanted to explain further but was silenced by the woman’s piercing gaze. After hesitating, she quietly spoke.

“Get out!” Elder Hong’s cold rebuke eroded the last shred of patience she had.

Frightened, Su Yun Yue obediently left, knowing that lingering would only deepen Elder Hong’s dislike.

She walked away with her head bowed, aware of many eyes watching her humiliation, including Su Yun Qing’s, whose hatred only grew.

“Su Yun Qing, just wait! I will repay this humiliation a hundredfold!” she vowed silently.

Su Yun Qing, however, did not watch Su Yun Yue’s dejected retreat; after all, it was her own fault.

She felt a growing admiration for Elder Hong, who had shown no kindness to Su Yun Yue.

After sending Su Yun Yue away, Elder Hong’s gaze settled on Su Yun Qing. “Are you capable? If not, you may refuse.”

Xiao Jing Huai looked at Su Yun Qing with disgust. Though they were no longer betrothed, their past engagement meant her public disgrace might also bring ridicule upon him. This added to his disdain.

Su Yun Qi stared at her, initially intending to speak to craft her own image, but thinking of Su Yun Yue, she held back.

Others in the room watched with amusement, some even doubting Su Yun Qing would dare embarrass herself, their mocking expressions barely contained. Had they not feared provoking Elder Hong’s anger, they might have openly ridiculed her.

Under their scrutiny, Su Yun Qing stood, a faint smile playing on her lips. “I can.”

“Come up and demonstrate.” To avoid injuring others due to careless control, it was safer to perform in front of everyone.

She walked gracefully, her skirt swaying with each step, calm and composed as she faced Elder Hong.

“Begin.” Elder Hong stepped aside, giving her ample space.

Turning to face the crowd, Su Yun Qing saw their scorn, disdain, and ridicule, but remained unfazed. She raised her right hand, not immediately channeling her energy but recalling Elder Hong’s movements repeatedly in her mind.

The onlookers chuckled silently, covering their mouths to avoid detection.

Then she opened her eyes, meeting their mocking gazes with a cold smirk.

If they wanted to see her fail, very well—let’s see who the real joke is.

Her eyes sharpened as she focused her internal energy, drawing it out bit by bit until it gathered in her palm, coalescing into a brilliant red orb.

Though the orb was small, less than a quarter the size of Elder Hong’s, it was visible.

This was intentional; she wished to prove she was not useless but avoid standing out too much, lest she attract trouble. Neither would she allow herself to be bullied for being weak. Thus, she exerted only a portion of her strength.

The room fell silent. Many who had come to mock her found themselves the true jest.

Elder Hong was momentarily surprised but quickly composed herself, her eyes softening with approval. “Not bad. Continue practicing this way; your energy orb will grow larger.”

“Thank you for your guidance, Elder Hong. May I return now?” Su Yun Qing expressed her gratitude before asking.

“Go ahead.” In a good mood, Elder Hong waved her off, then turned to the others. “Who’s next?”

Naturally, many volunteered. Though none understood how Su Yun Qing had managed to wield energy, it didn’t dampen their enthusiasm. If someone branded a waste like her could do it, why couldn’t they? They all wanted to impress Elder Hong.

“You, come here.” Elder Hong’s gaze landed on Xiao Jing Huai, who held his head high. Her lips twitched; he seemed overly pretentious.

No matter, she would just pick a few to fill the time; the lesson was nearly over.

Xiao Jing Huai brightened when called, rising and striding confidently forward.

Elder Hong wasted no words, stepping aside. “Hurry up.”

Xiao Jing Huai hesitated briefly but suppressed his annoyance at being publicly dismissed. As a prince, he vowed to repay this slight when he ascended the throne.

For now, he endured.

He began channeling his energy, a confident smile on his lips. If a waste like Su Yun Qing could succeed, so could he.

He gathered energy twice the size of Su Yun Qing’s orb, but it dissipated quickly. Trying to concentrate it, he accidentally let all his energy escape.

Elder Hong’s expression was one of utter disdain. As Xiao Jing Huai blushed in embarrassment, he tried to speak first.

“Elder Hong, I was just nervous. Please give me another chance. I will succeed this time!”

“You clearly didn’t pay attention. You’re not using the method properly. Sit down and watch carefully,” Elder Hong snapped, leaving him flushed with frustration.

“I—I really can do it.” He almost said “I” as a prince but caught himself at her stern look.

“Do you want to be kicked out too?” Elder Hong’s impatience mirrored her earlier demeanor toward Su Yun Yue, frightening him into silence as he quickly returned to his seat.