Chapter Eighteen: I Can Write a Letter of Recommendation

Xiao Jinghuai instinctively glanced toward Su Yunqing after returning to his seat, expecting to be met with her mockery. Instead, he found her focused intently ahead, not giving him so much as a glance.

In contrast, the young man sitting beside her wore a faint smile, his phoenix-shaped eyes glimmering with amusement.

For some reason, Xiao Jinghuai felt as though the boy was laughing at him.

That boy surnamed Pei—once he ascended the throne, he would never let him off. How dare he mock the royal family? He was courting death!

It was as if Pei Ling sensed his thoughts because he actually shot him a provocative look.

Fuming with anger, Xiao Jinghuai wished it weren’t a classroom so he could confront him. To mock the royal family was nothing short of reckless.

Whether deliberately opposing him or not, when the red-robed elder called the next name, Pei Ling volunteered to step forward.

After receiving approval, he rose and strode confidently to the front, his youthful vigor naturally drawing Su Yunqing’s attention.

Though the other students were eager to comment, they dared not speak out loud, knowing the elder’s temper. This left them visibly frustrated.

Especially when they saw Pei Ling channel his spiritual energy, a dazzling purple light emanating from his palms, stunning them all.

It was their first time witnessing such a rare purple hue—renowned as an extraordinary lightning attribute.

Moreover, the spiritual energy he gathered was bright and sizable, capturing everyone’s gaze.

The red-robed elder’s surprise soon gave way to a smile. “Not bad. What’s your name?”

“Pei Ling,” the boy answered calmly, his eyes briefly flicking toward Xiao Jinghuai, whose anger nearly made him bite his own lips.

“Very well. From now on, you’re excused from attending classes here,” the elder declared. The crowd exchanged puzzled looks, wondering how someone so talented could have offended the elder.

Yet, seeing the elder’s pleased expression left them baffled. The woman’s thoughts were inscrutable, especially hers.

Pei Ling remained composed and asked, “May I know the reason?”

“Your talent is far too exceptional for this place. I will write you a recommendation letter to the Qingwu Sect,” the elder explained. She was aware of his name since he was the only one admitted without summoning a spirit beast—a fact that once drew scorn. Now, she felt a burning shame because he truly deserved his special treatment.

Valuing talent, she was unwilling to let such a promising seed be delayed. After all, cultivation was best begun young; wasting this golden period would be a grave mistake.

Besides, his lightning spiritual root alone was coveted by many great sects. By recommending him, she expected mutual goodwill to benefit her as well.

Her words caused a few gasps among the students, overwhelmed by the revelation, though the elder’s attention remained fixed on Pei Ling.

Su Yunqing was also deeply struck. To display such talent and receive a recommendation from a major sect—it was a rare honor many coveted.

Of course, she understood her own standing. Pei Ling’s combination of extraordinary talent and rare spiritual root justified his exceptional treatment.

Comparisons with others could be maddening, but she refused to be discouraged. Instead, it fueled her resolve to grow stronger within half a year. Only then could she enter a sect and secure support strong enough to protect her against any threats from the Su family. With this thought, she felt energized as if injected with vitality.

“Thank you, Elder Hong,” Pei Ling replied, catching her gaze and smiling slightly.

“No problem. After this lesson, you may go prepare your things,” the elder smiled, pleased with his good behavior. Who wouldn’t appreciate a well-behaved student?

Pei Ling nodded and returned to his seat, noticing Xiao Jinghuai’s jealous glare and responding with a sly smile.

Xiao Jinghuai fumed silently. Still provoking him! So what if he had a recommendation letter? It was just a backdoor entry. He himself despised such shortcuts and vowed to enter Qingwu Sect by merit alone.

Qingwu Sect was the mightiest and most sought-after among martial disciples.

The more Xiao Jinghuai brooded, the more he disliked Pei Ling. Meanwhile, Su Yunqi, sitting beside him, was also watching Pei Ling intently, a flicker of thought crossing her eyes.

As she stared absentmindedly at Pei Ling, Elder Hong’s voice pulled her back. “You, come forward.”

She rose instantly, stepping up amid everyone’s anticipation. Initially worried she might embarrass herself like Xiao Jinghuai, she had considered refusing, but upon seeing Pei Ling, her mind suddenly made up.

Su Yunqing noticed this, as these few were her main subjects of observation.

It seemed Su Yunqi harbored other intentions. Well, better to keep a close watch on them and prevent any mischief.

Looking up, Su Yunqing saw Su Yunqi concentrating, gathering a stream of blue spiritual energy in her palm. Her brows furrowed tightly, revealing the difficulty of the process. This puzzled Su Yunqing, who recalled her own ease in channeling energy.

As time passed and the lesson neared its end, Su Yunqi finally succeeded. The glow brightened considerably, though the orb remained small, still smaller than Su Yunqing’s.

The students’ expressions were mixed, but thinking of Xiao Jinghuai, they considered these results acceptable.

Noticing the time, Elder Hong concluded, “Class is dismissed. Practice well at home.”

Once the elder left, the crowd breathed a sigh of relief. Many swarmed Pei Ling eagerly.

“Brother Pei, don’t forget us when you enter Qingwu Sect!”

“Me too!”

A group clamored to befriend him, while some shy young girls cast bashful glances his way.

Fuming, Xiao Jinghuai threw off his sleeve, ready to leave. “Yunqi, let’s go!”

But Su Yunqi didn’t reply. Instead, she approached Pei Ling, prompting a frown from Xiao Jinghuai. As his fiancée, her boldness in approaching another man was infuriating.

“Young Master Pei, I have some questions from today’s lesson. May I ask for your guidance?” she inquired softly, cheeks flushed, her shyness evident in her eyes.

Pei Ling, growing impatient with the crowd, scowled upon seeing her approach. “Move aside. You’re blocking the way.”

Su Yunqi’s face paled, her eyes reddening. Watching from the sidelines, Su Yunqing couldn’t help but laugh.

Pei Ling looked over with interest, a faint smile on his lips. “Miss Su, watching from the sidelines and not helping me out?”