Volume One: First Steps on the Path Chapter Eighty-One: Please Take Care of Me

It didn’t take long for Ye Junze to recount his recent discovery and deductions to the three who had just arrived. When he finished, the trio spoke in unison, “So that’s how it is.”

Li Ling, standing nearby, feigned dissatisfaction. “Why did you tell them everything so quickly? I was hoping to reveal it bit by bit as a surprise.”

Before Ye Junze could respond, the others chimed in, “What surprise? You call that a surprise? We think you just wanted to show off.”

Li Ling, hearing this, wasn’t offended. He scratched his head and smiled, “I was only trying to liven up the atmosphere. I trust you’ll all understand the effort I put in.”

Ye Junze stepped in to smooth things over. “I know you meant well, and no one blames you. All right, class will start soon. Let’s get ready.”

Li Ling nodded deeply in agreement. “You’re right.”

Lu Renjia added, “Yes, checking the time, it seems class is about to begin.”

Fan Yan, smiling, said, “But after listening to you two, I’m even more curious about what we’ll be doing this lesson.”

“Indeed, I’m curious too,” Yun Tianhan interjected. “The syllabus lists this class as ‘Dream Derivation.’ Are we supposed to sleep and dream? If so, this class is almost too kind to us.”

Ye Junze pondered, “I doubt it’s that simple. But regardless, we’ll know soon enough once class begins.”

“That’s true. Let’s wait and let the answer reveal itself to us,” Yun Tianhan replied.

Everyone nodded in agreement with their words. Soon, they shifted the conversation to other topics as they waited for the lesson to start.

……

As time ticked by, other students from the Dao Studies Department gradually arrived, and the moment for class finally came. Right as the scheduled time was reached, everyone seemed to sense something and looked toward the front. A woman’s figure appeared in their view, and as she drew closer, they could make out her features.

She was slender, yet her figure was still quite striking, as if her delicateness added a unique charm. Her features were refined—long eyelashes, bright eyes, and overall, she was remarkably beautiful. Some of the male students couldn’t help but stare, unable to look away.

Ye Junze and his friends, like the others, observed the newcomer. Ye Junze thought to himself, “She must be our teacher for today’s class.”

His guess was soon confirmed as the woman approached and stood before them.

She spoke, “Hello, everyone. I am your teacher for today’s Dream Derivation class.”

Upon hearing this, the students quickly withdrew their bold gazes and responded, “Good morning, teacher.”

The woman smiled in satisfaction and continued, “Greetings, everyone. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Fang Lin. You may call me Teacher Fang or Miss Fang.”

The students replied once more, “Good morning, Teacher Fang.”

“Good morning, Miss Fang.”

The voices rose and fell in waves, tinged with a subtle joy—perhaps a sign of their welcome for Fang Lin.

Fang Lin smiled again, then pressed her hands downward in a gentle gesture, signaling them to pause. The students stopped and looked at her with anticipation.

It seemed she understood what was on their minds. Smiling, she spoke softly, “I imagine you’re all very curious about what we’ll be doing in today’s lesson.”

At that moment, the students felt a strange sensation. Fang Lin’s voice carried a quality difficult to describe, almost magnetic, compelling them to follow her words and drawing them into her world.

Yet this was only a vague impression. They simply nodded and responded, “Yes, we’re very curious.”

“Teacher, please tell us what we’ll be doing in this class.”

“Yes, we have no clue at all.”

“……”

A chorus of responses and fresh questions erupted, making the room lively once more.

Fang Lin smiled, understanding their impatience, and held no grudge. She pressed her hands downward again, signaling them to quiet down.

Obediently, they fell silent, waiting for her explanation. Somehow, they felt a peculiar trust that Fang Lin would indeed answer their questions, even if they couldn’t explain the origin of this faith.

Seeing their calm, Fang Lin smiled once more.

She spoke again, “All right, don’t worry. I know you’re confused, and I’ll address each of your questions in turn. Please be patient a little longer.”

The students nodded.

Her smile never faded as she continued, “At this hour, it’s still early, and since this is our first meeting, I have a suggestion. I wonder if you’d be willing to accept it?”

Everyone perked up, listening intently and asking, “What suggestion, teacher? Please tell us.”

“Yes, teacher, just say it.”

“We’re all reasonable people, teacher. Say whatever you wish, though we might not listen anyway.” This was from someone deliberately causing trouble.

“……”

Fang Lin heard all their remarks and wasn’t angry, even at the provocations. She simply smiled, accommodating their mischief. She knew these students meant no harm; they enjoyed joking with her. Having learned about their personalities from previous teachers, she understood them well and took no offense.

She continued with a smile, “My suggestion is simple. I’d like everyone to introduce themselves so we can get to know each other. You’ve been at Anze for some time, joined the Dao Studies Department days ago, yet I suspect many of you can’t even name the classmates beside you.”

The students nodded thoughtfully, agreeing with her observation. Indeed, though they had been here for days, few had made any effort to get to know one another, each busy with their own affairs. Aside from those whose names were mentioned during yesterday’s assessment in the Method Training class, most remained strangers.

Ye Junze and his four companions nodded in agreement. Had they not performed well in the previous assessment, they wouldn’t have had the chance to acquaint themselves either—let alone those students who might not have passed.

They exchanged glances, settled their thoughts, and said, “Teacher Fang, we agree with your suggestion.”

With their lead, others also responded, nodding and saying, “I agree.”

“We agree.”

“All of us agree.”

Voices of assent echoed, with rare unanimity.

Fang Lin was pleased and said, “It seems everyone has no objections. In that case, let’s get right to it.”

Everyone nodded, indicating they had no complaints.

Then Fang Lin said, “I’ve already introduced myself, so I won’t repeat. Now, it’s your turn to shine.”

Before they could react, Fang Lin continued, “Is there anyone who would like to volunteer and be the first to introduce themselves? Don’t worry—just share whatever you wish. There’s no need for detail; as long as everyone learns your name and remembers you, that’s enough.”

This time, their enthusiasm waned. They glanced at each other, none willing to be the first to step forward—perhaps out of embarrassment.

Fang Lin was patient, her smile unwavering, as she waited.

The hesitation dragged on, and it seemed they might delay a bit longer.

“I’ll go first,” a confident male voice suddenly declared.

Heads turned toward the source and saw Li Ling, brimming with self-assurance, step forward. Ye Junze and his friends looked at him curiously, surprised by his initiative. Seeing his confident demeanor, they knew they need not worry, and offered him encouraging glances.

Li Ling noticed their looks, smiled, waved reassuringly, and then approached Fang Lin. “Teacher,” he said.

Fang Lin, pleased someone had stepped up, smiled gently. “Very good. Please introduce yourself—I’m all ears.”

Li Ling replied, “I wouldn’t dare claim much—I simply want to set an example. If I stumble, please don’t laugh.”

Fang Lin smiled, “Of course not.”

Li Ling grinned, said no more, and turned to the others. “My name is Li Ling. Please take care of me.”