The classroom was silent. Dozens of students stared at the man standing before them—the new combat instructor. Lin Fang.
His black robes swayed with each step as he paced before the chalkboard, glancing at the roster of names written in calligraphy-like strokes.
No one dared speak. Not after what happened in the auditorium.
"Class V," Lin Fang said, his voice calm but sharp as a blade. "They've assigned me the bottom of the barrel."
A red-haired student raised his hand cautiously. "Instructor Lin, are you saying we're—"
Lin Fang pointed, and the student flew backward into the wall, leaving a crater of cracked stone behind him.
"Yes," he said flatly. "You're weak. Untalented. Arrogant. That's why you're here."
Someone in the back murmured, "This guy's insane."
"Wrong again," Lin Fang said, turning his gaze toward the source of the voice. "I'm focused."
He tapped the board. "Lesson one: In a world of cultivation, mercy is the luxury of the strong. You? You're not strong. Which means you don't get mercy."
The doors swung open. A student in golden robes sauntered in, flanked by two lackeys. His aura was heavy, smug.
"Who let the trash teach?" the newcomer said. "I'm Zhang Bowen. Golden Core Realm. Top of Class A."
The class collectively held its breath. Lin Fang didn't flinch.
"Class V, watch closely," Lin Fang said. "I'll show you what happens when someone mistakes arrogance for strength."
In one movement, he vanished and reappeared in front of Zhang Bowen. A single strike, open palm to the chest.
BOOM.
Zhang Bowen flew through three walls before embedding into the academy courtyard's outer barrier, twitching.
"Lesson two," Lin Fang said, dusting off his sleeves. "Cultivation isn't fair. The strong rewrite the rules."
He turned to face the class again, his eyes glowing faintly.
"Tomorrow, we train. Today, we weed out the cowards. Anyone not willing to fight—leave now."
No one moved.
A smile tugged at Lin Fang's lips.
"Good."
A quiet beep echoed in Lin Fang's mind.
[System Notice: Class Intimidation Rating — 93%]
Bonus Triggered: "Fear Breeds Obedience"
Temporary Buff: +15% retention rate for unstable students.
Hidden Stat Unlocked: Morale Control – Rank F
Progress to Rank E: 1/100 points
Suggested Action: Crush a challenger in front of spectators.
Lin Fang's smile deepened.
He walked slowly to the seat once claimed by Zhang Bowen, sat down, and casually propped his boots up on the desk.
"I expect everyone here to bring a weapon tomorrow," he said. "Not the kind the academy gave you. I want the weapon you were forbidden to use."
A few students blinked in confusion.
"My chains," said Ember, a girl with burn marks and soot-streaked hair.
"My coffin," muttered a boy in the corner with dead eyes and a heavy iron box chained to his back.
"My curse technique," whispered Lira Moonfall.
Lin Fang nodded. "Those will do."
He rose from the chair.
"You've been told to become heroes," he said, pacing again. "I'm telling you now: that's optional."
Someone in the back finally raised their hand, voice shaky.
"Then… what do you want us to become?"
Lin Fang looked at him. Not angry. Not cold.
Just honest.
"Useful."
That evening, a message pulsed across the Liberty High internal network.
[Instructor Disciplinary Notice – Delayed]
Subject: Lin Fang
Reason: Use of excessive force against a ranked student.
Status: Overridden due to scroll clearance level.
Note: Observation recommended. Do not engage without authorization.
In his dorm, Lin Fang sat cross-legged under a flickering lamp, pouring tea like nothing had happened. The room was small, messy, and smelled faintly of burned paper.
He stared at the ceiling for a moment, then opened his interface again.
[Villain Curriculum – Stage II: Containment Breach]
Current Class Morale: 52% (Fear-Driven)
Next Milestone: 70% (Controlled Loyalty)
Side Mission Available:
"Recruit or Break One Class A Student in the Next 3 Days"
Reward: Trait – "Corruption Aura" (Passive Intimidation + Emotional Pressure)
Lin Fang took a sip of tea.
"I'll take both," he whispered. "Recruit and break."
Outside his window, the wind howled.
But somewhere in the shadows of the academy walls… something howled back.
Far across campus, within the sealed chambers of the Guidance Division, a red-cloaked instructor finished reviewing the footage.
She paused on the frame where Lin Fang stood above Zhang Bowen's cratered body, eyes aglow.
"He's already bypassed three warning thresholds," she murmured. "He's not stabilizing. He's escalating."
Beside her, a hooded assistant scribbled notes. "Should we alert the Headmaster?"
The instructor shook her head.
"No. Let him keep going."
She smirked.
"Let's see how far the villain will rise… before the world demands his fall."
Back in Class V's common room, the students were unusually quiet.
Carlos sat sharpening a chipped sword.
Ember balanced a fire orb on her fingertips, staring at it like it might answer something.
Zeke taped a "DO NOT OPEN" label on his boba flask and set it on a glowing rune plate.
Lira? Still staring at the moonlight outside the window.
Nobody laughed. Not tonight.
They were scared.
And they liked it.
Meanwhile, Lin Fang sat cross-legged in silence. Not meditating. Just… waiting.
The system blinked.
[Instructor Override Active – 48 hours remaining]
Note: Your actions are being observed by 3 factions.
One of them has sent an emissary. ETA: 1 day.
Lin Fang exhaled once.
Then smiled without humor.
"Good.
Let them come."
A faint knock echoed at the door.
Not a loud bang. Just... three gentle taps.
Lin Fang opened his eyes.
His system blinked again.
> [Warning: Unknown Qi Signature Detected – Not Registered in Academy Database]
Threat Level: ???
Alignment: Unclassified
Would you like to initiate combat mode?
He didn't answer.
Instead, he stood, walked to the door, and opened it slowly.
A girl stood there.
Not a student.
Not an instructor.
She wore traveler's robes, stained with ink and blood, and her eyes—
They were completely black.
She smiled.
"You're exactly what we've been looking for," she said softly.
And then she vanished.