Chapter 12: The Ice Phoenix’s Aftermath

Students on the periphery had already fled to safety like startled birds.

However, those trapped within the arena were likely to be transformed into crystalline ice sculptures along with the practical training room.

No, time was already pressing, and it was too late for anything.

Observing Ouyang Xiyue, he was entirely focused, gathering power for his spell.

Rushing forward rashly to interrupt him now would only prove futile.

‘Let it be, let them freeze,’ he thought. ‘What concern is it of mine?’

He had already extended his utmost benevolence by warning them; if they couldn’t escape on their own, there was truly nothing more he could do.

Such were the thoughts swirling within Ye Xuehui’s mind.

In that instant, a figure descended from the heavens, alighting gracefully beside Ye Xuehui.

The newcomer possessed a mane of dreamlike purple hair, and their eyes were as profound as endless black holes, purely obsidian without a trace of other hues.

The maiden’s figure was graceful and exquisitely curved, her foxy, alluring countenance adding a touch of bewitching charm.

In stark contrast to Ouyang Xiyue’s pure and adorable appearance, like a blank sheet of paper, the two presented a vivid dichotomy, akin to a vibrant rose and a delicate daisy, each possessing its unique splendor.

“Everyone, there’s no need to panic!” The woman’s crimson lips parted, her words flowing out like a clear spring.

No sooner had she spoken than a mysterious silver light emanated from her, and a magic array swiftly materialized, expanding at a visible pace.

“Fifth-tier Magic—Mass Teleportation!”

In an instant, all those who had been panicking and fleeing in every direction were enveloped by the silver light.

In that very moment, the previously crowded practical training arena became utterly deserted.

Within the vast arena, only Ouyang Xiyue, who had remained standing on the competition stage, was left.

An uninformed observer might have assumed he had been the sole occupant of the practical training room all along.

****

Outside.

“What on earth just happened? I was inside a moment ago; how did I end up here in the blink of an eye?”

“Look, it’s Senior Sister Lin Yao!”

“Wow, it really is Senior Sister Lin Yao! So, Senior Sister Lin Yao saved us!”

“Thank you so much, Senior Sister Lin Yao! Senior Sister Lin Yao, we love you…” The cheers from the boys rose and fell in a wave.

****

Inside.

Ouyang Xiyue, who had kept his eyes tightly shut, suddenly snapped them open, a sharp light glinting within them as he stared fixedly at his target, roaring, “Shatter!”

“If anyone dares to obstruct my path, be it person or thing, all shall be utterly crushed by me!”

The moment Ouyang Xiyue released his grip, the previously sunlit interior was instantly engulfed by raging winds, and ice and snow began to swirl as if in a land of extreme cold.

A phoenix, coalesced from frigid blue ice, surged explosively towards its target like a wild stallion unleashed.

Everything in the ice phoenix’s path was instantly frozen.

The seemingly sturdy array, before the magnificent ice phoenix, was like a structure made of paper, shattering in an instant, transforming into countless fragments that slowly dissipated across the air.

The target, too, was utterly pulverized by the ice phoenix’s impact.

Only then did Ouyang Xiyue realize he had perhaps become too engrossed.

As he watched the ice phoenix explode in the air, wild ice elements surged outwards like a raging tide.

A silent alarm went off in his mind, prompting him to swiftly summon his sword and, riding it at astonishing speed, escape the practical training arena.

“Oh, Ouyang-classmate, I didn’t realize you took things so seriously.

Just look at this enormous space; you’ve frozen it into an entire world of ice sculptures.

Your skill truly resembles a master’s timeless creation, so lifelike!”

Ouyang Xiyue gazed at his “masterpiece,” scratching his head in embarrassment.

“My apologies, it seems I got a little too carried away.

But rest assured, I will handle this matter properly.

And by the way, I won this match.” Ouyang Xiyue said apologetically.

“Indeed, you won.” Ye Xuehui replied, marveling inwardly at how Ouyang Xiyue was still concerned with the match’s outcome at such a moment.

Watching Ouyang Xiyue’s retreating figure, Ye Xuehui shook his head helplessly.

“President, that Ouyang Xiyue who challenged all the academy’s clubs, that’s him, right?

His strength is truly formidable, and he’s also a great beauty!” Lin Yao, who had been quietly listening to their conversation nearby, couldn’t help but let her lips curl into a faint smile.

“Knock, knock, knock!”

“Who’s in such a hurry? Come in!”

“Old Li, it’s bad news!” Zhang Zhiyi burst through the door in a whirlwind, speaking breathlessly.

“Old Zhang, why are you so flustered?

You’re a grown man; don’t act like a fidgety child,” the Principal muttered, frowning.

“The practical training room where those two girls competed has been frozen solid, sealed by absolute zero ice.

This ice won’t melt on its own; it can only be dispelled with fire magic.

But if it melts, the entire practical training room will collapse, utterly ruined!” Zhang Zhiyi gasped, speaking urgently.

Upon hearing this, the Principal was momentarily speechless.

After collecting himself, he abruptly stood up, taking several deep breaths to compose his emotions.

“I knew something would go wrong, which is why I charged admission fees, but I never expected such a colossal mess.

These ticket sales won’t even cover a fraction of the losses.

Old Jian, you’ve truly brought me a living ancestor!” The Principal slapped his forehead in exasperation.

“Old Zhang, since things have come to this, there’s no other way.

Go and ask the teachers to help melt the ice, then tally up the damages, and have the student council deliver the bill to the culprit,” the Principal said, almost tearfully.

“Alright, I’ll go right away.

Please take care of yourself and don’t get too worked up.”

After the two finished their match, the academy’s forum (TL Note: ‘Tieba’ is a Chinese online community forum, similar to Reddit or a bulletin board system.) instantly exploded with activity.

“What kind of match was that? It was absolutely outrageous!”

“Let me tell you, I was there!

Ouyang-classmate was like an Ice Emperor descended from the heavens—no, more like an Ice Empress, utterly magnificent!”

“Indeed, I was watching from a forward position.

If Senior Sister Lin Yao hadn’t appeared in time, I probably would have been frozen solid along with the practical training room.”

“Though losing face is a minor matter, life is far more important than pride.”

The forum buzzed with chatter, yet Ouyang Xiyue, the one at the center of it all, remained blissfully unaware of the immense trouble he had caused, currently resting with his eyes closed, sprawled out on his bed in a ‘big character’ pose (TL Note: A relaxed sleeping posture where one lies on their back with arms and legs spread wide, resembling the Chinese character ‘大’).

Suddenly, the dormitory door was flung open, and Shangguan Yun rushed in like a whirlwind.

“Ouyang Xiyue! You’re still sleeping soundly here?

Get up now! The teacher wants you to go to the student council!”

After Shangguan Yun finished shouting, Ouyang Xiyue, still lying on the bed, showed no reaction.

So, she walked over and gently pushed Ouyang Xiyue, but still, there was no movement.

A flicker of doubt crossed Shangguan Yun’s mind, and she reached out to touch Ouyang Xiyue’s pale forehead.

“So hot! Xiyue, please don’t let anything happen to you.

If anything were to befall you, how would I explain it to Her Royal Highness when I return?

It’s over, it’s all over! If something truly happened to you at the academy, Her Royal Highness would likely declare war on the academy, and then the academy might face the crisis of shutting down!”

“Can’t you ever wish me well, you rascal?

Don’t always have death on your lips.

I merely overused my magic; I’m a bit depleted, that’s all.”

Seeing Ouyang Xiyue slowly rise from his bed, Shangguan Yun finally let out a long sigh of relief.

“Then perhaps I should tell the teacher that you’re unwell and will go tomorrow?”

As soon as she finished speaking, Shangguan Yun prepared to stand up and open the door.

However, Ouyang Xiyue, who had appeared behind her at some point, gently took her hand.

“I’m fine; you just stay put in the dormitory.

By the way, do you know why the teacher wants me at the student council?”

“That’s hard to say, but given the enormous trouble you’ve caused, I reckon you’re in for some punishment.”

As Ouyang Xiyue left the dormitory, he felt a dull ache in his head.

Yet, he firmly shook his head, pondering to himself, ‘I must find a way to resolve the mistakes I’ve made, no matter what.’

‘As a true man, I should take responsibility for my actions.

Even if my appearance isn’t that of a man, one must see beyond the surface to the essence; indeed, I am that person with a resolute heart.’