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Chapter 72 — Knowing What Not to Do
Dai Huabin was also applauding, his gaze toward Zhang Lexuan carrying the same faint, almost imperceptible heat that many of the male students held.
Changing classes?
Change classes, my foot!
With a teacher like this, even if he were in the same class as Huo Yuhao, he'd be fine with it.
Such a young Spirit Douluo, undoubtedly a genius among geniuses in the inner academy. If he could cultivate a good relationship with Zhang Lexuan, why would he still fear Huo Yuhao within the academy?
"All right, all right."
Zhang Lexuan raised a hand with a smile, gently pressing it down. "Quiet down, everyone. Let's begin class."
As the applause gradually subsided, she first cast a glance at Huo Yuhao, her expression carrying a subtle hint of meaning as she spoke.
"Thanks to some things I learned from a certain friend, for the first lesson of the semester, we won't be studying theory. We're simply going to have a chat."
Though the students were somewhat surprised, Zhang Lexuan's level as a Spirit Douluo was enough to awe them into silence. None dared question this unusual teaching method, patiently waiting for her next words.
"As for the topic of our chat…"
Zhang Lexuan thought for a moment and smiled. "Let's talk about your aspirations."
Aspirations?
Seeing the puzzled expressions on their faces, she patiently explained.
"Like your ideals in life. Everyone wants power, everyone wants to become stronger, but once you are stronger, what you aim to do can be very different."
"Ultimately, why do you want to grow stronger? Once you obtain power, what is it that you hope to accomplish?"
The new students lowered their heads, some in thoughtful contemplation. Most didn't notice the silent exchange between Zhang Lexuan and Huo Yuhao.
Zhang Lexuan's gaze rested on Huo Yuhao, a hint of pride flickering in her eyes.
—How am I doing? My first time as a teacher isn't bad, right?
Huo Yuhao almost couldn't help but smile, nodding in agreement.
—Impressive, impressive.
Zhang Lexuan's expression darkened slightly, her eyebrows arching.
—You don't seem very sincere! How about you, Yuhao, speak first, then?
—No, please, Sister Lexuan, spare me!
Seeing Huo Yuhao's agonized, pleading face, Zhang Lexuan finally couldn't hold back her laughter. The clear, melodic sound drew puzzled gazes from the students.
"Ahem, ahem."
As if caught slacking off during class, her cheeks flushed. She coughed lightly to cover her embarrassment, cast a sharp glance at Huo Yuhao, then turned serious and scanned the room.
"Anyone want to go first?"
After a brief silence, Dai Huabin hesitated, raising his hand. When Zhang Lexuan nodded, he stood, a subtle, indescribable pride flickering across his face.
"My father followed my grandfather to the battlefield at thirteen, starting as a simple soldier. He endured over a thousand battles and gradually climbed to the position of legion commander. Eventually, he was appointed as the General of the Central Army of the Star Luo Empire."
"So, when I grow stronger, I hope to join the army like my father, achieve merit on the battlefield, become a General of the Army, and be a hero admired by countless people of the Star Luo Empire!"
His bold declaration echoed through the classroom, his firm and proud expression drawing admiration from many of the female students.
Though still not quite matching Huo Yuhao in appearance, Dai Huabin was certainly handsome compared to ordinary people.
More importantly, his background seemed impressive!
Zhu Lu naturally recognized Dai Huabin as the same boy Huo Yuhao had once defeated.
She involuntarily recalled the scene when he had been saved in the forest, crying and screaming, "Don't kill me!"
It was precisely because of that scene that her mother had decided Dai Huabin's mindset was irreparably flawed, concluding that he could never become strong. She had avoided letting her daughter interact with him again.
Later, she occasionally heard her mother mention how the Duchess had sought help everywhere for Dai Huabin, worrying herself sick.
Five years had passed. Judging by appearances, his condition seemed to have improved considerably.
Thinking this, she instinctively glanced at Huo Yuhao behind her, biting her lip.
Five years without meeting… had he grown stronger too?
"That's quite a solid aspiration."
Zhang Lexuan smiled and nodded. Beyond that brief encouragement, she gave no other response, showing no interest in his Star Luo Empire background. She gestured for him to sit and then looked to the others.
"Anyone else want to share?"
With Dai Huabin leading, more and more students spoke. Some sought fame like him, some wealth or power, and others longevity.
Those who had fallen head over heels for the beautiful class teacher wracked their brains for unique answers, hoping to attract her attention.
Yet no matter what they said, Zhang Lexuan merely nodded politely, offering encouragement, like a patient elder watching the youth speak about their future.
Finally, after hearing one student's answer, Zhang Lexuan's gaze landed on Huo Yuhao. Her smile carried a subtle question.
"Yuhao, would you like to share your thoughts?"
At her words, the classroom fell silent.
This was the first time Zhang Lexuan had called on a student by name without a prior introduction.
As everyone wondered who had captured the teacher's attention, Huo Yuhao rose calmly, as if announcing the answer.
"My purpose for growing stronger…"
Meeting Zhang Lexuan's expectant gaze, Huo Yuhao pressed his lips lightly, considered briefly, then spoke.
"…is to freely choose the life I wish to live." {T/N: Harem Life}
"Oh?"
Hearing an answer seemingly similar to others, Zhang Lexuan raised an eyebrow. Unlike her responses to other students, she did not smile or nod, ignoring the strange glances between Huo Yuhao and herself. She inquired further.
"So, are you the type who wants to do whatever they please once stronger?"
"…I suppose so."
Recalling everything from his past life, Huo Yuhao lowered his eyes. His voice was gentle yet resolute, carrying to everyone's ears.
"But I believe freedom is not doing whatever you want. Freedom is knowing what not to do."
"It's not doing whatever you want; it's having the choice not to do something when you don't wish to do it."
"When you don't want to act, you can choose not to, rather than being forced by circumstances to act."
Huo Yuhao paused, speaking softly:
"This is the freedom I desire." {T/N: Absolute Cinema!!!}
Silence fell over the classroom. Dai Huabin, sensing something unusual, instinctively glanced at Zhang Lexuan.
Seeing her momentarily stunned expression, he froze, jealousy surging uncontrollably in his heart.
He lowered his head silently, fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his flesh, but he barely noticed.
—(End of Chapter)