As Gu Xun spoke, a golden apple appeared in his hand. He took a bite, and the golden apple vanished instantly as he consumed it.
Gu Xun's spirit power instantly replenished before everyone's eyes. Lan Mengqin was utterly stunned—this was the first time she'd witnessed Gu Xun's truly monstrous abilities.
"What the hell... are you stepping on your own feet to fly?"
Lan Mengqin was too stunned to even mock him, her eyes filled with disbelief. Meanwhile, Lan Xuanyu stared at Gu Xun's summoning portal, reminiscent of Qian Lei's, and began to ponder.
It seemed that as long as Gu Xun was around, she could meet him and her teacher Nana every single day.
This was absolutely fantastic! The thought instantly filled Lan Xuanyu with excitement.
"Left foot stepping on the right foot to ascend to heaven? That's quite fitting. Alright, everyone, head back."
With that, Gu Xun waved his hand. Three gates instantly closed, and Lan Xuanyu, Dong Qian Qiu, Lan Meng Qin, and the Ironclad Dragon vanished in an instant.
Once again, Gu Xun leaned idly against the pavilion bench, finding himself with nothing to do.
Soon, it was time for the afternoon class. The afternoon session involved sending the trainees to survive in the virtual world's Spirit Beast Forest.
"This afternoon's session is practical training. Divide yourselves into ten groups of three. Each group must elect a leader."
"If you've already chosen your group, report it to me. In half an hour, I'll personally assign any ungrouped trainees."
Just as Teacher Wang began the grouping process, Lan Mengqin approached.
"Qianqiu, let's be in the same group."
"Sure, Sister Mengqin is more than welcome to join us."
Dong Qianqiu nodded in agreement, welcoming Lan Mengqin into the team she shared with Gu Xun.
"So who should be our team leader?"
Lan Mengqin turned to Gu Xun and Dong Qianqiu. Dong Qianqiu shook his head.
"I'm the lowest level. I'll pass."
Lan Mengqin turned to Gu Xun. He raised an eyebrow—leading a team meant endless hassles, and he had no interest in it.
"Aren't you a controller? You take it?"
Gu Xun suggested. Lan Mengqin froze, surprised that neither he nor Dong Qianqiu wanted the role.
Was being captain really that undesirable? Why were Gu Xun and Dong Qianqiu both avoiding it like the plague?
Lan Mengqin turned to observe the other team, only to find them already in heated argument.
"I'm the strongest here. I should be captain!"
"You're just a bit higher level. I have the Advanced Martial Spirit, the Mighty Ape. You might not be my match!"
"What? Got a problem with that? Care to step up and fight it out?"
"Bring it on! Who's afraid of you?"
"Hey, hey! Cut it out! I'm a Control-type Spirit Master. I'll be the captain."
"Shut up!"
The elite class students were all supremely arrogant. How could any of them submit to another? Each considered themselves extraordinary, naturally refusing to yield to anyone else.
Lan Mengqin watched the small teams on the verge of brawling—this seemed like the normal state of affairs.
But Gu Xun and Dong Qianqiu showed no interest in being team captains, leaving Lan Mengqin at a loss for words.
"Well then, Captain Lan Mengqin, we'll leave the reporting to you."
Gu Xun grinned at Lan Mengqin as he spoke. She paused for a moment before nodding.
She promptly submitted the names of Gu Xun, Dong Qianqiu, and herself, successfully forming a squad.
"Hey, Qianqiu, Gu Xun, now that we're a squad, should we pick a name?"
Lan Mengqin asked excitedly, turning to Gu Xun and Dong Qianqiu. Dong Qianqiu expressed no objection, while Gu Xun couldn't be bothered to voice an opinion.
"I have no objection."
"I second that."
Seeing this, Lan Mengqin fell into deep thought. The simple task of naming the team had stumped all three of them.
"How about... Snow Goddess?"
After much deliberation, Lan Mengqin finally came up with this name. Dong Qianqiu glanced at Gu Xun upon hearing it, and Gu Xun hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but held back.
"What about me? Are you suggesting I become a girl?"
Gu Xun pointed at himself, his question hanging in the air. Lan Mengqin nodded earnestly.
"It's not impossible, Gu Xun. I think you'd look quite good in women's clothing."
Lan Mengqin teased with a playful grin. Gu Xun's face darkened at the suggestion—he really could become a girl.
Dong Qianqiu also studied Gu Xun. With his striking features, dressed in women's clothing and styled appropriately, he might even outshine Lan Mengqin.
The thought made Dong Qianqiu look forward to seeing Gu Xun in women's clothing.
Amidst the girls' teasing, it was soon time for the practical lesson. Everyone arrived at the familiar virtual pod and entered it.
The three of them appeared in the Spirit Beast Forest of the virtual world. Upon entering the forest, Lan Mengqin and Dong Qianqiu instantly became alert, ready for battle at any moment.
Gu Xun, however, remained as carefree as ever. He swept his spiritual sense around the area, confirming it was temporarily safe.
"Captain, where to?"
Gu Xun turned to ask Lan Mengqin. She glanced around, rubbing her chin thoughtfully as she considered her options. Gu Xun and Dong Qianqiu waited patiently for her decision.