The deafening explosions of the firecrackers in ss 10 drew the attention of nearby sses on the same floor. Curious students poured out of their ssrooms to investigate themotion. "Hey, what''s going on? Are those firecrackers?" one of them asked.


    "No... it''s not firecrackers. It''s Jayden," someone replied, chuckling.


    "What? How can Jayden explode so loudly?" another student asked, bewildered.


    The onlookers burst intoughter at the absurdity of the situation, leaving the question hanging in the air.


    As thest firecracker fizzled out, Anos leapt down from the bucket, which ttered to the ground. Jayden emerged from the bucket, shrouded in thick smoke. The students who had gathered outside the ssroom gasped in shock at the sight of Jayden''s charred and ckened body.


    "What the...? What just happened?" someone stammered, aghast.


    Anos, seemingly unfazed, waved at the stunned onlookers and said with a grin, "Betterte than the crowd and friends, bted happy holidays to you all!"


    The ssroom fell silent, with only the sound of heavy breathing and murmurs of disbelief filling the air.


    Anos''s eyes welled up with tears as he struggled toe to terms with the relentless bullying he had endured. The initial anger had given way to a deep-seated humiliation, his fragile ego shattered by the repeated taunts and teases. His heart, once full of pride, now felt crushed and vulnerable.


    As the tears began to flow uncontrobly down his cheeks, Anos''s expression remained eerily calm, his face still etched with a mocking concern. The contrast between Jayden''s anguish and Anos''s nonchnce only served to exacerbate the situation, making the moment even more poignant and ufortable.


    "Hey, why the tears? It''s a joyous time, you shouldn''t be crying. It''s bad luck," Anos said, his voice dripping with insincerity. "Come on, give me a smile."


    Sasha rolled her eyes and rubbed her forehead, thinking to herself, "Ugh, so shameless."


    Jayden, still sniffling, wiped away his tears and dered, "Anos... we''re sworn enemies now... Sob..." before turning and fleeing the scene.


    This humiliating incident would likely haunt Jayden for the rest of his life, a constant reminder of his vulnerability and Anos''s ruthless mockery.


    Anos sighed, his voiceced with mock sympathy. "Sigh, he''s still a child after all. He''s so fragile."


    But the onlookers knew the truth. Fragile? Jayden was a tyrant who had terrorized Orchid Flower Academy, bullying anyone who crossed his path. Yet, after witnessing his humiliation, they couldn''t help but feel a pang of pity for him, an overwhelming urge to offer him aforting embrace.


    As for Anos... he was a different story altogether. His merciless taunts and relentless bullying had revealed his true nature - a heartless beast, devoid of empathy orpassion.


    ....


    A crucial realization dawned on everyone: Anos was far from useless. In fact, he possessed the formidable strength of a Qi Building Stage five-star cultivator. It was a shame that people had initially pitied him, for he had not only made a move on the woman John Gill fancied but also brutally tormented his underling, Jayden. Anos''s fate was sealed.


    John Gill was no ordinary individual. He was a legendary figure in Orchid Flower Academy and even in Flower City. His family background was illustrious, but his sheer strength alone was enough to leave everyone in awe. When he returned, everyone could already imagine the dire consequences that awaited Anos.


    Anos nonchntly sat down beside Sasha, as if the previous incident had never urred. "Sasha, don''t you think I''m handsome?" he asked with a sly grin.


    Sasha shook her head emphatically. "No."


    Anos chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Heh, women! You never mean what you say."


    Sasha''s response was a withering silence, her expression speaking volumes about her disdain for Anos'' antics.


    However, Anos had indeed surprised her today. It was also the first time a man had made her lose herposure time and time again. Most importantly, an ordinary nobody had suddenly be so high-profile. This really attracted attention. However, she still looked at Anos kindly and reminded him. "Do you know how powerful John is?" "I know." "Then you still dared to provoke his people?


    Anos spoke with a nonchnt air, his voice dripping with feigned sincerity. "That''s because you don''t like him, but he keeps pestering you. Even his underlings are annoyed  you. I don''t want to upset you, Sasha. In the future, let me be your shield. I will protect you from his unwanted advances."


    Sasha''s heart skipped a beat as she processed Anos'' words, her mind racing with skepticism. But in the next moment, she reacted, her eyes widening in incredulity. She couldn''t believe the audacity of this man! He was impossible - She couldn''t tell the truth from lies! She let out a disdainful snort, "Hmph!" as she turned away, her expression a mixture of disgust and annoyance.


    Sasha took a deep breath and warned, "But you''ve already provoked him. You can''t afford to mess with John. You''re in danger."


    Anos smiled fearlessly. "I''m not afraid. Don''t I have you?"


    Sasha shook her head firmly. "I won''t help you."


    Anos chuckled, his eyes glinting with confidence. "That''s what you think now. But think about it, when John returns, you''ll have be my girlfriend. Our rtionship will be different then. You''ll definitely have to protect me."


    As he spoke, a imaginary notification popped up in his mind: ''Ding... Sessfully teased Sasha. Scum Man Points + 10000. Mission Progress: 80%.''


    "In your dreams," Sasha said, turning her head to ignore Anos. Anos shrugged, unfazed. He was already 80% done with his mission; it would be aplished soon!


    As the others left, Fatty tom approached Anos and whispered, "Anos, when did you be so strong?"


    Anos downyed his abilities, "Am I? It''s just so-so. Jayden is too weak."


    Fatty Tom pressed for more information, "Then what level are you?"


    Anos remained tight-lipped, unwilling to reveal his true strength. "I''m not much higher than him. Do you think I''m a genius?" he said with a smirk.


    "No... You''re not?" Fatty Tom asked, his eyes widening in surprise.


    Anos remained silent, a sly grin spreading across his face.


    Anos burst intoughter, "Hahaha... Damn! I hid it for so long, and you still saw through it!"


    Tom chuckled, clearly pleased with himself. "Hehe, great! Hearing these words is really great!"


    Tom, still grinning, pulled out a pile of delicious food and ced it in front of Anos. "Brother Anos, eat something, eat something."


    Anos picked up a hamburger and took a big bite, savoring the taste.


    ..


    Anos was considered wealthy, but his wealth paled inparison to Tom''s. Moreover, Anos'' wealth was earned by his sister, Luna, and he rarely used it. He was frugal and never spent money recklessly.


    Tom, on the other hand, was a small figure in school, but his family''s property was one of the most impressive in Flower City. He was the richest student, and although some young masters looked down on him, they ttered him to get their hands on his money. Fatty Tom''s timid nature made him an easy target for bullying, and he often had to swallow his pride.


    It was puzzling why someone from such a prestigious background would have such a weak character. However, despite his timidity,  Fatty Tom had a lovable and endearing quality, and his chubby appearance only added to his charm.


    "Hehe, Brother Anos, is it good?" Tom asked, seeking approval.


    "It''s okay. Tell me, what''s the matter?" Anos replied, his eyes narrowing slightly.


    Fatty Tom''s face fell, his expression turning sulky. "Brother Anos, we''re so close. Shouldn''t I give you food to show my filial piety? What kind of person do you think I am?"


    Anos cated him with a conciliatory tone, "That''s true. I''ve wronged you, brother."


    Though he spoke words of apology, Anos was well aware of Tom''s true intentions. He saw right through the facade, understanding the underlying motivations behind Tom''s actions.


    "That''s right... Brother Anos, you''re nning to take the Sky Martial Court''s exam soon, aren''t you?" Fatty Tom asked, his eyes gleaming with excitement.


    Anos nodded confidently. "Of course! I''m eager to join the Sky Martial Court and receive their renowned training. Most importantly, I''ll finally have ess to martial skills!" Currently, Anos was without martial skills, a deficiency he longed to rectify.


    Fatty Tom''s expression turned coy as he asked, "Brother Anos, you''re incredibly powerful today... Do you think you could help me out?"


    Anos waved his hand dismissively. "I think it''s okay, but there''s no need." Fatty Tom was left speechless, his face falling in disappointment.


    "Hey, don''t be like that. I''m actually very weak, and there''s a 50% chance I won''t even pass the exam," Tom said, his voiceced with humility.


    Anos wiped his mouth and turned to Fatty tom, his eyes sparkling with interest. "Speaking of the exam, I don''t know much about it. Can you tell me more about the personal exam?"


    Fatty Tom nodded enthusiastically, his face lighting up. "The exam is based on total score. To enter the Sky Martial Court, you need to pass the overall score. The final round is a chaotic battle - a free-for-all fight for a few crystals. If anyone manages to hold onto a crystal at the end, they''ll pass, no matter how weak they are."


    Fatty Tom''s eyes locked onto Anos, his voice taking on a pleading tone. "So, I''ll need your help when the timees. Will you assist me, Brother Anos?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Hmm... Sure," Anos replied nonchntly, rubbing his fingers together.


    Fatty Tom''s eyes lit up as he caught the subtle gesture. "Don''t worry, Brother Anos! I''ll arrange the payment as soon as possible!"


    Anos smiled charmingly and patted Fatty tom''s shoulder. "I''m not asking for payment because I''m greedy, but because I want to teach you the value of hard work and reciprocity. If I did everything for free, you might take me for granted. By paying me, you''ll appreciate my help more."


    "What do you mean?" Tom asked, confused.


    "Think about it," Anos said with a sly smile. "If I help you for free, you''ll feel guilty and indebted to me, right? So, I''ll graciously ept your payment, just to ease your conscience. What do you think, Brother?"


    Tom was left speechless, his mind racing with frustration. ''Despicable! You''re really despicable!'' he thought to himself.


    Just then, a woman walked into their ssroom, interrupting the tense moment.