Only Human Here 5

Wei Huan had faced numerous dangers on his journey since his rebirth, not even catching a glimpse of a familiar face. However, now, he finally encountered someone he knows, though they can't be called old friends. In fact, they could even be considered arch-enemies. Nevertheless, Wei Huan couldn't hide the emotional turmoil within him.

After his rebirth, his escape and adventures felt like a dream. It's only upon seeing this person in front of him that he could truly believe he had returned.

As the sole heir of the Jiu Feng family for nine generations and inheriting the abilities of both his father and mother, in the eyes of others, Wei Huan had an advantage from birth. Ten years ago, right behind this red door, he had met his lifelong nemesis for the first time.

"Hey, isn't that Wei Huan from the Arctic Celestial Cabinet? Look at his flashy appearance."

"It's expected for someone born into such a family to be flashy. If I were from a military officer's family, I would have shown off long ago."

"Tsk, he's only impressive because he inherited the bloodline of a great demon and the status of the Jiu Feng family. If he hadn't inherited abilities from his parents, wouldn't he be just like us?"

"True, there aren't many demons who inherit abilities from both parents. He has both."

"Shh, keep your voice down; he's coming…"

All of them are here to enroll at the Mountain and Sea University. Others approach the door cautiously, their hearts pounding, afraid of being locked out. But Wei Huan is different; he doesn't even bother to fold his wings and flies out directly, appearing even more confident than those students who have already enrolled.

"Demons are truly infuriating other Demons."

"Sigh, no chance this time."

Wei Huan circles in the air, stopping in the middle with his black wings outstretched. "Yang Sheng, hurry up."

The handsome young man who lands behind him touches the ground with his toes and retracts his dark blue wings. "Ah Huan, you should come down too; you're too conspicuous up there."

While Wei Huan still wants to be carefree, looking at his childhood friend Yang Sheng, he eventually descends, and his wings disappear into his shoulder blades. "What's the matter with being up in the sky? We're here to enter the Fuyao Academy and reach for the stars. This height is nothing."

"It's true, it's nothing, but you're already drawing attention as soon as you enter." Yang Sheng shakes his head. "Your parents will scold you again."

Compared to Wei Huan, Yang Sheng is much more composed in temperament, though not too rigid. Occasionally, he enjoys banter with Wei Huan. Wei Huan has always been a troublemaker since he was a child, and his parents often instructed Yang Sheng to keep an eye on him, but this guy continued to do as he pleased.

"If they want to scold, let them. I've come to Fuyao anyway. The emperor is far away, let them say what they want."

Hearing this, Yang Sheng can't help but sigh. "You're definitely going to Fuyao. I haven't found my place yet."

Wei Huan understood in his heart that Yang Sheng was a Bi Fang bird, belonging to the Bi Fang clan. Unlike the Jiu Feng clan, their abilities leaned more towards the fire element, although Yang Sheng didn't inherit his father's ability to control fire but instead, like his mother, excelled in controlling the wind, manipulating gusts and creating winds out of thin air.

Shannai University, unlike other demon schools, assigns students to different colleges based on their talents after formal enrollment. These include the Fuyao College for the Wind element, Yan Sui College for the Fire element, Shang Shan College for Water, and Jia Hui College for Wood. Students from different colleges follow distinct training programs tailored to their abilities.

Thinking of Yang Sheng's concern, Wei Huan put his arm around his shoulder. "Don't worry; I heard the Yan Sui College isn't all that great either. It's strict, and fire-type monsters have terrible tempers. Once we're in Fuyao, we can stay together all the time. Who knows, when we graduate, we might even become combat instructors at Shanhai."

"Aren't you planning to have a bunch of little Jiu Fengs in the future?"

"Of course! With my great genes, I must marry the most beautiful monster and have a bunch of adorable kids. It's a duty to our ancestors and all the girls who secretly admire me. Let me tell you, today, I entered the university. Who else but me can be the school's heartthrob?"

Yang Sheng gazed at the sky. "If you ever die one day, it will be from too much boasting."

Passing through the main gate is just the first step; to officially enroll, they must pass the new student selection, which is the entrance exam for new students. It consists of three rounds: a written test, followed by those who pass advancing to the second round, which is a practical elimination match where students compete in pairs until a winner is decided.

Wei Huan aimed for that first place from the day he thought about entering Shanhai University, rehearsing his award acceptance speech a thousand times in his mind.

"I heard they've posted the results of the written test!"

"Yeah, it's over by the main building."

Weihuan, who had been dozing off on the field, was awakened by Yang Sheng. "You did really well in the written test."

"Obviously…" A half-awake Wei Huan mumbled, "I definitely aced the written test…"

But in the next moment, a groggy Wei Huan heard Yang Sheng say, "But the name of the first-place winner sounds really good, it's one of those names that brighten your eyes."

Wei Huan bounced up like a startled carp. "What did you say? I'm not the first place?"

Yang Sheng nodded. "Right, you're the second."

"Second?"

What a joke!

Wei Huan rolled up his sleeves and rose from the lawn with his black wings opening as he walked a few steps. He flew towards the main building in the midst of a sea of people. In front of the main building floated the ranking list for the written test, a holographic screen measuring five meters from top to bottom. Below the list, there was a crowd of examinees. Wei Huan flew directly to the front of the list, hovering in mid-air with his head stuck at the top position.

First place, Yun Yongzhuo, 150 points.

Second place, Wei Huan, 149 points.

"Who deducted that one point from me?" Wei Huan, suspended in mid-air, turned around, both angry and annoyed. "And who's this Yun Yongzhuo?"

Yang Sheng also flew up and forcibly pulled Wei Huan down. "I just inquired. Yun Yongzhuo is the youngest son of the Golden Crow Cloud family." After saying this, he signaled to Wei Huan, "Yes, you're thinking of the top-tier Yun family. They moved from Penglai Sea to Kunlun Virtuous Monster City last year, new officials in town, complete relocation."

"I don't care about his background. How dare a newcomer be so arrogant?" The loss of the first place in the written test, which he didn't take seriously, suddenly ignited Wei Huan's fighting spirit. He clenched his fist, making a cracking sound. "Yun Yongzhuo…"

He glanced at the name towering over him. "You better hold on for a while. I won't go easy on you in the practical match."

Wei Huan had an astonishing talent, an ability that could rival the power of spoken words. He could instantly go back on his word, thickening his face in the process.

"Weren't you just talking tough a moment ago? Why are you dazed now?" Yang Sheng shouted from the observation platform to Wei Huan on the field. "Stay focused."

"Damn it…" Wei Huan turned his head, his eyes widened. "Yun Yongzhuo is unbelievably good-looking."

"Let me tell you a ghost story." Yang Sheng, with a deadpan expression, said, "…Wei Huan, you're in a competition, the finals."

"Oh! Right, right, right…" Wei Huan patted his forehead. "I almost forgot."

Wei Huan was an absolute fan of good looks. He thought he was already the best-looking monster out there, all handsome and whatnot, and he often stayed in his human form because he felt his original form wasn't good enough. Little did he know he'd come across someone even more attractive.

Yun Yongzhuo, dressed in all black, walked out from the other end of the arena. Shadows retreated inch by inch from his face until he was bathed in light.

His skin was extremely pale, with delicate features, like an expressionless sculpture. The only color on his face was the red flame at the left corner of his forehead, the Golden Crow family mark, about the size of a thumbprint. It was partly concealed under his forehead, which was barely visible due to his overly pale skin. The color of his irises was surprisingly faint, and when sunlight sank into them, they looked like a transparent and cold amber gem.

Yun Yongzhuo gazed at Wei Huan with an indifferent expression.

"This event is the final round of the practical competition! The rules are the same as before: in the first half, no spells are allowed, but once the whistle sounds for the second half, everything goes." Director Bai Hulin's holographic projection appeared in the middle of the referee's stand. He waved a golden school flag with his tiger tail, and the two rows of monster drums in the audience started beating faster and louder. "The competition has officially begun! Let's look forward to the birth of this year's New Student Competition champion!"

As the flag was waved down, the entire arena erupted with cheers. In the eyes of the audience, especially the female spectators on the stands, this was a feast for the eyes. Who in Kunlun Virtuous Yao City didn't know that the Jiu Feng family's son was not only good-looking but also had a great personality, making friends with everyone. From childhood to adulthood, he was always a prominent figure at school. On the other side, the little Golden Crow was even more beautiful, exuding an air of coolness. This was a battle of real heartthrobs.

Wei Huan adjusted his ankle, shook his hands a couple of times, and smiled at Yun Yongzhuo, who remained stoic and didn't utter a word. The more unresponsive Yun Yongzhuo was, the more Wei Huan wanted to tease him.

"Hey, are you too nervous to speak?" Wei Huan smiled brightly, and a blue Nine-Turn Wind Pattern was visible on his collarbone, made up of nine interconnected swirling lines forming a circular monster pattern. This was the unique yao pattern of the Jiu Feng family.

In the brief moment it took for one sentence to pause, Wei Huan was already in front of Yun Yongzhuo, almost nose to nose.

The audience outside the arena was stunned by Wei Huan's incredible speed.

"Wow, he's so fast!" 

"Did you see Little Jiu Feng in previous matches? He won without using spells, defeating opponents in hand-to-hand combat alone." 

"Little Jiu Feng is so handsome!" 

Facing a remarkably skilled opponent, Yun Yongzhuo remained motionless, his pale amber eyes fixed on Wei Huan's smug face. The wind Wei Huan created tousled Yun Yongzhuo's hair, revealing the red family pattern on his left forehead. 

"You're not speaking because I've charmed you, right?" Wei Huan raised his eyebrows playfully. "I know I'm handsome, but do you really need to stare at me like that?" 

Yun Yongzhuo's eyebrows furrowed, his well-defined lips pursed, and his expression carried a hint of hostility, as if he disapproved of Wei Huan's teasing. He launched a powerful punch, and Wei Huan evaded it with a swift sway. "That was close; can't hit the face." 

Moments later, another punch narrowly missed Wei Huan's eyebrow, and the wind from the attack revealed his youthful and handsome features. 

Despite avoiding the attack, Wei Huan continued his playful banter. "Now I understand what 'relying on one's good looks to commit evil' means. It's okay; you're so good-looking, I forgive you." In the next moment, Wei Huan stepped back, maintaining his distance. He hadn't made a move yet. 

"Oh," Wei Huan said, hands on his hips. "Let's make a deal. If you smile at me and call me 'Huan-ge,' I'll give you three more moves. How about that?" 

The word "again" appeared to provoke Yun Yongzhuo. His eyebrows furrowed even more, and without hesitation, he stepped forward, launching a swift kick. Wei Huan was caught off guard, and his attempt to respond was interrupted. He dodged the kick, but it was followed by another, forming a combination of left and right flying kicks. Wei Huan dodged frantically, blocking with his arms while keeping up a running commentary. "Wow, so impressive! You're skilled, handsome, and a great fighter. Fantastic!" 

In reality, Wei Huan was genuinely surprised. He had initially considered Yun Yongzhuo to be a bookish scholar who had luckily excelled in the written test. He hadn't expected him to be proficient in close combat as well. 

Yun Yongzhuo's leg, protected by ankle guards, came within centimeters of Wei Huan's face. He crouched down to evade, and his agile movements brought him back to a balanced stance. "Phew, that was close. You're really strong. Where did you learn your leg techniques? Can you introduce me to your teacher?" 

Wei Huan's words multiplied as Yun Yongzhuo's attacks gained speed and intensity. Wei Huan continued to dodge and block, the whistling of the fierce wind produced by Yun Yongzhuo's moves ringing in his ears. 

Onlookers in the stands observed the dueling pair—one in red and one in black, one on the offensive, the other on the defensive—kicking, throwing, dodging, and sweeping. Their movements were graceful and fluid, too fast for the audience to follow, leaving only two ever-changing silhouettes. 

Wei Huan, evading but unable to find an opening, seemed to underestimate the distance to the platform's edge. His foot nearly left the platform, and he lost his balance, falling backward. 

"Wow, he's about to fall!" 

"It's over, he's going to lose." 

The spectators in the stands were on edge, and the entire arena fell silent, as if time had come to a standstill. 

Yun Yongzhuo withdrew his foot, his brows slightly furrowing. Suddenly, Wei Huan, teetering at the platform's edge, let a smirk cross his face. 

Using the remaining part of his foot on the platform's edge, Wei Huan propelled himself upward, executing a somersault. He grabbed Yun Yongzhuo's shoulder and used it to flip over him. He landed behind Yun Yongzhuo, and the entire sequence of movements was fast and graceful, taking everyone by surprise. 

Yun Yongzhuo, who had remained still, was stunned for a moment, his eyes narrowing. He heard Wei Huan's teasing voice from behind. 

"Wow, I almost fell because of you," Wei Huan playfully patted his chest. "Fortunately, I woke up from your charm just in time." 

The cheers from the stands reached Wei Huan, and he stood tall, acknowledging the audience with outstretched arms, mimicking a gymnast's gestures. He blew a kiss and said, "Thank you, everyone. Thank you, everyone." 

Yun Yongzhuo turned around, his frown deepening, and he fixed Wei Huan with a more intense gaze. 

But Wei Huan acted as if nothing had happened. He tilted his head and remarked, "I find you beautiful even when you don't smile." After saying this, he let out a sigh, resembling a child. 

"Ah, if my future wife is half as beautiful as you, I'll be completely satisfied."

Author's note:

Note:

[1] Bi Fang:

From the "Wuzang Mountain Sutra – West Mountain Sutra": "Another two hundred and eighty miles to the west is the Zhangeta Mountain, where there is no grass or trees but many jasper stones. There's a bird, resembling a crane with one leg, red feathers, blue body, and a white beak, called Bi Fang. It makes a unique cry, and when it appears, there will be a false fire in the city." Bi Fang looks like a red-crowned crane but with only one leg (or some say, one wing), a blue body with red spots, and a white beak. Bi Fang doesn't eat grains but swallows flames. Its appearance is said to foretell a great fire.

Origin of the Four Great Colleges' Names:

[2] Fu Yao: The earliest reference is from the "Xiaoyao You." However, I was inspired by Li Bai's "Shang Li Yong," especially the last two lines. This name was decided upon early in the process.

[3] Yan Sui: The word "Sui" is derived from the legendary figure "Sui Ren," who was the first person in ancient Chinese mythology to create fire by drilling wood, revered as the "ancestor of fire." From the "Shiyi Ji": "In Sui Mingguo, there was a great tree named Sui, coiling tens of acres. Later, a sage came to the country, and a bird pecked the tree, causing a brilliant fire. The sage was inspired and used small branches to drill fire, thus named Sui Ren."

[4] Shang Shan: From "Laozi": "The highest virtue is like water. Water benefits all things and does not compete. It dwells in places that people disdain, and therefore, it is close to the Tao."

[5] Jia Hui: From the "Book of Songs – Xiaoya – April": "The mountains have beautiful plants, with chestnuts and plums." It means beautiful plants.