Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1814 - 998: Dare to Stand Against Me

Though Xue Yuantong's own stature wasn't significant, the addition of the float's elevation placed her in a commanding position, looking down upon Xu Yan.

Xu Yan tilted her head back slightly, her gaze recognizing the familiar Xue Yuantong.

Despite Xue Yuantong's typically understated demeanor, a certain brilliance about her was undeniable. Among the students in their second year at Fourth Middle School, few were unfamiliar with her name.

Consistently at the academic pinnacle, a benchmark that other students found impossible to reach, she garnered the attention of everyone from homeroom teachers to the principal. The opulent float she occupied was a testament to this influence.

If one were to find themselves in a confrontation with an individual of her standing... how much resistance could their supposed 'authority' truly offer?

A wave of sobering realization washed over Xu Yan; she understood the futility of confronting Xue Yuantong directly.

Her refined features contorted into a faint smile as she spoke, "Xue Yuantong, perhaps there has been some sort of misunderstanding between us?"

Xue Yuantong offered a subtle nod in acknowledgement.

Hei Xiaopang, Gu Tai, shifted nervously, once again exposing his injury in a bid to garner sympathy. "Class leader, the pain is quite real! Had she not obstructed my path, I would never have had this accident. Please stand up for us!"

Xu Yan, weighing the potential repercussions, abandoned the idea of challenging Xue Yuantong and her companions. Instead, she turned her attention to Pei Yujing, inquiring, "Classmate, could you possibly shed some light on what just transpired?"

Before Pei Yujing had a chance to respond, Xue Yuantong let out another dismissive snort, her words sharp and cutting, "The reality is she committed no wrongdoing. It was your class that falsely accused her!"

Xu Yan was taken aback by Xue Yuantong's sheer audacity!

Furthermore, the words of her opponent struck a particularly sensitive chord!

The unspoken thought echoed: 'How could she dare to question my standing as class leader?'

Even the most docile temperament has its limits; if she were to engage in a dispute with Xue Yuantong, the outcome might not be a foregone conclusion!

Xu Yan's tone adopted a noticeable edge as she retorted, "If my understanding is correct, she is a student from Class 3, which would logically have no connection to your Class 8, wouldn't it?"

Xue Yuantong declared with an air of absolute authority, "I am responsible for Class 8, and I am also responsible for Class 3!"

Chen Siyu was astonished by Tongtong's boldness, questioning internally if this was truly the Tongtong she knew.

Hei Xiaopang, Gu Tai, opened his mouth, attempting to interject, "Class leader..."

Xu Yan's expression turned exceedingly displeased. After several seconds of intense scrutiny directed at Xue Yuantong, she spoke with a cold finality, "I trust your academic performance will remain as commendable as ever."

"Let's depart," Xu Yan declared, her words hanging in the air before she turned and left, accompanied by the formidable 'Black and White Double Killers'.

Chen Siyu watched Xu Yan's retreating figure, taking a moment to regain her composure.

Her sister, Chen Siqing, after a brief period of thought, offered, "Tongtong, this was actually a misunderstanding. If you were to explain the situation properly..."

Xue Yuantong scoffed, "I have no interest in explaining!"

Jiang Ning bestowed a gesture of approval with a thumbs-up, remarking, "Not bad, that has my signature style."

Explanation was too much of a hassle, and there was always the possibility that the other party might not even believe the explanation.

Chen Siqing observed both Jiang Ning and Tongtong, sensing a strong kinship between them.

Chen Siyu voiced her concern, "But by doing this, you've made an enemy of Xu Yan!"

"Xu Yan does possess a certain standing within the grade. What if she decides to target you? Perhaps by spreading rumors about your overbearing nature?"

Jiang Ning adopted a stern expression, stating, "Then let her experience the true meaning of being overbearing."

Xue Yuantong casually took a seat, unfazed, inquiring, "Do you truly believe I would be afraid of offending her?"

She was indeed fearless; her primary reason for attending school daily seemed to be for the opportunity to nap.

"She's merely a woman whose head has been turned by a modicum of power!" Xue Yuantong commented dismissively.

Chen Siyu, with a rebellious glint in her eye, inwardly mused, 'Aren't you much the same?'

As if sensing Chen Siyu's scrutiny, Xue Yuantong added, "In comparison, I would say I'm still quite restrained."

Mentioning Du Chuan from Class 1, whose academic prowess had propelled him to the second-highest score in the city with an impressive 670 points, had effectively transformed Fourth Middle School into his personal playground!

Chen Siyu offered a cautionary note, "As the saying goes, it's better to have ten fewer friends than one more enemy. Most friends are superficial, but every enemy is profoundly real!"

Jiang Ning chuckled, admitting, "There's some truth to what you're saying."

Xue Yuantong, however, interpreted it differently: "Rather than friends, one ought to cultivate more enemies. That way, in one's old age, the news of their demise brings constant joy."

Having spoken, her gaze, almost imperceptibly, flickered towards Pei Yujing, who was in a corner, before moving on without a word.

Chen Siyu fell into a thoughtful silence.

Her sister, Chen Siqing, endowed with greater perceptiveness, was contemplating the justification behind Xue Yuantong's actions.

As a student from Class 10, situated adjacent to Class 11, Chen Siqing was privy to numerous accounts of Xu Yan's character. Xu Yan was known for her resolute nature and certainly wouldn't let such an incident pass without consequence!

...

"Class leader, are we simply going to let this matter slide?"

Outside the Porcupine Garden, Gu Tai voiced his strong displeasure.

Xu Yan's mood was considerably more turbulent than his own. Within Class 11, she had always been decisive, and in the broader social landscape of the grade, her influence commanded respect.

Over time, this consistent deference had inevitably shaped Xu Yan's self-perception.

However, today, she had been utterly and completely outmaneuvered.

While Xu Yan felt dejected, the competitive spirit deep within her was reawakened. It was precisely this drive that had propelled her to her current standing.

’Forget Class 8; do you also wish to dominate Class 3? Do you truly believe you can control everything with a single hand?’

Xu Yan’s competitive nature surged, and she suddenly declared, "Let's go."

Gu Tai, taken aback, inquired, "Where are we going?"

"To find someone and demand an explanation," Xu Yan stated, her expression considerably more serious.

Consequently, Gu Tai, along with a bewildered Luo Jun, set off once more.

Upon the elevated platform of the Giraffe Garden, Chen Shuaishuai, the monitor of Class 3, was leisurely offering a tree branch to a giraffe.

Xu Yan ascended the platform and greeted him, "Team Leader Chen, I need to speak with one of your classmates."

As fellow class leaders, Chen Shuaishuai immediately recognized her. Noticing Xu Yan's unhappier-than-usual demeanor, he politely inquired, "Ah, Miss Xu, which of my classmates has caused you trouble?"

Xu Yan moved closer, feigning surprise, "You already know?"

Chen Shuaishuai chuckled, "Haha, I know my classmates quite well. Tell me, who is it? I'll summon him for a chat."

In the presence of the beautiful Xu Yan, Chen Shuaishuai didn't hesitate to leverage a bit of his authority. After all, he was constantly burdened with running errands for the teachers, which was truly exhausting!

I'm already this tired, shouldn't I be able to enjoy myself a little?

Gu Tai interjected from nearby, "Just let me confront her, and I can definitely discern right from wrong!"

He believed he had assessed the situation perfectly; that girl was not skilled with words and appeared weak and easily bullied!

Xu Yan directly stated, "I intend to have a conversation with Pei Yujing."

"Alright... Huh?" Chen Shuaishuai's expression shifted drastically, and he flatly refused, "Pei Yujing is off-limits!"

He instantly recalled the unpleasant memories of being cornered in the small garden by Class 8, intimidated by Xue Yuantong. Chen Shuaishuai hadn't dared to confront them then.

And all the trouble had originated because of Pei Yujing!

Xu Yan was completely taken aback. Was she being rejected again?

Beautiful girls differ from boys; in their lives, they are frequently pursued, and setbacks are usually rare occurrences.

Xu Yan was momentarily stunned, and with a reactive response, she asked, "You need to provide an explanation."

Chen Shuaishuai knitted his brows, "What explanation do I owe you?"

Observing the monitor's distress, Gu Tai surmised that this matter was likely to fail. He glanced at Xu Yan and suddenly conceived a brilliant idea.

Gu Tai felt a pang of dissatisfaction at the thought of a woman leading their Class 11, yet he had no means to challenge her authority.

But now, an opportunity presented itself.

Black and White Double Killers, Backstab skill, activated!

Gu Tai accused Chen Shuaishuai, "Shouldn't you be the one to explain? Setting aside Xu Yan's responsibility, don't you bear any fault yourself?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Shuaishuai was instantly provoked.

Friendship, as fragile as a boat ready to capsize with a single word, caused Chen Shuaishuai to retort sharply, "Know your place!"

Gu Tai fanned the flames, "And what exactly is our place?"

Chen Shuaishuai's usual underlying arrogance could no longer be contained, "What kind of class is our Class 3? Answer me!"

Class 3 is indeed the experimental class!

"What right does your Class 11 have to make demands of us?" Chen Shuaishuai declared mercilessly.

Xu Yan was left speechless. While she managed Class 11 capably, facing the genuinely superior experimental class, which benefited from preferential educational resources, still left her feeling significantly outmatched.

After displaying his attitude, Chen Shuaishuai strode down from the platform and gradually walked away.

He left Xu Yan standing stiffly on the platform.

Meanwhile.

A four-person sightseeing bicycle was slowly making its way along.

Wang Longlong jested, "Brother Nan, today presents a fantastic opportunity. Why not check out your old flames? You might be able to collect them all in one day, achieving the complete set!"

Recently, Brother Ma acquired a new 3DS LL and spent every class session playing Sapphire Remake, busy collecting this and that.

Guo Kunnan surveyed the surrounding wildlife, "Brother Long, I'm a sophomore this year, and it's my first time at the zoo. It's truly enjoyable!"

Guo Kunnan hailed from humble rural beginnings and had rarely traveled. Even last year's trip climbing Mount Tai with Jiang Ning and the class monitor was considered a rather extraordinary experience.

"Compared to the girls in my memory, today I wish to dedicate my attention to the child I once was," Guo Kunnan expressed, a wave of nostalgia washing over him.

He recalled the childlike wonder he felt while watching 'Animal World'.

Wang Longlong applauded, "I applaud your sentiment!"

To underscore his resolve, Guo Kunnan added, "Girls, approach them too closely, and they become inferior; keep them too far, and they resent you."

Ma Shicheng cheered him on, "I cheer for you!"

Dan Kaiquan remarked, "Brother Nan, you've truly changed!"

A slight smile graced Guo Kunnan's lips as he gazed upwards, musing, "People change, don't they?"

Riding his bike through the park, his spirit felt refreshed.

Suddenly, three individuals approached, with Xu Yan at the forefront, her displeasure evident.

Guo Kunnan called out with a cheerful tone, "Hey, Yanzi!"

Hearing this familiar greeting, Xu Yan's thoughts immediately drifted back to their shared class, specifically her past unwelcome interactions.

Xu Yan retorted sharply, "Guo Kunnan, just how well do we know each other?"

Having spoken, she maintained a composed expression and walked past swiftly.

Guo Kunnan's smile vanished instantly.

It took him a moment to regain his composure, and then he anxiously sought assistance, "Brother Ma, this is bad. Does Xu Yan already have a negative impression of me?"

"What am I going to do if she ends up disliking me?"

Ma Shicheng and Wang Longlong simply stared, speechless.