Volume One: First Steps into the Path Chapter Eighty-Three: Your Name

After Ye Junze finished his self-introduction and returned to his seat, Li Ling looked at him and said, "I always thought I was the most irreverent one here, but it turns out you surpass me by a mile. I really underestimated you."

"Exactly, exactly! You always seemed so aloof and serious, but I never expected you to have such a playful side. Clearly, we just don't know you well enough yet," chimed in several others nearby.

Ye Junze smiled in response and said, "Well, we've only just met, haven't we? Once we get to know each other better, you'll see I'm not quite what you imagined."

Everyone nodded in agreement, clearly moved by his words. "That's true enough," they said.

As Ye Junze left the front, Fang Lin smiled, watching him chatting with those around him, and whispered, "He truly is an interesting student."

Then Fang Lin withdrew her gaze and addressed the group. "Now that Ye Junze has finished his introduction, I trust you've all remembered his name?"

Thinking back on his introduction, everyone couldn't help but smile and nodded in agreement—Ye Junze had left a memorable impression.

Seeing their reactions, Fang Lin continued, "With the performances of these two students, I believe no one else has anything to worry about, right? So, who would like to come up and introduce themselves next?"

At this, the students seemed eager, and as they hesitated, another figure stepped forward from the crowd, coming to stand before Fang Lin. "Teacher, since everyone seems so polite, I won't be. I'll go ahead and introduce myself," he said.

Fang Lin looked up at him, as did the others, and they all realized he was a familiar face.

This time, it was Lu Renjia.

Fang Lin smiled and said, "Very well, please introduce yourself."

Lu Renjia nodded and looked at the class. "I wonder how many of you still remember me? If you do, let me see your hands."

The class chuckled, recalling a scene from yesterday's lesson. His name truly was amusing, and it had sparked a few memorable moments in class. Naturally, he was not easily forgotten. In response to his words, many students raised and waved their hands.

Seeing this, Lu Renjia smiled with satisfaction and continued, "Good, it seems you do remember me. So I won't waste your time. Let me just quickly introduce myself again before I sit down."

He cleared his throat and said, "Hello, everyone. My name is Lu Renjia—not just an extra in the background, but the real Lu Renjia. Which characters, you ask? Lu as in land, Ren as in benevolence, and Jia as in upright. Does this sound familiar? That's right, I said it yesterday too. The reason I’m repeating it today is to make sure Teacher Fang remembers my name."

At this, the class laughed quietly to themselves, thinking, "Lu Renjia really is something else."

Fang Lin, who had been composed until now, finally couldn't hold back a smile at his last remark. She hadn't expected that every student who came up for their introduction felt compelled to mention her in some way.

She laughed and replied, "All right, Lu Renjia. Rest assured, your teacher has remembered your name—not just an extra, but the real Lu Renjia. You have my word."

Lu Renjia nodded, asking, "Then is my introduction done? Should I take my seat?"

"Yes, go ahead," Fang Lin replied with a smile.

As before, Fang Lin summarized, "Lu Renjia's name is certainly memorable. I think none of us will forget it now."

Everyone smiled and nodded in agreement.

"All right, who would like to come up next?" Fang Lin asked.

Hardly had she finished before another student stepped forward. She looked at the newcomer and said warmly, "So eager! I won’t hold you up, the stage is yours."

"Thank you, teacher," came the soft reply.

Facing the class, the student began, "Hello, everyone. My name is Yun Tianhan. Perhaps some of you remember me, so I'll keep this brief."

Indeed, it was Yun Tianhan.

Without pausing for the class's reaction, he continued, "I'm not much of a talker and not very eloquent, but I do like to help out. If you ever need anything, feel free to ask, and I’ll do my best. That’s all for now—my other strengths and weaknesses, you’ll learn with time."

With that, Yun Tianhan returned to his seat under the gaze of his classmates.

Fang Lin smiled and applauded gently. "It seems Yun Tianhan is true to his word—he’s not much for speeches. But that's perfectly fine; everyone, let’s give him some encouragement."

The class obediently applauded to show their support.

"Now, we’ve had four students introduce themselves. Let’s have the next one, please," Fang Lin said, pleased with their participation.

"In that case, I won’t stand on ceremony," a bright female voice rang out as its owner walked forward.

Everyone turned to see who it was and saw Fan Yan, smiling as she greeted Fang Lin. "Hello, teacher."

"Ah, finally a girl! Welcome," Fang Lin replied kindly.

Fan Yan grinned and asked, "Shall I start, teacher?"

"Go ahead," Fang Lin nodded.

Addressing the class, Fan Yan said, "Hello, everyone. My name is Fan Yan. I’m delighted to meet you all and feel lucky to be here with you. I hope we can all support each other during our time at this school. If you ever have any questions about cultivation, come and find me—we’ll figure things out together and help each other improve. As for my strengths, I have a great many; being beautiful and having a sweet voice are just two of them. The rest you’ll discover in time."

Before anyone could react, she flashed a mischievous smile and added, "Of course, you can take that as a joke—though it is true. But please, don't take it to heart."

The class exchanged knowing smiles, clearly not bothered by her self-assured words.

Seeing this, Fan Yan smiled again. "Thank you all for your applause. That’s the end of my introduction."

She turned to Fang Lin, "Teacher, may I return to my seat?"

"Yes, go ahead," Fang Lin replied gently.

With a wave to the class, Fan Yan returned to her seat.

The class applauded once more, just as Fan Yan had predicted. When the applause had gone on for a while, Fang Lin raised her hand for quiet, and the class quickly fell silent.

Once the room was calm, Fang Lin said, "Now that five students have introduced themselves, I hope the rest of you will be enthusiastic and finish this part soon, so we can move on to the next stage."

At this, everyone’s eyes sparkled with anticipation—the main event was about to begin. They prepared themselves for their own introductions.

With Fang Lin’s encouragement, more students came forward.

"Hello, everyone, my name is Lei Lin..."

As time went on, more and more students came up to introduce themselves. Through this process, everyone gradually memorized each other’s names and personalities. It seemed to be a very successful round of introductions.

When the last student finished, this segment finally came to an end.

Fang Lin clapped her hands, signaling the students to quiet down. She said, "Now that the last student has introduced themselves, I believe you all have at least some impression of your classmates."

Everyone nodded in agreement, answering her question.

Seeing this, Fang Lin continued, "I hope that as you continue your studies and cultivation together, you won’t forget the friends you've met today. I hope you’ll support one another and walk this path hand in hand. After all, on the journey ahead, you will remain each other’s most important companions. So, I hope you’ll get along well."

Hearing her words, the students nodded thoughtfully and replied in unison, "We will, teacher."

Seeing their sincerity, Fang Lin smiled and said no more.

After a moment’s thought, she continued, "I’m sure you’re all curious about what we’ll be doing in this Dreamcraft class, aren’t you?"

At this, the students perked up, looking at her and nodding eagerly.

Fang Lin smiled softly. "Seeing your excitement, I’ll get straight to the point and introduce the content of our Department of Daoist Arts’ Dreamcraft class."

The real show was about to begin!