Beast Taming Star Journey

Pushing open the classroom door, a whiff of air mingled with the scent of ink and the vibrant energy of youth rushed towards me. Below the podium, dozens of young faces stared at me, curiosity, doubt, scrutiny… a complex mix of emotions, like a vibrant yet indistinct oil painting. In the back row, Professor Qian and my colleague Wu sat upright, their sharp gazes like searchlights, scanning me from head to toe. I took a deep breath, knowing this first class wouldn't be easy.

"Hello students, I am Nong Yu. Starting today, I will be your Beast Taming teacher."

I tried to keep my voice calm, but I could still sense a subtle tension. A few scattered responses came from the audience, and the atmosphere was somewhat subdued.

I walked to the center of the podium, my gaze sweeping over the many young faces, and silently encouraged myself.

"I know that everyone here has their own understanding of the art of beast taming, and my teaching method may be different from what you have encountered before."

I paused for a moment and saw Professor Qian in the back row frown slightly, while my colleague Wu crossed his arms and looked disdainful.

I continued, "I won't just recite those dry theories from the book. Instead, I will combine my own practical experience to teach you the most authentic beast-taming techniques."

I began to explain my unique philosophy of beast taming and share the experience I had gained from fighting monsters to the death.

I talked about how to establish a true equal contract with the beast tamer, how to fight alongside the beast tamer through telepathy, and how to unleash the beast tamer's potential... The classroom gradually quieted down. A thin boy in the front row listened very attentively, his eyes sparkling with excitement, and he frequently took notes in his notebook.

That was Zhang, a student I noticed during the entrance exam. Although he wasn't particularly talented, he studied very hard.

Seeing the eager look in his eyes, a glimmer of hope ignited within me. I became even more engrossed in my explanation, sharing all my understanding of the art of beast taming.

"Beast taming is not simply about control and command, but about cooperation built on mutual respect and trust. Only by truly understanding your beast can you unleash its full power..."

I had barely finished speaking when a soft cough came from the back row. I turned around and saw my colleague Wu standing up, a hint of displeasure on his face.

“Professor Nong Yu,” he said with a hint of sarcasm, “aren’t your ideas a bit too idealistic? The academy’s traditional teaching methods have been proven by generations of people. Your unconventional approach is probably…”

Before he could finish speaking, Professor Qian slowly interjected, "Professor Nong Yu, I know you have rich practical experience, but the teaching in the academy needs to be systematic and standardized. Can the students understand your unconventional explanations?"

Whispers filled the classroom again, some students started talking amongst themselves, and their gazes toward me became complicated.

I gripped the chalk tightly in my hand, an invisible pressure enveloping me...

"Professor Qian, Professor Wu, my philosophy..."

I took a deep breath, trying to suppress the surging emotions in my heart.

"My philosophy is not fabricated out of thin air, but is based on my many years of practical experience. I believe that only by truly understanding beast taming can one build a deep bond with it and unleash its strongest power in battle."

Professor Qian adjusted his glasses, his tone still calm yet carrying an undeniable authority, "Professor Nong Yu, theoretical knowledge is equally important. The academy's textbooks have been carefully compiled, covering all aspects of beast taming; you cannot arbitrarily deny their value."

I felt a thin layer of sweat forming on my forehead. The atmosphere in the classroom grew increasingly tense, and the students stopped whispering, holding their breath as they focused intently on this sudden debate.

I glanced at my colleague Wu in the back row. He had a cold smile on his lips, as if he had already foreseen my failure.

“I am not denying the importance of theoretical knowledge,” I said, trying to remain calm and firm. “I just hope that we can combine theory with practice so that students can have a deeper understanding of the way of beast taming.”

"That's nice to say!"

Suddenly, Wu's colleague raised his voice, "Your so-called practice is nothing but opportunism! How dare you arbitrarily change the college's teaching system?"

His words were sharp and piercing, like a needle stabbing into my heart. I clenched my fists, trying hard to control the anger within me.

"Professor Wu, please watch your words. I respect the college's traditions, but I also have my own teaching philosophy. I believe that practice makes perfect!"

"Practice makes perfect?"

Wu's colleague sneered, "Then do you dare to have a beast-taming duel with me, and let us see whose philosophy is superior?"

His provocation startled me. Just as I was about to respond, the bell rang, signaling the end of get out of class.

The atmosphere in the classroom instantly relaxed, and the students stood up and left the classroom in twos and threes. I stood on the podium, feeling utterly exhausted.

This sudden conflict made me realize that changing the college's traditional mindset is no easy task. Just then, a familiar figure appeared at the classroom door.

Su Yao, carrying an exquisite food box in her hand, walked towards me with a gentle smile on her face.

“You’ve worked hard,” she said softly, placing the food box on the podium. “I made some snacks, please have a taste.”

She opened the food box, and an enticing aroma wafted out.

She picked up a pastry and gently brought it to my lips. "Ah..." I opened my mouth, took a bite of the pastry, and a sweet taste spread through my mouth.

Su Yao's gaze was gentle as water, as if it could melt away all the weariness and pressure in my heart.

The surrounding students hadn't completely dispersed yet, and seeing this scene, they all cast envious glances, with a few girls even whispering among themselves.

"I really envy Teacher Nong for having such a beautiful girlfriend."

"Yes, and they're so thoughtful, bringing the snacks over personally."

I smiled a little shyly, and Su Yao gently patted my shoulder, her eyes full of encouragement.

Faced with the opposition from Professor Qian and my colleague Wu, I felt unprecedented pressure. How could I continue teaching, and how could I gain acceptance from more students?

The bell rang again, and the students returned to their classrooms one after another.

My gaze swept across the young faces, and suddenly I saw Zhou, who was sitting in the front row. Her eyes held a hint of provocation, and the corners of her mouth were slightly upturned, as if she was brewing something.

My heart sank; I had a premonition that this class would likely not be peaceful… She suddenly spoke up, “Teacher Nong, I heard…”