Xuanhuan: The Empress and I Swapped Bodies - Chapter 13

The next morning, at the Royal Academy.

Liu Shengsheng’s arrival drew quite a few curious glances.

“Isn’t that Prince Qin? Why is he here so early today?”

“Who knows? But no matter how early or late he comes, he’ll just sleep through class like always. No point paying attention.”

“Tch, and he’s the Divine Dragon Empress’s own brother! Two whole years, and he’s only mastered three Dao techniques—what an embarrassment!”

Liu Shengsheng’s reputation as a “good-for-nothing” was already well-known in the Royal Academy.

Most were aware that in two years, he had only learned three Dao techniques.

Even more knew that he always slept in class—no one could wake him.

And after class? He was the most unruly troublemaker, despised by both teachers and students alike.

The only reason he even attended the academy was because the Divine Dragon Empress kept him in check. If not for her, he’d probably be off gallivanting as a wastrel somewhere.

So, while his behavior today was a little unusual, most people simply ignored him.

Only a handful took the opportunity to pick on him.

“Oh? If it isn’t our beloved Prince Qin, the nap enthusiast! What’s wrong? No sweet pig dreams today?”

“Hah! Prince Qin’s early for once! Could it be… he heard Lady Yu is visiting the academy today to observe our progress? Trying to make a good impression?”

“Tsk tsk, even the academy’s biggest loser wants to show off now. Lady Yu’s charm must be something else!”

These troublemakers were the usual bullies who tormented Liu Shengsheng.

They weren’t nobodies either—each came from a powerful background, backed by major factions.

That was why they had the guts to mess with him in the first place.

Normally, Liu Shengsheng would avoid them at all costs. Unless he came prepared with a stash of hidden weapons, he wouldn’t dare provoke them.

After all, they weren’t just strong—they outnumbered him. Picking a fight with them was a sure way to get humiliated.

But today… there wasn’t a trace of fear in Liu Shengsheng’s eyes.

Thanks to Ye Wushuang’s training the day before, his combat skills had improved several times over.

And while he hadn’t mastered many Dao techniques, his cultivation wasn’t weak—he was at the Sovereign Realm, just like them.

So now? He wasn’t afraid of them at all.

And they noticed.

“Huh? What’s with that look, trash? You trying to provoke us?”

“Brother Hai, he looks like he’s got a spine today! You think this loser actually wants to fight?”

“Heh. If he does throw hands, I’d be looking forward to it!”

Today was the academy’s evaluation day—a chance to showcase their progress.

It was also the day the renowned beauty, Lady Yu, would visit the Royal Academy.

So, all the students had donned their finest armor and readied their best artifacts, hoping to impress.

And if they could make an example of Liu Shengsheng along the way? Even better.

After all, despite his reputation as a failure, his status as the Empress’s brother always made him a center of attention.

In fact, they were more eager for a fight than he was.

“Hey, trash! What’s with that glare? You actually think you can take us on?”

They watched him, smirking, waiting for a reaction.

They wanted to provoke him, to push him into making the first move.

But Liu Shengsheng remained calm, showing no signs of anger.

Yet—under everyone’s gaze—he slowly drew his sword and pointed it at them.

“Come. Let’s fight.”

The entire courtyard fell silent.

Everyone knew Liu Shengsheng was a troublemaker.

Everyone knew he was the academy’s worst student, barely capable of a few Dao techniques.

So to see him challenge someone so boldly?

This was unheard of.

“Is that really Prince Qin? Why’s he acting so different today?”

“Yeah, this isn’t like him at all. Something’s off.”

“Let’s watch. Might be interesting.”

His sudden boldness made the crowd gather, eager to see what would happen.

But for Wang Hai and his gang, this was nothing short of an insult.

Since when did Liu Shengsheng, the coward who always ran from them, dare to challenge them outright?

It was a slap to their pride. And they would not tolerate it.

“You really trying to pick a fight with us? You think just because you skipped a couple days, you’re suddenly strong enough to take us on?”

“You actually want to fight? Don’t start crying halfway through and go whining to the Empress!”

“Hahaha! Almost forgot—our dear Prince Qin might be grown, but he still throws tantrums like a kid!”

Wang Hai and the others burst into laughter, mocking him without restraint.

In their eyes, Liu Shengsheng challenging them was a joke.

But no matter how much they jeered, Liu Shengsheng didn’t flinch.

His sword remained steady.

His gaze never wavered.

And the battle intent radiating from him only grew stronger.

He didn’t speak again.

But his silence spoke volumes.

Wang Hai’s group slowly stopped laughing.

Their expressions darkened.

“Trash. You seriously want to fight?”

“Damn. You’ve got some nerve today. Fine. If you’re begging for a beating, we’ll oblige!”

“Guess it’s been too long since we put you in your place. Today, we’ll remind you!”

Wang Hai and his friends were pissed.

No more holding back.

The threat in their voices was unmistakable.

They had planned to show off today anyway.

And now? Liu Shengsheng had given them the perfect excuse.

One of them stepped forward, gripping his own sword.

Without a word, he closed the distance.

Liu Shengsheng tightened his grip on his blade—

And struck first.

A simple, straightforward thrust.

The challenger roared:

“You trash! You actually dare to fight me?!”

“DIE!”