Chapter 28: The Three Great Academies

In the early morning, Yao Ye arrived outside Liu Xin’s door and knocked gently. “Senior Sister, are you there?”

Bleary-eyed, Liu Xin pushed open the door. Seeing Yao Ye standing before her, she rubbed her eyes and asked curiously, “What is it, Yao Ye?”

“Senior Sister, are you all right? Did you not sleep well last night? Why don’t you rest a little longer? I can bring breakfast to your room and call you when it’s time to leave.” Yao Ye looked at Liu Xin with genuine concern.

“No need, Yao Ye. Perhaps it’s just because I’m in a new place—I couldn’t sleep last night. It’s nothing, really. Let’s go down together; we’ll be leaving soon,” Liu Xin replied.

“All right! Senior Sister, we’re the only ones left. Everyone else is already having breakfast in the main hall!” With that, Yao Ye headed toward the stairs. Liu Xin gazed after him, her heart filled with a complex mix of emotions.

After breakfast, the group made their way to a small grove outside the city. As they reached the woods, they saw a large crowd already gathered ahead and hurried to join them.

“Well, well! So the students of Divine Wind Academy are the last to arrive—how grand you must feel!” An elder remarked with a tone thick with sarcasm.

“And who might you be, speaking with such a foul mouth? Oh, it’s you, Li Chun, you old fool!” Tang Ze shot back forcefully.

The air instantly grew tense, both sides nearly ready to come to blows.

“All right, all right! The task isn’t even begun, and you’re already at each other’s throats!” Another elder came over to intervene.

“Xing Kai, there’s no need for you to play the peacemaker. You’re no better than the rest of us,” another elder retorted.

“Enough. Since everyone’s here, let’s discuss the next steps. Here’s what I propose: the young disciples from our three academies should go investigate the disturbances at the Myriad Demon Grotto. This will be an invaluable trial for them. Each academy will send one elder to survey the surrounding forces, and another to secretly ensure the students’ safety. As for Tang Ze, Li Chun, and myself, the three of us will do our utmost to investigate whether the rumors of spiritual treasures appearing are true. We’ll meet back here tonight to share our findings. Gentlemen, does this arrangement suit you?”

“I have no objections. Hmph, though I’m not sure about that old Li Chun,” Tang Ze replied.

“Hmph! If you, Tang Ze, aren’t afraid, why should I be? It’s settled, then!” With that, Li Chun strode off into the distance.

“We’ll go as well! Tang Ze, until we meet again,” Xing Kai said, saluting Tang Ze before leaving.

“Li Chun is from the Martial Academy, while Xing Kai belongs to the Fire Dance Academy. Li Chun is rather easy to deal with, but Xing Kai is a true smiling tiger—never take his words at face value. This will be your first real mission together as a group. Make sure you all conduct yourselves well.

Hong Tao, you’ll investigate which forces have been drawn here. I’ll look into whether the rumors about the spiritual treasure are true. Peng Lei, you and the others will probe the disturbances at the Myriad Demon Grotto and find out why demonic energy is surging so fiercely. But remember, your safety comes first—do not act rashly. Ling Yun, stay behind; I have something to discuss with you. The rest of you, go on.”

Once all was arranged, Tang Ze watched as the students departed, then turned to Ling Yun and said, “If they run into danger, don’t intervene immediately. Without facing storms themselves, it’s hard for them to become truly independent. They must endure fire and blood before they can truly grow. But remember, their lives are paramount. If anything happens to them, I will hold you responsible!”

Ling Yun grinned foolishly. “Brother Tang Ze, don’t worry. If anything happens to them, I’ll answer for it with my own head!”

Tang Ze clapped him on the shoulder. “Good brother, how could I not trust you? But be careful yourself—this mission is anything but simple.” With those words, Tang Ze soared into the sky and disappeared.

Ling Yun watched his departing figure, then hurried after Yao Ye and the others, following them from the shadows, quietly guarding their every move. The group was completely unaware of Ling Yun’s secret protection.