Section 3: Returning to Tiange Academy
2013-02-09 Author: Gu Zhenren
Section 3: Returning to Tiange Academy
Returning from the Tie Family, Chu Yun was filled with emotion. “The world truly changes, and things are no longer the same.”
Back then, he had refused the engagement with the Ning Family, and Ning Yiyi had once been an obstacle to his growth. Their relationship had been antagonistic for a time. However, times have changed. The Shu Family had unified the Archipelago, and Ning Yiyi’s status had shifted from adversary to something else. This unfortunate woman had been tossed about by fate, and her own character and flaws had led to her current tragedy.
In Chu Yun’s current position, he was already looking down upon his peers. Ning Yiyi no longer posed an obstacle; she could even be turned into an asset. Of course, he had only planted the seed, and everything would depend on Ning Yiyi’s own fortune.
“I heard you’re going to Dunhuang Country to seek out beautiful women? Take us with you.” Hongshang Fairy suddenly appeared, and her opening line left Chu Yun speechless.
“What do you mean ‘seek out beautiful women’? I’m going on an adventure, okay? Risking my life!” Chu Yun rolled his eyes.
“Call it whatever you want. Anyway, your Shu Family has unified the Archipelago, and all the Demon Soldier components here have been looted. Thanks to you, I’ve found five more sisters. Dunhuang Country is vast, perhaps some of our sisters are lost there too. We’ve helped your Shu Family so much, you wouldn’t refuse such a small request, would you?” As she spoke, Hongshang Fairy grabbed Chu Yun’s arm, leaned against him, and winked playfully.
Chu Yun was greatly troubled and felt helpless against Hongshang Fairy’s persistence. These women were not like the Eight Tribulation Demons; they didn’t even have alliance contracts, being completely free Demon Soldiers. However, they were all exceptionally gifted, capable of alchemy, weapon forging, cultivation, hatching eggs, and strategic planning… each with their own specialties and sharp intellects. In recent days, they had greatly assisted the Shu Family, both in combat and logistics. Furthermore, if they accompanied him, they would be of great help to Chu Yun.
“Fine, I agree. But you all must not misbehave or cause trouble along the way. It’s best if you follow my arrangements, otherwise, we’ll part ways. I’m making this clear upfront.” Chu Yun said sternly.
“Understood, understood. I knew you were the best, Chu Yun!” Hongshang Fairy beamed with joy. She suddenly rose on her toes and lightly kissed Chu Yun on the cheek. “This is your reward for helping us sisters!” Hongshang Fairy finished her lightning-fast kiss, casually patted Chu Yun’s shoulder, and grinned like a little fox, full of charm.
To her, these past few days felt like a dream. In the past, no matter how sunny the days were, she felt a gloom in her heart. Now, no matter how bad the weather, it felt like bright sunshine. She deeply understood that all this change was brought about by Chu Yun. With more and more sisters joining them, everything was developing in a positive direction, allowing her truly lively and passionate nature to shine through.
Chu Yun was stunned for a moment, then shook his head. Seeing Hongshang Fairy, who was already excitedly imagining adventurous scenes, he suddenly felt a headache coming on and began to regret his decision. “Why do I have a bad feeling? Sigh, I hope they don’t cause me too much trouble…”
Three days later, Chu Yun officially set sail from Huode City on the Blissful Joy Ship, heading northwest. The Blissful Joy Ship now carried 30 Immortal Consorts, its power having increased manifold. It was incredibly fast, cutting through the waves and leaving long white wakes on the sea’s surface.
After less than an hour of sailing, at Chu Yun’s request, the Blissful Joy Ship docked at Green Mountain Island. Green Mountain Island was picturesque, with green trees, red pavilions, white walls, gray tiles, magnificent gatehouses, and layered eaves. This was Chu Yun’s return to Tiange Academy after more than a year.
It immediately caused a stir!
“Little Tyrant, oh my god, is it really Little Tyrant!”
“Why is it so chaotic all of a sudden? What are all these people running for?”
“Hey, haven’t you heard? It’s Senior Chu Yun who suddenly returned!”
“Chu Yun?! The Young Island Master of the Shu Family? The undefeated Chu Yun who unified the Archipelago?”
Countless scholars, both male and female, formed a surging crowd, rushing out of the academy and craning their necks expectantly on the mountain path.
“A year ago, your resolute departure from the academy is still vivid in our minds, as if it happened yesterday. Haha, welcome back.” At the first gatehouse, the White-Browed Alchemist personally came out to greet him. He looked at Chu Yun, who approached with imposing strides, his face filled with relief.
“Hey, hey, hey, did you guys see that? The White-Browed Alchemist is actually smiling!” A junior student who had just enrolled exclaimed in surprise.
The White-Browed Alchemist was known for his stern demeanor, and his serious and strict image was deeply ingrained in everyone’s mind. To see him smile now was a huge shock to the scholars. Countless junior students rubbed their eyes, suspecting they were hallucinating.
“Senior Chu Yun is so handsome!” the female students shrieked.
“Seeing is believing, he truly lives up to his reputation. Such immense pressure. Looking at Senior Chu Yun feels like a mountain is pressing down on my heart,” the male students marveled.
Time flew by. Chu Yun re-entered Tiange Academy, having transitioned from a first-year student to a third-year senior student, a truly veteran senior.
“Come, the Headmaster is waiting for you in the small courtyard on the mountaintop,” the White-Browed Alchemist led the way.
Feng Bole’s spirit remained as vibrant as ever. He stood at the summit, his sleeves fluttering, his white beard slowly swaying. Seeing Chu Yun, he stroked his beard and smiled, “Chu Yun, you’ve really accomplished great things.”
“To be honest, I don’t even know how I managed it. Thinking back now, it still feels somewhat unreal,” Chu Yun said humbly.
Feng Bole was a true master, ranked 17th on the Hegemon list, possessing the combat power of a Tribulation Demon, and had been famous for many years. He had taken care of Chu Yun back then, and Chu Yun had always been extremely grateful.
“Regarding the academy exchange matters, I am ashamed,” Chu Yun said, embarrassed, with utmost sincerity.
“Hehehe, I know you had no choice. However, you killed the Jade Scholar and defeated the Mengyuan Prince. Although you didn’t participate in the academy exchange, you have actually exceeded our expectations. Chu Yun, you are the most outstanding student cultivated by our academy. Seeing your achievements makes me feel that being the Headmaster truly is worthwhile. The academy is proud of you.” Feng Bole chuckled, patted Chu Yun’s shoulder, and led him into the small courtyard, where fragrant tea was already laid out on a wooden table.
The small courtyard was just as it was before, its scenery unchanged and full of life. On the mountaintop, the same gossamer vines grew, lush and verdant. But the young man sitting in the courtyard had undergone a seismic transformation.
While drinking fragrant tea, Chu Yun asked the White-Browed Alchemist seated beside him many lingering questions about alchemy. He also sought advice from Feng Bole on future cultivation matters, gaining much insight from both.
“The Dao of Alchemy is vast and profound. Now that you’ve returned, study it diligently for a period of time. I will pass on all my knowledge to you,” the White-Browed Alchemist patted Chu Yun’s shoulder. He was relieved that Chu Yun had not stagnated in his alchemy studies during this time.
“Do you know, ever since you left, the position of the President of the Study Society has remained vacant? For over a year, the successors have only held the position of Vice President. Your junior students admire you greatly,” Feng Bole teased.
“Hehehe,” Chu Yun chuckled for a moment and then tactfully explained the purpose of his visit.
“Oh? You’re going to Dunhuang Country?” Feng Bole and the White-Browed Alchemist exchanged glances. The former nodded slightly, “In that case, this letter should be given to you.”
Feng Bole took a letter from his Immortal Pouch and handed it to Chu Yun. “This is a letter sent by Shi Jiaming. You likely know something about his identity. To avoid disturbing you, he requested in another letter that we give this to you only when you truly intend to go to Dunhuang Country,” Feng Bole explained.
“Is that Shi Jiaming kid doing alright?” Chu Yun felt a warmth in his heart whenever he thought of that crybaby.
Feng Bole and the White-Browed Alchemist were both amused by Chu Yun’s words. “He’s very healthy and has joined the Dunhuang Princess’s faction. The situation wasn’t good before, but with his efforts, it has greatly improved.” Feng Bole still hadn’t revealed Jin Bihan’s true identity, hinting at it very subtly.
Chu Yun let out a sigh of relief. “That eases my mind. I’ve heard about the Dunhuang Princess too. Although she’s a woman, she’s a heroic figure, truly remarkable.” Feng Bole and the White-Browed Alchemist burst into laughter again upon hearing this.
“The Headmaster and Alchemist have become so cheerful,” Chu Yun mused inwardly, not noticing anything odd. He read the letter. Shi Jiaming outlined his current situation, stating that he had become a confidant of the Dunhuang Princess. Due to various reasons, he couldn’t show himself openly and had to remain behind the scenes. If Chu Yun wanted to find him, he could go to the Silk Inn in the Undying City and ask for the shopkeeper. The letter also included some secret codes, which were quite complex, involving tone of voice and hand gestures.
“By the way, the Head of Mansa Academy in Dunhuang Country is a good friend of mine. Aren’t you going to explore the Dunhuang Sand Eye this time? Take this letter of introduction and find her. I believe she will be of great help to you.” Feng Bole quickly wrote the letter and handed it to Chu Yun.
“This is the benefit of having connections. In my previous life, I went to Dunhuang Country alone and foolishly. Now, before I’ve even arrived, I have thirty Spirit Monsters accompanying me, friends in Dunhuang Country, and even the local academy can provide assistance.” Chu Yumidly accepted the letter of introduction with immense gratitude, his heart filled with emotion. He clearly understood the power of an academy.
“Oh, right.” Before parting, Feng Bole hesitated for a long time before finally saying, “It’s best not to let Shi Jiaming see the girls accompanying you when you meet.” Hongshang Fairy and the others possessed advanced cultivation methods that could conceal their demonic energy, making it impossible to detect their true identities. Feng Bole and the others had naturally been mistaken.
“They are all friends of students. Are friends of friends not also friends?” Chu Yun asked, puzzled.
“This is an old man’s kind advice. Trust my advice this time, and you won’t go wrong.” Feng Bole’s eyes held a smile. “You’ll understand when the time comes. You must realize how eagerly that child Shi Jiaming awaits your arrival.”
“Alright, I’ll remember it,” Chu Yun nodded, not fully understanding. He could see that Feng Bole seemed to have something unspoken. Could there be some hidden circumstances with Shi Jiaming that even Feng Bole found difficult to articulate?
Carrying these questions, he boarded the Blissful Joy Ship and set sail for Dunhuang Country Island.
