**Section 8: Spiritual Transformation, Attention from All Sides**
By Gu Zhenren
February 9, 2013
Chu Yun’s heart surged, his blood boiling.
Since his rebirth, he had hatched a perfect Sky Fox, become first in the coming-of-age ceremony, rescued his adoptive father, slain the remnant wolf, and obtained Demon Soldiers. Through danger and hardship, he had faced death and altered the course of his destiny multiple times.
Now, formally entering Tiange Academy, he looked back. The towering gate seemed to separate the past from the present, his previous life from this one. Outside the gate, his old fate wailed and roared. Inside the gate lay a new Heaven and Earth, filled with all possibilities!
Everything had changed.
“To become the strongest in the world, the journey begins here. One day, future generations will lament that the Chu Yun of those years walked through this very spot! Destiny, you cannot trap me, you cannot stop me!”
With eyes sharp as knives and swords, Chu Yun strode forward, head held high, chest out, with the bearing of a dragon!
Beside him, Jin Bihan’s eyes widened. Witnessing Chu Yun’s transformation and sublimation of his aura, her eyes sparkled. The Chu Yun before, even after slaying the remnant wolf, had possessed a certain weariness. It was the pain of his past life, a suffering that had seeped into his bones.
But now, inspired by the gate, his heroic spirit erupted and surged, vast and powerful as the ocean! His fighting spirit soared, and Chu Yun became brave and fearless. A qualitative change occurred in his spirit, making him seem completely new, brimming with youthful vitality!
Stomp, stomp, stomp…
The sound of hurried footsteps rang out on the mountain path. An elder student of Tiange Academy was running desperately on the path, drenched in sweat, his breathing heavy like bellows.
With a practiced turn, he skillfully navigated to a small courtyard.
Entering, the elder student ignored the sweat on his face and reported with a bow to a handsome young man in the courtyard: “Chu, Chu Yun has, has arrived!”
“What, the ‘Waning Tiger’ has finally arrived? Heh, I’ve waited a long time!” The handsome young man, who was enjoying tea, trembled upon hearing the news, spilling some of the fragrant tea onto his exquisite embroidered robe.
Normally meticulous about his appearance, the handsome young man paid no mind. He almost leaped from his bed, slipped on clogs, grabbed his fan, and headed out the door.
“Good, good, good! Someone who obtained the title of Beast Tamer at just 13 years old, the strongest new student in history. I, Hua Ying, must see him.”
…
“Hey, did you hear? That Chu Yun finally appeared at the Lower Gate!” The news seemed to sprout wings and quickly spread throughout Tiange Academy.
“Oh? Is that the guy who publicly rejected a marriage proposal, daring to refuse Miss Ning Yiyi?” someone clenched their fists.
“To control the Great Demon Blade at 13 and kill the pirate remnant wolf. Truly impressive. I heard he’s already been appointed as the young island master of Shu Island. The strongest new student in history, living up to his name!” someone exclaimed.
“Hmph, defeating the remnant wolf pirate group was just taking advantage of their unpreparedness and a stroke of luck. I want to see what this kid is truly capable of. Titles are not easily earned by ordinary people.” Some felt a challenge in their hearts.
In a study room, a scholar in a blue robe was practicing calligraphy.
The sound of knocking suddenly echoed.
“Please come in,” the scholar in the blue robe said, his eyes still focused on the brush, his strokes upright and dignified, exuding righteous energy.
The visitor, panting, gently pushed open the door and said, “Senior Yan Que, why are you still writing? Don’t you know that Chu Yun has already appeared at the Lower Gate? The news is spreading like wildfire, and everyone wants to see this strongest new student in history with their own eyes.”
“Oh, I know,” the scholar in the blue robe replied indifferently.
The visitor paused, “Senior Yan…”
“So what if he’s the ‘Waning Tiger’? He’s just another scion of a powerful family. As he grows, he’ll still oppress us commoners, becoming a noble lord high above. Focus on yourself.” Yan Que didn’t look back.
The visitor blinked, standing awkwardly in place. After a long moment, he retreated meekly.
As the calligraphy piece was finished, Yan Que slowly put down his brush.
“Chu Yun…” he sighed deeply, his eyes flashing with a divine light, clearly not at peace.
…
“Hmph! Is this the barbarian from Shu Island who publicly rejected my Ning Family’s marriage proposal?” Standing on a hidden hillside, Ning Yiyi looked down, her rippling pupils reflecting Chu Yun’s image.
Although only 14 years old, she already exuded feminine charm, beautiful without peer.
Her long, glossy black hair cascaded to her waist. Her almond-shaped eyes and rosy cheeks were as delicate as a flower. She wore a pale yellow pleated silk dress embroidered with blooming flowers and fluttering butterflies at the hem. A gold and jade lotus hairpin adorned her hair, and pearl earrings dangled from her ears. A pair of jade bracelets adorned her wrists, making her skin, as white as jade, appear even more lustrous and smooth.
The mountain breeze blew, gently swaying the lotus hairpin and the hem of her skirt, making her look like a vibrant peach blossom, exquisitely beautiful. If not for the disdain, arrogance, and hatred in her eyes at this moment, she would have been perfect.
Looking at Chu Yun from afar, her gaze was filled with disdain and hatred.
She absolutely loathed Chu Yun.
She possessed unparalleled beauty, extraordinary talent, and was born into the Ning Family, the wealthiest in the Archipelago. From birth, she was a true darling of heaven. As she grew, her reputation for exquisite beauty became increasingly renowned. Suitors lined up for blocks, and countless sweet words fanned the flames of her arrogance.
“Peerlessly beautiful, proud and arrogant,” was her true description.
When the Ning Family intended for her to marry the young master of Shu Island, they had notified her. She was, in truth, extremely reluctant.
What was so good about Shu Island, in her opinion? It was remote within the Archipelago, its islanders were uncivilized, practically a desolate land!
On several occasions during the year-end family gatherings, she had seen her aunt, Ning Qishuang. The wrinkles on her face, covered by thick makeup, gave her the most direct impression of Shu Island. It was a place of treacherous mountains and dangerous waters, far from civilization, a wilderness waiting to be developed.
Deep down, she looked down on poor places like Shu Island.
She would rather die than marry there!
However, family interests were paramount. The family demanded that every member, even unto death, must serve the family’s interests! Even she, Ning Yiyi, could not exist apart from her family.
Since the family had issued an order, and even her own grandfather had personally proposed the marriage alliance…
Ning Yiyi bit her lip until it bled, tears welling in her eyes, and wrote a reply stating, “I obey.” In her heart, however, she already deeply resented this Chu Yun who had suddenly appeared. She had even resolved to use cunning tactics after marriage to seize power and thoroughly discipline everyone on Shu Island.
But then, an accident occurred.
This accident surprised everyone. Even the Ning Island Master, her grandfather, who had always had immense confidence in himself, did not anticipate it.
Chu Yun had publicly rejected the marriage alliance!!!
Upon hearing the news, she was stunned. Did she feel lucky to escape? No, not an ounce of joy. She felt her pride had been severely struck!
She, Ning Yiyi, beautiful as a flower, whose fame spread throughout the Archipelago, with suitors lining up for blocks, was rejected by a poor boy from a desolate land!
It would have been one thing if he had refused subtly, but he had refused so decisively, without reservation, and with a harsh tone.
This was an insult! A great insult!
Her immense vanity made Ning Yiyi almost wish Chu Yun dead.
“He looks down on me! He looks down on me! You poor boy, with your bit of luck, you dare to look down on me, Ning Yiyi!”
