Chapter 13

Before joining the Unfeeling Path Academy, Helan Xi had always been fond of the Hehuan Path Academy.

It wasn’t that he was interested in their yin-yang dual cultivation methods; it was mostly because Hehuan Path Academy was strong. In Taihua Sect, it was second only to the Unfeeling Path Academy, and that was no joke.

Hehuan Path disciples were known for living freely, with no taboos. They wore bright, beautiful clothes at will, never concerned with sect rules or discipline. Whether they had business or not, they could even maintain close relationships with female disciples of Taihua Sect, who were thousands of miles away. Just by looking at their motto, “Enjoying together with you,” one could tell how carefree and joyful their lives were.

But if Helan Xi were really asked to transfer to Hehuan Path Academy, he seemed reluctant. Occasionally, he would think to himself, if only he could experience life in another sect, feel different cultivation methods and ways of life, and then quickly return to the Unfeeling Path Academy to continue his training.

So, the title of “Temporary Disciple of the Hehuan Sect” from Fei Yue really struck at his heart!

Helan Xi, who was secretly overjoyed, was just about to celebrate when he heard Song Xuanji’s calm voice: “Fake.”

Helan Xi was momentarily stunned and cast an inquiring look at Song Xuanji.

Song Xuanji said: “Even if the dean entrusted the task, it definitely wouldn’t have been Fei Yue.”

Helan Xi’s heart sank, and he immediately realized how reasonable Song Xuanji’s words were.

At the end of last year, he had heard that Dean Jiang was at a critical stage of entering the Greater Vehicle (a Buddhist term). It was common for the dean to go into seclusion. In other sects, apart from the dean, there were also various elders who could take care of the sect’s matters. But obviously, their Hehuan Sect was an exception.

The Hehuan Sect had very few people and never set up “vice dean” or “elder” positions. Everyone had no desires or ambitions, and the position of leader would only delay their time, affecting their cultivation speed. It was said that even Dean Jiang, after repeatedly refusing, was forced to become the acting dean of the Hehuan Sect.

As for why it was an acting dean, it was because the true dean of the Hehuan Sect, Wan Chen Zhen Jun, had been in seclusion for many years. Not even Song Xuanji and Helan Xi, let alone their senior brothers, had seen Wan Chen Zhen Jun in person.

Therefore, before going into seclusion, Dean Jiang could only temporarily entrust them to an external sect. Helan Xi guessed that this “external sect” should be the Tai Shan Sect, or at the very least, the Hun Tian Sect—Dean Jiang would never entrust them to the Hehuan Sect, especially with their long-standing enmity with the Hehuan Sect.

Helan Xi looked expressionlessly at Fei Yue Zhenjun: “Is it fun to tease the students?”

Fei Yue Zhenjun glanced at Song Xuanji, sighed, and shook his head: “You really are hard to fool, Xuanji. Your personality has always been complicated, and you don’t give any face to elders.” Fei Yue Zhejun said with a smile, his eyes curving, “But you’re beautiful, so none of these matters. You’re still so likable.”

Song Xuanji, who was beautiful and liked by many, said indifferently: “Flattering.”

Zhu Ruo Shang hesitated for a moment and asked, “May I ask, what about Dean Jiang…”

“Dean Jiang has indeed gone into seclusion. Before his seclusion, he did entrust you to another sect. This, I did not deceive you.” Fei Yue Zhenjun said, “However, the one who was ‘entrusted’ was Dong Fang Ji Ming, but he is currently occupied with other matters and is not at Taihua Sect, so I am temporarily in charge of the affairs of the Hehuan Sect.”

Dong Fang Ji Ming, also known as Fei Yue Zhenjun, is the current dean of the Taishan Sect.

Fei Yue Zhenjun smiled at Song Xuanji and asked, “Xuanji, is what I said true this time?”

Song Xuanji: “Yes.”

Fei Yue Zhenjun chuckled and said, “Since it’s true, come with me, and let’s have a good talk about the matter of ‘Ghost Appearance Words.'”

Upon hearing the words “Ghost Appearance Words,” Zhu Ruo Shang’s face showed a trace of unease. Helan Xi noticed and gently tugged on Zhu Ruo Shang’s sleeve, giving him a look that said, “Don’t worry, nothing will happen, you won’t be expelled! Absolutely not!!!”

The three of them followed Fei Yue Zhenjun to Dean Jiang’s usual meeting place, the “Gui Xu Tan Shi” (Return to Void Discussion Room). Fei Yue Zhenjun did not treat himself as an external sect leader, directly taking the main seat where Dean Jiang usually sat. “Where is ‘Ghost Appearance Words’?”

Song Xuanji presented “Ghost Appearance Words” to Fei Yue Zhenjun, who, usually lighthearted and flirtatious, became more serious.

The Candle Dragon, also known as “Zhu Jiu Yin,” has its eyes open during the day and closed at night, serving as a mountain god. The Ghost King has the bloodline of the Candle Dragon, and its dragon horns are dark red and spiral-shaped, glowing with a strange, dark golden shine as they reflect the light from the snow outside.

Fei Yue Zhenjun studied it for a long time, and aside from the dense, almost tangible evil energy, he found nothing unusual. He asked Song Xuanji: “You have carried ‘Ghost Appearance Words’ with you for some time, have you been affected in any way?”

Song Xuanji paused slightly and replied, “No.”

Fei Yue Zhenjun nodded in satisfaction. “Fortunately, you’ve only carried it for a day or two, otherwise… This object will be kept with me for now. After I discuss with the other sect leaders, we will decide what to do. Also, Dong Fang Ji Ming has personally gone to the tomb of Fu Xu Xian Jun. With his abilities, he will surely leave no stone unturned.”

Helan Xi asked, “Fei Yue Zhenjun, what do you think the evil force attached to the young master of the Lin family is?”

Fei Yue Zhenjun always smiled when speaking to Helan Xi, like a big bad wolf trying to lure a sheep into its den. He smiled again: “It’s rare to hear Helan Xi speak in long sentences, and it sounds good. As for the evil force you just mentioned…” Fei Yue Zhenjun shrugged, “I currently have no clue.”

At this point, Zhu Ruo Shang knelt upright and said, “I am guilty.”

Fei Yue Zhenjun was surprised: “Hm? What guilt do you have?”

Zhu Ruo Shang calmly replied: “I have been involved with the evil force and violated the heavenly law.”

The words “involved with” made Helan Xi’s heart skip a beat. Could it be that Zhu Ruo Shang was referring to something more serious?

Fei Yue Zhenjun smiled and asked, “Let me ask you, did you have any physical contact with him? Even if it was just in a fleeting dream?”

Helan Xi and Song Xuanji both looked at Zhu Ruo Shang from either side. Zhu Ruos Sang’s face flushed, but he calmly shook his head.

Fei Yue Zhenjun was confused: “If that’s the case, why are you insisting you are guilty?”

“Fei Yue Zhejun, I…” Zhu Ruo Shang gently bit his lips and, under the gaze of the three, lifted his hand to pull slightly at the collar of his uniform, revealing a delicate, well-defined collarbone.

On that small patch of skin, a vivid and lifelike red lotus was etched.

The dark red blood outlined the thin, delicate petals, deeply marking the pale skin like slowly flowing blood vessels, resembling a grand yet ominous nightmare.

Fei Yue Zhen Jun’s eyes darkened, and his expression became unusually serious. However, it quickly returned to normal. Helan Xi, being knowledgeable in “Dan Medicine,” immediately recognized the meaning of the flower and blurted out: “How could this…”

Zhu Ruo Shang lowered her gaze and said, “This thing was left on me by ‘it.’ I have tried every method I could think of, but none could remove it.”

Fiery Moon True Monarch asked, “Do you feel any discomfort from this mark?”

Zhu Ruo Shang shook her head.

“Don’t worry. Taohua Sect has been established for thousands of years. Apart from disciples who couldn’t learn the teachings or made grave mistakes, no one has ever left the sect,” Fiery Moon True Monarch comforted Zhu Ruo Shang, his gentle voice as soothing as a delicate hand brushing over her, “This mark from the other side looks ominous, but it’s not particularly troublesome. At least it’s much easier to handle than making Xuanji sing mountain songs.”

Song Xuanji: “…”

Fiery Moon True Monarch’s words were meant to reassure, but they caused the three young men to breathe a sigh of relief. Even Zhu Ruo Shang, whose face had been pale as paper, regained some color. “True Monarch, is that really the case?”

Fiery Moon True Monarch smiled again, the corners of his narrow eyes lifting slightly. “Really. I can’t let any of you little ones get into trouble. Otherwise, Director Jiang might not know how he’ll make trouble for me.”

Although Fiery Moon True Monarch spoke in an ambiguous manner, Helan Xi understood that the “trouble” the True Monarch referred to probably meant that Director Jiang would ignore him, not even bothering to say a word.

“Now, let’s talk about something serious.” Fiery Moon True Monarch suddenly changed the subject, “Have you finished your homework? Take it out and let me see.”

In the [Gui Xu Study Room], having their homework checked by the headmaster of an entire academy was a situation that made Helan Xi realize: Here it comes, the new school year is really here.

Forget about the secret sands, the Ghost King Dragon Horn, or the friends competing for marriage… The exciting and thrilling days were about to be left behind, and now it would be “study until you drop.”

Fiery Moon True Monarch first checked Zhu Ruo Shang’s homework. Although Zhu Ruo Shang had been busy helping her family and trapped in the dream-like illusion for three years over the holiday, her studies hadn’t fallen behind. Even the subject she wasn’t good at, “Mechanics,” she had managed to finish overnight with Helan Xi’s help.

After checking, Fiery Moon True Monarch was very satisfied and smiled, “If every disciple of the Hehuan Academy were as diligent as Ruo Shang, I’d laugh even in my dreams. Alright, you’ve traveled a long way, go back to your immortal residence and rest.”

After Zhu Ruo Shang left, Fiery Moon True Monarch began checking Helan Xi and Song Xuanji’s homework. Helan Xi watched as he flipped through his essays, occasionally nodding lightly, and couldn’t help feeling a bit proud.

He must be amazed by the flawless homework of the disciples of the Wu Qing Academy. Apologies, your disciples really can’t compare to us.

Until Fiery Moon True Monarch paused, seemingly surprised, and said, “Shiyu, why is your homework for ‘The History of the Nine Provinces’ completely blank?”

Helan Xi: “??”

“Don’t believe me?” Fiery Moon True Monarch handed the homework to Helan Xi, “Take a look yourself.”

Helan Xi stared at the blank paper titled “The Influence of the Ghost King on the Nine Provinces,” utterly confused.

What happened? He clearly wrote this essay, and he even worked on it together with Song Xuanji.

Suddenly, Helan Xi realized something, and his eyes met Song Xuanji’s. For the first time in his life, he saw something subtle and complicated in Song Xuanji’s eyes.

He wrote this essay in the dream-like illusion… But things from the illusion can’t be brought back to reality?

Just like when he and Song Xuanji wore wedding clothes in the illusion, but when they came out, they were still in their school uniforms; Zhu Ruo Shang and “Lin Dan” spent three years in the illusion, but in reality, only three days had passed—illusory and real worlds were completely disconnected!

A huge wave of despair instantly engulfed Helan Xi.

Helan Xi had been at Taohua Sect for a year, always following the principle of “Since I’m here, I might as well study well,” and had never slackened on his homework. To be caught not doing his homework by the headmaster, this was the first time in history!

The only thing that gave him some comfort was that when they hadn’t done their homework, they couldn’t leave the illusion. And this time, he wasn’t alone.

Sure enough, not long after, Fiery Moon True Monarch discovered that Song Xuanji hadn’t completed his “Talisman Studies” either. He raised an eyebrow at the two honor students and, under the guise of questioning them, teased the two young men: “Give me an explanation. Otherwise, I’ll write a letter to your parents and ask them to come to Taohua Sect.”

Helan Xi, having learned from experience, didn’t fall for Fiery Moon True Monarch’s tricks. This small matter, yet he wanted to summon their parents? Last year, Changsun Ce had a fight with a fellow disciple and almost crippled him, but they didn’t summon his parents to the sect.

Song Xuanji said, “There’s a reason.”

Helan Xi didn’t want his mother and Song Xuanji’s parents to meet at Taohua Sect over this issue, so he nodded in agreement: “We did our homework in the illusion, but it turns out it doesn’t count.”

Fiery Moon True Monarch nodded in understanding, “I see. But, disciples of Wu Qing Academy are always extraordinarily smart. After leaving the illusion, didn’t you think about this?”

Helan Xi was speechless. Actually, no, after he and Song Xuanji came out, they went straight to Changsun Ce’s marriage competition, and later, he was busy having a heart-to-heart with Zhu Ruo Shang, completely forgetting about the homework.

“I always reward and punish clearly. You two have made great contributions by retrieving [Ghost Image Speech], and I want to reward you with a big gift. However, a small punishment is still necessary.” Fiery Moon True Monarch thought for a moment and said, “Pick a free day and organize the books in the Ancient Library.”

Helan Xi let out a sigh of relief. Organizing the Ancient Library, he and Song Xuanji could finish in half an hour.

Fiery Moon True Monarch smiled and added, “No using magic.”

Helan Xi: “…”

After leaving the [Gui Xu Study Room], Helan Xi walked heavily and gloomily back to his immortal residence with Song Xuanji, the two of them silent all the way.

In other academies, disciples often lived in groups of four or two in a room, but because Wu Qing Academy had so few disciples, Helan Xi got to enjoy a room all to himself. Zhu Ruo Shang and Song Xuanji’s residences were next to his, making it easy to visit, although he had never actually done so. But things were different now; his bond with Zhu Ruo Shang had reached a new level.

Helan Xi originally wanted to complain to Zhu Ruo Shang about the punishment for not finishing his homework, but he found that Zhu Ruo Shang hadn’t returned to her immortal residence. Helan Xi had no choice but to go back to his own residence first, take out his luggage from the spiritual pouch, and begin tidying up.

Tonight is the last night of the holiday, and all the disciples have returned to their sects. After nightfall, the various sects of Taihua are brightly lit, and the sound of laughter and joy from reunions fills the air. However, in the Emotionless Sect, there are only a few scattered lights, the ice plains are silent, and the snow falls without a sound.

Helan Xi is lying on the bed reading when he suddenly hears footsteps approaching from afar.

After a moment, the footsteps stop, but he still doesn’t hear a knock on the door. Helan Xi gets up, opens the door, and is greeted by a strange creature—one with no hands, but four legs—Snow Snow Belly.

Helan Xi isn’t sure whether he should maintain composure in front of this emotionless dog. The human and dog stare at each other for a few moments. Helan Xi crosses his arms and coolly says, “What is it?”

Snow Snow Belly holds a small woven bamboo basket in its mouth. It places the basket at Helan Xi’s feet, elegantly turns, and leaves without uttering a word.

Helan Xi silently picks up the bamboo basket and closes the door. Inside the basket, there is a bottle of medicinal pills and a small booklet. The pills are called “Peiyuan Pills,” known for their ability to strengthen the body and restore energy—rare and extremely precious. This is likely the reward from Lord Fei Yue for retrieving the “Ghost Echoes.”

The booklet contains his schedule for the year, organized by weeks, with tightly packed classes.

Helan Xi sighs, his face full of worry. Tomorrow, classes will officially begin, and he’s unsure how much harder this year’s studies will be compared to last year…

Wait, did he forget something?

Helan Xi looks out the window at the vast white snow-covered land, feeling somewhat lost.

—Where is Changsun Ce? Where did Changsun Ce go?!

Helan Xi quickly sends a sound transmission talisman to Zhu Ruo Shuang. Zhu Ruo Shuang responds quickly, “Don’t worry, after leaving the ‘Gui Xu Tan Shi,’ I went to find Changsun Ce.”

Helan Xi sighs in relief. No wonder Zhu Ruo Shuang wasn’t in the Immortal Residence earlier, he must have gone to find someone.

“Did you send him off now?” Helan Xi asks.

“Changsun Ce wanted to stay the night in the Emotionless Sect. I originally planned to host him, but he said…” Zhu Ru Shuang hesitates, his tone subtle. “He said he wanted to avoid suspicion with me.”

Helan Xi: “?”

Zhu Ruo Shuang continues, “Then he decided to stay the night at your Immortal Residence.”

“At my Immortal Residence?” He Lanxi is confused, “But I didn’t see him!”

Zhu Ruo Shuang: “What?!”

Without wasting any more time, He Lanxi uses the sound transmission talisman to contact the person involved.

After a brief silence, Changsun Ce’s voice, sounding calm and indifferent, responds with very few words: “What?”

Helan Xi skeptically asks, “Where are you?”

Changsun Ce replies, “Immortal Residence.”

Helan Xi never expected that in the Emotionless Sect, he would be the one speaking more than Changsun Ce: “Whose Immortal Residence?”

Changsun Ce: “I originally intended to go to your Immortal Residence, but on the way, I ran into Song Xuanji. He told me not to bother you, and that he would help me…”

Before Changsun Ce could finish, Helan Xi jumps up in disbelief: “Song Xuanji invited you to stay the night at his Immortal Residence?!” He and Zhu Ruo Shuang had never been to Song Xuanji’s Immortal Residence! How could Song Xuanji treat an outer disciple better than he treated them?

Changsun Ce responds indifferently, “Why are you shouting? Song Xuanji helped me find an empty Immortal Residence for me to stay in for the night.”

Helan Xi murmurs “Oh” and slowly sits back down.

Well, it’s nothing to worry about.