Chapter 15: Enlightenment Academy  

As the sun rose over the eastern mountains, its golden rays illuminated the sky.  

The nearest Beacon Tower to the Heaven Reaching Pagoda had retrieved the shaken survivors before the Tower Ship crashed, escorting them onto a Spirit Boat under heavy guard to the Enlightenment Academy.  

With his Lifebound Tree partially destroyed, Su Han Sheng was also affected. The moment he boarded the Spirit Boat, he slumped into a weary slumber.  

By the time he awoke, they had already arrived at the Enlightenment Academy.  

News of the Tower Ship’s attack had already spread throughout the Three Realms, stirring up a storm of discussion. The deputy headmaster of the Enlightenment Academy had furiously ordered the Disciplinary Hall to investigate the matter thoroughly.  

Su Han Sheng, still drowsy, stepped off the Spirit Boat holding an umbrella, wrapped in Chong Jue’s plain robe.  

—He had intended to change into fresh clothes, but the moment he removed Chong Jue’s robe, the cold seeped into his bones like icy needles. Left with no choice, Su Han Sheng had to keep the robe on at all times, even while sleeping.  

Zhuang Lingxiu walked beside him, sighing. “Last night, we truly owe our lives to the World Honored One. Otherwise, we might have ascended to the heavens in the literal sense.”  

The new disciples nearby chattered excitedly, praising Zhuang Lingxiu first, then the World Honored One, and even Su Han Sheng received some compliments.  

Su Han Sheng glanced back. “Where is the World Honored One?”  

“The World Honored One wouldn’t ride this small Spirit Boat with us. The Beacon Tower prepared a Spirit Raft specifically for him,” Zhuang Lingxiu explained. “The Spirit Raft is faster than the Spirit Boat—he’s probably already back at the academy by now.”  

Just then, someone hurried toward them from below the Spirit Boat.  

“Xiao Xiao!”  

Su Han Sheng perked up immediately and craned his neck to look.  

Xu Nan Xian stood below the Spirit Boat. Ever since hearing about the Tower Ship attack, he had been unable to sleep, consumed by guilt and dread, regretting that he had let Su Han Sheng board the ship alone.  

Thankfully, Su Han Sheng was unharmed—otherwise, Xu Nan Xian would have carried that regret for the rest of his life.  

The Spirit Boat hovered a zhang above the ground. Su Han Sheng had initially planned to descend via the ladder, but now he threw caution to the wind and leaped down joyfully.  

“Senior Brother!”  

Xu Nan Xian startled and rushed forward to catch him.  

Su Han Sheng’s umbrella slowed his fall slightly, allowing him to drift down like a withered leaf into his senior brother’s arms. He beamed. “Senior Brother really came to get me. You didn’t abandon me after all.”  

Xu Nan Xian smacked him lightly on the head. “When did I ever say I’d abandon you?”  

Su Han Sheng grinned foolishly up at him.  

“Come on.” Xu Nan Xian took the umbrella and held it over them, his heart aching for the young boy who had suffered such a fright on his first journey. “The headmaster postponed today’s enrollment ceremony to the day after. Let’s go to my place first so you can rest and settle your nerves. I’ll take you out to play tonight.”  

Su Han Sheng hadn’t actually been scared, but he adored Xu Nan Xian’s concern for him and eagerly nodded. “Exactly. My soul nearly flew out of me—I really need to steady it.”  

The two turned to leave.  

Zhuang Lingxiu called out dryly, “Excuse me, there’s still a living, breathing person here.”  

Xu Nan Xian glanced back, taking in Zhuang Lingxiu’s snow-white hair, and sneered. “One more sword strike, and you won’t be breathing anymore. I’ll happily carve your tombstone myself—’Departed Riding a Dog.'”  

Zhuang Lingxiu sighed. “Not breathing would be the least of my worries…”  

Su Han Sheng: “…”  

That’s the *least* of your worries?  

Zhuang Lingxiu continued, “…The real problem is that the Tower Ship is half-destroyed. Tonight, I’ll have to go to Separate Year by Year and apologize to Senior Brother.”  

Xu Nan Xian scoffed. “Serves you right.”  

With that, he grabbed Su Han Sheng’s hand and strode off.  

Zhuang Lingxiu, showing no signs of his severe injuries, bounded after them with surprising agility. “Nan Xian, Bu Bei, we’re as close as brothers—you’ll definitely come with me to Separate Year by Year, right?”

Xu Nan Xian’s face turned an unpleasant shade of green. “Don’t even think about it. Tonight, I’m accompanying Xiao Xiao to tour the Academy.”

“You’ll have four whole years at the Academy—what’s the rush?” Zhuang Lingxiu coaxed persuasively. “Besides, the Enlightenment Rite is coming up in early September. Shouldn’t you take the Young Lord to Separate Year by Year to purchase some Magical Artifacts?”

Xu Nan Xian shot him a cold glance. “What Magical Artifact does our Echoing Warmth Sect lack that we’d need to buy from Separate Year by Year?”

Zhuang Lingxiu thought for a moment. “Light-shielding artifacts?”

Xu Nan Xian frowned.

Seeing an opening, Zhuang Lingxiu quickly slung an arm around Xu Nan Xian’s shoulders. “I heard Separate Year by Year recently stocked a new type of artifact—just slip it over your head to block sunlight. Super convenient.”

Xu Nan Xian suspected this bastard was pulling his leg. “How come I haven’t heard of this?”

“You’re always obsessing over which spearheads have new designs or whether the tassels are made of horsehair or rhinoceros tail. When do you ever pay attention to anything else?” Zhuang Lingxiu said. “That Cloud Veil is pricey, only fleecing—ahem, only catering to Young Misses and Fairies from major sects. Naturally, you wouldn’t know.”

Xu Nan Xian was tempted.

After all, September meant the Enlightenment Rite. While spirit umbrellas could block light, carrying one during spiritual object competitions would be cumbersome.

Zhuang Lingxiu watched him expectantly.

Xu Nan Xian glanced at Su Han Sheng, who stood obediently under the umbrella, before glaring at Zhuang Lingxiu after a long pause. “I’m only going to the market district—not accompanying you to apologize.”

Zhuang Lingxiu finally exhaled imperceptibly in relief, smiling. “Fine, fine. I’ll cover the Spirit Stones for the Young Lord’s Cloud Veil.”

Su Han Sheng was about to decline when Xu Nan Xian cut in, “Good Xiao Xiao, let’s buy a whole pile of Cloud Veils and wear a different one each day. Such generosity—shouldn’t you thank Senior Brother Zhuang?”

Zhuang Lingxiu’s smile froze.

Few bought Cloud Veils, but those who cared about maintaining fair complexions were usually pampered female cultivators from major sects who didn’t mind splurging—hence the steep pricing.

Xu Nan Xian was clearly out to fleece him.

Su Han Sheng, ever obedient to his senior brother, cheerfully said, “Thank you for your generosity, Senior Brother Zhuang.”

Zhuang Lingxiu: “…”

Should’ve just rotted on that Tower Ship.

The Enlightenment Academy, ranked first among Magpie Mound’s institutions, was situated northeast of the Immortal Lord’s mausoleum. Backed by towering mountain ranges, a great river cut through its vast grounds before emptying into the sea.

The Spirit Boat from Beacon Tower didn’t dock directly at the Academy. Su Han Sheng followed Xu Nan Xian through endless peach blossom groves when suddenly, dense mist enveloped them, obscuring all directions.

Xu Nan Xian asked, “…Your merit points must be nearly depleted by now. Will you even qualify for the Enlightenment Rite?”

“I only had two left. Was hoping to earn one more point as an escort to make the three-point threshold,” Zhuang Lingxiu said, nearly swallowed by the mist as he touched his forehead ribbon with a sigh. “Now I’m screwed—destroyed a Tower Ship, used new students as kites… If the Vice-Dean doesn’t deduct points, it’ll only be out of pity. No way he’ll let me join the Rite.”

Xu Nan Xian raised an eyebrow. “Any spiritual objects you want? I’ll fetch them for you.”

“Three Jia Fruits from the seventh level.” Zhuang Lingxiu said soulfully, “Nan Xian, I won’t forget this.”

Xu Nan Xian replied icily, “One thousand Spirit Stones. Plus half a merit point.”

Zhuang Lingxiu: “…”

Seeing the two still bantering leisurely despite the surrounding mist, Su Han Sheng obediently held Xu Nan Xian’s hand and trudged forward without fear of being led astray.

After exactly thirteen steps, three faint sounds of shattering Spirit Stones echoed through the fog.

Su Han Sheng’s Natal Mark at his waist suddenly emitted a searing heat, followed by the surrounding mist dissipating silently as if verifying his identity.  

Like clouds parting to reveal the sky, petals swirled into the air with the wind before drifting gently down.  

At the end of the peach blossom grove stood the foremost academy of the Three Realms.  

Backed by mountains and supported by countless Spirit Stone arrays, the dense spiritual energy seeped into one’s bones even before approaching.  

Numerous Spirit Boats carrying new students descended from the sky in an endless stream. The vast open space before the academy gates was lined with stalls, while senior disciples greeted groups of wide-eyed youths with warm smiles—welcoming them into the fiery pit… no, the academy—their expressions brimming with affection.  

Having never seen so many people before, Su Han Sheng clung to Xu Nan Xian’s hand, unable to contain his curiosity, wishing he had eight more eyes to take it all in.  

The wind was strong today, rustling the Magpie-patterned banners planted along the river flowing beneath the gates, their fluttering lending an air of grandeur.  

Su Han Sheng gazed around in awe. The calligraphy on display was bold and unrestrained, the kind that took decades of practice to master—yet the content was…  

“Enlightenment Academy: Gentle, Kind, Modest, and Yielding.”  

“Four years, seven and a half points—a hair’s breadth away, a thousand miles of blood and tears. Mother, Father, your child is unfilial!”  

—Below, in tiny script: “Run! Listen to your seniors—drop out while you still can!”  

“The Vice-Dean was right!”  

“Eight years of retakes, and now my junior is my lecturer. Tragic. Pitiable.”  

Su Han Sheng: “?”  

He was beginning to question the sanity of Enlightenment Academy’s students.  

Xu Nan Xian led Su Han Sheng to a senior sister handling registrations to have his Natal Mark and Ranking Poster signed.  

The senior sister was swamped, but when her gaze flickered over Su Han Sheng’s Natal Mark, she paused in surprise.  

The emblem of Magpie Mound was, naturally, the magpie—a symbol typically reserved for the top-ranked on the Tide Watching Board. For instance, the Student Jade Tablet of the foremost academy, Enlightenment Academy, bore a magpie engraving, as did the messenger magpies of the leading sect, Echoing Warmth Sect…  

While the senior sister was still stunned, a golden Student Jade Tablet was swiftly engraved with the name: Su Han Sheng.  

In the corner of the tablet, three tiny magpie patterns fluttered as if alive.  

Realization dawned on the senior sister—this must be the young lord of Echoing Warmth Sect, the one who rarely stepped outside.  

“Young Lord, my apologies for the wait.” The senior sister nodded slightly and handed him the Disciple Token. “Your Living Quarters are in Falling Wu Quarters. The Disciple Seal will grant you entry.”  

Su Han Sheng accepted it obediently. “Thank you, Senior Sister.”  

As the young lord and Xu Nan Xian departed, the senior sister clicked her tongue.  

A senior brother nearby asked, “What’s the matter?”  

“First, the prodigy from Old Talisman Tomb, and now the young lord of Magpie Mound.” The senior sister sighed lazily. “Remarkable. We’re in for quite the spectacle.”  

***  

Su Han Sheng didn’t head straight to Falling Wu Quarters. With the enrollment ceremony two days away, he’d rather stick to his senior brother like glue.  

Inside the academy, the scenery was breathtaking—towering halls with intricate carvings, their architecture strikingly similar to Echoing Warmth Sect’s. A few magpies flitted overhead.  

Su Han Sheng craned his neck, eyes wide with wonder.  

Xu Nan Xian warned, “No flying within the academy grounds. The Discipline Hall won’t go easy on you if you’re caught.”  

No sooner had he spoken than a figure in black robes appeared by the riverside, standing against the wind, a red hair ribbon embroidered with some insignia fluttering behind him.  

Before Su Han Sheng could get a closer look, the man drew a radiant bow, fingers gathering a wisp of spiritual energy as he nocked the string, raising it toward the magpies in the sky.

The magpie is the totem of Magpie Mound, and harming it would be a grave offense.

Su Han Sheng raised an eyebrow slightly, but before he could ponder further, he saw the man release his grip, and spiritual energy surged through the bowstring with a howl.

“Bang!” It struck the central magpie directly.

The magpie let out a sharp cry and plummeted straight down.

Su Han Sheng: “Ah…”

Before he could finish his exclamation, the “magpie” transformed mid-fall into a man clad in disciple robes, landing face-first on the ground with a pitiful splat.

“Ah—!”

Su Han Sheng: “???”

“Damn it,” cursed the man who had attempted to escape the Discipline Hall’s notice by transforming into a magpie. Clutching his forehead, he glared furiously at the man by the riverbank. “You bastard! Next time you fall into my hands, it won’t be as simple as making you dance seductively like last time!”

The beautiful man curled his lips into a smile, the teardrop mole at the corner of his eye seeming to glint with blood. “Oh my, how terrifying.”

Then his expression shifted abruptly. The long bow in his hand transformed into a pitch-black serpent whip as he said impassively, “I studied day and night for half a year to join the Discipline Hall just for this moment! Men! Drag him to the Discipline Hall. I’ll personally flay him to death—with a grudge.”

Several subordinates acknowledged the order and hauled the man away with great fanfare.

Xu Nan Xian and Zhuang Lingxiu watched with great amusement.

Su Han Sheng, however, was left in a daze.

Gentleness, kindness, humility, and restraint… where were they?

This academy… wasn’t quite what he had imagined.

***

At the summit of Enlightenment Academy’s back mountain.

Several magpies alighted on a phoenix tree, their wings fluttering as a figure ascended the mountain path, dappled shadows flickering across his delicate features.

The academy’s deputy headmaster, clad in plain blue robes, walked slowly, surrounded by countless talismans. As he moved from the shade into the sunlight, the unassuming blue robes revealed themselves to be a magic robe densely inscribed with intricate talismans.

Under the light, they shimmered with golden radiance; when he stepped back into the shadows, the talismans vanished instantly.

The deputy headmaster kept his head bowed as he trudged to the mountaintop temple.

Behind a folding screen, Chong Jue sat cross-legged on a cushion, eyes closed as he recited scriptures, his prayer beads moving steadily in hand.

Zou Chi approached timidly and sat opposite Chong Jue.

“Greetings, World Honored One.”

Chong Jue opened his eyes and said calmly, “What did Western Corner say?”

Zou Chi replied meekly, “I went to Western Corner to investigate the Fuli Clan, but their records showed no such number of Nascent Souls… They denied it outright and drove me out.”

As he spoke, sorrow welled up within him, and he lowered his gaze, tears falling.

The headmaster of Enlightenment Academy was often in seclusion, leaving Zou Chi, as deputy headmaster, to manage the vast institution’s affairs. The top entry on the Tide Watching Board’s “Most Baffling Mysteries of the Three Realms” was: “How did Deputy Headmaster Zou Chi elevate Enlightenment Academy to the top academy and maintain its supremacy?”

To this day, it remained a mystery.

Chong Jue’s expression remained serene, free of annoyance. “For the Enlightenment Rite in September, utmost caution is required.”

Zou Chi wiped away his tears and murmured an acknowledgment.

Chong Jue resumed moving his prayer beads.

Summoning his courage, Zou Chi stole a glance at him and ventured cautiously, “Chong Jue, now that you’ve intervened to save someone, has the Ninety-Nine Bone Chain… grown another link?”

Chong Jue didn’t open his eyes, merely humming in affirmation.

Zou Chi said awkwardly, “You… also seem to have grown younger.”

Chong Jue was not one for small talk. When no response came, Zou Chi rose sheepishly, bowed respectfully, and turned to leave.

Before he could exit the temple, Chong Jue suddenly spoke. “Tomorrow, I will enter seclusion to nourish my soul. As for Xuan Lin’s son, Xiao Xiao…”

Zou Chi turned back. “What?”

Chong Jue sighed silently and said, “Xiao Xiao is still young. You must…”

Zou Chi had thought he would say “must treat him kindly,” but instead heard Chong Jue murmur in a low voice, “…teach him well. Don’t indulge him, lest he bring about great calamity.”

Zou Chi was taken aback.

The World Honored One of Mount Sumeru resembled a Buddha statue seated solemnly in a temple. Despite knowing him for many years, it was rare for Zou Chi to see him display such human concern.

Zou Chi said, “The Enlightenment Rite is approaching. During this period, all students have been behaving well—even the troublemakers dare not cause any disturbances.”

After all, only students with three points or more could enter the Secret Realm for training during the September Enlightenment Rite. New students just barely met the three-point threshold—if they made even a minor mistake and lost half a point, they would miss the rite entirely.

After some thought, Zou Chi spoke with unusual certainty.

“Xuan Lin’s child is bound to be obedient. You needn’t worry. Go ahead and focus on your secluded cultivation with peace of mind.”