Chapter 16

Lord Yi’e, the current dean of the Tai Shan Dao Academy, embodies the principle of “performing one good deed every day.” Not only does he treat his disciples with great care, like his own children, but he also regards disciples from other academies with the same warmth… as if they were ordinary relatives.

Unfortunately, although Lord Yi’e is humorous, easygoing, and approachable, whenever he faces Lord Feiyue, no matter how good his temper is, he can’t withstand Lord Feiyue’s absurdity and eccentricity.

Lord Yi’e’s furious shouts echoed through the Misty River Crossing, making Helan Xi feel both moved and like he wanted to die.

What moved him was that Lord Yi’e cared so deeply for the three of them, even going so far as to break ties with Lord Feiyue once more on their behalf. This level of protection was beyond that of a teacher—it was more like that of a true benefactor.

What made him want to die, however, was that Lord Yi’e was shouting so loudly that the entire sect would now know that the three of them from the Emotionless Sect were studying dual cultivation techniques!

Helan Xi could feel the heat rising on his head, his face almost burning from embarrassment. In contrast, Lord Feiyue calmly set up a barrier around the lecture hall, blocking Lord Yi’e’s shouting and questioning from reaching the outside world.

Then, with a faint smile, Lord Feiyue said, “Alright, let’s continue the lesson.”

Helan Xi was stunned, and out of the corner of his eye, he saw Song Xun picking up a pen and dipping it in ink, opening a blank page in his notebook.

…What is Song Xun planning to do? Make some annotations? Does he really have no objections to learning the art of dual cultivation?

Helan Xi felt as though he was trapped and helpless. What could he do? Besides forcing himself to learn, what other choice did he have?

Helan Xi glanced at Song Xun resentfully, and in his frustration, he secretly hid Song Xun’s other pen that hadn’t been dipped in ink.

On the other side, Zhenjun hurriedly returned to Taihua Sect. Without saying a word, he headed straight for the Mist Crossing Bridge, only to be blocked by a pink barrier scattered with flower petals.

Zhenjun was filled with rage: “Song Liushu—!”

In fact, with his abilities, breaking the barrier set by Song Liushu wouldn’t be too difficult, but it would undoubtedly cause considerable damage to the entire Mist Crossing Bridge. Today was the first day of school, and everyone was attending classes. If he made a move, it would affect all the disciples of Taihua Sect.

Song Liushu must have guessed that he would prioritize the greater good, which was why he dared to act this way.

Shangguan Shen, following his sect leader, looked worried and asked, “Sect Leader, are we just standing here, watching Fei Yue Zhenjun abduct… teach the three beauties of the Unfeeling Dao the dual cultivation method?”

Zhenjun felt very vexed: “What can I do? The children are all in class, and I can’t just charge in and fight Song Liushu in front of them!”

Fortunately, the dual cultivation method couldn’t be learned in just one or two lessons. Song Liushu would probably only give the Unfeeling Dao’s three beauties an introduction today, and he would never give Song Liushu the chance to have a second lesson.

Zhenjun stood outside the barrier, gazing at the classroom where the Unfeeling Dao disciples were gathered. He wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but it seemed like he caught a glance from Helan Xi who looked at him with pleading eyes, as if saying: “Zhenjun, save me, please save me!”

Zhenjun swallowed hard, his voice hoarse: “I’m sorry, Master Huanchen, sorry, Elder Jiang, and sorry to the three beauties of the Unfeeling Dao…”

“Sect Leader, this is not your fault,” Shangguan Shen patted Zhenjun’s back, offering comforting words. His mature demeanor made him seem more like a teacher than a disciple: “If Fei Yue Zhenjun is determined to teach them, I’m afraid no one but Master Huanchen and Elder Jiang can stop him.”

Encouraged by his beloved disciple’s words, Zhenjun quickly regained his composure, his expression turning serious: “Zhijin, arrange it. I will have a private conversation with Song Liushu tonight. If I can’t persuade him to give up on abducting the three beauties of the Unfeeling Dao, I swear I won’t return to Tai Shan Dao!”

One hour later, the first class of the day taught by Fei Yue Zhenjun came to an end.

Helan Xi’s eyes were vacant as he calmly packed up his things and left his seat before Song Xun.

He had a lot he wanted to say to Zhu Ruo Shuang, and the first thing was, “How could Song Xun do that?” However, before he could talk to Zhu Ruo Shuang, Fei Yue Zhenjun called him away.

Fei Yue Zhenjun said to Zhu Ruo Shuang: “Ruo Shuang, come with me.”

Zhu Ruo Shuang hesitated: “Zhenjun, my next class is ‘Treatise on Exotic Beasts.'”

The class was at the Wan Shou Dao Academy, which was at least a tea break’s journey from Mist Crossing.

“Classes are secondary,” Fei Yue Zhenjun said dismissively. “Since Dongfang Jimi has returned to the sect, you should have him look at the mark of the other shore on you as soon as possible.”

“The mark of the other shore?” Bai Guanning appeared out of nowhere, curious: “What’s that, Sect Leader?”

Fei Yue Zhenjun smiled lightly: “This matter has nothing to do with you. However, I do have something for you to do. Wait outside for a moment.”

After Bai Guanning left, Zhu Ruo Shuang subconsciously raised his hand but stopped just before touching his collarbone. He gave a slight nod and said, “Alright, thank you, Zhenjun.”

Fei Yue Zhenjun arranged things and was about to take Zhu Ruo Shuang to bear the wrath of Dongfang Jimi when he turned around and saw Helan Xi staring fixedly at Zhu Ruo Shuang. The two boys faced each other in silence, and it was unclear what silent conversation they were having.

In fact, the two of them were thinking:

Helan Xi: “You go ahead, I’ll take good notes for ‘Treatise on Exotic Beasts’ for you.”

Zhu Ruo Shuang: “Then make sure your handwriting is nice.”

Helan Xi: “What? If you think my handwriting is ugly, then go look at someone else’s!”

Zhu Ruo Shuang: “Eh? I was just joking. Why are you taking it seriously?”

Helan Xi: “Oh? Then it’s fine.”

Fei Yue Zhenjun spoke up: “Shiyu.”

Helan Xi, who had just finished their silent exchange with Zhu Ruo Shuang, responded: “Hmm?”

Fei Yue Zhenjun: “Today is the first day of school, so the homework shouldn’t be too much. After class, you and Xunji can go clean and organize the Ancient Library.”

Helan Xi: “…Yes.”

Without Zhu Ruo Shuang’s company, He Lanxi left the classroom alone, feeling unmotivated. Along the way, Zhang Wuyan stared at him with an indescribable, complex gaze for a long time.

He tried to ignore the stares of others and noticed that Song Xun was just ahead. He immediately quickened his pace to catch up.

Song Xun was walking very slowly. He had delayed so much in class, yet he could still catch up with him.

Helan Xi: “Song Xun.”

Song Xun stopped and turned: “Hmm?”

Helan Xi: “You left a pen in the classroom.”

Song Xun turned around and extended his hand: “Thank you.”

Helan Xi looked at his pale, cold hand and said: “What are you thanking me for?”

Song Xun paused for a moment and said, “For my pen?”

Helan Xi: “I already said, your pen is in the classroom.”

Song Xun: “…”

Helan Xi kept a straight face, trying hard not to laugh.

Hurry up, mock me, Song Xun! Don’t feel sorry for me just because we’re from the same sect. Let me see your sharp tongue once again!

Helan Xi eagerly awaited, but Song Xun just lowered his gaze and looked at him for a long while before casually saying, “I don’t understand you.”

With that, he brushed past him.

Helan Xi froze for a moment before turning around and blurting out, “Where are you going, Song Xun?”

Song Xuanji: “Go back and get the pen.”

Helan Xi “Lord Feiyue wants us to organize the ancient library tonight.”

Song Xuanji didn’t turn around: “Okay.”

Helan Xi was left confused as he watched Song Xuanji leave. He had clearly been teasing Song Xuanji, so why didn’t Song Xuanji respond with sarcasm?

At dusk, the setting sun slowly descended, casting a golden veil over the vast mountain range of Taihua Sect.

Helan Xi returned to his hermitage, first taking a bath and changing clothes before heading next door to find Song Xuanji, so they could go to the ancient library together.

It wasn’t that he needed to be clean to meet Song Xuanji—wasn’t it just during the “Beasts of the Otherworld” class that he got his clothes dirty feeding a small sand python?

The ancient library had been around for thousands of years, and the reason it was called “ancient” was that it was the first library in Taihua Sect. Over time, it had fallen into disrepair and was abandoned. Nowadays, very few people came, and those who did were usually there to consult rare ancient books.

Helan Xi was ready to spend the night alone with Song Xuanji. His story of going from a commoner to the richest man in Jinling was nearing its end, and tonight he could finish writing the conclusion in his mind. But before they could enter, they heard voices coming from inside.

It was almost dark. Who else, other than him and Song Xuanji, would come to the ancient library at this time?

Helan Xi and Song Xuanji exchanged glances and quietly walked to the window, peeking inside.

It was two disciples from the Hehuan Sect, Bai Guanning and Zhang Wuyan.

Bai Guanning had changed out of the Hehuan Sect uniform and was now dressed in a Western Loulian outfit, with thin, sheer sleeves that partially covered and revealed his body, and a veil on his head.

Changsun Ce preferred to expose his chest, but Bai Guanning exposed his waist.

To be honest, no matter how much they revealed, Helan Xi just thought it was… rather ordinary. He preferred beauties who were fully dressed but still stunning and breathtaking.

In contrast to Bai Guanning’s delicate beauty, Zhang Wuyan looked much more disheveled. He was bound to a pillar with a crimson scarf, his eyes bloodshot, and his face contorted with humiliation, no longer resembling the charming young man he once was.

Zhang Wuyan might not be very notable in Taihua Sect, but anyone who made it into Taihua Sect was no ordinary person. How could Zhang Wuyan endure such humiliation?

Helan Xi had almost fallen into Zhang Wuyan’s trap before, but he had never humiliated someone like this. Bai Guanning and Zhang Wuyan were from the same sect, so what kind of enmity could they have that led Bai Guanning to treat him so cruelly?

Bai Guanning leaned lazily against the bookshelf, looking casual as he seemed to be playing a harmless game with Zhang Wuyan: “Having scum like you in the Hehuan Sect is really embarrassing. You think you can double cultivate with He Lanxi…?” Bai Guanning sneered. “You think you’re worthy?”

Zhang Wuyan glared at Bai Guanning with fury, his lips bloodied from biting them: “I like him. What’s wrong with that?”

Bai Guanning’s eyes narrowed dangerously: “Say that again?”

Zhang Wuyan, not knowing what he had gone through before, shut his mouth under Bai Guanning’s warning and threat, fuming in silence.

“Stay away from the three of us in the future,” Bai Guanning said slowly. “Do you hear me?”

Zhang Wuyan lowered his head, his voice hoarse and heavy with the smell of blood: “…Yes.”

Bai Guanning: “I asked if you heard me.”

Zhang Wuyan: “…I heard you.”

“Good,” Bai Guanning said, smiling in satisfaction, and untied the crimson scarf from Zhang Wuyan. “Now, get lost.”

Zhang Wuyan collapsed to the ground, struggling to get up. He staggered towards the door. Helan Xi didn’t want to face him, so he pulled Song Xuanji back out of Zhang Wuyan’s line of sight.

Helan Xi whispered, “Why are they here?”

Song Xuanji thought for a moment before answering, “Feiyue True Monarch doesn’t allow us to use magic in the ancient library. Bai Guanning may have come for that reason.”

Sure enough, once Zhang Wuyan had walked away, Bai Guanning took a bell from his waist and hung it at the entrance of the library.

If Song Xuanjie was correct, the bell could detect any magical activity. If they secretly used magic while cleaning and organizing, Feiyue True Monarch would immediately know.

This meant Bai Guanning had known they would come to the ancient library at this time. If he was really just annoyed by Zhang Wuyan, thinking he had disgraced the Hehuan Sect, why would he choose this exact time and place? It almost seemed like he was showing them on purpose.

Before Helan Xi could think further, Song Xuanjie said, “Let’s go.”

Helan Xi followed Song Xuanjie into the library, and a musty, damp smell greeted them. Helan Xi ran his hand along a bookshelf and found it covered in dust. He was about to cast a spell to clean it but then remembered the bell at the entrance and stopped.

Now, both he and Song Xuanji would end up dirty. How foolish of him to bathe and change earlier.

By now, it was completely dark. The library was pitch black, with only faint shadows of bookshelves visible.

Song Xuanji lit a candle, allowing Helan Xi to see the shelves clearly. They were as tall as a floor, and without magic, they would have to use a ladder to reach them.

Helan Xi casually pulled a book from the shelf and read the cover aloud: “The Tale of Langfeng? What’s this?”

Song Xuanji explained, “Langfeng is where the immortal birds live. This book talks about the habits of various ancient immortal birds.”

Helan Xi learned something new: “Oh!”

Song Xuanji asked, “Did you remember it?”

Helan Xi nodded. “Yes, I remember.”

Actually, he could have just answered with an “mm,” but today Song Xuanji had spoken to him more than usual, and he couldn’t help but want to say a few more words.

Song Xuanji: “Don’t remember it. I was just making it up.”

“……?” Helan Xi stood frozen in place.

No, what exactly was Song Xuanji doing? He couldn’t understand it. He really couldn’t understand.

Helan Xi stared at the side profile of Song Xuanji, bathed in candlelight, his features like a picture of ethereal beauty. Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind.

Could it be that Song Xuanji was seeking revenge for the earlier “You left your pen in the lecture hall”?