C5 Mu'an Academy

"You're Zhang Heng? The freshman who scored four SS and one D?"

The middle-aged leader disregarded everyone from Mu'an and focused his attention on Zhang Heng.

Zhang Heng nodded, surmising that these individuals had come specifically for him.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Pann Yang, the Director of Instruction at Qingfeng Academy. I'm here to invite you to join our institution," Pann Yang stated, then turned to Mu An with a smug look.

"Young man, you might not be familiar with Mu'an Academy. It's considered the least prestigious academy in Three-sea City. Think it over—don't jeopardize your prospects. Choose Qingfeng Academy instead."

Pann Ann observed Zhang Heng's silence and pressed for an answer.

Mu An, standing nearby, grew impatient and shot Pann Ann a fierce glare, biting her lip in frustration.

"Zhang Heng, if you decide on Mu'an Academy, I, as the head of the academy, will cut your tuition in half!"

Half off tuition? Could such a good deal exist?

He was lucky to be accepted by Mu'an Academy, and now they were offering to slash his tuition fees!

But why did Pann Ann claim that Mu'an Academy was the worst in Three-sea City?

Zhang Heng was puzzled. His memory couldn't be wrong; Mu'an Academy was undoubtedly the best option for him.

"Zhang Heng, if you join Qingfeng Academy, I can even secure a full tuition waiver for you!" Pann Ann boasted, casting another self-satisfied glance at Mu An.

A low-tier academy trying to compete with me? I represent the fifth-ranked cultivation academy in Three-sea City.

Before Zhang Heng could respond, Mu An's gaze towards Pann Ann was filled with fury.

This scoundrel! I finally attract a student, and he has the audacity to try and poach him with a full tuition waiver!

"Zhang Heng, if you join Mu'an Academy, I'll waive your tuition fees completely, no application necessary," Mu An declared, pinching his beard with a look of regret, then snorted disdainfully at Pann Ann.

Imagine that—free admission to Mu'an Academy!

This time, he'd hit the jackpot!

"I'm willing, I'm willing to join Mu'an Academy. It's an honor to become a part of it," Zhang Heng declared, his voice resonating with conviction. Pann Ann, previously exuding confidence, suddenly stumbled, nearly losing his footing. Could he have actually been bested by the most derided school in Three-sea City?

"Zhang Heng, think this through carefully. Don't let the allure of minor perks destroy your future!" Pann Ann warned.

"Thank you, Director Pann, but I've made my decision," Zhang Heng replied, his resolve clear.

With that, Zhang Heng positioned himself behind Mu An, aligning with the future Six Heroes of Mu'an. Pann Ann huffed in frustration and stormed off with a group of students in tow.

It was hard to believe that students these days were so easily tempted by trivial advantages. What a shame to see such a promising talent go to waste. Shaking his head in disbelief, Pann Ann passed by Zhang Heng.

Mu An watched them leave with a sense of satisfaction, finding Zhang Heng more agreeable by the moment. The young man had indeed made her proud—a true diamond in the rough.

"Zhang Heng, we're proud of your choice and confident you won't regret it," Mu An assured him.

Zhang Heng nodded solemnly, buoyed by the belief that he wouldn't regret joining the premier academy of the future Huaxia. Unbeknownst to him, the Six Heroes behind him looked on with sympathy, their sighs hinting at their own experiences of being lured into the academy by the crafty elder.

Suddenly, a thunderous roar broke the silence as a battered, scarred old bus pulled up beside them. "Cough, cough. The school bus has arrived. Everyone aboard—we're heading back to the academy now!" Mu An announced before being the first to board.

The Six Heroes of Mu'an scrambled onto the bus, leaving Zhang Heng momentarily rooted to the spot in disbelief. This was their school bus? Could such a relic even operate? Amidst the laughter of onlookers, Zhang Heng mustered his courage and climbed aboard.

Once inside, he was struck dumbfounded yet again. This damn bus—why were there no seats at all?

Watching the Six Heroes of Mu'an, who were renowned across Huaxia, clutching the armrests in disarray, Zhang Heng couldn't shake the feeling that he'd been duped.

Had he remembered incorrectly? Could Mu'an Academy truly be the future's top-ranked academy?

At this moment, a thousand thoughts stampeded through Zhang Heng's mind.

Throughout the journey, the ancient vehicle had stalled seven or eight times. To make matters worse, he and the Six Heroes of Mu'an had been conscripted to push the car!

They euphemistically called it a "welcoming ceremony" for the new students.

Muttering curses under his breath, Zhang Heng finally arrived at the storied Mu'an Academy.

Stepping out of the car, he was stunned once more.

Where was the promised academy?

Why did it feel like he'd been brought to a dilapidated factory?

"Cough, cough. Welcome to Mu'an Academy, and a special welcome to our new students. Let's give them a round of applause," came the announcement.

Led by Mu An, the group erupted into enthusiastic clapping.

Zhang Heng swallowed hard. No, this couldn't be real. This damn academy was in an abandoned factory!

"Uh, you'll have a day off to get acquainted with the new students. As per tradition, you'll sort out the rankings yourselves," Mu An declared, twirling her goatee and humming a tune as she faded from Zhang Heng's view.

Zhang Heng, speechless, slapped his forehead. Were vacations always this arbitrary? A day off on the very first day of school?

And what was this mysterious ranking about?

"Zhang Heng, the dean asked me to remind you to pay your tuition fees first."

"Tuition fees? Didn't the dean say tuition was waived?"

"Uh, tuition is waived, but not the miscellaneous fees!"

Zhang Heng was at a loss for words.

He vowed never to trust Huaxia Daily again. The so-called premier academy of Huaxia, the Six Heroes of Mu'an—it was all a sham!

"Cough, cough. As is tradition, let's start with introductions. This will help the new students get to know everyone."

A man with a shock of white hair stepped forward, gently patting Zhang Heng's shoulder.

"Junior, my name is Wai Han. I can empathize with what you're feeling."

Zhang Heng looked at Wai Han, his face flushed with a mix of shame and anger, and gave a small nod. If the Six Heroes of Mu'an, whose names resonated throughout all of Huaxia, could bear such things, why couldn't he?