C16 Wishing Doll Faang Wei

"Old Tang, I want you to select some upstanding kids to dedicate themselves to mastering this complete set of the Harmonious Fist. We're going to clinch victory at the Academy Grand Tournament!"

Faang Zhengyi declared with conviction, now fully believing in Everdawn Academy's chances of triumph.

With ample time before the tournament, they should be able to grasp the nuances of the technique, ensuring at least a robust foundation.

"Ah, that's right!" Faang Zhengyi exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with an idea. "What if we have Wei demonstrate the Harmonious Fist all around the school? It's possible that we don't even have the complete version ourselves!"

Listening to Faang Zhengyi's suggestion, Tung Peirong couldn't resist a jab. "Mr. Faang, do you think your son is some kind of genie, able to grant any wish you have?"

"Uh..." Faang Zhengyi chuckled sheepishly. "I'm just saying it's worth a shot. There's no harm in trying!"

Tung Peirong rolled his eyes in silence. Mr. Faang's serious moments were fleeting, lasting no more than three minutes at a time.

Taking a deep breath, Tung Peirong took out his phone and sent a copy of the document to Mr. Faang, then forwarded another copy to himself, deleting the original that Faang Wei had sent. If they were going to put on a show, they needed to do it right, completely distancing Faang Wei from the teaching. They had to safeguard this secret until the Academy Grand Tournament to prevent Faang Wei from becoming a target for the nine great academies, which would certainly disrupt his peace.

Just then, Tung Peirong recalled another matter. "By the way, Mr. Faang, did you manage to dig up any information on that kid?"

"His enrollment records claim he's from the No. 56 Moonshadow Lands, but with his level of skill, he's not yet at the stage to be venturing out for family training..."

"That's clearly a cover story," Faang Zhengyi interjected, passing over a folder. "Here's his actual information. If we can bring him into the fold, it's as good as stumbling upon a treasure."

"This... This is!!!" Tung Peirong was taken aback as he reviewed the contents of the folder. This wasn't a treasure; it was a ticking time bomb!

"Mr. Faang, are you certain you want to keep him on board?"

Tung Peirong's voice was already quivering. It was unthinkable what would happen if the head of Lumenarc Academy discovered his son had enrolled at Everdawn Academy. He'd probably level the place in a heartbeat.

What a mess!

It was like falling into a massive trap.

"We can't withstand the wrath of Lumenarc Academy if this gets out. This is a tricky situation!"

"Why are you so worked up?"

Faang Zhengyi gestured dismissively, his demeanor unflappable.

"Don't worry. Lumenarc Academy is scouring the globe for their son. Let's use this time to win over Jin Ziyan. Imagine how formidable it will be to have him on our side against Lumenarc Academy's students in the future!"

"Hahahahaha!"

"Just the thought of it is exhilarating!"

Watching Faang Zhengyi slap his thigh in delight, Tung Peirong's face was a picture of gloom. He dreaded that Lumenarc Academy might show up before they even had a chance to win Jin Ziyan over.

And then where would he go to weep?

"Mr. Faang... perhaps we should rethink this?"

Tung Peirong couldn't help but speak up, fearing they were only digging themselves deeper.

This was beyond comprehensive service.

"Oh, come on!"

Faang Zhengyi waved off the concern, convinced Tung Peirong was worrying needlessly. After all, what did it matter if Lumenarc Academy found out? Jin Ziyan had enrolled on his own accord; it had nothing to do with me.

I certainly didn't abduct your son.

Besides, if old Jin really wanted to stir up trouble, I wouldn't mind facing him. I wonder if he's improved over the years or if he's still just—

A former subordinate who couldn't cut it.

Heh!

"Look, don't fret over this. Don't give him any special treatment, either. Treat him as you would any other student, and don't let on that we're aware of his identity."

"It could jeopardize our future recruitment plans."

"…"

Tung Peirong let out a sigh. He was well aware of Jin Ziyan's high standing at Lumenarc Academy; how could he possibly be swayed to join them?

Even if he were willing, his father would never agree. He'd surely pull out all the stops to bring him back, and then Everdawn Academy would be the one to pay the price!

As he gazed at the document in his hand, the words "Lumenarc Academy" sparked a different thought in his mind. Tung Peirong's eyes shifted subtly, and he fell into a contemplative silence before finally speaking.

"Faang, there's something else I need to discuss with you."

"?"

Faang Zhengyi was momentarily taken aback. Tung Peirong usually addressed him formally, either as Mr. Faang or Principal, reserving 'Old Faang' for serious matters. Today, it seemed there was only one thing on his mind.

Faang Zhengyi looked at him, his voice unnaturally steady.

"I understand what you're trying to say, but weren't we also prone to impulsive choices at eighteen? The world is vast, and haven't we too yearned to explore it? The more you try to hold her back, the more determined she becomes to leave."

"I trust that the girl has her own judgment. Having watched her grow up over the years, I know she's not without conscience. However..."

"She's ambitious, and her future accomplishments will be significant. It's up to us to guide her..."

Tung Peirong let out a sigh, a clear sign of his inner turmoil. Faang Zhengyi saw right through him, though he himself felt conflicted...

"Don't you think this is a bit too callous? To secretly pave a way out for oneself, leaving friends and family in the dark... Isn't that going too far?"

Faang Zhengyi just chuckled in response, biting into a piece of chocolate that melted richly in his mouth, soothing his spirits.

"Old Tung, 'every man for himself' is a harsh reality. Why expect selflessness when it's hard enough to protect what one holds dear? She didn't side with the nine great academies against us, which shows she still harbors affection for this place."

Tung Peirong was taken aback by Faang Zhengyi's audacious perspective. Yet, upon reflection, it seemed to make sense, especially given Everdawn Academy's current predicament. Perhaps for Tung Xiaoxiao, the academy's dissolution and integration with the nine great academies would indeed be the best outcome.

Access to a variety of resources could be touted, and being associated with the nine great academies would certainly carry weight if word got out.

However, she had failed to consider one issue: the longstanding feud between Cyborgs and cultivators had been deemed heretical for many years. How could they possibly welcome Cyborgs into their fold with ease?

It's possible that Tung Xiaoxiao might thrive in such an environment. Despite her past affiliation with Everdawn Academy, her innate talent was more than enough to silence any doubters.

This could very well be the best outcome for her.

With this in mind, Tung Peirong, who had initially planned to have a discussion with Xiaoxiao, now found himself at a loss for words on how to broach the subject.