C15 Arriving at the Celestial Azure Academy

Ye Yuen, puzzled by her master Sima Shangqing's words, asked, "Master, what are you discussing?"

Before Sima Shangqing could respond, Lin Xi interjected, "Yuen, Master was just reprimanding me, urging me to devote more energy to my training."

Ye Yuen was doubtful, but then she suddenly recalled Lin Xi avoiding her and looked at him with a frown, "Why did you dodge me?"

Lin Xi didn't respond to Ye Yuen, knowing that getting involved would make it difficult to extricate himself.

He turned to Sima Shangqing with a grave tone, "That old man is very dangerous."

Sima Shangqing eyed Lin Xi with contempt and retorted, "And you're not dangerous?"

"If he showed the slightest dissatisfaction, I would have killed him."

Sima Shangqing was stern, and Lin Xi was convinced that the woman before him was capable of such action.

Just then, a middle-aged man accompanied by a white-clad young man approached Lin Xi and the others.

The man greeted Sima Shangqing with a smile, "Mentor Sima, it's been over a decade since we last met."

Lin Xi gazed at Sima Shangqing in surprise, realizing she was no spring chicken.

Sima Shangqing replied coolly, "Mentor Zhuh, it's surprising that after all these years, your cultivation has seen no progress."

Mentor Zhuh chuckled and turned to Lin Xi, inquiring, "Is this your new disciple?"

Sima Shangqing gave a nod.

Mentor Zhuh appraised Lin Xi and complimented, "He has an impressive presence, composed and restrained. Mentor Sima, you've found yourself another gem!"

However, his tone shifted, "Why not seize this chance for him to exchange skills with one of my students?"

Following his suggestion, the young man in white stepped forward, addressing Lin Xi, "I would be honored to receive your guidance."

Sima Shangqing, stifling a yawn, dismissed the idea, "There's no need. My disciple isn't as commendable as you suggest. He's quite the dullard, and I'd rather not have Mentor Zhuh witness our embarrassment."

With that, Sima Shangqing gave the white-robed young man a glance and then led Lin Xi and Ye Yuen away.

Mentor Zhuh watched the departing figures and mused, "What's your impression of him?"

The man in white robes shook his head, "He's composed and cool-headed. When I caught his eye, there was not a trace of fear. Such confidence undoubtedly stems from formidable strength."

Mentor Zhuh added, "None of Sima Shangqing's disciples are to be underestimated. Since you've also noticed that the young man showed no sign of fear, it's clear that Mentor Sima intervened for a reason."

"It can only mean one thing: Sima Shangqing doesn't want her disciple to show his true capabilities in front of us."

After a brief pause, Mentor Zhuh continued, "With the Combined Examination of the Nine Academies just around the corner, happening once every decade, he could very well become a challenging adversary."

The man in white robes gave a respectful nod, "Understood!"

...

Once they were alone, Lin Xi turned to Sima Shangqing and ventured, "Master, did you not want me to reveal my full strength?"

Sima Shangqing nodded, "The white-robed young man you saw is Zhou Tong, a Prodigy from the Celestial Azure Academy in the North Domain. He has reached the Black Tortoise Stage."

Lin Xi was taken aback by this revelation!

To have attained the Black Tortoise Stage at such a young age!

Sima Shangqing cast a glance at Lin Xi and continued, "Celestial Azure Academy is home to many more Prodigies like him, and several others who surpass them."

After finishing her thought, Sima Shangqing looked at Lin Xi, expecting to see a hint of fear or anxiety. Instead, she was met with an expression of sheer excitement.

This unexpected reaction took Sima Shangqing by surprise. Then she heard Lin Xi say,

"With so many Prodigies and even mightier beings, your Celestial Azure Academy must be incredibly wealthy."

Sima Shangqing was momentarily puzzled, not quite grasping Lin Xi's point.

Lin Xi's reasoning was straightforward: if the Celestial Azure Academy could support so many Prodigies and super talents, he wouldn't have to worry about resources for his own cultivation.

While they were talking, Lin Xi noticed that Sima Shangqing had stopped walking. Looking up, Lin Xi saw a Cloud Ship, stretching dozens of feet long, majestically appear before them.

Sima Shangqing leapt aboard the Cloud Ship with ease.

Beside her, Ye Yuen watched Lin Xi's dazed expression and chuckled, "Stop overthinking, let's board the ship."

Once aboard, Sima Shangqing's Spiritual Force surged.

The Cloud Ship beneath them immediately ascended, soaring through the clouds and cruising steadily in a set direction.

"Yuen, it's understandable that Lin Xi is worried. His troubles are just beginning with his entry into the academy."

Sima Shangqing settled into a chair, a bottle of liquor now in her hand. She took a hearty swig and continued,

"Everyone at the academy knows who you are. Imagine the stir I've caused by bringing back a fiancé for you. Peaceful days for him? Hardly."

Lin Xi's heart sank at the thought, sensing a long and arduous path ahead.

"Mentor Sima, what's the academy's penalty for committing murder?"

Sima Shangqing, mid-drink, nearly choked on her liquor at the question.

"Bad boy, what's on your mind?"

"I'm not afraid of trouble, but there will surely be those who foolishly target my life. I've always believed in repaying my debts, be they good or bad."

"So..."

Sima Shangqing was taken aback by the young man's words. She wiped her mouth and said, "Celestial Azure Academy has very strict rules. But your concerns aren't unfounded."

With a hint of guilt, Ye Yuen suggested, "Lin Xi, perhaps we should call off our engagement."

Lin Xi offered a reassuring smile, "No, I won't go back on my word. It's not in my nature to back down just because a few of your admirers cause trouble."

"Having someone willing to be a punching bag isn't all bad."

Ye Yuen felt a warmth in her heart at Lin Xi's words, her cheeks flushing with a bashful glow, leaving her at a loss for words.

Seeing Ye Yuen's reaction, Lin Xi felt even more confident in his decision.

"You can fight back, but only kill as a last resort," Sima Shangqing advised, her surprise evident. She was now even more intrigued by what Lin Xi's future at the academy might hold.

"Also, as a Sword Cultivator, remember to keep that identity concealed."

"The Sword Dao Inheritance is a matter of great significance, and you're well aware of the situation in the Celestial Azure State."

"If it gets out, we'll be in a world of trouble."

Lin Xi nodded in agreement. "Understood. Stay humble in demeanor, but bold in action."

After Sima Shangqing finished the last drop of her wine, a look of fatigue crossed her face. "Yuen, take him through the Celestial Azure Law first. I need to get some rest."

Once Sima Shangqing had departed, Ye Yuen retrieved a book from her Storage Ring, its cover proudly bearing the title "Celestial Azure Law."

"The Celestial Azure Law was established by the Dean Lord of the Celestial Azure Academy. It's a set of rules that everyone must abide by within the academy."

Ye Yuen then began to detail the Celestial Azure Law to Lin Xi, along with the various aspects of life at the academy to be mindful of.

Lin Xi listened intently, sensing that this knowledge would prove invaluable in the times to come.