Chapter 133

Chapter 133: The Heartbreak of Academy Disciples

In the Zhuhu Dynasty’s Chongtian City stood ChengTian Academy.

The path of cultivation held countless branches of the Dao.

Every cultivator from various families had their own coveted destination.

Those practicing Five Elements techniques dreamed of joining Wanhuamen.

Body-tempering cultivators longed to study at the royal martial academy.

Wind and Thunder practitioners naturally yearned for Daoyuanshan.

When speaking of Confucian cultivation within the Tiger-Chasing territory, none surpassed ChengTian Academy.

Those permitted to cultivate here fell into three categories.

The first and largest group entered through imperial-style exams.

Each year, the academy published a golden list of successful candidates after rigorous testing.

Golden list enrollment meant gaining access to the academy’s teachings.

The second category comprised recommended students.

Great families like the Feng family held recommendation quotas for sending their youths.

These accounted for less than one-tenth of total admissions.

The rarest third type received special imperial approval.

These dynasty-appointed students typically possessed extraordinary backgrounds.

Yet the academy taught all students equally, regardless of lineage.

This impartiality stemmed from their Master of ChengTian Academy, who had achieved perfect Spirit Communication.

Within the entire Zhuhu Dynasty, this master only answered to the National Master.

Such fairness earned ChengTian Academy universal respect throughout the realm.

On ranking announcement day, disciples crowded the square before TengTian Pavilion.

The academy ranked disciples in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, with an overall golden list.

Golden listers represented the academy’s true elite.

"I trained relentlessly last year—my rank must improve!"

"Any decent rating would satisfy me…"

"Enough gloom. Who’ll make the golden list this year?"

"Senior Sister Li will dominate the chess top ten! Golden list guaranteed!"

"Since joining four years ago, her cultivation realm exploded to the eighth level of Gathering Qi."

"Chess masters strategize, but Senior Sister Li conquers through sheer force. None in the advanced classes rival her now!"

"True! Her chess games favor annihilation tactics—that Dragon-Slaying technique leaves even instructors awestruck. Raw power crushing complexities!"

Nods and murmurs of agreement spread through the crowd.

The academy disciples excitedly discussed the upcoming rankings, speculating which formidable senior brothers and sisters would appear on the list.

Among all topics, one matter was mentioned most frequently.

The news about Li Yuande’s impending performance of Gathering Qi to Condensing Essence in the imperial capital had circulated a month earlier.

This event had become the hottest topic throughout Chongtian City, including within ChengTian Academy’s walls.

"The day approaches! How thrilling!"

"No one’s attempted this extraordinary technique in our dynasty for decades."

"Naturally! It’s a deadly gamble. Who’d risk certain death after reaching the Twelfth Level’s perfect realm with hope to condense essence?"

"Isn’t he called Li Yuande? That cultivator from Wangyue region."

In the courtyard, clusters of young disciples chattered about Li Yuande’s forthcoming demonstration.

As debates grew heated, a willowy figure in cyan robes entered the square.

Conversations halted abruptly as dozens of eyes turned toward the newcomer.

Male disciples gazed with undisguised admiration, some burning with infatuation.

Such behavior seemed unbecoming of Confucian scholars,

yet none could resist Li Qingwan’s allure.

Even academy instructors found their composure shaken by her presence.

"Junior Sister Qingwan!"

A scholarly-looking disciple approached with clasped hands. "My companions hold prime viewing spots. Will you join us?"

Li Qingwan adjusted her emerald sleeves, replying in cool tones, "My thanks, Senior Brother, but I await company here."

"Very well." The disciple withdrew with practiced ease.

Bystanders showed no surprise at her refusal.

Renowned as one of the Four Great Beauties, Li Qingwan’s icy demeanor was legendary.

She’d even rebuffed Shen Yue – the academy’s top talent and Perfected Gathering Qi practitioner – when he invited her on spring outing.

"Who could Senior Sister Qingwan be meeting?"

"New disciples should watch and learn. Feast your eyes today!"

"Feast?"

The answer fluttered into view like a butterfly.

"Qingwan-jie!"

Feng Linghua’s bell-like voice rang clear as she alighted beside Li Qingwan, drawing awed murmurs from the crowd.

"Late as ever, Little Linghua."

A faint smile curved Li Qingwan’s ruby lips.

That fleeting expression froze dozens of disciples in breathless wonder.

At that moment, they all had the same thought in their hearts.

What kind of extraordinary person could possibly catch Senior Sister Li’s eye?

"Hehe, don’t be angry senior sister. I just got too absorbed in painting and lost track of time."

As she spoke, Feng Linghua pulled a scroll from her sleeve and handed it to Li Qingwan.

The older girl opened it and raised her willow-like eyebrows slightly, her smile deepening.

"This is well painted."

"Come on, doesn’t it look at least eighty percent like you this time?"

"Forty percent."

"What? Only forty?"

Feng Linghua pouted and shook Li Qingwan’s arm playfully. "Sweet sister, just give me eighty! If I get eighty, Master will give me new painting tools!"

"You…"

Li Qingwan tapped the girl’s forehead. "Always chasing shortcuts. Cultivation requires real effort. Even if you succeed through luck once, such gains won’t last. You should know…"

"Aiya! Okay okay! I’ve heard this lecture a hundred times from Master already!"

Feng Linghua made a wronged face while secretly thinking: If Young Master Lin were still here, I could paint one hundred percent likeness, not just eighty!

Li Qingwan immediately saw through the little girl’s thoughts.

She linked arms with Feng Linghua and whispered: "Missing your sweetheart again?"

"Ah!"

Blushing crimson, Feng Linghua turned her face away sharply.

This display made nearby academy disciples clutch their chests.

Junior Sister Feng is so cute too!

"Senior Brother was right – seeing both beauties is heaven’s blessing."

"Agreed."

"Same here!"

Seeing Li Qingwan’s hidden smile, Feng Linghua stomped forward. "Hmph! So what if my heart’s taken? Go be jealous!"

What?!

Countless heads snapped toward them.

Did Junior Sister Feng just say she’s in love?

In that moment, countless male disciples felt their hearts shatter…

Fellow students patted their shoulders comfortingly. "Plenty of flowers in the meadow," they murmured.

Others secretly rejoiced – at least those who admired Senior Sister Li were safe.

Then Li Qingwan’s next words struck like thunder.

"Why be jealous? Who said I’m without someone?"

As she spoke, Li Qingwan lowered her eyes with uncharacteristic softness. Her jade hands clasped together at her chest, radiating pure happiness.

"I’ve already met him."

Silence…

The entire square full of people froze.

Even the Four Academies’ top senior brothers at the front showed pained expressions.

Feng Linghua stood dumbstruck.

Her casual provocation had unleashed this bombshell!

"Sister Qingwan…what’s he like?"

Feng Linghua voiced the question burning in every heart.

To their shock, Li Qingwan actually blushed.

Watching this, the senior brothers felt knives twist in their chests.

Li Qingwan…shy?!

After several breaths, her soft voice carried through the silence:

"He’s…very beautiful."