Chapter 166

Chapter 166: The Intricacies of the World

Though many young cultivators had improved their cultivation levels recently through performance insights, Yang Lingrui’s meteoric rise made their progress pale in comparison. Even top-tier talents like He Shenglai, Su Lingyun, and Xiao Yize had never achieved such rapid breakthroughs during their early stages.

This forced Yang Lingrui to deliberately suppress his cultivation speed, fearing unwanted attention for himself and the Yang Family. However, attributing his breakthrough to the Enlightenment Stone would provide a plausible explanation—hence his urgency to begin the academy expedition.

The night before departure, Zi He visited his cave dwelling. Key figures like He Shenglai enjoyed designated accommodations in the imperial capital, while others were scattered across scenic mountain peaks.

"What’s up with you these days? Your face keeps shifting colors, and your spiritual power’s been fluctuating wildly."

Using his pupil technique, Zi He detected Yang Lingrui’s concealed instability, suspecting cultivation mishaps.

"Hmm…" Yang Lingrui hesitated before admitting, "I’m… about to breakthrough again."

"Ha?" Zi He skeptically gripped his wrist. "Holy shit! You’re actually reaching the Ninth Level! You’re not dabbling in forbidden arts, are you?!"

"Can’t help it. Genius comes with burdens you wouldn’t understand." Yang Lingrui shrugged with exaggerated resignation.

"Maybe geniuses have troubles, but right now? I just wanna slap that smug look off your face."

Zi He rolled his eyes.

After their exchange, both grew solemn.

"You got it, didn’t you?"

As an Exterminate Evil Division Zhanwei, Zi He had heard rumors: the Elder’s "intent" hadn’t been confiscated by the dynasty during the performance. The West Concubine herself intervened, halting further investigation. A mere Gathering Qi insight wasn’t worth major conflict—and comprehending it fully? Even Li Yuande’s prodigious talent would require at least Ten Years to unravel completely.

"Mn." Yang Lingrui acknowledged the unspoken question.

"Good. It’s better this way."

Zi He leaned back in his chair with a relieved sigh, taking a deep drink from his wine gourd.

"On the day you left Wangyue, the Elder told me something."

His expression turned solemn. "He said the Heavenly Dao’s path is treacherous. Since our family can no longer walk it, we must become stepping stones for those who follow."

"I didn’t fully understand then. But after witnessing the Elder’s journey, I’ve come to grasp its meaning."

"It’s confidence… determination… hope. Yet also frustration… regret… resignation…"

"I won’t burden you with empty words about living up to expectations. You’re Yang Lingrui, not some replacement for Li Yuande."

"But privately, I want to ask you…"

Zi He’s voice wavered. His hands trembled slightly as he continued, "When you reach greater heights in your cultivation, would you… see the views the Elder never could? Roam freely through this vast world in his stead?"

The words caught in his throat.

Yang Lingrui rose and bowed deeply. "This humble one swears to fulfill your request."

The next morning, the two individuals joined other young cultivators journeying to ChengTian Academy in the imperial capital’s eastern district. Yang Lingrui moved with newfound ease – yesterday, Zi He had crafted him an external manifestation matching his physique and Qi meridians. Once refined and absorbed, this manifestation would temporarily ease the strain of suppressing his cultivation level.

Passing through White Mist and climbing green mountain stone paths, the group suddenly froze. Four colossal characters hung in the sky above:

CHENGTIAN ACADEMY

The academy leader had etched these words into the heavens using profound Tao skills, bypassing mere plaques. Staring too long made their chests tighten with crushing pressure, as if the sky itself might collapse.

"Just looking hurts…"

"Is this Spirit Communication mastery?"

Young cultivators whispered, hastily lowering their gazes. The guiding academy instructor smirked at their reactions.

ChengTian Academy proudly claimed the Tiger-Chasing Sect’s legacy. Its disciples outnumbered and outclassed all other imperial factions. Before the main gates came visible, guqin melodies floated through the air, lifting spirits. Seven-colored spiritual birds and extraordinary beasts materialized from ink paintings, escorting the visitors to the entrance.

"Welcome, imperial heroes, to ChengTian!"

Lines of academy disciples bowed in unison. Unlike other strictly scheduled events, visitors were free to explore the academy grounds during these initial days.

To accommodate this, the academy thoughtfully assigned each visiting young cultivator an academy disciple as their guide during the tour. Male cultivators received female guides, while female cultivators were paired with male guides. Every selected disciple boasted both notable cultivation levels and pleasing appearances – the academy had clearly considered every detail.

"Greetings, young master. Please come with me."

"This way, miss."

Attractive academy disciples stepped forward one after another to escort their assigned visitors. Yang Lingrui paid little attention to these arrangements, eager to proceed directly to experiencing the Enlightenment Stone.

"Pardon me, are you Young Master Yang?"

A strangely familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. Turning slightly, Yang Lingrui froze momentarily. His assigned guide was Feng Linghua – the young mistress of the Feng family whom he’d previously encountered in the treasure land!

"She joined the academy too? What are the odds?" Yang Lingrui maintained a neutral expression despite his inner surprise.

"Ahem… Young Master Yang?"

When he didn’t immediately respond, Feng Linghua repeated her question.

"Ah yes! It’s good to see a friend." Yang Lingrui recovered with a courteous bow.

"Please don’t address me so formally!" Feng Linghua protested with hurried gestures. "My cultivation level doesn’t warrant such respect. Just call me Linghua."

"Very well. A pleasure, Miss Linghua."

No sooner had he spoken than Yang Lingrui felt numerous hostile stares burning into him. He sighed inwardly – clearly these were Feng Linghua’s admirers within the academy. Given her prestigious family background, talent, and beauty, her popularity was inevitable. He’d unwittingly become the target of their jealousy through sheer coincidence.

"What luck that bumpkin has," muttered a disciple.

"Decent cultivation, but plain-looking compared to me," remarked another.

"Enough," chided a third. "He’s our guest. Maintain some dignity."

Feng Linghua studied Yang Lingrui, certain they’d never met. Yet inexplicably, she felt an odd sense of familiarity upon seeing him.