Chapter 274

Chapter 274: Discouraging the Students

Dean Xia naturally fully supported Lou Yun’s suggestion. He nodded and said, "I actually thought the same. Though these children’s wish to live or die with the academy comes from good intentions, this isn’t a mission assignment. Staying could cost them their lives. How could I bear to see them perish here so young? I’d been constantly worried about Little Lan, but never expected her to return today. Seeing her has fulfilled one of my deepest wishes. Lou Yun, from today onward, I entrust Little Lan to you. Tomorrow, take them away from the Ancient Weapon Academy—the farther, the better!"

Lou Yun immediately sensed something amiss—why was he included among those leaving? He shook his head urgently. "Dean, Little Lan and the others must leave, but I won’t go no matter what. Though I haven’t completed my studies, I’m still part of the Ancient Weapon Academy. My strength isn’t weak either. At such a critical moment, I will stand with the academy!"

A gratified smile spread across Xia Guanqiu’s face. "When Old Man Feng showed you special regard before, I had my doubts. But now it’s clear his judgment was right. I accept your loyalty on behalf of the academy. However, I’m counting on you to protect Little Lan. Don’t involve yourself in this matter. Rest assured—my old bones are still sturdy enough to endure!"

Unwilling to argue further, Lou Yun changed the subject. "By the way, where’s Old Man Feng? Little Lan mentioned he left long ago. If he were here, our chances of victory would be much greater!"

"I don’t know Old Man Feng’s whereabouts. He often appears and vanishes like a shadow. And as you’ve likely noticed, though he oversees the valley entrance, his status in the Ancient Weapon Academy is supremely revered. I couldn’t possibly direct his actions."

"Understood." Lou Yun nodded. "Then I’ll go see the teachers. It’s been years, and I’ve missed them. Let Little Lan keep you company."

"Agreed."

Lou Yun and Nie Jiu then turned and departed.

Watching Lou Yun’s retreating figure, Xia Guanqiu’s face again softened with relief. Little Lan had found such a husband—he could finally set his heart at ease!

……

Accompanied by Nie Jiu, Lou Yun reunited with the long-absent teachers. Though initially displeased at having their seclusion interrupted, their expressions brightened upon seeing Lou Yun. Even the habitually stoic Qian Ruming couldn’t suppress a joyful smile. To them, Lou Yun’s return during the academy’s gravest crisis meant added protection for the Ancient Weapon Academy.

Early the next morning, Lou Yun gathered the remaining students—including Xia Zhilan and Nie Jiu—and sternly ordered Nie Jiu to lead them away from the Ancient Weapon Academy.

The students instantly protested. They’d volunteered to stay and contribute to defending the academy. Being told to leave now was unacceptable!

As the students clamored with determination to remain, Lou Yun felt deeply moved yet kept his expression coldly impassive. Only when their voices subsided did he speak with deliberate scorn. "I understand your intentions. But before deciding to aid the academy, assess your own strength. Even Dean Xia—far stronger than you—was defeated by our enemies. What role could you possibly play by staying? Becoming pointless casualties? If you remain, we’d have to divert attention to protect you. You’d only hinder us!"

Truthfully, Lou Yun hated using such harsh words to demoralize them and invite their resentment. But for their safety, to ensure they left, he had no choice.

As expected, protests erupted instantly among the students: "What gives you the right to call us burdens? You’re no different from us! If you can stay, so can we!"

"Exactly! We won’t go! We’ll die here if we must!" others roared in support.

Lou Yun snorted coldly. Spiritual energy he’d been secretly gathering erupted violently. An overwhelming aura surged from him, saturating the surrounding space within meters.

Under this pressure, everyone felt an impact against their bodies. Those with higher cultivation barely held their ground, while weaker ones staggered backward, unsteady on their feet.

Lou Yun’s icy gaze swept over them. "Does my strength qualify me to stay?"

Though not peerlessly powerful, Lou Yun was unquestionably stronger than these students, whose cultivation in the magical weapon realm peaked at advanced level. Within the entire Ancient Weapon Academy—teachers and Dean Xia included—none matched his might!

The students froze, staring at Lou Yun’s domineering presence. No one dared speak again. They’d never witnessed sheer aura alone physically jolting others.

Lou Yun’s piercing eyes scanned each face. None met his gaze, all lowering their heads.

"A Jiu, take them away immediately. The farther, the better. Return only when you hear the Ancient Weapon Academy is safe!"

With that, Lou Yun turned and strode off without a backward glance. Yet Xia Zhilan heard his voice whisper in her ear: "Little Lan, persuade them to leave. Don’t let them throw their lives away. Take care of yourself too. Don’t worry—in three days, your grandfather and I will find you."

Tears welled in Xia Zhilan’s eyes. Watching Lou Yun disappear into the distance, she clenched her jaw to hold them back. Now she understood she’d never catch up to him in cultivation. Her role was to minimize his burdens.

Taking a deep breath, she forced back her tears and faced the group. "You heard Lou Yun. We’ll leave temporarily. Whatever happens to the academy, we’ll return someday!"

Xia Zhilan then marched decisively toward the academy gates. After ten meters, she glanced back and saw everyone still rooted in place. "A Jiu! Why are you dawdling? Let’s go!" she shouted.

Nie Jiu snapped from his daze. Waving an arm at the others, he yelled, "You heard her! Move out!" and jogged to catch up with Xia Zhilan.

Seeing both Nie Jiu and Xia Zhilan departing, the remaining students reluctantly followed.

Outside the gates, they paused, gazing back at their beloved academy. After a long moment, they stamped their feet in frustration and strode away.

Lou Yun, watching hidden in the shadows, finally exhaled in relief. Don’t worry. I’ll carry your resolve and protect the Ancient Weapon Academy.

None of the teachers knew the students had been sent away, as all were making final preparations. Only Xia Guanqiu remained concerned. When he searched the academy and found them gone, his heart settled at last.

Finally, on the evening of the third day, all teachers—including Xia Guanqiu—emerged from seclusion. Without words, they exchanged smiles and instinctively gathered at the academy gates.

As they stepped outside, they discovered a figure already standing on the open ground—Lou Yun.

"Lou Yun! Didn’t I tell you to leave with Little Lan and the others? Why are you still here?" Xia Guanqiu pushed forward, unable to contain his question.

Lou Yun turned and smiled. "Leave? I haven’t completed my studies or received the academy’s graduation certificate. How could I leave?"

His words drew muffled laughter, easing the tension among them.

Seeing Lou Yun’s resolute eyes, Xia Guanqiu knew he couldn’t be swayed. Shaking his head, he suddenly laughed heartily. "Fine! If we survive tonight, I’ll personally award you that certificate tomorrow!"

Laughter rang out again, clear and bright, shattering the oppressive atmosphere.

Lou Yun joined in while discreetly assessing the teachers.

Including Xia Guanqiu, there were twelve. Lou Yun knew the Ancient Weapon Academy often hired magical weapons masters as guest lecturers, but only a dozen were permanent faculty. Two should’ve been present—Han Tianxiao and Lei Nu—but neither was currently at the academy.

Among the thirteen, Lou Yun was strongest, followed by Xia Guanqiu. Four were human level teachers. Besides these six, the rest—like Qian Ruming and Bai Yue—were Mystery Rank cultivators.

Once, Lou Yun had envied the teachers’ strength. But after all he’d witnessed and experienced, their current power seemed lacking.

He found himself missing Divine Weapon Island—its six hundred magical weapons masters, including over fifty at Earth level cultivation and hundreds more at human and Mystery Ranks. With them here, defeating Tang Qianqiu’s forces would’ve been effortless.

Though not inclined to expand his influence, Lou Yun now acknowledged: greater power indeed ensured survival.

No one spoke further. They sat cross-legged in silence, awaiting Tang Qianqiu’s arrival.

As the moon rose, Lou Yun’s spiritual senses detected energy fluctuations—several kilometers away.

They were coming!