Assassins Fall to Assassination

What is the acceptance of spiritual herbs?" 

"..." The one-eyed black-robed instructor felt a surge of irritation once more, yet deep down, he found it hard to remain genuinely angry. He gazed at Lin Xi, who had posed such a foolish question, and, tapping the body of the black bow, patiently explained, "It represents one of the most crucial aspects of innate talent. To put it simply, it's akin to eating; while others can extract seven or eight parts of nutrition from a bowl of rice, you may only absorb three or four." 

"In essence, it still boils down to the issue of aptitude," Lin Xi said, looking innocently at the seemingly furious one-eyed black-robed instructor. "But hasn't this aptitude already been assessed? Why must you test it again..." 

"Although the Soul Stone rarely makes errors, you are the Chosen One, and we naturally harbor some hopes. Moreover, this black bow is primarily intended to test the Windwalkers," the one-eyed black-robed instructor remarked, his irritation towards Lin Xi inexplicably intensifying. "Aptitude encompasses many facets: the speed at which one enters meditation, the acceptance of spiritual herbs, the alignment of soul power with certain glyphs... You have never practiced before, yet you easily entered meditation faster than anyone else here—an exceedingly rare occurrence. As far as I know, even the two new students who entered alongside you did not meditate as swiftly, especially not during the stillness of the night. That is why I was the first to have you draw the black bow, but the benefits you've derived from that Mingzhen Dan ultimately bear no distinction from those of others with mediocre aptitude." 

The same elixir had yielded the least improvement in Lin Xi, and from the instructor's frustrated demeanor, he had already deduced this fact. 

Regarding this, he felt little despondency, for from the limited words left by the middle-aged man, he had received a clear message: both he and the middle-aged man possessed quite "mediocre" talent! According to the inscription left by the middle-aged man, people in this world had a metaphorical bowl within them, while he and the middle-aged man had two bowls... The same handful of water placed in one bowl versus two would naturally result in a much shallower level in the two bowls, yet in reality, the total volume of water in both bowls equated to that in the single bowl. 

"So, my aptitude could at least be considered two twos, which is four... and I entered meditation first?" Lin Xi felt a flicker of pride, a slight smile curving his lips as he turned to the one-eyed black-robed instructor and inquired, "Teacher, did I truly rank first in entering meditation? How is it that the other departments began their first lesson in meditation last night?" 

"You must understand one thing: even our Qingluan Academy's less distinguished students stand out as formidable figures among the border troops. Students from other departments inevitably undergo battlefield training, and many special operations require collaboration with students from other departments. However, our Zhi Ge department is primarily a combat-focused one, so aside from a few rare instances of collaboration on the battlefield, most students can quietly cultivate within the court. Our Zhi Ge department, however, must achieve a state of meditation swiftly, even amidst the chaos of battle, to recover soul power. After all, even those of national-level cultivation would not withstand soul power depletion against mediocre soul masters. Other departments may afford such luxuries, but we must maintain the ability to meditate in any environment... Of course, by the time of graduation, only a small fraction can achieve meditation in the midst of battle, replenishing their soul power at will." 

"Based on your performance today, it was quite possible for you to achieve this—truly a talent for greatness..." After saying this, the one-eyed black-robed instructor regarded Lin Xi and added, "But you must realize that nearly everyone's speed in meditation and replenishing soul power is roughly the same. Even if you enter meditation quickly and might practice one to two hours more than other students in the academy in a day, the acceptance of spiritual herbs remains paramount in terms of aptitude. Take the Mingzhen Dan as an example; one pill is equivalent to the cumulative cultivation of an average beginner over two to three years." 

"That's impressive! Since I'm among the Chosen and possess such aptitude for meditation... wouldn't it be better to give me a few more Mingzhen Dans?" 

"Dream on!" The one-eyed black-robed instructor nearly spat blood at Lin Xi's audacity. "Not to mention the rarity of the materials required to concoct the Mingzhen Dan, our academy can only provide each new student with one per year. Furthermore, like many other elixirs, one is effective, but excessive consumption yields no additional benefits... If you manage to develop a new elixir or find a way for multiple doses to be beneficial, congratulations—you might even become a vice president at our Qingluan Academy!" 

"Moreover, let me inform you now: aside from the Mingzhen Dan, which allows you to directly join the ranks of cultivators, the academy will not provide you with any more free elixirs. For the remaining elixirs needed for cultivation, you must exchange them with accumulated credits; the academy will not waste precious spiritual herbs on those deemed unworthy." After a pause, observing Lin Xi's lack of despondency, the one-eyed black-robed instructor added emphatically, "You should take this to heart." 

Lin Xi regarded the one-eyed black-robed instructor for a moment and remarked, "It seems that achieving the so-called national-level cultivation is exceedingly challenging; otherwise, you wouldn't express such frustration, wishing for better outcomes." 

The one-eyed black-robed instructor paused momentarily before responding in silence, "It's good that you understand. It appears you are quite attentive in class." 

Lin Xi inquired, "Then why is it that once one surpasses national-level cultivation, elixirs become ineffective?" 

"Why are there so many questions?" The one-eyed black-robed instructor scoffed. "The principal despises those who delve into meaningless inquiries without grasping the reasons... For centuries, once one reaches the national level, they must rely on their own meditation and cultivation, unless they can discover some useful elixir themselves." 

"Very well," Lin Xi said, casting a glance at the frail Bian Linghan beside him, who had been silent. "Teacher, since you have identified Bian Linghan as a born Windwalker, why not simply announce it rather than keeping her in suspense?" 

"Our Yunqin Empire has been embroiled in continuous warfare for years, and the disciples from our various academies serve as the backbone of the empire. Every elite student becomes a prime target for assassination by other empires. At least one-third of the talented individuals who perish for their country do not die in open combat but fall to various assassins instead." The one-eyed black-robed instructor's expression turned grim as he looked at Lin Xi and Bian Linghan. "Powerful Windwalkers, who can move like the wind, consistently rank among the top targets on assassination lists." 

"So, if it can be kept confidential, it should be?" Lin Xi's expression grew serious. 

"This 'Little Black' was left behind by the principal. While it appears identical to other black longbows, it possesses subtle differences, allowing me to discern who has the talent of a Windwalker. No one, not even the senior students, knows that I retained Bian Linghan not for punishment but due to her innate gift. Therefore, if you wish to prevent her from becoming a target for assassination before she achieves any notable accomplishments, you must keep this secret well." The one-eyed black-robed instructor narrowed his eye at Lin Xi. 

Lin Xi was momentarily taken aback, then solemnly bowed to the one-eyed black-robed instructor. "Thank you, Teacher, for your trust." 

The one-eyed black-robed instructor withdrew his gaze and coldly replied, "Do not thank me; this trust stems from the vice principal's assessment of your potential as the Chosen One and your impeccably clean lineage. Deer Forest Town is rather remote, and few venture there. Not only is your Lin family clean, but nearly all the residents of Deer Forest Town, across generations, have maintained their integrity, with little interaction beyond the two neighboring towns." 

Lin Xi gasped in surprise. "You investigated so thoroughly? Could it be...?" 

"You are correct in your assumptions," the one-eyed black-robed instructor acknowledged with a nod. "Just as we place our agents in rival empires, they will do the same. While our scrutiny is stringent, no one can guarantee that enemies from the Yunqin Empire haven't infiltrated our academy. Although you are assured safety within the academy, incidents of assassination do occur during trials outside its walls." 

Lin Xi felt a chill run down his spine and couldn't help but glance back at Bian Linghan. 

The frail girl from the southern misty waters had a slightly pale face, her small hands trembling as they clutched the hem of her garment. 

Lin Xi sighed inwardly, recognizing that her sense of duty and responsibility towards the empire would compel her to bear the heavy burden of this sudden mission thrust upon her slender shoulders, unlike himself, who could afford to embrace a more carefree and adventurous attitude. 

"In the coming month, I will dedicate an hour each day to teach her some techniques to become a Windwalker," the one-eyed black-robed instructor stated, looking at Bian Linghan, a hint of resignation in his eyes, though his expression remained resolute and cold. His gaze then shifted back to Lin Xi. "To avoid raising suspicion, I will announce that you angered me. For the next month, both of you will assist in the herb garden for an hour daily. If you are interested, you may also learn something." 

Lin Xi couldn't help but smile slightly. "Teacher, it seems you still harbor some hopes for me?" 

The one-eyed black-robed instructor shot Lin Xi a flat look, retorting bluntly, "Class dismissed!"