In the depths of his heart, each harbored unspoken words

Ye Shaofeng stood frozen in the hall, blood lingering in his throat, and a bitter anguish weighing heavily upon his heart. The black-robed instructor had not truly extinguished his spirit, for his fingers merely grazed Ye Shaofeng's Adam's apple, resulting in only a slight bruise. 

In the realm beyond, a high-level Soul Master was indeed extraordinary, yet even with his knowledge, he recognized that within Qingluan Academy, such a status was hardly remarkable. It was precisely because the black-robed instructor shared his rank as a Soul Master that the bitterness in Ye Shaofeng's heart deepened. 

The claim that the other was merely a lecturer from the Department of Civil Affairs, positioned at the lower echelons of the academy's faculty, rang true at this moment. Yet, as an esteemed figure among the youthful elite of the imperial city, accustomed to outshining his peers, he found himself bested by a lecturer of seemingly modest combat prowess within Qingluan Academy. 

Moreover, it was a single encounter that led to his defeat, a defeat so utterly humiliating and decisive. The instructor's earlier remark had not been born of fear but rather a reminder that losing to someone of such lowly standing in the academy would be even more disgraceful. 

Though the instructor's shoulder bore evident injury, in a true battlefield confrontation, he would still possess combat capability while Ye Shaofeng would have met his demise. 

Trembling slightly, he watched the black-robed instructor stride back towards the entrance, finally grasping the source of the instructor's pride and the academy's arrogance... because even among peers, those of Qingluan Academy were distinct from those outside. 

The pride of the academy was firmly rooted in its formidable strength and unwavering confidence. Therefore, only an equal or greater power could overshadow Qingluan Academy; otherwise, its inherent pride could never be diminished. 

After a moment of stillness, having come to understand many truths, Ye Shaofeng forcefully swallowed the lingering taste of blood and bitterness in his throat. He bowed respectfully to the black-robed instructor standing at the door, saying, "Today, I have learned much from you, and I hope to seek your guidance again in the future. However, there is a saying that the land beneath the heavens belongs to the king. Regardless of how powerful one becomes, we remain subjects of the current emperor. If the strong among us take pride in their abilities... will Yunqin still be the same Yunqin?" 

The black-robed instructor did not meet Ye Shaofeng's gaze nor deign to respond, thinking to himself that this was merely your perspective, and what concern is it of mine? 

"Ultimately, you are still young... The saying that the land beneath the heavens belongs to the king is indeed true, yet who fought to establish half of Yunqin's territory?" The black-robed instructor remained silent, but Yan Shaoqing and Feng Qianhan exchanged knowing smirks, pondering that while the emperor might oversee Qingluan Academy, should the academy choose to withdraw from the affairs of the world, who could truly oppose them? Moreover, if Dean Zhang were present at Qingluan Academy, even the current emperor would likely hesitate to demand the academy relinquish its alchemical formulas and cultivation methods. 

Thus, everything hinged upon the willingness of Qingluan Academy. 

They could only wait. 

In truth, even Yan Shaoqing, who had earned a reputation as a genius in the imperial city since his youth, had always deemed any attempt to intervene in Qingluan Academy as absurd and ludicrous. Yet, as he ascended further into the world, encountering more affairs, he began to comprehend why the emperor upon the dragon throne and those behind the heavy curtains, whether they were grand strategists or petty schemers, persisted in such seemingly futile endeavors. This was because Qingluan Academy was both immensely powerful and profoundly proud; who could guarantee that the academy's members would not wish to meddle in imperial authority, only to later change their minds? 

All matters in this world are as fluid as flowing water, and the human heart is the most inscrutable of all. 

If one were to inquire among all the courtiers of the Yunqin Empire, the vast majority would assert that Qingluan Academy would never act against the interests of the empire. Yet, who could guarantee that the academy would always remain so? Who could assure that Qingluan Academy would forever remain loyal to the emperor? 

To rely upon them while maintaining vigilance is inherently a contradictory existence. 

As dusk descended upon Qingluan Academy, the long night passed, and dawn once again enveloped this sacred land of the empire, illuminating the majestic, ancient palaces atop the towering peaks, reminiscent of celestial abodes. 

In the peaks of Qingluan Academy, early summer had arrived, yet in most parts of the Ascending Heaven Mountain Range, frost still hung in the air, and the vegetation remained withered and yellowed. 

Lin Xi and all the new students from the Department of Peacekeeping had set out before the first rays of dawn graced Qingluan Academy, journeying towards a mountain range in the northwest direction. As was customary, they carried only enough water for a day and black cloaks to ward off the chill, along with a "stink egg" that could be used only in dire circumstances. 

The "stink egg," a medicinal pill crafted from several unique herbs, emitted a thick yellow smoke upon being crushed, serving as a signal for help. Its size resembled that of a chicken egg, and its foul odor led the academy's students to colloquially refer to it as a stink egg. 

This outdoor survival course was scheduled to last seven days; the first two days were for free exploration to reach the survival zone known as the "Half-Snowy Plain," followed by three days in that desolate land, the nature of which Lin Xi and the others were yet unaware, and finally two days to return. 

Since the exploration was free-form and all food from that morning onward had to be foraged, according to the course rules, any food discovered could only be consumed by the finder. Thus, it was unwise for large groups to travel together, and all the new students from the Department of Peacekeeping were scattered, moving individually like a net across the wilderness. Even Lin Xi, along with Tang Ke and Hua Jiyue, maintained a distance of several hundred steps between them, walking and searching for edible resources. 

However, just as they rounded the northwestern peak of the academy and officially entered a stretch of yellow, withered grassland beyond, Lin Xi and the scattered new students from the Department of Peacekeeping suddenly halted in their tracks. 

A multitude of students, similarly dispersed and clad in black cloaks, appeared like stars in their line of sight, dotting the waist-deep yellow grassland. 

"Is that the Department of Engineering?" 

"There are students from the Department of Civil Affairs, even some from the Department of Internal Affairs." 

"What's going on? Why are they here too?" 

Lin Xi stood in the grass, astonished, and soon recognized several familiar faces among those drawing closer—plump Meng Bai, the seemingly composed Zhang Ping, and even individuals from the Department of Herbal Medicine. Following the direction of the Herbal Medicine students, Lin Xi quickly spotted Gao Yanan and Jiang Yuer. 

"What brings you here so early? Where are you headed?" Lin Xi asked, meeting Meng Bai, who was jogging toward him, with a mix of curiosity and surprise. 

"Didn't you know?" Meng Bai replied, his face a picture of dismay and slightly out of breath. "This time, it's not just your Department of Peacekeeping; all departments are required to undertake this long trek and wilderness training." 

Lin Xi patted Meng Bai on the shoulder. "So you'll be joining us in reaching the Half-Snowy Plain?" 

Meng Bai's excitement from previous encounters with Lin Xi was absent; he nodded, looking troubled. "Yes, but I find it a bit unfair. This is a mandatory course for your Department of Peacekeeping, and you've already gone through it several times. Now, we have to forage for food in the same area as you. How can we possibly compete with you? And we can't even share what we find. By the end, it'll be your department that's well-fed while the rest of us go hungry." 

"Wanting to be full? You're thinking too lightly." 

Lin Xi chuckled inwardly but realized that saying so would only further dishearten Meng Bai. He smiled gently and reassured him, "Don't worry, I'll teach you some things along the way. Besides, based on our previous experiences, we're as insignificant as ants in the vastness of the Ascending Heaven Mountain Range. The key is to find food on your own; having a few extra students around doesn't make much difference. The wilderness is simply too vast... Most of our classmates will hardly encounter one another during the survival exercise, and we'll only reunite on the way back." 

"Zhang Ping." 

As they spoke, Zhang Ping also approached, and Lin Xi greeted him with a smile. 

Since his reputation as the "Ninety-Jin Chosen One" had spread, most new students at the academy seemed wary of associating with him. That Zhang Ping approached him without hesitation was a testament to their genuine friendship. 

Unlike Meng Bai, Zhang Ping had not chosen the same elective course as Lin Xi, so they had not seen each other for quite some time. Compared to when they first entered the academy, Zhang Ping appeared slightly darker, yet he exuded a greater sense of composure and vitality. 

"Lin Xi, I heard about your situation with Liu Ziyu. Are you truly confident you can surpass him within a month?" After exchanging pleasantries, Zhang Ping inquired with concern. 

After waving to Gao Yanan and Jiang Yuer, who were also approaching, Lin Xi smiled at Zhang Ping and softly asked, "What is your current cultivation level?" 

Zhang Ping paused, looking puzzled. "Approximately around one hundred and fifty jin of strength, still quite a distance from becoming a mid-tier Soul Master." 

Lin Xi grinned and extended his hand. "Give my hand a firm shake with all your strength." 

Zhang Ping obliged, and a peculiar expression crossed his face. He then exerted even greater force, his cheeks reddening, but Lin Xi remained unflinching, and an expression of sheer astonishment spread across Zhang Ping's face. 

"Did you deliberately hold back during the test? Why is that?" After a few moments, Zhang Ping took a deep breath, releasing Lin Xi's hand while gazing at his slightly flushed palm, frowning in confusion. 

Lin Xi also withdrew his unscathed hand and replied, "Would you believe me if I said it was because the instructor for our martial arts class dislikes me and happened to test me when I was low on energy?" 

Zhang Ping raised an eyebrow, but before he could respond, Meng Bai finally grasped the situation, looking at Lin Xi in disbelief. "Lin Xi, so you're not truly limited to just ninety jin... Does that mean you can indeed surpass Liu Ziyu?" 

Upon hearing Meng Bai's words, Zhang Ping couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Meng Bai, you've had numerous opportunities to meet Lin Xi; you never asked these questions until now? What do you care about most?" 

Meng Bai gazed out at the boundless wilderness with a forlorn expression, muttering, "What does it matter... The most pressing concern is whether we can eat our fill each day and get enough rest." 

Lin Xi couldn't help but burst into laughter. 

Indeed, if everyone in this world could think simply, wouldn't the most pressing concern be whether one could eat well and sleep soundly each day? 

"Meng Bai, you may think that way, but I assure you that fellow is certainly not thinking along those lines." Just then, Li Kaiyun approached, winking at the side. 

Following his gaze, Lin Xi spotted a pale youth walking alone in the wilderness, his golden hair shining like midday sun—bright and dazzling. 

Lin Xi instantly recognized him as that fellow from the Spirit Ritual Department, Yu Huatian. 

"Fine wine and exquisite dishes may only lead to the degradation of will and spirit; it is courage and loyalty, scars and trials that shine the brightest." 

The slender, pale Yu Huatian distanced himself from the complaining students, repeating these words in his heart. He plucked several edible roots from a shallow muddy puddle and slowly chewed them. What others found bitter and unpalatable, he savored with delight.