To cease violence through violence is the only way to halt conflict

What subjects do we study in the Department of Cessation of Conflict?" 

"Merely some techniques for killing and self-defense. Once you arrive at the academy, you will gradually come to understand." 

"Why are we called the Department of Cessation of Conflict?" 

"Only by employing violence can we put an end to it." 

The questions and answers continued, with some feeling that Xia Yanbing's explanation of the subjects carried a weight too heavy to bear. One individual posed a relatively light-hearted inquiry, yet unexpectedly, Xia Yanbing's response was even more chilling. 

"These are the words of the Dean, and they represent the principles upheld by Qingluan Academy." Observing a youth who appeared unable to endure the gravity of the situation, Xia Yanbing added, "Our academy will impart many truths that the outside world may not accept. You may choose to disregard them; our institution merely paves the path before you. How you choose to walk it, or whether you walk it at all, is entirely your prerogative." 

Li Kaiyun, standing beside Lin Xi, was suddenly enveloped in an expression of profound shock. He gazed at the black-haired man who walked ahead without looking back and at Xia Yanbing, whose resolve was as steadfast as stone: "Does the academy not care whether we agree with its principles?" 

Xia Yanbing, striding through the night, bore no hint of mockery in his countenance, yet his tone was unyielding: "That is also a foolish question. To illustrate simply, if the academy provides you with a knife and instructs you whom not to kill and whom to slay, yet upon leaving, you choose to wield that knife against anyone—what change might occur in your heart? How could the academy possibly govern that?" 

"But there are always right and wrong actions. If the students who leave the academy err, will the academy not intervene to punish them?" A bookish-looking freshman interjected, his voice brimming with agitation. 

Xia Yanbing cast a glance at the newcomer and replied calmly, "What constitutes right or wrong? One who possesses the power to define right and wrong may declare what is just, while others may only speak of it in retrospect." 

The bookish freshman's face flushed with indignation, ready to respond, when Lin Xi unexpectedly interjected: "What Teacher Xia means to say is that each individual harbors their own moral compass; the concepts of right and wrong inherently reside within each of us." 

Xia Yanbing remained silent but regarded Lin Xi with a mixture of surprise and approval. Even the black-haired man could not resist glancing back at Lin Xi. 

At that moment, Lin Xi's mind settled into tranquility. Unlike the others, he was not bound by the rigid thinking of this world; the academy's principles, which resonated with the rules of his own realm, felt remarkably straightforward and easy to accept. 

"What is the credit value of an ordinary course, and what can it be exchanged for?" After wrapping his soft, warm black cloak a bit tighter, Lin Xi posed a very pragmatic question. 

"An ordinary course, upon successful completion, yields two to three credits, which can be exchanged for items worth approximately one hundred taels of gold." As Xia Yanbing continued to walk, he answered Lin Xi, "However, the items valued around one hundred taels of gold within the academy, like your cloak, represent merely the basic cost and are difficult to acquire through normal channels outside." 

A wave of astonishment swept through the group. 

Even for the wealthy scion, one hundred taels of gold was no trifling amount. Moreover, from Xia Yanbing's implication, the items obtainable for two to three credits were likely unique to the academy, making their acquisition elsewhere exponentially more costly. 

"So a single credit is so valuable; no wonder Professor Qin remarked that Meng Bai is fortunate." Recalling that a credit at his previous university cost eighty yuan, Lin Xi could not help but let out a wry smile. 

After this brief smile, Lin Xi swiftly followed up with another question: "What exactly is the qualification we are testing at the outset?" 

Many freshmen secretly scoffed, considering Lin Xi's question rather foolish. However, Xia Yanbing seemed to perceive all of Lin Xi's underlying doubts regarding the matter. Instead of dismissing it as a foolish inquiry, he patiently explained, "The power we cultivate is known as soul force. The stronger the soul force, the more formidable one becomes in combat. Some individuals are naturally adept at cultivating soul force, while others progress more slowly. Even when consuming the same spiritual herbs, some experience significant growth in their soul force, while others see minimal gains. The Soul Testing Stone allows us to assess one's innate talent for cultivating soul force." 

Lin Xi fell silent for a moment before asking, "What is the reason behind selecting a weapon during the initial test?" 

Xia Yanbing replied gently, "Through decades of testing and statistical analysis, we have determined that under the pressure of that atmosphere, the weapon a candidate instinctively chooses not only reveals certain aspects of their character but is often the weapon best suited for their cultivation, hinting at specific talents." 

"Such a seemingly straightforward test encompasses psychology and extensive statistical analysis?" Lin Xi was taken aback, realizing he had underestimated the academy. 

"Is the method for cultivating soul force unique to the academy?" 

"Certainly not. The methods of cultivation are largely similar; what differs is that the academy's particular techniques and traditions enable those who enter to cultivate more rapidly and excel in skill and combat compared to their peers, allowing them to emerge as exceptional figures within the empire." 

"One can forge swords and blades anywhere, but those crafted within our academy are produced with greater swiftness." From the outset, Xia Yanbing had a fondness for Lin Xi, perceiving him as a naive youth from a remote town, lacking understanding. Thus, he answered these seemingly foolish questions with remarkable gentleness, even fearing that his explanations might not be sufficiently clear, adding this final remark. 

Lin Xi, undeterred by the gazes of others, continued to pose questions, transforming the scene into a dialogue between himself and Xia Yanbing. However, some arrogant freshmen, deeming his inquiries foolish, could no longer tolerate it. 

"What traditions does Qingluan Academy uphold? Are these traditions all left behind by Dean Zhang?" The young man, clad in a delicate golden robe, who had previously quarreled with Lin Xi over a carriage, shot Lin Xi a fierce glare and eagerly interjected. 

Upon hearing this question, a slight smile appeared at the corners of Xia Yanbing's mouth. He gazed toward the distant Tian Mountain Range and slowly spoke, "Dean Zhang indeed left behind many unique traditions at our Qingluan Academy; some are rules, others are customs. You will gradually learn of them once you arrive at the academy." 

"Do the academy's instructors understand the significance of these traditions? For instance, why do we refer to it as a department, and why are the instructors called lecturers and professors?" Lin Xi's voice rang out again, preempting Qiu Lu's question and earning him another fierce glare. 

"We do not fully comprehend the intent behind the names set forth by Dean Zhang, but like the term 'cessation of conflict,' they undoubtedly carry special meanings that he has not disclosed to us." Xia Yanbing regarded Lin Xi with a serious expression, his voice suddenly taking on a grave tone: "Regarding traditions, Dean Zhang left behind two sayings: 'Reverence can impose restraint, and tradition can establish faith.' The most important tradition at Qingluan Academy is that every new student must receive the Dean's admonition on their first day of enrollment." 

Lin Xi was taken aback. "Didn't you say the Dean is no longer at the academy?" 

Xia Yanbing nodded. "The Dean may not be present within the academy, but before departing from Qingluan Academy, he left behind a stone tablet, inscribing the admonitions he wished to convey to you. He decreed that every year, new students must receive this admonition, which is the most vital tradition of Qingluan Academy." 

"What does the tablet say?" Qiu Lu interjected, eager to speak before Lin Xi could. Yet, in his haste, he blurted out a vague question. 

Many freshmen rolled their eyes, displaying disdain. How could Dean Zhang's admonitions be revealed first by a lecturer? 

Xia Yanbing shook his head. "I do not know. The admonitions left by the Dean are composed of symbols, and to this day, no instructor has been able to decipher their meaning." 

"Symbols we cannot comprehend?" Lin Xi's brow furrowed deeply, lost in thought. 

"What could this possibly mean?" 

"If the academy's professors cannot grasp Dean Zhang's intent, how could we possibly discern it?" 

Xia Yanbing's response caught many off guard, provoking a murmur of surprise. 

... 

A group of individuals clad in expensive black cloaks moved silently through the boundless night and the desolate autumn fields, their questions and answers continuing. 

"Teacher, why do other departments not have to walk, yet we must continue on? Did we not say that one must eat well to have strength? When will we eat? When will we rest?" Due to growing familiarity and finding Xia Yanbing approachable, this question was posed with a hint of laziness and mischief. 

"Xia Yanbing, do not be too kind to them. An old saying among the border troops states that a gentle whip will not make a horse run faster." The black-haired man, who had remained mostly silent, lazily remarked upon hearing this question. 

Xia Yanbing nodded, countering, "Do you know why the majority of candidates aspire to enter the Department of Cessation of Conflict?" 

Li Kaiyun was the first to respond: "Because the Department of Cessation of Conflict is the closest to glory." 

"Not everyone shares your perspective," Xia Yanbing remarked, observing the stout yet spirited youth. "The Department of Cessation of Conflict is not necessarily the closest to glory; generally speaking, it is the closest to the reality of death." 

"Students from other departments may also face battle and various dangers, but we in the Department of Cessation of Conflict exist specifically to lead troops, engage in combat, and execute assassinations. Compared to other departments, the vast majority of you will encounter a greater likelihood of facing life-and-death situations, and among your adversaries will be those who have undergone rigorous training. In the presence of such opponents, survival hinges entirely on who has exerted more effort and who proves to be the more exceptional." 

"If the entire empire is likened to a bow, then those emerging from our Department of Cessation of Conflict are the arrows shot from that bow—most lethal yet most susceptible to breaking. Therefore, you must strive to become more resilient... The more fatigued the body, the more it can temper a person's will. This is, after all, a method of cultivating soul force."