“Qingxu Academy’s fame and prestige may not match Divine Phoenix Academy’s, but once you join, you’ll see its merits!” Feng Yanran said with a hint of pride.
Initially, she had aimed to join Divine Phoenix Academy, but someone persuaded her to choose Qingxu Academy instead. She found it far exceeded her expectations.
It was much stronger than she had imagined.
“I can already see that,” Ling Xiao said with a slight smile.
The twelve sects on Tianlong Continent, which he had visited, lacked such intricate, interconnected arrays.
This alone placed Qingxu Academy above those sects.
More importantly, these arrays were clearly well-maintained, showing no signs of damage.
Unlike the grand arrays of Yuehua Sect, which, though powerful, were riddled with flaws and nearly irreparable, Qingxu Academy’s array expertise was evidently abundant.
Ling Xiao suddenly paused, turning to Feng Yanran.
Perhaps he stared too intently, as the girl’s face flushed slightly.
“Why is Brother Ling looking at me like that?” she asked, lowering her head.
“I’m wondering why your attitude changed so drastically,” Ling Xiao said, not hiding his thoughts.
Hearing this, Feng Yanran seemed a bit disappointed but quickly grew serious.
“Brother Ling, don’t worry. I have no ulterior motives. I simply wish to repay a debt.”
“Repay a debt?” Ling Xiao didn’t recall doing her any favours.
“It’s not the time to explain, but you’ll understand eventually,” Feng Yanran said with a smile. “Just remember, you, Ling Xiao, are my honoured guest. If you encounter trouble, come to me.”
“Alright.” Ling Xiao didn’t press further. If she wasn’t willing to elaborate, asking was pointless, but he was determined to get to the bottom of it.
It wasn’t hard to guess.
Both Feng Yanran and Feng Qingyan were from the Fire Phoenix Clan, so the one helping him was likely a high-ranking member of that clan.
Could it be Crown Prince Feng Yinshan?
Ling Xiao rubbed his chin, forming a rough hypothesis.
…
Meanwhile, at Divine Phoenix Academy.
Feng Ming Wanzhong sat in his room, pondering recent events. He suddenly slammed the table and shouted, “Piaoxue, come in!”
Outside, Feng Ming Piaoxue entered slowly.
“What are your orders, Vice Dean?”
“No orders. Given your special status, could I trouble you to investigate someone?” Feng Ming Wanzhong asked.
“Is it that Ling Xiao?”
“You’re sharp!” Feng Ming Wanzhong nodded. “That kid’s not simple. Otherwise, someone as aloof as Feng Qingyan wouldn’t have stepped in for him.”
“Maybe it’s his talent. He’s the Chosen One of Tianlong Continent, after all,” Feng Ming Piaoxue suggested.
“It’s not that simple. I’ve seen youths with better qualifications, and Feng Qingyan never acted like this. I suspect he’s hiding something. You’re skilled in intelligence. Can you help?”
“Naturally. My Piaoxue Tower deals in such matters,” Feng Ming Piaoxue said with a slight smile. “I’ll have my people start investigating him thoroughly.”
“Thank you!”
“No need for thanks.”
…
As Ling Xiao followed Feng Yanran through Qingxu Academy, he was captivated by its wonders with every step.
Many things were entirely new to him.
The complex arrays and their applications enthralled him.
Unlike at the entrance, as they walked further, he saw Qingxu students coming and going.
They varied not only in attire but also in temperament and style.
Ling Xiao guessed Qingxu Academy employed tailored teaching, categorising students.
Some exuded aggression, their eyes brimming with killing intent, but their defence seemed weak.
Others were robust, excelling in defence but lacking in offence.
Then there were those with weak elemental force but strong soul power, likely skilled in soul techniques.
He voiced his questions to Feng Yanran.
She was surprised. “Brother Ling’s insight is remarkable. Most can’t discern these traits. The academy teaches concealment techniques to prevent students from being easily read.”
“I heard the same on Tianlong Continent,” Ling Xiao said candidly.
“Since you’ve noticed, I won’t keep you in suspense. I planned to explain after touring the academy, but I’ll tell you now,” Feng Yanran said.
“Please do,” Ling Xiao nodded.
“The academy is divided into six departments: Attack, Defence, Technique, Healing, Control, and Spirit. Each has many specialisations, which you’ll learn about in the academy’s guide. I’ll briefly introduce the six,” Feng Yanran explained.
“Six departments? Sounds intriguing. Please enlighten me,” Ling Xiao said, his eyes gleaming with interest.
“The Attack Department focuses on offence. These martial artists excel in overpowering opponents with strong attacks, leaving them no chance to retaliate. They’re weaker in other areas. If their attack falls short, victory is tough. Swordsmen often choose this, as swords favour sharp precision,” she said.
Ling Xiao nodded. This matched his expectations.
Most martial artists were versatile but had strengths. Not everyone, like Ling Xiao with his Mountain River Martial Soul, could balance offence and defence.
Being well-rounded risked mediocrity in all areas.
“The Defence Department is the opposite. Their attacks rarely overpower, but their defence is formidable, making them hard to defeat,” she continued.
True enough. With strong defence, an opponent’s attacks might feel like scratches. Even with weaker offence, they could outlast foes.
“The Technique Department, or Secret Arts, is unique. They specialise in soul techniques, unpredictable and hard to counter. They’re the most mysterious, but this department has the fewest martial artists, as soul power is harder to cultivate than inner force.”
