“Why not just follow Teacher Yang’s advice and hand over Ling Xiao?”
After a long silence, someone brought up the idea again.
“Exactly. Ling Xiao is just an outsider from Tianlong Continent. Since joining our Qingxu Academy, he’s contributed nothing and only caused trouble. Why keep him?”
“Yeah, yeah! Handing over Ling Xiao and his accomplices could save our academy.”
Perhaps because someone started it, several others soon echoed the same sentiment.
The white-bearded elder, seated at the head, closely observed these people, a cold smile flashing in his eyes.
He noted their names.
Qingxu Academy had no need for people who would say such things.
Just as the elder was about to speak, someone rushed in from outside and reported, “Dean, Ling Xiao is here. He says he has important matters to discuss with the leadership.”
“What’s he doing here? Just making things worse!” Huo Pili grumbled.
“Heh, maybe he’s here to turn himself in,” Yang Yijun said with a laugh.
“Let him come in and speak. What, are we afraid a mere Heaven-Human Realm warrior will ambush us?” someone chimed in.
“Dean, I just remembered something,” Feng Qingyan suddenly said. “When I went to see Yun Ya, she subtly hinted multiple times that I should build a good relationship with Ling Xiao. I didn’t think much of it then, but now, it might mean something.”
“Fine, let Ling Xiao come in. He’s part of Shenhuang Academy, so let’s hear what he has to say,” the white-bearded elder said.
He hadn’t wanted Ling Xiao to enter, fearing the idle gossip would upset him. Knowing Ling Xiao’s true identity, he didn’t want him to feel bad.
But Feng Qingyan’s words changed his mind.
Moments later, Ling Xiao entered, wearing the academy’s custom uniform.
Though it was the same attire, it looked striking on him, likely due to his top-tier physical cultivation among the disciples.
“Disciple Ling Xiao greets the Dean, Vice Dean, and teachers,” Ling Xiao said respectfully, showing no arrogance despite his purpose.
Looking at Ling Xiao in the meeting hall, Feng Qingyan asked, “Ling Xiao, with all the unrest outside, why aren’t you focusing on your cultivation? What are you doing here?”
Ling Xiao smiled. “With the academy in trouble, as a student of Qingxu Academy who’s benefited from it, how can I not repay the favour?”
“We appreciate your sentiment, but you’re just a Heaven-Human Realm warrior. What can you do?” Huo Pili said, waving dismissively.
He was satisfied with Ling Xiao’s attitude but doubted his ability.
“Not necessarily,” Ling Xiao said with a slight smile. “Dean, may I sit? I’ve been so busy lately, my back’s aching.”
“Absurd! This is a meeting of the academy’s leadership. What right does a student have to sit? Especially since this mess is your fault. If not for you, Shenhuang Academy wouldn’t be so aggressive!” Yang Yijun sneered.
“Exactly!”
“Right!”
“We were just about to hand you over to Shenhuang Academy!”
“Silence!” the white-bearded elder roared, his face furious.
Such an expression was rare for him.
“Ling Xiao, ignore them. These people cower at the slightest threat. They don’t deserve to be teachers at Qingxu Academy!”
His words stunned both Ling Xiao and Yang Yijun’s group.
Ling Xiao was surprised. He’d never met the dean, so why was he defending him?
Yang Yijun was dumbfounded. The dean, usually fair and restrained, was so angry today.
But he couldn’t back down now.
Though a teacher at Qingxu Academy, he hadn’t signed any binding contract. He could leave or stay as he pleased, paying a penalty at most.
“Dean, are you saying you’re driving us out of Qingxu Academy?” Yang Yijun asked coldly.
“I’m not driving you out. Your behaviour makes you unfit to remain as teachers here!” the elder replied icily.
“Fine! Very well! Don’t regret this. Let’s go!” Yang Yijun stood, followed by the other teachers.
“Wait!” It was Ling Xiao who spoke, not the elder.
“Why the rush? If you’re leaving, take a message to Sun Shang for me. I didn’t plan to wipe him out, but since he insists on provoking Qingxu Academy, this time, I’ll make sure Shenhuang Medical Academy collapses completely, or my name isn’t Ling Xiao!”
“Hahaha, has this kid lost his mind?” Yang Yijun burst into laughter.
Ling Xiao ignored him, turning to the elder. “Dean, no more nonsense. I’ve heard Shenhuang Academy’s been pressuring Qingxu Academy badly, and the key is their senior alchemist, Sun Shang, right?”
“Correct. Since you know, do you have a plan?” Feng Qingyan asked eagerly.
“Of course. Fight alchemy with alchemy, alchemist against alchemist!” Ling Xiao replied.
“That’s obvious. If we could find a senior alchemist, would we be this worried?” Huo Pili snapped.
“Let him finish,” Feng Qingyan said, sensing Ling Xiao wouldn’t waste words and there was more to it.
“You don’t need to look for a senior alchemist. He’s not far off, but right here!” Ling Xiao said with a smile.
“Who?” Feng Qingyan asked.
“Me,” Ling Xiao said, pointing to himself.
“You brat, keep spouting nonsense and mocking us, and I’ll slap you dead!” Huo Pili fumed, thinking Ling Xiao was toying with them.
“Nonsense?” Ling Xiao smiled, raising his hand. A storage ring appeared.
“Vice Dean Qingyan, take a look at what’s inside.”
Feng Qingyan quickly took the ring, probed it with his soul force, and exclaimed, “Rejuvenation Pills? No, these are even better. What are they?”
“Perfect-grade Rejuvenation Spirit Pills, twice as effective as regular Rejuvenation Pills, same cost, and they restore stamina too. Ten thousand pills, all in finely crafted jade bottles, beautifully packaged, outstanding effects. Do you think they can compete with Sun Shang’s trash Rejuvenation Pills?” Ling Xiao asked, smiling.
His words silenced the hall, leaving it utterly quiet.
