Thus, Li Xue joined the Observing Mystery Academy, becoming a part of it.
After joining, she was astonished. Most of her fellow students were ordinary people. The academy didn’t prioritize cultivation but learning, with an immense collection of diverse books. Initially, she sought escape from her burdens, but now, she genuinely loved the place—the atmosphere, the students, and the dean.
…
Ye Xuan arrived at the back mountain of the Observing Mystery Academy. Once barren, it now boasted a lush bamboo grove, thanks to Shu Xian’s efforts. With funds available, he wanted the academy to look appealing, as its future was grand, and a shabby appearance wouldn’t do. Yet, Shu Xian kept it elegant, fitting for a scholarly institution.
In the bamboo grove, Ye Xuan sat cross-legged, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves, the surroundings serene. On his knees lay the sword given by the Green Shirt Sword Master. He hadn’t yet discovered its uniqueness and had no interest in doing so now, for to him, any sword sufficed.
With a sword in his heart, all things could be a sword!
He sat in meditation for three full hours.
Suddenly, Ye Xuan opened his eyes. Three sword lights appeared before him, converging into a single point in an instant.
Slashing the future, the past, and the present—three swords united!
Moreover, he added a slash of nothingness!
As the three swords merged, the space-time before him began to dissolve, erased entirely.
With a thought, Ye Xuan made the sword vanish, retracting all his power and beginning to repair the universe’s space-time, a process that took a full hour.
Destruction was easy, creation was hard.
Ye Xuan stood, turning to see Qingqiu watching him.
He grinned, “Impressive, right?”
Qingqiu nodded eagerly, “Very impressive!”
Ye Xuan laughed, “Want to learn swordsmanship?”
Qingqiu shook her head, “I don’t like it.”
Curious, Ye Xuan asked, “What do you like to cultivate?”
Qingqiu thought, then said, “Reason!”
Ye Xuan blinked, “Reason?”
Qingqiu clenched her fist, serious, “The bigger my reason, the stronger my fist!”
Ye Xuan looked at her, “Did you create this yourself?”
She nodded.
Ye Xuan was silent. This girl was extraordinary!
He asked, “Have you read the *Great Path Codex*?”
Qingqiu nodded, “I have.”
“What do you think?” he asked, smiling.
“Very impressive!” she said earnestly.
Ye Xuan laughed, “Anything you need for your cultivation?”
Qingqiu hesitated, “Can I say?”
He nodded, “Go ahead.”
She blinked, “Little Lord Brother, I have a small suggestion.”
“What is it?” he asked.
She said seriously, “Our academy lacks not scholars but fighters! To change a universe’s ideology, we need great knowledge and thought, but also strong martial force!”
Ye Xuan was silent.
Qingqiu blinked, “Right?”
He nodded, smiling, “Right!”
She smiled, “So, I suggest dividing the academy into a Martial Academy and a Literary Academy, each with its role. We could recruit talented students and train them in cultivation. We need all kinds of talent, but this requires a lot of money.”
Ye Xuan thought, then said, “I’ll handle the money. You take care of establishing the Martial Academy.”
Qingqiu blinked, “Can I be the head of the Martial Academy?”
Surprised, Ye Xuan studied her, “Can you do it?”
She said confidently, “I can! I’m sure I can do it well!”
Ye Xuan was stunned by her confidence.
She hesitated, “Is that okay?”
He smiled, “Yes!”
She said earnestly, “You’ll support me, right?”
He nodded, “I’ll support you!”
She raised a finger, “Three years, Little Lord Brother. I promise, in three years, I won’t need your support, and everyone will respect me!”
Ye Xuan laughed, “I believe you!”
Qingqiu grinned, “I’ll start preparing now!” She skipped off into the distance.
Watching her, Ye Xuan was overwhelmed with awe. How had she reached the Immortal of Ages so quickly? Was she cheating?
Her cultivation speed was abnormal, more prodigious and terrifying than anyone he’d met, including himself, a second-generation heir.
He took out the Great Path Pen and asked, “Pen Brother, is her prodigy due to you?”
After a long pause, the pen replied, “This woman is the reincarnation of a supreme figure. Her fate is beyond anyone’s control, even my master’s. Her destiny is unique, second only to the three swords behind you. And she has a connection with you…”
Ye Xuan frowned, “A connection with me?”
The pen didn’t respond.
“What connection?” he pressed.
No answer.
Ye Xuan’s face darkened, “Can you not tease like that? It’s really low!”
Still no response.
Ye Xuan wanted to curse.
Shu Xian approached, “Young Lord, someone’s here to visit.”
Ye Xuan snapped out of his thoughts, curious, “Who?”
Shu Xian said, “She says she’s from the Immortal Treasure Pavilion.”
Ye Xuan nodded, “Bring her to the Book Hall.”
Shu Xian bowed, “Yes,” and left.
In the Book Hall, Ye Xuan met a veiled woman, the same one who had danced at the Immortal Treasure Pavilion.
He smiled, “It’s you, Miss!”
She smiled, “You remember me, Young Master Ye?”
He nodded, “Of course! Your dance is unmatched.”
Her lips curved, “You think it’s beautiful?”
He nodded, “Very… but you didn’t come to discuss dancing, did you?”
She blinked playfully, “What if I did?”
Ye Xuan said seriously, “Miss, I’m a proper man, don’t tease me.”
She chuckled, “You’re such an interesting person!”
He gestured, “Please sit.”
They sat across from each other.
Ye Xuan asked, “What’s your name, Miss?”
She thought, then said, “Bei Yan.”
He nodded, “Miss Bei Yan, your purpose today?”
She smiled, “Just to get to know you.”
Ye Xuan laughed, “Know me?”
She nodded.
He shook his head, smiling, “What’s there to know about me?”
She smiled lightly, “Someone who can gift the *Divine Path Codex*… you’re no ordinary generous person.”
Ye Xuan smiled, “Are you here for the Codex?”
She looked at him, “You must have more. Can I see?”
He shook his head, “Sorry, it’s only for our academy’s students.”
She said immediately, “I’m willing to join!”
He smiled, “No.”
She frowned, “Why not?”
He chuckled, “Because you’re too mysterious.”
Mysterious! Her displayed realm was Reincarnation Walker, but it was fake, her true realm was Knowing Mystery, and not an ordinary one. He knew because of the Great Path Pen, which saw through all concealments.
Hearing him, her eyes narrowed, a glint of coldness flashing.
Ye Xuan glanced at her, “Miss Bei Yan, you’re not planning to silence me, are you?”
She looked at him, “What if I am?”
He smiled, “You won’t.”
She laughed, “Why not?”
He said earnestly, “You can’t beat me.”
She froze, then burst into bright laughter.
Ye Xuan smiled, sipping tea.
After a moment, she said, “Talking to you makes me happy.”
He thought, then said, “Miss Bei Yan… no, I should call you Miss Yan Bei. Right?”
Her eyes narrowed, hands clenching, a trace of shock in her gaze.
He smiled, “Looks like I guessed right.”
She was silent, then said, “Yes.”
He smiled, “Miss Yan Bei, I value sincerity, but you haven’t spoken a single truth to me. Honestly, my impression of you has dropped significantly.”
She looked at him, silent.
He stood, walked to the side, and gazed at the horizon, “You’re no ordinary person. Beautiful, powerful, and hiding in the Immortal Treasure Pavilion. Your origins must be extraordinary, and you have a purpose. Am I right?”
In that moment, Yan Bei found the man before her terrifying, his gentle demeanor hiding a sharp intellect.
Ye Xuan continued, “You’re probably just curious about me, as you said. I’m also curious about your true origins, but I won’t ask, as it doesn’t concern me much.”
Turning to her, he smiled, “Miss Yan Bei, this is the Observing Mystery Academy. If you want to read or discuss knowledge, I welcome you on behalf of the academy. But if you have other motives, I’m not so welcoming.”
She stood, walking close to him, her fragrance noticeable, but Ye Xuan remained calm.
He was a sword cultivator! If he didn’t want to be swayed, who could sway him?
Yan Bei looked into his eyes, “Will we become enemies?”
He blinked, “Best not.”
She pressed, “What if we do?”
He smiled faintly, “I’m invincible. Do as you please.”
…
