Sixteen years later…
Lingjian Zishui Sect
"Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye…"
A man's voice thundered across the market like a rolling storm.
"An order has been issued from the Audience Hall of Queen Xiyen Zhaori'an!
On behalf of Huan-li Wushi Taoyi, the entrance fee for Cang ming Yuan Academy has been raised...from four gold coins to fifteen! Furthermore, each subject shall require two gold coins to be paid every month… Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye!"
The market, which had been alive with chatter and color just moments before, fell silent.
It was as though someone had drained the blossoms of their hue, leaving behind only withered shadows.
The man marched forward, heading to deliver the same decree in the next town, but his words still echoed in the hearts of the people. The liveliness of the marketplace had vanished. Not a sound remained..... even the wind seemed to have stilled.
Prices in the kingdom had already soared beyond reason. Even basic necessities were difficult to afford.
And now… Mu Chen, standing before his small stall, felt his heart sink like a collapsing stone cliff. The savings he had gathered over the past year.....intended for tuition.....were no longer enough. At best, they could cover the admission of only one person.
He slumped onto the ground, eyes burning with tears. His voice came out low and heavy, carrying more sorrow than comfort:
"How foolish of me… How could I ever believe education was being given there? I was wrong. Knowledge is not taught there.....it is sold."
The realization tore him apart from within. For now, only one could study....himself, or his younger sister.
This had become the way of life in these lands. Every day, the price of something new was raised.
Just a few days ago, the people had celebrated the Harvest Festival. The rains had been generous that year, and the corn crop had flourished more than ever before. The fragrance of roasted corn had lingered in every corner of the market, smiles brightening the faces of merchants and farmers alike.
But that joy....so vibrant and alive....had now vanished, as if it had never existed at all.
---
Luwen City, domain of the Lingjian Zishui Sect, was a vast and sprawling city. Its market stretched endlessly, lined with households, stalls, and trading halls. Only days ago, the grand corn fair had been held here.....merchants calling prices, buyers haggling for fresh greens, traders from distant provinces gathering.
The Luwen City Market was famous throughout the lands. It was said that within its bounds, one could find treasures from across the world.
Yet, amidst all this bustle, the faces of the poor told another story...their eyes clouded with despair as they wondered how they would ever afford an education for their children.
---
Cang Ming Yuan Academy
Only a few days had passed since the arrival of autumn. But autumn was no less splendid than spring...its crisp winds, falling leaves, and forests painted gold, red, and orange filled the air with an aura of quiet majesty.
That same radiance stretched across the academy grounds. Students in robes of yellow and crimson filled the courtyards and practice halls, immersed in their training.
But today, within the academy's Great grand Shouming Hall, a grand convocation was about to begin.
Distinguished guests had arrived..….Grandmaster Patriarch Zharu Zhenhuan himself, accompanied by his eleven Yan disciples. Clad in robes of deep pistachio-green, their very presence radiated serenity and purity. The atmosphere shifted as they entered; all rose to their feet in reverence.
They had been invited by Queen Xiyan Zaori
to join in the discussions of the coming Spiritual Cultivation Assembly. Once every six years, this gathering was held, where countless cultivators emerged to select new disciples. Under their supervision, the event would shape the destiny of many.