Morning arrived, the golden rays of sunlight falling over Thousand Flower Peak. Shen Xuan prepared himself as Lu Zhen's words from the night before echoed in his mind.
"Xuan, you can attend the lectures in the clan academy if you wish. They might help you. I won't give you too many lessons on cultivation myself, since everyone's path is different. But whenever you truly need help, or if there is something you require, just come to me."
With those words lingering, Shen Xuan set out toward the clan's academy.
The academy, located at the very center of the clan, was vast and noble in design. Towers rose high, courtyards bustled with activity, and the air buzzed with spiritual energy. Disciples streamed in every direction, hurrying to their respective lecture halls.
As Shen Xuan entered through the grand gates, the atmosphere shifted. Conversations quieted, and countless eyes turned toward him.
He was young, strikingly handsome, with an icy aura that set him apart from the crowd. His presence alone seemed to draw attention.
Whispers spread quickly among the disciples. The female disciples, whether junior or senior, couldn't help but blush at the sight of him. Their gazes lingered, and some even clasped their hands nervously, giggling in low tones.
"Who is he?""So handsome…""His aura feels so different, so cold yet… captivating."
Even the more experienced female disciples found themselves stealing glances, as if bewitched.
Meanwhile, the male disciples frowned, their hearts swelling with envy. Some clenched their fists, others exchanged sharp glares. Shen Xuan could feel the jealousy burning in their eyes, but he ignored them completely, walking calmly forward as though they didn't exist.
The academy was sprawling, with countless lecture rooms lined across the massive complex. Shen Xuan paused, unsure which room he was supposed to enter.
Just then, a pat landed on his shoulder from behind.
Shen Xuan turned, his cold gaze meeting a tall, young man with sharp eyes and a confident smile. He looked to be around thirty-three years old, his cultivation steady at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment.
The young man chuckled warmly."Looks like junior brother is new here at the academy."
Shen Xuan gave a polite nod, greeting him back."Yes, I just arrived. But I'm not sure which lecture room is mine."
The young man studied him with curiosity and then asked,"What stage is your cultivation at?"
"Late stage of Qi Condensation," Shen Xuan replied casually.
The moment those words left his mouth, the young man's expression froze. His eyes widened in disbelief as if he hadn't heard correctly.
"Late… stage… Qi Condensation? At your age?" he muttered, shock evident in his voice.
This young man was none other than Lu Chenxi, the fourth ranked genius of the Lu Clan—someone admired by many. And yet, even he couldn't hide his astonishment at Shen Xuan's realm.
Lu Chenxi smiled, his eyes still filled with surprise."Ah, forgive my manners. My name is Lu Chenxi. May I know brother's name?"
"Shen Xuan," came the calm reply.
Chenxi's pupils widened slightly before he chuckled."So it really is Brother Xuan. How could I not know? These days, everyone in the clan knows your name, though not many have seen you in person."
He glanced toward the lecture halls and then waved casually."The elders are strict. If we're late, it won't end well. After the lectures, there's a short thirty-minute break. Let's talk then. For now, hurry—your lecture is in Room Nine. The number's posted outside, you'll find it easily."
With that, Chenxi strode off. Shen Xuan turned down the right side and, after a moment, stood before the door of Lecture Hall No. 9.
The moment he entered, he froze for an instant.
At the front, dressed in her white-and-green robes, sat none other than Lu Qingmei. She was the one giving the lecture.
Her eyes flickered in surprise when she noticed Shen Xuan. Around him, whispers erupted immediately.
"He's so handsome…""Look at his aura, it's so cold, but I can't look away!"
The female disciples were practically glowing, some blushing deeply, others clasping their sleeves shyly. Even the older disciples stole glances, enchanted despite themselves.
Lu Qingmei's brows furrowed faintly. She coughed once, her cold gaze sweeping across the hall. Instantly, silence fell. Then her sharp eyes locked onto Shen Xuan.
"You—what are you doing here?" she asked, her tone calm but laced with subtle irritation.
Shen Xuan clasped his fists politely."Greetings, Instructor. My master advised me to attend the lectures, saying they might be of some help to my cultivation."
Lu Qingmei's eyes softened for a moment, though she still gave a small, dismissive humph."Very well. Take a seat."
There was only one vacant chair left, in the very front row—directly beneath her gaze. Shen Xuan sat down, faintly uncomfortable, but composed.
The lecture resumed. For the next hour, Shen Xuan listened quietly, though most of what was said felt of little use to him.
Then, one of the disciples raised a hand."Elder Lu, is it necessary to have a motive for cultivation? Does one really need a purpose to succeed?"
Lu Qingmei nodded slightly."Of course. To cultivate, you must know why you cultivate. From that belief, your Dao Heart is forged. When you ascend to higher realms, tribulations will test that Dao Heart. If your belief is weak or uncertain, your Dao will shatter, and you will perish."
Her words struck like thunder. A chill ran through the hall. Many disciples' faces paled, their expressions turning solemn.
Finally, Qingmei turned her gaze to the disciple who had asked."Then tell me, why do you cultivate?"
The disciple shifted uncomfortably, scratching his cheek before blurting out,"If I don't cultivate… my father will kick me out of the house. And probably beat me too!"
The entire hall erupted in laughter.
Inside the lecture hall, Lu Qingmei continued asking disciples about their reasons for cultivation. One by one, students stood and gave their answers—some serious, some laughable.
Suddenly, Shen Xuan rose to his feet.
"Elder Qing," his voice was calm, "I need to step out. There's something I must attend to."
Lu Qingmei's brows knit slightly, but with all eyes watching, what could she say? She merely gave a small nod. Shen Xuan turned and left the hall.
Outside, he drew a long breath, the cool air filling his lungs. Rather than returning to his quarters, he wandered through the academy grounds. Eventually, he found a secluded garden, where a stone bench sat beneath the shade of flowering trees.
Lowering himself onto the bench, Shen Xuan closed his eyes.
Why am I cultivating…?
The question echoed within his heart. Memories rose unbidden: Grandpa Du's smile, Yao Yao's laughter, his mother's gentle face. His hands tightened on his knees.
To protect them… to see her again, to find the answers she never gave me. And… to face that man I once saw—the one who calls himself my father.
Time slipped by as he sat there, silent, lost in thought. Nearly an hour passed. Soon, disciples began to flood into the garden, enjoying their short break.
Many noticed the solitary figure seated on the bench. The female disciples whispered among themselves, some shyly stealing glances, others clutching their sleeves as their cheeks turned pink. Yet seeing his eyes closed, none dared disturb him.
The male disciples exchanged looks, their curiosity piqued. "Who is he?" one finally asked.
A bolder disciple smirked. "You don't know? That's Shen Xuan—the one from the punishment hall."
Gasps followed, whispers spreading like wildfire. "No wonder… he just sits here like it's nothing. Even skipping class, and nobody dares question him."
But Shen Xuan paid no mind. His eyes remained closed, his expression calm, as if the world around him didn't exist.
When the free period ended, the disciples filed back into their lecture halls. Shen Xuan, however, didn't move. The rest of the day passed, the lectures ended, and disciples slowly departed for their peaks.
As the courtyard grew quiet, footsteps approached. Shen Xuan opened his eyes to find Lu Qingmei standing before him, her expression caught somewhere between surprise and disapproval.
"So," she said lightly, "this is the 'important matter' that kept you from class?"
Shen Xuan rose to his feet, clasping his fists. His voice was steady, almost indifferent."You're right. This was my mistake. Should I pay a fine for leaving?"
He turned as if to go, but after a few steps, he stopped. Looking back at her, his gaze softened just slightly.
"…And Elder Qing, regarding what I said in the punishment hall—I shouldn't have spoken to you that way. My apologies."
Without waiting for her reply, he walked away, his back straight, his figure fading into the twilight.
Lu Qingmei stood frozen for a moment, blinking in surprise. Then, almost instinctively, she puffed her cheeks, muttering under her breath.
"Hmph… what kind of person apologizes so coldly…?"
With that, she turned on her heel and left, the corners of her lips betraying the faintest, unacknowledged curve.
That night, Thousand Flower Peak was quiet. The moonlight bathed the roofs and gardens in silver. Shen Xuan sat alone atop the main hall roof, leaning back with one arm propped behind him. His gaze was fixed on the heavens, though his mind was far elsewhere
How wouldmy spiritual roots awaken?
The question gnawed at him. He had tried sensing them countless times, but there was only emptiness. No light, no response. He clenched his fists.
Without roots… can I even walk this path?
Just then, faint footsteps echoed from below. Shen Xuan's brows furrowed. It was late—who would wander here at this hour? He glanced down.
To his surprise, a familiar figure stood in the courtyard.
Lu Qingmei…? At this time of night?
"Elder Qing," Shen Xuan called softly.
She tilted her head back, her cold, noble face illuminated by the moonlight. Their eyes met. For a brief moment, her aloofness wavered—then she lightly leapt, landing gracefully on the roof beside him.
Her robes fluttered like mist in the night breeze. She crossed her arms and studied him. "And what exactly are you doing on the roof at this hour?" Her tone wasn't as sharp as usual. There was a trace of gentleness hidden beneath.
Shen Xuan blinked. "Nothing. Just… the night view from here is better."
He shifted slightly to make space. To his astonishment, Lu Qingmei actually sat down beside him, her gaze turning toward the endless sky.
For a moment, silence lingered between them, broken only by the chirping of night insects. Shen Xuan found himself sneaking a glance at her, still surprised that the aloof elder would sit so casually with him.
Finally, he asked, "Elder… why are you here, at this time?"
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