Chapter 69: Azure Cloud (47)

“That person is named Yu Liu, a disciple of Origin Star Palace’s Moon Palace. He grew up alongside the Young Palace Master, considered a… family retainer.” Zhang Duixue explained seriously. “Only later, the Young Palace Master somehow suddenly took a fancy to me, kept me by his side every step, and for my sake even defied the Palace Master. At first it was jealousy, but later when he caught the Young Palace Master kissing me, he was traumatized. He said I bewitched the master with fox-like wiles, and tried to eliminate me time and again, his methods quite vicious.”

“When you’re close with Brother Fu, you absolutely mustn’t let him see. This person’s brain has problems—like he’s swallowed a powder keg, he’ll fight without a word!”

He Tinglong turned his head in confusion. “When have I been close with Fu Fengyan?”

Zhang Duixue wore an expression of “stop pretending.” “That day when we were in danger, all of us lost consciousness. When we woke up, we were all in our own rooms, but only you and Brother Fu were lying in one place.”

“There were beds available. Why would just you two sleep together? Don’t tell me you were discussing sword techniques deep into the night in the room.”

He Tinglong: “…”

Yue Qianxun added from below, “And that day Brother Fu was already awake, but instead of returning to his own room, he held you in his arms. What good brother is that considerate? I certainly wouldn’t be.”

Fu Fengyan’s eyes lit up beside them. “Really?”

He Tinglong: “…” He had a bit of a headache and couldn’t help pressing his head.

“Remember, you must restrain yourself from now on.” Zhang Duixue patted his shoulder, then hunched over and moved back. “Oh right, help me ask Master Qin for a few days’ leave so I can avoid the limelight.”

After speaking, he waved his hand and Zhang Duixue slipped away.

Zhang Duixue’s plan was quite good, but unfortunately just asking for a few days’ leave was completely insufficient. The several people who came from Origin Star Palace directly took up residence in Azure Clouds Academy with absolutely no intention of leaving.

Once Origin Star Palace sent people, it was like releasing a signal. Over the next several days, other family clans and sects also dispatched people one after another. Some came to take young masters and gentlemen home to recuperate from injuries. Of course, more stayed here to demand an explanation.

Admitting fault, compensation, or simply coming to argue—apart from recruitment season, Azure Clouds Academy’s gates had never been this lively.

Carriage after carriage of spirit vehicles and jade boats, immortal cranes and phoenix birds stopped at Azure Clouds Academy’s entrance. Each more ostentatious than the last, just the birds and beasts nearly burst the gate.

He Tinglong fed pills to the immortal cranes at the gate, his gaze sweeping over—Xie, Xu, Lu, Bai, Xiangli… basically all the famous names in the cultivation world had come.

Stroking the fluffy bird neck, He Tinglong jumped down from the railing. Just as he planned to wander around more, join the commotion and hear some gossip, he had just reached the side gate when he suddenly saw a dusty person waving at him from under a distant tree. His footsteps paused, but he still approached. “What matter, fellow daoist?”

“This young friend, may I ask how to reach Qianji Pavilion at Azure Clouds Academy?”

The wide-sleeved young man bowed to him from afar. When he raised his head, he revealed a pair of eyes—under the sunlight, one pupil was pure black while the other showed a faint hint of dark purple.

He Tinglong squinted and slowly stepped forward, supporting the other’s fingers. “You are?”

“I am a disciple of the Fu clan. Hearing that a junior from my family was injured, I came specially to visit.” The young man was polite and courteous. “I wonder if this young friend knows Fu Baiyu? He should have entered under Master Xu of Qianji Pavilion.”

He Tinglong clapped his palm, as if suddenly understanding. “Naturally I know him. Young Master Fu’s reputation is far-reaching. I’ve also received much kindness from him!”

“Come, this way please.” Leading the person, He Tinglong brought him up through the mountain gate.

The Fu clan’s main base was far away in Star Province. Coming here would take at least half a month. This person should be a Fu clan disciple currently traveling. The clothes on his body were unclear in material, probably robes. His hands were empty, with no spirit artifacts or mounts, just a gray-white long robe. The only ornament on his entire body was a jade pendant.

He Tinglong casually swept his gaze over it several times, always feeling that jade pendant looked somewhat familiar.

As he kept looking, the young man felt somewhat uncomfortable and moved his hand over, secretly removing the jade pendant and silently hiding it in his bosom. “Thank you, young friend, for showing the way. Only this jade pendant is an important magical artifact and cannot be gifted.”

He fumbled around in his large sleeves, finally pulling out nothing at all. His ears turned red. “Fu-mou left in haste and has no wealth on my person. But Baiyu has always been favored—he has many magical artifacts there. Later you may choose at will.”

He Tinglong was startled and laughed. “I am a disciple of the academy, also Young Master Fu’s classmate. Showing you the way is just fulfilling a bit of classmate fellowship. This is my duty and requires no reward. Just now I only thought that jade carving very beautiful, presumably from a master’s hand, so I looked twice more. If there was offense, I hope senior will be magnanimous.”

Leading the young man into Qianji Pavilion’s territory, He Tinglong stepped aside to make way, pointing to the stone path ahead and saying softly, “Go forward five hundred meters, turn right, the third room is Senior Brother Fu’s residence. There are still many miscellaneous matters in the academy, so I won’t escort you over.”

“Thank you.” The young man walked forward two steps, then felt it inappropriate and turned back to ask, “What is your name?”

He Tinglong had already walked far away. His pace was quick, his figure quickly disappearing into the winding path.

Fu Baiyu lay in bed in a daze.

A few days ago, following Xie Xuanxiao into a fight, as expected, he was sold out again. A mass of black energy surged over and he was struck solidly on the spot.

Fortunately their Fu clan had the protection of a young lord—evil could not invade their bodies. That demonic energy had no way to affect him. Just that chest strike, plus excessive spiritual power consumption during the later fight, he lost strength. After being rescued, he was unconscious for three days.

During those three days, no matter what medicine was poured in, there was no movement. If not for smooth breathing, people almost thought he had died. The Fu clan’s cultivation method was somewhat different from others. The academy’s medical cultivators couldn’t distinguish clearly and dared not act rashly. Master Xu could only urgently write a letter and send it to the Fu clan’s home in Star Province. The Fu clan head then summoned the nearest person, summoning this one who was currently on a mission.

Fu Baiyu rolled around in bed. In his boredom he took out the communication spirit artifact to look through. He had slept for several days and nights, his spirits were well-rested, quite comfortable. Only during this period he had been exhausted running around, truly didn’t want to move, also didn’t want to go out and greet those chaotic people. With Xie Xuanxiao gone, the most distinguished person in Azure Clouds Academy was none other than him. Going out now, he’d probably face those uncles, aunts, and relatives he didn’t know—claiming kinship but actually distant relatives eight hundred generations removed. Having time for small talk, he might as well lie in his room reading books and gossiping.

In the communication spirit artifact, Xie Xuanxiao’s side sent words asking about recent academy matters. Of course, he indirectly asked about Zhang Duixue’s situation. The meaning in his words and phrases was for them to help watch over him more, afraid his little spouse would be bullied.

On this point Fu Baiyu was quite clear. Xie Xuanxiao left unwillingly, half-dragged back by Origin Star Palace’s elders. After returning he would treat injuries and enter closed-door cultivation. Without a year or half, they probably wouldn’t see his shadow.

Fu Baiyu crossed his legs and scoffed. That Zhang Duixue huddled together with that guy surnamed He every day, and fought so fiercely—who in this academy could bully him? Rather than worrying about Zhang Duixue, he should hurry and compensate for the spirit artifacts of his that got smashed. Every time they fought, he climbed on top then ran away, selling out teammates—truly false righteousness.

Before he could mock, Xiangli Xuan’s message slowly emerged. “Can’t help you. I’m leaving too.”

Fu Baiyu sat up abruptly.

Xiangli Xuan was leaving? If he left, wouldn’t that make him the one with the highest cultivation in this year at Azure Clouds Academy?

Before he could happily write a farewell letter, the door was suddenly knocked. Fu Baiyu didn’t even raise his head, casually saying, “Leave the food at the door.”

After quite some time with no response, a moment later he impatiently turned his head. “Did you hear me… Third Uncle?!”

The communication spirit artifact in his palm dropped to the ground. Fu Baiyu sat up abruptly. “Why did you come?”

The young man pushed open the door and walked in slowly, movements methodical. He looked only about twenty-some years old, yet between his brows was an indescribable kindness. “I was traveling nearby. Your father sent a message, so I came to see you. Hearing you were unconscious for three days, how is your spiritual meridian circulation? Can your body still bear it? Extend your hand—Uncle will examine you.”

Fu Baiyu suddenly retracted his hand. “No need. I’m already completely well.” After all, he couldn’t very well say he had just been sleeping.

This Third Uncle Fu Qingrang was the most outstanding one from his father’s generation, selected by higher-ups to serve year-round in the Immortal Palace. He was only seen a few times during festivals. In childhood he would pester elders to play, but now that he was older, they inevitably grew distant.

Seeing elders made him constrained.

Fu Baiyu had originally been supporting his head lying on the bed twisted like a rope. Now he couldn’t help but flip over, changing to lying flat. Only his waist and back unconsciously straightened, like a stiff salted fish.

“Baiyu, when I came just now I got lost. Fortunately a young friend showed me the way.” Fu Qingrang smiled, his smile showing indescribable warmth. “Third Uncle is very grateful, only I have nothing else on my person. Do you have any good spirit treasures or magical artifacts that could be gifted?”

Fu Baiyu: “Ah… huh??”

Warning bells went off in his brain. Seeing Fu Qingrang raise his hand, he just felt something was wrong. Before he could retreat, he saw his third uncle casually reach out and directly pulled over his storage spirit artifact. Immediately, glittering golden miscellaneous items of all kinds messily smashed across the bed.

He Tinglong’s brows were tightly furrowed. He thought about the person he had just seen. The jade pendant at the other’s waist seemed like wood yet like jade. Carved with a circle of lotus patterns on top, filled with cinnabar and gold leaf—strange and complex, extremely special.

He should have seen it somewhere before.

Leaving Qianji Pavilion’s mountain gate, he walked down all the way, made a circle, turned past Guangze Lake, passed through the plank road, and saw willow catkins in the air like continuous flying snow.

At a certain moment, he had just recalled a subtle connection when the next moment he heard an angry roar from the courtyard ahead. It was Xiangli Lingze’s exasperated voice. “I didn’t! He repaid kindness with enmity and falsely accused me!”

“Why won’t you believe me? What exactly do you take me for?! Between him and me, who is actually your biological son?”

Outside Tianyin Pavilion, crowds gathered in a circle. Xiangli Lingze smashed cups and ancient zithers, his long hair disheveled, clothes untidy. He stood barefoot on the ground, viciously staring at the woman before him.

“Mother, are you truly my mother?” His voice was hoarse, as if it could bleed. “Why… why won’t you look at me? I’m injured too. I’m in pain too…”

An extremely crisp and loud sound, followed by the woman’s voice cold to the extreme. “Xiangli Lingze, you are too willful.”

The tall woman with a married woman’s hair bun looked down from above at the young man with his head turned to the side and eyes red, disgustedly wiping her fingers. “I already asked your master. In the academy you don’t think of progress, your grades are at the bottom, you make questionable friends. Your cultivation being low is one thing, but when this incident occurred, you didn’t help and only dragged people down, causing your brother’s dantian to be damaged.”

“You severely injured his primordial spirit with one sword, and today you hurt his hand again. Yet you still have the face to compete with him for affection here. Do you have even a shred of conscience, even a bit of upbringing!”

“Something that can never be taught!”

Xiangli Lingze’s whole body trembled. He turned his head to look to the side. Beside him, Xiangli Xuan lowered his head, left hand pressing his right palm. Dark red seeped through his fingers. The young man said not a word, his entire face falling in shadow, no expression visible.

A moment later, Xiangli Lingze’s fingers gradually lost strength, sliding down and drooping into his wide sleeves.

“Ha…”

He smiled bitterly. His reddened eyes stared at Xiangli Xuan’s figure, restraining all expression as he said coldly, “I’m so stupid. You win.”

“Take him away.” The woman covered in pearls and jade turned around. She took Xiangli Xuan’s arm, rolled up the sleeve to look at the finger marks on her son’s wrist and the wound on the back of his hand pierced by a dagger. Her brows furrowed tightly. She rolled up a handkerchief to cover the bloody hole, then pulled Xiangli Xuan away. The immortal attendants beside her naturally parted to make a path, blocking everyone to the outside.

Xiangli Xuan followed behind unwilling to move, nearly half-dragged by two attendants, forcibly pulled out.

Actually Tianyin Pavilion wasn’t seriously damaged. Plus with this period’s recuperation replenishing spirits, there were people all around watching the show and eating melons, circling into a huge ring, joining the commotion on the side.

A group of people whispered. He Tinglong inquired in a low voice from the outer crowd. “How frightening. What happened?”

“Isn’t it that demon clan invasion matter? Xiangli clan feels our academy isn’t safe and wants to take both sons home to recuperate. Xiangli Lingze is unwilling.”

“I heard that day Xiangli Lingze was polluted by demonic energy, fell into demonic obstruction, and when trapped in the Marriage Mirror he slashed around with a knife. His brother tried to stop him and instead got his primordial spirit slashed by his sword. Fortunately Sword Master Guili came quickly then and the demonic energy dispersed cleanly. Otherwise Xiangli Xuan nearly wouldn’t have come back.”

“Not only that. After they came out they had another dispute. Xiangli Xuan kindly brought him medicine. Who knows what madness seized Xiangli Lingze—he actually injured Xiangli Xuan’s right hand with one knife. Fortunately it didn’t affect the root bones, otherwise it would have impacted playing the zither.”

“Alas, they’re both brothers. Why do this? If I had such a genius brother protecting me, I’d just lie flat at home and play all day. Why compete back and forth? Being an idle rich person is also quite good.”

“Still doesn’t know contentment.”

“That Xiangli Lingze’s jealousy is so heavy—not someone to befriend deeply!”

“After this incident, Lady Xiangli wants to take them home. Just don’t know why Xiangli Lingze refuses to leave. He’s made a fuss from inside the house to outside, quarreling for over an hour now.”

“Probably afraid of going back to be punished…”

…

Through the gaps in the crowd, He Tinglong looked at the expressionless Xiangli Xuan and Xiangli Lingze who kept struggling until even his feet were cut, his brows slightly furrowing.

The Xiangli clan’s group of dozens, rather than coming to pick him up, was more like an escort under guard.

After walking only dozens of steps, Xiangli Lingze who had originally been silent as a dead dog began struggling again. He bit the arm of the person restraining him. Taking advantage of the other loosening their grip in pain, he broke free from the restraints and retreated several steps, staring at those people ahead and shouting loudly, “I’m not going back! You don’t want me, and I don’t want you anymore either!”

“You don’t believe anything I say. Everything I do is wrong. My explanations are all sophistry. Since I’m a villain, a scoundrel, an idiot who has soiled the family reputation, then I’m not worthy to enter your noble immortal mansion.”

“Just take Xiangli Xuan alone back.” Xiangli Lingze retreated, looking crazed. “I’m not going back. I’d rather die than go back!”

“Just remove me from the family register. I never liked this name anyway. This so-called Xiangli clan’s Third Young Master—I don’t want to be him anymore! Give it to whoever you want, even give it to a dog! Don’t look for me anymore!”

He struggled and defied repeatedly, already making people lose all patience. The woman’s face was cold, her gaze sweeping toward the surrounding onlookers. After just a moment’s hesitation, she waved her hand. Immediately someone chased after Xiangli Lingze, severed his spiritual meridians, covered his mouth. Seeing him still struggling, the woman gave a look. The next moment, the attendant actually directly dislocated Xiangli Lingze’s jaw.

Anguished whimpering sounds surged from the young man’s throat, like a bird with broken wings. His arms were twisted behind him as he was directly carried away.

This scene was too violent. The surrounding onlookers all trembled. As they left, people involuntarily made way.

The Xiangli clan’s industry spread across the nine provinces. Apart from shipping, underneath they also had quite a few dirty jobs. Family clans were different from immortal sects. No matter what immortal sects did, they still had to follow reason. But once family clan gates closed, it was all their family affairs. Father teaches son—natural and right.

Xiangli Lingze was rebellious and unfilial. Even if a layer of skin was peeled off him, others would only praise that the Xiangli clan’s family tradition was strict, teaching children properly.

He Tinglong hesitated slightly for a moment but ultimately still stepped forward, extending his hand to block the noblewoman’s path, raising his hand in salute. “Lady Xiangli, please wait.”

The woman’s eye corners narrowed. When looking at people she didn’t lower her head, only slightly dropped her eyeballs, showing extreme haughtiness and harshness. “What matter?”

“Dean Xu requests your presence.” He Tinglong spread his hands, pointing toward the academy’s highest point. “Says he has matters to discuss with you.”

“Oh?” The woman scoffed. “Has he thought it through?”

He Tinglong lowered his eyes without speaking. “I’m just a student delivering a message. I don’t know anything else.”

The woman released her hand, smoothed the shawl on her shoulders, and condescended. “Lead the way.”

Behind the heavy crowd, He Tinglong raised his head and saw Xiangli Lingze being half-carried, tears and snot flowing. He couldn’t make a sound, his whole body trembling, face flushed bright red.

No matter how arrogant he usually was, in the end he was still just a seventeen-year-old youth. With bones broken and throat gripped, no matter how much he resisted it was futile.

With a wave of her hand, the noblewoman indicated for the others to take these two brothers away first. But He Tinglong added another sentence. “Both young masters also need to come along.”

Hearing this, the woman made an “oh” sound, ending tone rising. “Are you certain?”

“Both young masters officially enrolled and had their names recorded. To withdraw requires going to Dean Xu to remove them from Azure Clouds Academy’s register before leaving. Beginning and end must be proper to not break the rules.” He Tinglong turned to lead the way. “Madam, this way please.”

The woman’s brows furrowed then relaxed. She looked He Tinglong over twice, wondering about something, then scoffed. “Rather unfamiliar. What’s your name? Which sect are you from?”

“He Tinglong. No sect or faction. A small independent cultivator, not worth mentioning.” Standing with hands behind his back, He Tinglong was neither servile nor overbearing, raising his hand to indicate for the woman to proceed.

“Since you have no sect or faction, you’d better be careful…” The woman’s voice was pressed extremely low, corners of her mouth hooking up. She passed He Tinglong with large steps, warning as they brushed shoulders, “If you dare play tricks, your little life probably won’t be guaranteed.”

Dean Xu ran around outside year-round. This period was rarely quiet, diligently handling the academy’s aftermath work, dealing with that group of student parents who came demanding explanations.

This matter was neither big nor small. After all, only one disciple from a remote small sect died. Jade Balance Sect was insignificant, couldn’t interject. Moreover, after several investigations they discovered Yun Zhi and Shen Xiyuan’s relationship wasn’t simple. The Immortal Alliance sent a secret order. Jade Balance Sect’s master immediately stated everything was unrelated to Jade Balance Sect. He wrote eight pages of spirit paper to exonerate and separate, finally only saying the evil son brought it upon himself, heaven has eyes—he wouldn’t come over. Yun Zhi’s remains could be disposed of by the Immortal Alliance.

His side cut clean and decisive. On the other side, Xu Jingzhen had people interrogate, investigating Yun Zhi’s daily contacts. Pulling silk from cocoons, they discovered Xie Xuanxiao and Yun Zhi had secret collusion.

This matter was truly unseemly. Spreading it open would only make things more awkward. After weighing from many sides, Origin Star Palace chose to let the matter rest, taking Xie Xuanxiao back home.

With Origin Star Palace as the main victim not making trouble, the other large and small immortal sects, even if resentful in their hearts, could only hold it in, not daring to vent randomly. They secretly cast their gazes on the Xiangli clan, originally planning to see how this family would handle things. As a result, Lady Xiangli came and started beating children, making people even more confused.

Until He Tinglong led Lady Xiangli, and a group of people came mightily to Dean Xu’s quarters, from front hall to back courtyard packed full, carrying knives and swords, like raiding a house.

Dean Xu jumped up from his chair. “What are you trying to…”

He Tinglong urgently blocked his mouth. “Dean, the person has been brought over according to your request.”

Dean Xu’s gaze swept over Lady Xiangli’s face, his back turning cold. Staring at He Tinglong, he gritted his teeth in a low voice. “What request? How would I know…”

He Tinglong raised his head, almost beseechingly winking and making eyes at him. “Xiangli clan’s two young masters want to withdraw. This student specially brought them to retrieve their name registers. Dean, please help find them.”

“If they want to withdraw then let them withdraw. What name registers do they need? Just go straight out the right door, no need to see them off.”

Dean Xu smiled at He Tinglong, similarly indicating with his gaze. After glimpsing Lady Xiangli who entered and sat down, his face turned green, squeezing out a line from between his teeth. “I’m trying to avoid her and you bring her right to my face!”

“Saving one life is better than building a seven-story pagoda. Dean, your student is about to be beaten to death.” He Tinglong stepped aside, revealing several others following behind him.

Dean Xu was about to think up some chaotic words to muddle through. His gaze swept over and he saw Xiangli Lingze who wasn’t even wearing shoes, face bearing a bright red palm print, pushed and shoved as he entered, still bleeding from the nose.

The usually high-spirited Third Young Master Xiangli was now like a stray dog, tottering, yet still stubbornly holding on to one breath refusing to fall. In those reddened eyes, it was unclear whether there was more sorrow or more fury. Looking at his expression, you knew he was probably pondering how to retaliate.

A seventeen-year-old youth—good and evil lay in a single thought.

Dean Xu glanced at He Tinglong. The other blinked those large eyes once, walking to the other side to pour tea for them.

This student of his deliberately brought the person over to show him.

Lady Xiangli sat in the chair on the right, curving her finger to tap the tabletop. “Dean Xu, what matter did you seek me for? If you have something to say, why beat around the bush? Just speak directly.”

Dean Xu also wanted to know what exactly he had to say. He picked up the teacup and took a small sip. His brain turned, vaguely saying, “Since you’ve already come to the academy, it saves me from seeking you out. Do you still remember that matter this old man mentioned last year? I trouble the great lady to pass a message to your household head.”

The woman raised her eyes, brows slightly lifting. “Have you thought it through?”

Dean Xu waved his hand, indicating for others to go out. Only when He Tinglong passed by did he say in a low voice, “My nephew is napping in the side hall. Don’t make loud noises outside and disturb his peace.”

He Tinglong understood, nodded in agreement, and led the other people to retreat outside the door, waiting in the corridor.

The voices of Dean Xu and Lady Xiangli disappeared completely with the closing door. And Xiangli Lingze’s feet had been cut during the dragging, still bleeding now. Walking unsteadily, he nearly fell.

He Tinglong barely caught and supported him. Just as he helped him up, the attendants beside them immediately surrounded with unfriendly expressions.

“Fellow immortal elders, this is Azure Clouds Academy, not the Xiangli ancestral home.” He Tinglong half-supported Xiangli Lingze to walk to the side. Using his sleeve to wipe the ground, he had him sit with bent legs. He then half-raised his head, face full of innocent naivety. “I’m just helping him up. It’s not killing or arson. Why are you all staring at me like this? You’re so fierce.”

“This is our household’s family matter, unrelated to you outsiders. Retreat quickly.” An attendant spoke to stop him. Then several people came over to pull He Tinglong away.

Xiangli Lingze’s face was iron blue, fists clenched tight. He grabbed He Tinglong’s sleeve. His jaw had been dislocated so he couldn’t speak clearly, yet could still hear the roar emerging from his throat. “Who… dares!”

Of course, his threats were ineffective. There were still people surrounding them, grabbing He Tinglong like picking up a chick to throw him away. Xiangli Lingze’s rebellious bones immediately emerged, tightly hugging He Tinglong’s waist refusing to let go.

When someone went to pry his fingers, Xiangli Xuan from the side spoke to stop them. “All of you stop.”

The young man’s sleeve was soaked red in a large patch. His right palm wrapped in a handkerchief, a patch of red seeping outside. He stood upright and straight. No matter when or where, he always looked to have the bearing of a great family. Turning his head in a sweep, he said lightly, “Don’t make noise. Easy to ruin things.”

After speaking he stood in place again, motionless, like a withered wooden stake. He was always like this—no expression on his face, eyes empty and drifting, immersed in his own world, not knowing what he was thinking.

The surrounding attendants obediently stopped their movements, returning to guard the door, occupying positions, firmly locking people in their line of sight.

He Tinglong sat beside Xiangli Lingze, lifted his chin, looked left and right, lightly pinched, and with a click reconnected his dislocated jaw. Looking at Xiangli Lingze’s face full of blood and tears, he asked carelessly, “Do you truly not want to return?”

With such a question, the attending maid immediately stepped forward, sternly stopping him. “Young friend, watch your words.”

“Don’t want to go back. That place is not my home.” Xiangli Lingze didn’t care. He spat, spitting out a mouthful of bloody saliva. That slap had broken his face, even his mouth was full of the sweet taste of blood.

Looking at He Tinglong’s face, Xiangli Lingze for some reason showed a somewhat roguish smile. “What, want to save me?”

The young man’s body was burning. Probably his injuries hadn’t healed to begin with, and after going through such torment, he was now sick even worse. He hooked He Tinglong’s shoulder. From fingers to wrist to arm, everything trembled uncontrollably. Presumably the pain was extreme, yet he still endured, suppressing his trembling voice, forcing composure, not forgetting to squeeze out a not-so-nice smile. “You’ve witnessed my embarrassment. That’s right, I’m a child picked up for nothing, not valued at all. But it doesn’t matter. You’re willing to come help me, showing loyalty. Good brother—I’ll remember this.”

He Tinglong: “Whether you remember or not doesn’t matter. What do you plan to do now?”

“Although they bark fiercely one by one, they can’t do anything to me either. You don’t need to pity me. This young master doesn’t need you to save me. Just this broken thing—if they can take me back, if they can’t kill me, sooner or later I’ll kill them!”

Xiangli Lingze grinned, a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth. He squinted his eyes. Though smiling, the hatred in his pupils didn’t seem false.

He Tinglong only wanted to sigh.

With such a broken family, he didn’t even need his brain—just his toes could imagine that returning home, even if Xiangli Lingze didn’t die he’d lose a layer of skin. Human endurance capacity was limited. His nature was flamboyant, but he was a big stubborn seed, extremely easy to rebel under high pressure, then be tempted by evil people and walk the wrong path.

In his memory, the Xiangli clan truly got wiped out every single time.

This whole family weren’t good people.

“Do you know of the Immortal Alliance’s Twelve Towers?” He Tinglong tilted his head, leaning close to Xiangli Lingze’s ear in a low murmur. “Now it’s April, the spring season, properly belonging to the Azure Yang Hall’s watch.”

Xiangli Lingze turned his head in confusion, his swollen red eyes showing incomprehension.

“Azure Yang Hall, Lord Jingming, Xu Jingzhen—right now residing in the second room to your right.” He Tinglong raised his hand and pointed, pointing toward a closed room. “He is the most gentle and kind person, a real genuinely good person.”

Xiangli Lingze abruptly raised his head.

He Tinglong smiled, patted his shoulder, saying in a low voice, “Actually when you still can’t protect yourself, finding backing is most important. Only the Immortal Alliance isn’t like Azure Clouds Academy—it truly requires climbing mountains of knives, descending into seas of fire, running around everywhere, life hanging by a thread.”

“What’s that matter?” Xiangli Lingze raised his hand to wipe the blood dripping from his nose. “At least I can get a bowl of rice to eat.”

“Then fine.” He Tinglong chuckled, helping him up, then rising and suddenly pushing. Xiangli Lingze immediately fell over the railing.

Dean Xu’s courtyard wasn’t large, the corridor narrow. At that time eight people surrounded the corridor. Two guarded the west side, two guarded the south side, and four more remained at the main gate to guard.

Seeing Xiangli Lingze fall, the attendants instinctively drew swords to protect their master, thinking there would be a fight. The first moment they drew long swords to kill toward He Tinglong.

Spiritual power rolled with violent wind, sword energy deployed in the narrow space, instantly sealing off all of He Tinglong’s movements, leaving him nowhere to hide.

Only the next second, they saw Xiangli Lingze who should have fallen flat on his face roll on the ground, pull up his legs and run, madly rushing toward the other end of the corridor.

He Tinglong slightly cupped his hands, blocking the corridor. “This way is blocked. I trouble all of you to halt your steps.”

But there were truly too many people in the corridor. He Tinglong was barehanded, hadn’t brought a sword. In just an instant, several knives and swords killed toward him. At least remembering this was Azure Clouds Academy, they dared not use lethal force.

He Tinglong slightly turned his head, dodging a burst of released spiritual power. Supporting himself with one hand on the ground, he flipped to dodge, one hand grabbing an attendant’s waist belt, using skillful borrowed force to flip over, grabbing another person’s wrist to limit their movements. Sword energy scattered wildly. With a snap, his hair tie came loose, black hair hanging down his full back.

There were ultimately still too many people. Another person flipped over the railing, directly grabbing toward Xiangli Lingze. He Tinglong retreated several steps, flipping up, one foot stepping on the railing, about to rush up and grab the person. His back completely exposed, immediately someone developed killing intent, directly raising their sword to stab toward He Tinglong’s back.

Inside the room, Dean Xu heard the commotion outside. His brows furrowed. With a wave of his sleeve, the door burst open. Seeing someone slash down with a sword from behind toward He Tinglong, he immediately roared, “Who dares harm my student!”

In a flash, a book scroll was flung out by him, heavily smashing into that person. Golden light trembled. Invisible spiritual power fell, pressing the person to the ground, unable to move.

He Tinglong landed. His back clothing was torn in a long gash.

And the mobility-impaired Xiangli Lingze was tackled from behind by someone. He struggled forward, finally in the last second crashing into the door. With a bang, that half-open door was pushed open by him. Unable to brake in time, he also fell into the room, falling sprawled out.

Inside the room, a young man in light green slowly lowered his head, looking at the young man prostrated on the ground. His gaze paused slightly. “You…”

Xiangli Lingze was extremely clever. He rushed up and hugged the other’s thigh. “Immortal Master! My name is Xiangli Lingze, cultivation fifth realm. I’m willing to enter the Immortal Alliance’s Twelve Towers, protect world peace!”

“This body has nowhere to go. I beg Immortal Master to take me in!”

Inside the room, the woman who had originally been calmly drinking tea suddenly stood. She took two or three steps out the door, standing in the corridor looking out. She only saw amid flashing blades, a plain white palm grasping a flower branch, lightly pressing against an attendant’s wrist. With just a slight touch, the person dared not move.

Fresh breeze blew. The young man’s ink-black long hair scattered. Without the hazy veiled hat blocking, under half-opened forehead hair, a pair of eyes were as calm as mountain mist and rolling clouds. He raised his eyes, looking toward the crowd outside, then lowered them, looking at Xiangli Lingze who had been beaten beyond recognition.

Not far away, Dean Xu covered his mouth coughing, then turned his back, waving his hand, meaning you handle it yourself.

After a long silence, Xu Jingzhen finally moved, helping Xiangli Lingze up, patting the dust off him. After thinking a moment, he praised, “That you have such thoughts is very good.”

“If so, then belong to my Azure Yang Hall. From this day forward, follow at my side. We’re short a music cultivator here.”

Xiangli Lingze’s whole body trembled. He looked up at the young man before him, then turned back to look at He Tinglong who was tying his hair and the crowd behind with various expressions. His peripheral vision paused on Xiangli Xuan for a moment, finally withdrawing without mercy. He knelt down, a sob in his throat.

“Yes!”