Chapter 23: I Admire You

“Lord Liang, if you do not seize and punish him now, when will you?”
The battle between Xia Jiuxuan and Xia Zhong had just ended, when a teacher from the Imperial Capital spoke up.
“Seize…seize whom?” Lord Liang was confused by the teacher’s words.
Everything that had happened today was far too shocking; he, a mere city lord, could hardly make such decisions.
“Whoever killed, seize him. This is your duty as a city lord. Must you be taught by outsiders?”
As the teacher spoke, he cast a sidelong glance at Xia Jiuxuan.
Lord Liang became even more bewildered.
Weren’t these four teachers from the Imperial Capital here specifically for Xia Jiuxuan? Why are they asking me to arrest him?
“This…honorable teachers, I am but a lowly official; I dare not act without orders…”
Each teacher from Taixuan Academy wore an official rank, all far above his own. How could he dare to act rashly?
He needed to understand their true intentions first.
“Men, arrest the murderer Xia Jiuxuan.”
Seeing Lord Liang do nothing, the teacher from the Imperial Capital directly gave the order.
“Hmm?” Xia Jiuxuan’s brows drew together. “What authority do you have in this matter? On what grounds do you send men to arrest me?”
“I am a teacher from the Discipline Hall of Taiyi Academy. I dare to discipline princes and imperial grandchildren—why should I not be able to deal with a mere murderer like you?”
The teacher from the Imperial Capital spoke coldly.
“Teacher Yang Yi, what are you doing?”
Liu Weiyu’s teacher stepped forward and stood before the middle-aged teacher named Yang Yi.
“Teacher Yao Yunya, do not obstruct me. The law of the state is above all. I am righteously serving the nation by removing a threat.” Yang Yi declared with solemnity.
Yao Yunya frowned lightly, pondering for a moment before recalling something.
It was said that Yang Yi’s family had extensive trade dealings with sects beyond the world, and it seemed likely his family was connected with the Feather Transformation Sect.
High-level cultivators from beyond could not break through the barriers to enter the Xianwu Dynasty, but lower-level cultivators were not restricted, so it was normal for trade to occur between the outside and the dynasty.
“Is Teacher Yang hoping to curry favor with the Feather Transformation Sect by arresting him?” Yao Yunya smiled coolly.
Yang Yi was stunned.
He hadn’t expected this woman to speak so directly, exposing his petty intentions without pretense.
“Teacher Yao, do not speak nonsense. A life for a life, that is the natural order.” Yang Yi snorted, preparing to order the city guards to seize Xia Jiuxuan.
“Even if murder is committed, it should be handled and judged by the proper official. How can you presume to act?”
“Teacher Yao, are you saying I am meddling? Hmph, even if you argue till the sky falls, I will arrest him today. What will you do?”
Yang Yi did not expect this woman to argue with him, a Discipline Hall teacher, over an unknown youth!
“Then I will report to the Academy and truthfully present his talent to the Headmaster, letting him decide.” Yao Yunya refused to yield.
“You!” Yang Yi seethed with rage.
“All right, you two, we are colleagues. Why argue over an unknown youth? I think Teacher Yang is right: murder must be punished as decreed by the laws of the state. Let Lord Liang handle it.” Another teacher spoke in a conciliatory tone.
“Hah.”
Xia Jiuxuan, who had been silent, let out a cold snort.
He looked at the group. “Enough of this talk about state law. The laws of the Martial Dynasty do not govern internal clan disputes. The head of the clan holds the power of life and death. Do you think I don’t know? All those I killed were traitors who harmed their own clan. Who has the right to judge me?”
“Well said!” Yao Yunya even clapped lightly to show her support.
“What is the use of sophistry? You killed several clan disciples and elders. How will you explain that?” Yang Yi demanded.
“There’s no need to explain. Whoever tries to kill me, I kill them. If explanation is needed, it’s not to you.” Xia Jiuxuan replied indifferently.
“What an arrogant brat!” Yang Yi was furious, almost ready to subdue Xia Jiuxuan himself.
The last teacher stepped forward. “Teacher Yang, do not be angry. He killed for a reason; it should be handled by the City Lord’s office. We truly have no authority here.”
“Wei, I know you’ve admired Teacher Yao for a long time, but on matters of right and wrong, don’t let your feelings cloud your judgment.” Yang Yi replied with a forced smile.

“Teacher Yang, that’s nonsense. I am merely speaking the truth. I advise you not to abuse your seniority and speak nonsense.” The teacher named Wei was no longer polite. He was from the Wei family of the Imperial Capital and, in status and background, had no reason to fear Yang Yi.
Yang Yi’s lips trembled in anger, but he had nothing to retort.
“Wei, I appreciate you,” Yao Wenya laughed.
“And I appreciate you,” Teacher Wei raised his eyebrows.
Seeing them stand together, Yang Yi gritted his teeth in hatred. He turned his gaze and said, “Lord Liang, will you decide?”
“This…”
Lord Liang glanced at the four Imperial Capital teachers, clearly divided into two factions. How was he supposed to choose?
“Perhaps, perhaps we should temporarily detain Young Master Xia and review his case another day?”
This was the compromise Lord Liang came up with.
Now was not the time to flaunt his authority. Not only were the Imperial teachers not to be trifled with, but that Xia boy was dangerous as well.
How many had he killed in the past days?
He himself couldn’t defeat Xia Jiuxuan. If he angered him, who would avenge him if he was killed?
Lord Liang had survived in the martial bureaucracy for years and would not repeatedly act foolishly.
“I support Lord Liang—throw Xia Jiuxuan into the dungeon!”
The heads of the four great families, seeing the situation clearly, joined in.
They were already mortal enemies with Xia Jiuxuan and had no path to retreat. Now that someone wanted to punish him, it was only right to add fuel to the fire.
“Please, Lord Liang and esteemed teachers, this man has slaughtered our innocent young masters and must be severely punished!”
“A life for a life—no mercy!”
The disciples summoned by the four great families shouted in unison, all posing as victims.
Xia Jiuxuan’s silent anger was reignited.
“You want me dead, do you? Very well, but before I die, I’ll be sure to take a few with me. When I’m provoked, I leave none behind.”
A murderous aura surged from Xia Jiuxuan.
It seemed to pierce their very souls, compelling them into silence.
This youth was as terrifying as ever.
Even with Imperial Capital dignitaries present, he remained arrogant and unbowed!
The members of the four great families shrank back, trembling with fright.
“No need for detention; he will return to the Imperial Capital with us.”
Yao Yunya refused even to concede this step, determined to take Xia Jiuxuan away.
“Yao Yunya, this is my final warning: do not oppose state laws, or you’ll risk implicating your Yao family!” Yang Yi bellowed.
“Who says I am opposing the law? Can’t I recommend him to the Nirvana Institute for cultivation?” Yao Yunya retorted coldly.
The Nirvana Institute!
The most unique academy within Taixuan Academy, also known as the Hall of Slaughter!
“How did I not think of that?” Teacher Wei’s eyes lit up. He said, “With Xia’s abilities and the fact that he has indeed killed, he should be sent to the Nirvana Institute for reform. Teacher Yang Yi, do you have any other tricks?”
“You! Wei Feng, I was once your father’s colleague—if you don’t respect me, so be it, but must you oppose me at every turn? Boy, don’t say I didn’t warn you: don’t ruin your future for the sake of a woman!” Yang Yi’s mouth quivered with rage.
“Let me give you a few words: none of your damn business! Get as far away as you can!” Wei Feng retorted bluntly.
Witnessing this, Xia Jiuxuan smiled at the corner of his mouth. He found Wei Feng to his liking and thought he might mentor him in the future.
“Yang, let it go. According to precedent, this Xia youth is most suited for the Nirvana Institute. Whether he survives there is up to him and fate, wouldn’t you agree?” another teacher patted Yang Yi’s shoulder.
“Hmph, so be it. You two, remember this—we’ll see what happens.”
Yang Yi pointed at Yao Yunya and Wei Feng, called over the other teacher, and left in indignation.
Seeing that even the Imperial Capital dignitaries could do nothing with this youth and had left,
the members of the four great families turned pale, and the less conspicuous disciples hurried to slip away.
They feared Xia Jiuxuan might slaughter them all.
Who would dare intervene then?

This god of slaughter cannot be provoked—absolutely not.
Xia Jiuxuan watched the disciples sneak away, feeling satisfied.
It proved the truth he had followed in his previous life.
The path is not begged for—it is carved out in blood!
…
The Xia family residence was now cleared.
Thanks to Yao Yunya and Wei Feng, the crisis had been resolved; otherwise, he would have had to flee with little Ranran.
Thus, inviting them for a drink was only right—a matter of courtesy.
“Teachers, please.”
Xia Jiuxuan raised his cup first.
“Good lad, were it not for our difference in generation, I’d call you brother.”
Wei Feng drained his cup in one gulp.
Indeed, he spoke up for Xia Jiuxuan partly because of Yao Yunya, but not entirely.
Wei Feng was straightforward, fondest of making friends with bold yet humble heroes.
This Xia family youth, barely sixteen, disregarded even the threats of sects beyond the world.
For that courage alone, he won Wei Feng’s approval.
Xia Jiuxuan merely smiled, saying nothing more.
There was indeed a generational gap; he was the Creator God, the so-called Ancestral God, far above in seniority.
“Xia Jiuxuan, I must warn you: the Nirvana Institute is no pleasant place. Whether you survive there depends on your skill—and sometimes, luck.” Yao Yunya spoke solemnly.
“Can I choose not to go?” Xia Jiuxuan raised an eyebrow.
“That’s not possible. Neither I nor Teacher Wei are omnipotent. Recommending you to the Nirvana Institute is the only way we can protect you.” Yao Yunya explained.
Xia Jiuxuan paused in thought. For now, opposing the dynasty was unrealistic. If there was a way out, then temporary compromise was not so bad.
“Very well, thank you both. But I have a question: why would you risk offending your colleagues to save my life?” Xia Jiuxuan asked.
“Three reasons,”
Wei Feng stood up and said,
“First: I can’t stand Yang Yi—nor can Teacher Yao, I believe.
“Second: You are a true genius. I don’t wish to see your life cut short.
“Third: I personally admire your courage and attitude. A worthy man should have no fear!
“Young brother Xia, are you satisfied?”
“My thoughts are similar to Teacher Wei’s, but I have a small request.” Yao Yunya added.
“Please speak.” Xia Jiuxuan was slightly puzzled; he and Teacher Yao were strangers. What could she want from him?
“Let’s talk about it once you’ve entered the Nirvana Institute.” Yao Yunya delayed her request.
“Very well.” Xia Jiuxuan agreed. You help me once, I’ll return the favor—it’s fair.
“By the way, you two are here to recruit disciples, but I am not destined to apprentice under you. Still, could you see if my niece is talented enough to join your tutelage?”
Xia Jiuxuan had no intention of becoming anyone’s disciple, but Xia Ran could. He couldn’t let her grow up licking blood off the blade with him, without experiencing human warmth and worldly affairs.
“Oh? Let’s see.”
“There, the little one gnawing on a bone—that’s her.”
At the table, Xia Ran didn’t understand the adults’ conversation, clutching a bone and gnawing away in silence.
“That little one? Xia, are you joking with us?” Yao Yunya laughed and shook her head.