Chapter 52 The Site for the Academy

Taixuan Academy, northwest side.

Here lay a vast expanse of wasteland, overgrown with wild grass. A narrow path wound its way through the weeds, leading to a row of dilapidated thatched huts. These were outhouses built for the academy’s menial workers.

Han Yu, standing beside Xia Jiuxuan, sniffed the pungent air. Not only was the smell acrid, it stung the eyes.

To build the Celestial Mechanism Institute here—was that really appropriate?

On the other side, Yao Yunya was also uncomfortable; compared to the Azure Lotus Sword Institute, the disparity in environment was simply overwhelming.

“Second Dad, it stinks,” even Xia Ran pinched her little nose, pouting in protest.

And this, this miserable patch of land, was what the academy had allotted Xia Jiuxuan for building his own institute. Barely a hundred acres in all, while the other institutes occupied thousands, boasting all manner of complete and splendid facilities.

“Head—Master Xia, this wretched place is truly unworthy of you. Let me go out and find someone to buy a residence for you,” Su Hongde could hardly bear the sight, though in truth, he didn’t have a single coin to his name.

“Is it really so bad? I don’t see it that way. In a few days, an unprecedented academy will rise here!” Xia Jiuxuan already had his plans set; since he was to found an institute, it could hardly be shabby.

Everyone was speechless.

“Han Yu, you’re coming with me in a moment. I’ll take you somewhere to acquire some treasures.”

Xia Jiuxuan intended to bring Han Yu to a place from his memories, a place where Han Yu could rise—where a path of cultivation unknown to all others awaited.

“Er…yes, Headmaster,” Han Yu agreed, though he felt little interest; at best, he thought, they’d just buy some weapons—not that it would change anything.

“Master Xia, this…” Yao Yunya found it hard to accept and hesitated to speak.

“Teacher Yao, I’ll be away for a few days. I’ll entrust Xia Ran to your care.”

Xia Jiuxuan deliberately ignored the topic of founding the institute.

“Of course,” Yao Yunya replied woodenly, nodding.

Then she glanced at Su Hongde at her side, bowed, and said, “Old Headmaster, I too am a sword cultivator. If you would be willing to offer me a few pointers in the future, I would be deeply grateful.”

On second thought, though the place set aside for the institute was poor, at least Su Hongde, a formidable figure, stood behind it. It would be no bad thing to seize the chance to seek his guidance.

And so, Yao Yunya let go of her misgivings.

Su Hongde, hearing this, glanced at Xia Jiuxuan and waved his hand. “My swordsmanship is but modestly accomplished. If you seek instruction, you’d do better to draw nearer to Master Xia. Ha! I still have some small matters to attend to. Forgive me, everyone.”

With that, Su Hongde bowed deeply to Xia Jiuxuan and departed with flair.

What…?

Witnessing this, Yao Yunya was left bewildered, her face full of questions.

Old Headmaster Su referred her to Xia Jiuxuan for swordsmanship? And even paid him such a deep bow?

What on earth was going on?

“Does Teacher Yao find this strange?” Xia Jiuxuan asked with a faint smile.

Yao Yunya collected herself and nodded. “Headmaster Xia, be honest—what is your relationship with the old headmaster? Are you his illegitimate son? No, that can’t be; even if you were, he wouldn’t be bowing to you. And why, when I fought Yang Yi earlier, could you so easily spot his weaknesses?”

These doubts had been gnawing at her; she could not rest until she had answers.

Xia Jiuxuan chuckled, “Would you believe me if I said that Su Hongde is my servant?”

“Nons—” Yao Yunya nearly blurted out, then caught herself. “Impossible—I don’t believe it.”

“Exactly. Since you wouldn’t believe it anyway, why ask more?” He set Xia Ran down from his arms and said, “Ranran, be sure to study hard with your teacher these next few days. Remember to respect her, all right?”

“I will, Second Dad. Teacher likes me, and I’ll respect her too,” Xia Ran replied obediently.

“Very good. I’m off to find some treasures; otherwise, my Celestial Mechanism Institute would truly be a laughingstock, nothing but an empty shell. You must listen to your teacher and to Sister Luoyan—no crying, understand?”

“I won’t cry! Hmph!” Xia Ran crossed her arms, proud and defiant.

“Good girl.” Xia Jiuxuan patted her small head.

He turned to leave, intent on gathering useful resources. Before departing, he said to Li Luoyan, “Teacher Yao is one of us. If you have time, give her a few pointers.”

“Yes, my lord.” Li Luoyan nodded, then said, “Please be careful while you’re out. I fear someone may try to ambush you.”

“Don’t worry about me. Just look after the young lady.” With that, Xia Jiuxuan beckoned Han Yu and left.

Yao Yunya stared after them, lost in thought.

Then she glanced at the veiled Li Luoyan, puzzled: This fellow is strange enough, but he wants a mere maid to give me pointers?

Yao Yunya was torn between laughter and tears.

She, a dignified sword cultivator at the Spirit-Sealing level, how could she possibly need instruction from a maid?

“Teacher Yao, you have fine talent for swordsmanship. In time, you will surely achieve great things. If you don’t mind, we might exchange pointers in the future.”

Li Luoyan’s words were modest and polite—solely for Xia Jiuxuan’s sake. Otherwise, with Yao Yunya’s meager sword skills, she would not even be fit to speak with her, let alone discuss the art.

“Heh.” Yao Yunya forced a smile. “You’d best spend more time with the little one, see to her needs. She’s the apple of Headmaster Xia’s eye.”

Li Luoyan nodded with a gentle smile. “Naturally. Still, Teacher Yao, do you perhaps feel that, as a maid, I am unworthy to discuss swordsmanship with you?”

Yao Yunya shrugged, saying nothing.

“Teacher Yao, do you think I am worthy?”

After a moment’s silence, Li Luoyan opened her pale hand. In her palm, a rotating shadow of a sword coalesced.

A low hum resonated.

At that instant, Yao Yunya jolted as if her soul had been pierced. The complexity and purity of that sword intent was beyond anything she could imagine!

She could feel her own dantian begin to stir, and the Azure Lotus Sword Intent within her threatened to burst forth.

This was the natural suppressive force of sword intent between sword cultivators!

“You—you…” Yao Yunya’s beautiful eyes widened in disbelief.

A mere maid? Could a maid truly wield sword intent of such unimaginable quality?

If that was so, then what was Xia Jiuxuan’s true identity?

Now her heart was filled with shock, confusion, and a touch of secret delight.

Had she, perhaps, stumbled into great fortune?

“My apologies, Miss Luoyan. I was presumptuous,” Yao Yunya hastily apologized.

“No need. You are the young lady’s teacher; I am but a servant. There’s no need for you to mind me,” Li Luoyan said, lifting her veil with a smile.

At the sight of her face, even Yao Yunya, herself a woman, was transfixed.

Such beauty—such ethereal grace—could truly exist in this world!

Heavens!

Yao Yunya had always considered herself beautiful, one of the most striking women in the imperial capital. But before Li Luoyan, she suddenly felt insignificant, unworthy even of jealousy.

This sense of disparity was not merely due to her features, but to a matchless aura that could not be rivaled.

Such a celestial beauty, merely tasked with caring for Xia Ran?

Heavens above!

Who, truly, was Xia Jiuxuan? How she longed to know—her curiosity was insatiable.

…

On the bustling streets, Xia Jiuxuan wandered with Han Yu, surveying for any lucrative opportunities.

After half a day, he had more or less devised a plan for acquiring resources. But for now, he intended to leave the capital, to visit a place from his memories and gather materials.

Firstly, having taken Han Yu as his disciple and made him challenge the other institutes’ champions before all, he had to cultivate him properly. Otherwise, when the day of the challenge came, if Han Yu were cut down in the arena, it would be too humiliating.

Secondly, Li Luoyan’s sword soul was gravely damaged and recovering slowly; he needed to procure medicinal herbs for her. The stronger she grew, the safer little Ranran would be.

There was another reason: Xia Jiuxuan’s own cultivation resources were meager. In the future, when he had more puppets under his command, his current stash would be far from enough. He had to stockpile in advance.

And that place contained everything he needed.

“I wonder if my current strength is enough to handle it,” he mused.

He was only at the sixth level of Palace Entry; setting out for that place would be somewhat risky.

As he pondered, suddenly several powerful auras appeared on the street, surrounding Xia Jiuxuan and Han Yu.

Without hesitation, Xia Jiuxuan seized Han Yu and dashed into a nearby alley.

The instant they leapt aside, the spot where they had just been standing was pierced by a dark crimson flying dagger.

“They’ve sent experts to kill me!”

Xia Jiuxuan’s heart sank. He immediately urged his speed, fleeing with Han Yu.