Qi Ming Academy's daily curriculum was limited, divided into morning and afternoon sessions, with midday dedicated to meals and rest.
Today, Xu Yi's class focused on talisman arts in the morning and proceeded to the training grounds behind the academy in the afternoon for basic spell practice.
Xu Yi couldn't help but chuckle as she watched the youths diligently practice hand seals, ultimately conjuring only a fist-sized flame.
The instructor, evidently aware of Xu Yi's background, never required her to join the general practice.
Thus, for the entire afternoon, Xu Yi sat beneath the shade of an ancient tree, observing the boys sweat profusely as they practiced.
As the evening bell chimed, Xu Yi and the youths bowed to the instructor.
After the instructor departed, the boys left in small groups. Xu Yi also meandered back to her wooden hut.
Upon returning, Xu Yi briefly conferred with the others and learned that their situations were similar to hers. Reassured, Xu Yi ceased overthinking.
After all, what was meant to come would come.
For the next half-year, Xu Yi lived like an ordinary student of Qi Ming Academy, rising early and returning late, showing respect to the instructors and friendliness towards her peers.
Later, the instructor, perhaps feeling Xu Yi was wasting her potential by merely observing, occasionally had her guide other youths in their cultivation.
Xu Yi had frequently mentored disciples at Xuan Ji Gate. As these youths practiced the most basic spells, Xu Yi found it effortless to guide them.
As a result of this engagement, Xu Yi's prestige within the academy grew, and she became well-integrated with the other students.
One day, as night approached, Xu Yi was called outside.
"Bai Shan, is there something you need?"
Half a year had passed, and Xu Yi no longer felt the initial awkwardness around Bai Shan.
However, the academy's life was too routine, and this time was typically when she rested, leaving her with a somewhat drowsy expression.
She had thoroughly integrated into the academy.
"Sister Xu, I don't think we can continue like this!"
Bai Shan could clearly perceive Xu Yi's demeanor, which only fueled his frustration.
He had been confined to Qi Ming Academy for the past half-year, with no progress in his relationship with Xu Yi. Furthermore, worried about an unknown assessment, he had suppressed his temper, living in constant anxiety and unease.
The past half-year had almost smoothed away his sharp edges, and he was beginning to forget his original purpose.
He could no longer endure such a life.
Xu Yi's gaze fell upon Bai Shan's face, a sense of bewilderment rising within her.
While the academy's life seemed monotonous, it also held its small pleasures. She had anticipated that someone might grow impatient, but she hadn't expected Bai Shan to be the first to seek her out to vent his frustrations.
Bai Shan's impression was similar to that of her current classmates—still childish, with simple thoughts. Xu Yi had assumed he would adapt well to this environment.
Bai Shan possessed animalistic perceptiveness. He detected a subtle hint of doubt in Xu Yi's eyes, which instantly sobered his agitated state.
He was too eager.
Lowering his head to conceal the shifting emotions in his eyes, he quickly adopted a troubled expression.
"Sister Xu, we are different."
He clenched his fist. "I come from Wu Fu Sect. The progress I've made to this point has cost me countless effort and dedication. I dare not slacken in my cultivation for even a moment. Yet, here, here… I feel like I'm wasting my time. This life offers no benefit to my cultivation; it even hinders my progress!"
He suddenly looked at Xu Yi, his eyes shimmering with a faint moisture. "Sister Xu, you can understand me, right?"
Xu Yi watched him silently, without a word.
Bai Shan's heart pounded like a drum. Under Xu Yi's direct gaze, he felt as if he were being stripped bare.
"I can understand."
After a long pause, Xu Yi finally spoke, uttering words that caused Bai Shan's expression to relax.
However, Xu Yi's next sentence made the breath Bai Shan had just exhaled catch in his throat once more.
"But I am powerless."
"Wh-what?"
Pure bewilderment painted Bai Shan's face; he could hardly believe what he had heard. Xu Yi was supposed to offer gentle comfort or loud encouragement, or at worst, scold him angrily. How could she deliver such a cold and emotionless statement?
In the moonlight, Xu Yi's face seemed to gleam with a jade-like luster, yet it also exuded an indescribable sense of distance.
"To join Kunlun Academy, one must pass an assessment. You and I are both participants in this assessment. How can I help you?"
"Or, what do you want me to do? What should we do?"
Xu Yi tilted her head, her eyes holding a spirited quality that was never present before.
At this moment, Bai Shan suddenly understood the meaning of falling into an ice cellar. Xu Yi was nothing like he had imagined, or rather, he had never truly understood Xu Yi.
Bai Shan stood stunned, his mind reeling even after Xu Yi had left.
How could this be? How could this be! Why was Xu Yi no longer kind? Wasn't she supposed to tolerate all his flaws with almost foolish forbearance? What was happening with her now? Was everything she had done before merely an act to lull me?
Bai Shan's head throbbed. He believed he knew Xu Yi well enough and, without much thought, had exposed his true feelings to her. But now, it seemed his entire approach had been a grave mistake. He stood in the moonlight, his regret nearly engulfing him.
The next day, as the sun rose.
Bai Shan emerged from his wooden hut and bumped into Xu Yi.
"Bai Shan, coming together?"
Xu Yi greeted Bai Shan with a cheerful smile and then quickly walked beside him.
"Sis-Sister Xu."
Bai Shan stammered. Following the unexpected incident of the previous night, Xu Yi's attitude towards him remained unchanged, as warm and radiant as ever. This made him feel intensely uncomfortable.
At a junction, Bai Shan and Xu Yi parted ways. He remained standing, waiting until Xu Yi's figure disappeared before heading towards his classroom like a lost soul.
After this incident, he no longer dared to express his true emotions, completely submerging himself, quietly accepting this bland and tasteless life, just like Xu Yi and the others.
Inside a thatched cottage at Qi Ming Academy.
The Dean, Yu Chun Dao, Liu Yin Xiao, and several senior instructors of Qi Ming Academy gathered.
"Esteemed instructors, I have invited you here today to inquire about the ten individuals studying at the academy. Are they ready to officially participate in the assessment?"
Liu Yin Xiao sat upright, his usual nonchalant expression gone. After all, the discussion now pertained to Kunlun Academy.
"In my opinion, they are ready to undergo the assessment."
"I concur."
"I concur."
As expected, all the instructors nodded in agreement. They had witnessed the performance of Xu Yi and the others over this period; they were now qualified to participate in the assessment.
Liu Yin Xiao and Yu Chun Dao exchanged glances and stood up, cupping their fists towards everyone. "Then we shall trouble you."
The final assessment was about to begin. It remained to be seen how many would ultimately remain.