Chapter 52: Meeting

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation       Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Standing beneath the statue of the Saint of Elegance, Lu Xuan reached out and grasped something.

A glint of gold fluttered down, landing in his palm—a copper coin, ancient in design.

“Even after so many years, this hasn’t fallen or been discovered,” Lu Xuan mused, flipping the coin and catching it.

He extended his hand to Cheng Lingzhu: “Give me the Phoenix Blood Sword.”

Cheng Lingzhu handed over her sword. but Lu Xuan did not immediately take it. Instead, he pulled out a phoenix robe from his storage treasure—an immortal garment belonging to the Illusionary True Immortal. With a flick and a shake, the garment transformed into silk threads, weaving into a sword tassel.

Lu Xuan attached the copper coin and the tassel to the Phoenix Blood Sword. The sword trembled slightly, as if expressing its joy.

“A Daoist artifact and a special spiritual treasure, both serving as its ornaments. This is truly the pinnacle of sword existence,” Lu Xuan declared, looking up at the Saint’s statue.

“Years ago, I placed this coin in the Saint’s hand, using the talent of Sancai Academy to nurture it. I thought that if a fated person found it, it would bring them an opportunity.”

“But what I didn’t expect was that it would remain there for nearly five thousand years. Perhaps the students held such respect for their teacher, content to admire from afar, never daring to get close,” Lu Xuan reflected.

“So, you decided to take it back today?” Cheng Lingzhu looked up at him.

“Not exactly,” Lu Xuan pondered. “Though it wasn’t found by the fated one, it still ended up in the hands of someone destined.”

He took Cheng Lingzhu’s delicate hand in his, mimicking the earnest manner of a scholar from the plays, and said solemnly, “Miss, in this life, you are fated with me.”

Cheng Lingzhu’s lips curled up slightly. She tilted her chin and playfully asked,

“Are you saying I’m your fated person in this life?”

“Ah, not just in this life, but in the past life too,” Lu Xuan replied, kissing her hand gently before opening his arms wide.

Cheng Lingzhu stepped forward, falling into his embrace. Her cheeks warmed slightly, a blush of shyness spreading to her ears.

She buried her face in Lu Xuan’s chest, inwardly chiding her lack of resolve, swayed so easily by his words.

But if she couldn’t resist, then so be it.

Cheng Lingzhu hummed to herself.

After all, she was willing.

In the Raindrop Pavilion of Sancai Academy’s eastern sector, the students knew well that this place was not just for listening to the rain.

At this moment, in the council hall on the third floor, a discussion was underway.

“Advance the academy’s celebration?” Hu Qingsong, the Vice Chancellor of Sancai Academy and a peak cultivator in the Integrated Body stage, widened his eyes in surprise.

“Indeed,” nodded an elderly man with a lean figure and white hair, seated at the head of the council table. This was He Yuanfeng, the Chancellor of Sancai Academy and a peak Mahayana Stage cultivator.

“Why advance this year’s celebration, Master?” asked Shen Li, a scholarly middle-aged man sitting beside He Yuanfeng. Shen Li, He Yuanfeng’s direct disciple, was also a Vice Chancellor and the successor to the position of Chancellor. He had broken through to the Mahayana Stage three hundred years ago, a testament to his talent, although he still fell far short of his master’s realm.

Aside from these three, other elders were present in the council hall, including

Zhang Xun and Chen Xu, who were in attendance.

However, the real decision-makers were He Yuanfeng, Hu Qingsong, and Shen Li.

“My time is running short, ” He Yuanfeng slowly exhaled, causing a stir among the gathered cultivators.

“How can that be? Master, with your profound cultivation, you should have at least a hundred more years…” Shen Li was reluctant to accept this reality.

“In pursuit of the Dao, I once sustained a hidden injury, costing me a hundred years of my lifespan,” He Yuanfeng sighed, “I devoted a lifetime to the Dao, yet ultimately, I couldn’t take that final step.”

The room fell silent at his words. As cultivators who defied the natural order, they were still ultimately bound by the limits set by the Heavenly Dao. Their fates could easily mirror He Yuanfeng’s, given their lesser talents.

The elders empathized deeply with the Chancellor’s current state of mind.

Shen Li’s face was a mix of emotions, wanting to speak but unsure of what to say.

“I have about a month left to live,” He Yuanfeng said calmly.

“Yesterday, the Southern Ridge Immortal Gate [Two Yi Sect] sent news. The southern demon barbarians are stirring again, seemingly gathering a large force in secret.’

He continued, “Some say that in the barbarian army, there are large-scale human sacrifices, and the legendary Barbarian God… might have been resurrected.”

This revelation sent a shock through the elders. In the legends of the Archean Eon Realm, the Southern Ridge was where the Barbarian God fell. His awakening would spell disaster for all living beings. Human sacrifices were a direct way for a deity to regain strength. If the reports were true, it was a dire situation indeed.

Hu Qingsong felt a weight in his heart, while Shen Li thought of many things.

His body trembled as he spoke with difficulty, “Master, are you planning to go to the Southern Ridge to confront the Barbarian God?”

Shen Li finally understood why his master wanted to advance the academy’s celebration. He wanted to witness the splendor of Sancai Academy one last time before his departure.

He Yuanfeng nodded, “Exactly. This old body of mine should still be of some use.”

The room fell silent. He Yuanfeng then asked, “Where is my disciple?”

“I am here!” Shen Li stood up and came forward, performing the disciple’s salute.

He Yuanfeng looked at him, “After I leave, you will assume the role of

Chancellor of Sancai Academy. The heavy responsibility of reviving the Confucian way and upholding the moral duties of the human race will fall on your shoulders.”

Shen Li felt a twinge in his nose, “I will obey your command!”

He Yuanfeng spoke again, “Where is Qingsong?”

Hu Qingsong left his seat and performed the disciple’s salute, “I am here!”

Hu Qingsong bowed, “I understand!”

Turning to the others, He Yuanfeng addressed, “You are all pillars of Sancai Academy. I hope you will cooperate sincerely in the future, making our academy’s name echo in every corner of the Archean Eon World! ”

Everyone stood up in unison, “We dare not fail in our duties!”

Thus, the meeting concluded, and the academy’s celebration was rescheduled to three days later. Although the preparation time was short, everyone swore in their hearts to present the perfect celebration for the old Dean.

One by one, people began to leave. As the direct disciple, Shen Li was the last to go.

He Yuanfeng leaned on the table, watching Shen Li’s departing figure, a flicker of reluctance in his eyes. However, it soon turned into a resolute determination, his gaze growing cold..