The Sacred Directorâs fury rightfully frightened the students nearby.
He had a special role in this system. Normally, he would never interfere with any academy and regular competitions. Conflicts between students or even sect betrayal didnât matter. However, he always watched over the entire system and would appear when his presence was required.
Thus, his appearance would always be a big deal. It would pertain to violating the ancestral laws of the progenitor.
Thatâs why the students at Repentance were so horrified. The teachers themselves felt the same way since this was the directorâs first visit to their academy.
However, this actually made sense with the broken statue and the sword being taken away by a regular student.
Strangely enough, the director only asked about these two issues and didnât care about the death of Deng Rensenâs group. This made the students feel much better. All three things combined would have warranted a bigger punishment.
On the other hand, their dean remained calm, unlike the nervous students.
âDirector, thereâs nothing going on here.â Wenrui smiled: âFate has come, thatâs all. When the progenitor left Repentance Sword back here, he talked about leaving it to the fateful one. So, my student is the destined one for the sword in accordance with the will of the progenitor.â
âAs for the statue breaking, itâs because the sword found a master so it doesnât need to be there to protect it anymore.â Wenrui went on to explain: âThus, everything is as it should be since a student of ours is the one getting it. Director, please consider the circumstances.â
âThatâs logical.â The director pondered for a bit before answering and sparing the students from more agony. It looked like he wonât sentence a punishment then.
âHowever, Iâve heard that this student of yours is a sinkin! I must investigate this.â He changed the flow of the conversation and made the students nervous again.
âYouâve heard the news quite fast. Well, others are accusing the student of being a sinkin even though we donât even know if this tribe is still around. Itâs too early for any conclusion.â Wenrui smiled.
âDo you think we can treat this so trivially? Let him come and meet me!â The director looked unhappy with that response.
âDirector, the student is still very inexperienced and shy, itâll be inconvenient for all parties. How about this, heâll definitely visit Sacred Mountain in the future to accept a purification trial. Iâm sure thatâs the best proof to stop people from spreading this rumor again. What do you think?â
âAlright, then weâll figure it out at Sacred Mountain.â The director stared at the dean for a bit before agreeing.
âHow about that tea now?â Wenrui played the role of a good host.
âHmph.â The director snorted. The golden lion leaped into the sky and disappeared from sight.
âSee you later, venerable Sacred Director.â Wenrui bowed towards the departing party.
Everyone felt much better with him gone and could finally breathe easily again.
âEveryone heard that? It wonât be long until thereâs a chance for you all to go visit Sacred Mountain. The quota is limited so try your best now.â Wenrui smiled and told the young ones.
âSacred Mountainâ¦â Many calmed down and became ecstatic.
âDean, youâre the best!â Many jubilated and loudly praised Wenrui.
âItâs too early for celebration. Everyone must prove that theyâre worthy of being chosen.â Wenrui laughed as well.
Nevertheless, they continued to shout praises of him.
Du Wenrui was well-liked in Repentance. Maybe it was because their academy was too weak and the same with his cultivation, but he has always been amicable and never acted haughtily. He mingled with both the teachers and the students without any problem.
He went to find Li Qiye afterward. Li Qiye was meditating and ignored him.
He then boiled some tea and poured a full cup for Li Qiye.
âYoung friend, Iâm sure youâve heard the conversation either. Itâs not easy being the dean for me right now, not easy at all.â Wenrui took a sip before speaking.
âDecent acting, youâve earned the academy a chance to go to Sacred Mountain.â Li Qiye opened his eyes and looked at the guy.
âHaha.â Wenrui smiled wryly: âIâve only tried to prove our innocence. The director is wise and fair as well, able to see through everything.â
âIs that so?â Li Qiye replied: âI donât see fairness anywhere. The two of you put on a show and he gave you something good as well.â
âItâs no big deal.â Wenrui said.
Though the director earlier looked imperious and unhappy with Du Wenrui, the two of them were actually friends.
Others simply didnât know this. After all, the director was a powerful character respected by all in the system. On the contrary, Du Wenrui was the dean of Repentance Institution.
Yes, this academy was renowned on the same level as the four great ones but most didnât think much of it. How could a lowly dean like Wenrui know a big shot like the director?
Li Qiye didnât say anything and drank his tea.
âYoung friend, you also heard that youâre going to Sacred Mountain, right?â Wenrui added.
âWhy should I?â Li Qiye looked disinterested after a sip.
âTo prove your innocence to the world. Plus, Sacred Mountain is a unique area desired by all.â Wenrui hurriedly said.
âNot interested. I donât need to prove myself to anyone.â Li Qiye leisurely said.
âOf course, of course.â Wenrui replied: âYou probably know that Sacred Mountain produces incredible fruits, wine, and water. Youâll be able to get these fruits after coming there, so why not? There are sacred beasts there too, maybe you can meet a few phoenixes or true dragons. Wouldnât that be nice? People will write tales about your adventure there.â
âNo thanks, I donât care for some wild fruits and stupid birds.â Li Qiye answered.
Wenrui didnât know what to do after hearing this. Students could only dream about going up the mountain. Outsiders definitely had no chance. The fruits and beasts here were highly coveted.
Unfortunately, Li Qiye viewed them as insignificant. If other students from the system were to hear this, they would chastise him for outrageously boasting.
âYoung friend, Iâm having a hard time here since youâve taken our sword. Many of the higher-ups have doubts about you so this trip is necessary.â Wenrui put on a pained expression.
âJust one crappy sword, take it back if you want to.â Li Qiye said.
âThe problem is, youâre the only one who can take it, we canât even use it.â Wenrui helplessly said.
âA righteous heart and one hand are all you need to use it.â Li Qiye chuckled.
Wenrui couldnât do anything else since he didnât have the ability to force Li Qiye to go there.
âFine, Iâll go.â Li Qiye saw the middle-aged man lowering his head dejectedly and gave in.
âReally?â Wenrui shuddered with excitement.
âYou just want to bring a group of students up there and use me as a reason. This whole trial at Sacred Mountain is bullshit, I know you and that director are conspiring together.â Li Qiye revealed.
Wenrui coughed awkwardly. Li Qiye saw through his intent, unlike the others.
The whole taking Li Qiye to Sacred Mountain to test him was just an excuse. The real motive for him was letting his students benefit from a trip there.
After all, their academy had no status to speak of and would need to wait forever before having a chance to go there. Li Qiye became the perfect excuse.
His conversation with Sacred Director served as a ruse against the outsiders.