The ode attracted everyoneâs attention. They saw a young man meandering over.
He dressed in a simple manner without any decoration. A woodcutter was hanging by his waist, a carrying pole on his shoulder. He had a natural and free expression as he sang a strange song.
âYoung Noble Li! Over here!â Yang Ling called out for him.
Li Qiye stopped and stared at her: âWhat is it?â
âItâs nothing. This place is very lively with everyone gathered. You should come with us.â She winked at him with good intention.
She thought that Sir Shang might be scheming, wanting to use Li Qiye. Thus, if he were with the academy, at least Sir Shang wouldnât dare to do whatever he wanted.
âThatâs Li Qiye?â Sir Shang wasnât impressed by Li Qiye since he really looked like an ordinary woodchopper. A cultivator at the Violet Marquis realm was insignificant in his eyes.
The marquis and the others also stared at Li Qiye. They found it hard to believe that this woodchopper could co-exist peacefully with the chaos primal beasts here.
âYes.â Someone else told Sir Shang: âHe really got some magical gem fruits from the ape. Even a high monk from Heavenly Dragon Temple and the Nightwalkers couldnât do it yet he had no problem.â
He then gave a brief recollection of what happened during that event.
âThatâs nothing short of a miracle.â Both the senior defender and the marquis remained skeptical.
âSir, itâs absolutely true, thousands of people saw it. Those from the Nightwalker Tribe even experienced this.â The cultivator swore.
As for Duality, the students who werenât there became very curious. They believed it because Yang Lingâs group had no reasons to lie.
Unfortunately, Li Qiye seemingly didnât see Yang Ling winking repeatedly. He shook his head and smiled: âIf thereâs nothing, I need to bring some firewood home, canât be delayed.â
Yang Ling stomped exasperatingly on the ground since Li Qiye didnât notice danger was approaching. She said with an urgent tone: âJust come over here, Iâll explain later.â
âNo need, gathering wood is more important.â Li Qiye shook his head and refused.
Yang Ling felt the urge to beat someone since Li Qiye couldnât tell good from bad. She wondered if he was dumb beyond cure.
âPrincess, just let him die if he wants to so badly.â Zhang Changyu would be more than happy to see Li Qiye die.
âItâs none of your business!â The anxious Yang Ling glared at him.
Zhang Changyu never dared to go against Yang Ling so he kept his mouth shut. The anger once again was diverted towards Li Qiye.
Teacher Du decided to descend to the ground, landing in front of Li Qiye.
âWe meet again, Young Noble Li.â He didnât put on an act at all, looking as friendly as can be.
âWhat is it?â Li Qiye seemed disinterested in the amicable teacher.
Anyone else wouldnât like this. After all, Teacher Du was a man of status, around the same level as an elder from a big sect. He was well-respected by the students in Duality as well, the geniuses included.
Teacher Du didnât seem to mind and smiled: âYoung Noble Li, Duality Academy always has love and appreciation for talents such as yourself. Would you like to join our academy to advance your studies?â
The students from Duality were surprised first then the rest of the crowd.
Though Duality had its door open for everyone in the world, the entry requirements were severely stringent.
The students either had an incredible background, strong talents, or something brilliant about them. One-in-a-billion wouldnât be an exaggeration.
An invitation like this was very rare. Only others asked to join Duality, never the other way around.
âHmph, Duality is quite calculating. Theyâre inviting him in order to monopolize the fruits.â An elder calmed down and sneered.
âRight?â Other experts clapped their thigh in full agreement, thinking that they knew Dualityâs goal. They started sneering at the academy.
Teacher Du turned a deaf ear to this and only focused on Li Qiye: âWhat do you think, Young Noble?â
Li Qiye also ignored the others and stared at the teacher. He smiled and shook his head: âNo point in going to Duality to learn more, itâs more comfortable chopping woods here. Nonetheless, I will remember your goodwill.â
The refusal was certainly unexpected for the students. It took immense effort for them to join, needing to surpass numerous trials. Now, Li Qiye was turning down this great opportunity.
âThis is a mistake!â Yang Ling performed her trademark foot stomp again and hurriedly told him: âYou should know that joining our academy is far better than staying here. Itâll guarantee you a great future.â
She implicated that the senior defender wouldnât be able to do anything to him if he were to join their academy.
Vajra might be strong but it wouldnât directly confront Duality nor would it do anything to a student there in public.
âI prefer my current life.â Li Qiye waved his hand and smiled.
âIdiot, Iâm trying to save youâ¦â She murmured, vexed.
âJust let him fend for himself.â Other students snorted since their teacher was refused. They had a terrible impression of someone so unambitious.
âIf you ever change your mind, our door is always open for you. We truly appreciate talented people and will not let you down if you visit us.â Teacher Du stared at him and said.
He then paused and glanced over at the marquis and senior defender, whether on purpose or not, then said: âOf course, if you have any problem, youâre welcome to come to find us. You know where we are.â With that, he floated back to the peak.
âBrother Du, this brat is worthy of your effort?â A different teacher asked him.
âYes.â Teacher Duâs eyes were profound as he stared at Li Qiye: âIâve never seen someone with that type of personality and character before. Just that alone is worthy of joining our academy. His talents donât matter.â
âWhat do you mean?â An older teacher joined in.
âUnmoved by external temptations.â Teacher Du responded seriously.