Chapter 108: A Meeting of Honest Hearts
Second update, recommendations welcome!
——
As soon as the words fell, the five trainees, excluding He Chen, all turned their heads to look at Xu Wen, or simply exchanged glances with He Chen to ask about the identity of the young man over there.
The five deans opposite smiled gently, unfazed, and even spoke with a hint of curiosity, “Xu Wen, what benefits are you seeking?” After all, as the disciple of Dean Harman, an old dean known for his unrelenting dedication to magical research, meticulous character, and warm helpfulness, he was highly respected among the teachers and deans of Qingyun Academy. It was only natural to show some special consideration to his disciple.
“Xu Wen?”
The other five were slightly startled. “Dean Harman’s disciple?” They finally understood why this guy was so brazen. Yet, none of the deans showed any hint of blame.
“No rigid standards, then?”
Xu Wen looked at the deans in surprise, his face full of confusion.
He had intended to inquire about the specific benefits of forming a mercenary group, wondering if he could leverage them to devise a faster cultivation path than going it alone.
“Rigid standards? Haha...” Dean Notting stroked his beard and chuckled, “Interesting term, but we don’t set any rigid criteria. If your mercenary group encounters difficulties, or if you receive tasks unrelated to cultivation, we can send people to help. Also, we can assist in gathering necessary supplies for our academy members. Besides, each person receives an annual monetary allowance.”
“Forming a mercenary group and taking care of people is like nanny work, which would greatly distract us from cultivation. So it’s only fair the academy helps us with these— I mean... extra benefits.”
Xu Wen smiled slyly, emboldened without realizing it. His intuition told him that if he didn’t squeeze something out of this approachable mage, it would be unfair to himself.
Dean Notting smiled again, glancing at everyone.
One dean on the left interrupted, fixing his gaze on Xu Wen. “You speak for yourself. What help do you need? As long as it’s within reason and your abilities, I can agree.”
They had reviewed Xu Wen’s detailed profile: a fifteen-year-old boy who, in less than a year, had rapidly advanced from a novice fire mage to a four-star fire mage! Miraculously, he had also mastered at least one three-star Xuantian-level spell and two Di Huang-level spells. This not only affirmed Dean Harman’s keen eye but also proved Xu Wen’s astounding magical talent. He was destined to become one of Qingyun Academy’s brightest prodigies.
To reach this stage…
If it were purely talent, the progress shouldn’t have been this rapid.
Thus, they were eager to know what Xu Wen was truly thinking.
This question stumped Xu Wen.
What did he want?
Too much!
Top-tier pills, materials, yet untouched chaos or primordial-level magic, or even the legendary mysterious treasures...
Just naming one would surely terrify everyone here.
“Forget it, I’ll just say what I can use at this stage.”
Xu Wen sighed inwardly, troubled. At the four-star level, aside from a few extraordinary treasures, most things were temporarily useless.
“A Xuantian-level fire magic grimoire. If not, a four-star Di Huang-level one will do.” After much contemplation, these words finally escaped Xu Wen’s mouth.
The study of the Golden Snake Dance had already begun, but Xu Wen felt that learning this spell would at most help him raise his spiritual power to four-star eighth rank. At least one four-star Di Huang-level spell was needed to break through the five-star barrier in a short time and officially become a high-level mage.
One dean, sipping tea slowly, choked on his drink and spat it out.
“You brat, do you think Xuantian-level and Di Huang-level spells are some kind of street food?”
The other six were equally indignant, glaring at Xu Wen.
Di Huang-level magic: among the seven, Ma Jiyang had learned the most—only two so far; the others each had only one Di Huang-level combat skill.
Dean Notting and the others broke into cold sweat, looking helplessly at the disgruntled dean and the obedient, almost sticky-sweet Xu Wen, then shook their heads and explained helplessly:
“Well... that will be very difficult to fulfill.”
“Not to mention Xuantian-level magic, even Di Huang-level magic is rarely shown to outsiders... None of us are fire mages; how could we have such precious grimoires?”
“Very difficult? So it’s possible?” Xu Wen suddenly lifted his head, seizing a hint in Dean Notting’s words.
Dean Notting coughed twice and answered awkwardly, “Nothing is absolute. But right now, we definitely don’t have them. As for the future, who can say?”
“Of course, if you perform well, there’s no ruling out gifting you a Di Huang-level combat skill grimoire from among those present.”
The seven’s eyes brightened.
Those who had been somewhat displeased with Xu Wen a moment ago now adored him in their hearts.
One sentence was tantamount to a disguised promise from Dean Notting himself for a Di Huang combat skill—how could they not be excited?!
After the excitement, things flowed much more smoothly.
Those who had their own plans began to consider forming mercenary groups—only those who formed one could receive that reward!
But Xu Wen’s enthusiasm waned considerably.
Forming a mercenary group was troublesome... too many bonds, and in the future, if unpredictable events occurred, it could become a big problem.
He would at most choose to join, not create one.
As for Di Huang-level magic, he would take it slowly. Dean Harman’s notes contained two five-star Di Huang-level spells and one five-star Xuantian spell.
If he couldn’t find them, it was just a matter of training a few more months.
After that, things became much less interesting. Dean Notting and the others began to indoctrinate them on the details of forming mercenary groups in the Bloody Alliance, much of which Xu Wen already knew.
Xu Wen listened attentively but his mind wandered elsewhere...
Joining a mercenary group still allowed one to accept missions alone and act independently, without affecting cultivation.
But in the Bloody Alliance, where strong talents gathered and competition was fiercer than in the Qingyun Empire, he wouldn’t dabble in necromancy until he had absolute self-defense strength. For now, using necromantic summons to enhance power without worrying about the characteristic cold aura of necromancers was the safest.
As for the two contracted beasts—though low in level now—their progress was steady and they could be gradually nurtured as future aids.
The only thing needing effort was alchemy...
From five stars onward, medicines were advanced; all ingredients became more expensive and couldn’t be acquired recklessly as with low or mid-level materials.
Even Qingyun Academy might not cover all the gaps!
Moreover, he had a mountain of debt.
“Xu Wen? Do you have any more questions?”
“Ah?”
Looking up, Xu Wen noticed He Chen and the others had stood up without him realizing it. Two even opened the door, ready to leave.
“Finished already? So soon?”
Under their disdainful gazes, Xu Wen hurried to stand.
But then Dean Notting’s voice rang out, “You all may leave. Xu Wen, stay.”
“Yes.”
The six exchanged varied expressions, cast envious looks at Xu Wen, and left the carriage one by one.
The carriage suddenly felt much more spacious, but Xu Wen also sensed a surge of magical energy rising from Dean Notting...
A layer of soundproof barrier quickly enveloped the remaining six.
“...”
“Now that there are no outsiders, we can talk properly.”
Dean Notting’s words made Xu Wen immediately rein in his earlier casual attitude and sit upright.
“We all know your situation. Originally, we thought the accident with the spirit-transmitting statue greatly reduced your cultivation. Now it seems that’s not the case, right?”
Faced with the gazes of Dean Notting and the other four deans, Xu Wen silently nodded, involuntarily thinking of Dean Harman and sighing bitterly.
“Yes. I originally intended to be the first to share this good news with Dean Harman.”
“...”
The five deans sighed in unison, naturally able to judge the truthfulness of Xu Wen’s words from his genuine expression.
“Dean Harman’s loss is one for the entire academy and even the Qingyun Empire... But fortunately, before he left, he took you as a disciple. I believe he would know everything and feel comforted in his old age.” They already knew what had happened in Mus City and had heard Xu Wen’s firm refusal of the seven elders from the noble families.
Their eyes toward Xu Wen softened somewhat.
“Could you tell us more details?”
“Yes.”
Xu Wen nodded and recounted everything: how he gained insight from the spirit-transmitting statue, and within days formed a chaotic spirit sea—telling every detail. He trusted that the deans wouldn’t spread this information recklessly. Besides, with his chaotic spirit sea growing more complete, it wouldn’t stay hidden for long, so there was no need to continue concealing it.
The deans exchanged glances frequently, marveling, their last doubts completely dispelled.
It was the first time they’d heard of a mage below five stars forming a chaotic spirit sea early—no wonder his spiritual realm seemed so peculiar.
“So, what is your actual cultivation level now?”
“To the dean, I only reached four stars, sixth rank yesterday!” Xu Wen answered.
Though the deans had guessed this with high confidence, they couldn’t help but sigh repeatedly.
“You haven’t even been cultivating magic for a year, have you?”
“Yes.”
“...”
The deans exchanged looks for several seconds.
“Alas, I now somewhat regret sending you to the Bloody Mansion... If you change your mind, I can immediately take you back to the capital and recommend you to a fire magic practitioner serving in the imperial palace... With his guidance, you could become the youngest Grand Magister or even Mage Master in history!” Dean Notting looked at Xu Wen emotionally. If not for Xu Wen’s words in Mus City, he might have already made the decision.
Though Xu Wen inwardly felt regret, he showed no hesitation. “Until I find my master, Xu Wen will never betray his sect. I hope the dean can understand.”
Though they sensed a faint struggle in Xu Wen, the deans found it normal. Imperial palace practitioners held lofty status; anyone not tempted would be suspicious. That Xu Wen could resist such strong allure and remain steadfast was truly rare!
Dean Notting turned his head, glanced at the other four deans, who silently nodded in agreement. Then, solemnly, he took a small item from his sleeve.
“Your loyalty and filial piety move us deeply, and we will fully support you. Alright, these were originally meant to be given to you later... But since you insist, take them now. Before Qingyun Academy was destroyed, we gathered some items from your master’s quarters. All of Dean Harman’s lifelong achievements and research are inside. You must keep them safe and never let outsiders know about this!”
Xu Wen stretched out both hands eagerly, receiving a ring glowing fiery red, with a faint crystal-like radiance flowing from top to bottom. He took a deep breath, almost uttering a name.