Chapter 113: The Tomb Chamber Map and the Secret Compartment Key

“Enough coughing! Don’t let your personal emotions hinder everyone’s progress! Remember, these are cultivators shouldering great responsibilities, tasked with restoring order to the world—not idle followers here merely to amuse you!” When the old dean turned his gaze toward Meng Youyuan, a flicker of pity flashed in his eyes. Seeing Youyuan so pained saddened him deeply. Yet, this trace of compassion was swiftly erased by his cold, merciless expression.

Coupled with his utterly emotionless words, the group’s spirits plummeted to the depths, their resentment toward him growing fierce. Even those close to Meng Youyuan felt a pang of heartache, wishing they could bear her suffering instead. But as her only living relative in this world, how could this old man so callously ignore her plight and utter such cruel words with such composure?

At that moment, the old dean seemed like a glacier—devoid of warmth, exuding only a chilling coldness that pierced the heart. A mere touch of this frostbiting aura felt like needles of poisonous silver stabbing deep into one’s bones, inflicting unbearable pain without leaving a single mark. Such invisible wounds tormented the soul far more than any visible scar, often with deadly consequence.

“Master, you may choose to disregard Youyuan as if she were a stranger, but I beg you not to speak such heartless words that wound her further. What she endures now is far more tragic than what you suffered back then. Please, I implore you, do not pour salt into her wounds. Even if you cannot protect her, do not cruelly destroy her,” Lan Bingxian said, lifting his head to meet the old dean’s gaze with all the tenderness and sorrow he had in his heart.

Suddenly, he felt powerless. The one he loved most was so heartbroken, and as the only man she could rely on, he had no remedy. All he could do was hold her fragile figure in his arms quietly, unsure how to heal the deep pain within her soul.

“Master, your words are a bit harsh. Youyuan is an inseparable part of us. If she faces difficulties, of course, we will stop and care for her. How could you say she is a burden? If any of us were in such a state, Youyuan would undoubtedly protect us without a single complaint,” even the usually respectful and obedient Leng Huaiyi could not help but speak up in defense of Meng Youyuan today.

“Just because you are ruthless doesn’t mean the rest of us are. At least we understand what compassion and affection mean. Unlike someone who is so coldhearted that even his own kin suffers so, and yet he utters such hurtful words—it’s truly chilling,” Yin Boxuan said, unable to tolerate the master’s harshness toward Meng Youyuan. He had always refrained from speaking out in the past, intimidated by the master’s authority, and dared not offer comfort to Youyuan.

But now, Yin Boxuan had repeatedly challenged the master’s limits, caring little if he earned a scolding. It was better than watching helplessly as the master hurt Meng Youyuan. He could not understand why, when they were each other’s only family, they could not live in harmony but instead dragged themselves into such misery. Everyone could see that as they hurt one another, the deepest pain was theirs alone.

“I don’t think he’s heartless, but rather indifferent. Otherwise, how could he remain so cold? Still, I must say, Dean, I admire your ability to sever emotional ties so completely. We can only look on from afar in awe,” Yu Xiaoran sneered sarcastically. Just to protect the reputation of a failing academy, the old dean abandoned his own granddaughter. Such ‘greatness’ was truly shameful.

In truth, Yu Xiaoran had long suspected the old dean’s animosity toward Meng Youyuan was not merely rooted in past grudges, but because she bore the blood of the demon clan. To safeguard the academy’s name, he had ruthlessly turned against her, though others stopped him—yet their relationship was severed. He could not understand whether sacrificing one’s own kin for the sake of an institution was truly justified.

“Please don’t blame anyone on my account, nor let yourselves suffer because of me. That will only make Youyuan feel more guilty and sorrowful. Honestly, after venting, I’m fine. As you said, I am not alone. So many friends have cared for me all along. I have no reason to remain sad,” Meng Youyuan said softly, regretful to see the turmoil she caused. She hastily composed herself and forced a smile.

“Yes, let’s all say less to avoid putting Youyuan in an awkward position. After all, it’s a family matter, and no matter how close we are to Youyuan, we are still outsiders. Discussing it further is fruitless,” Yu Shang, who had been silent for a long time, finally spoke gently to soothe the tension. He also found the old dean’s coldness hard to bear, but airing such matters among outsiders would only worsen the situation and lead to irreparable tragedy.

“Hmph, you insolent brats! I’ll settle accounts with you when you return! For now, the priority is to leave here quickly and discuss our next steps properly,” the old dean said, not as furious as they expected but rather mildly displeased, then promptly returned to the matter at hand. It seemed he had sensed his misstep from the group’s words and refrained from losing his temper publicly.

“Why go elsewhere to discuss? Isn’t this the safest place? Besides, some things would cause trouble if others saw them,” Xiao Yin chuckled mischievously before darting swiftly toward the old man’s side, circling him once. Then he returned just as quickly, but now in his hands were two objects—the very treasures the woman had given the dean.

“How dare you, you little snake! Taking things without permission! Do you know I could send you to the Yellow Springs Road and the Naihe Bridge for this crime?” the old dean glared angrily at Xiao Yin, who toyed with the treasures. Indeed, their vigilance had not missed this; they had uncovered the truth. Yet, this was a blessing in disguise, for these items were destined to be theirs eventually.

“It’s not like I won’t return them, old man. Why the rush? And how can you be so sure these two things have nothing to do with us?” Xiao Yin waved the treasures before the dean and challenged him loudly. If they truly had no connection to them, what harm would it do to reveal them now? He had long anticipated this moment.

“Don’t push your luck, or don’t blame me for being ruthless!” Though the old dean knew they wouldn’t let this go easily and would dig deep to uncover the truth behind these items, Xiao Yin’s brazen attitude enraged him. This time, he had to put on a show to scare him, lest his authority be lost.

“Dean, please calm down. Xiao Yin’s actions were indeed excessive. I apologize on his behalf. Since the items are already revealed, it’s better to let him see them than have him persist in sneaking around,” Yu Shang quickly intervened, sensing the situation might spiral out of control. He feared an outburst that would be impossible to stop.

“Hmph, if you want to see, hurry up and don’t waste my time!” The old dean huffed but relented, letting them satisfy their curiosity. Yet, his eyes never left Yu Shang, whose cultivation surpassed many peers but could never rival Fu Youming. He could not believe Yu Shang was the prophesied ancient god. This news was simply unbelievable.

“What are you waiting for? Open those two items quickly so we can admire them. I’ve been curious for so long!” Lan Wu ran beside Xiao Yin, urging him on. She had been scheming ways to obtain these treasures from the old man, but Xiao Yin had beaten her to it. Perhaps they shared a tacit understanding, for intriguing things seemed to multiply.

“Why rush, little girl? The items are in my hands; no fear they’ll run away,” Xiao Yin said affectionately, then spread his hands to reveal the two treasures to all. Only now could they truly see their appearance: one seemingly ordinary but radiating boundless power; the other dazzling yet stirring no greed in their hearts.

Curiously, the seemingly powerful paper bore not a single word—just a blank expanse, its meaning inscrutable. The other, a beautiful piece of white jade, was far more captivating. It resembled a pure white cloud floating on the horizon—crystal clear and enchanting, yet impossible to own. Its spirit seemed untamable, as elusive as drifting clouds.

Intricate patterns adorned the jade—strange, indescribable motifs that blossomed like seductive flowers in full bloom. Though their names were unknown, their beauty left an unforgettable impression. Upon closer inspection, these curious designs shimmered faintly, like stars releasing their light in the night, mesmerizing all who beheld them.

“This white jade is truly beautiful—pure as flowing water, white as clouds. One glance and you can’t look away. But what of this blank paper? Why is it completely empty? It’s so strange,” Meng Youyuan murmured beside them, perplexed. She could not fathom why the woman had given her grandfather a blank sheet of paper. What purpose could it serve?

“Though this paper lacks the jade’s dazzling brilliance, its power is no less formidable. I can sense its strong energy, but cannot comprehend its purpose,” Yan Xuesu agreed slowly, then turned his gaze toward the old dean. Surely, he must know the secret of this mysterious paper imbued with eerie aura.

“That woman said this paper is a map to a tomb within a secret region. As for why it’s blank, I do not know. The white jade is the key to a hidden compartment. What lies inside, I need not hide from you. Even if I told you, you wouldn’t dare to compete for it. Therein lies the scroll I once spoke of,” the old dean replied resignedly, feeling the intense gazes upon him. Had the children not stopped him, he would have uncovered this secret long ago, sparing them idle speculation.