Chapter 115: Surging True Qi Inflicts Damage on the Spleen and Lungs

The nightfall was suffocatingly dark, as if one careless moment would cause one to be swallowed whole by its endless blackness. Suspended in midair, a massive vortex spun ceaselessly, churning the heavens below into unrest and refusing to settle the realm above. Everything, without exception, had turned cold and deep in shadow because of this sudden dimming of the scene. Yet, amidst the obscurity, there must exist a place extraordinary beyond all imagination—and that seemingly inconspicuous little cottage was precisely such a place.

Within this ancient celestial realm, all things had long been shrouded by the dark aura, yet only that small cottage emitted a faint, flickering light that pierced the hearts of those nearby. Peering through the paper window of the peculiar cottage, an incredible sight unfolded. Countless points of starlight spontaneously arranged themselves into a complex pattern, floating before everyone’s eyes and slowly revolving around them. But the intricate design was so complicated that its true meaning eluded all comprehension.

Looking around the cottage, one could see an elderly man sitting cross-legged in a corner, his hands raised toward the sky as if supporting something invisible. His expression was fraught with inner turmoil, cold sweat soaking his robes, and his brows tightly furrowed in evident discomfort. A closer look revealed his body trembling slightly, and the situation seemed dire—as though he might collapse at any moment. Indeed, not long after, the old man could no longer sustain himself.

Suddenly, he retracted his hands sharply, drawing a surge of vital energy back into his body. However, this energy was overwhelmingly forceful, and as it returned to its source, it inadvertently injured his internal organs. A mouthful of fresh blood burst forth and splattered onto the ground, forming bloodstained plum blossoms. Seeing this, the others hurried over to his side but could only silently watch, unwilling to disturb his cultivation and recovery.

Yet, no one noticed that as the old man concluded his spell, the once gloomy sky instantly brightened, and the floating star pattern vanished without a trace. Only a sheet of white paper and a piece of exquisite jade gently drifted down to the earth, lying there together in solitary companionship, untouched and unnoticed. After some time, the old man finally opened his eyes, pale and weak, yet he smiled faintly at the gathered crowd.

“Master, how do you feel now? Is the injury severe? Should we help channel vital energy into you to heal?” Cold Huaiyi asked hastily upon seeing the old academy director awaken. His concern was genuine; having witnessed the old man cough up blood, Cold Huaiyi’s face changed instantly. He immediately rushed to the director’s side, gazing at him anxiously, fearful that something irreversible might occur.

“I see Master’s complexion is still poor. Surely, the excessive exertion during energy recovery just now caused internal injury. To be safe, we should first tend to Master’s wound—this serious injury cannot be delayed. All other matters can wait,” Lan Bingxian said as he sat cross-legged, reaching for the director’s arm to channel vital energy into him. But the old man stopped him, firmly refusing their assistance.

“You brats and troublesome girls finally realize your old bones are fragile, huh? When I was transforming the cycle of the sun and moon for you, you showed no concern whatsoever. This minor injury is nothing—I don’t need you wasting your energy on healing me. Save your strength for the day of competition, when defeating your opponents is paramount,” the old academy director said, his eyes meeting their worried faces with a sense of relief. It seemed that the injury he suffered this time was worth the sacrifice.

“Director, I will forever remember your kindness. Should trouble ever arise, just call on me, and I will brave fire and water without hesitation!” Yu Shang said sincerely, looking at the exhausted old man. Regardless of his usual cunning and penchant for taking advantage of others, this time his genuine effort moved Yu Shang deeply. No matter what the future held, these words had to be spoken.

Of course, Yu Shang would not let one act of selflessness erase all the old man’s past deeds. Vigilance was still necessary. Showing the old man any mercy would be merciless to oneself. Moreover, his dedication was driven by his own motives; everyone was simply playing their part to meet their needs. To think this would change their view of the old man would be a grave mistake indeed.

“I hope you’re not just paying lip service, boy. I won’t hold back—if anything happens, I’ll come looking for you. Don’t go into seclusion and pretend I’m invisible!” The old director’s strange smile betrayed his sharp insight. He had long recognized that Yu Shang was no ordinary youth, destined for greatness. Confirmed as the one foretold in prophecy, there was no way he would let him slip away.

“Junior is honored by your presence and would never neglect you!” Yu Shang shivered at the old man’s smile, a wave of frustration sweeping over him. This old fox could effortlessly draw a person to the edge of an abyss without their awareness, leaving them no choice but to fall.

“Look at the old man joking with that brat—that means his injury isn’t so serious. He won’t die, so stop worrying so much. Your eyebrows are practically joining in the middle! Remember, if you’re unhappy, my Lan’er will be unhappy too. In the end, I’m the one who has to keep you both laughing!” Xiao Yin whispered softly to Meng Youyuan nearby. Honestly, even he had begun to feel sorry for the girl.

“Making me happy is such a burden to you, huh? Fine, then you can just ignore me from now on. That way, there’d be fewer troubles!” Lan Wu shot a glare at Xiao Yin but smiled slyly the moment she turned away. It had been a long time since they had quarreled, and she found she missed it. Unconsciously, Lan Wu’s feelings for Xiao Yin grew deeper, proving his efforts had not been in vain.

“Come to think of it, your idea isn’t bad. After all, staring at one person endlessly can grow tiresome. Why not enjoy the pleasures of many beauties, keeping our relationship fresh and exciting?” Xiao Yin grinned mischievously, leaning close to Lan Wu’s ear.

“You dare! If that day ever comes, I’ll make sure to cripple you first! How dare you leave me to flirt elsewhere after causing me trouble? You must really be tired of living!” Lan Wu threatened with her delicate fists, but she didn’t truly believe him. She had enough faith in them and their love—that Xiao Yin wouldn’t be so cruel.

“Lan Wu, rest assured, he wouldn’t abandon you. If you were taken by someone else, he’d be hiding in a corner crying non-stop,” Meng Youyuan chimed in, now fully recovered from his daze. Watching the couple’s playful banter brought a pang of envy—such joy was rare and precious. If only he could one day be like that.

“But I think such a possibility doesn’t exist. Lan Wu is devoted and loyal in love. I believe she would never run off with another man. Even if she did, she’d follow Xiao Yin,” Yan Xuesu teased from the side. Their laughter was infectious—no matter how bitter or tiring life became, such joyful sounds could lift anyone’s spirit.

“Yan Jie, why are you turning on me like this? Remember, we’re on the same side! If you ever get bullied by Yu Ge, I’ll just stand by and watch, maybe even kick you when you’re down!” Lan Wu blushed deeply at the teasing, her flushed cheeks and pouty lips eliciting laughter from everyone. She was adorable when shy.

“Don’t worry, that day won’t come. I’ll cherish Yan’er and never hurt her. I’m not like you, Xiao Yin, who mistakes harsh words for sweet nothings and quarrels for intimacy. I’ll protect Yan’er completely, leaving no room for doubt,” Yu Xiaoran said quickly, understanding Yan Xuesu’s insecurity and determined to treat her well.

“I don’t know what’s wrong, but I feel uneasy all over, and this chill crawling up my back is freezing!” Yin Boxuan shivered and couldn’t help but mock Yu Xiaoran’s overly affectionate confession. He was truly impressed—such syrupy words were beyond most, a true master of wooing.

“All right, enough teasing. Let’s leave here for now. Senior Brother’s injury is serious and requires proper rest. Though this place is filled with spiritual energy, his wound was caused by an overflow of vital energy. It’s not suitable for him to absorb too much now. Returning to the academy to recuperate is safer,” Xun Mishuang said softly, watching the group laugh together.

“Senior Uncle is right. We should return to the academy. After being away so long, we don’t know what conditions await us there.” Cold Huaiyi helped the old director to his feet, but his careless remark wounded Xun Mishuang deeply. Leaving this place truly meant an unbridgeable gulf between them. The cruel difference in status had returned, blocking the lovers from a true union.

Even the others sighed upon hearing the title. Cold Huaiyi was impeccable in every way except his rigid adherence to tradition. He dared not cross boundaries, whether in love or other matters. He only obeyed elders and considered the so-called greater good, never himself or his beloved. Did he realize how deeply hurtful this so-called greatness was? In truth, it wounded himself most of all.

This matter was a perfect example. Though the two had reconciled, on the way back to Yanlan Academy, everything reverted to the way it was. He remained the obedient disciple; she, the heartbroken senior uncle. They could only watch each other from afar, close yet worlds apart. Their pain was felt by all friends, who could not bear to pretend nothing had happened.

“Thank you all for your concern. This old man’s injury wasn’t in vain after all,” the academy director said quietly, glancing at the two burdened souls. Yet everyone sensed the deeper meaning: he was relieved they knew their place and had not overstepped, allowing him to return to the academy in peace.