Chapter Twenty-Two: Yanlan Academy, Entrusted with Great Responsibility

The group from Feathered Sorrow strolled leisurely along the bustling avenue, each lost in their own thoughts, wandering aimlessly. At this moment, the road felt extraordinarily long, their steps unusually heavy, as if they could never reach the end.

“Excuse me, please wait!” called a man to them. Upon closer inspection, it was the stranger who had silently observed them from a corner of the tavern earlier.

“So, you’ve finally decided to show yourself?” Yu Xiaoran looked at him with cold indifference.

“My apologies for the intrusion,” the man replied courteously. “I have followed you for some time without your permission. If my actions have caused any discomfort, I beg your forgiveness.”

“And now, what business do you have stopping us?” Yan Xuesu smiled, pressing him further.

“My name is Lan Bingxian. By my master’s command, I invite you all to visit Smoke Orchid Academy, to enjoy some tea and conversation,” he said with respectful humility, his tone graceful and sincere, devoid of affectation. Dressed in a robe of azure silk, his demeanor exuded serenity and cultured elegance, making it difficult not to like him.

“What do you all think?” Feathered Sorrow asked, glancing at the others. They exchanged silent looks, communicating something unspoken, then nodded in agreement.

As soon as they stepped into the academy, a delicate fragrance wafted through the air, intoxicating and soothing. Following the scent, they discovered several pots of tiny orchids, their crystalline green leaves accentuating petals as white as snow: refined yet not garish, noble yet never vulgar. Truly, the gentleman among flowers!

Further ahead lay a vast garden, home to countless rare and exotic plants, though orchids remained predominant. Walking along the stone-paved path, they admired blossoms on either side, sparkling like stars, captivating all who passed. In the garden’s center stood a small bamboo cottage, which, according to Lan Bingxian, housed a trove of precious books—a great treasure of Smoke Orchid Academy. The air was filled with the mingling aromas of flowers and books, refreshing and pure, compelling passersby to pause and inhale deeply.

Suddenly, the sound of water grew louder. They looked up to see a solitary peak rising before them, a waterfall cascading down its face like a curtain of pearls, droplets splashing into the air and forming a mist that shrouded the enchanting scene. Occasionally, a few cranes would glide by, coming to rest at the lake’s clear edge. Unusual trees, planted along the banks, also drew attention: sky-blue leaves shimmered gently, silver trunks bore pale purple fruits, and a breeze set the trees swaying gracefully, as if a maiden were performing a dance for her beloved.

In the middle of the lake, a pavilion stood, beside it a bridge of pure white stone leading straight to the opposite shore. Enveloped in mist, the pavilion seemed like an ethereal realm. Within the pavilion rested a zither, its strings untouched yet as if its melodious tune could already be heard, lingering in the ears. Even the cranes, as if entranced by the imagined music, approached the pavilion and settled quietly. Hundreds of fish swam toward the center, leaping playfully around the pavilion.

Led by Lan Bingxian, the group crossed the white stone bridge and passed through a grove of emerald bamboo, finally coming to a halt. Lan Bingxian softly recited a secret incantation and waved his hands, opening an invisible gate. “Please,” he said, offering a courteous gesture for them to enter. Inside, they found a modest house. “Please rest here; I will fetch my master at once,” he said, turning to leave.

Inside, the room was simple yet elegant. The hall contained two rows of sandalwood chairs and tables, each table set with celadon teacups. The tea was still warm, clearly freshly brewed, and its fragrance filled the air, making the unadorned surroundings feel soothing and comfortable.

“This hardly feels like an academy—it’s paradise on earth! If merely the path leading here is so beautiful, who knows what wonders await elsewhere!” Lan Wu exclaimed in admiration.

“Indeed, such refined and otherworldly elegance! The founder of this academy must possess extraordinary taste,” Yan Xuesu responded with a smile, her gaze reflecting a hint of reverence.

“What’s the matter? Are you pining for someone? If that person is really as you say, do you mean to pledge yourself to them?” Yu Xiaoran said, somewhat displeased.

“What’s gotten into you today, prickling everyone like a hedgehog!” Yan Xuesu shot back, glaring at him.

“Sometimes a hedgehog hurts others to protect itself. Perhaps the weather is too stifling today; everyone seems moody,” Feathered Sorrow interjected calmly, diffusing the situation before it escalated.

“Yes, it does feel rather stuffy. Why don’t we cool off in the water later—how about a game of lovers’ frolic?” Xiao Yin grinned mischievously, instantly lifting the mood.

“There you go again, showing your true colors. Aren’t you afraid Lan Wu might get jealous?” Yan Xuesu, knowing how to keep the atmosphere light, joined in with a smile.

“Sister, must you always pair me with him? If you ever face such a situation, I won’t let you off without a good laugh!” Lan Wu replied, smiling without a hint of displeasure.

“Brother Leng, why so quiet today?” Feathered Sorrow asked gently, noticing Leng Huaiyi staring outside.

“Oh, it’s nothing. I’m simply lost in the beauty of this place,” Leng Huaiyi deftly evaded the question, then naturally took up his tea and sipped. “This tea is truly fragrant and refreshing, though its color is unusual—brewed to a sky-blue hue.”

“The tea is made from the leaves of those glowing blue trees and the waterfall’s water,” Lan Bingxian explained softly. “The color is strange, but there’s no need to worry.” He then respectfully called, “Teacher, please.”

An elderly man with white hair and youthful features entered, saying, “It’s been so long since my humble home has been this lively. I am grateful you have graced us with your presence and brought warmth to these lonely halls.”

“You flatter us, sir. We are hardly distinguished guests—just ordinary folk. Thanks to your kindness, we are fortunate to see the famed Smoke Orchid Academy and its extraordinary beauty. This journey is truly worthwhile!” Usually, among the four, Leng Huaiyi was the most composed and diplomatic, but now he seemed lost. Feathered Sorrow quickly took up the conversation. The others were puzzled by his distracted demeanor, especially after seeing the old man.

“May I ask why you have invited us here?” Yu Xiaoran, setting aside his usual roguish manner, spoke with unusual courtesy.

Perhaps such elders, with their immortal bearing and kind eyes, naturally inspire warmth, much like Lan Bingxian’s gentle demeanor—making it hard to dislike them.

“I had no choice but to invite you today,” the old man sighed, sitting down by the wooden chair.

“Is the academy in trouble?” Leng Huaiyi asked anxiously, clearly concerned. He interrupted before the old man could finish, an uncharacteristic breach of etiquette that surprised everyone.

Indeed, Smoke Orchid Academy has remained neutral and secluded for centuries, never involving itself in worldly disputes, striving always for purity and detachment. Yet, powerful forces from outside covet it, intent on absorbing Smoke Orchid Academy into their domain. This tranquil haven must not be polluted by the world’s corrupt ways. In desperation, we allied with Bilu Ancient City, another neutral territory, to resist outsiders together. But fate is rarely kind. Just when we thought peace had returned, the mysterious region within Bilu Ancient City is about to open. Does Heaven truly mean to destroy the last sanctuary of serenity?” The elder, grief-stricken, looked skyward and questioned.

“Why does the opening of this mysterious region cause such alarm? If it poses such a threat, why not find a way to seal it permanently? Why set up a tournament to select eligible entrants?” Xiao Yin asked, perplexed.

“That is precisely why I have invited you. Once opened, the mysterious region cannot be closed by human means; its power far exceeds our imagination. Moreover, if we were to seal it away, it would incite resentment from other regions, who would use any excuse to wage war against us. Instead, we preemptively announce the opening, allowing skilled individuals to compete for entry, thus silencing dissent from other realms.” The elder took a sip of tea and continued, “But within that region lies a scroll, vital not only to Smoke Orchid Academy but to the entire Bilu Ancient City. If it falls into the hands of others, we would again be at their mercy. Thus, I beg you to help us!”

“Elder, how do you wish us to help?” Feathered Sorrow asked thoughtfully.

“On the day of the tournament, please guard the gate. Do not let those with ill intentions qualify to enter the mysterious region!” With that, the elder stood and bowed deeply, imploring them.

“There are many formidable contenders in the world, and we are but a drop in the ocean. How can we fend off so many?” Yan Xuesu replied hesitantly.

“I know you came here with your own goals. As long as you do not compete for the scroll, when the region opens, I will personally lead you inside. Take whatever you wish—I will not begrudge it!” the elder pleaded again.

“This…” In truth, each had hoped that at least one among them might gain entry, but now the elder wished them all to defend the gate, a request that weighed heavily upon them.

“Yi’er, I beg you!” The elder moved to kneel beside Leng Huaiyi, but he quickly stopped him. “Yi’er, you were once a student here, nearly becoming its steward. For the sake of our bond and this place, help us!” In fact, even without the elder’s plea, Leng Huaiyi would strive to earn entry, for he held fond memories of the academy and had been entrusted with this task by Wang. Yet now he was being asked to promise for everyone, which truly troubled him.

The others finally understood why Leng Huaiyi had been so distracted since entering the academy—it was his old home. Though they had known each other for years, their pasts remained largely unknown, as if each preferred to forget.

“Senior brother, please save the academy! My talent is lacking and I am deeply ashamed that I cannot help. All hope now rests on you. If not for the rule forbidding elders from competing, we would never trouble you!” Lan Bingxian, overwhelmed, knelt down.

“A man’s knees are worth gold—how can you kneel so easily? Get up!” Leng Huaiyi was now thoroughly conflicted, and his brother’s act unsettled him even more.

Everyone exchanged glances, then nodded in agreement. Yu Xiaoran spoke, “Very well, we accept your request!” At these words, the elder, Leng Huaiyi, and Lan Bingxian all smiled with profound relief.