Chapter 48: A Duke’s Apology and a Master’s Warning

“This student deeply appreciates the Dean’s kind intentions, but at present, I wish to continue my travels and cultivation with my master, and it is not yet convenient for me to settle down.”

Su Liyue bowed gracefully, her words respectful yet unwavering.

Dean Yu Qinglan revealed a look of understanding, as if he had anticipated her response.

“The world is vast, and with a powerful master by your side, it is only natural to venture forth, learn, and broaden your horizons,” he stated.

“Should you ever wish to settle down after graduation, Starlight Academy of Magic will always welcome you.”

It had to be said, Dean Yu Qinglan’s use of the pronoun “you” (plural) was remarkably subtle.

It could refer to the perfect pair of Su Liyue and Ye Xingchen, or it could subtly include Mu Wanqing as well.

Small wonder that mages in games typically allocated their points to intelligence; such linguistic artistry truly demanded a sharp mind.

“We are grateful for your kindness, Dean,” Su Liyue replied, “and if we ever decide to settle down, Starlight Academy of Magic will certainly be our first consideration.”

Though a polite formality, Su Liyue subtly emphasized the “we,” both acknowledging the Dean’s unspoken implication and suggesting that the matter would be given careful thought.

A flicker of approval sparkled in the Dean’s eyes as he sighed.

“I truly am getting old; the stage of the future ultimately belongs to you young ones.”

The two exchanged knowing smiles but offered no reply, leaving only Mu Wanqing, who blinked her large eyes and earnestly declared, “Dean, you are full of vigor! How could you possibly be old?”

“Ah, Student Mu, with that sweet little mouth of yours,” the Dean chuckled heartily, “if you specialized in fire magic, you would surely be a heartwarming young lady.”

Mu Wanqing immediately blushed, stammering, “It’s not as good as you say…”

Just as they spoke, three resonant, powerful knocks echoed from outside the door.

Ye Xingchen’s gaze fixed on the entrance.

At this hour, with such an imposing knock, who else could it be but Duke Xiao, arriving with serious business?

Dean Yu Qinglan gave a gentle flick of his wand, and the office door slowly swung open.

Standing at the threshold was a middle-aged man in noble attire; it was none other than Duke Xiao himself.

“Forgive my intrusion,” Duke Xiao said with a slight bow, his gaze noticeably lingering on Su Liyue before continuing, “It seems I’ve arrived at an opportune moment.”

The Dean rose to greet him. “Duke Xiao, you’ve come at precisely the right time. We’ve just concluded a pleasant afternoon tea.”

Ye Xingchen noticed a young man with a bruised and swollen face trailing behind Duke Xiao; it was precisely the arrogant and overbearing Xiao Qicai from earlier.

At this moment, the young master’s docile, subdued demeanor was a stark contrast to his usual self.

“My foolish son was ignorant and offended you all,” Duke Xiao declared, yanking his son forward. “Apologize now!”

Xiao Qicai gritted his teeth, about to speak, when Su Liyue suddenly let out a soft laugh.

“Duke, your son’s injuries… they seem even worse than this morning?”

The office fell silent instantly.

Duke Xiao’s lips twitched almost imperceptibly; those fresh bruises were clearly the result of another disciplinary session he had administered moments ago in his room.

“This is… family discipline,” Duke Xiao squeezed out, a strained whisper escaping his lips, before conjuring a delicate gift box as if by magic.

“As a token of my apology, this is Moonlight Dew, obtained from the elven race. It has miraculous effects in healing injuries.”

Jiuwu, perched on Mu Wanqing’s shoulder, suddenly ruffled her feathers, for the moment the gift box opened, a pure, ethereal moonlight energy permeated the entire office.

This was no ordinary healing ointment; it was clearly the sacred dew of the elves!

Ye Xingchen glanced at Su Liyue.

‘It seems this Duke was truly terrified by ‘me,’ going so far as to bring out his most prized treasure…’

Seeing this, Dean Yu Qinglan quietly closed the door and stood silently to the side.

Through their recent exchange, Dean Yu Qinglan had come to understand that Su Liyue and Ye Xingchen already possessed the capability and qualifications to negotiate with Duke Xiao.

If any truly extraordinary circumstances arose, it would not be too late for him to intervene and mediate.

“Father, what are you…?” Xiao Qicai stared at his father, dumbfounded.

For a dignified Imperial Duke to grovel and flatter two mere students like this completely shattered the image of his father’s majestic grandeur in his mind.

‘Could it be that his father had become senile?’ He hastily spoke up, intending to warn him, lest his father had mistakenly brought a gift meant for another esteemed figure to commit such a demeaning act.

“Shut your mouth, you wretched offspring!” Duke Xiao snapped, delivering another backhanded slap that made stars explode before Xiao Qicai’s eyes.

“Not to mention that this Miss Su… already has an engagement, but her status alone makes her someone our Ducal Manor cannot casually provoke!”

“It’s a monumental blessing that others haven’t annihilated our manor already, and yet you, you wretched creature, dared to try and steal her away!?”

The mere thought of the seven great mountains that had vanished from the Ducal Manor in an instant sent a shiver of dread through Duke Xiao’s heart.

A person of such terrifying power, whose affiliation with the ‘Soul Hall’ was a name neither he nor the Grand Archmage had ever heard, was likely from some reclusive, super-powerful faction.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qicai’s legs turned to jelly, and he nearly collapsed to the floor.

In the past, at the academy, who wouldn’t fawn over him as long as he flashed the Ducal Manor’s name?

Although he maintained a noble demeanor on the surface, he had privately used his status to commit countless acts of bullying and villainy.

He had always believed he could swagger through the Aethelred Empire unchecked, but he never expected to have kicked a titanium alloy steel plate this time—an existence even his father’s Ducal Manor couldn’t afford to offend.

No wonder Su Liyue had always ignored his priceless, extravagant gifts; looking back now, it was clearly the composure and indifference of someone who had seen the greater world!

“This… this can’t be!” Xiao Qicai slumped to the ground, covering his face in utter disbelief.

He simply couldn’t comprehend how he had gotten away with toying with so many girls in the academy without incident, only to stumble this time at the hands of a seemingly background-less girl.

This blow utterly bewildered him, plunging his entire being into self-doubt.

Observing this, Ye Xingchen remained silent, watching the spectacle unfold.

In his previous life, he had encountered many such greenhorns who, fresh out into society, failed to grasp that there were always those stronger and more formidable.

These types, who believed a bit of background made them invincible, weren’t worth much comment.

As for Xiao Qicai’s private villainous acts, Ye Xingchen, with his innate understanding of all things (TL Note: “先天八卦” literally ‘innate Bagua’ or ‘innate Eight Trigrams,’ implying a natural, intuitive grasp of situations), had long been aware of them.

However, since Xiao Qicai hadn’t directly provoked him, Ye Xingchen had only intended to teach him a lesson, not utterly destroy him.

Should Xiao Qicai persist in his ways, Ye Xingchen was certainly no saint!

Furthermore, he knew full well that if Xiao Qicai continued his wickedness, he would inevitably encounter a powerful figure who wouldn’t bother with pleasantries, and would simply eliminate him.

After all, not everyone in this world had received the standard nine years of compulsory education as on Earth.

Duke Xiao, however, paid no mind to the prostrate Xiao Qicai, instead putting on a welcoming smile.

“Miss Su, please, I hope you will accept this apology, and convey my regards to your esteemed master.”

Duke Xiao’s words could not have been more transparent.

Su Liyue cast a cold gaze upon the slumped Xiao Qicai, a look that sent shivers down Duke Xiao’s spine.

‘That formidable expert’s judgment in selecting disciples is truly extraordinary; even her gaze is so unique.’

“There’s no need,” Su Liyue stated. “My master instructed me not to casually accept gifts when traveling.

Duke Xiao, I will naturally convey your sentiments to him, however…”

Su Liyue’s tone was calm, yet it carried an extraordinary chill.

“If Duke Xiao continues to allow your son to pester and entangle himself with me, then… my master’s temper, well… it might become rather unpredictable…”

Cold sweat immediately beaded on Duke Xiao’s brow, soaking his back.

He had originally thought she was merely an inexperienced young girl, easily dismissed with a few gifts.

Yet, the aura she exuded in her words and actions was utterly unlike what one would expect from someone her age; it made even an old hand like him feel a profound sense of dread.

Truly, she was worthy of being the beloved disciple of that peerless expert who called himself “Protector Xiao of the Soul Hall”—indeed, she was extraordinary!