Chapter 3: A Farewell, a Secret, and a New Academy

Yet, after much deliberation, Ling’er understood that Ouyang Xiyue could not continue in this manner indefinitely. While such intensity might lead to short-term power enhancement, proper relaxation was equally crucial. Therefore, she spoke softly:

“Hui’er, time flows ever onward, and we have been together for many years. Your knowledge and experience all stem from Uncle Jian’s meticulous guidance during your adventures in the jianghu. Now that you have grown, you shouldn’t always hover around Uncle Jian; you, too, deserve a life of your own.” Ling’er gazed at Ouyang Xiyue, her eyes filled with reluctance, yet she knew deeply that this arrangement was not a wise long-term solution.

“Look at little sister Man’er; she attends school every day, diligently absorbing knowledge. Meanwhile, you spend your entire days adventuring with Uncle Jian. While such experiences are indeed rare and valuable, I cannot help but worry. Should anything untoward befall you, how could I ever explain myself to Uncle Ouyang Xiu? Starting today, I intend to send you to Sacred Sea Academy, the foremost institution on the entire continent. However, before you depart, you must promise me one thing.”

“Ling’er, I understand. Whatever you ask of me, I, Ouyang Xiyue, will certainly do my utmost to fulfill.”

“It’s actually nothing difficult. I hope that no matter what you encounter in the future, you will always prioritize your own safety before considering others. There is one more thing, though, that I find incredibly hard to say.” As Ling’er spoke, a faint blush of shyness crept onto her cheeks.

“Ling’er, speak freely, there’s no harm in it.” Gazing at the bashful Ling’er, Ouyang Xiyue found her utterly adorable.

“If it were possible… Hui’er, I hope that once you come of age, you will return to my side and walk hand-in-hand with me through the rest of our lives, would you? I want you to marry me.”

“Ah? Marry you? That doesn’t seem quite right. Wait, I’m a man; did you perhaps say it backward?” Ouyang Xiyue’s words instantly shattered the tender atmosphere.

“I don’t care about that! I won’t force you, Hui’er; I’ll give you time to think it over carefully… I’ll wait for you.”

‘Watching Ling’er’s unwavering resolve, Ouyang Xiyue felt ripples stir within his heart; though he maintained a composed facade, his inner world was already in turmoil.’

“Ling’er, I will certainly consider it carefully. After all, in my heart, you have long been my most important family member.”

“Since we are family, then promise me not to get too close to other women, or I’ll become jealous. And the same goes for men; you are born so beautiful and charming that if any man harbors ill intentions toward you…”

“Alright, alright, I know. You can rest assured, Ling’er.”

‘Though Ouyang Xiyue spoke these words aloud, he secretly mused that even if a man truly harbored designs on him, he would undoubtedly refuse them, for he, too, was a boy!’

“I will certainly keep my promise, Ling’er. If there’s nothing else, I’ll prepare to depart. After I leave, my sister will be in your care.” With these words, Ouyang Xiyue slowly stepped forward and gently embraced the blushing Ling’er.

“Ling’er, take care. This is a farewell embrace.” They held each other for a long time, reluctant to part.

“Cough, cough, Princess, Hui’er, it’s getting late.” Just then, a familiar voice drifted from behind them. The sound was like a pebble dropped into still water, shattering the tranquility in their hearts and causing them to separate, their faces flushed crimson.

“Ma… Master, when did you arrive?” Ouyang Xiyue asked, his face red, feeling as though steam was rising from his head. Ling’er beside him was no better off, being a young woman.

“Honestly, Uncle Jian, don’t be so reckless in the future, or I won’t speak to you.” Ling’er glared at Jian Laifeng playfully, inwardly chiding him for his lack of situational awareness.

Jian Laifeng scratched his head with an awkward, helpless smile.

“Oh, and Hui’er, Shangguan Yun has already gone ahead to the academy. If you have any questions, feel free to ask her; she knows your secret, and she is someone I trust implicitly. Furthermore, Sacred Sea Academy operates on a double-occupancy dormitory system, and to prevent you from getting too close to other girls, I’ve arranged for you to share a room with Shangguan Yun.” Having said this, Ling’er winked playfully.

“Hmph, Ling’er, stop teasing me, or I’ll really get angry.” Ouyang Xiyue puffed out his cheeks, feigning annoyance.

“Haha, alright, alright, I won’t tease you anymore. Though you are a man, your appearance is so exceptionally striking, it truly inspires envy.” As she spoke, Ling’er stepped forward and gently pinched Ouyang Xiyue’s cheek.

“Hmph, I’m leaving now. Master, let’s depart.”

Before his departure, Ouyang Xiyue turned to wave goodbye to Ling’er, then, with Jian Laifeng, he soared into the sky on a sword, swiftly heading towards Sacred Sea Academy.

‘During their journey, Ling’er’s words echoed repeatedly in Ouyang Xiyue’s mind.’

‘To “marry her”—no, it should be “to take her as his wife”—wouldn’t that mean becoming husband and wife? At this thought, Ouyang Xiyue felt an overwhelming sense of shame. Yet, marriage, by its very nature, should be a journey undertaken hand-in-hand with one’s beloved. So, what exactly was his true feeling for Ling’er?’

‘Before he could clearly define this emotion, Ouyang Xiyue secretly vowed to diligently improve himself. If he were truly to spend his life with Ling’er, his current capabilities would hardly make him a suitable match for her.’

‘While Ling’er might not care about such things, how would he explain it to his uncle? As the ruler of a nation, his uncle was constantly busy, and though privately he was generally kind and approachable…’

‘But if he were to achieve nothing in the future, how would his uncle ever agree to betroth Ling’er to him? He pictured the scene that would unfold.’

“Ha? Is *he* worthy? After all this time, he’s still accomplished nothing—impossible! Absolutely impossible!”

“How many across the entire continent are truly worthy of my Ling’er? Even if a prince from another continent wished to marry my Ling’er, he would first need to prove his capability. And even if you genuinely liked that fellow, given his utter lack of accomplishment, your future together would not be happy—absolutely not, and I will not accept any arguments!”

‘The thought that such an outcome would be a complete loss filled him with dread. Therefore, he concluded that romantic attachments would only be stumbling blocks on his path to becoming powerful. ‘Come on, Ouyang Xiyue!”

As Jian Laifeng was flying on his sword, he noticed Ouyang Xiyue’s speed gradually decreasing. He turned his head to look, finding Ouyang Xiyue’s expression somewhat peculiar.

“Hui’er, what are you thinking about? If you don’t speed up, I’ll leave you behind.” Jian Laifeng’s voice broke Ouyang Xiyue’s reverie.

“Ah, Master, please don’t scare me; I’m catching up now.”

Ouyang Xiyue knew well that Jian Laifeng was not one to joke around; he recalled a time during combat training with demonic beasts when Jian Laifeng had indeed left him alone, claiming it was to test his limits.

‘School, in Ouyang Xiyue’s heart, had always been a mysterious place. He wondered if, after arriving at Sacred Sea Academy, he would be able to make more like-minded friends.’

Ever since Ling’er had brought him into the royal palace as a child, he had indeed made many friends, but they were all noble scions, burdened with significant family responsibilities and constantly preoccupied. Each time he returned from training, only his sister and Ling’er were there to keep him company.

After nearly four hours of sword flight, the two finally arrived at Sacred Sea Academy.

“Hui’er, we’ve arrived. I recall Director Ji saying he’d wait for me here, but I’ve forgotten the exact spot. Ah, it’s truly a sign of old age. Hui’er, wait here for a moment.” Jian Laifeng said, closing his eyes, then slowly opening them moments later.

“Found him. Hui’er, stay close behind me; don’t get lost.” Jian Laifeng smiled faintly, then vanished from Ouyang Xiyue’s sight in the blink of an eye.

‘So fast, truly worthy of my Master. But please, do not underestimate me.’

At that moment, looking down from above Sacred Sea Academy, two lightning-fast streaks of light chased each other across the sky, hurtling towards the same destination.

“Look, what’s that in the sky?” exclaimed an academy student.

“Wow, it’s like lightning, so incredibly fast!”

“That must be sword flight. Although it’s a mandatory course in the first semester, precise control is incredibly difficult. Sword flight demands extremely high mastery over magical energy; a slight misstep can completely deplete one’s mana.”

“Exactly, if you lose control, you could very well fall from the sword. And sword flight consumes magical energy at an alarming rate.”

“While sword flight is a basic skill, judging by this display, these two must be true masters. Among the academy students, perhaps only Ye Xuehui could rival them.”

“Oh, look, they’ve stopped. Wow, how beautiful!”

Upon reaching their destination via sword flight, the two leaped down, landing steadily on the ground.

Only then did the students of Sacred Sea Academy get a clear view of the two. One was a distinguished-looking uncle with an extraordinary aura, while the other was a beautiful young girl, like a silver-haired elf.

“No way, that astonishing speed just now was achieved by an old man and a beautiful young girl who looks even younger than us? This is simply unbelievable!”

“Quick, I recorded a video; I’ll post it on the academy forum right away.” A quick-witted student had already captured the scene.

Amidst the students’ chatter, Jian Laifeng and Ouyang Xiyue met the person they had come to see.

“Director Ji, I’m entrusting this child to you. I have urgent matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now. When I have time another day, let’s share some tea.” Jian Laifeng finished speaking and prepared to turn and depart.

“Wait, Master, are you really leaving so soon?” Ouyang Xiyue’s eyes were filled with disappointment.

“Indeed, Hui’er. When I have free time, I will certainly return to see you. You must study hard.” Jian Laifeng stepped forward and gently pinched Ouyang Xiyue’s nose.

“Master, you absolutely must take care of yourself! And please, please remember to visit Hui’er when you have leisure; Hui’er will miss you dearly.” Having said this, Ouyang Xiyue tenderly threw himself into Jian Laifeng’s embrace, holding him tightly.

“Alright, alright, what an affectionate and obedient disciple you are. Look, so many people are watching. Your Master’s departure has no set return date, so you must take good care of yourself.” Jian Laifeng gently patted Ouyang Xiyue’s back, soothing him with a warm voice.

“Master, you absolutely, absolutely, *absolutely* must find time to come back and see me!” Ouyang Xiyue clung tightly to Jian Laifeng’s sleeve, his eyes brimming with reluctance.

Jian Laifeng smiled and nodded, leaving behind a smile as warm as spring sunshine, then departed like a fleeting meteor.

Only after Jian Laifeng had departed did Ouyang Xiyue awaken as if from a dream, looking around to find numerous students curiously observing him, whispering amongst themselves.

In that instant, his cheeks flushed red, and he inwardly cried out, ‘Oh no, in a moment of excitement, I behaved so improperly—how utterly mortifying! Right now, I truly wish I could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.’

“Cough, cough, Hui’er, don’t be shy anymore. Come, I’ll give you a tour of the academy.” Director Ji, seeing Ouyang Xiyue’s flushed face, secretly mused that old Jian Laifeng certainly enjoyed good fortune with women.

“What are you all staring at? Get back to class!” Director Ji channeled his displeasure into anger, roaring at the gawking students.

Seeing Director Ji’s furious outburst, the students wisely scurried away. Even the few who remained persistent were quickly dragged off by their companions, for they knew well the terror of the Director’s wrath.

Having vented his anger, Director Ji composed himself and strode forward, with Ouyang Xiyue silently following behind.

‘Gazing at the academy before him, Ouyang Xiyue secretly marveled, ‘This is no mere academy; it is clearly a breathtaking garden, fit for spirits to reside in. The luxurious architectural style is simply astonishing. If I hadn’t grown up in the royal palace and witnessed countless opulent places, I would surely be utterly dumbfounded right now.”

After touring the academy, Director Ji was about to lead Ouyang Xiyue to his class when they encountered a young female teacher.

“Yunmo, this is the new student for your class; I’m entrusting them to you.” Director Ji glanced at Ouyang Xiyue, nodded, and then turned to leave.

“Understood, Director.”

After Director Ji departed, Teacher Yunmo scrutinized Ouyang Xiyue from head to toe. Under the teacher’s gaze, Ouyang Xiyue’s face flushed crimson once more, like a ripe apple. After all, he was dressed in women’s clothing, and he worried his secret might be discovered.

“Ouyang Xiyue… you possess such breathtaking beauty, it truly makes this teacher quite envious,” Teacher Yunmo teased.

“Ha… ha… Teacher, you are the truly beautiful one,” Ouyang Xiyue replied awkwardly.

“Hahahaha, I won’t tease you anymore. Ouyang Xiyue, I’ve taken note of you. If you need anything, you can find me in my office. My class is next, so come with me to the classroom.”

Ouyang Xiyue nodded silently, for he had always been inept at interacting with girls, though he himself couldn’t quite explain why.