Book 14: Chapter 20

Ingenious Solution (Part 3)

Things didnt look optimistic. Confucianism disciples didnt excel in offence, defence or evasion; they were average at all aspects of combat. That was their strength, though. Therefore, the more advanced they were, the harder it was to determine their weaknesses, which only became even harder to identify once they reached Divine Realm.

My s.h.i.+fu never respected Uncle Huangs character or skills, the former because Uncle Huang was too wishy washy, while the latter was because it was an utter mess. When speaking on Yu Sihe, however, s.h.i.+fu evaluated him positively, saying, His swordplay is pa.s.sable. Without knowing my s.h.i.+fu, you mightve brushed off Yu Sihe. Since I knew my s.h.i.+fus character, however, I never underestimated Confucianisms martial arts disciplines. That went double in my current state. Of course, whether I tormented myself trying to pinpoint their weaknesses or they tormented me after capturing me on suspicions of me harming Uncle Huang, it was still torturous. That being said, I had a more important question: couldnt they choose different time to have a misunderstanding?!

The leader was the type I hated the most a pretty face on a guy. He was different to the cordially-smiling scholar, though. I could tell at a glance that hed have butchered me already if he wasnt trained to always follow procedures.

It was all a misunderstanding. How could I throw a fit with Uncle Huangs disciples and grand disciples considering my relations.h.i.+p with him? I could talk it out with them, and we could even be friends. As academicians, what could we not settle with words?

Ive been looking for you, he said with a smirk.

You are?

Lan Jiqiong.

I offered a thumbs up and bright smile. That is the hallmark of a true academician. Material wealth is all dung. Even the qiong in your name is there to emphasise lack of wealth. My humble respects!

Lan Jiqiongs pretty face twitched. Its the qiong in firmament.

Ahaha Hahaha, I am the new Hanlin Academician His Majesty appointed. We are fellow scholars, descendants of Mencius, uh

Ive seen your test paper.

Fark!

I didnt know he was a marker!

Uncle Huang and I are close. I think there is a misunderstanding. In the underground palace

Lan Jiqiong unsheathed his sword. I am Princ.i.p.al Huangs direct disciple and Daren Academys current Thuban.

Thuban So if left is superior, hes third rank around here?

Lan Jiqiong kept imbuing qi into his sword even after the qi stung my face without direct contact. Although I dont know what happened in the underground palace, s.h.i.+zun has not forgotten the name of his mortal enemy even in his unconscious state. He mumbles your name every day in his nightmares. Every one of us is heartbroken, yet you have the nerve to stroll around here as if nothing happened?

He even spoke with decorum, never explicating the contents of Uncle Huangs nightmares.

Dont tell me their misunderstanding isnt that bad, and its all a product of their own twisted imaginations.

Ming Feizhen, I shall make you pay with your blood! Hold him down, and pull his pants off!

They really have twisted it with their imaginations, and b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l their imaginations are vivid! Is there n.o.body at this academy whos not off their rockers?!

Wait! If youre Thuban, what about Edasich?

Lan Jiqiong, startled for a second, reflexively questioned, What now?

Why isnt he here?

I saw Lan Jiqiong avert his gaze for the split second before he grouched, My senior brother isnt here. What does it have to do with you?

I scratched my head. Could it be that he believes the full story is not yet clear and is against you taking action in the meantime, but you have chosen to act against his orders?

N-no!

Youre too honest for you own good, bro.

Help! Thuban Lan is trying to kill me!

You! Stay still if youre tough!

Only an idiot would stay still for you to hack him!

As I ran, I continued crying for help. As expected, the chicken instructed his group to pull out.

Lets go! If Senior Brother comes over and finds us here, well be in trouble!

In no time at all, they were gone. I had to get going, too, because who knew of the Edasich was also an outlier to normal. If he, as well, misunderstood, then Id have the entire academy hunting me down.

He s.h.i.+, I need to get moving, but before that, I have just one question: can you still partic.i.p.ate in the idol compet.i.tion?

The spectator returned to reality. Huh? Oh, yeah, yeah. The rites and calligraphy contests are on the first day, after all. The exams commence on the second day, though, so I cant partic.i.p.ate from then.

As long as He s.h.i.+ could take care of his portion, Tang Ye and Xiao could handle the rest.

Sounds good. Im going on ahead.

I sneaked out of the academy. Suffice to say, I couldnt avoid being seen. Nevertheless, they didnt show signs of pursuit, so the Edasich must not have misunderstood me.

I went to deliver a letter to Beiping first as planned and then dropped into Heavenly Fragrance Garden to see if s.h.i.+fu tried to contact me at all.

There was a solution to the exams at long last.

I had to be cautious of Gongsun Chu, who couldve shown up again at any moment.

I was dealing with the a.s.sa.s.sins, but Jingans plans were never so simple.

Mount Daluo hadnt contacted me at all since the last time we made contact.

Has s.h.i.+fu been busy? He must be so busy with one of his ladies that he doesnt even know his disciple almost got minced. What an irresponsible adult.

I had just stepped out of Heavenly Fragrance Garden when I sensed danger at my neck.

Not even this place is safe now?

I ducked under the sword and then heard, Ming Feizhen, if you make it out of here alive, Ill spell my name backwards from now. I then saw an angry young girl armed with a sword.

Eh? Arent you the la.s.s that sick Fu Xiang groomed?

You killed my adopted father, and youre still smearing his name?! Die!