20 The Academy

To the east of Zhan were the borderlands of the neighboring kingdom Jixian. Although the years of war between the two have come to pass, it would take many more years for their relationship to be considered better than strained. To the south, was a dense forest of towering trees swarming with murderous beasts. No one knew how far the land stretched out, but many of those who went farther into its depths would rarely be heard from again.

With morally questionable judgment, the founders of the nation had decided to establish the academy right beside the treacherous landscape.

Yun Da Xia stared out of the carriage as they approached the famed institution. She had combed through various history books present in her father's study, so at best she could say she had a shallow understanding of this world.

There had never been any doubt in her mind that this world valued the strong, but realizing how deeply ingrained the sentiment was in the hearts of the people was concerning.

In the academy, the youths were made to take on many different fields of practical learning. Many had decided on becoming warriors; where a large portion of their tasks were set in the forest adjacent to the academy.

The death tolls every year were very high.

"Xia'er, remember to lay low." Yun Wei reminded, watching as his daughter took in the architecture of the institution. He looked, finding that the academy did not differ from the one in his memory. Red pillars supported the various buildings, while the structures themselves stood high and almost blocked the sun. Several statues decorated the vicinity of the academy; each one a founder of the different departments. A large colorful archway was stationed at the entrance. Though simple, there was a grand aura that persisted throughout the area.

Yun Da Xia nodded, "Don't worry, father. I won't present myself as anything threatening."

He patted her head in acknowledgment. That was exactly what Yun Wei feared.

Although it was true that a tall tree attracted the wind, he feared that because she would pretend to be useless, she would still receive the ire of others. He was beginning to get a grasp of his daughter's temperament, and understood that she could and would endure silently; However, as a father, he could not easily take it lying down.

But she had demonstrated her capability, and this was her decision. He could only stand back and respect their agreement.

The carriage rocked slightly as they passed the archway and slowly came closer to the largest building in the vicinity. Three figures stood in front ready to meet them. Yun Wei could see the haughty expressions on their faces and scoffed in his heart.

On the day Yun Da Xia demonstrated her cultivation, he was brimming with shock and joy. After questioning, she revealed that she realized she could cultivate after her lightning accident. It was fortune from misfortune! Despite her energy manifesting as red, he was incredibly satisfied to know that his daughter could utilize spiritual qi. Apparently, the child was not yet satisfied and wanted to give him a heart attack. She revealed that her current cultivation level was at the sixth stage of Earth.

The sixth stage of Earth at fifteen!

A part of him wanted to brag in front of every ignorant fool who had dared mock his genius of a daughter when she still hadn't been able to practice cultivation. Who cared about that Tian Chan Ge or Zhan Yuemin? They weren't even worthy to carry his daughter's shoes!

Two people in the welcoming party suddenly sneezed.

Yun Da Xia wanted to step down from the carriage first, but the general had beaten her to it. Instead of allowing a servant to help her down, he took on the role; showcasing to their audience of three how treasured the Young Miss Yun was.

The girl refrained from smiling at the action. Instead, she donned an icy look; hopefully reminiscent to the one the original Yun Da Xia wore. Her eyes fell on the three youths and old man before her and bowed. Tian Chan Ge was the only familiar face to her. She could roughly guess who the other two were.

"Junior Yun Da Xia greets senior brothers, senior sister, and elder." Her aloof tone caused a slight frown to appear on Tian Chan Ge's face.

"You are well informed of my daughter's accident and the circumstances. If you would, please take the time to guide her well." Yun Wei's words did not sound like a request. His timbre was that of a general commanding his subordinates.

Yun Da Xia was internally shaking her head. It would be much better for her to simply be alone.

A tinkling laugh escaped from the lone girl of the group. She clasped delicate jade hands together; seemingly sweet and gentle. Yun Da Xia studied the young woman's act; gauging how accurate the manor's maids gossip was. The Young Miss was stunning– with large watery doe eyes and a blinding smile. Her signature white robes were draped flatteringly on her beautiful figure. With confidence, Yun Da Xia would conclude that this girl was Zhan Yuemin.

The girl with the greatest potential in the country, the lover of the third prince, and the woman rumored to become the next Empress.

"Uncle Wei, please don't worry. Min'er will surely take care of Little Xia." She grasped Yun Da Xia's hand in her own, making the other feel uncomfortable. Thick waves of fake cheer emitted from the lotus. "Little Xia, my name is Zhan Yuemin. You can call me Senior Min. It's okay to be late, I can go over the beginner lessons and slow them down so that you can understand." A smile lit up Zhan Yuemin's palm-sized face.

Yun Da Xia awkwardly chuckled thanks, shaking off the other's grabby hands.

Yun Wei had an unimpressed look on his face; it mirrored the one his daughter was wearing internally. "Who are you calling uncle?"

The elder man coughed, trying to diffuse the weird air that had settled. "Apologies, General Yun. Our Min'er is just a person who likes to get close to people."

Her guess had been right. The man was the director of the academy and Zhan Yuemin's uncle, Zhan Fe.

Her father harrumphed, eying Zhan Yuemin and Tian Chan Ge standing closely side by side. "It seems so."

Yun Da Xia coughed, hiding her upturned mouth behind a palm.