As several people flew on their swords toward the Disciple Room, Li Fei's small courtyard was already packed with people. The disciples surrounded Zuoqiu Xiansheng, passionately voicing their complaints, one after another, growing increasingly agitated.
Zuoqiu Xiansheng remained composed, his thoughts unreadable, while Hu Jiaping appeared somewhat awkward. Zuoqiu Xiansheng had been away from the Academy on business and had specifically entrusted Hu Jiaping to oversee affairs in his absence. Yet now, the situation had escalated into the absurdity of disciples impeaching a teacher, for which Hu Jiaping bore some responsibility.
Miao Lanxin sighed, "Teaching the Ice Condensation Technique for two whole months? What is she doing?"
Teachers generally kept to themselves, and given that their subjects were entirely different, they rarely inquired about each other's progress. No one had expected that after two months, Lin You had yet to teach any proper Aquatic Immortal Technique.
Zuoqiu Xiansheng suddenly spoke, "Jiaping, please invite Teacher Lin You for a discussion."
The situation had escalated... Hu Jiaping had no choice but to fetch her. Disciples impeaching a teacher—such a thing had never been heard of. For elite disciples of Immortal Sects, teaching at the Academy was an excellent opportunity for cultivation. The youthful vigor of new disciples could rekindle their former passion and even help them break through long-standing bottlenecks. Every elite disciple selected for this role took immense pride in it. No matter how unruly their nature, they would undoubtedly give their all in teaching, holding nothing back. For things to reach the point of impeachment, Teacher Lin You was truly one of a kind.
Li Fei noticed that while Zuoqiu Xiansheng and the others were in the courtyard, Zhen Yunzi was conspicuously absent. She looked around curiously and asked, "Where is Zhen Yunzi?"
Baili Changyue tilted her head to listen for a moment. "He's in Lei Xiuyuan's room. He and Mo Yanfan seem to be asking Lei Xiuyuan something about Nightmare Art."
Li Fei suddenly recalled what Ri Yan had said—the Celestial Sound Word Spirit Great Art and the Word Spirit Nightmare Art were Star Rectitude Hall's exclusive secret techniques. In other words, the ones who wanted to kill Lei Xiuyuan were from Star Rectitude Hall? No wonder Mo Yanfan's expression had changed upon seeing that letter. He had promised to give them an explanation, and now it seemed his leave was to return and consult someone—and the person he brought back was none other than Zhen Yunzi.
Before long, Lin You arrived with Hu Jiaping. Her expression was calm, revealing nothing unusual. The children, upon seeing her, felt a mix of resentment and guilt. The bolder ones continued to voice their complaints, and the rest quickly followed suit, filling the courtyard with noise once again.
Zuoqiu Xiansheng raised his hand, and the children's voices instinctively quieted. He spoke, "Teacher Lin, the disciples have been at the Academy for over two months now. Sword flying and Alchemical Furnace cultivation have been completed. You, along with Teachers Luo and Miao, are responsible for teaching the foundational Five Elements Immortal Techniques. May I ask if there has been any deviation in your teaching?"
Lin You sneered coldly, showing no respect even toward Zuoqiu Xiansheng. "These brats are all idiots who can't learn a thing! What kind of phoenix can I carve from rotten wood?!"
The children were instantly furious, glaring at her with rage.
Zuoqiu Xiansheng turned to Miao Lanxin and Luo Chengji beside him and asked gently, "What do Teachers Luo and Miao think of this year's new disciples?"
Neither had expected things to escalate like this and felt somewhat awkward. Miao Lanxin, being older, spoke up first. "This year's disciples are all talented and diligent in their cultivation. As a teacher, I cannot agree with Teacher Lin You's assessment."Luo Chengji also nodded in agreement: "Indeed, among them are several exceptionally talented individuals who, given time, will undoubtedly become the pillars of their respective sects."
Zuoqiu Xiansheng smiled as he looked at Lin You: "Master Lin, don't you think your view is somewhat biased?"
Lin You replied indifferently: "If that's the case, then I shall resign from this position. Though I'm honored by Zuoqiu Xiansheng's high regard, such a great responsibility is beyond my capability. I shall take my leave from the Academy now."
Without hesitation, she turned and walked away, reaching the courtyard in just a few steps.
Suddenly, the door to Lei Xiuyuan's room swung open, and Zhen Yunzi's cold, clear voice, like a deep spring, rang out at the entrance: "Master Lin, please wait. I have a question for you."
Lin You halted and replied coldly, "What advice does Master Zhen Yun have for me?"
Zhen Yunzi took a few slow steps forward, with Mo Yanfan following behind him, his expression unreadable, showing neither joy nor sorrow. Li Fei, sharp-eyed, noticed Lei Xiuyuan trailing behind Mo Yanfan. He appeared calm, his head slightly bowed, and seemed in better spirits than during his illness.
"Master Lin You," Zhen Yunzi began, "you claim to be the third disciple under the Dragon Serenity Yuanjun of the Fire Lotus Sect. Then, may I ask why you are using Star Rectitude Hall's Celestial Sound Word Spirit Great Art and Word Spirit Nightmare Art?"
Lin You turned around, looking startled. "How do you know that? Hmph, naturally, someone must have taught me!"
She glanced at Mo Yanfan, but the latter remained composed, his gaze fixed downward as if lost in thought.
Zhen Yunzi gently pulled Lei Xiuyuan to his side and said sternly, "Then why did you use Star Rectitude Hall's Immortal Technique against this Academy disciple?"
For a moment, Lin You seemed bewildered. "What are you talking about?! This is slander! I only learned a few basics—how could I have used it on him?!"
Zuoqiu Xiansheng interjected, "Master Zhen Yun, my abrupt visit to the Academy today is precisely for this matter. Nephew Mo happened to meet me on his way back to his sect and informed me that this child had been subjected to the Word Spirit Nightmare Art. The Academy has always been a place of purity—how could Star Rectitude Hall's Word Spirit Nightmare Art appear here? If I don't investigate this thoroughly, Star Rectitude Hall's reputation will remain tarnished. Lin You, there's no need to pretend anymore. I know who you are."
Lin You took a few steps back and sneered. "Zhen Yunzi, are you trying to frame me with the Word Spirit Great Art? Don't even think about it!"
Before she could finish, Zhen Yunzi suddenly raised his voice sharply: "Who are you? Confess now!"
Though his words weren't loud, to the disciples present, they struck like thunder out of nowhere. The Word Spirit Great Art, infused with spiritual energy, reverberated through the courtyard. Unprepared disciples were instantly knocked unconscious, and even Li Fei felt a wave of intense dizziness, nearly collapsing to her knees.
Lin You, despite being on guard, couldn't withstand the sudden attack. Blood trickled from her nose and mouth, and her gaze momentarily blurred as she murmured, "I—I am from the Eastern Sea's Wan—"
Her words abruptly cut off as if she had broken free from the Word Spirit's hold. Without another word, her body transformed into a fierce gust of wind, howling as it attempted to escape. But Zhen Yunzi wouldn't let her flee. A streak of white light shot from his sleeve, instantly multiplying into countless thin, translucent blades that encircled the whirlwind.
A pained cry came from within the wind before it dissipated, revealing Lin You drenched in blood. Her lotus-colored robes had transformed into a purple gown, and her neatly tied hair now cascaded loosely down her back. The illusion spell shattered, revealing an entirely different appearance.She shot Mo Yanfan a hateful glare and said sharply, "You... hmph! I won't let you off even as a ghost!"
Ice blades surrounded her completely, seemingly trying to restrain her. With a cold snort, she spat blood onto the blades, raised her long sleeve to cover her head and face, and with a final burst of strength, broke through the encirclement. Her purple figure plummeted toward the cliff like a broken kite.
This sudden turn of events left Li Fei stunned. Why had Lin You suddenly changed appearance? She seemed to harbor deep hatred toward Mo Yanfan—had they known each other before? What history did they share? Li Fei recalled that strange conversation between Lin You and Mo Yanfan that night. Combined with what just happened, could this Lin You be an imposter? Had she disguised herself as Lin You to enter the academy for Mo Yanfan? No wonder her teaching had been so erratic and distracted—she wasn't the real instructor at all! Then where was the real Lin You?
Zhen Yunzi hurried to the cliff's edge and peered down, frowning. "The demoness escaped—Zuoqiu Xiansheng, if I recall correctly, isn't that area below the academy's restricted zone?"
Since the incident began, Zuoqiu Xiansheng had remained silent and motionless. Now, when addressed, he replied calmly, "Indeed, it is the restricted area. Zhen Yun Xiansheng, thank you for exposing the imposter. However, this is an internal academy matter, and we dare not trouble you further. A Mu."
At his call, the black-veiled woman appeared before the crowd like green smoke, bowing her head. "What are your instructions, Xiansheng?"
"Investigate the restricted area."
"As you command."
Zhen Yunzi took a step back at this firm yet polite dismissal and said no more. Nearby, Mo Yanfan suddenly stepped forward and spoke quietly, "Zuoqiu Xiansheng, this woman used the Star Rectification Hall Immortal Method to harm others. To uphold my sect's reputation, I ask your permission to join the investigation."
Zuoqiu Xiansheng walked back into the courtyard with his hands behind his back, his voice indifferent. "Then we shall trouble Young Hero Mo."
The sudden shift from accusing an instructor to unmasking a criminal left Li Fei reeling. Baili Gelin had been knocked unconscious by Zhen Yunzi's Celestial Sound Word Spirit Great Art and still hadn't woken up. She wasn't the only one—most disciples couldn't withstand the overwhelming technique, and now many lay unconscious on the ground.
Fortunately, Ye Ye and Baili Changyue were still barely standing. Li Fei carried Baili Gelin over to them. Ye Ye touched Gelin's face and murmured, "She's fine, just unconscious. She'll wake soon... Hmm, that Zhen Yunzi must have held back against us, or we wouldn't have gotten off with just fainting."
Zuoqiu Xiansheng and several other instructors were channeling spiritual energy into the unconscious children to stabilize their disturbed alchemical furnaces. Seeming remorseful, Zhen Yunzi stepped forward and bowed. "I acted rashly. I beg your forgiveness, Zuoqiu Xiansheng."
Zuoqiu Xiansheng smiled faintly. "Zhen Yun Xiansheng helped our academy uncover an imposter. We are grateful, not resentful. However, as the disciples remain unconscious, we must ask you to wait a while longer. Once they awaken, we shall see you off."Zhen Yunzi had never mentioned leaving, yet the phrase "see him off" was an unmistakable hint for him to go. His face darkened with embarrassment. Clasping his hands in a stiff salute, he turned to leave. As he passed by Li Fei, he nodded at her, his voice uncharacteristically gentle, "Young lady, cultivate well. The Immortal Sects need rare talents like you."
He... didn’t seem entirely bad after all. Li Fei nodded silently.
Zhen Yunzi then turned his gaze to Baili Changyue. The moment their eyes met, she shuddered involuntarily and even took two steps back.
Ye Ye stepped forward and bowed to Zhen Yunzi. "Senior Zhen Yun, we have a friend who still hasn’t awakened. Could you lend us your assistance?"
Zhen Yunzi generously placed his hand on Baili Gelin’s head, giving it a light pat. The next moment, she woke up, her expression dazed as if still lost in a dream.
"Farewell." Zhen Yunzi cast one last glance at Baili Changyue but said nothing more before swiftly departing.
Once he was gone, Ye Ye immediately asked, "Are you alright? Did you hear something?"
Baili Changyue shook her head, her expression puzzled. She murmured, "I can’t recall his heart’s voice at all... It’s like I heard something, but I just can’t remember. The moment he looked at me, I felt this inexplicable fear... How strange."
Ye Ye chuckled. "After all, he’s a high-ranking figure from Star Rectitude Hall. Did you really think he’d let you eavesdrop so easily?"
Baili Changyue remained silent for a long while, her expression still clouded with doubt.
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