Chapter-Ten: Academy
The bright moon hung high, casting a chilly glow over the night.
Late autumn brought not only bone-chilling cold but also a lingering sense of melancholy.
Ning Chen's solitary figure moved down the desolate street, the weight of his depression evident in his posture. His black robe fluttered and danced in the cold wind, gradually dispersing the strong scent of blood clinging to him.
"This smell needs to go," Ning Chen thought to himself. "If I don't get rid of it soon, it'll make others suspicious. After all, it's too shocking for a mere fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy to have killed four seasoned hunters!"
Despite the circumstances, Ning Chen's heart remained calm. The consequences of taking those lives were not something he even considered.
**Hahaha! What a joke!**
Why should a Gu Master fear punishment for killing a few mortals? If anything, Ning Chen thought his actions would be celebrated. He could already imagine the praise from his family:
*"Such a natural talent for battle!"*
Still, he knew the risks outweighed the rewards. Why risk exposing his greatest secret for a handful of Primeval stones? Ning Chen would never make such a foolish mistake.
As he stepped into his home, the warmth that had been absent for so long greeted his chest.
"Ye Ling'er?" he called.
*Dong dong dong—*
Rapid footsteps echoed from afar, growing louder.
"Your servant is here. What are your orders, Young Master Ning Chen?" Ye Ling'er hurriedly ran up to him, bowing respectfully as she awaited instructions.
Ning Chen smiled faintly and walked up to her, gently patting her head. "Haha, did you enjoy yourself today?"
As he leaned in, the stench of blood radiating from his body became overpowering.
The heavy, metallic odor infiltrated Ye Ling'er's nostrils, surging into her brain and assaulting her senses.
"Ugh—Young Master Ning Chen, why... why do you smell so strongly of blood?" she stammered, nearly losing the contents of her stomach.
Ning Chen frowned slightly at her reaction. Leaning closer to sniff himself, he smiled knowingly.
"Haha, don't be afraid. I went hunting outside the village and killed some wild boars. After all, I'm a Gu Master now—how could I not test my Gu insects?"
Hearing this, Ye Ling'er's fear subsided somewhat.
"Then... Young Master Ning Chen, let me wash these clothes for you," she offered.
Ning Chen entered the bathroom, removing his clothes layer by layer before stepping into the waiting tub of hot water. He set the blood-stained garments aside and allowed his eyelids to close.
For the moment, he relaxed, savoring the peacefulness.
"Good work," he murmured to no one in particular.
The hot water embraced him, soothing every inch of his skin. The sweat of the day and the blood from the killings were slowly washed away.
*Wonderful.*
The next morning, the final hints of dawn—the pale, white belly of the sky—were devoured by the rising sun.
Ning Chen stepped out of his house early, one of the first to arrive at the school.
The Gu Master guarding the gate from the day before had lowered his vigilance, opening the doors without hesitation.
Ning Chen entered the classroom area, his steps measured and deliberate.
The school grounds were simple yet majestic, boasting white walls and black tiles. At the center stood a main building exuding an aura of strict security. Around it were training arenas and targets, surrounded by dormitories for the students.
Living arrangements were flexible; students could either stay in the dorms or return home daily.
Walking through several rooms, Ning Chen eventually found the classroom he was looking for. With only a handful of students qualified to be Gu Masters, the space required was minimal.
Pushing open the door, Ning Chen observed the simplistic setting. At the front was a podium, comprised of a blackboard and a wooden desk. Rows of neatly arranged desks and chairs filled the room, all designed for functionality over flair.
Only a few students were currently enrolled: Gu Yue Qing Shu, Gu Yue Mo Yan, and Gu Yue Chi shan.
Ning Chen had no interest in engaging with them and kept his distance. Instead, he walked directly to the back row and took a seat by the window—a spot that resonated with him.
The position was unobtrusive, ideal for staying out of sight. Yet, it also offered a clear view of the outside world, allowing him to bask in the scenery.
Ning Chen was someone who disliked being restrained, and this seat was perfect for him.
Here's a polished version of your story, adjusted for grammar, flow, and coherence while preserving the original tone and vivid imagery:
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Ning Chen walked to the inner row, pulled out a chair, and sat down. Seeing that it was still early, he closed his eyes and began to rest.
Of course, he wasn't simply resting his mind. His true intention was to warm and nourish the emptiness within. The light film in his consciousness was ceaselessly washed by the emerald sea of primeval energy, which surged like ocean waves crashing against the shore.
Minutes and seconds slipped by as the True Essence Sea gradually diminished. Yet Ning Chen's expression remained calm. When the sea of true energy was fully depleted, he began consciously inhaling the air around him. This was Ning Chen's unique secret technique—the third method of restoring true essence, detached from the constraints of the world. He had named it:
**The Method of Refining Qi and Restoring Qi**.
Gentle currents of warmth began to rise from the void. Probing with his spiritual consciousness, he sensed a handful of emerald-green water emerging from the depths of the void. His lips curved into an almost imperceptible smile as he thought to himself:
*"How marvelous! This method is truly extraordinary."*
As time went by, faint, intermittent footsteps reached Ning Chen's ears. One particular set of footsteps drew closer and closer, capturing his attention.
Ning Chen frowned and listened carefully: *"The steps are brisk… lively and light. She must be a girl."*
The footsteps approached, stopping right next to him.
"Hello, may I sit here?" a melodious voice asked. The sound was as soothing as birdsong drifting through the clouds—pleasant and uplifting. It was clear the speaker must be beautiful.
Ning Chen opened his eyes slightly, glancing at the newcomer. She was dressed in a flower-pink gauze dress, her long black hair cascading like silk, and her skin as fair as polished jade. Her lively green eyebrows arched delicately above a straight, petite nose. Pink, glistening lips framed a radiant smile, and her eyes sparkled like dew-kissed blossoms under sunlight.
She exuded the charm of a gentle beauty from a humble family.
"Go ahead," Ning Chen replied. "No one's sitting here."
Despite the girl's undeniable beauty, she failed to stir any emotion within him.
"Thank you!" she said brightly, sitting down with a natural ease. "I'm Gu Yue Hao Yu. What's your name?"
"Gu Yue Ning Chen."
"Oh~, can I call you Ning Chen?" she asked with a playful tilt to her voice.
"Whatever."
"I don't think I've seen you before. I'm a 40% C-level qualifier. What about you?"
"50% C-level," Ning Chen replied flatly.
"That's not bad," she said cheerfully. "Hey, the school elder isn't here yet. I wonder what he'll teach on the first day?"
"Who knows?"
Gu Yue Hao Yu chattered on like a lively lark. Her words flowed endlessly, filling the air between them.
*Tap, tap, tap.*
Ning Chen's sharp senses caught the sound of footsteps outside the door. These steps were firm and steady, exuding maturity. It could only be the school elder.
The door creaked open, and the elder stepped inside. The bustling chatter within the room fell silent.
The elder's narrow eyes carried a trace of sternness as his gaze swept over the students. His thin lips curled into a faint smile.
"Hehe, it seems everyone is here. Not bad."
He continued, "I believe you've all become acquainted by now, so there's no need for introductions. Let's begin."
He picked up a piece of chalk and wrote the word "Family" on the blackboard in bold strokes. Turning back to the class, his piercing gaze landed on them as he asked:
"Do you know your Family?"