Chapter 97: Go Apologize to Head Chu Yourself
'Wasn't Xiao Chen supposed to be in seclusion?'
'Then why can I hear someone swinging a sword?'
'Could it be that a disciple from another institute is secretly training in the Miscellaneous Dao Institute, planning to stun everyone during the grand tournament?'
Several big question marks flashed through Chu Feng's mind, and he immediately walked in the direction of the sound.
He passed through the woods and, under the faint light of dawn, saw a white figure in a clearing, gracefully moving with a longsword.
Before Chu Feng could get a clear look at the person's face or the sword technique being practiced, the swordsman suddenly stopped and turned with a cold shout.
"Who's there?"
"Elder Bing."
Once Chu Feng saw the person's face, he blurted it out instinctively.
When Elder Bing realized it was Chu Feng, the coldness around her instantly vanished, and a flush of red crept up her cheeks.
She hadn't expected to get caught by Chu Feng himself while secretly learning sword techniques.
For a moment, Elder Bing stood frozen in place, eyes darting around in panic. She wanted to yell at him, but the words got stuck in her throat and refused to come out.
Chu Feng, seeing that it was Elder Bing, didn't think much of it. He smiled and said, "So it was you, Elder Bing, practicing here. I thought it was a disciple from another institute. Go ahead and continue, I'm off to look for my disciple."
"Mm."
Elder Bing replied softly with a guilty conscience, watching Chu Feng's back as he walked away. Her mind buzzed: 'Did he see everything?'
'If he did, why didn't he call me out directly?'
'Or… does he have some other motive?'
A flood of thoughts swirled in her head.
Elder Bing felt her mind growing restless and couldn't focus on cultivation anymore.
'Forget it. No point dwelling on this. I still have to teach the disciples today. Better go back and adjust my state of mind.'
After leaving the woods, Chu Feng continued searching for Cao Youqian.
Not long after, he spotted him outside the library, practicing punches.
"Da Qian."
"Master."
Cao Youqian stopped his training as soon as he heard Chu Feng's voice, turning around and bowing.
"No need for formality."
Chu Feng looked him over. The kid's aura was still a bit unstable—clearly the aftereffect of a recent breakthrough.
"You're doing pretty well. Cultivated a few techniques and managed to break through a small realm."
Cao Youqian chuckled. "Master, was it the commotion from my breakthrough that disturbed your rest?"
"???"
Chu Feng gave him a speechless look. "You're overthinking. I just randomly decided to check on everyone's training and happened to see you breaking through."
"Oh."
Cao Youqian scratched his head awkwardly and grinned. "Master, I've already cultivated nine techniques to perfect completion. I've even comprehended several kinds of fist intent."
"Not bad. You didn't let me down. Do you have any questions about your training?"
Chu Feng asked casually.
"None."
Cao Youqian shook his big head.
"Alright then, I won't disturb your practice."
Chu Feng turned and walked away. Cao Youqian continued practicing his punches.
—
Half an hour later, the sun had risen.
Elder Bing flew her sword back to Qingxue Peak of the Heavenly Spirit Institute.
Throughout the entire morning, Elder Bing was visibly distracted. Several times when disciples asked her questions about their cultivation, she didn't respond right away.
At noon.
A white crane descended onto Qingxue Peak and spoke, "Elder Bing, the Head requests your presence at his personal courtyard."
Elder Bing stood up and replied, "Understood. I'll speak with the disciples briefly and then head over."
Seeing her agree, the crane flapped its wings and flew off.
One incense stick's time later.
Elder Bing arrived at the Head's residence. Aside from her, the other elders of the Heavenly Spirit Institute had also arrived one after another.
"Head has arrived!"
With a loud and clear announcement, Carefree Sword appeared before them in flowing white robes, smiling brightly.
"We pay our respects to the Head."
The elders bowed in unison toward him.
"No need for formalities. Sit."
Carefree Sword flicked his finger casually, and several meditation cushions appeared before them.
Once everyone was seated, Carefree Sword began, "The reason I've called you all here today is to discuss the matter of the grand tournament..."
Half an hour later, the meeting concluded.
He glanced at everyone present and said, "Everyone may leave except for Elder Bing."
"Yes."
The elders began leaving one after another.
Carefree Sword took a sip of tea and spoke unhurriedly, "Elder Bing, do you know why I've asked you to stay behind today?"
Elder Bing replied respectfully, "Is the Head concerned that my time spent at the Miscellaneous Dao Institute has affected my ability to guide disciples?"
This grand tournament would include the True Inheritor Competition, where the chosen Saint Child candidates of Wendao Academy would be selected.
Each Saint Child candidate was a key figure for cultivation and advancement. The more Saint Child candidates an institute had, the stronger and more prestigious it was.
Even the Heavenly Spirit Institute had to take this competition seriously.
"Of course not."
Carefree Sword set down his teacup. "With your level of cultivation, even teaching once a month—let alone three times—would be of great benefit to the disciples.
The reason I had you stay behind is because I've noticed your heart and mind are in disarray—completely unlike the person you used to be."
Elder Bing froze upon hearing this. She blurted out instinctively, "Master, was it really that obvious?"
Carefree Sword smiled. "Ordinary people may not notice, but I am always a step away from breaking through to Half-Saint. I could tell with just one glance.
What's more, you possess the Ice Soul Sacred Body and cultivate the Ice God Scripture. In theory, no one and nothing should be able to shake your mental state.
Looks like the battle between Xiao Chen and Qin Rou shattered your Dao Heart.
I originally thought that battle would humble you a bit. You've always been too prideful—an asset, yes, but also a flaw.
But now... you're just... disappointing."
"Master, I was wrong."
Elder Bing lowered her head in shame.
"What wrong did you do?"
Carefree Sword's tone remained casual, completely without blame, as he calmly sipped his tea.
Elder Bing's face was full of guilt. "I shouldn't have tried to secretly learn from Head Chu."
Cough... cough...
Carefree Sword almost choked on his tea.
After a few seconds, he scolded her with deep disappointment: "You… You're an elder of the Heavenly Spirit Institute! How could you do something like this?! If you truly wanted to learn Head Chu's sword techniques, you should've asked him openly and honorably—not... this shameful behavior! What were you thinking?!"
Elder Bing kept her head down, unable to meet her master's eyes. He was right. She had always been proud, but Chu Feng was the first man to make her taste defeat.
That was why she lost sight of herself and did something so out of line.
Carefree Sword said coldly, "Go apologize to Head Chu yourself and ask for his forgiveness. If he refuses to forgive you, go to the Dean and request punishment on your own."
"Yes."
Elder Bing answered, then stood and left.
Watching her walk away, Carefree Sword suddenly felt a strange wave of exhaustion.
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