The morning had become vibrant, but not with peace. The courtyard echoed with hushed whispers as a crowd gathered around three closed doors, staring at the talismans stuck upon them. Murmurs rippled through the air: "Whoever did this is finished today."

  Jun Wan pushed through the crowd. Hearing the muffled chaotic sounds from behind the doors and seeing the talismans, her heart sank. She recognized the paper immediately it was handmade. Gu Zong always prepared his own talisman paper; she knew his craft better than anyone. Her face turned pale with disappointment and dread. Around her, the Han Clan disciples were fuming, their voices loud and threatening:

  "Whoever dared to pull this stunt on Prince Han Lao Fang will not be spared!"

  Jun Wan remained silent, her spirit weighed down. Just then, Grandmaster Kang Jue and his disciple, Yung Ke, arrived. Clad in pristine robes and radiating absolute discipline, their presence caused the crowd to instantly freeze in respectful silence.

  The Grandmaster’s eyes fell upon the talismans. Without a word, he traced a mantra in the air with two fingers. As the gesture completed, a divine mist manifested, split into three parts, and incinerated the talismans.

  The doors burst open with a resounding bang. The sight that emerged left the Han Clan speechless. When Han Lao Fang stepped out, feathers were stuck in his hair, his room was a disaster of scattered belongings, and his prestigious robes were in total disarray. Han Zaoshi emerged in a similar state of pathetic ruin.

  Stolen Content Alert: This novel is officially on Royal Road. Author: Mohi Koshi.

  A roar of indignation erupted from the Han Clan, but Jun Wan’s face only grew more despondent. The Grandmaster’s brow furrowed at the sight of the Han brothers' humiliation. He cast a sharp, piercing look at Jun Wan before turning and walking away without a single word. Yung Ke remained behind, attempting to maintain order.

  Then, Han Wuang Shi stepped out of his room. He was as calm as a still lake, his attire immaculate. His long black hair was perfectly styled, and his simple white robes lent him an ethereal beauty. His quiet charisma acted like a magnet, drawing every eye toward him. However, seeing his composed state only made Lao Fang and Zaoshi’s faces turn pale with a mix of shame and confusion. Without acknowledging anyone, Wuang Shi walked directly toward the lecture hall.

  Yung Ke announced in a commanding voice:

  "Let the courtyard remain silent. Please return to the hall; your classes are about to commence."

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  Lao Fang and Zaoshi rushed back into their rooms to fix their appearance. Lao Fang looked as though he were on the verge of tears, yet he could not or perhaps dared not react further.

  As the students dispersed, Yung Ke called out to Jun Wan:

  "Senior Sister, please wait."

  The Library Council

  A short while later, Jun Wan and Yung Ke sat in the main library. The hall was airy and filled with natural light, yet a heavy silence lingered between them. Suddenly, Grandmaster Kang Jue entered. Jun Wan rose immediately to pay her respects.

  Yung Ke spoke in a gentle, poised tone:

  "Senior Sister, thank you for coming at our request. We wish to discuss the events of yesterday and this morning."

  Jun Wan knew exactly what was coming. She lowered her eyes, her voice turning grave.

  "Grandmaster, I thank you for inviting me and my brothers here. On behalf of Gu Zong, I offer my deepest apologies for his actions."

  Grandmaster Kang Jue took a deep breath, his voice altering the very atmosphere of the library.

  "Jun Wan, we all know why Zao did this. But he must understand that the Han brothers are not to blame for the past. What happened is a tragedy, but the past is like a leaf fallen from a branch it can never be reattached. Zao is exactly like his father; he cannot control his rage. And you, Jun Wan... I see your mother’s reflection in you. I trust this will not happen again. If it does, I will be forced to take severe measures."

  Jun Wan remained silent, nodding her head in submission. She bowed and left the library. Walking through the corridor, her steps felt like lead. Suddenly, she stopped. Tears began to splash onto the floor. She wanted to wail, to let out the suffocating pain, but she kept her face tight.

  "Senior Sister," Yung Ke’s voice came from behind.

  Jun Wan quickly wiped her eyes and turned around with a forced, artificial smile. Yung Ke saw right through it. As they walked together, Yung Ke spoke softly:

  "Senior Sister, I have been in this knowledge hall for seven years. I have never seen the Master forgive such a massive transgression. I only want to tell you... what we see is not always the truth."

  She left Jun Wan standing alone. Once more, Jun Wan struggled to hold back her tears. The wind fluttered her robes and hair, but she stood frozen like a statue.

  While the atmosphere at the academy was toxic and heavy, Gu Zong was elsewhere. Near a waterfall, standing on a smooth rock slick with spray, he was practicing his swordsmanship. His blade was so precise it sliced through individual droplets of falling water. He was lost in the rhythm, his body fluid and masterful. Not even the strongest wind could deviate the path of his steel.

  Meanwhile, in the Fukun Knowledge Hall, the students sat in perfect discipline.

  Among them were Jun Wan, Zhuang Hue, and the three Han brothers. Wuang Shi looked like a statue of discipline itself. Grandmaster Kang Jue stood before them, a book in hand, his voice reaching every corner of the hall.

  "Thousands of years ago, in the Lianxiao Sect, the Great Grandmaster Hung Zai initiated the path of cultivation through the Zhangwu Pillars. Today marks the arrival of the first stage of that path. According to the Great Teachings, the greatest strength is Knowledge. Knowledge can take you to the peak, and ignorance can hurl you down from it. Knowledge does not mean knowing everything about the world; it means having total mastery over the path you are about to tread. For if a task begins with full understanding, success is certain. According to the first principle: Knowledge and the Master. Thus, we begin."