Chapter Sixteen: Joining the Academy

“Oh? You inherited Senior Yang’s legacy? That giant sword on your back must be his weapon, right? Quick, let me have a look!” The vice dean hurriedly reached for the greatsword strapped to Yao Ye’s back.

“Don’t be reckless, Tang Ze!” Dean Liu Qing’s voice cut in, halting the vice dean’s impulsive move. He turned to introduce the others to Yao Ye: “These are Vice Dean Tang Ze, Inner Academy instructor Hong Tao, and Outer Academy instructor Ling Yun.”

Yao Ye nodded courteously to each teacher, then took the greatsword off his back and said, “The vice dean’s curiosity is understandable. Dean, please don’t blame him.”

The vice dean, unable to contain his eagerness, accepted the gigantic sword. Caught off guard by its weight, he nearly stumbled. “My word, this is heavy! Do you carry this sword around every day, boy?”

“Yes. It helps me greatly in my training,” Yao Ye replied calmly.

After the teachers took turns examining the greatsword, they looked at Yao Ye as if he were some sort of marvel.

“That’s enough. Return the sword to Yao Ye. You’re all dismissed—I’d like to speak with him privately.” As the teachers departed, Yao Ye slung the greatsword onto his back and looked at the dean with curiosity.

“Yao Ye, tell me, do you have the Creation Cauldron? And are you of the Heavenly Demon Wolf bloodline?”

Inside, a tidal wave of shock crashed through Yao Ye at the dean’s words. “Dean, I am the last survivor of the Heavenly Demon Wolf clan. That bloodline no longer exists. As for the Creation Cauldron you mentioned, I truly have no idea what that is.” The matter of the Creation Cauldron was too grave; Yao Ye chose to conceal the truth.

Dean Liu Qing regarded him with a smile that was both knowing and enigmatic. “Child, if you don’t wish to speak, I won’t force you. But let me tell you this: if it weren’t for Senior Xiaotian saving my family all those years ago, I wouldn’t be here today. When I was young, I met Senior Xiaotian once, accompanied by the then-chief of the Heavenly Demon Wolf clan, Yao Hong. Senior Xiaotian was once the master of the Creation Cauldron. Now that you’ve inherited his legacy, the Creation Cauldron is the key to resisting the Demonic Clan, and its allure is immense. Until you are strong enough to protect it, do not reveal its existence to anyone.”

“Your clan once showed me great kindness, and I am not one to forget a debt. Now, with you as the last of your line, let me take you as my personal disciple. The academy will be your home.”

Yao Ye replied anxiously, “Dean, you may not know this, but the new Demon Emperor is plotting rebellion. My clan was beset by all the other demon tribes; only through the desperate sacrifice of my kin did I escape. Now the new Demon Emperor hunts me—I fear…”

“You fear bringing trouble down upon the academy and myself? You needn’t worry about that. I do not fear the Demon Emperor. If he dares cause trouble here, he’ll never leave alive. But you must keep your identity hidden, since I can’t protect you at all times and I fear he might act in secret. I know the scent of your bloodline only because I once met members of your clan. So long as you don’t reveal yourself, no one will know who you are. Stay here at the academy; I will do my utmost to help and protect you. Leave your identity to me—don’t let it weigh on your mind.”

“The continent is now divided into four great battlefields. We are on the Northern Divine Wind Front, overseen by our three academies. The demon tribes are but vassals. I could destroy the current demon tribe for you, but I think it would be better for you to avenge your clan yourself. Their existence should serve as motivation for you.”

Tears welled in Yao Ye’s eyes. Feeling the warmth and sincerity in the dean’s invitation, he once again experienced what it meant to have a home. He nodded fiercely to Liu Qing. “I, Yao Ye, am willing to follow your guidance, Dean. From this day on, the academy will be my second home!”

The dean chuckled. “Good! For now, let me take you to wash up and change into clean clothes. After you’ve eaten, I’ll introduce you to your senior brothers and sisters. Remember—no matter what, never mention the Creation Cauldron to anyone.”

“Yes, Dean. Understood,” Yao Ye replied.

He followed the dean out of the conference room and into his private courtyard. Yao Ye took in his surroundings and was struck by the simplicity of the dean’s residence, prompting a curious glance at the elder. What kind of person was this senior—so unassuming, yet so kind?

After washing up, the dean observed Yao Ye’s bright eyes, handsome features, tall and sturdy build, and the indomitable spirit radiating from him. He nodded in satisfaction. “No need to be formal—treat this place as your own home. Come, let’s eat. After the meal, your senior brothers and sisters will take you to the library to find a cultivation technique suited to you.”