Chapter Twenty-Five: Arrangements

As soon as Yaoye opened his eyes, he couldn't help but cough softly. Immediately, Senior Sister Liu Xin, Xiaoxiao, and Senior Brother Zhao Mu pushed the door open and rushed in. "Little Junior Brother, you're awake! How are you feeling? Are you hungry? Maybe you should eat something first!"

Moved by their concern, Yaoye's eyes reddened. He lifted his head, his voice trembling with emotion. "Thank you, everyone. I never imagined there would come a day when so many people cared about me. It's wonderful to have you all by my side!"

Just then, the eldest senior brother staggered in, his face full of guilt. "I'm sorry, Little Junior Brother! If I hadn't insisted you come and spar with me, you wouldn't have been injured!"

Yaoye smiled gently. "Senior Brother, we're family. I don't hold it against you, so you shouldn't blame yourself. Besides, I wanted to know the extent of my own strength. It's not all your fault."

"If you can regard this place as home, it means you’ve truly become one of us! Yaoye, this place will always be your haven. We may not be related by blood, but we are closer than family!" The Headmaster spoke as he entered the room.

"Master! Master!" The four disciples bowed respectfully to Headmaster Liu Qing. "Master, thank you for taking care of us these past days," Yaoye quickly got out of bed to salute, but Liu Qing hurried forward and supported him, saying, "There’s no need for so many formalities. Lie down and don’t move—I’ll check your condition."

Without giving Yaoye a chance to object, Liu Qing took his arm. As his spiritual power entered Yaoye’s body, he was surprised. "You’ve recovered better than I expected! You’re out of danger now—just greatly depleted in vitality. A few days of rest and you’ll be fine!"

After making this assessment, Liu Qing instructed the other disciples, "Go wait for me in the headmaster’s office. I’ll join you soon." Watching them leave, he closed the door and came to Yaoye’s side, setting up a simple soundproof barrier.

"My child, I am now certain that the Creation Cauldron is with you. You needn’t answer. I hope that, should the academy ever face a crisis, you’ll lend us your aid."

"Master, please rest assured. This academy is my home. If it is ever in danger, I will not stand by idly—even if it costs me my life, I will not shirk my duty!"

Liu Qing felt gratified by Yaoye’s resolute promise. "I will keep your secret safe. You must grow stronger as soon as possible. This pill will help your recovery. Come see me at dawn tomorrow. Rest now—I have other matters to attend to."

"Master, please go about your business. I’m fine, don’t worry about me," Yaoye replied. Liu Qing nodded and departed. Watching him leave, Yaoye clenched the pill in his hand and sat cross-legged to recuperate.

Meanwhile, in the conference room, the senior brothers and sisters bowed respectfully to the formidable figures before them. Peng Lei stepped forward and asked, "May I ask why Master has summoned us here?"

The figures standing before them were Vice Headmaster Tang Ze, Outer Institute Instructor Ling Yun, and Inner Institute Instructor Hong Tao. "You’ll know once your master arrives. We’re not entirely sure ourselves," Tang Ze replied. Just as he finished speaking, Liu Qing entered the room.

"Headmaster, is there something you’d like to arrange?" Tang Ze asked anxiously.

"Please, everyone, sit. I have received detailed information—there has been a major disturbance in the Cave of Myriad Demons. I’ve already coordinated with two other academies; their teams will accompany you to investigate. On the surface, humans appear united against our foes, but each side secretly wishes to swallow the others whole, eager to claim any advantage. There are rumors that a rare spiritual artifact has appeared in the Cave of Myriad Demons, attracting all major powers. Tang Ze, I ask that you protect Peng Lei and the others—they are the future of our academy.

I will not join you this time. The demon tribe on the border is stirring again, and I must go to help defend. Everything depends on you," Liu Qing said, his expression troubled.

"Headmaster, rest assured! With us old hands accompanying them, nothing will happen to the young ones," Tang Ze replied, standing and saluting.

"If all goes well, so be it. But should any danger arise, you must ensure Yaoye’s safety above all else! Peng Lei and the others, consult Tang Ze and his colleagues if anything happens; do not act impulsively. This is a training exercise—if anything proves impossible, prioritize your own safety! Assemble at the training grounds at dawn tomorrow. Go and prepare." With these words, the headmaster rose and left...