"You are Zhu Yanyi." A glint of appreciation flashed in Xi Muzheng’s eyes. Students who had gone to the mortal world of Huaxia for training often sent her reports, giving her a clear picture of her character. "You look so young, just a little child. Have you turned twenty yet?"
"I am twenty-two by the lunar calendar," Zhu Yanyi said with a grin.
"Very good." Xi Muzheng nodded seriously. He pointed to the four people accompanying him. "These four are the elders of our Sage Academy. They manage the Alchemy Department, the Medical Department, the Miscellaneous Arts Department, and the Martial Magic Department, respectively. You may address them as Elder Dan, Elder Yi, Elder Xue, and Elder Wu."
"If you wish to learn alchemy, seek Elder Dan. For medical knowledge, go to Elder Yi. For miscellaneous arts like formations and metaphysics, consult Elder Xue. For martial arts and magical abilities, find Elder Wu."
Xi Muzheng was direct. He did not hesitate to introduce them all at once, despite this being their first meeting.
Zhu Yanyi was slightly stunned, then bowed to the four elders. "Zhu Yanyi pays respects to Elder Dan, Elder Yi, Elder Xue, and Elder Wu."
"Rise, rise. What you said earlier was very correct. I can tell immediately that you are a good child," Elder Wu laughed heartily. Although he looked like a refined scholar, his personality was that of a martial artist.
Zhu Yanyi remembered her earlier statement about not being a naive saint. She was happy that someone agreed with her view.
"I spoke the truth. I truly dislike those bound by the phrase 'benevolent heart of a healer,'" Zhu Yanyi said, no longer hiding her true nature. "Benevolence does not mean saving everyone. My understanding is this: if saving one person destroys two or more, or even dozens, I will not save that person. I might even kill them. Killing one to save many is the true benevolent heart of a healer."
"Correct. You are right, Zhu Yanyi. I agree," Elder Yi spoke up. "A healer’s primary duty is to save lives, but one must consider who is being saved. If the person is a harm-doer, we must not save them. Otherwise, we may develop inner demons ourselves."
"Oh, I will not have that problem," Zhu Yanyi said, looking slightly embarrassed. "I cultivate the mind. I usually break through by gaining insight."
Since arriving here, she had felt the abundant spiritual energy. She could break through at any time, but she decided to wait.
"By the way, I heard your cultivation has reached the peak of the Lin Dan stage?" Elder Wu asked.
Zhu Yanyi nodded. "The spiritual energy in the Earth plane did not allow me to break through further, so I had someone seal my power. As soon as I entered this place, I felt I could break through. But I thought it best to wait a few days, so as not to scare anyone."
She did not hide the truth. Their cultivation levels were high enough that they would discover her strength eventually.
"Excellent. Do not break through now. In three months, we have a competition with other schools. You should participate then. It will be a good chance to bully those people," Elder Wu laughed.
Xi Muzheng coughed lightly. "Elder Wu, you should not speak so casually. Of course, Student Zhu Yanyi, steady progress is best in cultivation. Wait until after three months to break through."
So it was the same thing, just different words. Zhu Yanyi was slightly stunned, then laughed and nodded. "Dean, I understand. I will not break through in the next three months. Since I am not breaking through, may I spend these three months reading and learning alchemy?"
"You want to learn alchemy?" Elder Dan looked at Zhu Yanyi. "Currently, only Ouyang Tianyun is in the Alchemy Department. If you join, I will teach you personally. However, alchemy requires extensive practice. Can you handle it?"
"Of course," Zhu Yanyi grinned. "I have a Heavenly Flame. It would be a waste not to use it for alchemy." She opened her hand, and a blue flame appeared. "This is my innate flame, called Ice Blue."
"Is this the Ice Blue Flame, one of the Ten Great Heavenly Flames?" Xi Muzheng was slightly stunned.
"Yes, so I want to learn alchemy," Zhu Yanyi said with a smile.
"Very well. Since that is the case, I will take you to the Alchemy Department dormitory. Besides Ouyang Tianyun, only you are here. The male dormitory is occupied only by Ouyang Tianyun, and the female dormitory only by you. Are you not afraid?" Elder Dan asked enthusiastically.
Zhu Yanyi shook her head slightly. She was not afraid. She was not even afraid of soul monsters, so living alone was no issue.
"Living alone is good. I will not disturb others while refining pills." Most importantly, no one would notice if she entered her Ruyi Space.
"Good." Elder Dan was pleased. She grabbed Zhu Yanyi’s arm and pulled her away. "Dean, I will take her now. You all take your time." She dragged Zhu Yanyi away quickly.
"Wait, that’s not right. It was agreed that Zhu Yanyi would join our Medical Department," the others said, stunned. They realized Elder Dan had acted first.
"That’s not right. I heard Zhu Yanyi is excellent in various academic studies. She should join our Miscellaneous Arts Department for further study," Elder Xue said.
"That’s not right. It was clear that Zhu Yanyi has high cultivation. It was agreed she would join our Martial Magic Department," Elder Wu said.
Xi Muzheng listened to the three elders and spoke slowly. "It is fine. Tomorrow, we will consult the elders. Since we have a versatile talent, we will cultivate her in all aspects."
Gu Jun, standing nearby, coughed twice before speaking. "Dean, Elders, is this appropriate?"
"What is inappropriate?" Elder Yi looked at Gu Jun, confused.
Gu Jun hurriedly explained, "I just want to say that you have not tested Zhu Yanyi or processed her enrollment. Is it safe to let Elder Dan take her away? Are you not worried she might be a spy?"
After Gu Jun finished speaking, Xi Muzheng, Elder Yi, Elder Xue, and Elder Wu all gave him four pairs of rolling eyes.
"You think someone could play tricks under the watchful eyes of us five, and evade our scrutiny so skillfully?" Xi Muzheng looked at Gu Jun.
Gu Jun shook his head quickly. "No, no. I was just asking."
"I think you have become duller after your training," Xi Muzheng sighed. "It seems I should suggest Elder Dan increase your study pace."