For Zhu Yanyi, the future was still a distant concept. She focused on the present: studying when it was time to study, and eating when it was time to eat.
She remained calm in her studies. Originally, she had planned to send Xiao Yun back after the competition if the Great Shaman did not come. Now, that was unnecessary. She devoted herself entirely to preparing for the upcoming contest.
"The competition will be held at Shangmo Academy," Xi Muzheng announced. "We depart in ten days. The journey takes seven days. Since Shangmo Academy specializes in magic, everyone must be cautious. We have seventeen students, so I won't select a team. Everyone goes. If you can compete, you compete. If not, you rest and observe. Treat it as travel experience."
His words sounded irresponsible, but the seventeen students exchanged glances with resigned smiles. They were used to this style. At Sage Academy, if you wanted to study, you studied. If you wanted to sleep all day, you could, as long as you completed your tasks. Consequently, everyone carried a faint aura of a sage—not the lofty, untouchable holiness, but a relaxed, carefree demeanor. To them, this competition was just a paid trip. They nodded in unison.
"Elder Yi and Elder Dan will lead the team. Obey them on the road. Remember, Sage Academy does not provoke trouble, but we do not fear it either. If someone provokes you, fight back. I will take responsibility for any consequences." Xi Muzheng patted his chest, taking on all potential future issues.
Yi Yunfei rolled his eyes. "Dean, do you think we are so unreliable? We won't cause trouble randomly."
"Of course," Jian Feiyan added seriously, "if we do cause trouble, it won't be small."
The others struggled to suppress their laughter at the siblings' banter.
Xi Muzheng glared at them. "I know your personalities. I don't worry about you causing trouble; I worry about you trying to solve it alone. Listen: if you can handle it, handle it. If not, protect yourselves first. Once you are safe, you can seek revenge later. Understood?"
She practically said: if in danger, fight if you can, run if you can't. Do not act like a hero just because others are present.
Zhu Yanyi was very satisfied with this attitude. She hated teachers who sacrificed students for the school's reputation. Xi Muzheng’s words confirmed she had made the right choice joining Sage Academy.
"Alright, you have ten days off. Eat and play as you wish. Just prepare your travel gear."
Ten days off? In reality, students were almost always on break. After mastering the basics, they studied independently, asking elders or teachers only when confused. There were no formal classes. Life at the academy was much like a permanent vacation.
However, the ten-day leave allowed free entry and exit from the academy. Zhu Yanyi had plenty of supplies, so shopping was unnecessary. She planned to harvest the mature herbs in her medicinal field and plant new seeds. This way, she could leave with peace of mind, ensuring no herbs would over-mature.
While Zhu Yanyi worked in the field, Mi Xiao was idle. She invited a few friends out for good food. Mi Xiao had no special hobbies except eating. She chose Shi Chengchen, Niu Wulang, and Zhuo Yue, who was also free. The four left the academy openly to enjoy a meal.
Less than an hour later, a communication token rang. Someone was attacking them.
Zhu Yanyi was harvesting herbs when she heard the news. She flew out immediately. At the school gate, she met Yi Yunfei and Jian Feiyan. The three rushed to the location.
Mi Xiao and her friends had finished eating and were shopping when they noticed they were being followed. Mi Xiao was bold and skilled, partly due to her body cultivation. She was not afraid of being followed; instead, she was curious. She led her pursuers to a secluded area, only to discover their intent was to capture the four of them.
The attackers sent more than ten people to ensure success.
Fortunately, Zhuo Yue knew formations, and Mi Xiao’s body cultivation allowed them to hold off the enemies for a while, buying time until Zhu Yanyi and the others arrived.
Seeing Zhu Yanyi, Zhuo Yue finally relaxed. The relief drained her strength, and she collapsed. Zhu Yanyi rushed over, checked her pulse, and said, "It’s fine. Seventh Senior Sister is just exhausted."
Worried about other issues, Zhu Yanyi generously gave Zhuo Yue a Huichun Pill.
As soon as the pill entered her mouth, Zhuo Yue felt her depleted spiritual power return instantly. Her body felt light, and the frustration from being trapped vanished. "Fifteen, what pill is this? I feel completely recovered. The exhaustion feels like a dream."
"A sixth-grade pill I refined, Huichun Pill," Zhu Yanyi smiled. "If you like it, I’ll give you some when we return to the academy. For now, let’s deal with these people."
Jian Feiyan and Yi Yunfei had already joined Mi Xiao in fighting the dozen enemies.
Zhu Yanyi’s lips curled into a slightly wicked smile. She calmly took out several pills and handed them to Zhuo Yue, Shi Chengchen, and Niu Wulang. "Each of you take one. Save the last one for the First Senior Brother. Give the pill from Eleventh Senior Brother to the First Senior Brother, Thirteenth Senior Brother’s to Second Senior Sister, and Seventh Senior Sister’s to Ninth Senior Sister. Remember this."
"Understood." They didn’t know her plan, but they obeyed.
Zhu Yanyi smiled again, then took out a bottle and slowly opened it. "I not only like refining pills and making medicine, but I also like making poison. When facing many enemies, I never rely on physical strength to fight them."