The library held fifty million scrolls. Zhu Yanyi finished reading and recording all of them in just two months.
No one questioned this. After two months, Zhu Yanyi entered seclusion to refine pills instead of reading. Everyone assumed she was preparing for her departure. They did not know she had already finished the books. She had even copied them into her Ruyi Space for safekeeping.
Zhu Yanyi’s seclusion was mainly for pill refining in her space.
Since she was going to the Black Demon Secret Realm, she would be very busy. If she fought enemies, she would have no time for other things. She might not be able to refine pills for a long time. So, Zhu Yanyi started refining pills frantically in her space. She made daily pills and any other useful ones. As long as she had the herbs, she refined them to keep in stock.
Her space grew herbs faster than the outside world. She did not worry about this.
Although she had given some Xirang (Self-Growing Soil) to Zhan Diting to refine internal organs, it did not affect the space’s cycle. Xirang regenerates itself. Taking a little out was fine.
In the remaining month, Zhu Yanyi spent half of it extracting herbs and refining pills. She also digested the knowledge from the books. Her days were very busy.
When she emerged, only half a month remained before departure.
Zhu Yanyi remembered she had not treated everyone to a meal since returning. This meal was on behalf of Yan Aohan. She notified everyone, and her senior brothers and sisters went out to eat.
"Fifteen, it was hard to find you lately. You were either reading or refining pills. Good of you to remember to treat us," Yang Ruochen said with a smile.
Zhu Yanyi nodded. "My husband paid for this meal. Also, after this, we don’t know when we can eat together again."
Soon, the seventeen of them would part ways.
As Zhu Yanyi said, they might not eat together for a long time. Although it was a bit sad, everyone accepted it. It was inevitable.
They found a nearby restaurant and booked a large private room. Due to table limits, they split into three tables.
Zhu Yanyi ordered food for all three tables. They sat together and ate. Today, everyone seemed especially happy.
"Fifteen, you are the strongest among the new students. Don’t lose face for us in the Demon Secret Realm," Niu Wulang advised.
Zhu Yanyi rested her chin on her hand, looking at Niu Wulang. "When have I ever lost face? Don’t worry. I am never good at losing face. I am good at throwing pills."
Everyone remembered how Zhu Yanyi threw pills at demons in Shangmo Academy. They were startled. That was truly unimaginable.
"Speaking of which, Fifteen, you throw pills so well. We never saw how you did it," Gu Jun said.
Zhu Yanyi thought for a moment. "If you saw, I couldn’t attack freely. Throwing pills requires striking first. It keeps our abilities unpredictable. That is best."
Zhu Yanyi laughed.
Although it was a joke, everyone thought it made sense.
Suddenly, they heard noise below. Looking out the window, they saw Guan Feng from Shangmo Academy arriving with students.
"Counting the days, students from the other four academies should be here too," Zhu Yanyi said. "Our academy will be busy soon."
Yi Yunfei nodded. "Their rooms are ready. They will just rest at the academy."
"I think our academy is great. The environment is so quiet. It is perfect for resting," Cui Chang’an said seriously.
"I hope they don’t cause trouble," Lei Danfeng sighed.
"Agreed," everyone said.
In the following days, students from Shangmo Academy, Shenhuang Academy, Yuanwu Academy, and Jingmei Girls’ School arrived at Shengren Academy.
It had been many years since they last visited. For them, this was their first time in years.
Seeing everything at Shengren Academy, the teachers and students from the other four academies were surprised. Compared to their noisy academies, Shengren Academy was incredibly quiet. It was a silence they could hardly imagine.
However, this quietness helped calm their restless minds.
"Congratulations, Dean Guan, on breaking through to the Void Movement stage," Xi Muzheng said, bowing respectfully.
Guan Feng smiled. "I thank the teachers and students of Shengren Academy. Without them, I could not have broken through." He looked around. "By the way, where are your seventeen students?"
"They went out to play," Xi Muzheng said directly. "They leave in a few days. I gave them a holiday. Seven students stay behind. Ten go to the secret realm."
Xi Muzheng’s expression was calm. "Those staying feel uneasy. Those going want to relax before leaving. They went out to enjoy some peace."
No one knew the current situation in the Black Demon Secret Realm. This explanation was understandable.
Guan Feng pondered for a moment. "Dean Xi, do you know the current situation in the Black Demon Secret Realm?"
"The demons in the Black Demon Secret Realm are increasing. If we control their numbers this time, it will be a good training ground for our students. If we fail, they might come to our plane and cause destruction. Honestly, I don’t know what will happen then."
Xi Muzheng knew from Zhu Yanyi’s report that the situation was bad. The danger for the students was high. But they still had to go.
Guan Feng frowned. "Dean Xi, when do you plan to gather all five academies? We should discuss some issues together."
Xi Muzheng nodded. "We don’t need much discussion. But we must mention some precautions. Since everyone is here, let them rest for two days. In three days, we will meet. The students can also get to know each other, so they don’t confuse friend from foe."