Chapter 3: The Poor Fear Nothing, Thus They Possess Boundless Courage

"Your cultivation may not be impressive, but you certainly have a sharp tongue," the wounded general barked, seeing the situation spiraling out of control. "Unfortunately, you came to the wrong place. This is Butterfly Academy, and even the Queen's reputation is not for the likes of you to insult. No matter how eloquent you may be, for this alone, your crime is punishable by death. You must die!"

"Exactly! How dare you even insult the Queen's name and disregard her eminence? Even if you died a thousand times over, it would not suffice to atone for such a crime," the instructor quickly echoed, eager to solidify the accusation. With a sweep of his voluminous sleeve, he commanded in a loud voice, "All generals, assemble! Apprehend this arrogant rogue and await the academy's judgment. If he resists, kill him on the spot!"

At once, dozens of generals rushed forward, scattering the crowd and surrounding Du Gu Bieli in a tight ring.

Murderous intent filled the air, and the flames of battle were about to ignite!

"Stop at once!"

A low command came from beyond the crowd. The voice was not loud, yet it carried an unrivaled authority that brooked no defiance.

An elderly man, stooped and unassuming, walked forward under the gaze of all present. Wherever he passed, those within several feet involuntarily stepped back, compelled by a sense of awe and the urge to kneel in reverence and fear.

This old man was none other than Wu Ying, a master of the Xiang realm, vice dean of the academy's Discipline Division, and a figure vested with power over life and death.

At his arrival, the instructor and the gathered generals bowed respectfully, their heads lowered. The instructor began to recount the incident, omitting and distorting as he pleased. "…Vice Dean, that is the whole story. He assaulted Lei Bao of the Second Academy, caused trouble at the academy gates, and even uttered slanders against the Queen’s name. I ask for your judgment."

"Enough," Wu Ying intoned, his voice stern without anger. "I witnessed everything from beginning to end. Is there anything else you wish to say?"

"Ah?" The instructor broke out in a cold sweat, drenched as if caught in a torrential downpour. "…Since…since you saw everything…then surely you heard him accuse the academy of harboring corruption…"

"I will judge as I see fit," Wu Ying snapped, shooting him a fierce glare. The instructor retreated meekly. Turning then to Du Gu Bieli, Wu Ying said, "First, you were in the wrong, as you struck the first blow… But if you're going to strike, why not do it thoroughly? If your nature is so merciful, perhaps you should leave the academy now and give up your cultivation. Better that than raising a promising student who lacks the will to kill. Or…ah, I digress."

Wu Ying's admonishment shifted unexpectedly, expressing dissatisfaction that Du Gu Bieli hadn't committed murder outright, as if anything less was unworthy. Realizing he had strayed from the point, he cleared his throat and scoffed at himself, but after a brief pause continued, still unwilling to let go. "What is the pursuit of cultivation for, if not to become strong? To command the winds and rain with a turn of your hand? And what makes a true powerhouse? It is not merely lofty cultivation, but killing your way to renown—so that others flee at the mere mention of your name!"

Was this…incitement?

Du Gu Bieli understood well enough that, having made the first move, he could not escape blame. The outcome might affect his admission to the academy, but he harbored no regrets. His sister and the child were his reverse scale—his untouchable bottom line. For them, he would tolerate nothing.

He was prepared for the consequences.

Yet now, his thoughts were in turmoil, unable to keep up with the shifting circumstances. He opened his mouth several times but was unable to utter a word. The onlookers were equally stunned, bewildered by the turn of events.

"See? My words have moved you, haven't they? Admit it," Wu Ying said with great satisfaction, looking at this promising seedling he had discovered himself. He continued earnestly, "Affection is a good thing, but too soft a heart is not. Whoever offends you, you kill them—what's the harm in that? Remember: to kill one is a crime, to kill ten is vicious, to kill a hundred makes you a hero, to kill a thousand or ten thousand…that is madness. But one must be mad to truly live. If you want to truly live and protect those you cherish, you must embrace the madness. Do you understand?"

Du Gu Bieli was so stunned by these words that he nodded unconsciously.

"Good, you are teachable," the old Wu Ying said, ever more pleased. "That's settled. No one is to pursue this further. Those who need to register, register. Those who need to enter, enter. Disperse now, and save your energy for the upcoming Outer Academy Tournament."

With a wave of his hand, he dispersed the crowd. But as he turned to leave, he paused and addressed Du Gu Bieli once more. "Before the tournament, you must pay your tuition. Did you bring it with you?"

"Tuition?" Du Gu Bieli was utterly at a loss.

"Surely not… How interesting, truly interesting," Wu Ying chuckled, studying him with curiosity. "There are at most two hours before the Outer Academy Tournament. If you don't have enough for five students’ tuition, then after registering, you'd best find a way. Don't let all your hard-won progress come to nothing at the academy gates, simply for want of money. Many talented warriors have fought their way to the top, only to be denied entry for lack of funds… Such is the plight of the poor, and it grieves me…"

With that, he drifted away.

"So there really is such a thing as tuition!" Du Gu Bieli's face darkened. Wolf beside him was equally somber, while Xiaohua asked in puzzlement, "What’s wrong, big brother? Didn’t you bring the tuition?"

Du Gu Bieli grunted, unwilling to speak, but Wolf couldn't help but blurt out, "We had no idea we needed tuition—how could we have prepared for this… Wait, from what you’re saying, you brought it?"

"Yes. It was all the village could spare," Xiaohua’s eyes reddened, as if recalling the day she left the village. Her voice grew heavy with emotion. "Everyone suffered so much for my sake…"

"In that case, Xiaohua, you go in first," Du Gu Bieli decided resolutely, picking up the baby and taking his sister’s hand. "We're leaving."

"Where to? What for, boss?" Wolf asked curiously.

Du Gu Bieli strode forward without looking back, his voice cold. "To the arena, to earn our tuition!"

Wolf was taken aback, but soon he felt the blood in his veins begin to boil. "Alright, boss, I’ll go with you!"

"I…I'm sorry, boss, I can't let the village down…" Xiaohua lowered her head, full of shame.

"Go on, then. Wait for me—team battle when I return," Du Gu Bieli ordered briskly, wasting no more time as he marched away. Watching the four of them recede into the distance, Xiaohua’s eyes grew misty.

"Interesting, truly interesting. Earning tuition in the arena—what a rare sight. I wonder what other surprises you'll bring me…" Wu Ying, appearing out of nowhere, watched with inscrutable eyes. With a slight arch of his brow and a dustless step, his back straightened as he followed.

Though his pace seemed slow, as if that of a feeble old man, he caught up to the four within a few breaths. Others glanced at Du Gu Bieli and his companions, but no one noticed Wu Ying at all. He was like a wisp of air, without form or presence—a man invisible to the world…

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