Chapter 22: The Worst Student-Chronicles of the Nobles(Mistress of the Healing Blossoms)

Wuying presented a choice between two options, yet Liu Tong found it difficult to answer. Butterfly Academy had engaged in negotiations for purchase several times, stirring up a host of troubles. Not only did the Queen’s domain suffer, but the other sovereign forces under their respective rulers had also launched fierce attacks and suppression against Tongtian Auction House’s branches throughout the Eastern Wilderness, resulting in devastating losses. Now to actively seek buyers seemed utterly unreasonable.

But to simply give it away would mean even greater losses.

Nonetheless, after weighing his options, Liu Tong secretly gritted his teeth, preparing to express his intent to offer the item as a gift. The losses had already occurred, and the root of the matter lay in their mutual relations. If he could mend the rift, greater opportunities might arise in the future, and there was no need to haggle over temporary gains and losses.

Liu Tong’s vision extended far ahead.

He was just about to speak when the Grand Dean interrupted, “It’s quite stifling indoors. Shall we take a walk outside?”

He addressed Wuying, whose eyes flickered, and immediately replied, “Certainly! I haven’t moved around for so long, the folks at the Academy probably barely remember who we are. If they act recklessly, it could lead to disaster. A stroll would be good.”

With that, the two elders rose and left together.

Liu Tong discerned the double meaning in their words. He watched the two seniors leave, considered for a moment, and followed respectfully behind, ready to praise the Academy’s unique features whenever he encountered them.

The Grand Dean and Wuying exchanged smiles, immersed in their own conversation, discussing plans for the Academy’s future. Unconsciously, they arrived near the restricted zone. Wuying stole a glance at Liu Tong, saw his brows tightly knit in worry, and quietly granted him permission to enter the restricted area. Then, feigning surprise, he remarked, “If I recall, the Weapon Group’s students are cultivating in this area, aren’t they?”

The Grand Dean nodded gravely. “They are all quite diligent. It’s said they have already grasped the basics of forging marching soldiers, pioneering a new trend. Through special methods, they can create marching soldiers in a very short time, and the quality is also acceptable.”

“Indeed, that is not bad at all. They have not disappointed our expectations,” Wuying said, hands clasped behind his back, accompanying the Grand Dean as they proceeded. “With this progress, I believe it won’t be long before we achieve self-sufficiency. Old friend, our wish is about to be fulfilled. It’s cause for celebration.”

The Grand Dean squinted, hiding a trace of longing, and said with satisfaction, “It is indeed worth rejoicing. There are results at last. I haven’t failed the Queen’s expectations.”

Liu Tong followed alongside, listening to their conversation, his heart in turmoil. He had heard rumors of Butterfly Academy forming a Weapon Group, but according to his intelligence, the instructors of the Weapon Group were merely novice apprentices. Even with a complete transmission from a master, it would take at least twenty years before they could craft marching soldiers. Yet now, he heard it firsthand from the Academy’s Grand Dean and Wuying, the Queen’s foremost minister—this was no lie.

What was really happening?

As they approached the storeroom, Liu Tong realized this must be where the Weapon Group cultivated. Whatever secrets were hidden here, they would soon be revealed.

Amid his worries, he also felt a glimmer of anticipation. Those words about pioneering a new trend were clear in his ears.

Everyone, regardless of age or gender, possesses a curious heart.

Liu Tong was no exception.

Soon, they entered the storeroom. Amid piles of ore like mountains, nearly twenty people sat cross-legged and motionless, their eyes closed in spiritual contemplation. The Grand Dean nodded with satisfaction, pointing out, “This is their daily spirit cultivation class—tempering their minds, then using this method to disassemble, refine, and forge.”

Wuying circled the room, observing silently, though in reality, he was checking with the concealed Du Gu Bieli to see if preparations were complete. Receiving a satisfactory answer, he returned and said, “Indeed, impressive. All are quite diligent. I believe we should reward them well to encourage their efforts. Once this new forging method is perfected, the Queen will be pleased and everyone will benefit.”

The Grand Dean simply smiled, saying nothing. According to Wuying’s plan, it was just about luring Liu Tong in—what would happen next, he didn’t know, so he dared not speak carelessly.

Liu Tong stood aside, witnessing that there truly were about twenty people cultivating and grasping the method of forging marching soldiers. Yet these people sat quietly in meditation, giving him no chance to glimpse the mystery within. His heart itched unbearably, like a cat scratching inside.

He pondered for a moment, and seeing that the Grand Dean and Wuying were no longer conversing, simply watching in silence, he hesitated, then finally coughed lightly to draw their attention. He spoke in a slow voice: “I do have some knowledge about forging—generally, there are three methods: Light Refining, Water Refining, and Fire Refining. In our Wilderness World, only the Light Refining method survives, as the mainstream. I know a little about Water and Fire Refining, but none require meditation and spirit cultivation. Might you, esteemed elders, share a hint? Let me listen as well.”

The Grand Dean stroked his beard with reserved dignity and looked to Wuying.

Wuying smiled, “It doesn’t matter. Even if he witnesses the entire process, he won’t be able to learn it.” With that, he turned to the group and announced, “We have a guest. Everyone rise and greet him, show your skills. Who will go first?”

“I will!”

The Weapon Group students and several instructors, having received prior instructions, pretended to awaken, their spirits returning, and eagerly responded, competing to be first.

Liu Tong was secretly astonished. Judging by appearances, it was genuine. His mind raced, rapidly calculating future developments. His gaze wandered, and suddenly he noticed at the back of the group a silent youth, particularly conspicuous amid the excited crowd. On the boy’s face was a trace of hesitation and fear.

“What is he afraid of? Why is he hesitating?” Liu Tong wondered.

“You. Step forward.” At this moment, Wuying suddenly pointed—directly at the youth Liu Tong had just noticed. “Why didn’t you speak up?”

“I… I’m not quite proficient yet…” The youth was Du Gu Bieli. Because he practiced the Tenfold Body Refining Technique, he was shorter than his peers. Having prepared beforehand, he feigned timidity and replied in a weak voice.

Liu Tong pretended not to care, his gaze steady, but his peripheral vision locked on Wuying and the Grand Dean, eager to observe their reactions and make his own judgments.

Wuying’s expression was filled with dissatisfaction and anger. He glared and roared, “Why are you still not proficient? Everyone else manages, why can’t you? The Academy has provided everything for you, resolved all your concerns—what is it all for?”

“Forgive me,” Du Gu Bieli bowed his head, seemingly dejected. His body began to tremble.

“Should I leave?” Witnessing this scene, Liu Tong felt as if he were witnessing a farce. He hoped not to offend the two elders, for such awkwardness would only worsen the tension between them.

Yet Wuying seemed to forget Liu Tong was present, and shouted, “You, come forward and demonstrate. Let me see how inadequate you truly are. If you are truly hopeless, everything you possess will be stripped away!”

“Don’t be so angry,” the Grand Dean soothed from the side, then addressed the ‘youth’: “Don’t be nervous. Take it slow, proceed steadily, do your best. As long as you try hard, even clumsy feet are fine. Besides, look—there’s an outsider watching; you wouldn’t want to bring shame to the Academy, would you? It’s all right, go ahead, relax, just cultivate as usual. Whether you can forge a marching soldier doesn’t matter much—I guarantee it as the Grand Dean…”

“All right, I’ll try my best.” Du Gu Bieli kept his head down, barely suppressing his laughter, as if the words ‘Academy honor’ had stirred his courage.

He walked out step by step, standing beside a pile of ore. His spirit transformed into invisible tendrils, extending outward, waving and grasping a dozen pieces of ore. Along the way, the tendrils seemed barely able to withstand the pressure, often threatening to drop the ore, then struggling to hold on, swaying drunkenly.

Liu Tong, at first, only noticed these actions, feeling anxious on behalf of the youth. Before long, he suddenly realized with shock:

“Manipulating matter with spirit—this is usually only possible for those above the level of a practitioner. How can this student be so capable? And he’s the weakest one?”