Chapter 3: Chu Feng — Thirty Years East, Thirty Years West

"You silly boy, what nonsense are you talking about? Your life is your own. It doesn't belong to anyone. Just remember the kindness your master and your mother showed you when you become strong in the future." Chu Feng said with a cheerful smile. He hadn't expected Xiao Chen to be won over so easily with just a few words. Off to the side, Concubine Xiao's eyes grew more respectful as she looked at Chu Feng. At first, she had her doubts about the chief of the Miscellaneous Dao Institute. But after hearing those words, she realized that this chief was truly an extraordinary cultivator. "Disciple will obey Master's command," Xiao Chen said respectfully. "Let's go. Once we've transferred your academic registration, spend some time with your mother. Your formal cultivation starts tomorrow." Though Chu Feng had no idea how to actually teach someone how to cultivate, he still had to keep up appearances. "Yes, Master." Xiao Chen answered and followed closely behind Chu Feng. Along the way, the two of them could hear murmurs and whispers from those around them. "Hey, look, isn't that Xiao Chen from the Sword Dao Academy?" "I heard the academy gave him three days to withdraw." "What's a cripple still doing here? Not even fit to do chores!" "..." Chu Feng didn't speak up on Xiao Chen's behalf—he simply turned and glanced at him. What surprised him was that there wasn't a trace of sorrow or bitterness on Xiao Chen's face. If it weren't for the way his fists clenched ever so slightly... Chu Feng might've thought he had already come to terms with everything. A short while later— The two arrived at the academic records office. Chu Feng pulled out his token as chief and quickly reached the desk to process the transfer. With a beaming smile, he said to the old man behind the desk, "Elder Bai, I brought a disciple to transfer academies." Hearing this, Elder Bai chuckled and teased, "Not bad, Chu brat. Just two days in, and you've already got a disciple? Who's willing to join your Miscellaneous Dao Institute?" His voice wasn't loud, but the academic records office was relatively quiet to begin with. Everyone inside heard him clearly. In an instant, all eyes turned their way. Everyone knew that the Miscellaneous Dao Institute hadn't taken in a disciple in years. Some even heard rumors that if they didn't get a disciple soon, the institute would be dissolved. No one really cared about that outcome—in fact, some were happy about it. After all, with one less institute, there would be more resources to go around. Chu Feng ignored all the gazes and patted Xiao Chen on the shoulder. "It's this kid, transferring from the Sword Dao Academy. Xiao Chen, hand your identity token to Elder Bai so he can process your transfer." Everyone who heard this was visibly stunned, casting strange looks at Xiao Chen. The Sword Dao Academy was the second most powerful division in Wendao Academy, second only to the Heavenly Spirit Institute. Its strength far surpassed that of the Body, Spell, or Beast Mastery divisions. Why would this kid give up being a sword cultivator to join the Miscellaneous Dao Institute? Had he lost his mind? But Elder Bai's next words made everything clear. "You're Xiao Chen?" Elder Bai paused slightly as he looked over the identity token. Xiao Chen respectfully replied, "Yes, Senior, I am Xiao Chen." "Hm. For you, the Miscellaneous Dao Institute might actually be a good place. Work hard. One day, you may yet restore your dantian." Elder Bai offered a word of encouragement. As a mid-level official within Wendao Academy, he naturally knew about Xiao Chen's situation. As he spoke, he began transferring Xiao Chen's academic registry and issuing a new identity token. People nearby started whispering among themselves. Though their voices were low, Chu Feng still caught fragments of their chatter. Just as Elder Bai completed the registration, a commotion erupted at the entrance. "Elder Bing from the Heavenly Spirit Institute is here!" Chu Feng and Xiao Chen instinctively looked toward the door. A strikingly beautiful woman with a frosty expression entered, exuding an unapproachable air with every movement. By her side was a young girl with a gentle and innocent appearance. Xiao Chen's body trembled slightly the moment he saw the girl. This small reaction did not escape Chu Feng's sharp gaze. Before he could ask what was wrong, the icy beauty's eyes landed directly on Xiao Chen, and she spoke coldly: "If I were you, I wouldn't shamelessly cling to Wendao Academy. But I suppose a cripple like you fits right in with a place as worthless as the Miscellaneous Dao Institute." The crowd immediately adopted a bystander's expression, ready to enjoy the spectacle. A few gossipy voices murmured: "Didn't expect to catch such a good show just by coming to the academic office." "Senior, what's going on? Why would an elder from the Heavenly Spirit Institute target a cripple from the outer sect?" "You don't know? Elder Bing's newly accepted disciple, Qin Rou, is Xiao Chen's former fiancée. Word is she awakened the Ice Soul Sacred Physique thanks to Xiao Chen." "Oh, so that's it." "..." Xiao Chen felt the sharp sting of Elder Bing's gaze and was filled with distress. He instinctively looked toward Qin Rou— Only to be met with her cold, indifferent eyes. Hmph. He chuckled bitterly in his heart. Why am I still holding out hope at this point? Ever since she awakened her sacred body, we've been from two different worlds. Just as Xiao Chen stood there at a loss, a tall figure stepped in front of him. He looked up—his master? Chu Feng gave Xiao Chen a reassuring look, then smiled and said, "Elder Bing, that statement is far from fair." "Heh." Elder Bing didn't take the chief of the Miscellaneous Dao Institute—one without any cultivation—seriously at all. If it weren't for Wendao Academy's rules, she would've slapped him dead on the spot for daring to talk back to her. "Does Chief Chu believe this elder is wrong?" "Not just wrong—grievously wrong," Chu Feng replied without hesitation, shocking everyone nearby. The onlookers stared at him like he was a madman. Even Elder Bai quietly gave Chu Feng a thumbs-up. Elder Bing's expression turned colder, and she said in a biting tone, "Then please enlighten me, Chief Chu. If you can't give a convincing explanation, don't blame me for overstepping my bounds." Though a murderous chill now surrounded him, Chu Feng remained calm and composed. "As the saying goes: Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west—never look down on a youth in hardship. Xiao Chen is only temporarily down. Given time, he will surely restore his sword dao and shock the world." Silence fell over the room. Everyone stared at Chu Feng like he was insane. Elder Bing's eyes were filled with open disdain. Only Xiao Chen looked at Chu Feng with admiration in his eyes. So I haven't been abandoned after all... "What a joke. That might be the funniest thing I've heard in my life. If you're trying to comfort your disciple with empty words, Chief Chu, then don't blame me for being merciless." Her eyes glinted with killing intent as she spoke. Though Chu Feng could feel the deadly chill in her gaze, he remained steady and replied lightly: "I, Chu Feng, always keep my word. Since Elder Bing doesn't believe me, then why don't we settle this with a three-year wager—right here and now?"