Chapter 53 – Are You Really One of the Ten Institute Chiefs of Wendao Academy?

Chapter 53 - Are You Really One of the Ten Institute Chiefs of Wendao Academy? Qin Qin stared in confusion at the token on the table, only to see the faint golden plaque inscribed with the words “Institute Chief.” In an instant, it felt like a thunderbolt struck her mind. Though she had never seen the token of an Institute Chief from Wendao Academy before, she had seen many Wendao Academy disciple tokens. While this token differed slightly in size and color from a regular disciple’s, its design and material were identical. She looked at the man across from her with disbelief and asked, “You... you’re really one of Wendao Academy’s Ten Institute Chiefs?” To Qin Qin, the Ten Institute Chiefs of Wendao Academy were unimaginably lofty figures. Someone of that level—she wouldn’t even dream of performing a single song for them, let alone getting the chance to meet one face to face. Much less that such a figure would personally visit Qunfang Pavilion. More than anything else, the Ten Institute Chiefs of Wendao Academy were all known to have lived for over a hundred years—how could one look so young? Having lived two lifetimes, how could Chu Feng not see the doubts in this girl’s heart? He smiled and said, “Verifying my identity is simple. There are plenty of Wendao Academy disciples throughout Wendao City. Come out with me tomorrow and you’ll find out.” Qin Qin gave a slight nod. “Then I shall accompany Young Master Chu for a stroll tomorrow.” With that, she turned to the maid beside her and said, “Xiao Lian, prepare a guest room for Young Master Chu. He’ll be staying here tonight.” Xiao Lian was stunned on the spot. Had her young lady fallen for this man? Why was she letting him stay the night? If word got out, wouldn’t her reputation be ruined? Who even knew if he really was one of the Ten Institute Chiefs? “Yes...” Xiao Lian responded softly, then led Chu Feng to a guest room to rest. The night passed without incident. The next morning. Chu Feng woke up a little earlier than usual—not because the bed was uncomfortable, nor because of the lack of feminine fragrance— but simply because he had trouble sleeping in unfamiliar beds. After washing up and having breakfast, Chu Feng and Qin Qin stepped out of the room together. By this time, some of the guests and courtesans in Qunfang Pavilion were already up. As the two of them walked out together, those who saw Qin Qin with the same young man from the previous night were all stunned. Everyone stared at Chu Feng’s back with the same thought: Just what charm does this guy have to win over Qin Qin? Main hall, first floor. Yuan Shuxiao had already received word the night before that Qin Qin had kept this Young Master Chu behind. Upon hearing the news, she’d been as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, pacing back and forth—but couldn’t just barge in to interfere. So early that morning, she’d waited downstairs, wanting to see whether Qin Qin would be leaving Qunfang Pavilion for good. After all, Qin Qin was one of Qunfang Pavilion’s most valuable attractions. So many people came here just to hear her play a single melody. Even though Qin Qin hadn’t officially sold herself to the pavilion, as long as she remained, Qunfang Pavilion earned steady income. Now that the money tree looked like it might walk away, she was more anxious than anyone. The moment she saw Qin Qin, she rushed over and asked, “Miss Qin, are you leaving?” Qin Qin, naturally understanding what Yuan Shuxiao really meant, replied, “Not just yet. I’ll be going out for a walk with Young Master Chu before I decide.” “Ah?” Yuan Shuxiao was dumbfounded by the reply. Even though she had mentally prepared herself for this moment, hearing it directly still made it hard to accept. “What, does Yuan Shuxiao disapprove?” Qin Qin asked in return. “Of course I agree.” Though Yuan Shuxiao spoke politely, her mind had already begun calculating behind the scenes. “In that case, very well—may we part on good terms.” Qin Qin’s tone was calm, without a hint of forcefulness. Just then, a cold snort suddenly rang out behind them. “Hmph!” Everyone turned to see Ling Zitong and Kuang Sandao descending from the upper floor. Ling Zitong glared at Chu Feng with eyes full of murderous intent—if a glare could kill, Chu Feng would have been cut into a thousand pieces by now. Chu Feng didn’t speak. Just a brat blinded by infatuation. With a temperament like that, he wasn’t worthy of being his disciple. Kuang Sandao, on the other hand, regarded Chu Feng with a curious look. He didn’t know why, but he sensed a strange calmness from this young man. He just couldn’t tell whether it was an act, or if the guy truly had no idea how powerful Ling Zitong was. The two of them quickly exited Qunfang Pavilion. Seeing them leave, Chu Feng turned to Qin Qin beside him and said, “Let’s go.” They hadn’t walked far outside before they saw a group of people block Ling Zitong and Kuang Sandao’s path. The newcomers were all dressed in Wendao Academy robes. Though Ling Zitong and Kuang Sandao were fairly well-known in Wendao City, they immediately bowed in respect when they saw who it was. “Kuang Sandao, Ling Zitong greet the seniors of Wendao Academy.” “You are Ling Zitong?” Elder Qi of the Law Arts Institute looked the young man over. Last night, after receiving a message from Steward Han, the elders of the Law Arts Institute had discussed it and decided to take a gamble. First, Ling Zitong’s strength was indeed worthy of joining Wendao Academy. Second, that guy Chu Feng had always had a sharp eye. Qin Qin glanced sideways at Chu Feng upon seeing this, only to find him completely calm, quietly watching ahead. Chu Feng wasn’t particularly interested in the other institutes’ business, but for an inner elder of the Law Arts Institute to show up this early in the morning, there was definitely something going on. And curiosity was only human—so he decided to stay and watch. “Yes, senior, I am Ling Zitong,” the young man replied carefully. “Indeed, quite the fine appearance.” Elder Qi said, “This old man is an inner elder of Wendao Academy’s Law Arts Institute. I intend to take you as my disciple—would you be willing?” Upon hearing that, joy flooded Ling Zitong’s face. He hadn’t expected to wake up and have such a grand opportunity fall into his lap. Kuang Sandao, standing nearby, was stunned. A single thought popped into his mind: Why not me? I’m clearly stronger than Ling Zitong! Seeing how readily Ling Zitong accepted, Elder Qi smiled and said, “Very well. I’ll give you three days to settle your personal matters. After that, come to the City Lord’s Mansion. I will send a core disciple to escort you.” “Thank you, senior!” Ling Zitong’s head was full of excitement now. The only thing that still irked him was Qin Qin and that man. Once his future master was seen off, he’d make sure to deal with that damn couple! Qin Qin was also a bit surprised at what she saw. She had known that Ling Zitong always dreamed of joining Wendao Academy. But never expected it to happen like this. Chu Feng hadn’t thought the Law Arts Institute would make such a public move just to take in a disciple. It seemed that yesterday’s battle really had left an impression on the higher-ups of Wendao Academy. Thankfully, he had already found a better disciple—otherwise, he would’ve had to wrestle with those people over this one. He stepped forward, flicked open his folding fan, and smiled. “Congratulations, Elder Qi, on receiving a fine disciple.” With those words, all eyes turned to Chu Feng... ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44