Chapter Eighty-Three: The Green Paradise and the Divine Tree’s Mysterious Sect

“Sigh... Just consider me a meddlesome bore. Still, you should think it over carefully yourself.” With those words, Yin Boxuan turned away and fell silent. He understood very well that Meng Youyuan’s temperament was such that unless she came to the realization herself, no amount of persuasion from others would help—worse, it might only earn her resentment.

Sometimes, it is enough to hint at the truth; saying more would serve no purpose if she refuses to listen. All Yin Boxuan hoped was that Meng Youyuan would follow the true voice within her heart and do what she believed was right. Only then could she live without regrets, only then could she avoid a life of remorse.

Besides, he himself suspected that Master truly did care for Yuanyuan, but simply did not dare face the voice in his own heart. In truth, Master was a good man—had it been himself in that position, perhaps, in a moment of cold resolve, he would have ended her life to spare himself further trouble. Out of sight, out of mind.

Outwardly, he claimed to follow his master's wishes. But with Master’s temperament, if he truly didn’t want something, no one could force him. So, deep down, Master could accept Yuanyuan; only the grudges of the previous generation restrained him from giving his full affection to the child of the next.

This time, Meng Youyuan said nothing either, simply gazing quietly at her grandfather—at once familiar and yet a stranger. She longed to go and embrace this old man, knowing all too well the unimaginable pain he had endured over the years. But she dared not, she was afraid, she was lost.

Could it be that her grandfather truly cared for her, as everyone said, but was blinded by unresolved knots in his heart? She longed, like any ordinary child, to confide in her kin, to act spoiled, to pour out her heart. Or perhaps to run forward and call out to him, “Grandfather!”—that alone would suffice.

“Now that this matter is settled, may I ask, senior, whether we may enter the treasury now?” Yu Shang’s voice was calm and unaffected, as if unconcerned with worldly matters. In truth, he had no desire to continue this banter; he always felt that every word from the old man was a trap, one careless step and ruin would follow.

Besides, everyone had laughed, everyone had vented, but now it was time to return to the main affair—serious business awaited. Though time here did not pass as it did outside, Yu Shang felt their time was running out; it would be wasteful to linger over trivial matters. If they missed the contest, all their efforts would have been for nothing.

“Young people are so impatient. Is it such a hardship to indulge an old man in a little idle chat?” The old headmaster shook his head with a sigh, feigning disappointment, as if blaming them for disdaining his age and wishing to ignore him.

But in the eyes of the group, every extra word exchanged with this old fox only increased the likelihood of being tricked again. Better to avoid conversation with such a sly character; better to step into the unknown abyss than be ensnared by his cunning words—else the consequences would be dire indeed.

“If you wish to chat and pass the time with us, senior, we would be more than willing. But, given the urgency of the moment, everyone’s thoughts are on the contest. Don’t you also hope that Yanlan Academy will shine in the competition, and deter other covetous clans from daring to offend us again?” Yu Shang replied, unhurried but with a chill in his smile.

Hmph, to pass the time chatting with you would be to walk willingly into your trap. Better to risk the dangers ahead than to put on a show of false harmony. Yu Shang was truly weary of these covert battles of wit—he longed to be far from this old man.

“Better that we wait until after the written exam, and then drink and talk the night away with Master—wouldn’t that be far more enjoyable?” Lan Bingxian quickly joined in, well aware of his master’s intentions. If not for some matter on his mind, the master would never have tried so circuitously to arrange a meeting.

Could something have gone wrong at Yanlan Academy? Impossible. If something had happened, they would surely know. It seemed this new affair was yet another headache, but by the master’s demeanor, it was not so urgent as to demand immediate resolution. Better to wait until things had settled before discussing it in detail.

“Yes, I too suddenly miss those childhood days, sharing a table and a drink with Master. It seems that since we grew up, that warmth is gone. Whatever happens, Master, before I leave you must dine and drink your fill with us one last time.” Leng Huaiyi also saw through the headmaster’s true intent and gave him a way to step back gracefully, as if this reunion had been his own idea all along.

He truly did miss those days. Besides, this was a chance to spend a last night with Shuang’er, and perhaps draw Yuanyuan and Master closer together—a plan that served many purposes, so why not embrace it?

“Sigh... I am old, my tongue is clumsy, not as quick-witted as you young folk. I can’t out-argue you, so do as you wish! Enough talk, lest you accuse me of rambling.” With that, the old headmaster stepped forward and stood before the wondrous sacred tree, gazing at it in silent contemplation.

Seeing this, everyone stepped forward as well, though in their hearts they thought: If you are clumsy-tongued, then we must be mutes! One wonders if your humility is genuine or feigned—best to remain vigilant regardless. Though all he did was for Yanlan Academy, it was rather unkind to keep dragging them into his schemes.

The old headmaster placed his hand upon a branch of the strange tree, then slowly closed his eyes. The group understood he was communicating heart to heart. The last time Meng Youyuan and Mingzhu had communicated thus, it had left them awestruck—so much so that “unforgettable” seemed an understatement.

What would this communion between the headmaster and the sacred tree bring? Might he merge with it and become some new being? That seemed a bit too strange, so they decided to simply watch patiently and see what unfolded.

Looking toward the two engaged in spiritual communion, the sacred tree seemed, imperceptibly, to become gentler, its earlier aura of inviolable ferocity diminished. Then its leaves began to shimmer and softly rustle, and with their movement, brilliant starlight began to drift down.

It was beautiful—the glowing motes floated gently, never touching the ground, but hovered in midair, sparkling with dazzling brilliance. Like stars scattered upon the dark sky, they did not seek to outshine all else, yet their radiance could not be ignored.

As all marveled at this unusual beauty, the starlight suddenly gathered and fell upon the trunk, forming a dazzling door. When the light faded, a faintly shimmering entrance now appeared in the trunk.

A light mist swirled around the entrance, giving it an ethereal, dreamlike quality, as though beckoning adventurers to unveil its mysteries. Yet the more mysterious and unknown a place, the greater the peril within. All they could hope was that, upon entering, they would secure the family scroll and return safely.

“Why are you all standing there, rooted to the spot? Are you so captivated by the scene that you dare not move, or are you simply afraid to go in and see for yourselves?” The old headmaster stroked his beard with a mischievous glint in his eye, evidently trying to provoke their competitive spirit and goad them into reckless action.

“We’ve made it this far—what would stop us from going further?” Xiao Yin rolled her eyes at the headmaster with disdain and strode forward, intent on entering. Having risked everything to reach this stage, how could a few words cause her to turn back?

Even if the path ahead were a mountain of blades or a sea of fire, they would press on—vowing not to rest until they had the family scroll. For someone hot-tempered like Xiao Yin, such provocations were most effective, though they would be wasted on one who remained calm and unflappable.

Seeing this, Yu Shang quickly stepped forward and pulled Xiao Yin back, then smiled and addressed the headmaster, “This treasury belongs to Yanlan Academy, and it is only proper that you, Headmaster, should enter first. As your juniors, how could we presume to go ahead of you? Please, after you!” With that, Yu Shang bowed and gestured respectfully.

“Hahaha! What a clever, quick-witted young man. It’s a pity you are not of Yanlan Academy, or I would bequeath my position to you without hesitation!” The headmaster glanced at his disciples with a sigh and stepped inside. These children were destined for greater things—they would not be confined here forever.

Though he was their master and could keep them here serving Yanlan Academy all their lives, his care for the academy did not mean he cared nothing for them. He had raised them from childhood, understood their hearts; he could not be so selfish as to keep them by his side and hinder their futures.

Yu Shang merely smiled at this, saying nothing. Perhaps to others, this would be an enviable honor—to be chosen as the future master of Yanlan Academy, a dream come true. But Yu Shang did not see it as a cause for joy. Once he took on this academy, coveted by all the world, he would know no peace thereafter.

Moreover, the burden borne by the headmaster was immense—one careless decision could doom the entire academy. Besides, Yu Shang cherished his freedom by nature and had his own goals to pursue. How could he allow himself to be trapped by such a small academy? His ambitions were far beyond this.

He would claim either the entire world, or live as a contented wanderer. In his eyes, occupying a middling, neutral position was the most painful and agonizing state of all. Furthermore, he was determined to travel to another world in search of his parents—how could he bear to spend the rest of his life here?

“Though I know your heart is not here, taking up Yanlan Academy would do you no harm. I see that my elder brother greatly admires your spirit. If you were willing, he might well pass the mantle to you.” Xun Mishuang approached Yu Shang with a meaningful smile, as though she knew something more.

“You know full well my heart is not here—how could I possibly agree?” Yu Shang replied with a smile. He was truly unsuited to rule over this academy. There were too many secrets within it; should he, out of greed, accept this tangled mess, the cost would be far too great.

“I was only joking, no need to take it so seriously.” With that, Xun Mishuang joined the others and stepped inside.