Fukun Xueyuan

  Despite the daylight, the dense shadows and serene atmosphere created an ambiance akin to twilight. The thick canopy of clouds added to the pleasant, melancholic weather. Under the open sky, the main hall was completely packed with students. Yet, despite the crowd, the hall was silent so silent that one could hear the movement of a tiny ant. In this profound stillness sat Gu Zong, his posture alert and taut. His ears were tuned to listen, but his eyes burned with a hidden, smoldering fire.

  Before them stood Grandmaster Kang Jue, a figure of absolute tranquility. Even his relaxed stance carried an aura of immense pride as he observed the assembly. The Grandmaster scrutinized every single student, his eyes performing a meticulous analysis of every face. His breathing was as steady as his stone-like physique. However, when his gaze landed upon Gu Zong sitting among the crowd, it halted. He watched Gu Zong for several moments, but Gu Zong kept his gaze lowered, as if drowning in an ocean of thought. Finally, taking a light breath, the Grandmaster spoke. His voice carried the weight of vast wisdom and a layer of hidden empathy. He addressed the students:

  "Welcome, all of you, to the Fukun Xueyuan Education House. We are pleased that you have accepted our proposal. For this, we offer our deepest gratitude."

  The Grandmaster offered a slight, respectful bow of thanks to the students. In return, all the students bowed their heads before him. When the Grandmaster straightened his back, he noticed that every single person was bowed in respect except Gu Zong. He remained sitting, composed and rigid.

  There was no expression on his face, nor any movement in his body. He simply sat there. The Grandmaster looked at him with a penetrating gaze and took a deep breath.

  When the other students noticed Gu Zong’s lack of decorum, their eyes widened in shock. Whispers began to ripple through the hall. Some boys muttered to each other:

  "Look at how arrogant he is. Sitting there all stiff... it seems he doesn't know the rules of this place."

  Before anyone could respond to the murmurs, the Grandmaster spoke again in the same tone:

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  "Please, maintain silence. Today is your first day at Fukun Xueyuan, and your education begins now. When Great Grandmaster Hung Zai initiated this Cultivation Path, he established certain rules to nurture and protect it. Until you prove yourselves worthy of these rules, you cannot proceed to the next stage. Along with knowledge, you must learn to obey these mandates. It is mandatory."

  Saying this, he went to his desk and sat down. As soon as he was seated, he struck a long wooden seal against the table, and his voice boomed:

  "Class dismissed!"

  A while later, as the students began to file out of the hall, everyone was in a frantic rush to leave. Gu Zong, however, rose slowly and made his way toward the exit. Suddenly, he felt a gaze burning into his back. When he looked behind, he saw Grandmaster Kang Jue watching him with calm, observant eyes. It had no effect on Gu Zong; he gave no reaction and continued walking.

  Outside, some attendants were returning swords to the students. Gu Zong received his sword as well. But as he was taking it, a sudden surge of excitement erupted among the students. The girls began to jump with joy. Sensing the commotion and the frantic whispering, Gu Zong moved closer to see what was happening.

  Through the main gates, a group of young students from the Han Qiantian Clan arrived, dressed in magnificent, grand robes and carrying swords adorned with exquisite jewels. Their majestic arrival filled the atmosphere with a vibrant energy, as if the handsome boys and beautiful girls had brought the very splendor of the Han Qiantian Clan with them.

  But everyone’s eyes were fixed on one person standing at the very front: Prince Han Wuang Shi. He was calm and restrained, his face devoid of any emotion, moving like a living corpse. His eyes were slightly swollen, as if they had spent the entire night shedding tears. His face wasn't slumped, just fixed a man hiding a violent storm beneath a mask of stillness.

  Behind him, the other Han Clan students displayed a completely different energy. Their eyes and faces shimmered with pride and happiness. Watching Han Wuang Shi, some girls whispered to each other:

  "Is that Prince Han Wuang Shi? The one we heard about?"

  Another replied with a disgruntled expression:

  "Yes, that's the same arrogant man, Prince Han Wuang Shi. Who does he think he is? Don't be fooled by his beauty. That man is arrogant beyond measure. He hasn't spoken properly to anyone to this day. His ego is bigger than his entire sect."

  Gu Zong heard all of this. The muscles in his face tightened. But as he looked past the crowd to where the Han Qiantian students stood, his expression grew even more severe. Every Han student had a smile of joy on their face. And at the front stood Han Wuang Shi.

  At the sight of them, Gu Zong gripped his sword so violently that the intricate carvings dug into his palm, and blood began to drip from his hand. His reddened eyes were locked solely on the Han Clan. He took a few steps back and turned to return to his quarters. But before vanishing into the shadows, he threw one last, smoldering glare toward Han Wuang Shi before disappearing into the crowd.