The newly recruited students dared to be angry but not speak. They could only suppress their temper, so the atmosphere on the ship became much more harmonious during the subsequent journey.
Due to several days of travel, Gu Yao spent most of his time in the cabin practicing and reading. Occasionally, he went out to relax but wasn't very interested in mingling with other students. Chi Changye had even less interest, as he was officially considered Gu Yao's follower, and other students were unaware of his capabilities, not taking him seriously.
Tian Feirong and the chubby boy couldn't contain themselves and often went out, making some friends. When they returned, they told Gu Yao and Chi Changye, "Those guys actually formed groups and factions. I inquired and heard that it's not easy to get along in the academy. Either you have a lot of spirit stones to buy influence, or you're physically strong. Just like Teacher Fang, if you beat someone up, they'll behave. Gu Yao, Brother Chi, what should we do?"
Chi Changye was wiping his sword. Although it wasn't as good as his original one that had accompanied him for many years, it was a low-grade magical tool bought in Yuan Yang Town. However, a sword cultivator couldn't help but love his sword, and Chi Changye took good care of it.
His hands didn't stop moving, and he glanced at Tian Feirong before lowering his head again. This glance made Tian Feirong's heart pound. He had no doubt that if Chi Changye had to choose, he would unhesitatingly choose the second method—beating people into submission. But Tian Feirong didn't have that ability. What a tragedy!
Gu Yao frowned and said, "We don't have time for that. I entered the academy to study. Joining those factions is a waste of time. As long as they don't provoke me, it's fine. If they do..." Gu Yao took out several jade bottles. These contained poisons he had newly refined after arriving in Ten-Fold City.
Tian Feirong shivered without even looking, knowing what was inside the bottles. Oh my, these two are more ruthless than the other.
Then he turned to whisper to the chubby boy. Initially unclear about the reason, the chubby boy also shivered. Ruthless! Truly ruthless!
Tian Feirong flattered, "Then I and the chubby boy will stick with you. You guys need to practice and study. There's definitely no time for outside matters. Leave it to me and the chubby boy. Chubby, what do you think?" As he said this, he winked at the chubby boy.
"Yes, yes, Brother Tian is right," the chubby boy said very wisely.
Tian Feirong gave him a praising look. Not bad, the chubby boy knew how to cooperate.
The chubby boy thought, if it weren't for being alone with no support outside, needing to cling to a big thigh to live comfortably, who would want to be embarrassed with this guy? No, it's cooperating.
Gu Yao appreciatively patted Tian Feirong's shoulder and said, "Tian Second Brother is really loyal. From now on, we'll rely on Tian Second Brother and the chubby boy!" Tian Feirong was pleasantly surprised. With Gu Yao's favor, he would definitely have some benefits.
Chi Changye smirked. This pattern was clearly not much different from what they had in Yuan Yang Town. If there was any difference, it was that Tian Feirong relied even more on him and Gu Yao now, as there was no Tian family in the academy for him to depend on.
This pattern wasn't bad. Tian Feirong was good at handling things, considering how quickly he got acquainted with some second-generation disciples on the ship and learned about the situation in the academy.
Jiang Yan and Zhou Li observed everything happening on the ship without interference or explanation; Tianfu Academy had its own rules of survival. Hearing Zhou Li talk about the situation of those junior disciples, Jiang Yan smiled, supporting his chin, "It seems everyone is quite energetic. I believe they will adapt well after entering the academy. We don't need to worry too much."
Zhou Li twitched his mouth; adapt well? If it weren't for Senior Fang's suppression, we'd be dealing with chaos right now.
A soft knock sounded, and Jiang Yan warmly said, "Come in."
Entering was Bai Xiu'er, holding a tray with pastries. She sweetly smiled, "Senior Jiang, I made some flower cakes. Please taste them and give Xiu'er some advice."
Jiang Yan smiled charmingly, "Sure, Zhou Junior and I will try Xiu'er's craftsmanship. Thank you, Xiu'er."
Bai Xiu'er handed the tray to Zhou Li and happily left.
Jiang Yan picked up a piece of cake with his jade-like fingers, savoring it slowly, his expression filled with delight.
Zhou Li quickly stuffed a piece into his mouth, his eyes brightening, "Delicious! I didn't expect Junior Bai to have such skill. But Senior, you're too bad, seducing Xiu'er with just a bite. Junior Bai's heart might be taken away by Senior. Senior is not lacking admirers in the academy, right? And, Senior, aren't you breaking the rules by accepting pastries from Bai Junior without getting involved?"
Jiang Yan raised an eyebrow, and Zhou Li hurriedly waved his hands, "Alright, Senior, you enjoy yourself. I won't say anything. I'll eat!"
Well, for the sake of Junior Bai's outstanding skill, it's okay to be more considerate. As long as Junior Sister sends more flower cakes over.
Bai Xiu'er's actions were seen by many on the ship. Seeing her coming out empty-handed signaled that Bai Xiu'er was under the protection of Senior Jiang. Otherwise, they wouldn't see her trying to please Senior with anything. What exactly is Bai Xiu'er's background?
Not only Jiang Senior and the others, but on the other side, when the four of them, including Gu Yao, received the flower cakes from Bai Xiu'er, as Gu Yao took a bite, he felt a gentle spiritual energy spreading in his mouth. His whole body felt comfortable, and every pore seemed to burst open. Surprised, he glanced at Bai Xiu'er. This flower cake not only tasted delicious, but the spiritual energy inside also seemed exceptionally mild, making it easy for people to absorb.
No, it's more than that. When he tasted a green flower cake, a cool spiritual energy rushed to his forehead. He felt refreshed and clear-headed. His eyes even lit up. "Junior Sister Bai has great skill!"
Chi Changye paused with the pastry in his hand, then resumed as if nothing happened, showing a bit of disinterest.
Tian Feirong and the chubby boy were too busy eating to speak. Their mouths were full, and they could only nod in agreement. Bai Xiu'er smiled sweetly, "If Senior Brothers like it, Junior Sister will make more flower cakes. Earlier, I gathered some spiritual flower ingredients in Ten-Fold City. Please take care of Junior Sister after entering the academy."
"Sure, sure," Gu Yao readily agreed.
Bai Xiu'er seized the opportunity and left.
"Bai Junior Sister is really virtuous. I didn't expect her skills to be so good," praised Tian Feirong.
Curious, Gu Yao asked Chi Changye, "Big Brother Ye, do spirit chefs have such good skills?"
Chi Changye treated Gu Yao's question seriously, savoring the flower cake like chewing wax, and said, "It seems to have something more than spirit chefs, perhaps different methods of handling ingredients."
Sorry, he didn't study spirit chefs much either. Living with Gu Yao in Far阳 Town, he only learned to cook food, not necessarily delicious, let alone the skills of a spirit chef.
"I can probably guess something."
The voice of Xu Chen in his mind made Gu Yao's eyebrows twitch, and he hurriedly asked, "Senior, what have you guessed?"
Xu Chen said, "It's very likely that this female cultivator is not entirely human. There might be bloodlines of other races in her body. If we can prove that she's only good at handling spirit flowers and mediocre in other culinary arts, it would be even more convincing." Gu Yao's pupils slightly contracted; perhaps Xu Chen had really guessed it.
Chi Changye observed all the changes in Gu Yao's expression but didn't say anything. They had met by chance, and he walked together inadvertently. Gu Yao had secrets, and he hadn't completely revealed his previous situation to him.
Flying continuously for five days and nights, on the sixth day, they finally reached their destination: Tianfu Academy.
The notified group, including Gu Yao, came out early, standing on the flying vessel, overlooking the panoramic view of the academy.
Tianfu Academy was built on a continuous mountain range. From above, mist covered the lower area, and birds flitted through, occasionally revealing corners of pavilions and towers. The scenery was breathtaking, leaving Gu Yao, a cultivator from the Stellar Alliance, completely amazed and intoxicated.
He dared to say that such scenery transferred to the stellar world would definitely cause a sensation throughout the alliance. He could probably make a living just by collecting entrance fees.
"That side is Qianxue Sect because there are several snow peaks over there, giving it its name," Senior Zhou pointed in a direction as he introduced, "The area between Qianxue Sect and our academy is the trial ground for disciples and students from both sides, which is shared. So, you know."
Tian Feirong nodded repeatedly. Of course, he knew. Didn't he mention it in Ten-Fold City before? Then he would try not to go out before, or earn more spirit stones to hire experts to go over and beat Qianxue Sect disciples as much as possible.
Senior Zhou smiled and continued his introduction, "The central area has a place named Qiuqu Mountain Range. There are many dangerous areas inside, but the resources are abundant. It has always been the contested territory between our two factions. After entering the academy, you can buy a map. It marks various places, and the more spirit stones you spend, the more detailed the map becomes."
Tian Feirong smirked, looking at the unscrupulous Senior Zhou, and said, "Senior Zhou, isn't the one selling the map responsible for it? Why else would you enthusiastically recommend this map before even entering the academy? Suspicious, really suspicious!"
Senior Zhou smiled brightly, "Tian Junior Brother indeed has a keen eye. This business is indeed managed by our Star-Moon Trading Company. So, after you enter the academy, you must support us. I'll make sure to give you a discount, Junior Brothers."
"How much of a discount?" Tian Feirong's mouth twitched again. He casually mentioned it, but did Senior Zhou really guess it right? Unbelievable!
"Ninety-eight percent off. How about that? Senior Brother is generous, right?" Senior Zhou burst into laughter.
Ugh! Tian Feirong gritted his teeth. This shameless merchant!
The flying vessel plunged into the mountains below, dispersing the clouds and startling a group of birds. Suddenly, as the protective shield was removed, black dots fell from the sky, and when it became clear what they were, a chorus of screams erupted on the vessel. "Ah ah ah!! Bird droppings!"
Why was the first thing they received at Tianfu Academy bird droppings?
Whoever removed the protective shield had a twisted sense of humor!