After the brief confrontation between Tie Zhu and Bing Meifeng, rumors began to spread like a wildfire throughout the school, causing many to question Tie Zhu's sexuality. The news of the Ice Queen being rejected by someone was a hot topic, attracting unwanted attention to both Tie Zhu and Bing Meifeng.
Tao Keke, who had heard about the incident, was initially in disbelief. As the news continued to spread, she grew increasingly irritated. Bing Meifeng was the epitome of beauty, brains, and wealth, with looks that rivaled Tao Keke's and a personality that, although cold, was alluring to some.
However when Tao Keke heard that Tie Zhu had firmly rejected Bing Meifeng and told her he already liked someone else, a warmth filled her heart. However, she felt that Bing Meifeng wouldn't let the matter go easily, although she wasn't sure why. This left her feeling somewhat sour.
'Out of all the people why did she have to choose Tie Zhu!' She thought to herself , thinking that if Bing Meifeng continued to pursue Tie Zhu he might actually give in to her temptation. Listing all of Bing Meifeng's positive attributes in her mind she herself couldn't help but feel somewhat inferior. 'No! I have to make Tie Zhu mine. I can't let other people have him!' She thought to herself resolutely, however she was unsure about how to go about this.
* * *
The morning classes went on as usual, but Tie Zhu was occupied with other thoughts. Instead of focusing on English and mathematics, he was engrossed in a conversation with Wang Yazhu about cultivation.
"You mentioned that I'll cultivate better in places that are attuned with nature," Tie Zhu said. "I was thinking about Lake Taihu, which is around 25 km from here. It has many small islands within the lake, including the Xishan National Forest Park. There are rumors about the park, with some claiming it's not completely natural due to its unnaturally round shape. Some believe it was created by a meteorite that fell millions of years ago, but there's no proof."
"There have also been rumors of ghostly apparitions appearing near the park, and strange lights that dance above the lake at night. Some have claimed to have heard the sound of music, soft and mournful, playing in the distance."
"Hmm, that's interesting. From what I've seen just from that girl before, this world does indeed have hidden figures. That lake could very well have been man-made or be hiding secrets of its own. Chances are, though, that whatever secrets it could have been hiding have already been discovered. Although the lake is still close to this city, the spiritual essence density there should at least be somewhat higher than here. I recommend you explore it as soon as you can," Wang Yazhu replied, giving his honest thoughts, as he was interested in how deep this small world was.
After hearing Wang Yazhu's response, Tie Zhu felt his excitement build, as he was eager to finally begin his cultivation. However, when he looked at the clock ticking by, impatience was visibly plastered on his face. "Why is it so slow? I can't wait all day like this," he thought impatiently. Although he used to be a top student and actually enjoyed studying, his mind was too distracted currently.
Unable to wait any longer, Tie Zhu immediately feigned a severe headache. "Ahh, Mr. Chen, I have a really bad headache. Can I go to the infirmary?" he asked, putting on a painful expression that looked realistic.
When Chen Yuhan saw Tie Zhu's expression, he thought for a second before allowing him to go. Although Tie Zhu's grades were not what they used to be, he was not a troublemaker and acted honestly. "Fine, go ahead. Hopefully, you will feel better soon and be able to make it back," he said.
"Thanks, Mr. Chen," Tie Zhu replied as he dragged himself to the infirmary, surprised at how easily he got away with that. Once he arrived, he then convinced the middle-aged school nurse to allow him to go home on sick leave, putting his acting skills to the test once again.
After getting permission for an early dismissal, he breathed a sigh of relief. 'Cultivation, here I come!!' he thought to himself smiling as he did so, as he waited for the bus that would take him to Taihu Lake!
* * *
The time was only 11 am, and the streets were bustling with activity as the bus finally arrived at the lake. Tie Zhu felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. The cool breeze blowing off the lake was a welcome relief from the city's heat. The pier was crowded with people and vendors selling souvenirs, food, and drinks. The sound of the waves against the shore and the calls of the local birds created a peaceful yet lively atmosphere. "So, how does the spiritual essence here compare to inside the city?" Tie Zhu asked curiously.
"The spiritual essence here, while not extraordinary, is denser than what can be found within the city limits, though it could potentially be even more concentrated on the island inside the lake," Wang Yazhu responded.
Tie Zhu was not discouraged by Wang Yazhu's response and instead felt that the trip was well worth it. To reach the Xishan National Park, there were two main options: taking a taxi or a ferry. The island was located about 5 km inside the lake and had a diameter of about 10 km, so walking was not a convenient option. After weighing his options, Tie Zhu decided to take the ferry. Although he would have to wait a little longer, he would save about 15 Yuan. "Maybe one day I can afford to take the taxi," he thought to himself with a sigh.