Volume 1, Chapter 6: Origins Determine the Path Ahead, Ripples Herald the Rising Storm
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Lin Fan gripped the token tightly, staring at the academy dean’s stern face, his heart caught in fierce turmoil. He understood all too well the importance of his origins, yet he was unwilling to bring danger upon the academy. Conflicting emotions clashed within him, as if an invisible force was tugging at his reason.
The air in the room seemed to freeze; every faint sound grew strikingly clear, even the rapid pounding of his own heart.
Elder Qingfeng, noticing the complexity on Lin Fan’s face, could not help but cast an encouraging glance, hoping to lend him strength.
But the dean’s voice cut through the warmth like a cold guillotine, severing all tenderness: “Lin Fan, you must understand that the secrets behind the Shadow Alliance are far beyond what you can bear. If you insist on probing, not only will you endanger yourself, but you may also bring ruin upon the entire academy. Your impulsiveness and stubbornness will place us all on the brink of disaster.”
Lin Fan’s heart sank sharply; the dean’s words pressed heavily upon him.
He clenched his fists, nails digging deep into his palms, the pain sharpening his clarity.
At that moment, Lin Wan’er stepped forward, her voice firm and indignant: “Dean, Lin Fan has always been loyal to the academy, never once betraying us. He has contributed greatly to our herb gathering team. How can you treat him like this?”
Elder Qingfeng nodded in agreement: “Dean, Lin Fan’s character is evident to all. If there truly is danger, we are willing to bear it alongside him.”
The dean pondered briefly, his gaze shifting between Lin Fan, Elder Qingfeng, and Lin Wan’er, before settling on Lin Fan.
His eyes held both helplessness and warning: “Lin Fan, your decision will affect many. Do you have the time to be responsible for your choice?”
Lin Fan took a deep breath. He had made his decision, though words failed him now; only actions could prove it.
He rose and strode resolutely from the dean’s office, leaving a statement lingering in the air: “I will make my own choice, no matter the outcome.”
Night gradually fell. Lin Fan found himself alone on the academy’s rear hill, reflecting on the hardships he had endured. His heart was resolute, yet tinged with helplessness.
He knew the road ahead would not be smooth, but come what may, he would persevere.
The biting night wind swept through the woods, emitting a low, mournful howl as if echoing the turmoil within Lin Fan’s soul.
Moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting mottled shadows on the ground—mirroring his wavering state of mind.
He recalled fragments of his academy life: the failure at the awakening ceremony, the unexpected activation of the Constellation Map, and the many experiences after joining the herb gathering team, flashing through his mind like a revolving lantern.
He touched the Constellation Map on his chest, feeling the celestial power within, a warm current rising in his heart.
The academy was the place that had given him new life, a harbor where hope was rekindled.
Lin Fan drew a deep breath, striving to soothe the storm within.
The air smelled of earth and foliage, yet the fragrance could not dispel his inner unrest.
He wandered aimlessly among the trees, the crisp crackle of dry twigs beneath his feet piercing the silent night.
From afar came the piercing, prolonged cries of night owls, deepening the sense of desolation.
A profound loneliness gripped him, as if the whole world had isolated him.
Finally, Lin Fan stopped and fixed his gaze firmly toward the academy.
He had made his choice.
With steady, resolute steps, he walked back toward the dean’s courtyard, each footfall heavy as if pressing upon his own heart.
He pushed open the dean’s office door. The dim yellow light inside illuminated the dean’s solemn face.
Elder Qingfeng and Lin Wan’er were also present, both wearing worried expressions.
Lin Fan approached the dean and handed over the token, his tone calm yet resolute: “Dean, I have decided to temporarily set aside the search for my origins, prioritizing the academy’s welfare.”
The dean was stunned; he had not expected Lin Fan to make such a choice.
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Elder Qingfeng and Lin Wan’er also showed surprise.
After a moment, the dean took the token, gazed deeply at Lin Fan, and slowly spoke: “You…”
His words carried a trace of disbelief, but more so admiration.
He inhaled deeply, and the stern expression on his face softened into a faint smile of relief.
“Lin Fan, your choice reveals the hope for the future of Shenwu Academy. Your ability to put the greater good above personal obsession is truly commendable.”
Elder Qingfeng and Lin Wan’er breathed a sigh of relief, their faces brightening with satisfaction.
Lin Wan’er quickly stepped to Lin Fan’s side and gently patted his shoulder. “I knew you wouldn’t let us down.”
The dean rose and approached Lin Fan, patting his shoulder with a tone full of affirmation.
“To recognize your righteousness, I have decided to grant you a special reward. From today onward, you may freely access the academy’s library and enjoy priority in selecting cultivation resources. Moreover, your status will be elevated to the core disciples, receiving the highest treatment the academy offers.”
The room fell silent, as if the air had solidified.
Surprise and joy shone on Elder Qingfeng’s and Lin Wan’er’s faces; they understood what this meant for Lin Fan.
Lin Fan himself was somewhat astonished; he had not expected such generous recognition for his choice.
News spread like wildfire throughout the academy.
Everyone knew of Lin Fan’s selflessness—forsaking his origins for the sake of the academy.
For a time, Lin Fan’s name became the most prominent within the academy.
Walking the academy’s paths, he clearly felt the admiring and envious gazes cast upon him.
Those who had once doubted or harbored prejudice now showed approving glances.
He straightened his back, basking in the honor, a profound pride swelling within.
He felt that all he had done was worthwhile.
Yet not everyone rejoiced at Lin Fan’s rise.
In the academy’s shadowy corners, jealousy and discontent quietly festered.
They believed Lin Fan received too many favors, unworthy of his lofty status.
A dark undercurrent stirred within the academy; some began plotting covertly to create trouble for the rapidly rising youth.
Lin Fan remained unaware of these secret schemes, immersed in the joy of recognition.
He redoubled his efforts in cultivation, determined not to disappoint the academy’s expectations.
Each morning, as the first rays of sunlight bathed the training ground, he was already drenched in sweat from intense training.
At night, under the moonlight, he tirelessly studied in the library.
Beneath his calm exterior lurked unknown dangers.
One evening, after finishing cultivation in his room, Lin Fan habitually opened the window.
A night breeze swept through, carrying a chill.
As he prepared to close the window, his peripheral vision caught sight of an envelope resting on the windowsill.
Curious, he picked it up. The envelope bore no signature, only a faint scent of ink.
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He opened the envelope and withdrew the letter inside, reading it word by word under the faint moonlight.
The contents instantly ignited his fury; his knuckles whitened as he gripped the paper tightly.
Night blanketed Shenwu Academy, stars scattered sparsely above its rooftops.
Lin Fan sat cross-legged on his bed, astral energy flowing slowly within him, each breath tinged with faint waves of power—he felt himself growing stronger.
Suddenly, a strange sensation arose. He rose and approached the window; a damp night breeze swept his face. Quietly resting on the sill was an unsigned letter.
A sense of caution stirred within him. The envelope felt cold to the touch, imbued with a subtle fragrance of ink.
He opened it and drew out a slightly rough sheet of paper, densely covered with hurried handwriting.
Under the weak moonlight outside, Lin Fan read line after line, his expression darkening to iron-gray.
The letter was filled with venomous slander, accusing him of colluding with the Shadow Alliance, betraying the academy’s interests, even listing so-called “evidence”—forged testimonies and blurry images—all pointing to him as a hidden cancer within the academy.
A surge of rage shot to his head, his chest felt as though it would burst.
He clenched the letter fiercely, his knuckles pale from the grip, the paper crumpling beneath his grasp.
A chill traveled from his feet to his head, as if plunged into an icy abyss.
A profound sense of injustice welled up; he had sacrificed his search for origins for the academy’s sake, only to be met with such defamation.
He struggled to calm the storm within, scrutinizing every word repeatedly, seeking flaws to prove his innocence.
Yet the fabricated evidence seemed so authentic, making truth and falsehood hard to discern.
His heart felt gripped by an invisible hand, suffocating him.
He sensed the scent of conspiracy—someone was deliberately setting him up.
Lin Fan took a deep breath, striving to steady his thoughts, though anger and grievance remained fierce within.
He knew clearly that once these slanders spread, he would plunge into an abyss of no return.
Those who had once praised him would mercilessly trample him underfoot.
He could not sit idly by to meet his doom.
The rough texture of the paper beneath his fingertips was like a cold warning.
A flash of resolute determination sparked in Lin Fan’s eyes—he must uncover the truth and clear his name.
He glanced around; the room was silent except for his heavy breathing.
Carefully folding the letter, he returned it to the envelope and gripped it tightly in his hand, as though clutching a lifeline.
The night deepened, only the rustling leaves outside whispered like secret voices.
Lin Fan knew a storm was coming—and he must face it head-on.
He fixed his gaze toward Elder Qingfeng’s courtyard.