Moved by the heart, enduring adversity

Xiao Cheng was honing his fundamentals in the courtyard.

He wielded a thick iron sword with vigorous strength; beads of hot sweat seeped from his skin, scattered by the trembling of his muscles. Only when the academy’s senior brother reached the gate did he gradually ease his force.

“Excellent skills!”

The senior brother clapped, applauding, “Little brother, to possess such martial arts at your age, you are destined for greatness!”

Cheng Yan grabbed a gourd ladle to wash his face, wiping himself with a sweat towel, “Senior brother, you flatter me.”

Senior Brother Zheng smiled, “You came here with that gentleman, didn’t you?”

“Which gentleman?” Cheng Yan was somewhat surprised.

“The elder with the purple beard, acquainted with the Headmaster.” Seeing Cheng Yan’s puzzled expression, Senior Brother Zheng realized he had no idea and thus explained, “Yesterday evening, the five academy deans jointly issued a recruitment notice. If you find yourself unable to continue your studies or wish to seek an official post in the southeast, you can sign up.”

Cheng Yan realized the timing was too coincidental—the notice was issued precisely now, and no one would believe it had nothing to do with the purple-bearded elder.

Senior Brother Zheng asked mysteriously, “Do you know who that man is?”

“Please enlighten me, senior brother.”

“I heard the dean call him the Chief Hall.”

Senior Brother Zheng lowered his voice, “You arrived together with the Chief Hall, didn’t you hear any news?”

Cheng Yan shook his head and explained how they met. His group truly had no connection with the Chief Hall.

“So that’s how it is.” The expectation on Senior Brother Zheng’s face quickly gave way to disappointment; he had hoped for a connection to climb, but it really was a matter of chance.

Nonetheless, he didn’t neglect Cheng Yan, recognizing his martial skills were impressive. With diligent practice, perhaps he could soon cultivate true energy or even attain magical power.

Once a person cultivates magical power, their choices widen. Whether pursuing the civil exams or remaining as a teacher at the academy, they will not be lost in the crowd.

“Up, mountain run!”

Senior Brother Zheng addressed everyone with courtesy. Even though it was obvious that Zhou Changcai and Wu Agui had sneaked to the back mountain last night, he didn’t mention it.

Go, but don’t miss attendance.

Otherwise, if the teacher punishes them, he’ll be unable to shield them.

Thus, Zhou Changcai and Wu Agui were dragged from their beds.

Morning.

Teacher Cheng brought the news to the students.

He paced in the classroom, saying, “Now is the chance to make your mark. If any of you wish not to wait, and feel you could first earn military merit, you may sign up. Those who have cultivated magical power or true energy are preferred, those skilled in arts or archery next, and if your martial skills are exceptional, you may also join after passing the examination.”

As he spoke, his gaze swept across their faces, “As I see it, you are the worst class I’ve ever taught. Better not go and throw your lives away.”

A wave of commotion rippled below.

By the desk, the black cat Lu Xun suddenly understood—no wonder Sun Shen said he would not stay long.

So, it was for recruiting soldiers at the academy.

Of course, they weren’t ordinary foot soldiers; those who could cultivate magical power or true energy would at least enter the ranks.

At noon, after class was dismissed.

Teacher Cheng left Cheng Yan behind to ask, “The Headmaster asked me to inquire: are you willing to go to the southeast?”

“Ah? Me?” Cheng Yan was caught off guard, hardly able to believe it.

“Yes,” Teacher Cheng’s eyes flashed with suspicion.

He, too, was surprised that this newly enrolled student had drawn the Headmaster’s attention.

It seemed a casual question, but in truth, it was a direct nomination, prompting doubts about Cheng Yan’s background and making him speak more.

“You know about the recruitment notice?”

“Yes.”

“The southeast is plagued by rampant bandits, threatening to become a major force. The Chief Hall himself came to the academy to recruit…” Teacher Cheng stopped there, but the implication was clear: for someone like Cheng Yan, singled out for special attention, he would not be assigned as a mere clerk or common soldier.

Cheng Yan felt tempted.

He turned and saw the round-faced black cat solemnly shaking its head.

“Teacher, I’ll consider it.”

“Good, this is a serious matter and must be carefully weighed.” Teacher Cheng exhaled in relief, paused at the door, and advised, “No matter your connections or whose kin you are, they may grant you a good start, but everything else depends on your own strength.”

“Without magical power, in the end, you are just an ordinary person.”

“Thank you for your guidance, Teacher.” Cheng Yan bowed deeply.

Teacher Cheng nodded slightly and left.

Standing in the empty classroom, Cheng Yan felt lost.

Outside, the three waiting for him wore different expressions. Zhou Changcai envied him, “Well done, Brother Cheng, so you have this advantage. Tell us, what’s your relationship with the Headmaster?”

Wu Agui likewise asked gently about the follow-up.

Cheng Yan laughed and shook his head, helpless, “Don’t you all know my background? How could I have any connection with the Headmaster? If I did, would I be placed in the lowest class?”

“That’s true,” Wu Agui mused, puzzled.

Lu He remained as usual; for him, Cheng Yan’s status wasn’t low and he always included him in wine and meat. He only sighed, feeling nothing of jealousy, but vaguely sensed something amiss, as if he had caught a clue but couldn’t grasp it, so he stopped thinking further.

His family had scraped together funds for him to study at the academy, and he must strive to cultivate magical power and true energy.

The three were unaware of the inner workings, but Cheng Yan might know.

If he possessed any peculiarities, it would all be related to Uncle Cat.

Nap.

In the afternoon, they studied archery, taught by another instructor known as Teacher Wei.

…

After dinner.

Dusk faded into night.

Library.

Cheng Yan lit a lamp, but had no mind to copy books or study, his thoughts wandering far afield.

He murmured, “Should I go, or not?”

He had long known the purple-bearded elder was a high official and understood that one must be strong to seize opportunities. But chances like this are rare; the favor of a powerful figure may be fleeting, and to wait for another opportunity could take ages. Missing it might bring lifelong regret.

“Uncle Cat, do you think I should go?” Cheng Yan didn’t feel comfortable asking Lu He or the others.

No one could say if it would be good or bad. Like his grandfather, one could go to the battlefield for military merit, then return to the county as a captain or constable—the best outcome for an ordinary soldier.

He still hoped to go further.

Not just for himself, but for the Cheng family.

The black cat pointed at the xuan paper where it had written with its paw.

Don’t go.

“Don’t go.”

Cheng Yan repeated.

Lu Xun the cat meowed, attempting to speak, but found it easier to write with his paw.

Cat language was more concise than the tongue of monsters, conveying only the gist.

He believed that one must be strong to seize opportunities.

To become an apprentice might be promising, but whom to follow?

If Lu Xun begged, perhaps Sun Shen would accept Cheng Yan.

But how could such a great favor be repaid?

The rich repay with money; the poor with their lives.

Lu Xun didn’t want little Cheng to go to the southeast and lose his life.

“Live.”

Cheng Yan saw the new word Uncle Cat had written.

He didn’t quite understand its meaning.

Studying at the academy was the most proper and peaceful choice; it was unwise to pursue fame and fortune too soon and disturb one’s heart.

A youth barely grown, even with talent, would not be valued yet. If truly promising, one should know that improving one’s strength matters more than anything.

The academy was a good place, the environment for learning was excellent.

Lu Xun resolved to speak with the other party.

He didn’t bring Grey Treasure, venturing out alone.

Under the moonlight, he climbed onto the wall and padded across the tiles. With a few leaps, he had already left the library’s domain.

“Change heads!”