Chapter 85 – 84: Gather like a blazing fire, scatter like stars across the sky
“Ninth Stage at nine years old? Indeed, that’s a decent talent,” the Saint Mother commented, showing no particular surprise, “then let the Mayor guide him well. There are sixteen children in the academy now, correct?”
“Yes, with the new arrival, that makes sixteen exactly,” the Mayor replied.
With a soft sigh, the Saint Mother said, “This place might not be sustainable for much longer.”
“Ah?” Zhang Haoxuan couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise, “What does this mean…?”
The Saint Mother spoke calmly, “It seems he has already begun to notice. For the sake of safety, we must be ready to change. The academy may need to be relocated. Of course, nothing is set in stone yet. There might be changes. Unless absolutely necessary, I hope there will be no need for alteration here. We’ve finally achieved a favorable situation after much difficulty.”
Zhang Haoxuan gave a bitter smile, “Then how much time do we have?”
The Saint Mother shook her head, “It’s hard to say. Wait for my notification. There shouldn’t be any significant danger.”
“Understood. You should also take care. You’re the backbone of the organization, having paid such a heavy price. You must stay safe,” Zhang Haoxuan bowed respectfully.
The Saint Mother shook her head again, “I won’t come to harm. For the great cause, I must survive.”
At this moment, the Saint Mother’s veil suddenly turned toward the door. In the next instant, the door burst open, and an angry voice followed, “Zhang Haoxuan, you despicable…”
The voice trailed off abruptly, and a blue-purple glow coalesced in the room, quickly becoming clear—it was Teacher Si Ru.
Having now seen the woman seated in the primary position, the corners of his mouth twitched, and he bowed, “Saint Mother, I apologize, I wasn’t aware that you were here.”
The Saint Mother gave a slight smile, “No need for formalities, Teacher Si Ru. You’re still as impatient as ever.”
A bit embarrassed, Si Ru scratched his head, “I can’t help it, affected by my own bloodline.”
Zhang Haoxuan spoke irritably, “In such a rush, what if someone saw you? Why did you start scolding me as soon as you entered the door?””
Si Ru said, “That child must be entrusted to me. With you, he’ll be wasted. What do you know about element control?”
Zhang Haoxuan sneered, “I knew you old fellow would fight me for him. That’s why I made the first move. Don’t even think about it, he has already formally become my student. You’ve no chance now.”
Just as Si Ru was about to say something, the Saint Mother seated in the primary position spoke, “Are you referring to the new child?”
“Yes,” Zhang Haoxuan nodded.
The Saint Mother smiled, “Even I am a bit curious now. To stir Teacher Si Ru’s heart so, it seems his talent is indeed quite extraordinary!”
Si Ru said, “A mutated Wind Wolf Transformation, he possesses a strong affinity and control over the wind element, truly a rare find! At the Fifth Stage, he’s on an equal footing with Wu Bingji. He’s definitely the academy’s finest seedling, and he’s only nine years old. I too am a master of element control; not entrusting this child to me would be a waste. Zhang Haoxuan, you don’t know the first thing about element control.”
“Equal to Wu Bingji? Wind element control can contend with ice element control?” Even the Mayor was taken aback. When he had subdued Tang San that day, he hadn’t given him the chance to use his abilities. The Mayor was most concerned about Tang San’s multiple abilities control, yet it seemed the boy was stronger than he had imagined. Just a Wind Wolf Transformation was enough to make Si Ru come after him desperately. If Si Ru knew that he could use other abilities…
The Saint Mother, clearly intrigued, said, “That really is remarkable. Pure cultivation base is one thing, but to be comparable in control strength to Bingji, that is somewhat impressive. You must cultivate him well. All right, I should return now. Mayor, you must make advance preparations for what I mentioned, just in case.”
As she spoke, she was already standing up.
Zhang Haoxuan and Si Ru each placed their right hands over their chests, revealing the Redemption Rune on the backs of their hands. If Tang San were here, he would notice that the Redemption Rune on Si Ru’s hand was the same green color as Zhang Haoxuan’s, not the blue color he had anticipated.
“Gather like a bundle of fire, disperse like a sky full of stars,” the Saint Mother softly chanted, and the next instant, she had turned into a ray of light and quietly vanished.
“Gather like a bundle of fire, disperse like a sky full of stars,” Zhang Haoxuan and Si Ru solemnly repeated her words from before.
After a long moment, Si Ru turned to Zhang Haoxuan, “Can I have the disciple?”
“Dream on!” Zhang Haoxuan refused without hesitation.
“You looking for a beating?” Si Ru said fiercely.
Zhang Haoxuan said in a deep voice, “Do you know why the Saint Mother came just now?”
Si Ru was taken aback, “Why?”
Zhang Haoxuan’s expression turned grave, “She said that our place might not last. The academy could close at any time.”
“What?” Si Ru’s pupils dilated instantly, “Discovered? That shouldn’t be! We have been very careful.”
Zhang Haoxuan gave a wry smile, “You know her abilities. Without the Saint Mother’s protection, would we have been able to stay safe here for so many years? Better to prepare early. Notify everyone in advance and implement the promotion plan. Except for the children at the academy, who don’t need to be evacuated immediately, other departments should disperse and hide in other cities. Once the coast is clear, we’ll see if we can come back.”
Si Ru nodded, “If the Saint Mother came in person, it must be almost certain. What about the children?”
Zhang Haoxuan thought for a moment and said, “Follow the third plan.”
“The third plan? Why not the first one? Wouldn’t that be safer?” Si Ru asked in surprise.
Zhang Haoxuan shook his head, “Let’s go with the third plan. This batch of children is too outstanding; I’m a little reluctant to let them go. Besides, we still have the Saint Mother’s care. Even if there are risks, she’ll help us avoid much of them.”
“You’re full of tricks, let’s do as you say then. About the disciple matter? Tang San would surely do better with me than with you!” Si Ru had not forgotten his original purpose.
Zhang Haoxuan said, “You should teach him what you must. As for changing his teacher, get that out of your head. It was not easy for me to take on a disciple. Even if he is a Wind Wolf Transformation mutant, could his potential compare to Du Bai and Cheng Zicheng’s? You weren’t tempted by Bingji’s Ice Spirit Change, so what’s got you so restless this time? If you could only curb your impatience, you might have reached the Blue Level by now. Could the Lord expect me to always look after you? At least wait until Tang San breaks through to the Seventh Stage, reaches a High Level, then it would be timely enough for you to have such thoughts.”
Si Ru looked at him with fervent eyes, “You’re too cunning. According to everyone, it’s best not to listen to you too much. Just fight it out and beat you till you submit—isn’t that the best method? Out of respect for the Saint Mother, I’ll let you off this time. When Tang San reaches the Seventh Stage, he must switch to take me as his master.”
Zhang Haoxuan glanced at him, unfazed, and simply said, “When he reaches the Seventh Stage, let him choose for himself. If he wants to betray his master and change to follow you, I won’t oppose.”
“You…” Si Ru knew he couldn’t talk his way past this man and simply stopped trying. He turned around and left without laying a hand on Zhang Haoxuan.
As he watched him leave, Zhang Haoxuan sighed softly, “Old Si, Old Si, you have no idea. That child may bear another glimmer of hope for humanity. I haven’t even reported it to the Lord. Until he grows up, the fewer people who know, the better.”
…
“This is the task list.” Inside the Redemption Academy, Du Bai brought Tang San to a room in the corner.
What surprised Tang San was that this place was where Wu Bingji lived, and he was the one responsible for managing the task list.
“Senior Brother.” Tang San greeted proactively.
Wu Bingji smiled slightly, “Hello, Xiao Tang, are you looking to take on a task?”