"Mm, what about the other one?"
"The other disciple, indeed, had a problem. Six months after his successful Star Casting, a mysterious person sought him out, claiming a significant operation was underway. He was told to leak bits of information and was paid 500 taels of gold each month to fund his Cultivation. This was the first time he provided intel.
What I’ve found out so far is that the information has changed hands three times."
"Mm, what does that mean?" State Preceptor Cheng Yuxiao looked towards the Supervisor.
"The intel disclosed by this disciple entered the Galaxy Battlefield of our Da Chen Battle Zone after being passed along three times, then the trail went cold," Chen Liao said.
"The Galaxy Battlefield, our Da Chen Battle Zone?"
State Preceptor Cheng Yuxiao’s slender, phoenix-like eyes narrowed. "Are you suggesting that the person behind this is one of the Three Kings and Seven Marquis of Da Chen?"
"State Preceptor, the Da Chen Battle Zone of the Galaxy Battlefield is indeed under the control of the Three Kings and Seven Marquis, but whether they are the instigators, I dare not make groundless accusations.
There are too many possibilities.
It could be them, it could be not, or it could be external forces attempting to sow discord..."
"Is there still a way to continue the investigation?" State Preceptor Cheng Yuxiao asked.
"Yes, I’ve already ordered the Spring Rain Department to assist with the investigation! If we could find out how the concubine named Lan’er entered Wanyi, there may be further discoveries," Supervisor Chen Liao said.
Supervisor Chen Liao nodded, but State Preceptor Cheng Yuxiao added, "Elder Chen, my point is, the autumn exam of the National Taoist Institute is the foundation of Da Chen, the bedrock of the Da Chen National Daoist School! Someone causing trouble here is like trying to uproot us, understand?
Investigate thoroughly!
Upon hearing this, Supervisor Chen Liao solemnly stood and bowed, "Your subordinate obeys the command!"
"Alright, you all may leave now. Recently, I will be staying here.
If there’s any matter, just come here to find me."
As soon as he finished speaking, the Academicians and both the Left and Right Libationers exchanged glances, somewhat surprised. The Right Libationer, Song Bing, said, "State Preceptor, you are responsible for the entire National Taoist Institute. There’s no need to be tied up here because of one Disciple.
Here, having an Instructor to keep watch would suffice..."
Before he could finish, the stern gaze from State Preceptor Cheng Yuxiao made the Right Libationer Song Bing wisely shut his mouth.
"This Xu Jin has already joined the National Taoist Institute. He is our student, more so, our Disciple.
Now, falling into peril across the seas in the Fire Radiant Star Domain because of us, is my responsibility.
Though I currently cannot offer him much help,
but if contact can be made, across foreign realms and dire straits, I am his last hope!
I don’t wish for him to lose even that last glimmer of hope!
Understand?" Cheng Yuxiao commanded.
"State Preceptor’s nobility!"
Complimentary voices followed, and the upper echelons of the National Daoist Institute left one after another, including Supervisor Chen Liao. Only State Preceptor Cheng Yuxiao remained, giving a self-mocking smile.
"Am I truly noble..."
In Jinshan County City, at Xu Mansion.
It was not yet dark when Ning Yuchan arrived early at the Xu Mansion as agreed.
Knowing that Ning Yuchan was coming, Jiang’er prepared meals every day, to dine together with Ning Yuchan.
But today, both Jiang’er and her old father, Xu Dajiang, seemed somewhat preoccupied during the meal.
Eventually, it was Jiang’er who took the initiative, "Sister Yuchan, I heard that the disciples who took part in the autumn exam of the National Taoist Institute have all successfully casted their stars. Why hasn’t my brother returned yet? Could it be that he failed his Star Casting and can’t return?"
At her words, Xu Dajiang also stared nervously at Ning Yuchan, eager to know the answer.
"Who did you hear it from?"
Ning Yuchan flicked Jiang’er’s forehead. "Your brother is perfectly fine! I can assure you that your brother has successfully casted his star and has even cultivated a top-grade Star Core, at the Dual Star Palace no less!"
"Really? That’s wonderful!"
Jiang’er’s smile was soon overcast with worries. "Then Sister Yuchan, why hasn’t my brother returned yet? Brother Lu and the others have been back for nearly two days."
Ning Yuchan looked at the anxious Jiang’er and after a moment’s thought replied, "You’re aware your brother was ranked first in the National Daoist Institute’s autumn exam, right?"
"First in the whole of Da Chen, understand? Isn’t it very normal to have a bit of special treatment?
The State Preceptor has already informed us, saying they’re arranging for Xu Jin to continue rigorous cultivation and that he needs to be specially nurtured for a month or two," Ning Yuchan said.
"Ah, this child, asking countless questions. Chief Instructor Ning has spoken; now you can rest assured, right?" Xu Dajiang visibly relaxed. "You eat your meal; I’m going for a walk."
"Hmph, Sister Yuchan, Dad was nagging me to ask you ten times a day, and now he’s saying I’m the one asking!" Jiang’er pouted.
"You and your little mouth, could hang an oil bottle from it. Eat up," Ning Yuchan said with a smile, but her eyes were filled with deep worry.
Caught in the Fire Radiant Star Domain, I wonder if Xu Jin can hold on for three months?
After dinner, Ning Yuchan only then went on to laugh and joke, telling Jiang’er to go to the backyard to continue nurturing her Central Star Palace.
Even though Xu Jin wasn’t present, this was something she had to see through.
August 11th, in the Fire Radiant Star Domain, atop Fire Return Mountain.
Xu Jin gazed at the blazing sun hanging high, drank a couple of sips of clear water, then found a cooler shaded place to prepare for continued cultivation.
His strategy was proving to be correct.
He had been cultivating tirelessly for a day and a night without any enemy disturbances.
Perhaps due to being stranded, with no distractions, his cultivation efficiency was surprisingly high.
Inside the Central Star Palace, the Gathering Star Core grew more consolidated. Xu Jin felt that in just another half a day, his Cultivation Level could break through to the late period of Star Casting!
It must be said, the Fire Radiant Star Domain with its Star Power thrice that of the present world, truly was a sacred land for cultivation.
After finishing off the last two pieces of dried meat, Xu Jin prepared to resume his cultivation.