Han Xiao bid farewell to Tang Chen and headed towards the Zhao Palace’s Leaning Pagoda to continue his cultivation, accompanied by Han Xue and Ji Ying. Ji Ying, his attendant, walked beside him, while Han Xue tagged along, still shaken by the previous night's assassination attempt. She refused to let her brother out of her sight for now.
As they made their way through the palace grounds, Han Xiao felt a mixture of determination and caution. The attack had underscored the lurking dangers, and Han Xue’s vigilance reflected her unease. Ji Ying, calm and composed, provided a steadying presence.
Upon reaching the pagoda, its imposing, slightly leaning structure stood as a testament to its history and significance. The air inside was thick with spiritual energy, ideal for cultivation. Han Xiao inhaled deeply, feeling the energy course through him, revitalizing his senses. Han Xue and Ji Ying followed their expressions mirroring his resolve.
"Let's not waste any time," Han Xiao urged, glancing at his companions. "We need to make the most of this opportunity. The Martial Meet is something we need to focus on for now. There are a lot of geniuses we need to tread past."
Ji Ying nodded, her eyes sharp and focused. "Indeed. Last night’s events are a reminder to stay vigilant and prepared."
Han Xue, her stern demeanor softened slightly, added, "I’ll be right here with you, brother. I won’t let anything catch us off guard. You can relax."
The journey to the seventh floor of the pagoda was smooth this time, thanks to Ji Ying's presence. As they reached the top, they were greeted by the loud snoring of Ji Hao, the original guard of this floor. Han Xue recognized the middle-aged man from the meeting earlier but wasn’t surprised to see him here, still snoring.
“He-he, don’t mind my stupid uncle. He didn’t have a wink of sleep last night because of the incident in the Bamboo Garden,” Ji Ying said with a chuckle. “Brother Han, Princess Han, you can enter and begin your cultivation.”
Han Xiao nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Thank you, Ji Ying. Let's make the most of our time here."
They each found their own space within the pagoda and settled into their cultivation routines. Han Xiao concentrated on refining his unique body cultivation technique, pushing himself to new limits. The stakes were high, and he knew he had to be at his best.
If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.
Hours passed in focused silence, each of them deeply immersed in their training. The atmosphere in the pagoda crackled with intensity, reflecting their dedication. As they cultivated, the bond between them grew stronger, forged in the shared experience of facing and overcoming danger together.
Despite the looming threats, Han Xiao felt a renewed sense of purpose. With his sister by his side, he was ready to confront whatever challenges lay ahead.
****
Back to the hall of liberation, the emergency meeting had long adjourned and only three people were still inside the hall— the Headmaster, the vice-headmaster, and Elder Bo. The meeting seemed to bore some fruits.
“Esteem Headmaster, don’t you think it’s in our best interest to forbid sending any letter in and out of the academy for now? If what I think about is happened, then the Han will not stand by being a mute spectator.” Elder Bo said with concern.
“Don’t worry. Measures are already taken up and doing that will only give the Han the upper hand. And the name of the Perpetual Nirvanic Alliance only came out to the world when this odd organization was stationed inside the soil of the Han and they had a fierce tussle ending with Han wiping out and their leader fleeting the place. I don’t know the details. But they claimed it’s an outlaw organization with various odds for the world to understand.” Vice-Headmaster Liu Feiyan responded.
He added, “After five years of that incidence, several of their illegal deals like assassinations and plundering of wealth came to the surface making the other nations recognize the threat of this odd group.”
“So, they hold a deep grudge against the Han. And this time, they went for the Seventh Prince of Han, thinking he was the easiest target.” Elder Bo quipped. “One more, I feel the Ice Technique to be some form of advanced technique and believe a powerful guard is protecting Han Xiao.”
Headmaster Wang Baole responded caressing his long beard, “Nah! It’s the little princess.”
“Absolutely not. She is just in the foundational realm not even touching the Houtian realm yet. There is no way she could do it.” Elder Bo strongly disagreed.
Wang Baole responded with a heavy expression. “Elder Bo, you’re looking at the wrong way. Yes, her cultivation is quite low. But if she undoes the seals then perhaps she has power even above mine. The only hind side is that she wasn’t mature enough to hold this hidden untapped potential hidden inside here. And at the most, her sanity will be eaten away and made a slaughtering rampage killing us all. And these pieces of information are all classified. So please keep this to yourself.”
He then thought deeply remembering the time of accepting the little girl into the academy. At that time, higher echelons and seniors from the Upper Court which he had never seen and only heard their names and reputations came out to greet her and some objected to her entry as this might be someday perilous to the foundation of the Tianfu Sword Palace. And there was a huge debate regarding her admission to the Lower Court.
The commotion only ended when one of the old founders turned up and vouched for her. Remembering that time, he heaved a sigh of relief.
“Someone that dangerous, how can we still keep her here?” asked Vice-Headmaster Liu Feiyan.
“There is no need to worry about that. She has complete control over the seal. She passes all tests of the ten bells of the Righteousness Trial too. Believe me, she has a strong emotional attachment to the Han and she seems rational enough to everyone.” Headmaster replied. “And she is clever and intelligent enough for her age. And one day, she will be one of our great assets if we teach her to get attached to our teaching and philosophies.”