Chapter 287: Bing Yan — I Wish to Leave Heavenly Spirit Academy

"We greet Master-Uncle."

The nine newly appointed Chiefs also cupped their hands and saluted the Dean.

"No need for formalities."

The Dean responded calmly, then cast his gaze over everyone present. He spoke at an unhurried pace, "I trust you all know why I’ve summoned you here today…

Next, I shall announce the appointments for the nine major academies: Lin Ming will oversee Heavenly Spirit Academy, Ye Mo the Sword Dao Academy, Long Zun the Body Cultivation Academy, Zhang Ruocheng the Law Academy, Yue Wushuang the Formation Academy, Jin Feiyao the Alchemy Academy, Hong Yi the Artifact Forging Academy, Chen Qi’an the Beast Taming Academy, and Ming Zhonglou the External Affairs Academy."

Hearing the names of his nine new colleagues, Chu Feng thought to himself: These nine aren’t ordinary at all. Just hearing their names, they all sound like children of fate.

If it weren’t impolite to examine people using the World-Ending Eye, he would’ve loved to see what sort of fortune floated above their heads.

Only then did the crowd below the stage bow toward the nine figures on the platform. "We greet the Chiefs."

The nine displayed no visible reaction upon hearing their appointments.

The Dean stroked his beard and said, "Wendao Academy has a long-standing rule: when new Chiefs are appointed, Nirvana realm elders are allowed to challenge them. As usual, we’ll begin with Heavenly Spirit Academy."

As his words fell, Lin Ming took a step forward. It was just a small step, but it carried such immense pressure that it felt like one might be forced back ten thousand paces.

None of the elders in the audience had even the slightest intent to challenge him.

Although this rule had long existed at Wendao Academy, in most cases, it simply served to allow the new Chiefs to establish their authority.

Especially for these nine, who had no roots within the academy—if they wished to make a name for themselves, demonstrating strength was the most direct path.

"Fellow disciples, I’ve always preferred fighting many alone. If any of you wish to challenge me, feel free to come all at once."

These words caused a wave of inward exclamation—this old man’s arrogance was off the charts. Who does he think we are?

Great Sage Jinchi instinctively took half a step forward and was about to speak, when he suddenly felt a murderous gaze.

Turning his head, he saw his adoptive father looking at him with a gentle yet warning expression. Though the man said nothing, the look in his eyes clearly conveyed: If you dare step forward, I’ll let you personally experience the might of your father.

Great Sage Jinchi wisely withdrew his foot and pretended nothing had happened.

Lin Ming was quite satisfied with everyone’s reaction. The corner of his mouth lifted as he continued, "Very good. It seems my words have been well received.

But allow me to say this—Heavenly Spirit Academy is supposed to be the gathering place of Wendao Academy’s most outstanding talents.

And yet, from what I’ve heard, in recent years, the Miscellaneous Dao Institute has surpassed Heavenly Spirit Academy. Clearly, there are too many slackers in Heavenly Spirit.

So today, I’m giving all of you a chance to voluntarily withdraw.

Better that than to be forced out after failing my tests. That would be a disgrace only you yourselves would bear."

The disciples of Heavenly Spirit Academy were all stunned. One by one, they stared in disbelief at the new Chief.

Was it our fault that the Miscellaneous Dao Institute outperformed us?

We’d like to say something too! The Chief of the Miscellaneous Dao Institute is a Great Sage, while ours is just a Nirvana cultivator—how could that even compare?

Lin Ming was growing displeased at their strange looks. He had hoped to take a few as examples to establish authority. But instead, they dared look at him like that?

So you’re saying your past weakness is somehow my fault?

Just as the atmosphere turned delicate, a cold voice suddenly rang out, breaking the tension.

"Chief Lin, Bing Yan wishes to withdraw from Heavenly Spirit Academy."

"Hmm?"

Lin Ming heard the voice—not from the crowd, but right beside him. He frowned instinctively.

He didn’t know much about Heavenly Spirit Academy, only that the Miscellaneous Dao Institute had become the number one division of Wendao Academy in recent years—which greatly annoyed him.

Back in the Holy Academy, he had been unmatched among his peers. Now that he had come to the secular division, leading Heavenly Spirit Academy back to glory should’ve been a simple matter.

He never expected that his carefully laid routine would be useless here.

"Elder Bing, if you believe yourself unworthy to remain in Heavenly Spirit Academy, then I shall grant your wish. Hand over your identity token."

Bing Yan’s expression turned icy at those words. She was someone with an extremely strong sense of pride. Except when she was with Chu Feng, where she showed a softer, more delicate side, she always carried herself with the same cold aloofness before others.

Even if the person before her was a prodigy from the Holy Academy—one of the nine Chiefs of Wendao Academy—she would not allow herself to be humiliated.

She spoke calmly, "Chief Lin, don’t misunderstand. It’s not that I am unworthy to cultivate in Heavenly Spirit Academy. I simply feel there is no one left here who can guide me. That is why I choose to leave."

Hiss...

As the words fell, the entire plaza echoed with the collective sound of gasps.

As expected of Elder Bing—even though she had been defeated and subdued by Chief Chu, her temper hadn’t changed a bit. This was going to be good.

Great Sage Jinchi stole a glance at his adoptive father. He had expected him to step in and stop things—but to his surprise, the old man wore a look of pure amusement, as though he was enjoying the show.

The other eight Chiefs standing beside Lin Ming also shifted their gazes toward Elder Bing, their eyes filled with mocking amusement.

Though there had been rivalry among them in the Holy Academy, now was a time for unity if they wanted to hold their new positions firmly. Naturally, none of them were foolish enough to step forward and sabotage Lin Ming.

"Is that so."

Lin Ming didn’t show the slightest hint of anger. In fact, there was even a trace of excitement on his face. He didn’t know much about this Elder standing before him.

But he could guess that she was definitely a disciple of Great Sage Xiaoyao. Otherwise, she wouldn’t dare embarrass him in front of so many people.

"In that case, I would very much like to witness Elder Bing’s strength for myself—to see whether your claim holds any weight."

Bing Yan replied without expression, uttering a single word: "Very well."

Lin Ming turned to glance at the Dean. The latter stroked his beard and said, "You are both masters of the academy. Take to the skies for this battle. The ring would only restrict your strength."

"Understood."

Lin Ming shifted his gaze to Bing Yan.

Without another word, Bing Yan ascended into the air. Lin Ming followed close behind, and the crowd’s attention rose with them.

Lin Ming held a sword in his right hand, left hand behind his back. He said coolly, "I am technically your senior, so I’ll give you the first move—lest anyone accuse me of bullying the younger generation."

"That won’t be necessary. Once I draw my sword, you won’t have a chance to strike back. Chief Lin, let us fight as equals."

As she spoke, Bing Yan slowly drew the treasured sword at her waist. Instantly, her aura exploded outward.

"Hmph!"

Sensing her Nirvana third-layer cultivation, Lin Ming scoffed, "With this level of strength, you dare boast before me? Truly ignorant of your own limits—"

Clang!

Before he could even finish speaking, Bing Yan’s sword had already fallen.

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