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Qing Xuanling's expression was strange. She couldn't understand what the assassin was saying. Why didn't he seem… angry? Why was he scolding her…?
She struggled to her feet. Qing Wentian beside her also rose with the same bewildered expression. His face was pale and blood trickled from his arms—but aside from that, he showed no major injuries.
But Qing Xuanling paid him no mind—instead, she stared fixedly at the assassin. Who was now removing the upper portion of his black attire covering his face. When he pulled it off, the attractive, mature face of a middle-aged man appeared.
A small smile graced his features.
Qing Xuanling's mouth opened and closed, stammering. "W-who are you?"
"Hehe—I suppose I should introduce myself." The assassin combed his long hair back. "I am Qing Xuyun—the third elder of the Qing Clan."
Qing Xuanling and Qing Wentian's jaws dropped completely. An ostrich egg could easily fit inside their mouths…
The assassin—no, Qing Xuyun—enjoyed their stunned expressions for a moment.
Qing Wentian was the first to react. "W-was all of this a test?"
Qing Xuyun nodded satisfactorily. "Yes—this is the first test of Green Breeze University. After much consideration, we believe each of you should become aware of your own lack of caution and weakness before a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Since most have never faced one…"
His gaze grew subtle as he glanced sideways at Qing Xuanling—who remained dazed, examining her body. "I didn't expect little Xuanling not only to remain constantly alert—but to maintain complete composure before a higher-realm cultivator and even insult him at the end…"
Qing Xuyun's eyes sparkled with amusement. He didn't blame Qing Xuanling—in fact, he found it rather impressive. Moreover, he was aware Qing Xuanling's mental state had been slightly affected by a certain incident.
He didn't think the girl would be so reckless if she found herself in a similar situation in the future... He hoped.
Qing Xuyun suddenly frowned. Qing Xuanling still had a lost look despite considerable time having passed.
"Mmm… Girl—are you alright?" Qing Xuyun asked with concern. "Did you get too shocked…?"
Qing Xuanling suddenly lifted her head. Her eyes were slightly damp. "Elder—these robes were a birthday gift from a friend several months ago. I hadn't worn them to avoid damaging them—and only started wearing them today because I thought I wouldn't get into trouble… but now…"
Qing Xuanling's gaze swept over her robes—burned and torn in several places. Her heart ached. She truly didn't care about being injured or enduring inhuman pain—but this was a precious item gifted by someone special…
The two men—Qing Xuyun and Qing Wentian—were suddenly stunned. They exchanged wordless glances. Was she really crying over mere clothing after displaying such audacious, vulgar behavior seconds earlier?!
However, Qing Xuanling's teary-eyed gaze struck Qing Xuyun several times. The man was momentarily speechless.
"Err… Well, this…" Qing Xuyun stammered, searching for an excuse. But he found nothing to say. In the end, he could only offer some words of "comfort." "Don't worry, girl. I'll make sure to buy you a new set of robes much prettier than these!"
Qing Wentian looked at Qing Xuyun incredulously. 'This… this idiot!'
Terror welled in his heart as he slowly turned toward Qing Xuanling. And indeed… her state was worse!
She was biting her lips, holding back tears while glaring aggrievedly at Qing Xuyun. She took a deep breath and stood up. "No… it's not necessary."
"Please—guide us to Green Breeze University… I assume you'll now lead us to the facilities."
Qing Xuyun felt lost looking at Qing Xuanling's aggrieved appearance. He'd never had a wife—much less daughters or granddaughters—so he didn't know how to handle this moment. With no other option, he suppressed the pride in his heart and turned to Qing Wentian for help.
But the youth merely shrugged. Though he could be considered Qing Xuanling's best friend, he'd never seen her in such a situation. Qing Xuanling was usually a practical, focused girl who paid little attention to improving her appearance or pretty things.
She was even somewhat tomboyish—so Qing Wentian was genuinely stunned to see her crying over a mere set of robes. His mind raced—and after several seconds, he finally understood.
'…Ah, I see. Must be from that girl she likes.'
Now even Qing Wentian felt somewhat aggrieved on Qing Xuanling's behalf. He knew she was a solitary person—so the few people she allowed into her circle must be special. She truly valued gifts she received.
He still remembered she kept a hairpin he'd given her when they were eight.
But now—the gift from the person she liked had been damaged—and the one who damaged it hadn't even apologized, instead daring to say he'd get her something better…
Qing Wentian looked at Qing Xuyun and silently shook his head.
Qing Xuyun was stunned. 'This brat is looking down on me?!'
He felt the urge to beat Qing Wentian—but upon seeing Qing Xuanling's dejected appearance, he restrained himself and quickly guided them toward Green Breeze University.
He began to explain several things as they walked, at the same time as they took healing pills to cure themselves.
"This university is a new idea from the Young Master—to form a small, highly unified elite team. It's like a step above the academy you attended as youths—only this time, family branch members will also participate." Qing Xuyun explained while deliberately avoiding looking at Qing Xuanling.
"Additionally—you'll obtain various resources from the university—but not for free. You must demonstrate good results in monthly evaluations. Beyond that—you'll be taught by clan elders, such as myself. So you may call me Elder Xuyun from now on."
Qing Wentian nodded—while Qing Xuanling continued walking with her head lowered. But of course, she still listened attentively to Elder Xuyun's explanation. She merely felt somewhat dejected. She'd been saving the robes Madam Yechan gifted her because she'd found them very beautiful.
But now—barely a week after starting to wear them—they were damaged. How could she be happy?
Still, she wasn't foolish either. Green Breeze University matters remained important—so she listened carefully to Elder Xuyun's explanation.
In summary—he explained two more matters: the purpose of the scores they'd earned in the recent test, and how many people would be studying with them.
Apparently, those scores granted them freedom to choose elective classes. Over the next two months, they'd need to take six weekly classes—some mandatory, others electives.
Depending on their score total, they'd have more opportunities to choose classes. Every twenty points granted one elective choice. Thus, Qing Xuanling could select all five classes she wanted—leaving only one mandatory class.
Qing Wentian, on the other hand, could only choose four electives—and would have two mandatory classes.
As for the number of people in this university—only thirty two. After all, this so-called university was a trial project. Its efficiency still needed testing.
While she pondered this, Elder Xuyun finally guided them to a gigantic clearing. More than a forest clearing—it resembled a prairie.
And in the prairie's center stood a three-story concrete building with glass windows. It had a horizontal main structure with two wings—and a garden in front. Quite sizable.
Qing Xuanling—whose mood had finally improved after some time—and Qing Wentian gazed at the building in astonishment. It was an architectural style they'd never seen before! But it didn't look bad at all!
As they approached the building, they noticed several youths already seated before it—specifically in the garden. Eight youths of ages similar to theirs.
"Go join those youths and get acquainted. You'll be companions for a long time." Elder Xuyun smiled. "I must attend to other matters."
Elder Xuyun vanished immediately after speaking—as if fleeing.
Qing Xuanling snorted upon seeing this. She was still somewhat indignant because of him. Qing Wentian smiled wryly—but felt no pity for Elder Xuyun. After all—he'd brought it upon himself with his insensitivity.
"Come on—let's go. We cannot be isolated from our future companions." Qing Wentian pulled Qing Xuanling toward the group of youths. "I know you don't like talking to people your age—but try to be somewhat friendly at least."
Qing Xuanling frowned—but nodded after a moment's consideration. After all, one of the university's objectives was forming a united team. Unity must clearly be a requirement—otherwise, it wouldn't be called a team.
Both reached the garden and examined the seated youths. Coincidentally—four boys and four girls.
They were divided into small groups. One was a trio of boys. In it was a youth slightly older than them with intense red hair and amber eyes.
The other two boys appeared their age. And surprisingly—they were twins. Shaved heads and somewhat foolish but sincere faces.
Another group was three girls chatting animatedly. The eldest had shoulder-length hair and appeared mature and beautiful.
The next in age seemed cheerful and lively—with long, curly pink hair.
The youngest girl—apparently slightly younger than Qing Xuanling and Qing Wentian—had long, straight hair of intense red.
And the last group—more isolated from the rest—consisted of a boy sleeping on the ground and a girl pressing his cheek with a twig. Both appeared Qing Xuanling's age.
Qing Wentian stepped forward and greeted them with a smile. "Hello, brothers—how are you? Did you also go through that damn test? Wasn't it insane?!…"
He initiated conversation effortlessly—while Qing Xuanling remained silent beside him. She'd never been good at conversing with strangers.
Surprisingly, the conversation flowed well—with the older-looking boy and girl taking the lead. Soon, the older boy mentioned something.
"We've been nicknaming ourselves First, Second, and Third Brother based on our order of arrival." The boy smiled slightly. "I'm the Third Brother—so you two would be Ninth and Tenth. Who has the higher score—you or her?"
The boy asked casually—but in truth, he was only looking at Qing Wentian. He could easily sense Qing Wentian's cultivation surpassed Qing Xuanling's.
But Qing Wentian's answer surprised him.
"Her—so I suppose I'm the Tenth Brother and she's the Ninth Sister, Third Brother!" Qing Wentian smiled and elbowed Qing Xuanling. "Tsk—I can't believe you became my senior this way!"
Qing Xuanling slightly shook her head and rolled her eyes—but didn't respond, merely regarding Third Brother silently.
Third Brother immediately caught her gaze and quickly smiled.
"My apologies—I suppose I rushed things. We should introduce ourselves first!"