As Yun Jing watched Ye Qiu and her Holy Maiden chatting and laughing, she couldn't help but smile slightly.

"I hope you can truly achieve your goal."

Yun Jing thought to himself.

Who is Ye Qiu?

Just then, a serious voice suddenly came from the air.

All three were drawn to the view and looked up into the void, where they saw a figure standing on a sword, his robes billowing in the wind, exuding an impressive aura.

This man was about fifty years old, dressed in a gray Taoist robe, and his cold arrogance was chilling even from a distance.

"I am Ye Qiu. What brings you here?"

Ye Qiu coldly stared at the newcomer.

Ye Qiu had already sensed that the newcomer was up to no good.

As expected, the man in the gray Taoist robe rode his flying sword and charged straight at Ye Qiu.

boom.

As he raised his hand, the golden light transformed into a gigantic fist shadow, which suddenly fell down.

"Bold."

Lin Qingzhu's eyes narrowed, and she immediately made a move, easily blocking the attack.

"Hmm?" The man's expression changed slightly as he looked at Lin Qingzhu: "You're so young, yet you've already entered the Cave Realm. That's quite remarkable."

"Does the Supreme Temple have any simple people?" Lin Qingzhu sneered.

Supreme Temple?

The man's face stiffened.

Then, as if remembering something, he hurriedly said, "I heard that the Holy Maiden of the Supreme Temple has come to Tongcheng. If I'm not mistaken, it should be you, right?"

"So what if I am? Are you going to kill me too, or are you going to kill the person I'm protecting right in front of me?" Lin Qingzhu's eyes were sharp, and her aura was astonishing.

The man was startled and quickly waved his hand: "Saintess Lin, you misunderstand. I am not here to target anyone. I attacked Ye Qiu just now purely because I was asked to test his combat strength and deliver a few words."

"Who asked you to do this?" Ye Qiu asked.

"The Governor's Mansion of Tongzhou." The man's five words said it all.

"They've come after all." Ye Qiu sneered, "Is the Governor of Tongzhou here to avenge Yang Ji?"

"No, no, no, Brother Ye, you've misunderstood." The man said, "The Governor doesn't care about Yang Ji's life or death. What he cares about is who will be in charge of Tongcheng Academy in the future, and whether it can still reliably supply talent to the Tongzhou War Department."

Therefore, the reason I was sent here is to test Brother Ye's combat strength. If Brother Ye is suitable, the Governor-General wants me to assist him in ascending to the position of Palace Master.

Although Brother Ye is still young, the position of Palace Master belongs to the capable. I wonder if Brother Ye is interested?

"You're late," Ye Qiu said with a smile. "With the help of Saintess Lin, the Ministry of Rites' document has been delivered. Tongcheng Academy will be merged with Jiedao Academy. In other words, Tongcheng Academy will soon cease to exist, and only Jiedao Academy will remain."

Wu Manman will also assume the position of Palace Master. No matter where I am, I will keep a close eye on Wu Manman, and I will do my best to help her if she needs any assistance.

Of course, there is one point I would like to convey to the Governor: the academy is only responsible for educating the younger generation. We will not interfere with where they choose to work after graduation; they are completely free to do so. This is the difference between the future Jiedao Academy and the original Tongcheng Academy.”

"Is that really true?" the man asked doubtfully.

"If we say we won't interfere, we definitely won't. Of course, we don't rule out the possibility of cooperating with some reputable institutions with good development potential in the future and recommending students to them."

"However, the final decision will be made by the students themselves; we will not force them," Ye Qiu said seriously.

"According to you, the Jiedao Academy will have much less income in the future." The man narrowed his eyes slightly.

"On the surface, there will be a lot less revenue and cooperation, but in the long run, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks."

The academy is a sacred place; students should not be exploited or their future lives interfered with.

The path of cultivation is full of choices, and one wrong step can lead to an abyss. If the academy interferes too much, it is a disregard for life and irresponsible towards its students. What the academy should do is guide them onto the right path and then let them choose freely. This is what the academy should do.

The academy will only consider assisting students who actively seek its help in gaining access to a particular faction.

Ye Qiu's expression was serious.

"Understood." The man cupped his hands and bowed with utmost solemnity: "I have heard that Brother Ye is exceptionally talented in literature. Seeing him today, I can see that he is indeed extraordinary. Such insight and such magnanimity are something that even those elders who have lived for hundreds of years may not possess. I admire him greatly."

"You flatter me. Please convey my words to the Governor. Neither I, Ye Qiu, nor the Jiedao Academy has any intention of opposing the Governor. Tongcheng Academy is dead. From now on, the Jiedao Academy will operate according to the rules I just mentioned. No one can change that," Ye Qiu said.

"Alright, Brother Ye, don't worry. I won't exaggerate. I will definitely relay the plaintiff's message, and I will also put in a good word for you with the governor to try and reach a new cooperation agreement with the Jiedao Academy," the man said.

"Alright, thank you very much."

Ye Qiu cupped his hands in greeting.

"Brother Ye, then we shall meet again by chance. My name is Chu Botong. If you have time to visit Tongzhou, you can find me at the Governor's Mansion. Farewell."

"Saintess Lin, farewell!"

Chu Botong turned around, rode his sword and soared into the sky, his back view elegant, and soon disappeared into the distance.

Seeing her graceful figure flying on her sword, Ye Qiu couldn't help but feel a little envious: "Saintess Lin, what level of cultivation is required to master the art of flying on a sword?"

"Can't you do it now?" Lin Qingzhu said, "This technique is not a profound method. It's just that if you are at the Divine Seal Realm, flying on a sword is a bit unstable and not graceful enough."

To achieve effortless and unrestrained flight, one only needs to enter the Cave Realm. Within the Cave Realm, one cultivates a grotto-heaven; with the inexhaustible magical power of the grotto-heaven, flying on a sword becomes effortless and completely effortless.

"If someone has a Fengdao Cave Heaven, wouldn't it be even faster?" Ye Qiu asked.

"Isn't that obvious?" Lin Qingzhu rolled her eyes at Ye Qiu: "Wind Dao Technique and Thunder Dao Technique are both rare magical powers that can accelerate movement. Hmm, you seem to know both?"

"I am not very talented, but I happen to know all of these."

"Okay, sorry to bother you."

Lin Qingzhu then realized why Ye Qiu had asked if the Wind Dao Technique could increase speed, unwittingly letting Ye Qiu show off.

"Let's go, let's go to Tongcheng Academy, or rather, Jiedao Academy."

"Why go there? It's pointless. Let's go shopping. Tongling Lake in Tongcheng is beautiful, and the Wangxian Inn next to it is also very famous."

I heard that from the inn, you can see the entire Tongling Lake and some scenery that can't be seen from the ground. Shall we go and experience it?

Lin Qingzhu looked calmly at Ye Qiu and extended an invitation.

Although outwardly calm, her heart was in turmoil, filled with extreme anxiety, terrified of hearing Ye Qiu's rejection...