A New Beginning (Final Chapter)

Time flies, like sand slipping through your fingers. In the blink of an eye, the "Interdisciplinary Magic Research Institute" has taken firm root in Rockefeller Academy City. From the initial controversial focus, it has gradually become an academic mecca (as well as a popular tourist destination and luxury goods purchasing center) that the academy and even the entire continent talk about.

The research institute's building, a blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles, was bustling with people day and night. There were students in academic robes, carrying thick notebooks, rushing to class; there were visiting scholars from all over the continent, their faces full of curiosity and anticipation; and there were also many wealthy nobles and merchants dressed in fine clothes, carrying large amounts of gold coins or rare magic cores, trying to purchase a "limited edition Dawnlight Pill" or a magic artifact "personally blessed by Master Ling".

Inside the building, it was a live broadcast of "dimensional fusion disorder".

The "Alchemy Zone" in the east wing is perpetually filled with various strange medicinal fragrances, sometimes refreshing and invigorating, sometimes strange and pungent. Occasionally, small explosions and Dean Eleanor's exasperated roars can be heard: "Energy overflow! It's overflowing again! Activate the backup protective array! Record the data! This is the third time this week!"—Clearly, the research attempting to quantify the "refining process" and "medicinal properties" using magical instruments still has a long way to go.

The "Rune Array Zone" in the west wing resembled a scene of a major magical accident. Mysterious charred marks or suddenly sprouting mushrooms frequently appeared on the corridor walls, and the floors would occasionally become unusually slippery or sticky. The golems responsible for cleaning had protested several times, demanding increased allowances for dangerous positions. But the researchers inside seemed to enjoy it immensely, their eyes gleaming as they discussed incomprehensible topics like whether "deflecting the dry energy by three scales would better align with the local elemental tides."

Located on the top floor, the heavily guarded "Dean's Office," which also serves as Ling Yao's private laboratory, is always the quietest place in the entire research institute.

Ling Yao spends most of her time here. Contrary to what outsiders might imagine, she doesn't work tirelessly day and night to tackle any academic challenges; instead, she leads a rather... leisurely and regular life.

In the morning, she would invariably spend two hours conducting "basic research"—the content of which might include, but is not limited to: analyzing the energy structure of a newly arrived rare magic core; attempting to draw new talismans with the characteristics of this world on monster hides using a cinnabar pen; or simply brewing a pot of spiritual tea improved from the local "cloud and mist tea," gazing out the window in a daze, euphemistically calling it "comprehending the laws of the heavens of this world."

In the afternoons, she holds her twice-weekly "public lectures." This course, titled "An Overview of the Origin of Energy," is currently the most popular, and also the most troublesome, course in the academy. It's popular because the number of applicants could overwhelm the auditorium, and troublesome because very few people can actually understand it.

The lectures were usually held in the largest lecture hall, but it was always packed with people, with even the windowsills and corridors overflowing with people. Ling Yao's teaching style was extremely "concise," often using only the most basic mainland common language to explain concepts that sounded like gibberish.

"Today we'll be discussing 'qi'." She stood on the stage, expressionless, and countless ears immediately perked up below, with crystal tablets ready to be taken notes.

"Qi fills the heavens and earth, flows endlessly, and is present in all things. It can be drawn, refined, and used."

And then... that's it. She'll demonstrate how to draw energy particles in the air (which she calls the spiritual energy of heaven and earth) into a small ball, or how to instantly bring a potted plant to life.

Most of the students in the audience were completely bewildered, their notebooks filled with question marks. Only a very few exceptionally gifted or wildly imaginative students managed to grasp a glimmer of inspiration, before sinking into even deeper fascination and confusion.

Whenever this happens, Professor Eleanor, who sits in the first row of the "teaching assistant" seats, will quickly stand up and try to "translate" and "supplement" with a bunch of complicated magical theories and mathematical models. Often, the more she explains, the more complicated it becomes, and in the end, the teacher and students get stuck in the quagmire of philosophical thinking.

Finn, on the other hand, managed to get a sinecure as a "course assistant" thanks to his status as the "founding disciple," mainly responsible for selling course materials.

"A handwritten copy of 'Fundamentals of Energy Sensing (Beginner's Edition)' personally written by Master Ling! Includes exclusive illustrations of meditation postures! Only 998!"

"Professor Eleanor's Essential Notes: A Conjecture on the Correspondence between 'Qi' and Elemental Fluctuations (First Edition)!" Only 588!

"Don't worry if you don't understand! Our store is also selling 'Master Ling's Same Cloud Mist Spirit Tea' and 'Mind-Calming Incense' to aid in enlightenment and enhance the effect! Buy three, get one free!"

His small business was so successful that he eventually had to hire a few junior students to help him run the stall.

Ling Yao usually ignored the almost fanatical academic (and commercial) atmosphere in the audience. She only talked about what she considered the basics, and how much one understood depended entirely on individual affinity. However, occasionally, when she saw Finn's sales pitch going too far (such as when he started selling "Ling Master's blessed array stones, which help with sleep when placed by the bedside"), she would flick a barely perceptible burst of energy with her finger, knocking over his stall and causing a commotion and Finn's exaggerated wail.

This kind of "master punishing an unworthy disciple" drama has almost become a regular program after open classes. The students watch it with great interest, and some even place bets to guess how Finn will fall this time.

Days passed by in this slightly noisy yet vibrant rhythm.

Ling Yao seemed to have completely adapted to life in this world. She was used to magic cores instead of spirit stones as her energy source, used to occasionally tasting local delicacies (although most reviews described them as "cooked poorly"), and used to Eleanor's academic fervor and Finn's antics.

But in the quiet of the night, she would stand alone on the terrace, gazing at the moon in the night sky that resembled but was not quite the same as the one in her hometown, her fingertips unconsciously caressing a warm jade pendant—the only thing her master, Wanxiang Sanren, had left her.

The longing to return home has never truly died out.

But now, this path home no longer seems as distant and urgent as it once was. Her understanding of the laws of this world is deepening, her power is steadily recovering, and she has even faintly touched upon the threads of the rules of spacetime. Perhaps one day, she will truly find a way to forge a stable path home.

Perhaps... we could even bring back a few "local specialties" from this world to broaden the horizons of that frivolous old master? Like a super-sized magic core that could blind anyone, or a notebook recording the differences in the laws of the two worlds? The old man's expression would surely be quite interesting.

Thinking of this, Ling Yao's lips curved upwards very slightly.

The next day, during the open class.

After finishing today's "basic content," Ling Yao, as usual, ignored the bewildered looks of most of the students below the stage and prepared to announce the end of get out of class.

Finn immediately jumped up and expertly began packing up, shouting, "get out of class dismissed! To find out what happens next, stay tuned for the next installment! Those who want to buy notes and spirit tea, hurry up! If you miss it, you'll have to wait seven days!"

Just then, a thin student who had been sitting silently in the corner, wearing a patched robe, suddenly mustered his courage and stood up. His voice stammered with nervousness: "Professor Ling... Professor Ling! Please... please wait a moment! I... I think... I think I can feel the 'qi' you mentioned! Although it's only a tiny... cool... on my fingertips..."

The entire room fell silent instantly, and all eyes were focused on this seemingly insignificant student.

Professor Eleanor looked up abruptly, a glint of excitement flashing in her glasses!

Finn forgot to collect the money and stared wide-eyed.

Even Ling Yao paused slightly as she prepared to leave.

She turned around, her gaze falling on the student's fingers, which trembled slightly with nervousness. There, indeed, was a faint but real energy fluctuation, distinct from magical elements—though immature, it was undoubtedly a sign of drawing in vital energy!

Ling Yao looked at him for a few seconds, then slowly nodded, giving a rare evaluation that went beyond "hmm" and "okay":

"It's acceptable."

"Come to the rooftop at this time tomorrow."

After saying that, she turned and left, leaving behind a dashing silhouette and a wave of exclamations and envy that erupted throughout the classroom.

The student was so excited that his face turned red, and he almost fainted.

Professor Eleanor excitedly recorded this historic moment: "Success! The first case of autonomous perception! I knew this path was feasible!"

Finn, on the other hand, pounded his chest in frustration: "What a loss! I should have opened a 'Genius Crash Course' and charged even more!"

Sunlight streamed through the huge glass windows, illuminating the bustling classroom and brightening every young face filled with hope, curiosity, and dreams.

The story of the research institute has only just begun.

Ling Yao's journey to another world is far from over.

Wherever the Dao lies, though there are countless realms, I will go.

The way home may lie hidden in this path, known as "the Way," sown in another world.