Truth and Understanding
The resounding declaration by the old dean, Maurice, was like the final gavel strike, bringing a powerful and unexpected end to this massive upheaval that had lasted for months and swept across the entire Academy City.
It's official! We acknowledge it! We formally acknowledge it!
This is not a compromise, nor a temporary cooperation, but rather Rockefeller School of Magic, one of the continent's top academic institutions, officially acknowledging the legitimacy and immense value of the Eastern metaphysical system! They even established a brand new research institute specifically for this purpose!
This is no longer a simple concession; it's practically raising the white flag in surrender... no, it's opening its arms to welcome the arrival of a new knowledge system!
After a brief moment of deathly silence, the square erupted in a deafening roar of cheers that nearly lifted the sky! People embraced, jumped, and shouted with excitement, as if they had won a hard-fought battle. For many ordinary citizens and scholars, they were not concerned with the power struggles at the highest levels or the pressure from the Vatican; they only believed what they had witnessed firsthand—the power Ling Yao had displayed was real, beneficial, and inspiring! The academy's decision was in line with the will of the people.
"The dean is wise!"
"Long live Rockefeller! Long live academic freedom!"
"Eastern metaphysics is awesome!"
When does the research institute start admitting students? Is it too late for me to apply now?
Various excited shouts mingled together, creating an atmosphere as lively as a grand festival celebration.
Finn was so excited in the audience that he almost dropped the bag of "candy beans" he was holding. He grabbed a mercenary next to him who was equally excited and shouted incoherently, "Did you hear that? Research Institute! Officially certified! We're officially employed now! We don't have to sell medicine secretly anymore!"
The mercenary leader was dizzy from being shaken, but he still laughed heartily: "Great news! Now the brothers will be protected if they get injured! By the way, young man, can you get a discount on that 'Ling's No. 1' stuff?"
"No problem, no problem! We're all on the same side! 20% off for everyone! And an additional 10% off with your mercenary badge!" Finn instantly switched to business mode and started handing out "coupons".
Professor Eleanor stood beside Ling Yao, gazing at the sea of jubilation before her, listening to the thunderous cheers of support. Tears welled up in her eyes again, this time tears of joy and relief. So many days and nights of worry, struggle, and reasoned argument had finally yielded their greatest reward! The rationality and brilliance of scholarship had ultimately triumphed over prejudice and fear.
She looked at Ling Yao, who remained calm beside her, her heart filled with boundless gratitude and admiration. It was this person who, with her unfathomable wisdom and strength, had forcefully pried open the door to this closed world, bringing the dawn of new knowledge.
“Professor Ling,” Eleanor’s voice was still choked with emotion, “thank you…”
Ling Yao turned her head slightly and glanced at her, seemingly not quite understanding why she was so agitated. She simply said, "We each get what we need, no need for thanks."
For her, obtaining official status and the support of the research institute would indeed save her a lot of trouble and make it easier for her to collect resources and study the laws of this world. As for spreading the Daoist tradition... that would be something she would do as a side effect.
In stark contrast to the jubilation in the square was the desolate sight of the Inquisition members carrying Silas away. Heads bowed, their steps hurried, they wished they could disappear into the ground, their former arrogance and condescending attitude gone forever. Their commander was gone, their faith shattered, their mission a complete failure, and they didn't know what kind of punishment they would face from the Holy See upon their return. This immense fall from grace was enough to utterly break anyone with a weak will.
Some conservative council members and nobles who had initially been ambiguous or even secretly supported Silas changed their expressions, quietly suppressing all their dissatisfaction and hostility. They even began to force a smile, mingling with the crowd and applauding, as if they had always been staunch supporters. Reality is ironic; when the scales of victory tip completely, the winds of change often shift faster than magic.
Looking at the jubilant crowd below and then at the two women beside him who had created a miracle, the old dean, Maurice, was filled with mixed emotions. Making this decision had placed immense pressure and risk on him, but at this moment, he felt mostly a sense of relief, as if a tremendous burden had been lifted, and a renewed sense of anticipation for the future.
He walked up to Ling Yao and solemnly performed a mage's salute: "Ms. Ling Yao, no, Instructor Ling Yao. On behalf of Rockefeller Magic Academy, I would like to express my sincerest apologies for the trouble and misunderstanding the academy has caused you before. I also thank you for repaying evil with kindness and showing such broad-mindedness and wisdom."
Ling Yao accepted his bow without hesitation and nodded: "There's no need to bring up the past. Eleanor can take care of the research institute."
She clearly had no interest in managing miscellaneous tasks and simply became a hands-off manager.
The old dean wasn't surprised, nodding with a smile: "Of course, of course. Professor Yinrui will be the first dean of the research institute, and the academy will spare no effort to support your research." He paused, his tone becoming more serious, "As for the Vatican... please rest assured, the academy will fully shoulder all the pressure and negotiate with the Vatican. Rockefeller Academy will never back down in the face of truth!"
These words were spoken with force and conviction, both to reassure Ling Yao and Eleanor and to demonstrate the academy's stance to the entire audience.
Ling Yao remained noncommittal. The Holy See? She didn't care. If they came looking for trouble again, she would deal with them all at once.
Eleanor, however, was even more moved and invigorated by the dean's words, and immediately assured him, "Please rest assured, Dean! We will certainly live up to the academy's expectations and produce research results as soon as possible!"
Just then, the little boy whom Ling Yao had saved with her flying sword broke free from his mother's hand, carrying a large bunch of wildflowers he had just picked at the edge of the square, still glistening with dew. He ran up to the stage, timidly offering them to Ling Yao, his face flushed: "Thank... thank you for saving me, sister... This... is for you..."
This innocent and heartwarming scene instantly melted everyone's hearts, eliciting even more enthusiastic applause and good-natured laughter.
Ling Yao stared at the haphazardly arranged yet vibrant bouquet of wildflowers, momentarily stunned. She seemed unaccustomed to accepting such a seemingly worthless gift, but under the expectant gaze of the little boy, she reached out, took the bouquet, and awkwardly said, "...Hmm. The flowers are very vibrant."
The little boy immediately beamed with joy and skipped back to his mother's side.
Ling Yao stood in the center of the square, holding a bunch of wildflowers that seemed completely out of place with her cool and aloof demeanor, basking in the cheers and attention of the crowd. Sunlight bathed her, gilding her with a warm golden edge, and the haphazard bunch of wildflowers in her hand now seemed like the most dazzling scepter, symbolizing an undeniable victory and recognition gained in another form.
The truth may not always be obvious.
But when you present it to the world without reservation and in an irrefutable way, understanding and acceptance will eventually come.
The curtain has fallen on the conflict.
And the first page of a new era is slowly being turned.
Ling Yao looked down at the wildflower in her hand, then looked up at the towering magic tower of the academy in the distance. Her gaze seemed to pierce through time and space, landing on a more distant place.
Now that this matter is settled, perhaps... it's time to consider the way home.
Of course, before that, we need to get this damn research institute up and running, and incidentally... earn some extra travel expenses.
That's what she thought.
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