Su Lixue came from the Su Family of Jingyun Peak, having been recommended by her home for enrollment.

Li Qingwan and Murong Qiuhan had both gained special admission to ChengTian Academy through imperial approval.

Only Ye Lan originated from an ordinary small Gathering Qi family, having risen through the academy’s open selection process.

Apart from Li Qingwan, the other three had maintained their positions on the golden list for three consecutive years, hence their absence from the current gathering.

“This truly makes history for ChengTian Academy!”

“Exactly! Before Senior Sister Li joined, no woman from the Chess Academy had ever reached the golden list.”

“The teachers will surely rejoice at this achievement—it shows our academy’s growth and the students’ dedication!”

“All four senior sisters possess extraordinary talents, like goddesses descended from heaven!”

Each of the four beauties possessed striking looks and distinct personalities, fulfilling the male academy disciples’ ideal visions of partnership.

Su Lixue’s pride, Li Qingwan’s aloofness, Murong Qiuhan’s enigmatic aura, and Ye Lan’s gentle nature became qualities endlessly admired by their peers.

Such was the common perception among ordinary disciples.

Yet none knew the deeper complexities binding these four.

Ye Lan belonged to the Ye Family of Beipu in Moon Watching City, once an affiliated family under the Nanshan Li Family.

When the Li Family dissolved, its twelve affiliated families were swept into turmoil—including the Ye Family.

Stranded without protection and surrounded by enemies, their survival hung by a thread.

The crisis was only averted when Ye Lan sought Su Lixue’s aid, secretly maneuvering to align the Ye Family with the Su Family.

What exact price the Ye Family paid remained unclear.

Though Li Qingwan and Murong Qiuhan seemed unrelated, it was Murong Qiuhan’s grandfather—an official in Chongtian Palace—who first proposed Li Yuande’s imperial city performance of Gathering Qi to Condensing Essence.

In four years, the two women had only exchanged a single silent glance.

Noticing Li Qingwan’s name on the golden list, Shen Yue allowed himself a faint smile.

He approached, academy disciples parting automatically before him.

“Years of effort culminate in today’s success. Congratulations, junior sister.”

“My thanks, senior brother.”

Li Qingwan returned the salute. “Cultivation demands perseverance. We who seek the Dao must embrace hardship, not complain of it.”

Xiao Man sprang forward from behind Shen Yue.

“Hey! Must you always wear that holier-than-thou mask, Li Qingwan?”

True to her word, she now voiced criticisms openly rather than whispering behind backs.

Li Qingwan merely cast her a sidelong look, silent.

“Xiao Man! Mind your manners!” Shen Yue rebuked before turning apologetic. “Forgive her bluntness, junior sister.”

“Hm.”

Li Qingwan responded flatly and turned to leave with Feng Linghua.

After she left, Xiao Man muttered resentfully, “Senior Brother, she doesn’t recognize your worth. I can’t believe you still defend her!”

“In talent, capability, and appearance, you’re unmatched in ChengTian Academy. How could her so-called beloved possibly compare?”

“Enough, Xiao Man. Let’s return.”

Shen Yue walked away with downcast eyes.

He’d originally planned to take his juniors down the mountain today, but learning of Li Qingwan’s attachment to another had drained his enthusiasm.

News of Li Qingwan’s golden list achievement soon reached Wang Tian Tower in Chongtian City.

“A letter for Young Master and Miss.”

Su Lixue in azure robes opened the message with jade-white fingers. “Li Qingwan attends too? Eager to watch her Elder perish?”

“Pfft!” Su Lingyun chuckled beside her. “Can’t blame her for witnessing family matters. Why let outsiders claim what’s kin’s due?”

The letter crumbled to frost at Su Lixue’s touch. “Interested in her?” she teased.

“She’s already dead walking. Only the timing matters.”

“Harsh words! She’s among the Four Great Beauties. Not good enough? What of Murong Qiuhan?”

“I’ll never wed palace women – venomous hearts without warmth.”

“Ye Lan then?”

“Worn slippers aren’t worth discussing.”

Su Lixue narrowed her eyes suddenly. “Touch me, and Father will sever your limbs!”

“You’ve lost childhood’s charm,” Su Lingyun sighed dramatically.

“Filthy scum!” The crimson-faced Su Lixue stormed out, leaving her cousin shaking his head on the bed.

As ChengTian Academy posted its list, an unremarkable cultivator approached Chongtian City’s outskirts. A Zhuhu Dynasty patrolman halted him.

“City patrol. Show your entry permit.”

Spanning vast lands, Chongtian City housed royal martial academy, Prison, and other institutions beneath its endless patrols.

“Of course.” Yang Lingrui produced his papers.

“Apologies, honored guest!” The guard bowed after inspection.

“Caution befits the imperial capital,” Yang Lingrui smiled. His storage bag held human skin masks from a dead scholar – when infused with spiritual power, they deceived all eyes below Condensing Essence realm, aided by Old Yu’s spells.

The patrolman offered a black token. “Channel spiritual power here for unimpeded access.”

Approaching the towering walls later, Yang Lingrui met a red-clad figure leaning on a longbow.

“Punctual. Expected two days’ wait.”

Zi He tapped his temple. “Pupil technique training, remember?”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep