Chapter 37: The senior students here
Under the guidance of esteemed mentors, Lin Xi and Bian Linghan have made remarkable progress, especially when compared to the average novice in archery.
As they emerged from the rainbow-hued valley beneath the fading glow of the sunset, the two released ten arrows, with at least six or seven striking near the bullseye. Yet, for Windwalkers, this still fell significantly short of their potential.
Approaching the Zhi Ge New Student Hall, they noticed groups of unfamiliar faces gathering in the open space before the entrance. Weary yet preoccupied with the sensations of the bowstring's vibrations, Lin Xi and Bian Linghan suddenly recalled that this was the academy's recruitment event for various clubs, and those unfamiliar faces must be their senior students.
Reflecting on his previous world, Lin Xi did not hold particularly fond memories of the seniors from his university.
The older students often organized events primarily to pursue younger female students, while the senior women were preoccupied with socializing, leaving little room for interaction with the junior male students.
Moreover, the current curriculum, along with the specialized training for Windwalkers, had left him with scant free time, resulting in a lack of fervent interest in the clubs at Qingluan Academy. Once he came to this realization, he merely proceeded slowly, observing with curiosity.
As he drew nearer to the gathering of seniors, Lin Xi noted that they appeared more refined and seasoned than himself and Bian Linghan. In contrast to the recruitment events he had previously experienced at his university, these were rather simplistic; the clubs merely sketched their names in the dirt with sticks to indicate their identities.
While Lin Xi was curiously scrutinizing these unfamiliar seniors, Chen Mu also took notice of the approaching Lin Xi and Bian Linghan, who appeared particularly fatigued and unsteady in their steps.
Their eyes met, and Lin Xi politely nodded and smiled before surveying the rest of the group.
Although Chen Mu was unaware of Lin Xi's background, the natural curiosity reflected in his eyes was strikingly pure, causing Chen Mu to momentarily pause, sensing that this Zhi Ge student was somewhat different from the other newcomers.
At that moment, Chen Mu's brow twitched slightly as he observed Zhou Yongxian and two other members of the Poetry and Painting Society making their way towards the weary Zhi Ge students.
"Are you Lin Xi?"
Zhou Yongxian approached Lin Xi with a courteous greeting.
"So, he is the chosen one from Zhi Ge?" Upon hearing Zhou Yongxian's words, both Chen Mu and the others on the open ground who were unfamiliar with Lin Xi were taken aback, regarding him with renewed astonishment.
"I am Lin Xi," Lin Xi replied, sizing up the three individuals blocking his path. All three were male, slightly taller than him, clad in blue garments, members of the Literary Department. The youth who greeted him appeared somewhat older, and despite his amiable demeanor, he bore an air of authority.
"My name is Zhou Yongxian, president of the Poetry and Painting Society, a third-year student in the Literary Department." Without waiting for Lin Xi to inquire, the blue-clad youth amiably introduced himself.
Lin Xi returned the gesture and asked, "Do you have any guidance for me, Senior Zhou?"
"I have heard of your esteemed reputation, Lin Junior. To be chosen as the selected one, you must possess considerable skill in poetry and painting," Zhou Yongxian said, his warm gaze fixed on Lin Xi. "Thus, I would like to extend an invitation for you to join our Poetry and Painting Society."
"Join the Poetry and Painting Society?" Lin Xi pondered, rubbing his fingers as uncertainty washed over him.
Noticing Lin Xi's hesitation, a tall senior beside Zhou Yongxian offered a gentle reminder, "President Zhou's father is the head of a prominent company. By joining our society, you will foster closer ties after graduating from Qingluan Academy, allowing for mutual support... I believe you understand that despite being students of the same academy, we often find ourselves too preoccupied with our training or external endeavors to forge meaningful connections."
A soft sigh escaped Lin Xi's lips.
The implication in those words was unmistakable. Over the past few days, he had come to realize that any head of the eight divisions was a titan within the Yunqin Empire. Being associated with the Zhou family undoubtedly came with its advantages.
In truth, had it not been for that remark, he might have already agreed to join, given Zhou Yongxian and the other two seniors' polite demeanor. After all, the Poetry and Painting Society did not require physical exertion like some other clubs, which would be challenging for him to engage with alongside his daily classes.
Yet, the words of Teacher Tong still echoed in his ears, and the pain in his ankle lingered; that remark only made him more resolute in his refusal.
"Dear seniors," he said apologetically to Zhou Yongxian and the others, "I have little interest or expertise in poetry and painting... I must graciously decline your kind offer."
A look of astonishment crossed the tall senior's face, as he thought to himself: Did I not express myself clearly enough?
Zhou Yongxian regarded Lin Xi with a gentle gaze, continuing, "Lin Junior, would you reconsider? We have numerous students who have graduated from our academy."
Lin Xi smiled warmly and shook his head once more, "Thank you, Senior."
Zhou Yongxian fell into a moment of contemplation, remaining silent, while another fair-skinned, handsome senior regarded Lin Xi coldly, stating, "Lin Junior, you should think this through. Although you have been chosen, your aptitude for soul power cultivation is rather ordinary. A career in civil service could be a viable path for you."
Lin Xi was momentarily taken aback and chose silence, simply shaking his head.
"I specifically lingered here to await you, Lin Junior. Our Poetry and Painting Society does not impose rigid requirements. Should you ever find yourself interested in joining, simply let me know," Zhou Yongxian said with a mild smile, before bidding farewell and departing.
"The Zhou family wields significant influence in both the court and society, especially with Zhou Youjian's high prospects of entering the Elder Council. His waiting for you here could be seen as a slight to his dignity," Bian Linghan remarked, concern mingling with irritation as she looked at Lin Xi. "I intended to remind you to speak more diplomatically, yet when I tugged at your sleeve, you showed no reaction."
"I did not expect you to refuse him," a sudden voice interjected, and as Lin Xi turned to locate its source, he saw a senior carrying a long sword and a slightly plump junior sister approaching. Both were dressed in the blue attire of the Zhi Ge Department, and Lin Xi had exchanged glances with them earlier. Immediately, he and Bian Linghan straightened their expressions and bowed, "Greetings, Senior Brother and Senior Sister."
"I am Chen Mu, and this is Du Zhanye. We are both third-year students in the Zhi Ge Department," Chen Mu said, scrutinizing the somewhat frail Lin Xi and Bian Linghan closely. He then asked Lin Xi earnestly, "From what I understand, you come from humble beginnings and lack connections in the political sphere. Why did you decline Zhou Yongxian's offer?"
Chen Mu's appearance was quite ordinary, yet he was not unlikable, and his straightforwardness endeared him to Lin Xi, prompting a genuine smile as he replied, "Simply because I do not wish to."
Chen Mu continued to gaze at Lin Xi directly, "Is it that you do not wish to bow and scrape before the powerful? If Zhou Yongxian rises to prominence and you find yourself entangled with him, it could lead to considerable complications."
Lin Xi maintained his smile, responding, "Is it not true that our Yunqin Empire has never prioritized civil officials?"
"Does Lin Junior intend to join the border forces in the future?" Upon hearing Lin Xi's words, both Chen Mu and Du Zhanye regarded him with newfound respect.
"Perhaps," Lin Xi thought to himself with a smile, realizing he could not reveal his true reasons... After all, he and Dean Zhang hailed from the same origins, possessing similar capabilities. What right did the son of a division head have to recruit him?
"I am the vice president of the Academy's Sword Society, but like you, I lack any connections. Therefore, should you have an interest in the Sword Society, you need not worry about being tied to any particular family. Moreover, I will soon graduate, so even if you join, our opportunities to meet will be limited." Chen Mu, observing Lin Xi's natural demeanor, found himself speaking more than usual, ultimately concluding, "You need not feel obligated to join, but most members of the Sword Society are from our Zhi Ge Department, so feel free to visit whenever you wish."
"You may call me Sister Yezi; that is how the brothers and sisters in the Sword Society address me," Du Zhanye said with a warm smile. "You are always welcome to seek me out."
"With such seniors around, I will certainly visit whenever I have the time," Lin Xi replied earnestly, nodding sincerely.
As twilight deepened, the buildings atop the peaks of Qingluan Academy flickered to life, casting a warm glow across the landscape, reminiscent of a celestial city.
Chen Mu and Du Zhanye followed a gravel path deeper into the mountains.
Although Du Zhanye maintained a serene expression and a gentle disposition, as she walked briskly alongside Chen Mu, her demeanor reflected a newfound respect towards him.
Once they reached a secluded area, Du Zhanye softly inquired, "Your Highness, you seem quite interested in Lin Xi?"
The one referred to as Your Highness appeared ordinary, responding calmly, "Individuals like him, who do not seek to ingratiate themselves with the powerful, are often upright and possess a strong sense of integrity. Such qualities are precisely what we seek in our Yunqin Empire. However, he is merely a newcomer to the academy... Too young, and it remains to be seen whether his character will change. There is no need for you to intervene; we shall observe him gradually."
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