Immortal Martial Academy - Chapter 20

Wu Xianyao listened intently, spending the entire afternoon at the teahouse. Many expressed their determination to enlist and defend Great Xia, asserting it as every man’s duty.

Even after most patrons had left, Wu Xianyao remained seated, observing a young apprentice of the teahouse nearby.

In this youth’s eyes, Wu Xianyao saw a burning Aspiration for Martial Arts – yes, a genuine martial heart.

The young apprentice stood in a corner, practicing with a sword manual in hand. Although it was just a common book from the streets, he studied it with great enthusiasm.

Approaching the table, Wu Xianyao picked up the sword manual while the youth continued sweeping, noticing Wu Xianyao’s interest but saying nothing, focusing on his chores.

Seeing the youth’s occasional glances towards him, Wu Xianyao smiled slightly and placed an admission notice on the first page of the sword manual before setting it down.

Wu Xianyao exited the teahouse, checking the time – it was only 7 PM, still early in the evening.

After Wu Xianyao left, the young apprentice put aside his broom and swiftly approached the table.

Zhang Shi eagerly picked up his cherished sword manual and opened it. As he flipped through, a notice fell out. He retrieved the notice, then glanced at the sword manual with relief, seeing it undamaged.

After reading the information on the notice, Zhang Shi hesitated briefly before finding a pen to sign it. He felt that this opportunity could lead him to the Sword Dao he sought.

A golden glow entered Zhang Shi’s mind, revealing the address details. With a furrowed brow, he looked back at the sword manual in his hands.

This sword manual had been given to him by an old gentleman when he was young. The elder had proclaimed him a natural prodigy in the Sword Dao, possessing a true Sword Heart, but unfortunately, his path in the Martial Dao appeared severed.

With these thoughts, Zhang Shi gathered his belongings, stepped towards the door, took one last look at the place where he had worked for two years, and finally walked out resolutely.

From the attic above the teahouse, an elderly man observed Zhang Shi leaving. “Sir, Zhang Shi has departed.”

The older man, referred to as ‘Sir’, smiled warmly while watching Zhang Shi. “He must follow his own path. When I hired him here, we agreed that if he ever wished to leave, he could do so at any time.”

The elderly man then turned to the young boy beside him, “Everyone has their own path, including you. When you decide to leave, I won’t hold you back.”

Using his walking stick, the old man rose and walked away. It became apparent that he had lost one foot, likely indicating he was a veteran soldier.

The young boy watched Zhang Shi depart, then looked at the old man and followed closely behind, saying, “Master, I’ll continue by your side.”

“Excellent!” the old man replied jovially. “Once this master can no longer manage, the teahouse will be yours to run.”

Unbeknownst to them, atop the attic stood a youth dressed casually in black attire, observing from above.

Wu Xianyao held deep admiration for the elderly man and considered discussing his intentions further. With Xia Yi currently managing the academy’s supermarket, it seemed fitting for the old man to take over that role instead.

As Zhang Shi headed towards the academy, Wu Xianyao entered the attic, crossed his legs, and began quietly circulating his Cultivation Technique without disturbing anything in the room.

In the academy dormitory, Xia Jiufeng gazed at the posted list with mixed emotions, knowing all these names belonged to fellow students.

Thinking about the potential loss of these students in battle, Xia Jiufeng raised her head and said, “Mao Mao, let’s start refining medicinal pills! They’re currently at the Martial Dao First Realm, and with your pills, it could provide them additional means to survive on the battlefield.”

Mao Mao had been feeling quite bored lately. The academy had a dedicated alchemy room stocked with materials, including Spirit Medicines. Combined with Mao Mao’s alchemy skills, many medicinal pills could be produced.

However, without the princess’s approval, nothing moved forward. Now that she finally spoke up, Mao Mao felt rejuvenated. After contacting Xia Yi, they promptly activated the alchemy room, requiring no further authorization from Wu Xianyao.

Wu Xianyao spent the entire night cultivating in the attic. When the door opened the next morning, an elderly man entered, showing no surprise upon seeing Wu Xianyao.

Instead, he took out tea leaves and began brewing a pot. As Wu Xianyao noticed the teacup not being fully filled, he smiled slightly, “Apologies for disturbing you!”

The old man sat down, setting aside his walking cane, and replied with a grin, “It was my fault for keeping you waiting all night.”

Wu Xianyao didn’t dwell on how the elder knew he had stayed there overnight.

“Sending Zhang Shi to your academy is indeed the best choice. That ambitious young man cannot be satisfied here; please take care of him.” The old man produced a card, “This contains the funds I’ve set aside for Zhang Shi. Would you kindly deliver it to him?”

Don’t wonder how the old man knew – there were several screens in the room displaying surveillance footage. Clearly, he had been observing through them yesterday.

Wu Xianyao pushed the card back, “I believe this matter should still be handled by you.”

The old man looked at Wu Xianyao and then at the card, “May I ask what assistance you require from me, young friend?”

Wu Xianyao took out a contract, “Rather than spending time here with tea, wouldn’t you prefer witnessing the rise of Great Xia’s Chosen?” His words were sincere, emphasized further by his actions, “I trust you won’t refuse this request.”

The old man picked up the contract, which was an employment agreement. Although merely for a supermarket position, the old man showed keen interest.

“Haha! Indeed intriguing. Very well, my esteemed Headmaster, I shall visit your academy.” With that, the old man signed the contract and summoned the same youth from the previous day. He entrusted the teahouse to the boy, aligning with the youth’s aspirations.

If this young man showed any aspiration for martial arts, Wu Xianyao wouldn’t hesitate to accept him as a student.

However, beneath his lowered gaze, the youth’s eyes were filled with calculation.

Both the old man and Wu Xianyao noticed this, and thus, the youth lost his chance to become a Martial Artist.

The old man and Wu Xianyao departed together, leaving the smug youth behind in the attic, now proud owner of the teahouse – his first business venture.

The elderly man’s name was An Lun, a veteran who had served for thirty years. Age had finally caught up with him, leading to his mandatory retirement by the state.

At the supermarket, An Lun’s duties were not demanding; he primarily managed inventory. Additionally, Wu Xianyao had thoughtfully arranged for a tea pavilion within the supermarket, specifically for Old An’s use.

Just as Old An arrived, Zhang Shi entered the store. Upon seeing Old An, she immediately knelt down, saying, “Old An, I will take care of you in your old age.”

Old An helped her up, responding warmly, “I’m glad you found your own path. You don’t need to worry about my care; all I ask is that you remain steadfast on your chosen journey.”

Perhaps they needed some time to adjust. With a smile, Wu Xianyao left the supermarket, returning to his office at the academy.

Wu Xianyao was preparing for his eventual departure to the battlefield. Currently still in the Skin Tempering Stage, he aimed to elevate his strength to the Spirit Gathering Stage first.

After arranging some matters, Wu Xianyao summoned Xia Yi and informed him of his intention to enter seclusion. He then instructed Xiao Lin to distribute supplies to the squad members before closing the door to the Headmaster’s office.