Immortal Martial Academy - Chapter 52

After sending his reply, Wu Xianyao looked at the partially snake-transformed Snake Maiden and asked, “What’s your name?”

“Qing Liu,” she replied, despite her fear, desperate to prolong her life.

“Why did you come to the Human Race to enhance your aptitude? If you provide me with valuable information, I won’t mind letting you live a while longer.”

Wu Xianyao could tell this serpent was clever; she didn’t cause trouble or make threats but endured her injuries silently, aware that any misstep could lead to her immediate demise.

Naturally, Qing Liu knew certain things, but instead of revealing details about her own race, she chose to divulge other information. Observing Qing Liu’s cunning gaze, Wu Xianyao stroked his chin, realizing that as a young lord from an Upper Race, she likely possessed significant knowledge.

“The leader of the Flame Rat Clan seeks to break through to the 7th Rank, but his aptitude is limited. He requires vast amounts of flesh from the gifted to overcome these constraints. Does this count as valuable intelligence?” Qing Liu queried.

Wu Xianyao nodded approvingly, impressed by Qing Liu’s perceptiveness. He extended one finger, saying, “You can live for another month. The more intelligence you provide, the greater your chances of survival. Understand this, though: if even one piece of information turns out to be false and I verify it, your death will be swift and painful.”

Despite her bravado, Wu Xianyao’s erratic behavior unsettled Qing Liu, making her wary that this immortal warrior might be unpredictable and temperamental.

Qing Liu’s mind raced, recalling various pieces of information she knew. Relieved, she realized most could indeed be shared, giving her hope that she might survive for some time. She anticipated that her leader would find ways to rescue her eventually.

“The Flame Rat Clan has struck a deal with the Berserk Lion Clan: once their leader reaches the 7th Rank, they will protect the Berserk Lions for a century.”

Hearing this, Wu Xianyao gave Qing Liu a puzzled look. “Aren’t you all ‘birds of a feather’ back there? Why do you keep revealing information about the Rat Clan? Tell me something I don’t know already.”

Qing Liu managed an awkward smile, her forked tongue flickering as she spoke, lending a somewhat unsettling appearance.

“Laugh at your own joke! Give me something new. If you try to evade again, I’ll turn your snake tail into slices.” Wu Xianyao licked his lips, almost relishing the thought of eating snake tail.

Shivering, Qing Liu realized this man was not easily deceived and decided to reveal some genuine intel. However, the previous information was true; it’s just that these details were already widely known among the beasts in the rear territories.

“The Black Bat Clan has discovered a Human Race Heaven’s Chosen, but they haven’t identified who it is yet,” Qing Liu revealed, looking expectantly at Wu Xianyao, hoping this information would prolong her life.

Wu Xianyao frowned, considering these three pieces of news; each seemed somewhat plausible.

Regarding the mentioned Heaven’s Chosen by the Black Bat Clan, Wu Xianyao had some suspicions. He had fought against members of both the bat and snake races within the base, but he couldn’t be certain if they had pinpointed him as that specific individual. However, it wasn’t crucial now; time would tell.

Upon returning to the front lines, Wu Xianyao promptly handed Qing Liu over to Lan Haoyue, realizing there were more effective ways for the military to extract information from alien captives than casual questioning.

In room 101 of the Peace Hotel, Wu Xianyao sat cross-legged, beginning his cultivation practice. Over recent days, the range of his Divine Sense had steadily increased, reaching up to five hundred meters. It wouldn’t be long before he ascended to the next realm.

Later that night, still deep in cultivation, Wu Xianyao sensed movement. This time, Lan Haoyue entered directly through the window.

Seeing Lan Haoyue, Wu Xianyao’s expression darkened. “Don’t you know how to knock?”

Lan Haoyue glanced around the room and scoffed, “Tsk tsk, as the head of an academy, you sure live modestly. Why don’t you come visit our military headquarters sometime?”

“The Immortal Martial Academy isn’t as well-funded as your military department,” Wu Xianyao replied. “Alright, spill it! What brings you here?” He knew that Lan Haoyue never made a move without purpose and wouldn’t visit unless there was something significant at hand.

“That little sneaky snake, quite intriguing indeed. Just like that, you handed her over to us. Don’t you want to know what information the military extracted from her?” Lan Haoyue casually sat on the bed, seemingly oblivious to Wu Xianyao’s disapproving gaze.

Wu Xianyao, growing impatient with Lan Haoyue’s antics, stood up firmly. “If you’re not going to get to the point soon, I’m leaving.”

“Fine, fine! You really can’t take a joke. The king controlling the beast tide at Blackcliff is an Overlord-Level Giant Flame Crocodile, reaching the peak of 6th Rank strength. Once we eliminate this Xenobeast, the beast tide should dissipate.” Lan Haoyue raised an eyebrow, revealing his intentions.

In truth, Lan Haoyue wanted to gauge Wu Xianyao’s limits. With the recent defeat of a 5th Rank powerhouse, he hoped the news of a 6th Rank threat would entice Wu Xianyao.

Wu Xianyao waved dismissively. “I’m currently no match for a 6th Ranker, so I won’t go. I have no desire to die yet.”

Lan Haoyue wasn’t aware of why Wu Xianyao didn’t wish to participate, but she knew for certain it wasn’t due to fear or cowardice. A person’s true capabilities cannot be fully revealed, and this recent display during the 5th Rank battle was intentionally exposed by Wu Xianyao himself.

“Understood!” Lan Haoyue respected his decision and continued, “Recently, some students will be arriving at your academy; please prepare to receive them.”

Wu Xianyao acknowledged without comment. It was inevitable that their actions would attract attention, especially after Chen Beixuan’s performance on the battlefield. The extent of interest varied, but whether they could enter the academy would depend solely on their journey through the Path of Self-Reflection.

“I’m aware. Please convey my gratitude to them!” Wu Xianyao rose and headed towards the door, unlike Lan Haoyue, who preferred unconventional exits.

“They? Do you know who sent them?”

Wu Xianyao waved dismissively. “It doesn’t matter who they are; what matters is that he trusts me.”

The corners of Lan Haoyue’s lips curled up. “Seems like you haven’t realized the storm you’ve unleashed!”

Indeed, whispers about the existence of the Immortal Martial Academy had begun circulating, along with news of someone opening the path of the Martial Dao. This individual was referred to by those above as the Pioneer, although Lan Haoyue preferred the title Exiled Immortal Wu.

Lan Haoyue vanished from the room, appearing atop Black Cliff Mountain with a booklet in hand, scanning its contents.

“Remarkable, this Qi and Blood Martial Dao,” Lan Haoyue marveled. “I never expected to witness such hope within my lifetime.” He was astounded by Wu Xianyao’s prodigious talent. While many claimed that the path of the Martial Dao was a myth, nonexistent, this individual had actually forged his way through it.

This groundbreaking achievement had never before occurred in Great Xia. From now on, the title “Exiled Immortal Wu” would solely belong to Wu Xianyao, bestowed upon him by the three elders as their chosen alias.

“General!” Adjutant Wang approached. “The Heavenly Scheme Squad has already set off for the Immortal Martial Academy.”

“Excellent!” Lan Haoyue seemed quite pleased, glancing at Adjutant Wang. “How long have you been serving under me?”

With Adjutant Wang appearing as a middle-aged man, addressing the youthful-looking Lan Haoyue as General felt somewhat incongruous.

“It’s been twenty years, General!”

“Twenty years already! You may return now! Go back and safeguard the Immortal Martial Academy; they are still too vulnerable.” Lan Haoyue spoke with finality.

“Yes, sir!” Without questioning Lan Haoyue’s decision, Adjutant Wang turned and left promptly.

While Adjutant Wang didn’t fully understand why he was being sent to the Immortal Martial Academy, he trusted that the General’s orders were justified. There were matters beyond his comprehension, but not for the General.

Wu Xianyao exited the Peace Hotel, observing the various squads passing by on the street—some somber, others joyful. As he walked indifferently past them, Wu Xianyao knew he couldn’t save everyone; they had to save themselve