Chapter 87: Shock—Chu Feng Actually Forced Elder Bing to Stay
In the main annex of the Miscellaneous Dao Institute.
Xiao Chen, Cao Youqian, Qin Qin, and Wang Baole all looked curiously at Elder Bing as she slowly walked in.
Elder Bing didn't walk fast, but with each step, a cold wind followed.
After just a few steps, the temperature within the Miscellaneous Dao Institute dropped by more than ten degrees.
With a casual wave of his hand, Chu Feng restored the temperature to normal.
"You've made up your mind?"
Elder Bing naturally noticed the change in the environment, and although she was puzzled, she didn't dwell on it.
"I've made my decision. I will stay in the Miscellaneous Dao Institute and fulfill my promise."
Chu Feng pointed to the side room next to his own: "From now on, you'll stay in that room. Go tidy it up yourself."
"Hmph!"
Elder Bing gave a cold snort and walked toward the room.
Cao Youqian watched as she closed the door and lowered his voice: "Master, isn't this a bad decision?"
"Hmm?"
Chu Feng looked up at Cao Youqian. "Da Qian, it's only been a year, and I see you've gotten a little too comfortable. Xiao Chen."
"Disciple here," Xiao Chen replied respectfully.
"Starting tomorrow, accompany your junior brother in some sparring. Let him experience the warmth and rules of our Miscellaneous Dao Institute."
Chu Feng's tone was calm, as if he were discussing something utterly trivial.
"Understood," Xiao Chen answered, then looked at Cao Youqian.
"Junior Brother, it just so happens that my sword intent has reached mastery. You've got thick skin and strong bones—perfect for a test run."
"Senior Brother, come on, no need to go that far, right?"
Cold sweat broke out on Cao Youqian's forehead. He had just slipped up with his words—why was Master taking it so seriously? After all, he was still his beloved disciple!
Even the always-serious Qin Qin couldn't help but curve her lips slightly at the exchange.
Wang Baole, meanwhile, was full of curiosity, clearly eager to see what would happen next.
At the foot of the mountain where the Miscellaneous Dao Institute stood—
Many onlookers were waiting eagerly, trying to find out what exactly the esteemed Head Chu was doing bringing the two beauties from the Heavenly Spirit Institute up the mountain.
Among the crowd, several cool-tempered female disciples wore tightly furrowed brows.
As soon as Qin Rou came down the mountain, a group of senior sisters surrounded her.
"Junior Sister Qin, where's Master?"
Elder Bing's third disciple stepped forward as soon as she saw Qin Rou.
Qin Rou lowered her head in shame. "Senior Sister Wang, Master stayed behind at the Miscellaneous Dao Institute. She told us to return first. As per usual, she'll instruct us once a month."
Her voice wasn't loud, but to the others, it landed like a thunderclap.
"The Miscellaneous Dao Institute is going too far!"
A female disciple said coldly.
Senior Sister Wang's face turned grim. "Let's go! We're heading up the mountain to get answers from Head Chu. Just what is he up to?"
At her words, the junior sisters immediately voiced their agreement.
"Let's go. We're going up there."
"I don't believe it—Chu Feng is just a mere mortal. He wouldn't dare disrespect our master!"
"..."
Qin Rou heard their words and felt deeply conflicted, unsure of what to say.
In the crowd, only one woman in yellow remained silent.
She fixed her gaze on Qin Rou. "Junior Sister Qin, did Master say anything else?"
Qin Rou replied, "Fifth Senior Sister, Master didn't say anything more. She just said she would fulfill her promise."
Fifth Senior Sister asked, "You must know what that Chu Head made Master do, don't you?"
Everyone present turned their curious gazes toward Qin Rou.
Qin Rou buried her head low, almost into her chest. "Master forbade me from saying."
Her silence only made Elder Bing's disciples more furious. They knew that their proud Master would only issue such instructions when being forced to do something against her will.
Senior Sister Wang said sternly, "Fifth Junior Sister, you're Master's most favored disciple. Are you just going to sit by and watch Master be humiliated on the mountain?"
"Silence!" Fifth Senior Sister snapped coldly. "Master is simply fulfilling her promise. What humiliation is there? How dare you speak so recklessly of her!"
She was a smart one. Compared to the wager, their master's reputation was more important.
If Master were to be caught up in these rumors, things could quickly spiral out of control.
Just then, a sculpture-like ice crane flew down from the mountain. Upon spotting Fifth Senior Sister, it landed on her shoulder and whispered a few words in her ear.
The scene instantly quieted.
After delivering its message, the crane turned into ice crystals and vanished into the air.
Fifth Senior Sister frowned slightly but still turned to the other senior and junior sisters and said, "Master said she is well on the mountain and wants us to return."
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions shifted between gloom and uncertainty.
Senior Sister Wang clenched her teeth. "Since it's Master's decision, let's return."
With one person taking the lead, the rest didn't argue further and all flew off on their swords.
This left only the crowd of onlookers at the base, who could only stare in disappointment as the group of senior and junior sisters disappeared into the distance.
"Do you think we should go up and check things out?"
"You're crazy, aren't you? You're not afraid of being beaten to a pulp by Elder Bing if she catches you snooping?"
"Hiss... you've got a point. Still, I really want to know what Chu Head made Elder Bing do."
"Isn't it obvious? It's what any man would want."
"..."
The crowd broke into small groups, gossiping as they each returned to their own annexes.
The result of the battle between Xiao Chen and Qin Rou spread across Wendao Academy instantly.
But what stirred even more discussion was the fact that Elder Bing had been made to stay in the Miscellaneous Dao Institute by Head Chu.
Some said Elder Bing had become Chu Head's Dao companion.
Others claimed she was giving up her position as a Heavenly Spirit Institute elder to join the Miscellaneous Dao Institute.
With rumors flying in all directions, no one could tell truth from fiction.
Inside the Heavenly Spirit Institute, Senior Brother Ye was completely dumbfounded when he heard that Qin Rou had returned while Elder Bing remained behind.
He muttered, "Could it be that Chu Head, at such a young age, is already planning to skip decades of struggle?"
But he quickly brushed off such thoughts. As long as Junior Sister Qin was safe, that was all that mattered.
As for Elder Bing, as a junior, he could only wish her happiness.
The most surprised person of all, however, was the head of the Heavenly Spirit Institute — the Free Sword King.
When he learned that Elder Bing had stayed at the Miscellaneous Dao Institute, he was also utterly stunned.
He turned to his younger kin, Liu Yuer: "Yuer, when are you and Senior Brother Xiao going down the mountain?"
Liu Yuer, bright and perceptive, immediately understood the old ancestor's concern.
"Rest assured, Ancestor. I'll go find Senior Brother Xiao tomorrow, and while I'm at it, I'll also check on Elder Bing for you."
Hearing this, the Free Sword King gave a faint smile. "You little lass, you truly are the apple of this old ancestor's eye. But Elder Bing is prideful. After such a thing, she'll surely be displeased with anyone she sees."
"Speak with subtlety. Don't provoke her."
Liu Yuer nodded slightly. "Don't worry, Ancestor. I'll act according to the situation."
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