Chapter 502: Wind Chimes and Study Companions

"Welcome to the Rebirth Immigration School."

"Today, the world is in chaos; wars never cease across nations, soldiers and bandits roam unchecked, cities stand empty nine out of ten homes, villages littered with corpses..."

"But there is one place without war, without thieves, without plague or famine—that is our Taoyuan City!"

"Precisely because of this, you all wish to immigrate to Taoyuan City."

"Yet our Taoyuan City is not large, and its population capacity is limited; therefore, not everyone qualifies to enter. You must study diligently here, pass your graduation exam, and only then can you become citizens of Taoyuan City."

Wu Xian nodded slightly.

This must be why those natives would rather squeeze to death on the passenger ship than come here to study.

It’s not only malevolent spirits that can destroy a world.

War can too.

"But don’t worry—the school won’t be overly harsh on you, so we’ve assigned each of you a study companion to help you adjust better to school life."

"You won’t be choosing your own companions; your companions will choose you. But companions are very shy, so please close your eyes shortly and wait for your companion to select you."

"Also, the school’s location must not be exposed, or countless refugees will flood in. Therefore, after selecting your companion, your companion will lead you into the campus."

"Before entering the campus, none of you may open your eyes!"

"If you open your eyes on the way, it means you are untrustworthy—and Taoyuan City has no need for untrustworthy people!"

With these words spoken,

the Student Council President raised his hand.

"Now, please close your eyes!"

Wu Xian closed his eyes immediately.

The official certificate instructed the family members to sabotage the graduation ceremony.

Only those who pass the graduation exam are eligible to attend the ceremony, so until then, they must follow the school’s rules.

Once vision was lost,

everything around became somewhat terrifying.

Newcomers have little experience and limited imagination, so they can’t conjure up anything vivid; but Wu Xian’s mind was already sketching a map of hell.

Soon,

the companions appeared.

Footsteps came from the other side, similar in sound—likely rubber-soled sneakers—with varying heaviness and rhythms.

"Hmm, footsteps are fine, temperature hasn’t dropped, no stench..."

This surprised Wu Xian.

He had been certain these so-called companions were ghosts—at least, not human!

But now, he was less sure.

Yet each blessed land’s malevolent spirits differ slightly; perhaps the ghosts here possess exceptional disguise abilities?

The native students ahead were being selected one by one.

When it came to Wu Xian and the others, few companions remained; Wu Xian could hear their murmurs.

"Ugh, I don’t want to pick an old man."

"Look, there’s a handsome guy!"

"I prefer the bad-boy type..."

After some arguing, a girl claimed Wu Xian’s companion spot. She stood opposite him; Wu Xian could even smell the floral scent emanating from her.

"I’m Meng Bailing. From today on, I’m your study companion."

The girl’s voice was crisp and pleasant, like her name—a skylark. Meng Bailing seized Wu Xian’s hand and walked off in one direction, chattering all the while.

"Don’t open your eyes on the way—the school’s rules are strict. Breaking them comes at a cost."

Walking blindly behind someone felt strange.

The person holding your hand was unknown, the destination unknown, what lay ahead unknown—layered uncertainties created a peculiar dread.

To ease his fear, Wu Xian gripped the girl’s hand a little tighter.

She wore gloves.

So he couldn’t judge whether she was human or ghost by body temperature.

But from the touch alone, she was clearly a girl—not some rough, voice-deceiving brute.

Wu Xian tried to strike up a conversation.

"You said breaking rules brings terrible consequences—could you tell me what the school’s rules are? I’d like to prepare mentally."

"Actually, nothing special."

Meng Bailing opened up, venting to Wu Xian.

"Just things like: no trash in the trash bin after leaving the dorm, no one on the bed during daytime, dorm doors must stay unlocked so dorm supervisors can check anytime, nothing allowed on dorm desks, that sort of thing."

Wu Xian blinked: "Now that you mention it, it really isn’t special—almost down-to-earth."

"Once you enter the school, the Student Council will give you the Student Code. Read it yourself—strictly obey it. I’m your companion; if you break rules, I’ll suffer the consequences too."

They walked further.

Wu Xian suddenly heard a man’s scream.

"No, please! I—"

He seemed to want to say more, but his mouth was instantly covered.

Meng Bailing sighed: "Ah, that fool—he just stumbled while walking and opened his eyes. Utterly untrustworthy."

"What happens when someone breaks the rules?"

Meng Bailing fell silent. Wu Xian noted this and dropped the question.

It seemed night had deepened—the air grew colder. Wu Xian heard a dense ringing of wind chimes; they were approaching a stretch of wind chimes.

The closer they got, the louder the chimes rang—but they sounded neither pleasant nor harmonious, only chaotic, noisy, grating.

"Our etiquette teacher loves making wind chimes, so they’re everywhere on campus. Especially this path ahead—it’s completely hung with them. It’s his pride and joy, and also one of our school’s famous attractions."

"Keep your head down. These chimes are hard—watch your face, or you’ll get bruised."

Meng Bailing quickened her pace. Wu Xian lowered his head behind her, one hand shielding his forehead—but he still inevitably struck a chime.

The chime swayed, clashing against others, producing a tinkling sound.

From the impact, the chimes felt icy, rigid, metallic—and each was large.

The wind chime path stretched dozens of meters. After passing through, Meng Bailing slowed again.

They crossed a wooden bridge, turned several corners, then finally stopped. Wu Xian heard others murmuring noisily—apparently, they’d reached their destination.

"Alright, my job’s done."

Meng Bailing giggled.

"Since the Student Council President hasn’t told you to open your eyes yet, keep them closed. I’m heading back to the dorm—too late and the dorm supervisor will punish me."

With that,

Meng Bailing rejoined her classmates, footsteps fading. After a while, Wu Xian heard the Student Council President’s voice.

"Students, open your eyes. The first thing you see is the 'Rebirth Immigration School!'"

(End of Chapter)