Chapter 124: Makes Sense

Jiang Weiran was so anxious his face turned bright red, and he blurted out: "Cheng Xi, you are muddled! What kind of opportunity lies behind the Wanxing Sect is something countless people couldn't beg for, so how can you easily give it up just because of Li Zhi'an? This is no child's play!"

Cheng Fenglan also chimed in from the side: "That's right, your cultivation techniques are so formidable; if you went there, you would surely shine brilliantly, and you might even become a top-tier powerhouse—how could you give that up?"

Cheng Xi looked at their eager expressions, chuckled, and shook her head: "In my view, the so-called opportunities and paths to power in this world are not limited to just this one through the Wanxing Sect."

"Since I began cultivating, all I have sought is to be free and at ease. If I go there only to be drawn into endless disputes and strife, violating my own heart, then I would rather not have this opportunity."

Cheng Yunjian frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said: "Big Sister, I can understand your thoughts, but the Prince... he surely would not wish to delay your future because of himself."

Just as they were speaking, a figure flashed into the courtyard from outside; it was none other than Li Zhi'an.

He looked slightly weary, but his eyes remained bright. Seeing him return, everyone stood up one after another.

Li Zhi'an nodded slightly to everyone in greeting, then his gaze fell upon Cheng Xi, his eyes filled with tenderness.

Cheng Xi stepped forward to meet him and asked softly: "How did the discussions regarding the Star Gate go?"

Li Zhi'an took her hand, walked over to a stone stool, and sat down, saying: "The various parties are arguing fiercely. The Imperial Court wants to monopolize the majority of the slots to strengthen its own power, and the Four Great Academies naturally refuse to yield, as they all want to secure opportunities for their own disciples. There is no conclusion yet."

Jiang Weiran couldn't help but speak up: "Prince, Cheng Xi's slot is certainly guaranteed, but she is hesitating because of you. You must persuade her!"

Hearing this, Li Zhi'an looked at Cheng Xi, a flash of complex emotion in his eyes: "Xixi, I know you have concerns for my sake, but the world beyond the Wanxing Sect is full of unknowns and opportunities. I do not wish for you to miss out because of me."

Cheng Xi smiled and looked up at Li Zhi'an, "To go or not to go, it makes little difference to me."

Watching the two of them gaze deeply at each other, the others could not help but be moved.

Cheng Fenglan quietly tugged at Jiang Weiran's sleeve and whispered: "Cheng Xi must have been bewitched; it seems our persuasion is useless."

Jiang Weiran sighed helplessly and said no more.

Li Zhi'an thought for a moment and said to everyone: "The opening of the Star Gate this time is indeed a great opportunity. If you wish to go, I will do my best to secure slots for you."

A flash of surprise appeared in Cheng Fenglan's eyes. Although it felt a bit improper to do this, she did not want to miss such an opportunity, so she hurriedly said: "Many thanks, Prince! We all wish to pass through the Star Gate to train there and improve our strength."

Cheng Yunjian hesitated for a moment, but in the end, he did not refuse and said: "Prince, if there is an opportunity, I will certainly not let everyone down."

Jiang Weiran also stated his position: "I also want to go and venture forth; perhaps I can achieve something."

Li Zhi'an nodded: "You all performed meritorious service at Wanxing Mountain, so you were entitled to a share of the slots. No need to thank me; it is what you deserve."

Hearing this, the group felt a weight lift from their hearts. They knew Li Zhi'an was doing his best for Cheng Xi's sake; they had performed meritorious service, but they were not the only ones who had.

Subsequently, Li Zhi'an turned his gaze back to Cheng Xi: "How about we wait until all parties reach a result before making a decision?"

Cheng Xi smiled and nodded: "Alright."

In the following days, Qinghe Academy became exceptionally lively. Envoys from various factions traveled back and forth, all running about for the matter of the Star Gate slots.

Li Zhi'an and Cheng Xi were also frequently invited to participate in discussions. Although Cheng Xi did not wish to be overly involved in the disputes, as a key figure, it was difficult for her to stay out of it.

During one heated discussion, an official from the Imperial Court stated aggressively: "The Imperial Court has expended a vast amount of manpower and resources to provide much support for the opening of the Star Gate. We should rightfully receive the majority of the slots to allow the elite of the Imperial Court to explore and seek welfare for the nation."

The representatives of the Four Great Academies naturally would not be outdone and refuted him one after another.

The Dean of Jindu Academy stood up and said righteously: "The opening of the Star Gate is an opportunity for all Cultivators in the world, not a matter for the Imperial Court alone."

"Our Academies have cultivated many excellent disciples who are devoted to the Dao; they are more qualified to go and explore the path ahead for the world's Cultivators."

Both sides held their own views and refused to yield, and the atmosphere became tense.

Seeing this, Li Zhi'an said: "The opening of the Star Gate concerns the overall situation of the world; we should deliberate carefully. This opening is not for the benefit of one faction alone. Slots should be allocated reasonably based on the contributions made by each party during the process of opening the Star Gate."

Hearing this, everyone fell into deep thought, knowing that Li Zhi'an's words carried a warning. Whether it was the Imperial Court or the Academies, it was impossible for anyone to monopolize the situation.

After several days of intense debate, all parties finally reached a preliminary agreement.

According to the magnitude of their contributions, the Imperial Court, the Four Great Academies, and some factions like the Loose Cultivator Alliance that had contributed to the opening of the Star Gate all received corresponding slots.

The slots for Cheng Xi, Li Zhi'an, the Cheng Yunjian siblings, and Jiang Weiran were also finalized.

Upon learning that she had received a slot, Cheng Fenglan covered her face and wept with joy, "That's wonderful! Once we pass through this gate, we can start over!"

Jiang Weiran agreed deeply. He was someone who sought longevity, and the Spirit Essence in the Mortal Realm was thin; passing through the Wanxing Sect was naturally the best way to improve his cultivation, "Now I can finally spread my wings."

Although Cheng Yunjian was relatively steady, he could not hide the excitement in his eyes.

However, Cheng Xi did not feel much joy. She looked at the slot document in her hand, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

Li Zhi'an walked to her side and asked softly: "Xixi, have you still not made up your mind?"

Cheng Xi looked up at him: "Whether I have made up my mind or not is not important. In truth, going or not going makes no difference to me."

She was someone who had once been a top-tier powerhouse and had stood at the highest peak; she had long since ceased to value such things.

Li Zhi'an gently pulled her into his embrace: "If you truly do not wish to go, we shall stay behind and guard this world; that would also be quite good."

Cheng Xi leaned into his arms and suddenly smiled, "I'm afraid that won't do. Your father and mother will miss you; what if they are waiting for you on the other side?"

Li Zhi'an:...

That also makes sense.

With the slots finalized, it did not cause much of a stir in the Academy. Although some were dissatisfied, since it was allocated based on merit, they had nothing to say.

There was also good news: the Wanxing Sect had already fallen under their own control. As long as they accumulated enough Spirit Essence, it could be opened. With hope, people would naturally stop fixating on the slots this time.

Cheng Xi was farming on Qingtian Peak with Baohua when Jiang Miao came looking for her.

Cheng Xi was surprised to see her. Jiang Miao watched the little person Baohua carrying a large hoe to farm, and the corner of her mouth twitched.