Chapter 143: The Role of the Crimson-Scaled Heart (Requesting Subscriptions)

Xu Jin, I have already submitted your report on reclaiming the Second-Class Fire Xuan Star Region to the court; a reward edict will be issued shortly. However, regarding the reward itself, I’d like to hear your opinion.

For your achievement in reclaiming the Second-Class Fire Xuan Star Region, would you prefer a noble title, or something more substantial?

On the morning of August 23, Xu Jin arrived early at the Danxia Academy, where the Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao handled official duties.

The National Dao Academy is backed by Yunxia Mountain south of Wan Yi; at its foot lies a colorful stone over twenty meters tall, painted as if with cinnabar and dawn hues, upon which the Danxia Academy was built—said to be the predecessor of the Great Chen National Dao Academy.

Over time, every Grand Master has taken up residence in the Danxia Academy, hence the Grand Master of the Great Chen National Dao Academy is also called the Danxia Palace Master.

Yet after over a thousand years, the nature of the Danxia Academy has changed.

Once a place for teaching and transmitting the Dao, it has now become the Grand Master’s seat of administrative governance.

Xu Jin waited about fifteen minutes in front of the Danxia Hall before being summoned inside by a senior brother named Pang Yu, to pay respects to the Grand Master.

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao was as approachable as Xu Jin had previously observed.

“Grand Master, what exactly do you mean by a more substantial reward?” Xu Jin asked boldly.

“Simple: if you want a noble title, your achievement in reclaiming a star region counts as extraordinary recovery of lost territory—court ministers would grant you at minimum a First-Class Merit Noble title; if I advocate for you, a Third-Class Viscountcy without a fief is guaranteed.

Your military rank will also be elevated, but your advancement is limited by your current cultivation level.

If you prefer a more substantial reward, I can speak on your behalf: you’ll likely receive only a Third-Class Merit Noble title, but I can secure you a significant number of Dao Merits, plus a Star Artifact.” Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao said.

Star Artifact?

Xu Jin’s eyes lit up sharply.

A Star Artifact is a symbol of true power.

According to Xu Jin’s knowledge, among the entire Jinshan Dao Academy, only the Headmaster Dong Zhao possessed a Star Artifact; everyone else—even the Supervising Director or the Director-General—held only Star Weapons.

Yet regarding Great Chen’s noble titles, Xu Jin had only learned a little from Dong Zhao on his way here yesterday; he didn’t fully understand their specific benefits.

Now, being forced to decide immediately made it truly difficult.

A Third-Class Viscountcy and a Third-Class Merit Noble title differ by an entire major rank.

“Grand Master, which choice do you think would better serve my future development?” Xu Jin handed the question back to the Grand Master.

“Hah! In this age, true power resides within oneself!

When your strength is sufficient, like a blooming flower, all fame and fortune will come to you like butterflies.” Cheng Yuexiao chuckled.

“Thank you for your guidance, Grand Master—I choose the substantial reward.” Xu Jin said.

“Good. I’ll argue your case at court.”

Then, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao suddenly asked, “You’re a True Disciple—have you chosen your Master yet?”

As Xu Jin pondered how to answer, his Mingji Star Pattern on the lower star palace subtly shifted, and he suddenly sensed another gaze—or rather, another focus—falling upon him.

It was Pang Yu, the senior brother who had welcomed him in earlier.

This made Xu Jin feel odd.

This Pang Yu had reached the peak of Condensing Star Ninth Layer—why would he care about Xu Jin?

“Not yet. Many Xuezheng have expressed interest in taking me as a disciple, but I’m new here and don’t know whom to choose. Could the Grand Master offer me some guidance?” Xu Jin seized the opportunity to ask.

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao laughed and scolded him, “I never realized you were so cunning!

Don’t think about it—the Dao Academy’s rule is that True Disciples choose their own Masters freely!

If I give you advice, those Xuezheng will storm into Danxia Academy and point fingers at me!

You must choose yourself—follow your heart!

After all, among our Four Xuezheng and Twelve Deputy Xuezheng, whichever one you choose, you won’t go wrong.”

Again, “follow your heart.” Xu Jin could only nod in agreement.

“Xu Jin, you are this year’s Autumn Exam champion of our Great Chen National Dao Academy and have achieved the extraordinary feat of reclaiming the Fire Xuan Star Region. I place great hopes on you! I hope you are not merely the Autumn Exam champion, but one day become the True Disciple champion of our Great Chen National Dao Academy.

In three months, I hope you will claim victory at the Star Tower!

Then, our disciples from every province and county, and the hundred million people of Great Chen, can finally breathe easier.” The Grand Master suddenly said.

“Star Tower victory?” Xu Jin frowned.

“You’ll understand when the time comes! If you truly win the Star Tower, you won’t only benefit the people of Great Chen—you’ll also bring blessings to the elders of your hometown, Jinshan County!”

“I’ll work hard,” Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao said. “In three months, reach Mid-Layer Star Refinement—that’s the minimum requirement.”

“Thank you, Grand Master. I will strive.”

“Mm. Work hard—I believe in you!”

Beside him, Pang Yu nearly rolled his eyes.

This was the fifteenth time the Grand Master had said this in the past ten days.

Counting last year’s, it was the thirtieth.

Every True Disciple received this speech.

“Before you leave, remember to add me as a friend via the Pluck-Star Token. If you have an emergency, use the token to contact me; if I don’t respond and it’s urgent, contact Pang Yu.”

With these words, Pang Yu’s expression changed genuinely.

The Grand Master had said this exact phrase thirty times before—but Xu Jin was the first disciple he had ever personally requested to add him as a friend via the Pluck-Star Token.

A few breaths later, Xu Jin sent the friend request and was instantly accepted, then left the Danxia Academy.

Next came the most important decision of his future: which Xuezheng to choose as his Master.

The Grand Master advised “follow your heart”; Headmaster Dong Zhao advised “go by instinct”—follow your heart.

If so, then visit every Xuezheng who had sent an invitation or personally called on him.

First, he visited Fang Shi, one of the Four Xuezheng—his invitation letter had arrived yesterday.

But Xu Jin did not meet Fang Xuezheng himself; after waiting fifteen minutes at the entrance to Fang’s academy hall, he was admitted, and Fang’s eldest disciple, Fang Ying, received him.

Honestly, Xu Jin instantly disliked Fang Ying—he felt smug and condescending.

Inside Fang Xuezheng’s vast academy hall, silence reigned, the atmosphere oppressive; all disciples bowed deeply when they saw Fang Ying.

Dislike.

So, follow your heart.

Xu Jin delivered the prepared alternative response.

He thanked Fang Xuezheng for his kindness, but explained that Headmaster Dong Zhao had already recommended him—please forgive him.

This wasn’t Xu Jin fabricating an excuse to blame Dong Zhao.

It was Dong Zhao who had taught him to say this.

Within the National Dao Academy, before you grow strong, interpersonal relationships matter greatly—especially with these power brokers. You needn’t flatter them, but if you can avoid offending them, you should.

Otherwise, a single word from them could cost you dearly.

Headmaster Dong Zhao had told him this himself last night.

Clearly, Fang Xuezheng had sent the invitation merely out of casual interest—he likely didn’t value Xu Jin much.

Otherwise, even if he couldn’t come himself, he could have sent a message via the Pluck-Star Token to instruct Fang Ying.

But Fang Ying offered no resistance, only said, “What a pity.”

A few minutes later, Xu Jin visited another of the Four Xuezheng: Pan Hong. He waited half a quarter-hour at the hall’s entrance and was invited in—this time, he met the man himself.

Xu Jin took one look at Pan Hong’s face and immediately pulled out his refusal script.

Again, blame Headmaster Dong Zhao!

No choice—too ugly to accept.

This Pan Xuezheng wasn’t just ugly—he looked downright menacing, like some actor from Xu Jin’s past life surnamed Du. He simply couldn’t follow his heart.

Then, Xu Jin visited each of the Deputy Xuezheng in turn.

Some he didn’t meet; others were received by their disciples.

Those who had merely sent letters were notably aloof.

Even when meeting the Xuezheng himself, the tone was the same—no mention of benefits or future teaching plans; Xu Jin didn’t even get a chance to ask. His intention had been to meet them and subtly inquire about their cultivation or educational plans.

Whether they had prepared tailored instruction.

Even if only verbal assurances, it would greatly increase Xu Jin’s goodwill.

At least that showed sincerity!

In any matter, sincerity is crucial!

If they lacked even this much thought, it meant they’d treat him as an ordinary disciple at best.

Or perhaps, like the outdated custom of the past, where senior disciples passed on skills to juniors?

Serve your Master as you serve your father?

Or what?

In Bai Lu Yuan, the Lu family’s ancestor Lu Ma Shao learned cooking by sneaking through the back door of the kitchen!

Well, couldn’t follow his heart.

After meeting these few, Xu Jin used his prepared script and declined them all.

Several in a row—he couldn’t follow his heart.

Xu Jin finally hardened his resolve and went straight to the Feiyan Academy of Deputy Xuezheng Liu Qingzhu.

He had barely announced himself when Liu Qingzhu, dressed in a palace gown, hurried out to the stone steps, followed by several young girls.

“You’re here? Don’t just stand there—come in! I thought you weren’t coming.” Liu Qingzhu’s voice was crisp, rapid, and instantly soothing.

As Xu Jin bowed and raised his head, he saw her slender waist paired with a strikingly bold figure—he dared not stare long, fearing rudeness, and quickly lowered his eyes.

Then he saw row after row of long legs.

At least five pairs—among them, one girl wore training shorts, revealing fair ankles.

Xu Jin didn’t know where to look.

On the stone steps, a group of girls stared at the flustered Xu Jin and suddenly burst into laughter—including Liu Qingzhu—each one laughing so hard they doubled over, leaving Xu Jin deeply uneasy.

He feared they might fall over—should he catch them or not?

That was a problem.

This was the first time Xu Jin had encountered such a scene since arriving in this world, so he felt embarrassed and at a loss.

But amid the bell-like laughter of these girls, Xu Jin quickly adjusted his mindset, straightened his posture, and met their gaze with a calm smile.

What kind of spectacle is this!

In my past life, on nightclub streets and beaches, I saw long legs, slender waists, and voluptuous figures, each dressed more scantily than the last. Though I never hugged any, I’d stared at them countless times—what was there to be afraid of?

“Come in quickly! Lingering by the academy gate is disgraceful.”

Just as Xu Jin worried they might collapse, Liu Qingzhu led the girls into Feiyan Hall.

Inside, many female disciples dressed in Inner Court attire spotted the cleaning girls and greeted them cheerfully, chattering like swallows, all curiously sizing up Xu Jin.

At this point, Xu Jin had grown composed—he felt genuinely at ease.

It wasn’t just the sheer number of youthful, beautiful long legs—key was how relaxed everything was.

The atmosphere in Vice Academician Liu’s Feiyan Hall was incredibly relaxed.

Staying here, one might live longer.

The two other Academician halls Xu Jin had visited before? Their atmospheres would surely shorten your life!

“Second Sister!”

“Second Sister!”

Suddenly, the girls all called out—Xu Jin’s vision darkened abruptly, as if a mountain had floated before him.

A female giant!

Before Xu Jin stood a towering woman over two meters and twenty centimeters tall, her thighs thicker than the waists of ordinary female disciples, her face covered in a full beard.

“You’re Xu Jin—the one who nearly made Master go bald?” The burly woman, plump and bearded, fixed her tiny eyes on Xu Jin with unmistakable hostility.

“Big Brother, this is our Feiyan Hall’s Second Sister, Tang Chuo,” a girl introduced.

Xu Jin quickly masked his shock and greeted her, when Liu Qingzhu scolded, “What do you mean ‘bald’? My hair is just as thick as any of yours!”

“Not you, Master.”

Tang Chuo snapped, “Didn’t you say if Xu Jin didn’t come, you’d go bald this year?”

“You—”

Liu Qingzhu glared at Tang Chuo, furious, her chest heaving again.

Clearly, the blunt Second Sister had exposed her hidden need.

So it seemed—this Vice Academician Liu had chosen no one from the True Disciples this year, only Xu Jin!

If he became her disciple, wouldn’t he be her sole favorite?

“Younger Brother, have some tea!”

“Younger Brother, eat some grapes.”

“Younger Brother, try this pastry.”

“Younger Brother, eat this dried fruit first.”

“Enough, enough! Taking on a male disciple isn’t a marriage proposal—stop acting so flirtatious, go do your work!”

Liu Qingzhu’s phrasing made Xu Jin’s forehead break into cold sweat.

That wording was downright predatory!

But the food was truly abundant.

In just the few moments since entering the hall, two small tables had been set before Xu Jin, laden with at least twelve kinds of pastries, fruits, and teas.

“A bunch of little brats—I’ve spoiled them too much!”

After shooing the girls away, Liu Qingzhu assumed the demeanor of a master, sitting upright and solemn. “Xu Jin, I heard you visited several Academician and Vice Academician halls before coming to me?”

“Are you planning to reject me—or are you ready to take me as your Master?”

Xu Jin was stunned—she knew his movements entirely.

He dropped the pretense at once: “My mountain master taught me that all Academician of the State Academy may serve as Masters! Whom to choose depends on affinity—and on your heart.”

“Then does my Feiyan Hall suit your affinity? Does it suit your heart?”

“To be honest, Vice Academician, Feiyan Hall suits my eye and my heart perfectly.”

At this, Liu Qingzhu’s face brightened, then immediately sobered. “So you’re planning to join my Feiyan Hall?”

“I intend to, but before joining, I’d like to ask you a question, Vice Academician,” Xu Jin said.

“Go ahead.”

“What, in your view, is my future cultivation path?” Xu Jin asked seriously.

To be honest, Feiyan Hall was pleasing to the eye and had a wonderful atmosphere—it would even extend his life. Xu Jin liked it very much. But he remained calm.

He must not let beauty blind him and derail his Dao path—he must ask every necessary question.

Liu Qingzhu looked at Xu Jin’s serious expression and suddenly smiled—a strikingly bold, refreshing smile.

"Kid, your self-control is impressive. You're very level-headed."

After praising Xu Jin, she said, “I’ve prepared two directions for your future cultivation: speed as secondary, fire-star patterns and star arts as primary.”

“May I boldly ask one more question, Vice Academician? Why choose fire-star patterns and star arts as my main path?” Xu Jin asked.

“The reason is simple.

You obtained and assimilated a Crimson Scale Heart.

A second-rank Crimson Scale Heart from the Crimson Radiance Star Domain is equivalent to the combined effect of two beginner-level star patterns: Fire Image and Fire Source!

With such an advantage, if properly utilized, you’ll cultivate fire-star patterns and star arts with twice the efficiency, and your fire-star arts will start stronger than anyone else’s. Moreover—”

As Liu Qingzhu spoke, Xu Jin realized: his academy life belonged solely to Liu Qingzhu’s Feiyan Hall.

(End of Chapter)