"Congratulations, Brother Bojie. From now on, we can work together and discuss the past and present. When I go to the Undying Academy, I hope you won't turn me away," said Huang Chengyan with a carefree smile upon seeing that the position of the Immortal Academy's head had indeed gone to Cai Yong.
Working together wasn't a problem.
After all, the Undying Academy was part of Xuanhuang City, and even if it held a lofty status, it still ultimately answered to Yi Tianxing. That was an unchangeable fact.
"Brother Chengyan, why not join the Academy officially as a Vice Head? Or become the head of one of its branch institutes?" Cai Yong suggested with a smile.
As previously discussed, the Academy would be divided into various branches.
Each school of thought could establish its own branch. Though Cai Yong studied Confucianism, since he had accepted the role of the Academy's head, he naturally could no longer serve as the head of the Confucian branch himself—he had to leave the opportunity to others. As he knew, Huang Chengyan was also a member of the Confucian school but was not limited to it; his knowledge was broad and diverse.
He also had knowledge of Mohist philosophy. His daughter, Huang Yueying, was skilled in Mohist arts and particularly interested in Mojia craftsmanship—skills she had learned, in part, from her father. Though she had reportedly studied under other masters as well, or perhaps even self-taught from ancient texts, the exact truth remained unclear—and, in the end, wasn't all that important.
"Strike while the iron is hot. The Academy shall be established today," Yi Tianxing declared.
He looked at the academy-type treasure building before him, lifted it in his hand, and with a thought, threw it into a large open area in the north of Xuanhuang City.
RUMBLE!!
At that moment, countless citizens of Xuanhuang City saw a dazzling divine light streak across the sky before a building expanded at an astonishing rate, growing rapidly before their eyes. Within moments, it had become a sprawling structure covering dozens of acres.
From within, the sound of reading echoed—soft, rhythmic, like waves on the shore—bringing a deep sense of peace and serenity to all who heard it.
It felt as if their very souls were being cleansed.
A feeling like a bucket of ice water poured over them on the hottest summer day—refreshing and soothing beyond words.
The academy merged seamlessly with the earth, without a sound—quietly and naturally.
A rich scholarly aroma began to drift throughout the entire city.
"So rich! It's as if tens of thousands of ancient texts are right in front of me. This sensation is amazing!"
"That building came from the City Lord's mansion—it must be another treasure building, like the Tongtian Pavilion and the Scripture Repository. This must be the Immortal Academy!"
"Let's go see it for ourselves! If the City Lord is behind it, then this is surely no ordinary academy—it's the pinnacle of all institutions. Only a natural treasure like this is worthy of being called the Undying Academy and earning the reverence of all scholars!"
"It really is the Undying Academy! Look, the name is inscribed on its front. But why can't we see the inside? It's like a strange barrier blocks our view. All we can see are illusionary scenes of students reading and studying—clearly illusions. We can't peer inside."
"Even standing out here, you can smell the scent of learning. I feel like my thoughts are clearer, my creativity sharper. Just standing here is amazing. Imagine going inside!"
People began to gather around the academy.
Looking closely, a large plaque had appeared over the building with the characters:
Undying Academy!!
Before the entrance stood a stone stele, also engraved with the same title.
"Look! There's text on the stele. It's from the City Lord!"
Someone noticed the writing.
The characters were magical—just seeing them conveyed their meaning and intent directly to the mind.
'The Undying Academy upholds the philosophy of embracing all knowledge and accepting all schools of thought. It welcomes all students and cultivators. Emphasizing both civil and martial arts, it supports a hundred schools of thought and cultivator techniques. Anyone with a unique ideology, and approval from the Academy's branches, may establish their own branch here. There is no hierarchy, no discrimination. Let the Hundred Schools contend freely. All commoners and cultivators who pass the entrance exams may join. May all of humanity become as dragons!'
This passage became the foundational creed of the Immortal Academy—its core principles, not to be changed. It revealed the Academy's boundless ambition to embrace the world's knowledge.
Any school, any technique—if accepted—could become a part of it.
One could imagine that, once this system took hold, the Undying Academy would become a colossus among institutions, climbing to a revered status.
"The City Lord is truly wise. A Hundred Schools contending—that will be a magnificent sight!"
"Yi Tianxing must have come from the modern world. Otherwise, how could he possess such vision and ambition?"
"Modern folks had it rough. From what I know, very few had decent lives. Working from 9 to 9 every day—broke their bodies. Compared to the ancients, they'd be the first to die when beasts attacked. They had no strength, no skills, and most came from different worlds—like something out of movies or TV. Weak, helpless... pitiful."
In truth, many of the citizens in Xuanhuang City had come from the modern civilization. While ancient people were plenty, the modern ones were even more numerous—though most perished in the wilderness. Their deaths had been tragic.
The survivors were like refugees—wandering with no skills.
That idea of "modern people surviving easily in the ancient world" was a joke. In troubled times, such people were even more likely to die.
Through repeated suffering, they had learned that being unique meant nothing. Without strength, they were merely clowns.
Still, among these survivors, many suspected Yi Tianxing was one of them.
Xuanhuang City bore too many traces of the modern world.
Certain shops—those selling underwear, for instance—or fine jewelry stores—carried an air of modernity. The existence of bounty hunters itself was rare in ancient times.
But even if people suspected the truth, it didn't matter.
This was the Eternal Continent, the Eternal World.
Everyone had a chance to become strong. It just depended on effort and fate.
Still, modern people knew—relying on their background wouldn't get them anywhere near Yi Tianxing.
Before long, Lai He arrived with freshly cooked breakfast.
The glowing food stunned Cai Yong, Qi Jiguang, and the others. It was a taste experience beyond anything they had known—a perfect, exquisite delight.
After eating their fill—
Yi Tianxing turned to Qi Jiguang, admiration plain in his eyes.
"General Qi, the human race is in peril, facing constant threats. One misstep could spell total destruction. For the people of Xuanhuang City, I, Yi Tianxing, humbly ask: will you stay?"
Then, decisively, he said, "In Xuanhuang City, military and government are separate. The military does not meddle in politics, nor does politics interfere with the military. A Military Affairs Council has been established—it answers only to me. Will General Qi join it?"
His expression showed clear hope.
This was no ordinary talent—this was a top-tier general.
In Chinese history, few armies were named after a single man and came to shock the world.
The Yue Family Army, the Yang Family Army—these were born of generations of military families. The Yue Army earned its name through blood. Sons and daughters alike took up arms. The Yang Army was loyal to the throne.
But the Qi Family Army—that was built from farmers and miners. Its strength came from strict discipline, professional training, the best weapons of its time, unbroken victory, and a record of over 100,000 kills. Especially skilled in spear formations, their Mandarin Duck Formation was unstoppable in battle.
Qi Jiguang's ability to lead and train troops was exceptional.
Yi Tianxing would never let a man like that slip away.
"City Lord, I plan to observe the city for a few days. I'll give my answer in three days."
Qi Jiguang did not accept right away.
Cai Yong had chosen swiftly due to his ties as Yi Tianxing's father-in-law. But Qi Jiguang would not decide so lightly. Without understanding the city's workings, how could he give an answer?
"Very well. I'll await your reply," Yi Tianxing nodded without pressing.
Military leaders were always firm-minded. Without a firm decision, persuasion was pointless.
"General Zhang, this time, your map allowed the rescue of thousands of students and civilians—a great contribution. As I said before, upon your return, I would assign your position."
He looked to Zhang Fei, then said,
"Your cultivation and battle strength are second to none in the military. A champion among heroes—a seasoned battlefield commander. From today, you'll join the Military Affairs Council and serve as a Two-Star Heavenly General. This is provisional—once your cultivation truly matches the rank, it will become official."
Yi Tianxing's voice was steady and deliberate.