Soon, the crowd dispersed, leaving only a few people behind.

Seeing Ji Liang remain silent, Xu Peng and others stepped forward to comfort him.

A figure quietly approached, looking around to ensure the area was safe before arriving next to Ji Liang. "Ji Liang, I saw everything just now. Don't worry; I'll find a chance to help you get your revenge in the future."

The speaker was none other than Gai Wu.

"Gai Wu, where were you earlier?" Xu Peng asked.

Gai Wu's expression was grim. "As soon as Bai Qingming and Fang Chen entered the capital, someone notified me to keep my distance from them. I'm not afraid of them, but you know that the sword cultivators from the Void Immortal Sword Sect are insane. Who can guarantee they won't make a move against me in the capital?"

Everyone nodded silently. They understood where Gai Wu was coming from; they had already seen how crazy Bai Qingming was when Xu Peng was beaten earlier.

"But don't worry, it's better that Fang Chen entered the Desolate Academy. Heavenly King Zhen Manor has a certain influence there, and Master Zhao has a good relationship with my father. As long as I send a letter, I'm sure Fang Chen won't have an easy time," Gai Wu said with a smug smile.

Xu Peng turned to Han Linqiu. "Han Linqiu, your father is also a teacher in the Desolate Academy; you should help Ji Liang too."

Han Linqiu looked conflicted.

Just then, Ji Liang suddenly smiled. "Did you think I was angry just now? On the contrary, I was only reflecting on Fang Chen's methods of refining the impurities in the pill. Since his talent in alchemy is stronger than mine, it's only natural for Era Immortal King to take him and not me.

Xu Peng angrily said, "But the Ninth Generation King's Manor has contributed to collecting the materials necessary for the Dragon Vein Pill; isn't the Desolate Academy just killing the donkey after using it?"

"We did, but that and attending the Desolate Academy are two separate things. Everyone, don't be too upset," Ji Liang replied with a smile.

He looked toward Xu Qingsong and his smile grew wider as he cupped his fist in salute to everyone. "Everyone, I'm going to catch up with Xu Qingsong from the Innate Dao Sect; let's meet at the Exquisite Tower later."

Everyone nodded.

"That sounds good."

After Ji Liang left, Wang Yi from the Lingyun Sword Sect suddenly glanced at Xu Peng and laughed. "You want Ji Liang to team up with you against Fang Chen? Do you really think Ji Liang doesn't know what you have in mind?"

Xu Peng's expression darkened. "What do you mean by that?"

However, Wang Yi said his piece and then walked away, ignoring him.

"Let's go. See you at Exquisite Tower later," said Su Lingzhu, waving her hand and pulling Han Linqiu along as they quickly departed.

"I saw your situation too. Don't worry; if others won't stand by you, I will," Gai Wu said, patting Xu Peng on the shoulder before turning to leave.

Xu Peng's face was grim as he slowly walked over to Xu Tiankun. "Uncle Tiankun, that Ji Liang is truly scheming. He used my hand to make me go against Fang Chen back then, and now I just want to team up with him, but he won't even give me that chance." ŘἁŊՕ฿ĚS

Xu Tiankun said lightly, "The heirs of the immortal manors all have this kind of temperament; they can manipulate others, but others can't manipulate them.

"You will understand this point in the future, and it will benefit your cultivation path. You can interact with them, but don't get too close. The path of cultivation isn't just about you winning or me winning; there's only so much spiritual power in the world. Whoever has the ability will take the bigger share. We won't be friends; we'll only be rivals."

Xu Peng nodded lightly. "Uncle Tiankun, I understand."

***

The Exquisite Tower was the most famous restaurant in the capital. Ji Liang and Xu Qingsong arrived at a private room sealed by layers of restrictions.

"Xu Peng really lacks self-awareness, thinking he can use me," Ji Liang said with a light smile, shaking his head. A hint of disdain flashed in his eyes as he looked at Xu Qingsong. "You came here for Fang Chen, right?"

"Exactly." Xu Qingsong nodded slightly. "Before he came to the capital, he went to the Innate Dao Sect and humiliated us. This grudge can only be avenged with his life."

"I'll find a way to obtain some of his hair. At that time, you can use your curse technique. The restrictions of the Exquisite Tower are quite good; we can perform it here without anyone noticing," Ji Liang said with a faint smile. "In addition, to make up for the bit of your blood that you lost, I will also give you a Dragon Blood Pill."

Xu Qingsong cupped his fist in gratitude. "Thank you, Young Master."

***

Fang Chen felt the scenery around him blur for a moment.

When it became clear again, he found himself standing in front of a cluster of buildings.

The first thing that caught his eye was a courtyard with black tiles and white walls that looked very simple.

"Era Immortal King, is this the Desolate Academy? I heard that the Desolate Academy isn't located in the Central Continent. Is that true?" The Fifth Princess asked curiously.

Ning Tieniu was filled with curiosity and a hint of excitement. His pet was also looking around.

Fang Chen and Xia Ji were in sync, avoiding sound transmission for communication; after all, they were in the presence of an Immortal King. Speaking through sound transmission in front of an Immortal King was hardly different from speaking aloud.

They each took in their surroundings in their own ways.

"The Desolate Academy indeed isn't located in the Central Continent," Era Immortal King said with a smile as he led the four toward the courtyard.

"Then where is it?" the Fifth Princess asked.

Era Immortal King only smiled and didn't answer. As they approached the entrance to the courtyard, a scholar slowly walked out and bowed to the Era Immortal King.

The scholar appeared to be in his forties and his aura was very restrained. Except for Fang Chen, Xia Ji, and the others could not discern whether he had any traces of cultivation.

"Allow these four to register and grant them Wilderness Tokens; they will be considered my named disciples," Era Immortal King instructed.

With that done, he gracefully departed.

Ning Tieniu was somewhat astonished. "Isn't the Era Immortal King going to personally teach us alchemy?"

"There are many teachers in the Desolate Academy; you will be able to attend their lectures. As for the vice president, he occasionally gives lectures as well. As named disciples, you will have priority seating," the middle-aged scholar said with a faint smile. "Please follow me."

Meanwhile… the Era Immortal King entered a hall filled with ancient texts and classics.

A figure was flipping through an ancient book. Upon sensing the movement, he put the book down, turned around, and bowed with a smile. "Era Immortal King, now that Little Fang has joined your faction, you owe me a favor, don't you?"

Bai Qingming smiled widely.

Era Immortal King chuckled. "You all were worried that your sword leader would be attacked by those shortsighted. That's why you wanted me to bring him to the Desolate Academy for protection, giving him time to advance to the Nascent Soul Realm. I believe that's a favor you owe me."

Bai Qingming shook his head. "That's not how it works. He has genuinely joined your Desolate Academy. If it weren't for the special circumstances, how could our sword leader possibly join the Desolate Academy?

"And don't forget, Little Fang is someone the Heavenly Cloud Emperor has his eye on. You have seen it yourself at the Ancient Demon Wasteland. You can't seriously think… that the Heavenly Cloud Emperor is just a remnant soul, sometimes clear-headed and sometimes mad?"

Upon hearing the Cloud Emperor's name, a hint of seriousness appeared on Era Immortal King's face. He nodded. "After that incident, no one should dare to think that way again."

Bai Qingming grinned. "That's right! Among the three thousand paths, with the Void Immortal Sword Sect, and now you at the Desolate Academy, if Little Fang can gather the strengths of all three, do you think there's a possibility of him becoming a First Rate Sect Leader in the future? Just imagine nurturing a First Rate Sect Leader… it's thrilling to think about!"

A flicker of brilliance seemed to shine in Era Immortal King's eyes as he looked at Bai Qingming. Soon, a faint smile rose on his face.