Ling Chunxi stood tall before the crumbled monument and smiled. Her confident demeanor was captivating. First Elder was so excited that his speech became a little incoherent as he announced that this year’s assessment ceremony had come to a close and that Ling Yichen and Ling Chunxi would be supported in their cultivation studies. The other four elders happily trailed behind First Elder in disembarking the stage.
Although the ceremony was long over, the crowd had yet to fully disperse. Many people still remained in the courtyard talking boisterously about the events of the ceremony.
“Which idiot was it who said he would write his name backwards if Ling Chuxi passed the assessment? Show yourself! Lao Zi1 will slash you to death for insulting my Chunxi!”
“Get out of here. What do you mean by ‘my Chuxi’? Take a look in the mirror. You are not even worthy to lift her shoes!”
“If Lao Zi1 is not worthy, then are you? If Lao Zi1 is not worthy to lift her shoes, at least I can help her by holding the train of her garments, right?”
“Ha! Please! I’m also good enough to help hold the train of her garments then!”
“Don’t test my patience! I’ll beat you to death!”
“Who’s afraid of you? Come on then, let’s go!”
Standing a short distance away from the two Ling family disciples who were almost coming to blows because of Ling Chunxi, was Qin Xiruo. She felt as if her heart had fallen into the depths of a cold valley at this sight. Ling Chunxi had such a glorious day, that people were possessively fighting over her and being willing to serve at her beck and call. Ling Chunxi’s innate talent and stunning appearance had captured the hearts of many today. Subconsciously, Qin Xiruo turned towards Ling Xiaoting and saw that he too was gazing as though he had lost his soul in the direction of the path Ling Chunxi had walked to leave the courtyard earlier. Qin Xiruo’s vision narrowed. ‘Ling Xiaoting, have you discarded me for her so easily?’ This thought caused a distortion to run across Qin Xiruo’s pretty face.
Qin Yumei stood beside Qin Xiruo but held her peace as she had calmed down by now. Earlier on, she had thought long and hard about what Ling Chunxi told her before—that Qin Xiruo was using her merely as a pawn in her game. With this in mind, she turned to look at Qin Xiruo and noticed the scrunch in her face, as well as the rage and resentment in her eyes. Why, Qin Yumei found this expression all too familiar! It was the same one she saw upon her own face in reflections whenever she was caught up in a jealous fit because of Qin Xiruo. And now Qin Xiruo wore this expression of jealousy she knew so well because of Ling Chunxi! Wasn’t that so?
Qin Yumei was surprised at this revelation. She felt a realization dawn upon her… Could it be that Qin Xiruo was not as gentle and forgiving as she made herself out to be?
Qin Xiruo gritted her teeth and whirled around suddenly, stalking off. Qin Yumei hesitated. She turned to cast one last glance at Ling Xiaoting before she too turned on her heel and left to follow Qin Xiruo.
Meanwhile, all five elders were excitedly discussing matters with Ling Yichen and Ling Chunxi in the main study. They expressed their joy first and foremost, then moved on to advising the both of them to remain humble and study cultivating diligently in order to bring glory and honour to the Ling family name. Once Ling Yichen and Ling Chunxi entered White Stone Academy, they ought to help each other out and should there be any need for assistance, they should ask the Ling family for it without holding back. Lastly, Third Elder rewarded both of them generously with two heavy bags of money.
First Elder finally wound down his speech just as Ling Chunxi was about to fall asleep despite trying hard to pay attention and listen.
“Remember these words. When you are accepted into White Stone Academy, take nothing lightly. Keep spurring yourselves on continuously. You must always move forward,” instructed First Elder sternly. “All right then, the both of you may leave if there is nothing else to discuss. We will dispatch people to assist you in your journey to White Stone City in a few days. There, the both of you will prepare to take the White Stone Academy entrance exam which I believe neither of you will have problems with.”
Before he let Ling Yichen and Ling Chunxi depart, First Elder finished up discussing a few more additional matters with them. Then, he allowed them to take their leave.
It was already almost noon. Ling Chunxi placed a hand on her rumbling stomach and was about to hurry home for lunch when she heard a voice calling out her name from a distance away behind her.
“Little Chuxi, wait up!” called out Second Elder.
1 – Lao Zi is a form of self-address (equivalent to I). It is usually used when one wishes to demonstrate pride or arrogance. It can also be used jokingly in situations when one is irritated.