Chapter 74: Yun Ranran of Jiuzhou Academy

The night passed dreamlessly.

Lian—whose true name was Yun Ranran—rose with the dawn. She first wandered through the academy, taking in the sights, then stopped by to pay her respects to the Headmaster and the other elders. She was especially sure to visit the Medicine Elder who had made congee the previous evening—after all, last night had been the most peaceful sleep she’d had in a long time.

“In three days, the Kyushu Academy will hold its admissions day,” the Headmaster declared. “Let the senior students who remain in the academy thoroughly clean the new students’ dormitories and classrooms. We must make a good impression on these children. This task… should fall to… Elder Yingchi, perhaps?”

Elder Yingchi, who was standing beside the Medicine Elder, seemed surprised to be singled out. Though his expression didn’t reveal displeasure, his tone was far from friendly: “I have to verify the new students’ information in the coming days. I’m far too busy for this.”

With no alternative, the Headmaster turned to Puyu, who stood on the other side. “And you, Puyu?”

At the mention of that name, Yun Ranran glanced up. According to Little Rascal’s reports, Puyu looked down on her for her weak cultivation—and resented her occupying an elder’s seat. When Yun Ranran’s parents had died years ago, there happened to be an opening for a new elder. Puyu was the most qualified, the most likely candidate, but the position had gone to Yun Ranran, who was not yet ten. Since then, Puyu had never gotten along with her.

As expected, Puyu cast her a glance and said, with a mocking lilt, “Several students have asked me to teach them new techniques lately. Why not let Ranran handle this easy task instead?”

The Headmaster followed Puyu’s gaze and spotted Yun Ranran, standing quietly behind the other elders. “Ranran’s wounds have barely healed—she still needs rest. If it really can’t be helped, I’ll just hire a couple of people myself. Ranran, why are you out here? Go back and rest! Your head injury isn’t better yet!”

The Headmaster had been close to Yun Ranran’s father and mother, and had watched her grow up. In his heart, Yun Ranran was like his own child. He had never forgiven himself for not protecting her when she was hurt. He carried a constant sense of guilt.

Yun Ranran’s dark, bright eyes studied the man in purple robes before her. Then she broke into a grin, her lips curving mischievously as she pointed at her forehead. “Uncle Zitan, I’m really fine! The porridge Medicine Grandpa made for me last night has healed me completely!”

She knocked gently on the bandaged spot. “Look! So let me handle this!”

Everyone stared at her in shock, as though they were looking at some strange creature.

The Headmaster frowned and walked over, reaching out with spiritual power to examine her head carefully. “Ranran, you…?”

Even the Medicine Elder looked surprised—not because of her injury, but because after her parents’ deaths, Ranran had spent her days weeping, her spirit perpetually clouded, leaving a deep impression on everyone. This sudden brightness made them wonder if she’d knocked her head wrong.

After a meticulous examination, the Headmaster found that apart from a scar, there was nothing seriously wrong with her head.

Yun Ranran now put on a look of deep grievance, blinking her eyes at him. “Uncle Zitan, I know I changed after my father and mother died. But going to the gates of death has made me realize: only by living on can I avenge them. From now on, I will cultivate diligently, listen to everyone, and not cause trouble! I will be worthy of my parents’ legacy and my position as elder of the Kyushu Academy!”

A fierce light seemed to blaze in her eyes, and the Headmaster, moved, brushed away a tear as he placed his large hand gently on her head. “Ranran, you’ve grown up…”

Behind them, the Medicine Elder and the other elders—Puyu excepted—watched the pair in silent emotion. Perhaps Yun Ranran’s appointment as elder had once been Zitan’s willful choice, unsupported by most of them. But in that instant, they felt her determination. Perhaps it was time to give this child a chance.

After leaving the Headmaster, Yun Ranran made her way to the teaching courtyard, ready to gather some helpers.

Walking along the pebble-paved paths, she admired the academy’s tranquil environment—there was little noise or chaos.

[Master, doesn’t your voice hurt from speaking in that tone just now?] The sky had cleared and Little Rascal, feeling bold again, sent her a message from within the spiritual space.

Yun Ranran coughed. Who said she’d forced her voice? She hadn’t expected it to sound so childish herself. Keeping her head down, she retorted, “Nonsense! That’s my natural angelic voice!”

Inside the space, Little Rascal drew circles in the air, feeling wronged. My master’s getting more narcissistic by the day—why do my compliments always backfire? Boohoo…

Yun Ranran had chosen her timing well. Most students had just finished eating and were resting. Those with sharp eyes spotted her and immediately bowed, tugging their companions’ sleeves in warning.

“Greetings, Elder Yun!”

“Greetings, Elder Yun!”

Greetings rang out in a chorus, so loud it hurt the ears.

Yun Ranran stood still. “Who among you has time to help me clean the new students’ dormitories?”

No one spoke. No one made a sound.

Here, where strength spoke loudest, Yun Ranran’s position as elder meant little—her cultivation was weak, and the proud senior students only gave her surface respect. Behind her back, they called her by her full name.

Silently, she had Little Rascal fetch two bottles of high-grade restorative pills. “These are Focus Elixirs made by the Medicine Elder—meant for my own use. But now, whoever is willing to help me clean the new students’ dorms and classrooms will receive one!”

The Medicine Elder’s pills were priceless; only those with outstanding records earned one or two. Many were tempted. After all, Yun Ranran was still an elder—she would not deceive students, would she?

In an instant, the crowd surged forward, all eager to volunteer.

Yun Ranran selected a few who looked honest, energetic, and reliable, and led them away toward the dorms.

Those who weren’t chosen were disappointed. A couple of slick old-timers grumbled, “See? Yun Ranran only has her elder’s seat because of her father. If not for him, she’d still be stuck in the Green Class!”

“Exactly. She’s so arrogant. Mentor Puyu or Senior Sister Tangtang would be more deserving of that seat.”

The rest didn’t dare speak, but many lingered nearby, listening.

“What are you all doing here?” Puyu had arrived at some point and stood at the corner.

At the sight of her, the students scattered. Ever since Yun Ranran had taken the elder’s seat, Puyu had never shown them a kind face—but her teaching was excellent, so they still respected her.

Watching the students disperse, Puyu revealed a rare smile. She had been there for some time. She’d heard the two malcontents’ complaints perfectly, and at first, she hadn’t planned to intervene—those words had hit home, and she had enjoyed hearing them. Had another mentor not walked by just now, she would have lingered to listen longer.