Chapter 79: Yun Ranran of Jiuzhou Academy

Tang Tang watched as Yun Ranran finished the porridge before leaving. Yun Ranran, cunning as a fox, eyed Tang Tang’s receding figure and flashed a sly grin. “Hehe, just wait and see how I swap the real for the fake!”

As she fed the porridge into her mouth, Yun Ranran used her mental powers to transfer it all into her storage space. Unsurprisingly, the porridge was now behind Little Mischief.

Within the space, Little Mischief was utterly dejected. Who would have thought that in the middle of its complaints, it would be doused from head to toe with sticky porridge? Aside from it, who else could suffer such a fate?! Truly, one shouldn’t gossip behind others’ backs—it brings retribution. Woe is me...

Yun Ranran casually invoked a small spiritual spell, summoning a handful of spring water to wash the ceramic bowl clean, so it could be returned to the dining hall the next day.

“When you’re sick, you should eat meat. Sorry, Tang Tang darling, but your senior aunt really doesn’t like salty porridge. I could only manage a few sips. Next time I descend the mountain, I’ll take you to have some sweet corn porridge!”

She muttered neurotically to the bowl, then poured out the porridge, the words “conscience awakened” hovering over her head.

After tidying up the room, she flopped onto the bed, ready for a deep sleep. Just before drifting off, she suddenly realized that in her midday dream, she seemed to have seen Chong Li arrive. Perhaps she was nearly possessed.

The night was heavy, frost and dew thick. Yet she did not see the figure always perched on the tree outside her window, cold and aloof but forever facing her, with a gentle smile and a deep, unwavering affection.

...

Yun Ranran woke unusually early today, to be precise, she was awakened by hunger.

Spiritual cultivators don’t eat? Lies, all lies. Fasting can indeed let you go without food, but only for a month or so—unless you’re a deity and feel no hunger.

She still remembered a certain great cultivator who attempted to fast in seclusion, but ended up too weak from hunger to open the stone door, ultimately perishing by his own hand.

Yun Ranran refused such a fate; if she must die, it certainly wouldn’t be of starvation!

At dawn, Yun Ranran pushed open the door. The academy was already bustling with students traversing the corridors.

Early morning was the time when sun and moon energies intertwined, with the slightest essence of their powers in the air. Many rose early just for a breath of this spiritual energy.

But for someone like Yun Ranran, who couldn’t leave her bed in the morning, it was hardly possible. In fact, today the sun might as well have risen in the west.

“Hmm~ So morning air is this fresh, even more uplifting than after a rain.”

Leaning on the railing, Yun Ranran stretched lazily, greeting passing students. None responded; instead, each looked at her as if she were a lurking wolf, utterly uninterested.

[Master, breakfast is ready at the dining hall—they have your favorite grilled fish!]

Instantly invigorated, Yun Ranran used a spiritual spell to teleport to the dining hall, where the aroma of food filled the air.

That enchanting fragrance—ah, even more alluring than the morning air!

“Two portions of grilled fish, one serving of rice!”

The server, evidently an old hand, recognized Yun Ranran at a glance. “Elder Yun?”

Yun Ranran nodded eagerly, like a chick pecking at grain, her eyes full of anticipation. The grilled fish looked far more enticing than anything Chong Li had ever cooked—its color, aroma, and flavor all superb!

Yet, for ages, the disciple didn’t serve any food. “There’s a line behind me—could you just dish out my order first?”

The disciple looked troubled. “It’s not that we won’t serve you, Elder Yun. It’s just that yesterday, Elder Yao came by and instructed the staff not to give you any greasy or meaty dishes…”

Yun Ranran was stunned, even stepping back a couple of paces. “He… he really said that?”

The disciple nodded honestly.

Just then, Tang Tang passed by to collect her meal, seeing Yun Ranran’s miserable expression. “Elder Yun, what’s with that face?”

Yun Ranran forced a brave smile, waving to Tang Tang as if nothing was wrong—she’d brought this upon herself.

Tang Tang glanced at the hesitant disciple, then at the grilled fish, then at Yun Ranran’s pained face. She darted to Yun Ranran’s ear. “Little Auntie, you’re not trying to sneak some meat, are you~?”

Yun Ranran shrank back, her smile twisted in suffering. “Mm-hmm… Without meat, I have no strength~”

Tang Tang’s grin widened. “Yesterday Elder Yao gave notice—you can have delicious grilled fish in three days! But…”

With a mischievous smile, Tang Tang whispered to the disciple, and soon Yun Ranran’s most favored fish was served to Tang Tang. “This grilled fish smells so good, so Tang Tang will try it on behalf of Auntie!”

Tang Tang’s figure receded into the distance, leaving Yun Ranran petrified in the dining hall.

Later, Yun Ranran tried several times, but ultimately left this disappointing land with only a bowl of sweet porridge.

...

Outside the dining hall, Yun Ranran gulped down the porridge in one go—what satisfaction! She hurled the bowl into the trash bin. “I want meat!”

The sound of the shattered bowl echoed through the small space, her words lingering.

A passing disciple, gnawing on a chicken drumstick, heard her and caught sight of Yun Ranran’s predatory expression. He dashed away in terror.

But after a few steps, he circled back, trembling. “M-Mentor… breaking the bowl intentionally requires compensation…” Then he fled again!

Yun Ranran gazed at the broken bowl in the bin. This world was so cruel. News of the lotus petal, please come soon—save this child!

Yun Ranran’s ‘glorious’ deeds spread swiftly through the academy, making grilled fish and drumsticks the most popular dishes.

This incident lasted three or four days before fading, as everyone turned their attention to welcoming new students.

According to the rules of Nine Provinces Academy, on their first day, all new students participate in activities with upperclassmen: sparring and competitions, with winners getting first choice of class mentors.

Initially, the mentors’ meeting didn’t plan for Yun Ranran to take students, but Jade’s relentless persuasion convinced the elders and all the mentors to give Yun Ranran a chance.

Thus, Yun Ranran would also be a teaching mentor this year—a fact she fought against with all her might, but to no avail.

Yun Ranran deeply admired Jade’s eloquence; such talent would be wasted if not used for opera.

Outside the academy, a dense crowd pressed forward, all eager to enter.

The steward elder strode to the plaza first. “New students, please enter the academy in an orderly fashion—no pushing, no shoving!”

Those with empty hands were mostly wealthy heirs, having packed their belongings in spatial bags. Those burdened with bundles came from tighter households; the academy provided living stipends to such students due to their perseverance and talent.

The steward elder was ignored by the fervent crowd of spiritual cultivators, standing awkwardly in the middle of the plaza until President Purple Sand, out of pity, called out, “Everyone, please quiet down!”

Instantly, the crowd of over five hundred fell silent.

Among the many faces, Yun Ranran spotted a few familiar ones. Aside from Chong Li, there was also the Holy Son of the Nine Provinces continent, Luo Nanshu.