The Dragon Clan of Lingyuan Sea
And so, Ji Chaoyun settled down on Wenqu Peak.
After Feng Qi’s warning that day, far fewer people in the academy dared target Ji Chaoyun, and he finally enjoyed a few peaceful days.
As the seasonal examination drew closer, Ji Chaoyun cultivated with increasing intensity. More often than not, Feng Qi had to personally go to the classroom at night and drag him back before he would properly return to Wenqu Peak to rest.
It was not that Feng Qi was making a fuss over nothing.
For some reason, Ji Chaoyun’s body had been acting strangely lately. He was often exhausted and unusually sleepy. Even after consulting an immortal physician, no problem could be found. The physician merely said that Ji Chaoyun might have been overworking himself through cultivation and should rest properly.
That morning, Ji Chaoyun tiredly rubbed between his brows and slowly entered the classroom.
Ever since the excessive sleepiness began, waking in the morning had become increasingly difficult. From once being the earliest disciple to arrive, he had fallen all the way to barely slipping through the door before the first bell.
However the moment he entered, he noticed that the atmosphere was different from usual.
Dawn had only just begun to break, and the first bell for morning recitations had already rung. The disciples should have been returning to their seats and preparing to read.
Instead, everyone had gathered in a circle inside the classroom, noisily discussing something and paying no attention whatsoever to the bell.
And, as luck would have it, they were gathered directly around Ji Chaoyun’s seat.
“What happened?” Ji Chaoyun asked.
Everyone jumped at the sound of his voice. Once they saw it was Ji Chaoyun, they relaxed again.
“You still haven’t heard? A new student came to the academy. That’s what everyone was talking about just now,” someone in the crowd explained.
“Did any of you actually see what he looks like? I heard he’s an exceptionally handsome young master.”
“No matter how handsome he is, can he be better-looking than our Chaoyun?”
“Exactly. With Chaoyun here, first place on the academy disciples’ looks-and-bearing ranking at the end of this year will definitely belong to our Yellow rank.”
“Have some ambition. The top three will all be ours!”
“What, are you planning to include yourself among them?”
The one being teased was a chubby young disciple. His face flushed bright red, and he immediately chased after the speaker to hit him.
Everyone burst into laughter, and the atmosphere grew even livelier.
“...” Ji Chaoyun sighed helplessly. “I was going to remind you that the first bell for morning recitations has already rung. Today, the instructor is going to randomly test us on Volume Three of the Two Principles chapter he explained yesterday. Have all of you memorized it?”
The moment he said this, groans erupted everywhere.
The crowd instantly scattered like frightened birds and beasts.
Ji Chaoyun returned to his desk and took out the books, paper, brush, and ink he needed for morning recitations.
Ye Chenxing poked him from behind. “Chaoyun, aren’t you curious about the newcomer?”
“New students arrive at the academy from time to time. What is there to be curious about?”
Descendants of immortal families did not need to wait for the academy’s unified entrance examination. They only needed to undergo a simple trial administered by several of the academy’s Immortal Venerables.
Because of this, new students could enter at any time of year. It was hardly unusual.
“But this person is different.” Ye Chenxing leaned forward and lowered his voice solemnly. “I heard he comes from Lingyuan Sea.”
Ji Chaoyun’s hand trembled.
The end of his brush left a winding streak of ink across the xuan paper.
Ye Chenxing noticed his unusual reaction and continued, “Lingyuan Sea has always disdained associating with other immortal families and has not sent anyone to Hongmeng Academy in several hundred years.
In recent years, however, rumors have begun to spread that after several bouts of internal strife, Lingyuan Sea’s power is greatly diminished from what it once was. Some even fear they may soon have no successor to carry on their legacy.”
Bei Ran added, “I heard Lingyuan Sea once stood alongside Fengming Valley in fame. It’s said to be the gathering place of the Dragon Clan in the Immortal Realm. If it has truly declined that far, it would be rather regrettable.”
Ji Chaoyun lowered his eyes.
His hand tightened around the brush, trembling almost imperceptibly.
“...Speaking of dragons, Brother Ji is a dragon too. Have you ever been to Lingyuan Sea?” Bei Ran asked from behind him.
Ji Chaoyun did not answer.
Ye Chenxing said, “What kind of question is that? Chaoyun came from the mortal realm just like us. How could he have been there?”
“I heard the dragons there all carry noble bloodlines descended from gods. They rule the entire sea and receive worship from mortals in every direction. It would be nice to go there someday just to broaden one’s horizons.”
Ji Chaoyun suddenly asked, “Who did Lingyuan Sea send?”
“That I don’t know, but I heard...”
Before Ye Chenxing could finish, footsteps sounded outside the classroom.
He immediately snapped upright in his seat and put on an expression of perfect attentiveness.
A young man slowly entered the classroom behind Immortal Lord Tianquan.
The young man had handsome, refined features and long hair bound beneath a crown.
Perhaps because he had only just enrolled and had not yet received academy robes, he wore an embroidered white robe instead. Jade ornaments hung at his waist, and silver-white dragon patterns decorated his clothing, giving him an unmistakably noble air.
Tianquan said, “This is a disciple newly admitted to the academy today. Immortal Lord Yaoguang has recently left on business and cannot administer his aptitude test, so he will temporarily remain with the Yellow rank to familiarize himself with the coursework.”
“From now on, you will all be fellow disciples and should look after one another. Ruzhuo, introduce yourself.”
The young man bowed respectfully to Tianquan. “Yes, Immortal Venerable.”
He turned to face the dozens of disciples in the classroom.
There was no trace of nervousness in his expression. Every movement was elegant and self-possessed.
“This one’s name is Jun Ruzhuo, of the Dragon Clan of Lingyuan Sea and nephew to the Dragon King of Lingyuan Sea. It is my good fortune to become fellow disciples with all of you. I sincerely hope that in the future—”
His gaze landed upon Ji Chaoyun, who sat quietly below.
His voice abruptly stopped.
In that instant, all color drained from Jun Ruzhuo’s face, and his eyes filled with shock.
Yet the reaction lasted only a moment.
Jun Ruzhuo closed his eyes briefly, using the motion to conceal his true emotions. Even so, his voice trembled faintly when he continued.
“I sincerely hope that in the future, we may live together harmoniously and support one another through difficulties.”
Tianquan gave several more brief instructions before Jun Ruzhuo took his seat.
His place happened to be diagonally in front of Ji Chaoyun.
From Ji Chaoyun’s angle, he could clearly see the sharp, slender outline of the young man’s profile.
Ji Chaoyun stared blankly at that silhouette.
He did not even notice when morning recitations began.
Morning recitations and the morning lesson together lasted a full three two-hour periods, yet Ji Chaoyun did not absorb a single word he heard or read.
Only when class finally ended did he slowly begin gathering his books and papers.
Jun Ruzhuo, meanwhile, had already left the classroom surrounded by other disciples.
From beginning to end, not once did he spare Ji Chaoyun another glance.
Jun Ruzhuo came from an excellent background, treated others politely, and possessed both refined looks and proper bearing. He was exactly the sort of person people naturally liked.
Combined with the mystery surrounding the Dragon Clan of Lingyuan Sea, even Ye Chenxing and Bei Ran wanted to go speak with him.
Ji Chaoyun followed the two of them through the pine forest outside the classroom.
Seeing how distracted they were, he said, “I just remembered I left a book in the classroom. You two go ahead to the Sword Practice Grounds.”
“All right. Come over soon.”
Neither thought much of it. They quickly headed toward the Sword Practice Grounds.
Only after their figures disappeared down the pine forest path did Ji Chaoyun let out a quiet sigh and turn back toward the classroom.
The afternoon lesson was about to begin, so the classroom should have been completely empty.
Yet when Ji Chaoyun reached the entrance, he heard a familiar voice from inside.
“A noble gentleman is like jade, cut and polished, carved and refined.”
Ji Chaoyun’s steps stopped.
He raised his eyes and saw the young man sitting in his seat.
Jun Ruzhuo leaned lazily against the side of the desk, his chin propped on one hand.
All the dignified, gentlemanly bearing he displayed before others had vanished without a trace.
He turned his head toward Ji Chaoyun, his lips curving into a faintly mocking smile. “So the disciples of Hongmeng Academy amount to no more than this. They could not even see through a substitution technique as simple as mine.”
Ji Chaoyun’s hand slowly clenched inside his sleeve. His face was so pale that not a trace of color remained.
“What are you doing here?”
“Shouldn’t I be asking you that?” Jun Ruzhuo casually picked up one of the books from Ji Chaoyun’s desk and flipped through several pages. “What are you doing here?”
Ji Chaoyun answered, “Cultivating.”
“Cultivating?” Jun Ruzhuo looked as though he had heard the funniest thing in the world. He laughed so hard he nearly doubled over.
Only after quite some time did he stop. “So you still need to cultivate? What are you learning? How to be a yao?”
“...” Ji Chaoyun closed his eyes and said softly, “I was born among spirit beasts. Why must Young Master Jun trouble someone like me?”
Jun Ruzhuo abruptly stood.
He strode straight toward Ji Chaoyun, seized his collar, and said viciously, “Stop flattering yourself. This young master is a noble member of the Dragon Clan of Lingyuan Sea. Why would I bother troubling someone like you?”
“Ruzhuo...”
“Shut up!” Jun Ruzhuo interrupted coldly. “Do you think that just because we’re inside Hongmeng Academy, I won’t dare lay a hand on you? Don’t forget, the Dragon Clan of Lingyuan Sea has never—”
His voice abruptly stopped.
A streak of golden light suddenly shot diagonally in from outside the classroom, heading directly toward Jun Ruzhuo’s face.
Jun Ruzhuo shoved Ji Chaoyun away and rapidly retreated, striking out with one palm.
With a single blow, he shattered the golden light.
Ji Chaoyun stumbled backward and fell into a familiar embrace.
Feng Qi caught Ji Chaoyun from behind and steadied him, then somewhat awkwardly released him again.
“What are you two doing?”
Jun Ruzhuo straightened his robes and looked warily at the unexpected visitor.
Feng Qi narrowed his eyes and swept his gaze over him. “You’re the dragon who just arrived from Lingyuan Sea?”
Jun Ruzhuo asked, “Who are you?”
The corner of Feng Qi’s mouth lifted, but there was no smile in his eyes.
“Fengming Valley. Feng Qi.”
Jun Ruzhuo’s expression changed slightly before quickly returning to the flawless composure he showed others.
“So it is the Phoenix Clan’s Second Prince. I have long heard of you.”
“You flatter me.” Feng Qi asked coldly, “What exactly was Young Master Jun doing just now?”
The Dragon and Phoenix Clans had always been at odds, so Jun Ruzhuo’s attitude toward Feng Qi was hardly pleasant either.
He said as though casually, “Nothing. I merely arrived and discovered that this academy is rather lacking in standards.”
“Even a lowly dragon like this is qualified to become my classmate. Your academy’s standards for admitting disciples truly leave me amazed.”
Feng Qi’s eyes darkened.
He was about to speak when Ji Chaoyun lightly tugged at his sleeve.
Ji Chaoyun gave him an almost imperceptible shake of the head and said quietly, “The afternoon lesson is about to begin. Let’s go.”
“...Fine.”
Feng Qi led Ji Chaoyun out of the classroom.
Jun Ruzhuo gritted his teeth and chased after them. “Hey. They said your name is Ji Chaoyun, right?”
Ji Chaoyun’s steps halted.
Jun Ruzhuo said, “The Dragon Clan of Lingyuan Sea never associates with lowly yao dragons. Let’s fight. If you lose, you leave Hongmeng Academy. If I lose, I’ll do the same. How about it?”
Feng Qi snapped, “Are you finished yet?”
Jun Ruzhuo ignored him.
He stared at Ji Chaoyun, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. “Well, Ji Chaoyun? Do you dare?”
Ji Chaoyun gave a quiet sigh and shook his head.
“Private fighting is forbidden inside the academy. I won’t fight you, and I won’t agree to such a childish wager. The first bell for afternoon lessons has already rung. Young Master Jun had better not be late on his very first day.”
After saying this, he quietly told Feng Qi, “Let’s go.”
Jun Ruzhuo stood before the classroom and stared at the two retreating figures.
Only after a long while did he say coldly, “Fine. We’ll see.”
The two left the pine forest path.
Feng Qi glanced sideways at Ji Chaoyun’s expression and asked casually, “That Jun fellow... why is he targeting you?”
Ji Chaoyun said calmly, “Why else? He simply finds me unpleasant to look at. The Dragon Clan of Lingyuan Sea possesses noble blood and has always been proud by nature. Naturally, they look down upon a yao dragon like me from the mortal realm.”
“I think you’re much better than he is.” Feng Qi gave a cold snort. “That little brat. I’ll make sure to teach him a proper lesson someday.”
“Little brat?” Ji Chaoyun raised his brows, amusement flashing in his eyes. “He seems to be... nearly a hundred years older than you.”
Feng Qi averted his gaze somewhat awkwardly.
The Second Prince Feng hated nothing more than having his age mentioned in front of him.
Descendants of immortal families did not come of age until two hundred and usually entered the academy around two hundred and fifty.
Feng Qi, however, had entered directly into the Heaven rank.
Even after spending so many years at the academy, he was still younger than most of the disciples in the Heaven and Earth ranks if age alone were considered.
Ji Chaoyun seemed not to notice Second Highness Feng’s displeasure and continued leisurely, “Come to think of it, I also seem to be older than you by—”
“Shut up!” Feng Qi snapped in embarrassment. “I never should’ve told you about this.”
Ji Chaoyun’s shoulders trembled with barely suppressed laughter, his mood improved considerably.
The two walked side by side toward the rear mountain.
Without warning, Ji Chaoyun’s legs weakened, and he nearly fell.
Feng Qi reacted quickly and caught him.
The moment his palm touched Ji Chaoyun’s narrow waist, he released him as though shocked.
He coughed lightly. “What’s wrong with you? You still haven’t recovered?”
“I don’t know.” Ji Chaoyun did not notice Feng Qi’s unusual reaction. “This never used to happen to me...”
Halfway through speaking, he suddenly seemed to remember something. His brows drew together faintly, and he pressed his lips tight without continuing.
Feng Qi studied his pale face. “I’ll ask for leave from afternoon lessons for you. Don’t go today.”
“How can I do that? The examination is about to begin, and I...”
“Listen to me.” Feng Qi interrupted without giving him room to argue. “Even if you go like this, can you actually cultivate? The seasonal examination is almost here. If you don’t recover before then, are you planning to faint inside the secret realm and wait for someone to fish you out?”
“...”
Ji Chaoyun had no response.
Feng Qi ruffled his hair. “Come with me somewhere. It should help.”
Mist filled the forest, leaving the bluestone path in a sheen of moisture. Beyond overlapping orchids in the distance lay a warm spring.
Ji Chaoyun asked, “Why did you bring me here?”
“I brought this spring water here with immortal arts from the Abyss of the Far North. It relaxes the muscles and channels, restores the spirit, relieves fatigue, and even helps cultivation.”
Feng Qi added, “Meditate quietly in the water for one hour every day. I guarantee that in less than seven days, you’ll be lively again.”
Ji Chaoyun looked at him in surprise.
Feng Qi asked, “What?”
Ji Chaoyun shook his head. “Nothing. It just feels like... you’re completely different now from when I first met you.”
“Only different?” Feng Qi leaned closer and asked with a smile, “Don’t you mean you’ve realized I’m a good person, highly skilled in martial arts, not to mention handsome, and now your heart is stirring so badly you can’t wait to offer yourself to me?”
Ji Chaoyun had long since become accustomed to this man’s shamelessness.
He said expressionlessly, “No. Get lost.”
“You really are no fun...” Feng Qi shook his head and sighed. “Take your time soaking. I’ll be outside. If you feel unwell, call me.”
“...Understood.”
Feng Qi turned and left.
Only after Ji Chaoyun watched his figure disappear into the woods did he slowly loosen his sash.
Once he entered the water, Ji Chaoyun discovered that it was not truly a hot spring in the ordinary sense.
The temperature of the water was neither particularly hot nor cold. Instead, it changed with the temperature of his body and always remained at the most comfortable level.
“He really knows how to enjoy himself...” Ji Chaoyun murmured.
He sat cross-legged in the center of the pool, closed his eyes, and began meditating.
Perhaps because his body had been so exhausted these past few days, Ji Chaoyun soon began feeling drowsy.
His body unconsciously relaxed.
Without warning, a pair of dragon horns appeared upon his forehead. Silver-glimmering dragon scales slowly spread across his bare body.
“Ji Chaoyun, did you fall into the pool and drown?”
Second Prince Feng had already waited nearly two hours in the courtyard without seeing him return, so he finally had no choice but to come look for him.
“If you’re drowning, just shout. I promise I won’t laugh at you. You—”
He walked around the bluestone path, but his voice abruptly stopped.
Ji Chaoyun was lying against the edge of the pool, fast asleep.
His long silver-white hair spread loosely through the water.
Small crystalline dragon scales glowing faintly silver had appeared across his exposed arms, shoulders, neck, and even his face.
A long dragon tail lay mostly submerged beneath the water, glittering brilliantly beneath the sunlight and rippling surface.
“...” Feng Qi’s throat went dry. An unruly flame shot straight to his head before racing downward, burning all the way toward a place it most certainly should not have gone.
☁︎₊˚⊹ The Author’s Jade-Slip Aside ⊹˚₊☁︎
Little Dragon’s identity is about to be revealed. As for what’s going on with his body... well, you know there’s that saying about dragons being naturally... that sort of indescribable thing, right?
————
I changed my author profile picture. You can find it by clicking through from the top-right of the summary page. No particular reason, just want you all to see how gorgeous my new picture is w
While you're at it, go ahead and favorite the author profile too 【that's the real agenda.】
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