Chapter 134: Exploring the Secrets of the Academy, Cherishing the Depth of Companionship

Chapter 134: Investigating Academy Secrets, Finding Solace in Companionship

Master Fang advised with concern, "Magistrate Lin, the situation within the academy is complex. It would be unwise to enter rashly."

Lin Shiya’s expression remained resolute. "The truth is hidden within; I must go in and investigate." Her tone was firm, brooking no argument.

Seeing that his dissuasion was futile, Master Fang compromised. "In that case, I shall follow by your side, Magistrate, to ensure your safety."

As the two stepped through the academy gates, an ancient and stifling atmosphere washed over them. Behind the vermilion doors lay a long, narrow corridor flanked by towering walls that blotted out the sky, allowing only dappled sunlight to filter through the cracks, casting fragmented patterns on the ground. The air was heavy with a faint scent of mildew, mingled with the aroma of incense, creating a sense of oppression and unease. From deep within the corridor came the shrill cawing of crows, sounding particularly jarring in the silent academy.

Lin Shiya walked with light steps, her gaze sharp as she observed everything around her. Master Fang followed closely behind, his eyes vigilantly scanning for any movement. After traversing the long passage, the view suddenly opened up into a wide courtyard. In the center stood an ancient altar surrounded by scattered, weathered stone steles inscribed with illegible characters.

Lin Shiya walked straight to the administrative office and found Administrator Li, who was responsible for the academy’s daily affairs.

"Administrator Li, there was a disturbance at the academy today. Do you know the inside story?" Lin Shiya asked directly.

Administrator Li was thin and pale, his eyes darting back and forth. "In response to the Magistrate, I am merely a clerk handling trivial matters. I know nothing." His voice was barely a whisper, as if he feared being overheard.

"Is that so?" Lin Shiya fixed him with a sharp gaze. "Master Qian incited the students to riot. Do you truly know nothing of that?"

Fine beads of sweat broke out on Administrator Li’s forehead. He rubbed his hands nervously, avoiding Lin Shiya’s intense stare. "This… I truly do not know…"

Seeing this, Master Fang stepped forward and said sternly, "Administrator Li, you would be wise to tell the truth, otherwise..."

The administrator trembled, his face turning even paler, yet he continued to stammer, refusing to reveal the truth. Seeing his state, Lin Shiya stepped closer and softened her tone. "Administrator Li, I know you have your concerns, but rest assured, I will protect you."

Her voice was like a gentle spring breeze, carrying a reassuring strength. Her gaze was clear and her tone firm, calming the administrator’s panicked heart. The hesitation and fear in his eyes began to fade, replaced by a glimmer of hope.

"Magistrate Lin... I... I do know something." He took a deep breath, as if making a decision. "Master Qian... he... he has been very close to the Libationer, often holding private meetings. And... and I have seen them secretly transporting things to the back mountain..." His voice grew smaller, as if speaking these words exhausted all his strength. "I really don't know what it is specifically, but I always feel... feel that something is wrong."

Lin Shiya’s heart stirred; the clue had finally surfaced. The back mountain—that must be where the secret was hidden. She narrowed her eyes, her fingertips rubbing against her sleeve as she quickly contemplated her next move.

She looked at Administrator Li with an encouraging gaze. "Thank you for telling the truth, Administrator Li. Rest assured, I will guarantee your safety."

At that moment, the sound of chaotic footsteps approached, shattering the brief calm. The footsteps were heavy and hurried, like some wild beast closing in. Lin Shiya keenly sensed that these were not ordinary footsteps; they carried clear malice and vigilance. Her expression darkened, her eyes cold as ice, and she turned toward the entrance.

"Magistrate Lin, look out!" Master Fang had also realized something was wrong. He quickly stepped forward, shielding Lin Shiya with his body while scanning the surroundings. His hand gripped the hilt of his sword, ready to face any sudden threat.

Several figures appeared at the entrance. At the lead was Master Qian, who had been inciting the students earlier. His face was grim, his eyes flashing with a venomous light, and he was followed by several fierce-looking men who blocked the exit completely.

Master Qian sneered, his gaze moving like a serpent between Lin Shiya and Master Fang. "Magistrate Lin, what a refined interest you have, coming all the way to this remote academy." His voice was sharp and piercing, dripping with sarcasm.

Lin Shiya was not the least bit afraid. She met his gaze coldly, an aura of pride radiating from her. "Master Qian, what brings you here? Could it be that you’ve come to welcome me?"

Master Qian’s expression flickered with annoyance, and he let out a cold, sinister laugh. "Welcome? Of course, a welcome, but... since you are so busy with official duties, Magistrate, it would be better not to concern yourself with the trivial matters of this academy." He paused, his tone becoming even gloomier. "After all, this is not a safe place. It would be quite unfortunate if some accident were to occur."

Lin Shiya swept her gaze over the men behind him and understood—they were there to watch her. A slight, enigmatic smile touched her lips. "How kind of you, Master Qian. However, my conduct is not something for you to dictate."

"That remains to be seen!" Master Qian threatened. "This is a restricted area of the academy; unauthorized personnel are not permitted!" With a wave of his hand, he signaled his men to block Lin Shiya and her companion.

Lin Shiya and Master Fang exchanged a look; both saw a flash of resolve. Ignoring Master Qian’s provocation, they gave Administrator Li one last deep look. The administrator sensed Lin Shiya’s gaze and immediately lowered his head, not daring to meet her eyes.

Lin Shiya thought to herself, *It seems we must shake them off to continue the investigation.*

As the men closed in, Lin Shiya suddenly smiled brilliantly. "Master Qian, I have just remembered some urgent business to attend to. I shall not bother you further." With that, she pulled Master Fang and turned to leave. It appeared casual, but her steps followed a subtle pattern, and while she seemed indifferent, she was moving toward the direction of the back mountain.

Master Qian was stunned for a moment before reacting with a roar: "Stop them!"

The men rushed forward, but Lin Shiya was prepared. She moved with agility, weaving through the crowd like a slippery fish. Master Fang followed close behind, his sword flashing to drive back the men and carve a path for her. The two worked in perfect harmony, fighting their way out of the heavy encirclement.

Seeing them about to escape, Master Qian shouted in frustration, "Useless! A bunch of useless fools! You can't even stop two people!"

Lin Shiya and Master Fang hurried along until they had left their pursuers far behind. They arrived at a quiet, secluded courtyard where Master Fang guarded Lin Shiya, his eyes vigilantly scanning the perimeter. Lin Shiya leaned against him, both feeling the rapid thrum of the other's heart. The faint scent of her perfume mingled with the smell of sweat, and an intimate atmosphere began to spread between them.

"Thank you for your help, Master Fang," Lin Shiya said softly, her voice trembling slightly.

"Protecting you is my duty, Magistrate," Master Fang replied firmly, though his eyes couldn't help but linger on her face. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and a hint of shyness in her eyes made him lose himself for a moment.

"Ahem..." Lin Shiya coughed lightly to break the awkward silence. "Let us head to the back mountain."

They followed a small path toward the back mountain, Lin Shiya’s heart filled with questions and anticipation. What secrets were hidden there? What were Master Qian and Libationer Zhao plotting?

The back mountain was densely forested, blocking out the sun, with light filtering through the leaves to create dappled shadows. The path was winding and rugged, and they proceeded with extreme caution. Suddenly, Lin Shiya stopped and pointed to a hidden cave ahead. "Master Fang, look..."

Master Fang looked where she pointed. The entrance was masked by thick vines; without careful observation, it would be impossible to spot. A chilling aura emanated from within, sending a shiver down their spines.

"Let’s go inside," Lin Shiya said firmly, her eyes sparkling with determination. Master Fang nodded, drew his sword, and took the lead.

They stepped cautiously into the pitch-black cave. Lin Shiya pulled a fire starter from her robes and lit a torch, the dim, yellow light revealing the interior. Deep within the cave, a shadow flickered past...

"Who is there?" Master Fang shouted, gripping his sword. The flickering light illuminated a corner of the cave, where a figure slowly emerged, clutching a cloth bag, eyes darting about in a panic.

"It’s you!" Lin Shiya recognized the person instantly—it was someone she had seen earlier in the academy...

They continued along the winding path, deep into the mountain. Sunlight pierced the dense canopy, casting mottled shadows, and the air was cool with the scent of damp earth. Lin Shiya walked lightly, her mind racing with thoughts of the conspiracy and the hidden secrets.

"Master Fang, look, is that place not somewhat unusual?" She stopped and pointed to a large boulder nearby.

Inscribed on the rock were ancient runes; though eroded by time, their shapes were still vaguely discernible. A few withered leaves lay scattered around the runes, suggesting no one had been there for a long time. Master Fang followed, scanning the surroundings sharply. "It is indeed suspicious. Let us take a look."

As they approached, Lin Shiya carefully brushed away the leaves and dust. The runes were unique, seemingly related to some ancient sacrificial ritual. Her brow furrowed; she suspected these symbols were connected to the academy’s secrets. She looked at Master Fang, her eyes filled with resolve. "There is definitely something hidden here. Let us continue."

He nodded, and they pressed on. The trees grew thicker, the light dimmer, and the occasional bird call only heightened the sense of loneliness. Lin Shiya’s heart raced; she felt they were getting closer to the truth.

Suddenly, she stopped. Nearby, fresh footprints were scattered on the ground. They were uneven, clearly left recently. She knelt to observe them closely—the edges were blurred, as if someone had deliberately tried to cover their tracks. "Master Fang, something is wrong here," she whispered, her voice tense.

He also sensed the abnormality, scanning the area alertly. "Is there someone nearby?"

They moved ahead with extreme caution, and as the distance closed, the scene ahead became clearer. A hidden cave entrance appeared, veiled by dense vines. A chilling air flowed from within.

"This is it." Lin Shiya’s voice was firm and low. She signaled Master Fang to follow, and they slowly entered the cave. The interior was pitch-black. Lin Shiya lit a torch, and the yellow light revealed complex structures within the cave, the walls carved with faint patterns that seemed linked to the runes on the boulder.

They followed the path inside, step by step, with meticulous care. Suddenly, Lin Shiya stopped, sensing movement ahead. Master Fang gripped his sword, alert.

"Who is there?" he demanded. The torchlight flickered, illuminating a corner of the cave. A shadow loomed, slowly approaching them.

"Master Fang, be careful!" Lin Shiya whispered, her voice tense. She grabbed his hand, and they stood back-to-back, prepared for any threat.

The shadow drew closer, revealing its true form only a few paces away. A burly man holding a long blade stared at them with a fierce expression, closing in. Just as they prepared to engage, the man suddenly stopped, looking at them with a complex expression.

"It is you..." The man’s voice was low and hoarse, clearly surprised by their arrival.

Lin Shiya’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly recalled everyone she had seen, and a name flashed in her mind.

"Guard Zhou?" Her voice carried a hint of uncertainty, but her gaze remained firm, locked onto his.

Guard Zhou did not answer. He merely looked at them coldly, then turned and walked deeper into the cave, as if guiding them forward. Lin Shiya and Master Fang exchanged a look, both reading the resolve and determination in the other’s eyes.

They followed Guard Zhou deeper into the cave, their hearts filled with uncertainty and apprehension. His silhouette appeared lonely in the dim light, as if he carried some unspeakable secret. Lin Shiya and Master Fang followed, both understanding that a greater mystery awaited them ahead.