Chapter 135: Uncovering the Roots of Chaos in the Academy, Defending the Integrity of Reform

Page 1 of 3

Chapter 135: Exposing the Source of the Academy’s Turmoil and Clearing the Reformers’ Name

Firelight flickered. Deep within the cavern, the air was cold and damp, thick with the heavy stench of mold.

Lin Shiya and Young Master Fang followed Guard Zhou along a rough path strewn with uneven stones, placing each step with utmost care.

The cavern twisted and turned as though it had no end, filling them with an uneasy sense of foreboding.

After walking for roughly the time it took to drink a cup of tea, Guard Zhou suddenly stopped. He turned to face Lin Shiya and Young Master Fang, a sinister smile spreading across his face.

“You should never have come here.” His voice was low and hoarse, carrying a clear note of warning.

Lin Shiya’s heart sank as an ominous feeling rose within her.

Without betraying the slightest sign of alarm, she tightened her grip on the dagger hidden in her sleeve and watched Guard Zhou’s every movement warily.

Young Master Fang sensed the danger as well. Instinctively, he stepped in front of Lin Shiya, his gaze fixed on Guard Zhou like a blazing torch.

The atmosphere instantly became charged with tension.

Guard Zhou let out a cold laugh and abruptly drew the long saber at his waist. A streak of icy light flashed through the dim cavern.

He moved like lightning, swinging his blade straight at Young Master Fang.

Young Master Fang had been prepared. He twisted aside to evade the attack, drew his sword, and engaged Guard Zhou in close combat.

Blade and sword clashed, producing a piercing metallic ring that echoed through the cavern.

Guard Zhou’s saber technique was fierce, every move aimed to kill, while Young Master Fang remained composed, using exquisite swordsmanship to deflect each attack.

The two exchanged blows, neither able to gain the upper hand.

Lin Shiya watched anxiously from the side. She knew her martial skill was inferior to theirs, and rushing into the fight would only cause trouble.

She kept her eyes fixed on the battle, hoping to find an opportunity to help Young Master Fang.

Guard Zhou’s assault grew more and more ferocious, and Young Master Fang gradually began to struggle under the pressure.

Just then, Lin Shiya noticed that something seemed wrong with Guard Zhou’s left leg.

Whenever he attacked, his left leg trembled slightly, as though it were enduring unbearable pain.

“Young Master, his left leg!” Lin Shiya shouted urgently.

Upon hearing her, Young Master Fang immediately changed his strategy.

Rather than meeting Guard Zhou’s attacks head-on, he relied on agile footwork and repeatedly targeted his opponent’s left leg.

Guard Zhou’s left leg was already injured. Under Young Master Fang’s relentless attacks, the pain became unbearable, and his movements began to slow.

Young Master Fang seized the opportunity and drove his sword into Guard Zhou’s shoulder.

Guard Zhou let out a cry of agony. The long saber fell from his hand. Clutching his wound, he staggered backward before finally collapsing to the ground, groaning in pain.

“Tell me. Who ordered you to do this?” Young Master Fang demanded, the tip of his sword pointed directly at Guard Zhou’s throat.

Guard Zhou’s face had gone pale. His eyes darted about, and he did not dare meet Young Master Fang’s gaze.

“Speak!” Young Master Fang pressed, his voice growing harsher.

Guard Zhou’s lips trembled as he stammered, “It was... it was Tutor Qian...”

Lin Shiya and Young Master Fang exchanged a glance. They already knew the answer.

Page 1 of 3

Page 2 of 3

They bound Guard Zhou and continued deeper into the cavern.

At its end stood a spacious stone chamber.

A stone table occupied the center, piled high with books and scrolls.

Tutor Qian sat beside it, leafing through a book in his hands. At the sound of approaching footsteps, he raised his head. When he saw Lin Shiya and Young Master Fang, a flicker of surprise crossed his face.

“What brings you here?” Tutor Qian asked, pretending to remain calm.

“Tutor Qian, we have come to ask you something. What, exactly, is behind this turmoil at the academy?” Lin Shiya’s voice was cold, and her sharp gaze remained fixed on him.

Tutor Qian’s eyes flickered. He stammered, “I have no idea what you are talking about...”

“Tutor Qian, even now you still intend to deny it?” Young Master Fang pointed toward the bound Guard Zhou. “He has already confessed. You were behind all of this.”

Tutor Qian’s face turned deathly pale. He sprang to his feet and roared at Lin Shiya and Young Master Fang, “You are slandering me! I know nothing—”

“Tutor Qian, do you really think what you have done can remain hidden from heaven and earth?” Lin Shiya drew a letter from her sleeve and slowly unfolded it. “This is the evidence we found. It clearly records how you colluded with officials of the conservative faction, incited the students to riot, and plotted to sabotage the reforms.”

Tutor Qian stared at the letter, and his face instantly turned ashen. He sank back into his chair and muttered, “It’s over... everything is over...”

“Tutor Qian, do you have anything else to say?” Lin Shiya demanded.

Tutor Qian lifted his head, his eyes filled with venom. Gritting his teeth, he said, “You... all of you reformers... none of you will come to a good end...”

Lin Shiya gave a cold laugh. Raising the letter high, she swept her gaze across everyone in the chamber and spoke in a ringing voice:

“This letter records how Tutor Qian colluded with officials of the conservative faction, exploited the weakness and incompetence of Libationer Zhao of the academy, spread rumors, and incited the students to riot in an attempt to overthrow the court’s new reform policies! He betrayed not only the academy, but also the integrity of every scholar!”

Each word struck like a blade, resounding through the cold, damp stone chamber.

Tutor Qian looked as though he had been struck by lightning. His face was deathly white, his lips trembled, and cold sweat streamed down his forehead.

He tried frantically to defend himself, only to find that every excuse sounded pale and powerless.

“Tutor Qian, you claimed again and again that you acted for the academy and for the students. Yet you committed such despicable acts. Can you truly face your own conscience?” Lin Shiya’s accusation pierced his heart like a sword.

“You... you... you are talking nonsense!” Tutor Qian shouted himself hoarse, desperate to conceal his guilt. His gaze shifted evasively, and he did not dare look Lin Shiya in the eye.

“Hmph. The evidence is conclusive, and you still wish to argue?” Young Master Fang stepped forward, the sword in his hand gleaming coldly. “A man like you is unworthy of being called a teacher!”

Silence filled the chamber. Only Tutor Qian’s labored breathing could be heard, while his ashen face revealed the depths of his despair.

He had schemed and calculated everything, only to bring ruin upon himself in the end. His reputation lay in tatters, and this was the fate he had earned.

Lin Shiya folded the letter and let her gaze pass over everyone present before finally settling on Young Master Fang.

His eyes burned with admiration and affection for her, like flames hot enough to melt her.

Sensing the emotion hidden within his gaze, Lin Shiya felt warmth spread through her heart and answered him with a gentle smile.

That smile was like the winter sun, dispelling the cavern’s chill and illuminating Young Master Fang’s heart.

He felt as though he had been transported into a spring meadow in full bloom, every breath filled with a sweet fragrance.

Seeing this, Tutor Qian was consumed by resentment and hatred. He suddenly raised his head, a trace of madness flashing in his eyes.

“You... you think you can celebrate your victory? Even if my reputation is ruined, I will make you pay!”

He suddenly snatched up a sharp stone from the ground and charged toward Lin Shiya.

Young Master Fang’s expression hardened. He was about to intervene when Lin Shiya blurred into motion and effortlessly evaded Tutor Qian’s attack. With a backhand strike, she knocked the stone from his hand.

Tutor Qian collapsed limply to the ground, groaning in pain.

Lin Shiya looked down at him coldly, her heart utterly unmoved.

Page 2 of 3

Page 3 of 3

“Let us go. There is no reason to stay here any longer,” Lin Shiya said indifferently, turning toward the cavern entrance.

Young Master Fang followed close behind, and the two walked side by side.

When they reached the entrance, he turned his head toward Lin Shiya and asked softly, “Are you all right?”

Lin Shiya shook her head, the corners of her lips lifting slightly. “I’m fine.”

“Be careful!” Young Master Fang had barely spoken when he noticed something and suddenly moved to shield Lin Shiya behind him.

In the distance came the hurried sound of footsteps, accompanied by the harsh clang of weapons colliding.

Illuminated by firelight, the academy square was filled with people, the atmosphere tense.

The students who had been incited to riot clutched their books, their faces flushed with agitation as they shouted slogans.

Lin Shiya and Young Master Fang escorted the bound Tutor Qian before the crowd.

Tutor Qian’s head hung low, his face gray and lifeless. The arrogance he had displayed earlier had vanished completely.

Lin Shiya cleared her throat. Her voice rang out across the square, clear and resolute:

“Students, Tutor Qian colluded with officials of the conservative faction, spread rumors, and incited you to riot. His purpose was to sabotage the court’s reforms. Now that both the man and the evidence have been found, what more is there to say?”

One by one, she displayed the evidence they had uncovered: the letters, the physical proof, and every other item that confirmed the truth.

The handwriting of the conservative officials was clearly visible on the letters. The evidence was as solid as a mountain, leaving no room for denial.

The students erupted in an uproar. Their initial fury gradually subsided, replaced by shock and confusion.

They looked at Tutor Qian,

“Tutor Qian, do you have anything to say?” Young Master Fang demanded harshly, his voice filled with contempt.

Tutor Qian collapsed to the ground in despair, murmuring, “It’s over. Everything is over...”

The truth had come to light. The mastermind behind the academy’s unrest had been exposed, and the reformers’ innocence had been proven.

The students condemned Tutor Qian’s despicable conduct and felt ashamed that they had allowed themselves to be used.

Lin Shiya looked around at the young faces surrounding her, her heart filled with a thousand thoughts.

She drew a deep breath and declared in a resonant voice, “The road of reform is long and arduous. But as long as we stand united, we will overcome every obstacle and build a better future together!”

Her voice was powerful, confident, and full of hope, stirring everyone present.

The students responded one after another, raising slogans in support of reform. Deafening cheers swept across the square.

The sun sank in the west, and golden afterglow spilled across the academy rooftops, illuminating Lin Shiya’s face as well.

Standing upon the raised platform, she gazed at the jubilant students below, her heart filled with pride and joy.

Late that night, Lin Shiya sat alone in her study, a letter clasped in her hand, her brows drawn tightly together.

She had found the letter in Tutor Qian’s study, and its contents left her deeply uneasy.

“This handwriting...” Lin Shiya murmured. Her fingertips moved lightly over the paper, feeling its texture. “I think I’ve seen it somewhere before...”

Page 3 of 3