Bamboo Chest Chapter Eighteen: Taiping Academy

Sheng Ge carried Lu Yun to the courtyard gate, then suddenly stopped in his tracks.

The gate stood wide open, and inside the courtyard stood a scholar. He held an umbrella in one hand, the other hand clasped behind his back, exuding the air of a refined gentleman.

“Senior, I beg you, please let me take my junior apprentice brother away!” the scholar pleaded earnestly.

Dong Sangen, standing beneath the eaves, remained unmoved. He glanced at the returning Sheng Ge and the boy clinging to his back, Lu Yun, and spoke impatiently, “Do you really think I wouldn’t dare to cut you down? I’m no mere guest in this wild land!”

The scholar turned back, unfazed. “Senior, you are reasonable, and I have no intention of offending you. Besides, our Taiping Academy has never once taken part in the great battles of the Sword Qi Great Wall.”

His gaze fell upon Lu Yun, who he spotted immediately, and he hurried over.

Sheng Ge furrowed her delicate brows and stepped aside.

“So this must be your junior apprentice brother’s partner. Truly a perfect match of talent and beauty…” The scholar chuckled softly. “Miss, if you wish to join our Taiping Academy, you’re most welcome. We accept all comers!”

Dong Sangen let out a derisive snort upon hearing this.

“Accept all comers? Such words are only dared to be spoken here in the Wild Lands.”

Sheng Ge looked at Dong Sangen and asked, “What exactly is the Taiping Academy? There are academies in the Wild Lands?”

Before Dong Sangen could respond, the scholar eagerly explained, “Taiping Academy is the largest school in the Wild Lands. Junior apprentice brother, don’t pretend to be asleep—our master specially instructed us to take good care of you here in Qianjing City!”

Hearing this, Sheng Ge was momentarily stunned, then her cheeks flushed crimson, like a ripe apple.

She abruptly set Lu Yun down. As expected, the young boy couldn’t help but grin as their eyes met.

“You…” Sheng Ge searched for words, but none came. Embarrassed and angry, she snapped, “You rogue!”

Lu Yun hurried to explain.

The scholar smiled warmly, watching the scene with heartfelt admiration. What a lovely pair they made.

“Who is your master? How do I know him?” Lu Yun finally asked after calming Sheng Ge.

“My master is naturally your master as well. Of course you know him,” the scholar chuckled. “He goes by the surname Zhou here in the Wild Lands.”

Under the eaves, Dong Sangen’s murderous aura thickened. “If he weren’t absent, I’d have cut him down long ago!”

Lu Yun instantly understood.

Xiao Zhai was indeed Zhou Mi!

But why was he so concerned about him?

Could it be because he was a traveler from another world?

Lu Yun shook his head sharply.

No, Zhou Mi would never wait this long to find him. So what was the reason…

His gaze shifted to Dong Sangen.

Dong Sangen nodded. “It’s probably because of me that he’s taken notice of you.”

But what could he want from me?

Lu Yun was puzzled. He looked at the scholar and asked, “Why should I go to Taiping Academy?”

“Taiping Academy can help you establish a foothold here in Qianjing City. Otherwise, with Yuan Bai’s temperament, Mr. Dong might very well strike first at tomorrow’s Grand Red Banquet. But if that happens, can Mr. Dong be sure to escape with you both unharmed?” the scholar said, glancing at Dong Sangen.

Indeed, Yuan Bai, now in Qianjing City, wouldn’t fear a boy who had just reached the mid-Five Realms. He might even have ways to deal with Sheng Ge. Then, only Dong Sangen could intervene.

Dong Sangen said nothing, merely drawing a sword about three meters long.

The scholar’s expression changed immediately. “Of course he can. But Mr. Dong, if you strike early and that old fellow in the palace escapes, would you be content?”

“He won’t escape,” Dong Sangen replied coldly.

“Then can you guarantee the junior apprentice brother’s safety?” the scholar pressed.

Dong Sangen remained silent.

“Moreover, junior apprentice brother, once you come to Taiping Academy, you have no need to worry about schemes. Focus solely on seeking the Dao,” the scholar’s expression turned serious. “Taiping Academy has everything—except scheming.”

Lu Yun recalled the oath Xiao Zhai had sworn that day and hesitated.

Could it really be trusted?

He could skip the Grand Red Banquet entirely, but by now, many in Qianjing City likely knew he was here, only restrained by fear of Dong Sangen.

The city was tense; Yuan Bai would watch him like a hawk. When the time came, who would ambush whom was uncertain.

Lu Yun knew today was merely the old man in the palace testing or warning him. If he stepped outside the courtyard again, it wouldn’t be just three young men who would come.

“If you want to go, I can accompany you,” the scholar offered.

At that moment, Sheng Ge suddenly said, “With me here, we’ll have more than enough strength to escape.”

The scholar smiled and nodded.

After a long pause, Lu Yun said, “I’ll go to Taiping Academy, but I will never go as your junior apprentice brother.”

The scholar nodded eagerly. “Of course, that is your freedom. Our Taiping Academy is the freest place you’ll find.”

Lu Yun took a deep breath and approached Dong Sangen.

The scholar, sensing the moment, stepped out of the courtyard.

“Senior Dong, I…”

Lu Yun barely began before Dong Sangen interrupted.

“Take this wooden sword. It’s far stronger than the one Liu Cha left you. It contains a layer of my sword qi, enough to hold back someone at the Jade Rank for a moment—enough time for you and Sheng Ge to escape,” Dong Sangen said, patting Lu Yun’s shoulder. “The incident at Baihua Tower was my fault. I only intended for Liu Cha to teach you a move or two, but that old fellow was so stubborn. Don’t worry—when I strike him next time, I’ll make sure he suffers worse than death.”

Indeed!

Lu Yun suddenly realized Liu Cha and Dong Sangen had known each other long ago. No wonder the grand hero with the thick sideburns admired Dong Sangen so deeply.

“Go now. After all this talk, it still comes down to one word: wait. I’ve waited many years in the Wild Lands; a few more days won’t matter. You’re still young—you must learn to wait.”

Dong Sangen sighed. “As that person said, Taiping Academy truly is very… free. Once, someone from the Sword Qi Great Wall was stranded in the Wild Lands by accident. Taiping Academy rescued him, and later he returned to the Sword Qi Great Wall full of vigor. Even the Grand Sword Immortal personally examined him—no problems at all.”

Lu Yun nodded.

Dong Sangen laughed and scolded himself. “Think I’m heartless? Don’t be like that. I’m actually anxious too. So I’ll be honest with you—I want more time. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have the courage to leave the Wild Lands.”

“Senior, you will succeed!” Lu Yun said firmly. “When you return to the Sword Qi Great Wall, your name will surely be inscribed on the city walls.”

“I know quite a bit,” Dong Sangen smiled. “My current sword is breaking. There will definitely be a new one in the future. To make it up to you, you get to name that sword!”

Lu Yun smiled happily. “Don’t go back on your word.”

“Of course not. There’s a saying in the Vast World: a gentleman’s word is more binding than four horses. I’m a Sword Immortal—my words carry even more weight!”

Dong Sangen laughed heartily.