Chapter 97: Principal Yuan's Bragging

Not even the gods and demons knew the extent of Principal Yuan's profits over the years.

He had amassed a fortune that was carefully hidden away, invested in various ventures that brought in a steady stream of income. He had become a master of finance, his wealth growing quietly yet exponentially.

Every year, as the Raven Festival approached, he would feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. The festival was his brainchild, his masterpiece, and it had to succeed.

He would personally oversee every aspect of the event, from the setup of stalls to the marketing campaigns.

He would walk through the bustling marketplace, observing the throngs of people and the bustling activity with a sense of pride and satisfaction.

"This is my legacy," he would think, a smile playing on his lips. "This is what I have built."

As the current Raven Festival unfolded, Principal Yuan watched with keen interest.

The streets were filled with people, all eager to participate in the festivities and spend their money on raven-themed goods. The merchants were doing brisk business, and the academy's coffers were filling up rapidly.

He had even taken the extra step of convincing his senior brother, the Raven Master, to extend the disciple ceremony by another day. "The longer the festival, the greater the profits," he had argued, and his brother had reluctantly agreed.

Now, as he sat in his luxurious office, surrounded by the fruits of his labor, Principal Yuan couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment.

He had turned a struggling institution into a thriving, prosperous academy. The Raven Festival was not just a celebration; it was a testament to his ingenuity and vision.

He leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile on his face. "Not even the gods and demons know how much profit I've earned in the previous few days," he mused.

"But that's just the beginning. The academy will continue to grow, and so will its wealth."

And so, the Raven Festival continued, a shining example of Principal Yuan's brilliance and his relentless pursuit of success.

Principal Yuan arrived at the foot of the mountain with the air of a grand performer stepping onto the stage.

His presence commanded attention, his robes flowing elegantly as he coughed slightly to signal his arrival.

The students, civilians, and shopkeepers, all gathered for the Raven Festival, greeted him politely, their murmurs of "Principal Yuan" blending into a unified hum.

"As you know," Principal Yuan began, his voice booming with authority, "today is a prestigious day! A day of great honor and opportunity! A day where dreams are made and destinies are forged!"

He continued, delving into a lengthy monologue about the significance of the day, the history of the Raven Festival, and the honor it brought to Thousand Leaves Academy.

His words were grandiose, his gestures dramatic, as he painted a picture of the festival's glory and his pivotal role in its success.

The students, though bored by his repetitive speech, maintained expressions of curiosity and enthusiasm.

They listened politely, nodding occasionally to show their respect, but their minds wandered.

They were more interested in the upcoming test and the prospect of meeting the legendary Raven Master than in Principal Yuan's self-congratulatory ramblings.

"And now," Principal Yuan finally said, drawing his speech to a close, "for the moment you've all been waiting for. "

"The test for today is quite simple: just climb up the mountain. If you reach the end of it, then you will have the chance to personally meet the Raven Master!"

A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd. Climbing the mountain sounded straightforward, but they all knew it would be anything but easy.

The mountain loomed before them, its brown and black-tinged surface a daunting challenge.

Principal Yuan then began praising the Raven Master, extolling his virtues and unparalleled skills. However, he couldn't resist slipping in a comparison to himself.

"Of course, while the Raven Master is formidable, I daresay I might be just a tad stronger," he said with a chuckle, puffing out his chest.

The crowd exchanged amused glances. Hidden behind the polite smiles and respectful nods were thoughts of mockery and teasing. They had heard Principal Yuan's bragging many times before, and it never failed to amuse them.

In the crowd, Garret whispered to his friends, "Did you hear that? 'Just a tad stronger'? More like 'just a tad delusional'."

Alice stifled a laugh, nudging Garret. "You're going to get us in trouble," she whispered back.

Ruchir, ever the voice of reason, added, "You better be quiet. If Principal Yuan finds out it was you, I can't guarantee what will happen."

Principal Yuan, with his keen sense for dissent, jokingly looked into the crowd and shouted, "Who was it? Who among you has the courage to mock me?"

The crowd fell silent, though a few stifled laughs could still be heard. Principal Yuan's gaze swept over the students, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He enjoyed these little games of cat and mouse.

"Ah, it's good to see such enthusiasm," he said with a grin. "But remember, respect for your elders and betters is a cornerstone of our academy's values!"

Garret couldn't resist another comment, muttering, "Respect for our elders and their delusions."

Alice elbowed him again, harder this time. "Do you have a death wish?"

Ruchir shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Focus on the test, Garret. You can joke all you want after we climb that mountain."

Principal Yuan continued with his announcements, outlining the rules and expectations for the climb. The students listened, their excitement mounting as they prepared for the challenge ahead.

As Principal Yuan finished his speech, he clapped his hands. "Let the test begin! Show me the spirit of Thousand Leaves Academy!"

The students surged forward, their determination clear. The climb up the mountain was no small feat, and they knew it would test their physical and mental limits. But the promise of meeting the Raven Master spurred them on.

Garret, Ruchir, Alice, and their group moved together, their spirits high despite the daunting task ahead. Garret, ever the comedian, couldn't resist one last joke. "Maybe if we climb fast enough, we can avoid hearing another one of Principal Yuan's speeches."

Alice laughed, her tension easing slightly. "Let's hope so."

Ruchir, with his usual calm demeanor, added, "Remember, it's not just about speed. We need to be smart and careful."

Meanwhile, in the grand courtyard of the Sayy Mansion, the air was thick with tension. Anna Sayy, a young maiden with blue hair that shimmered like a cascade of sapphires, knelt before her grandmother.

Her usual aura of confidence was overshadowed by a deep sense of guilt and disappointment. She had failed her first task, and the weight of that failure pressed heavily on her shoulders.

Her grandmother, Lady Sayy, sat gracefully at a low table, her posture serene and composed. She sipped her tea with the elegance of someone who had seen and endured much over the years.

The tea's delicate aroma wafted through the air, providing a stark contrast to the turmoil within Anna's heart.

"Grandmother, I failed," Anna began, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was unable to secure the chest. The bandits escaped, and now our family's reputation is at risk."

Lady Sayy set her teacup down gently and looked at her granddaughter with eyes that held both wisdom and compassion. "Anna, it was not your fault," she said softly.

"The events that transpired were beyond your control. You did everything you could, and for that, I am proud."

Anna's eyes filled with tears, but she held them back, determined to maintain her composure. "But Grandmother, I... I should have done more. I should have anticipated—"

Lady Sayy raised a hand to stop her. "Enough, child. Blaming yourself will not change what has happened. What matters now is how we move forward."

Anna nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "What should I do then, Grandmother? How can I make amends?"

Lady Sayy's expression hardened slightly, a glint of steel entering her gaze. "We must uncover the truth behind this incident. "

"There is clearly a third party involved, one that has managed to elude even the most cunning of our adversaries. Your task now is to investigate this unknown faction. Find out who they are, what they want, and why they dared to interfere with the Sayy family."

Anna felt a renewed sense of purpose. She straightened her back, her resolve hardening. "I will find them, Grandmother. I will uncover their motives and bring them to justice."

Lady Sayy nodded approvingly. "Good. Use all the resources at your disposal. Speak to our informants, gather intelligence, and follow every lead, no matter how insignificant it may seem."

"And you, Grandmother?" Anna asked, her voice steady once more.

Lady Sayy's eyes narrowed with determination. "I will handle the matter of those who dared to lay hands on our family's goods. They will learn that the Sayy family is not to be trifled with. Our reputation will remain untarnished, and our enemies will think twice before challenging us again."

Anna bowed her head in respect. "Thank you, Grandmother. I will not disappoint you again."

Lady Sayy smiled, a rare expression of warmth breaking through her stern exterior. "I know you won't, Anna. You have the strength and the spirit of a true Sayy. Now go, and remember: we are not just a family. We are a legacy."

With those words echoing in her mind, Anna rose to her feet. The guilt that had burdened her heart began to lift, replaced by a burning determination to prove herself.

She would uncover the mystery of the third party, no matter the cost. And she would restore the honor of the Sayy family, just as her grandmother had done before her.

As Anna left the courtyard, Lady Sayy returned to her tea, her thoughts already turning to the task ahead. The wheels of investigation were set in motion, and soon, those who dared to cross the Sayy family would face the full weight of their retribution.