Chapter 133: Tenderness

Chapter 133: Tenderness

"Are all these names from the academy's students?" Mu Kuang asked, astonished.

"That's right," Mu Ling'er replied. "Not one of them is over thirty. For example, the first-ranked Wei Yiyun is from the Wei family of the Tianfeng Kingdom. At just twenty-four, he has reached the ninth level of the Condensed Qi Stage. He's a peerless talent, undefeated among his peers in the academy, and is even expected to break through to the Yuan Core Stage before graduation. Most others on the list are of similar age and caliber."

The group was shocked. A twenty-four-year-old at the ninth level of the Condensed Qi Stage was an extraordinary genius. Most cultivators of that age were still struggling in the Zifu Stage.

"In the academy, being on the Wind and Cloud Ranking comes with many benefits—monthly academic credits, better training facilities, and more. It's a list every student dreams of being on," Mu Ling'er explained. Her words sparked a fire of ambition in her audience.

"Big sister," Mu Feng interjected, "what exactly are these academic credits, and how can we earn them?"

He held up the blue crystal card, the mention of credits piquing his interest.

"In the academy, regular currency isn't used for most things. Academic credits are far more valuable. You'll need credits to learn advanced techniques, access high-level training formations, and even borrow basic Yellow-tier Yuan techniques. For instance, the best training facility in Tianyun Valley is the Tianyun Tower, where the spiritual energy is incredibly dense. Accessing it requires credits."

"In short, the more credits you have, the better your cultivation opportunities here. You can earn credits in many ways—trading with other students, completing tasks at the Mission Hall, and so on. And, of course, being on the Wind and Cloud Ranking guarantees a hefty monthly allowance of credits. For now, the 100 credits on your card won't get you far," Mu Ling'er concluded.

Mu Feng and the others were taken aback.

"I have 2,000 credits on my card. Here, take half," Yun Qingwan offered, taking out her card. She connected it to Mu Feng's and transferred 1,000 credits with a flicker of Yuan energy.

"You silly girl," Mu Feng said with a chuckle, pulling her into a hug and pinching her nose. "I can earn my own credits. You don't have to give me yours."

"My credits are yours," Yun Qingwan replied with a playful huff.

"Ah, the injustice of it all!" Bai Ziyue groaned dramatically. "Why is no one giving me credits? Oh, heavens, how unfair you are!"

"Alright," Mu Ling'er interjected, suppressing a smile. "You've all just arrived from Southern Ling. Get some rest. Little Feng, if you need me, I'm at Inner Court Residence No. 95. I'll check on you often."

"Got it, big sister," Mu Feng replied, standing to see her off.

After Mu Ling'er left, the others also retired to their respective residences. Only Bai Ziyue and Mu Kuang lingered briefly.

"Brother Feng, we're heading out to explore the area. Take your time catching up with Sister-in-law!" Bai Ziyue said with a cheeky grin, dragging Mu Kuang out before Mu Feng could respond.

"Those two rascals," Mu Feng muttered, shaking his head with a smile. He appreciated their tact.

Yun Qingwan blushed deeply, her face glowing as she avoided Mu Feng's gaze.

Mu Feng turned to her, gently lifting her chin so their eyes met. Years of longing and unspoken words filled the silence between them.

Her face flushed like a ripe apple as her breath quickened under his gaze. Her eyes fluttered closed as Mu Feng lowered his head, capturing her soft lips in a tender kiss. Time seemed to stand still as they embraced, their emotions pouring into that intimate moment.

When they finally parted, Yun Qingwan's rapid breaths filled the room. Mu Feng cupped her face, brushing her hair aside before pulling her into a warm embrace, burying his face in her fragrant locks.

"Two years. I've missed you so much," he whispered.

"I missed you too," Yun Qingwan murmured. "When my brother told me you had died, it felt like my world had ended. I didn't know how to go on."

"That's all behind us now. I'm alive and well, and my Yuan meridians are restored," Mu Feng assured her with a gentle smile.

"But what about my father? He's betrothed me to Nan Ling. What should I do?" Yun Qingwan asked, her voice trembling.

Mu Feng caressed her face, his tone firm yet tender. "Don't worry. You're mine, and I won't let anyone take you from me."

"I belong to you, Mu Feng," Yun Qingwan declared with conviction. "No one else."

"That's all I needed to hear," Mu Feng said, laughing as he lifted her into his arms. "It's been too long since we watched the stars together. Let's go."

Leaping gracefully, he carried her to the rooftop, where they lay back to gaze at the star-filled sky. The Milky Way stretched across the heavens, and the occasional shooting star streaked through the night. Yun Qingwan rested her head on Mu Feng's arm, snuggling closer to him, wishing this moment could last forever.

The next morning, the freshmen gathered in the plaza again. Elder Zheng Yue Sheng addressed them, starting with the usual formalities before moving to the main point.

"Now that you've all settled in, it's time to discuss an important tradition. Three months from now, the academy will hold an entrance assessment for all new students. The top three will receive special rewards: the opportunity to study a profound technique and a substantial amount of credits. Prepare well for this assessment."

With that, the gathering dispersed, and the students left in groups, discussing the upcoming challenge.

"An assessment, credits, profound techniques—sounds interesting," Mu Feng mused as he walked with Mu Kuang and Bai Ziyue.

"Brother Feng, this assessment is practically designed for us! Who among the new students could possibly challenge us?" Mu Kuang said with a confident laugh.

Before Mu Feng could respond, a mocking voice interrupted. "Still as arrogant as ever, aren't you, Mu Kuang? And look, Mu Feng—your Yuan meridians are healed?"

A young man in a blue robe, accompanied by two others, approached them. His smirk was filled with disdain.

"Mu Qing," Mu Feng said, his brow furrowing. He recognized this man immediately—his cousin, who had been a thorn in his side since childhood.