Chapter 8: Decision
"Huh?"
Zong Ling and Tong San stared at Dongbo Xueying, waiting for his decision.
From an emotional standpoint, they didn't want him to leave.
Changfeng Academy was over 30,000 miles away—
Once he enrolled, he would have to live there full-time.
Most students stayed for at least six years, while some remained for over a decade before graduating.
Such a long separation…
They weren't ready to part with him.
Neither Zong Ling nor Tong San had children of their own.
They had been deeply connected to Xueying's parents for years.
For Tong San, Moyang Yu was his most important master.
Zong Ling, on the other hand, had always harbored a silent affection for Moyang Yu—
But as a Six-Armed Serpent Demon, he knew she could never accept him.
In their adventuring days, she had chosen Dongbo Lie instead.
When Moyang Yu became pregnant, both men had been ecstatic.
They had followed the couple here and watched Xueying grow up.
Deep down—
They had always treated him like their own child.
Letting him go for so many years?
They couldn't bear it.
But at the same time, Changfeng Academy was the best place for him.
It would greatly help his growth.
"I've decided not to go."
Dongbo Xueying spoke firmly.
"Why?!"
Zong Ling immediately became anxious.
"Why won't you go?
If you want to become a powerful knight, Changfeng Academy is the best place for you!
Even if we wanted to go, we wouldn't be allowed in!
After the New Year, you'll turn eleven—then you'll never have another chance!"
Tong San grew urgent.
This was a world where the weak had no future.
Strength determined everything.
Even the most powerful noble families owed their status to their martial might.
"Is it because of Qingshi?"
Zong Ling suddenly asked.
Xueying nodded.
"Yes."
"He's only four years old.
He's not close to either of you… he only clings to me.
Even now, he still sleeps in my bed every night.
He barely remembers our parents anymore—I'm the only family he has left.
I don't want him to grow up without a father, without a mother… and without a brother!"
Zong Ling and Tong San fell silent.
They knew how much Xueying cared for his little brother.
"At least I had my parents until I was eight."
"Qingshi is only four. If I leave, he'll have no parents and no brother… I can't do that to him."
"Besides—"
Xueying's eyes grew sharper.
"Will going to Changfeng Academy help me rescue my parents?"
"I don't think so."
"Huh?"
Zong Ling and Tong San were puzzled.
"Changfeng Academy produces many strong knights.
Most graduates reach Heaven-Tier, and some even become Meteor-Tier.
But tell me—
Even if I become a Meteor-Tier Knight, will I be able to save my parents?"
His expression turned cold.
"My uncle is a Silver Moon Grand Mage, yet even he is powerless against the Moyang Family's rules."
"If I want to rescue my parents, I have to surpass him!"
"I must become a Title Knight—or even an Extraordinary Being!"
Zong Ling and Tong San exchanged shocked glances.
They had never told him how powerful the Moyang Family truly was—
Yet Xueying had already deduced it on his own.
And he was right.
"Title Knights are extremely rare."
"Extraordinary Beings are even more legendary."
Xueying's gaze became determined.
"I've read many biographies of Extraordinary Knights.
Some of the details may be exaggerated, but their paths to power are real."
"I analyzed their growth trajectories."
"Out of 125 recorded Extraordinary Knights in history—"
"109 of them reached that level through self-training and life-or-death experiences."
"Only 16 came from academies."
Xueying looked straight at his uncles.
"What does this mean?
It means that to become an Extraordinary Being, academy training is actually a disadvantage!"
Zong Ling and Tong San were stunned.
They had never thought about it this way.
They had always believed that an academy founded by an Extraordinary Knight must be the ultimate training ground.
Hundreds of Heaven-Tier Knights.
Numerous Meteor-Tier Knights.
Yet among the legends—
Most had never even attended an academy!
They had all trained on their own.
"How is this possible…?"
Tong San muttered in disbelief.
"The books are in my study."
"I even sent people to Yishui City to gather more records on Extraordinary Beings."
Xueying's voice was firm.
"The facts are clear.
Even though many talented warriors join academies, few of them ever reach the Extraordinary level!"
"I've also thought about why this happens."
Xueying's eyes shone with insight.
"After reading the spear technique manual my father left behind, I came to a conclusion."
"To become Extraordinary, one must carve out their own path.
But academy-trained knights follow strict guidance from their teachers.
In their early years, this helps them progress quickly…
But when they reach the point where they must forge their own path, they suddenly have no guidance.
They become lost."
"Meanwhile, those who train outside of academies have no structured guidance.
Every obstacle they face must be overcome on their own.
Every step forward is earned through hardship.
By the time they reach their limits, they already understand how to break through!"
"That is why they become Extraordinary."
Xueying's eyes burned with conviction.
"Academies are great for mass-producing knights.
But for those who want to become truly powerful—
That strict training becomes a cage.
Breaking free is nearly impossible."
Tong San stared blankly.
"You… sound just like your mother."
"Always analyzing things in such detail."
Zong Ling laughed.
"I never realized those old biographies held such deep lessons."
"But I think you might be right."
"Maybe my theory is wrong."
"But the numbers don't lie."
"Out of 125 legendary knights, 109 never attended an academy."
"So I won't be attending either."
"Haha!"
Zong Ling grinned.
"That's because you aim too high!"
"For most, becoming a Heaven-Tier Knight is a great achievement.
Reaching Meteor-Tier is already incredible.
How many people dare to set their goal as 'Extraordinary Being'?"
Xueying smiled but said nothing.
His goal was set.
He would become an Extraordinary Knight—
And he would save his parents.