The Gathering at the Academy

The Gathering at the Academy

Within the towering gates of the academy, a great crowd gathered. Among them were the spirited young disciples of the Ming Jing Men sect, the infamous Lao Duan and his loyal lackeys, the eighteen officials of the academy, and...at last....Yu Sui and Mo Yan.

Mo Yan was a vision to behold. From the graceful fall of his robes to the deadly elegance of his sword, he was a figure carved from dreams. To the young maidens of the sect, he was no less than a prince out of a fairytale...famed, adored, and idolized.

But he was not the only one who turned heads that day.

There was another.

Su Nian.

Today marked the first time anyone had seen Su Nian step foot into the Liuguang Sect, and his appearance did not go unnoticed. Equally enchanting as Mo Yan, but far more arrogant, Su Nian's beauty was the kind that demanded attention, even as it dismissed it.

And among the crowd stood Duie, who had long been awaiting Yu Sui's arrival. The moment he caught sight of him, he rushed forward eagerly. But before anyone could exchange more than a few words, a wildfire of gossip spread across the academy grounds

Mo Yan had defeated Lao Duan in an intense battle.

The news sparked like lightning across the courtyard. Whispers turned to gasps, gasps to roars.

"Mo Yan…"

"Did you hear?"

"He won…"

Every mouth spoke his name.

And Su Nian, proud as he was, scanned the crowd, his gaze falling upon Duie. His eyes narrowed as they trailed down to Duie's sword....his lips curled in clear disdain. Duie saw it. And he did not like it.

Just then, Teacher strode forward, his voice cutting through the clamor. Without hesitation, he pronounced judgment.

Punishment was to be served.

Yu Sui and Mo Yan.....despite the cause of the fight.....were both sentenced. As were all those who had gathered to spectate the duel. For within the academy's sacred grounds, combat was a grave offense. But watching it unfold?

That was an even greater crime.

Their punishment:

Long journey to Butterfly Mountain and collect rare medicinal herbs for the academy's physicians.

Even Duie, upon hearing of the task, wished to go. He stepped forward, respectfully requesting the teacher to allow him to accompany them. His request was granted.

And so, one by one, the students returned to their chambers to unpack their belongings.

They gathered once more at the foot of the path leading toward Butterfly Mountain.

Among them, at the very end of the group..walking side by side, step for step...were Yu Sui and Mo Yan.