Volume One: First Steps on the Path Chapter Nineteen: The School of Daoist Arts

In the gentle embrace of the early morning sun, Ye Junze awoke. Barely had he opened his eyes when his phone buzzed with a message. Upon checking, he saw it was from Lin Xin: “Hey, are you up yet, junior? No sleeping in and being late on your first day! I’ll come down to find you in a bit.”

Ye Junze replied, “Just woke up. Senior, when you come down, you can just knock on my door. Sorry to trouble you again today.”

“It’s nothing, really. It’s not a big deal at all—no trouble,” came Lin Xin’s quick response.

After finishing the conversation, Ye Junze got up and began to tidy himself in preparation for registration.

…

Once ready, Ye Junze waited for Lin Xin’s arrival, his mind wandering to thoughts of the new life about to unfold. What he did not know was that, within the academy, someone had already taken notice of him.

…

“An Ling, among this year’s students, is there anyone particularly interesting?” The voice came from a seemingly ordinary room, save for the countless shelves of books of all shapes and sizes that filled the space. At first glance, one could instantly tell its owner was a passionate reader, learned and wise. The source of the question was none other than Bai Ze, the headmaster of Anze Academy. In response, An Ling appeared as if out of thin air, manifesting as the same young girl Ye Junze had seen before.

After appearing, An Ling answered respectfully, “There are some new arrivals from the major families. They’re outstanding, but somehow, they still seem to be missing something.”

“And what else?” Bai Ze inquired.

“There are a few demons among them as well, and this time, some are quite gifted,” she continued.

Bai Ze nodded. “With the revival of spiritual energy growing ever stronger, it’s no surprise that some prodigies have emerged among the demons.”

“There’s one person, though,” An Ling said, a hint of perplexity in her voice, “who strikes me as rather unusual, though I can’t put my finger on exactly why.”

“Oh?” Bai Ze perked up, visibly intrigued. “Who is it? Tell me more.”

“A human named Ye Junze. I sensed a familiar aura from him—like one of our own—but he claims it’s because of a sword that Xiao Yue gave him. Still, I don’t believe it’s that simple.”

“Well, this is interesting indeed. If even you can’t discern it, then keep an eye on him,” Bai Ze instructed. “But don’t interfere with his life. In this age, everyone has secrets they wish to keep hidden—even you and I.”

“Yes, understood. I’ll withdraw for now. Just let me know if you need anything else.” With that, An Ling vanished as silently as she had appeared.

Bai Ze thought back to the new student at the entrance ceremony and mused to himself, “It seems there are some extraordinary ones among this year’s newcomers. I wonder how far they’ll go. I hope they grow quickly enough to face what’s to come.” With that, he took a sip of tea and returned to his book, shutting out the world as if only the words on the pages deserved his full attention.

…

Oblivious to this conversation, Ye Junze sat in his dorm, lost in thought, until a knock at the door startled him. “Junior, are you up? It’s time to go,” Lin Xin’s voice called from outside.

“I’m coming, I’m coming,” Ye Junze replied as he made his way to the door.

Opening it, he was greeted by Lin Xin, impeccably dressed. He couldn’t help but exclaim, “Senior, you look beautiful today.”

Hearing this, Lin Xin broke into a delighted smile. “I didn’t expect you to be so smooth-tongued, junior.”

“No, I’m just being sincere! You have to believe me,” Ye Junze protested.

“All right, it’s about time. Let’s get going.”

“Okay!” With that, Ye Junze locked the door and left with her.

As they walked, Ye Junze asked Lin Xin about the Daoist Arts Department. She replied, “It’s actually quite simple. Our department is divided into the ‘Dao’ and the ‘Arts’ sections. You’ll be expected to grasp or even create your own arts as you go. You’ll understand more in time.”

Hearing this, Ye Junze stopped asking, and instead chatted with Lin Xin about trivial matters. Along the way, they saw many new students heading to their respective departments, laughter and conversation filling the air—a rare moment that allowed Ye Junze to experience the simple joys of student life.

After some time, a towering mountain suddenly loomed before Ye Junze, its peak shrouded in mist and clouds—a truly majestic sight. Lin Xin then announced, “We’re here. This is where the Daoist Arts Department is.”

Ye Junze couldn’t help but ask, “Senior, what’s that mountain ahead?”

“Oh, that’s our main peak. Every department has one. They say it’s used to connect to the Anze Grand Array, though who knows if that’s true. Ordinary students like us generally can’t go up there,” Lin Xin replied.

Ye Junze, taking her answer in stride, let the matter drop.

“All right, I’ll take you to register,” Lin Xin said, turning to him.

“Thank you, senior.”

Lin Xin waved off his gratitude and continued ahead, Ye Junze hurrying to keep up.

Soon, they arrived at the Daoist Arts Department, where buildings stood in neat rows and small groups of people passed by, some even exchanging magical blows in friendly bouts—the place buzzed with life. Lin Xin led Ye Junze into a building, where a room was already lined with students waiting in queue—it was clear these were all new arrivals. Lin Xin took a place at the end of the line with Ye Junze and said, “This is it. Just go in and register when it’s your turn.”

Their arrival caused a small stir; Lin Xin’s appearance had clearly stunned the crowd, and many couldn’t help but steal glances at them. Lin Xin, accustomed to such attention, remained unfazed and continued chatting with Ye Junze, who, having experienced this for two years, paid it no mind and waited patiently with her.

Time passed quickly, and the line dwindled until at last it was Ye Junze’s turn. He and Lin Xin entered the room, where the teacher in charge of registration, seemingly familiar with Lin Xin, greeted her, “Oh, Xin, what brings you here today? And is this your boyfriend?”

“Teacher Li, please don’t tease me. This is a new junior—I’m just here to help him register,” Lin Xin replied with a sigh.

“I see.” Teacher Li looked Ye Junze up and down before asking, “Name?”

“Ye Junze.”

After making a note in his ledger, Teacher Li announced, “Ye Junze, first-year student in the Daoist Arts Department. All right, you two can wait in the lounge. There will be a class soon.”

“Thank you, Teacher Li,” Lin Xin replied sweetly.

Ye Junze quickly followed, “Thank you, Teacher Li.”

Teacher Li beamed. “Very good, very good. Off you go—more new students are waiting.”

With that, Lin Xin led Ye Junze to the lounge, where those who had been ahead of them in line were already gathered. After finding a place to sit, Ye Junze said, “Senior, I really owe you for running around with me all morning.”

“It’s nothing, really. Just remember you owe me a meal,” Lin Xin replied with a laugh.

And so the two continued their conversation, waiting for the registration process to conclude.