Volume One: First Steps on the Path Chapter Thirty-Three: The Class Schedule

As soon as Ye Junze logged into Yingze, he immediately noticed a new email notification in his message bar. His curiosity, long held in check, could wait no longer; he quickly opened the email. The subject line read, "Anze School Daoist Arts Department Freshman Class Schedule," and beneath it was an attached image, presumably the schedule itself, with nothing else included.

Ye Junze promptly downloaded the image and examined it. Aside from the department name and emblem, the schedule was much like those he had seen throughout his years of study—orderly and traditional. Incidentally, this was the first time Ye Junze had seen the Daoist Arts Department’s emblem. On closer inspection, the entire emblem was rendered in pale blue intermingled with white, its design resembling a ring-shaped cloud encircling something, within which the faint outline of the character for "Dao" appeared. Such a novel design astonished Ye Junze, stirring a sense of admiration.

Once his appreciation for the emblem faded, Ye Junze turned his attention to the main event—the class schedule. It read: "Monday, Dao Comprehension;" "Tuesday, Method Refinement;" "Wednesday, Dream Evolution;" "Thursday, Practical Combat;" "Friday, Introduction to Daoist Classics." Saturday and Sunday were blank, suggesting no classes on those days. He also noticed that on days with classes, they were mostly scheduled for either the morning or afternoon, as if there were only one session per day. This was much less demanding than other schools, where classes filled the entire day. It seemed he would have an easy time, Ye Junze thought with relief. What he did not yet know was that, even with only one class per day, Anze’s intensity far surpassed ordinary schools—so the word "easy" could be dismissed altogether.

Having carefully reviewed the schedule several times and found no omissions, Ye Junze glanced at his phone—today was Saturday, with two days until classes officially began. He could afford a good rest and prepare himself for the days ahead.

Sitting on his bed, Ye Junze reflected that since his arrival, each day had been filled with visits to various places: the entrance ceremony, followed by tests. Now, with nothing to do, he felt a touch of boredom. Suddenly recalling something, he murmured, "Right, I nearly forgot that. Since I have nothing else today, I’d better fulfill my promise." With that, he picked up his phone, found Lin Xin, and sent a message: "Senior, are you free today?"

Lin Xin did not reply immediately. After a moment’s thought, Ye Junze got up to tidy his room, all the while waiting for her response.

...

After washing up and finishing his preparations, Ye Junze heard his phone chime. It must be Lin Xin. He walked to the bedside, picked up his phone, and, as expected, saw her reply: "I was just organizing my things. What’s up, junior? Are you having trouble with your cultivation?"

"No, it’s going smoothly," Ye Junze replied.

"Oh? Then what is it?" Lin Xin asked, puzzled.

Ye Junze quickly responded, "It’s like this—since I happen to have no other plans today, and I promised to treat you to a meal last time, I wanted to ask if you’re available."

"So that’s it! I thought you’d forgotten," Lin Xin teased.

"Not at all—how could I? No matter what I forget, I wouldn’t forget you," Ye Junze replied with a smile.

"I was just joking. I’m free today," Lin Xin said, turning serious.

"That’s great. Would you like to come down and find me, or should I wait upstairs for you?"

"No need, I’ll come down to find you. Just wait for me," Lin Xin replied.

"Alright, thank you, senior. See you soon," Ye Junze said politely.

"See you soon~"

Having set the appointment, Ye Junze felt a surge of joy at finally being able to repay Lin Xin’s kindness. Yet, in his good mood, he was unaware of just how long "soon" could be for a woman.

Ye Junze, full of anticipation, thought Lin Xin would arrive immediately, but after a considerable wait, all remained quiet outside his door. He was tempted to ask, but reason prevailed and he chose to continue waiting.

Time passed, and nearly an hour later, just as Ye Junze was about to message Lin Xin, he heard a knock at his door—"knock, knock, knock."

He hurried to open it. Outside stood Lin Xin, dressed more beautifully than usual, waiting quietly. Seeing Ye Junze, she said, a little embarrassed, "I took longer than expected to get ready. Sorry to keep you waiting, junior."

At the sight of her, Ye Junze’s impatience faded. Hearing her apology, it vanished altogether, and he replied with a smile, "It’s nothing. You’ve helped me so much; waiting a bit is only right."

Lin Xin pursed her lips, an involuntary smile brightening her lovely face. Already striking, her smile made her even more radiant.

Ye Junze, noticing her smile, was momentarily dazed, blurting out, "Senior, you look even more beautiful today."

Lin Xin laughed. "You say that every time. I think it’s becoming your catchphrase!" Though she joked, her heart was far from calm. She recalled her earlier frantic efforts at makeup and dressing, and how, in desperation, she’d enlisted the help of her best friend. The result was at least satisfactory. After this, she resolved to learn properly—letting others wait every time was hardly ideal, Lin Xin thought with some guilt.

"It’s genuine, from the heart," Ye Junze said sincerely.

"Alright, alright, I believe you," Lin Xin laughed. "You said you’d treat me to a meal—so why are we still in the room? Let’s go!"

Hearing her words, Ye Junze slapped his forehead, apologizing, "My memory! Sorry, sorry. Shall we go now?"

"Sure, but let’s not rush to eat. I’d like to stroll around first, if you don’t mind," Lin Xin said.

"How could I mind? Walking with such a beautiful senior is an honor. I’m delighted, not bothered," Ye Junze replied with a smile.

"Such a smooth talker! Come on, let’s go," Lin Xin said, taking the lead.

Ye Junze followed, closing the door behind him, and hurried after Lin Xin as they headed out.