Volume One: Entering the Path Chapter Sixty: Patterned Light Array

As soon as Sun Yu finished speaking, the excitement he had stirred began to ripple through the crowd, everyone waiting eagerly for what he had promised—the chance to learn magical techniques. With his words still hanging in the air, Sun Yu brought his hands together in a mysterious gesture, forming seals whose purpose was unknown. Yet as his hands moved, the entire classroom began to transform.

Ye Junze, ever alert, was the first to notice something unusual as the change unfolded. The others, slower to react, soon caught on as well. Suddenly, radiant light burst forth from the classroom floor, drawing everyone’s attention to its source. Ye Junze looked where the others did, and saw the strange patterns he had previously noticed now glowing, lines of light connecting the intricate designs on the floor. Because of this, the classroom was bathed in dazzling brilliance. The lines of light continued to stretch along the patterns, linking them together until every motif was joined. Only then did the intense glow begin to fade, leaving behind luminous traces that still shone softly, impossible to ignore.

Ye Junze examined the glowing lines that stitched the patterns together. At first, these patterns seemed meaningless, but now, combined with the light, they formed a grand, shifting image. It wasn’t fixed; in Ye Junze’s gaze, it became a flower, then a cloud, and in the blink of an eye, transformed into a tiger. Within moments, the pattern shifted from flower to cloud, tiger to tree, bird, and many other rare creatures unfamiliar to Ye Junze, each transformation more mystical than the last.

The others soon noticed these marvels, their voices rising in astonishment, marveling at the spectacle before them.

While the crowd gawked in amazement, Sun Yu began another set of gestures on the platform. The lines of light, previously hovering above the patterns, slowly rose into the air. Those who noticed this scrambled to avoid the ascending light, fearing it might harm them. Only Ye Junze remained calm and unmoving, showing none of the apprehension of his peers.

But no matter how they dodged, they forgot that they were still confined to the classroom, and the light covered the entire floor. Where could they hide? As the luminous lines rose to their knees, the crowd resigned themselves, closing their eyes, bracing for pain. Yet, as the light passed through their bodies, no pain came—just as Ye Junze had anticipated. The light penetrated them without leaving any mark or discomfort. One by one, those who had closed their eyes in dramatic anticipation opened them, checking their bodies, and finding themselves unharmed, tapped their chests in relief, as if surviving a disaster. So, it was all just a false alarm.

The lines of light continued their ascent, passing through the crowd and halting only when they reached the ceiling. Everyone gazed upward, wondering what would happen next. Their anticipation was soon rewarded. The lines of light at the ceiling cascaded down from its four corners, each a different color, descending until they touched the strange patterns at the corresponding corners of the floor. At the moment of contact, another miracle occurred: the ceiling’s light and the floor’s patterns formed four connecting lines, and along these, even more lines began to spread throughout the classroom, as if to envelop everyone within.

As the lines multiplied, the transformation seemed to reach its climax. Soon, no new lines appeared. From outside, one would see an oval-shaped container encasing everyone, radiating waves of magical light, beautiful and mesmerizing.

Inside, however, the once brightly lit classroom seemed to plunge into night, darkness surrounding them except for a glowing orb overhead, like a lamp, preventing them from being completely blind. Uncertain of what had happened, everyone looked around, curiosity piqued by the utterly altered classroom.

Ye Junze was no exception. In his observation, their surroundings resembled an independent space, as if they were both inside and outside the classroom at once. Amazed by Sun Yu’s feat of creating another realm, Ye Junze couldn’t help but express his admiration.

“How was this achieved?” Ye Junze pondered.

Soon, he had an idea. “It must be connected to those patterns on the floor—could it be some kind of formation?”

Feeling close to the truth, Ye Junze decided to ask the teacher after class to confirm his suspicions.

While the crowd whispered and speculated, Sun Yu, silent for a long moment, finally spoke again.

“Alright, everyone, please quiet down. Any questions will be answered later. For now, let’s proceed to today’s main topic.”

At his words, the crowd instantly fell silent, turning their attention to him. Sun Yu, pleased by their response, smiled with satisfaction and continued, “It seems everyone is eager. Let’s waste no time and begin with the first magical technique of our Crafting Methods lesson.”

With anticipation in their eyes, Sun Yu began to demonstrate the spell he intended to teach.

...

While all this unfolded in the classroom, Yin Jia, unhurried and composed, arrived at a familiar house. On closer inspection, it was much like the one Li Xi had visited before. Yin Jia paused at the door, took a deep breath, and knocked gently, then stood respectfully, waiting.

A voice from inside responded, “Who is it?”

Yin Jia answered respectfully, “Uncle Liu, it’s me, Yin Jia.”

Inside, a man who had just brewed tea and was about to savor it set down his cup upon hearing her reply and said, “Ah, it’s Jia. Come in.” With that, the door opened.

Yin Jia entered without hesitation. As soon as her feet crossed the threshold, the door closed behind her with a resounding thud.

She approached and greeted, “Hello, Uncle Liu.”

The man addressed as Uncle Liu looked up at her, revealing the face of the man whom Li Xi had earlier called Director.

Upon seeing Yin Jia, he said with a hint of annoyance, “Girl, how long has it been since you visited your uncle? I suppose you’ve forgotten you even have an uncle.”

Yin Jia hurried forward, smiling ingratiatingly. “Uncle Liu, that’s not true at all. I’d never forget you, no matter what.”

“Oh? Then tell me, you ungrateful girl, why haven’t you come to visit me for so long?” Director Liu’s tone softened slightly.

“It’s just that the new semester has started, and school has been busy. Preparing lessons, teaching classes... As soon as I had time, I came straight to see you.” As she spoke, Yin Jia moved behind him to knead his shoulders. “Uncle, your shoulders are so stiff. Let me massage them for you. I’ve told you not to overwork yourself, but you never listen.”

Director Liu enjoyed her attentions, visibly relaxing. “Well, at least you still have some conscience. Now, tell me, what brings you here today? I don’t believe you came just to visit this old man.”

Still massaging his shoulders, Yin Jia replied quickly, “You’re not old at all, Uncle. If anyone says you are, you tell me and I’ll teach them a lesson.”

“Alright, enough flattery. At least my affection for you hasn’t been wasted.” Though he protested, Director Liu’s satisfied smile betrayed his pleasure.

Yin Jia noticed but did not call him out, merely smiling.

“Come now, tell me why you’re here today.” Director Liu gestured for her to stop, prompting her to speak.

Yin Jia ceased her massage and said sincerely, “Uncle, nothing gets past you. You’re as wise and clever as ever.”

“Enough, enough, or this old man will lose his bearings. Sit down, it’s no good standing all this time.” Director Liu motioned her to take a seat.

Yin Jia obediently sat on a nearby chair.

Director Liu poured her a cup of tea from the pot and handed it to her. “Freshly brewed, try it.”

Yin Jia took the cup, sipped lightly, and praised, “Excellent tea, Uncle. Your mastery of the tea ceremony grows ever more distinguished.”

Director Liu, pleased by her compliment, smiled. “Glad you appreciate it. This is Qimen Spring Tea, recently acquired—truly exquisite.”

“I know, Uncle, you’re the best.” Yin Jia laughed.

“Go on, you little rascal, always teasing me. Now, let’s get to the real reason you’re here. I know you wouldn’t come for nothing.” Director Liu waved his hand dismissively.

“Alright, Uncle, I wanted to discuss yesterday’s Daoist Insight class in the Department of Daoist Methods.”

“Speak, I’m listening,” Director Liu nodded.