Chapter 10, to the academy

Not far along, Baiyun Tower could see a carriage in the distance also leaving the city, trailing behind the carriage of Baiyun Tower.

The girl with the surname Xia opened the paper bag in her hand, revealing a bag of steamed buns. She said, "I bought some buns for Brother Bai as breakfast, please don't mind. Additionally, I heard from Uncle Li that Brother Bai is also heading to Xinlu Academy. I wonder if I could get a ride with you. Rest assured, Brother Bai, I will cover all your meals for the next few days."

At Baiyun Tower after finishing the buns: "Yes, fortunately, I am also a good person, and the buns have been finished. Have you packed your luggage? Let's set off early today."

The young girl suddenly lowered her voice mysteriously and said, "In fact, these subjects are nothing; what is truly impressive is the inner courtyard of the academy. It is said that the inner courtyard is hidden in the back mountain of the academy, and ordinary people cannot even find the entrance to the inner courtyard."

The young girl with the surname Xia suddenly lost her interest in conversation and borrowed a miscellaneous notes book from Baiyun Tower to read

Baiyun Tower was also unconcerned, admiring the beautiful scenery on both sides of the official road under the morning sun, a vast expanse of farmland, lush green seedlings, tranquil villages in the distance, curling smoke from cooking fires, and a faint mist.

The ancient and towering mountain gate features a blue stone plaque inscribed with the four large characters "Xinlu Academy". On either side, the stone pillars are engraved with the lines "With aspirations as lofty as the clouds, no height is insurmountable."

Uncle Li saw the Baiyun Building returning to the inn and pointed in the direction of the guest rooms, saying: "Young Master, it seems that Young Master Xia was looking for you yesterday and has been waiting at the door of the guest room since early this morning"

This person is quite something, unable to avoid it at all, hitching a ride and even covering the meals, and the money for these meals was just exchanged from my own pocket yesterday

However, Baiyun Tower vaguely sensed that there were fluctuations of divine consciousness within that carriage, along with a faint pressure of authority

Baiyun Tower smiled and said: "Rest assured, I will not speak more than necessary"

The academy holds its sessions once every three years, and it is not guaranteed that one can complete several courses within this period. It is said that in the past decade, the most outstanding senior completed six courses in three years, three of which were at the highest level.

The master does not allow me to speak with outsiders, but in any case, my martial arts skills are quite high. However, I have not encountered a single one of the rumored thieves. On several occasions, I have lost my silver pouches, yet there are always kind-hearted individuals who return them to me. It seems that this world of martial arts is not as treacherous as it is said to be; there are still many good people around.

This time it was the turn of the girl with the surname Xia to stay behind, and she thought it would take a lot of persuasion, but unexpectedly it went so smoothly, and she immediately smiled with her eyes narrowed in joy

Baiyun Tower was momentarily taken aback, secretly pondering that the world of martial arts this young girl traversed was not the same as the one his father had navigated for over ten years. There was something suspicious about this matter

Baiyun Tower looked at the mountain gate and couldn't help but exclaim, then patted the wall of the carriage: "Young Master Xia, we have arrived, don't sleep anymore"

The carriage slowly passed through the county town, the Bamboo Curtain hanging from the White Cloud Tower, leaning against the carriage, watching the bustling market with people coming and going, remaining silent for a long while

The young girl continued, "If I were to speak of the most unfortunate thing, it would be that I have spent all my money this time, and I have no funds to buy steamed buns. I even tried to exchange my precious golden crystal for them, only to be chased down half the street over this matter, which you, Brother Bai, also witnessed."

Baiyun Corridor: "I will go take a look, it is likely a farewell visit. Uncle Li, let's set off early today."

The young girl with the surname Xia suddenly thought of something and hurriedly said: "Brother Bai, please do not disclose matters of the inner courtyard."

Having tidied up, I arrived at the inn's entrance, where Uncle Li had already brought the carriage to wait. As the curtain of the carriage was lifted, the young girl with the surname Xia surprisingly arrived first. Bai Yunlou did not hesitate, jumped onto the carriage, and instructed to set off.

However, the inner courtyard is too mysterious, and I do not know the specific situation. My father said that I should be able to enter the inner courtyard, and I have long yearned for it, which is why I traveled a long distance to come here

Once the horse-drawn carriage left the county town and entered the official road, the number of pedestrians gradually decreased, and the passing carriages became even fewer.

Baiyun Tower could not help but nod repeatedly: "It is indeed quite tragic"

The young girl said: "Fortunately, I have encountered you, Brother Bai, again. You are also a truly good person"

However, Baiyun Tower casually thought about it, picked up a steaming bun and started eating, saying: "As long as there is food, there is no problem"

Baiyun Tower's hand had already touched the bun, and upon hearing the latter part of the conversation, he was taken aback, thinking to himself that he deliberately refrained from mentioning companions, as he wished to travel alone, after all, there are many inconveniences when men and women travel together

After a bumpy ride in the morning, the young girl with the surname Xia could not help but lean against the carriage and fall asleep. When she groggily woke up, she saw the mountain gate of the academy and immediately smiled with her eyes narrowing in delight. After all the hustle and bustle, she had finally arrived at the academy

Baiyun Tower glanced at the distant carriage still trailing behind, smiled, leaned against the carriage, and leisurely enjoyed the scenery

If we are going to hitch a ride, then so be it; at least this journey will not be boring

The young girl with the surname Xia saw the Baiyun Building and hurriedly approached, saying: "Brother Bai, I have something to discuss with you. May we talk in your room?"

The young girl with the surname Xia said: "In terms of subjects, there are music, chess, calligraphy, painting, equestrian skills, martial arts, astronomy, and various extraordinary techniques, as well as poetry, literature, mathematics, and classics. However, one can only enroll in two subjects at a time, and one must complete a subject before taking on a new one. Only with the approval of the subject instructor can one conclude a course.

The young girl with the surname Xia quickly got up and returned to her room to pack her belongings. Bai Yunlou watched the girl’s lively figure as she left, contemplating their earlier conversation. The girl claimed to possess exceptional martial arts skills, which might indicate that she is not merely skilled in martial arts.

Baiyun Tower entered the inn, and after walking a short distance, he indeed saw a young girl with the surname Xia standing at the door of a guest room, holding a paper bag. She had changed into a light blue robe, with a satin ribbon cinching her waist, looking less disheveled than the day before and exuding a bit more vigor.

It is as if I have glimpsed a new, incredibly vivid and vibrant world, where all living beings possess a rhythmic breath, gently resonating with the spirit of the White Cloud Tower

The young girl with the surname Xia responded with renewed spirit, saying: "Xinlu Academy advocates for academic freedom, offering a wide variety of subjects; one can study whatever is interesting."

Having already established that the other party is a woman, it would not be appropriate to use the Heavenly Eye to spy on her. This young lady's identity is likely not simple; she exudes an aura of wealth and might even have skilled individuals secretly following and protecting her

Baiyun Tower expressed in surprise: "There is actually a mysterious inner courtyard. I wonder what the rules for entering the inner courtyard are. If given the opportunity, it would be worth exploring."

Baiyun Tower inquired: "There are many subjects? What subjects are there?"

Baiyun Tower slightly raised the corners of its mouth in a smile, and as expected, the rivers and lakes remain the same as ever

Arriving at the inn at dusk, setting out at dawn, in the blink of an eye, three days had passed. On this day, around noon, I finally reached the gate of the academy.

The Baiyun Tower activates the Heavenly Eye, but perhaps due to the considerable distance, there appears to be no unusual sight.

By the side of Baiyun Tower, while eating steamed buns, I inquired: "I see that Young Master Xia is traveling alone for several hundred miles, which must not be easy. I wonder if you have encountered any troubles along the way?"

After achieving a small success in the Heavenly Eye, there is no need to exert supernatural powers; one's vision has already transformed significantly. The feathers of flying birds and the dewdrops on the seedlings are clearly visible.

After a moment, Bai Yunlou regained his composure and asked the young lady with the surname Xia: "Young Master Xia, what knowledge do you seek at Xinlu Academy?"

The Baiyun Tower is perfectly fine, so I opened the door and let the young lady of the Xia family in. She came to the table, sat down, and said: "Young Master Xia, please feel free to speak about any matters."

The young girl with the surname Xia recalled: "There haven't been many troublesome matters. Before this trip, I consulted with my three masters. In preparation for this journey through the martial world, I have made many preparations, and my masters also taught me..."