The Legend of Futian Chapter 5 - Feng Qingxue’s Decision

More than twenty days had slipped by in an instant. Two figures emerged from the secluded back mountains, making their way back toward Qingzhou Academy.

Ye Futian’s physical form had undergone a striking transformation. A newfound vitality sparked in his eyes, and his build appeared more robust than ever. Stepping onto the academy's stone-paved paths, he felt as though he were in a trance, as if an eternity had passed since he last walked these grounds.

“That little brat finally showed his face after hiding for so long.”

“He probably realized he couldn't hide forever; there are only eight days left until the Fall Quarter Examinations.”

Murmurs erupted among the students as they caught sight of Ye Futian. News of the incident during Qin Yi’s lecture nearly three weeks ago had long since circulated. This "notorious failure," who hadn't advanced a single level in three years, had dared to disrespect the academy goddess, Senior Sister Qin, only to immediately turn around and pursue Feng Qingxue. Ye Futian was currently the most talked-about person in the academy.

“It seems people are itching for trouble.” Ye Futian’s senses had become remarkably sharp; even the softest whispers reached his ears clearly.

“How does that make you feel?” Yu Sheng looked at him with a hint of mockery. Both Qin Yi and Feng Qingxue were stunning beauties who commanded immense popularity at Qingzhou Academy. Their admirers were legion, particularly for Qin Yi, whose seventeen-year-old grace and figure could enchant any man. By flirting with both in a single day, Ye Futian had effectively provoked a massive crowd.

“It’s no big deal. I know you’ll protect me,” Ye Futian said with a casual shrug.

“Shouldn't you be capable of handling this yourself by now?” Yu Sheng asked, sounding puzzled. Ye Futian was already on the verge of reaching the Juggernaut Plane; his current strength could likely overwhelm someone at the sixth Awakening Plane, the Invincible level.

“I need to maintain a low profile.” Ye Futian strolled away with an air of arrogance, his hands clasped behind his back. Yu Sheng stared at his back, utterly at a loss for words. Was this truly the same person who had loudly proclaimed himself a Mandate Sorcerer to everyone while still stuck on the first plane? Now that he actually possessed that power, he wanted to stay hidden? The contradiction was baffling.

Before long, the pair reached the dormitory they shared. Just as they arrived, they noticed several groups converging on their location. Two distinct parties met on the path, eyeing each other with hostility as if ready to brawl. However, they momentarily set aside their rivalry, merging into a single large crowd as they approached Ye Futian’s door.

“It’s the Society of Knights from the School of Martial Arts and the representatives from the School of Divination Arts,” a spectator noted. A large audience had followed Ye Futian and Yu Sheng. These visitors were all official disciples of Qingzhou Academy, and it was clear their presence wasn't merely about petty jealousy over two girls; the situation was far more significant.

The School of Martial Arts at Qingzhou Academy was divided into the Battle House, the House of Swordsmen, and the Society of Knights. Meanwhile, the School of Divination Arts was comprised of the seven Great Elemental Pavilions. One group, clad in silver, represented the Society of Knights—the place where the elite knights were trained.

The second group arrived wearing gold, the two metallic uniforms reflecting the sunlight. These individuals hailed from the Metal Pavilion.

“That’s Senior Brother Mo Lanshan, a three-star Glory Knight, and Senior Brother Han Ye, a two-star Glory Sorcerer of the Metal Element. To see them both here at once is incredible,” someone remarked, identifying the leaders. Their goal was now obvious to everyone watching.

What a prestigious sight!

With both schools present, it was impossible for them to be interested in Ye Futian.

Inside the dorm area, Ye Futian stood to the side, watching Yu Sheng face the two groups. A faint smile touched his lips. Though Yu Sheng usually stayed in his shadow, his brilliance was undeniable. Ye Futian believed his friend’s future was limitless, a conviction Yu Sheng had always held for him in return.

Senior Sister Qin had mentioned before that Yu Sheng would be granted an exemption from the next Spring Quarter Examinations, allowing him to choose between the School of Martial Arts or the School of Divination Arts. Ye Futian had suspected the academy leadership might try to recruit him early rather than waiting for him to decide. It seemed his intuition was correct.

“You, leave the room,” Mo Lanshan commanded. Ye Futian knew exactly who he was talking to; he simply smiled and stepped outside without taking offense.

A massive crowd had formed outside the dormitory. Out of the thousands of outer sect disciples at Qingzhou Academy, only a tiny fraction were ever hand-picked to become official disciples. Such special treatment naturally sparked envy.

“Yu Sheng is about to become an official disciple while his friend is on the verge of being kicked out. What a joke.” Seeing Ye Futian standing alone, the onlookers didn't bother to hide their disdain. He was already disliked by many in the academy.

“The only reason he’s stayed this long is because of Yu Sheng. Without him, Ye Futian would have been expelled years ago.”

“I can’t wait to see his pathetic display during the Fall Quarter Examinations.” The surrounding students laughed at his expense.

“You should worry about your own results instead of me. It’ll be quite pathetic if you fail your exams,” Ye Futian retorted, leaning against the wall with a lazy posture.

“The nerve of him.”

“Just as arrogant as the rumors say.” People glared at him, whispering. Even though Yu Sheng followed Ye Futian everywhere, the former was becoming an official disciple first. Shouldn't Ye Futian feel humiliated?

Ye Futian shut his eyes, ignoring the noise. Soon, the Society of Knights filed out of the room. Their leader paused as he reached Ye Futian.

“I’ve been told that Yu Sheng’s father is a mere manager for your family clan,” Mo Lanshan said, not even glancing in Ye Futian's direction.

“That’s right.” Ye Futian nodded.

“People are often blinded by status early on; however, as time passes, they realize that individuals from different worlds aren't meant to walk together. The more prideful you are now, the more insignificant you will feel later. Those you once knew will ascend to heights so great that you won't even be able to see them, let alone touch them,” Mo Lanshan stated coldly before departing.

Mo Lanshan hadn't bothered to look at Ye Futian once; in his eyes, the boy was beneath notice.

Ye Futian watched him leave, feeling confused. He knew Yu Sheng wouldn't make a decision without consulting him, and Mo Lanshan likely realized that too. So why the sudden mockery? They were total strangers.

The contingent from the School of Divination Arts also began to exit. Han Ye watched Mo Lanshan walk away before turning his gaze toward Ye Futian. “You certainly have some nerve, playing around with a senior sister like that.”

“Uh…” Ye Futian was stunned. Had the rumors already reached the ears of the official disciples?

“Mo Lanshan belongs to the Society of Knights, and even though Qin Yi is in the House of Swordsmen, they are both part of the School of Martial Arts.” Han Ye left him with that cryptic explanation and walked off. Ye Futian pondered the words for a moment until it clicked. He finally understood why Mo Lanshan was so hostile toward him.

When Ye Futian walked back into the dorm, Yu Sheng looked like he wanted to explain himself.

“Don't let it bother you. How can they expect you to choose so suddenly? It’s an insult to your talent. Don't pick either one yet; when the Fall Quarter Examinations arrive, they’ll see exactly what kind of genius you are.” Yu Sheng was stunned by Ye Futian's words. Sensing that his friend didn't want to dwell on the drama, Yu Sheng simply nodded in agreement, despite his own thoughts on the matter.

Yu Sheng’s faith in Ye Futian was even stronger than the faith he had in himself.

……

Seven days remained until the Fall Quarter Examinations. Early that morning, the resonate sound of a bell echoed across the entire Qingzhou Academy grounds.

Students poured out of their dormitories, all moving toward a central location.

This was an annual tradition where the academy gathered all outer sect disciples to announce the details of the upcoming examinations. It also served as a time for preliminary inspections.

The outer sect gymnasium was massive, designed to hold tens of thousands of students. Despite the constant flow of people, the space remained vast and open.

The lecturers for the outer sect had already taken their places. Qin Yi was there, dressed in a form-fitting outfit that accentuated her curves, drawing the eyes of everyone nearby.

“He’s arrived.” The word spread through a small segment of the crowd. People began to stir, looking toward the entrance where two figures were walking in.

“I heard senior disciples from both schools tried to recruit Yu Sheng yesterday. That’s a level of respect few ever see. How does that loser have the balls to walk in front of someone like Yu Sheng?” The crowd watched the academy’s "infamous character" with annoyance. Yu Sheng was a rising star, but what was Ye Futian? A nobody.

Ye Futian was indifferent to the stares. No one else could truly grasp the bond he shared with Yu Sheng.

“Senior Sister Qin,” Ye Futian said, his eyes bright with a greeting. Seeing her beauty and grace, he finally understood why a Glory Knight like Mo Lanshan would bother being angry at him.

Qin Yi’s expression darkened the moment she saw him. “Where have you been hiding lately?”

“I was busy with my Cultivation, of course!” he answered. “I intend to keep the promise I made to you, so I’ve been giving it my all.”

He sounded sincere, which caused her expression to soften slightly. If he was actually pushing himself to improve and didn't fail too miserably in the exams, she might be able to convince the academy to let him stay a bit longer.

“Have you reached the Enhancement Plane yet?” Qin Yi questioned.

“Senior Sister, I have actually already entered the Juggernaut Plane,” he stated with total seriousness.

Her face immediately hardened again as she glared at him. She felt foolish for actually believing him for a second and considering helping him.

“Haha…!” Laughter broke out from the surrounding students. Ling Xiao stepped toward them, looking at Qin Yi while pointing at Ye Futian. “Senior Sister Qin, what are we supposed to do with a guy like this?”

“Time is running out, Ye Futian! If you want to keep your place in this academy, you need to work harder and at least reach the Enhancement Plane.” Qin Yi felt a wave of disappointment. Recalling his entrance talent assessment from three years ago, his current state felt like a tragic waste.

Ye Futian noticed her genuine concern, and a warm smile crossed his face. Even if she didn't believe his progress, he appreciated that she cared.

“Don’t worry, Senior Sister. I won’t disappoint you.” His smile carried a sense of inner pride, his handsome features illuminated by the morning sun.

Qin Yi felt a brief moment of warmth at his words, but it was quickly shattered when he added, “Just don’t forget the promise you made me, Senior Sister.”

“You…!” She stomped her foot in frustration and walked away. At only seventeen, she was ill-equipped to handle his teasing.

The onlookers were stunned. They looked at Ye Futian with a mix of rage and envy. As shameless as he was, they were jealous that he could interact so freely with Qin Yi.

“Why do you waste your energy on someone like him?” a male lecturer asked as he walked up to Qin Yi’s side.

She looked at him and replied, “He actually possesses great talent. I still don't understand why he couldn't move past the Collection Plane in three years. Perhaps a miracle will actually happen during this year's Fall Quarter Examinations.”

“I truly don't get why you have such faith in him.” The other lecturer shook his head, looking at Ye Futian with pure contempt.

Nearby, Ye Futian turned to Yu Sheng and asked, “Why is it that nobody believes me when I'm being honest?”

Yu Sheng remained silent. Who would actually believe that someone could jump from the Collection Plane to the Juggernaut Plane in less than a month?

“We’ll be official disciples by next Spring. Should we help Feng Qingxue out as well?” Ye Futian suggested.

Yu Sheng glanced toward Feng Qingxue and nodded. If she trained alongside Ye Futian, reaching the Mystery Plane by the Spring Quarter Examinations was a certainty.

Ye Futian spotted Feng Qingxue and began walking toward her. The crowd reluctantly parted to let him through, though mostly because Yu Sheng was looming behind him.

Before he could reach her, Murong Qing, Feng Qingxue’s close friend, stepped in to block his path.

“What do you want?” Murong Qing asked coldly.

“I’d like to have a word with Feng Qingxue.” Ye Futian offered a smile.

“I’m sure you would. You can say whatever it is from right there,” she snapped.

Ye Futian looked past Murong Qing, focusing on Feng Qingxue. “I really need to speak with you.”

“It doesn't matter if you say it from there.” Feng Qingxue replied, refusing to meet his gaze.

“Feng Qingxue, what is going on?” Ye Futian was genuinely baffled by her behavior.

“You don't get it? It means Qingxue wants nothing to do with you. Know your place,” Murong Qing interjected.

Ye Futian’s expression turned solemn as his gaze sharpened. Despite this, Feng Qingxue continued to look away.

“Never mind then.” His expression softened and he spoke quietly.

“Ye Futian wanted to invite you to train with us from now on,” Yu Sheng suddenly declared from the side, his eyes burning with intensity.

Ye Futian turned to Yu Sheng in surprise. His friend was usually quiet, but right now, Yu Sheng looked incredibly angry.

Feng Qingxue finally looked up, flinching when she saw the look in Yu Sheng’s eyes. “Yu Sheng,” she greeted him nervously.

The interaction drew the attention of the whole crowd. Ye Futian inviting Feng Qingxue to train? It was laughable. Was he delusional? However, because Yu Sheng was the one who spoke, no one dared to mock them openly.

“I know Feng Qingxue respects you, but do you honestly believe Ye Futian is a worthy training partner for her?” Murong Qing challenged Yu Sheng.

Yu Sheng ignored her entirely, keeping his eyes fixed on Feng Qingxue. “I want to hear your answer.”

Feng Qingxue’s hands trembled as she clenched her fists. She looked at Yu Sheng, then at Ye Futian, before shaking her head. “Yu Sheng, we aren't children anymore. I think it’s better if we keep our distance from each other.”

After the words left her mouth, she exhaled deeply. It felt as though a massive weight had been removed, leaving her feeling lighter. Yet, deep down, she realized she had just discarded something precious.

Ye Futian finally had his answer, even if it wasn't the one he wanted. He let out a bitter smile and shook his head. She really had grown up.