Luring the Snake Out of Its Hole

Class 3, Preliminary Exam.

This was Su Yu's class. Su Yu hadn't attended class much these past few days, but of course, no one paid it much mind.

With the higher academy assessments drawing near, everyone was pressed for time. Who had the leisure to care if someone else attended class or not?

Moreover, Su Yu wasn't the only one with a special situation.

A student in the class who was at the fourth level of the Kaiyuan realm also hadn't come to school for a long time. At this point, adjusting one's mindset was more important.

Su Yu arrived and sat down in his seat, not rushing to find Liu Wenyan.

It was too early. At this hour, Tutor Liu was probably still reading. The old man had a habit of waking up early to read.

Chen Hao sat down next to Su Yu. They were desk mates. The teachers didn't have any seating arrangements; students could sit wherever they pleased.

Not long after he sat down, a plump woman in her thirties walked in, holding a book.

She glanced down at the students, not bothering to count who was present or absent. The female teacher opened her book and began, "The higher academy assessments are not far off. We won't be reviewing the basic courses. Today, I'll briefly discuss your future career path options after graduation."

"I won't talk about the four major academies; you all know about those."

"Let's talk about what to do if you don't get into the Internal Affairs Academy, or if you get in but are unwilling to attend. How should you make your choice?"

The female teacher smiled as she looked at everyone. "This is a magical era where the ordinary and the extraordinary coexist. Some students are unwilling to live an ordinary life and hope to walk the path of the extraordinary."

"So, if you can't get into the War Academy, is there no hope?"

"No, there is!"

As soon as the female teacher said this, even though the students had heard some of it before, they became somewhat excited. Hearing about it was one thing, but hearing it from the teacher's mouth was more trustworthy.

"The first path, and arguably the most dangerous, is to join the army!"

The female teacher looked at everyone, her smile fading, and said with a hint of seriousness, "I believe you all know this. Joining the army is the easiest way for ordinary people to come into contact with the extraordinary. If you kill enemies in the army, those are merits. Many of your relatives are soldiers, so you all understand this."

"I believe you are also aware of the dangers. The number of soldiers who die in battle each year reaches six figures!"

"However, I'm not here today to talk about the dangers, but to tell you that even within the army, there are different choices."

As she spoke, the female teacher looked at Chen Hao, who was beaming with excitement, and smiled, "Chen Hao, tell me, what are the main armed forces of the Great Xia Prefecture?"

Chen Hao excitedly stood up and quickly replied, "First is the Dragon Martial Guard, the strongest army in the Great Xia Prefecture!"

"Second is the Great Xia Prefecture Army, responsible for guarding the Great Xia Prefecture and maintaining its peace."

"Third is Jifeng Hall, responsible for pursuing members of the Ten Thousand Races Cult and maintaining social order."

"Fourth are the city guards of each city, responsible for the defense of their respective cities."

"These four major armed organizations, when the front lines are in turmoil, will, with the exception of Jifeng Hall, enter the Battlefields of the Heavens to support the front lines. They all count as reserve forces for the front lines."

The female teacher smiled. "What you said is not entirely wrong, but it's not comprehensive. The Dragon Martial Guard is not a reserve force. The Dragon Martial Guard does not go to the Battlefields of the Heavens, not due to a lack of strength, but simply because the front lines do not currently require their reinforcement."

"In fact, besides the four types of armed forces you mentioned, there are two more."

Chen Hao looked curious. The female teacher smiled, "The fifth type, front-line legions. In fact, some of them are stationed in the Great Xia Prefecture, though it's difficult to encounter them. They are also responsible for receiving new recruits."

"The sixth type, retired legions. You all know this. In fact, many people are veterans who have retired from the front lines or various organizations. This is also a powerful armed force."

The female teacher hesitated slightly before continuing, "Actually, there is a seventh type of force!"

Everyone was puzzled. There was another one?

"Yes, the seventh is the guard teams of the various major academies!"

"Don't underestimate the guard teams of the major academies. Take Nanyuan Middle Academy, for example. It's just a middle academy, but you should all know about the school's security department. Director Huang is also a powerful expert at the ninth level of the Qianjun realm."

"And this is just Nanyuan. In the Great Xia Prefecture, the armed forces of the guard teams are very powerful. In fact, it's not uncommon to see experts at the Wanshi or even Soaring realms. Coupled with some instructors and students from the War Academy, the academy's strength is actually extremely formidable, even surpassing that of the prefecture army, though not as strong as the Dragon Martial Guard."

The female teacher explained briefly, and everyone understood. They had overlooked this point.

"So, what I want to tell you today is that even if you can't get into an academy, you don't need to worry about your future. There are many ways to come into contact with extraordinary power, but..."

"Danger and opportunity coexist!"

"If you don't study as well as others, and you don't cultivate as well as others, then if you want to achieve something, you need to pay a greater price, such as... with your life!"

The teacher said sternly, "Students who want to walk the path of the extraordinary, and who cannot get into the War Academy, can consider joining the army. The front lines are the most dangerous, but also offer the greatest opportunities. Next is the prefecture army. You definitely won't be able to join the Dragon Martial Guard. The prefecture army recruits soldiers every year, and it is relatively much safer than the front lines."

"Besides the prefecture army, Jifeng Hall has also established an academy, the Jifeng Academy, but it's not well-known. Moreover, Jifeng Academy is relatively rudimentary. It's very likely that you'll be arranged to graduate and be assigned to various cities for internships as soon as you break through to the Qianjun realm, essentially getting practical combat experience in advance."

"..."

The teacher said a lot, mainly focusing on joining the army.

Finally, the female teacher changed the topic. "Actually, if you can't get into the War Academy and are worried about the intense competition in the prefecture army, you can completely try joining the city guards. The assessment for the city guards is relatively simpler, and their training institutions are also more complete."

"Although Nanyuan City is not large, the strength of its city guards is not weak. Right now, everyone is flocking to the Great Xia Prefecture, but the Great Xia Prefecture is thousands of miles away from Nanyuan, a long way from home. Why not try your luck with the city guards right under your noses?"

"The current Commander Zhang of the city guards is also a powerful expert at the ninth level of the Wanshi realm. He places great importance on the reserve forces of the city guards and often personally guides new recruits. He pays special attention to promising talents, and the City Lord also highly values the city guards..."

"..."

Hearing this, except for a few people, most understood. This was another salesperson.

The crowd didn't mind; they were used to it.

As graduation approached, various places needed to expand their reserve forces. Although Nanyuan City was small, the City Lord also wanted to build the City Guard into an elite force.

Being close to the water, one gets the moon first. Every year, quite a few people from Nanyuan City indeed joined the City Guard.

Even if the students from Nanyuan Middle Academy couldn't get into the War Academy, some students at the third level of Kaiyuan still had good talent. With some cultivation, reaching the Wanshi Realm was not impossible.

"Everyone, think carefully and don't rush to make a decision..."

The female teacher didn't mind the commotion below. After talking for a while, she let everyone discuss freely and soon walked over to Su Yu and the others.

She wasn't approaching Su Yu, but Chen Hao.

"Chen Hao, you are at the third level of Kaiyuan. Although you have a chance to get into the War Academy, the opportunity is very slim. If you don't pass the assessment, consider the City Guard. Your father also works in Nanyuan, and new recruits in the City Guard can go home for three days a month. This is also a good opportunity..."

Chen Hao's face fell. Why would she say that? I can get in.

I don't want to go to the City Guard!

Why didn't she try to persuade Su Yu?

Does she look down on me!

Seeing his expression, the female teacher couldn't help but smile, "What, you still look down on the City Guard?"

"No... I still want to try. I'll talk about it if I don't get in."

Chen Hao was extremely dejected. He would really talk about it if he didn't get in.

The female teacher didn't mind and soon looked at Su Yu, smiling, "Su Yu, you are a promising seedling for the Civilization Academy. Instructor Liu has already spoken to me, so I shouldn't be persuading you. However, if you don't want to go, you can actually consider it."

"The City Lord is paying more and more attention to the City Guard, and you are a good seedling. If you join the City Guard, you won't be assigned any menial tasks. There's a confidential department in the City Lord's mansion, and you can intern there. This is also a very rare opportunity."

Su Yu thought for a moment and said, "Does the City Guard have many opportunities to go to the Battlefields of the Heavens?"

"Very few."

The teacher thought he was worried and quickly replied.

Su Yu nodded and smiled, "I understand, thank you, teacher. I will consider it."

Considering it meant rejecting it. It was a joke, he wouldn't go.

If it were in the past, it would have been hard to say.

If his father were still home, and Nanyuan City really offered some good conditions, it wouldn't be impossible for him to stay in Nanyuan.

He knew about the confidential department. It was a very important institution in Nanyuan, very safe, and the benefits were also very good.

But now that his father had run off, why would he stay in Nanyuan?

Moreover, by staying in Nanyuan, could he obtain the essential blood he needed?

Thinking of essential blood, Su Yu thought of a question and suddenly said, "Teacher, do you think the War Academy has more essential blood, or the Civilization Academy?"

The female teacher was stunned for a moment and quickly replied, "Of course, the War Academy..."

"I mean the variety. As a research institution, does the Civilization Academy have more types of essential blood than the War Academy?"

"This... probably, right?"

The teacher wasn't too sure. She really didn't know, but she still said, "In terms of variety, the Civilization Academy should have more. At least the samples are more than the War Academy. Some essential blood captured from the Battlefields of the Heavens that cannot be used is provided to the Civilization Academy for samples. The War Academy has a larger quantity, such as essential blood that is helpful for cultivation, the quantity is definitely unimaginably large."

Su Yu nodded slightly. He had thought about this before, but he wasn't sure. Now that the teacher said so, he was more confident.

Quantity was important, but variety was more important.

If there weren't many varieties, how could he continue to unlock pages?

If he didn't know the language, even if he opened it, he wouldn't understand. Would he have to ask others what it meant?

"It seems... I still have to apply to the Civilization Academy!"

Just as Su Yu was thinking, someone outside called out, "Su Yu, go to the instructor's office. Instructor Liu is looking for you."

"Got it!"

Su Yu responded, greeted the teacher, and quickly ran towards the instructor's office.

When he arrived at the instructor's office, Su Yu was not the only one there.

Su Yu saw a few familiar faces. Not too familiar, but he knew most of their names.

There were geniuses at the fourth level of Kaiyuan, and there were also geniuses who mastered multiple Myriad Races languages.

Liu Yue was among them.

And at the instructor's office, it wasn't just Liu Wenyan. The Academy Head was there, along with several instructors at the ninth level of Qianjun, whose strength was top-notch in Nanyuan Middle Academy.

After Su Yu arrived, a few more students arrived one after another.

About seven or eight minutes later, when everyone had arrived, the Academy Head smiled and said, "You 25 people are the hope of our Nanyuan Middle Academy this year. You will either go to the Civilization Academy or the War Academy. The Research Academy recruits very few people from us each year."

The Academy Head was a martial artist, while Liu Wenyan was a scholar. But at this moment, the scholar suddenly interrupted, "Stop wasting time with so much nonsense and get straight to the point! There's no time to waste!"

The Academy Head felt awkward. Didn't this old fellow see that the students were all here?

He was going too far. He really wanted to break this old guy's legs.

The other instructors chuckled, but when the Academy Head glared, everyone immediately quieted down.

The Academy Head then said directly, "Great Xia Prefecture hasn't been peaceful lately. Those Ten Thousand Races Cult members are causing trouble everywhere. While they haven't gained much traction, Nanyuan is just a small city, and it doesn't have enough defense forces here."

"So, the academy's decision is for all of you to go to Great Xia Prefecture in advance. It's safer there."

"Other small cities have already experienced geniuses being attacked. The Ten Thousand Races Cult is creating chaos..."

Su Yu didn't speak, but someone in the crowd quickly asked, "Go to Great Xia Prefecture... what about the assessment..."

"The assessment will be the same in Great Xia Prefecture, and the chances there are even better. Great Xia Prefecture has more spots available. You're considered special approvals, recommended by the academy. Just wait for the assessment when you get to Great Xia Prefecture."

"How long will that take?"

A female student said regretfully, "The assessment is still more than two months away. Do we have to stay in Great Xia Prefecture the whole time?"

"Not necessarily. If those Ten Thousand Races Cult beasts are eradicated and all killed, you can return anytime."

The Academy Head said with some anger, "The key is that these rats are causing chaos everywhere. Our Nanyuan City is small, and we don't have enough power to protect you. It's better to be safe than sorry. If they target you, there are too many opportunities for them to make a move."

"On the road, at home, or even within the academy, we might not be able to protect you."

"Instead of dividing our forces, it's better to send you away together. In fact, if you leave, your families and classmates will be safer, because... in the eyes of the Ten Thousand Races Cult, others have no value worth risking for. Do you all understand what I mean?"

Everyone nodded. They weren't fools and naturally understood the Academy Head's meaning.

Those Ten Thousand Races Cult members wouldn't act without benefit. Killing a few ordinary people was meaningless and dangerous.

But killing a few geniuses was different. Within their ranks, human geniuses were clearly priced.

If successful, the rewards would be considerable.

Of course, the people from Nanyuan weren't considered true prodigies, but Nanyuan's defenses were lax, and its military preparedness was insufficient. Cases of attacks on geniuses in small cities were not uncommon.

Seeing that everyone understood, the Academy Head continued, "So, everyone make preparations. Those willing to leave, come to the academy in three days. The City Guard will send people to escort you to Great Xia Prefecture. Once you arrive, all expenses will be covered by the academy, so you don't have to worry too much."

Liu Wenyan, who hadn't spoken before, said calmly at this moment, "It's best if everyone can go to Great Xia Prefecture. It's been a bit restless lately... In the past few days, the Ten Thousand Races Cult has become active again, attacking geniuses, intercepting merchant caravans, and even committing some bloody crimes outside the city... Although they haven't reached Nanyuan yet."

"But something feels off!"

Liu Wenyan said softly, "You're all not children anymore. You should be able to make some judgment in this situation. The real goal isn't what's apparent, or rather, it's a diversion."

"The ones being killed now, the ones showing themselves, are all minor figures from the Ten Thousand Races Cult. Many are fanatics from the Bloodfire Faction. These fanatics are brainwashed idiots who don't know life or death; they're just cannon fodder for the Ten Thousand Races Cult."

"The real big players haven't shown themselves yet. They're creating chaos to attract the attention of the Dragon Martial Guard and tie up the forces of the Dragon Martial Guard and the various city guards..."

Su Yu couldn't help but ask, "Teacher, doesn't Great Xia Prefecture know about this?"

"Of course, they know!"

Liu Wenyan smiled. "Great Xia Prefecture is full of talented people, how could they not know? But even if they know, can the Dragon Martial Guard not mobilize? The garrison needs to be stationed and cannot move lightly. Among the mobile forces, the Dragon Martial Guard is the strongest, so they have to move."

"Jifeng Hall is also swamped right now, with too many places needing defense because you don't know where the Ten Thousand Races Cult's target truly is."

"Those in the shadows can act with impunity and attack at will. So, even if Great Xia Prefecture can instantly destroy them, if they can't find these miscellaneous fish, they can't deliver a decisive blow."

Liu Wenyan continued, "Therefore, the immediate priority is to reduce the potential attack points and send you away together, so we can have more strength to eliminate those guys."

Everyone understood. So that's how it was.

One student angrily said, "Those beasts! Once I graduate from the War Academy, I'll kill every single one of them!"

The instructors all smiled and said nothing. Everyone had thought about this, but the problem was that those guys were too hard to find, and many were deeply hidden.

"Then everyone go back and think about it. Those who want to leave in three days, come to the academy. The City Guard will escort you away."

"Understood."

Everyone responded, agreeing. Under the current circumstances, it seemed unavoidable to leave.

Leaving would actually reduce some of the burden on Nanyuan, and everyone understood this in their hearts.

After the others left, Su Yu did not leave.

He had come this time to find Liu Wenyan and learn a few more Myriad Races languages, including Liyu. He had dreamed of this race before, and Su Yu hadn't had any more dreams these past few days.

Liyu language was very niche. Su Yu hadn't learned it before and didn't know if Liu Wenyan knew it.

As for going to Great Xia Prefecture, Su Yu didn't have any particular reaction. His family was just him anyway, so it didn't matter where he went.

The other instructors, including the Academy Head, left one after another. In the end, only Su Yu and Liu Wenyan remained.

Hearing Su Yu ask about the Liyu racial language, Liu Wenyan smiled and said, "Liyu are rarely seen on the Battlefields of the Heavens. Most of them stay in the Dishan Realm. Their language has a small audience, and their written language is even rarer. At least, humans haven't captured much of it. I haven't mastered it, but there are definitely people who have mastered it in Great Xia Prefecture..."

Su Yu wasn't disappointed. Seeing that his teacher didn't know, he was about to leave. Liu Wenyan saw him about to go and thought for a moment, "Your father went to the Battlefields of the Heavens. Are you home alone?"

"Yes."

"Then be careful at home..."

Su Yu turned his head. Had the situation deteriorated to this extent?

"There are arrangements on the streets, and the academy also has arrangements. Other families have Qianjun Realm experts in their homes, more or less. So, their safety isn't too much of a concern. You alone... are a bit more dangerous."

Liu Wenyan hesitated for a moment, then quickly said, "Actually... I don't quite agree..."

"Instructor Liu!"

Outside, clanging sounds could be heard.

Liu Wenyan's expression remained unchanged as he continued, "His father is a veteran of the Demon Suppression Army. Surely, even he is trustworthy?"

"Anything is possible. Su Long has been retired for a full eighteen years!"

"Then arrange for people to protect him. Otherwise, I won't be at ease."

"We cannot spare forces to protect individuals right now!"

Liu Wenyan frowned, displeased. "You Dragon Martial Guards execute military orders, and I have no right to question that, but... I believe Su Yu is fine. Of course, if you're still worried, Su Yu will stay with me for the next few days. Otherwise, sending him home would be irresponsible."

"..."

The person outside hesitated, as if making a decision.

Meanwhile, Su Yu was a bit bewildered. What did that mean?

Of course, he didn't interject at this moment.

Were those people from the Dragon Martial Guard outside?

He hadn't seen anyone else outside before coming here.

"Alright!"

A moment later, a voice came from outside, and then silence.

Liu Wenyan then looked at the silent Su Yu and chuckled, "The Ten Thousand Races Cult members are deeply entrenched. We suspect they have ulterior motives for causing recent chaos, so... we cannot passively wait. We must take the initiative!"

"But we're not sure if the academy or even the city guard has been infiltrated. Someone is lurking in the shadows, so... we need an opportunity at this time."

"An opportunity?"

Su Yu vaguely understood, feeling like he grasped some of it, but not entirely.

"Yes, an opportunity!"

"Nanyuan is just a small city with nothing important. Its value isn't great. If we're talking about value, it's probably this Nanyuan Middle Academy! Or the City Lord's Mansion, but the City Lord's Mansion has the city guard, so it's much safer than our side."

"We're not sure if the enemy has come to Nanyuan, but to be safe and turn passivity into action, we've decided to lure the snake out of its hole."

"You... are bait, in a way, but not entirely."

Liu Wenyan sighed lightly. "If there are Ten Thousand Races Cult members in Nanyuan and they are plotting something, sending you away will present them with several choices."

"First, they might act preemptively and kill you."

"Second, they might attack you en route. But with the city guard present, killing them would require a large number of people, and there would definitely be reinforcements from the Great Xia Prefecture army along the way."

"Third, they might wait for you to leave and take some of the city guard with them, weakening Nanyuan's forces before making their move."

"Fourth, they might abandon Nanyuan. Because if you leave, we can concentrate more forces on defense, and they'll have little opportunity."

Su Yu frowned and thought for a moment. "So, Teacher, you mean if their target is truly us, they might choose to act preemptively now?"

"Exactly. They will reveal themselves."

"Then what if it's not us..."

"Then you will leave Nanyuan. The Great Xia Prefecture is indeed safer. In a month or two, the Dragon Martial Guard can eradicate them."

Liu Wenyan said seriously, "So you are the bait to lure the snake out of its hole, but not many people know about it, because... we're not sure if there are their spies around."

"Then will we be very dangerous?"

"Most people won't be. It's hard to say for you, because you have no one at home."

Liu Wenyan said, "That's why I'm informing you, in case you're completely unprepared and encounter an attack. You can stay with me for the next two days. If nothing happens in three days, we'll send you away."

Su Yu thought about it and didn't say anything.

Nanyuan's intention was to be prepared for the worst and send them away early. If nothing happened, that would be best. If something did happen, they could take the initiative.

As for danger... having arrangements was safer than not having them.

If the Ten Thousand Races Cult had truly targeted them, and now Nanyuan had made arrangements, they would actually be safer.

Su Yu could understand and said with a smile, "Don't worry, Teacher, I understand. But is the Ten Thousand Races Cult really that deeply infiltrated?"

"Yes!"

Liu Wenyan sighed. "Otherwise, why would they be called rats in the gutter? They just know how to hide too well. It's best if Nanyuan remains peaceful. If something happens, we can only prepare thoroughly."

"You'll stay with me for these two days. The reason will be to study new Ten Thousand Races languages."

"Okay!" Su Yu didn't mind where he stayed, but he was a bit curious. "Teacher, don't you possess the power of will? Can't you tell if there are any lurking Ten Thousand Races Cult members?"

Liu Wenyan smiled enigmatically.

Do you think I can or not?

It's fine for dealing with rookies like you. But adults? Everyone has complex thoughts. Who would expose their intentions so clearly, especially those Ten Thousand Races Cult members? They all hide deeply. Those who weren't afraid of death are already dead.