A moment later, everyone followed vice dean Hu Gan back to that quaint, elegant study.
Lin Qingtian and Liu Yu, who had lost earlier, were already waiting quietly in the room, both wearing somewhat complicated expressions.
"All right, you've all received your rewards."
Hu Gan stroked his snow-white beard, his gaze sweeping over them one by one. With a warm smile on his face, he said, "Rest well for the next two days. In two days, you'll be sent into the Inner Academy."
His fingers tapped lightly on the tabletop, making a dull sound as he warned, "Let me remind you: the Inner Academy isn't as gentle as the Outer Academy. Don't count on getting lucky."
"If you don't want to be bullied by those senior students... then you'll have to rely on your own ability."
At that moment, Lin Qingtian and Liu Yu exchanged a glance, then suddenly stepped forward and cupped their fists solemnly. "Vice dean, we're afraid we'll have to let down the academy's nurturing."
"Oh?" Hu Gan's brows furrowed slightly, a trace of surprise flashing through his eyes.
"Our clan has urgently summoned us and ordered the two of us to return to the Central Plains at once," Liu Yu continued, her tone carrying a touch of helplessness and unwillingness. "I'm afraid... we won't be able to continue cultivating in the Inner Academy."
The study fell silent for a moment.
Hu Gan pondered briefly, his gaze lingering on the two of them for a long while before he finally nodded slowly. "Since it's an order from your main clan in the Central Plains, this old man can't very well force you to stay."
He sighed softly and said, "Go, then. Give my regards to your clan heads."
After the two of them bowed respectfully and left,