"What?" The dean's voice sank. "Three thousand students, all disciples of the Sacred Way, their studies unfinished—how could they venture into danger midway? Two hundred instructors, too, are lights of the Great Dao. The Way of the Sages rarely sees bloodshed. The matter of bandits is for the authorities to handle. What does it have to do with you?"
Lin Su stepped forward. "Dean! If the authorities could handle it, why would Mr. Bao Shan and his disciple have come to Qiankun Academy to seek your aid? It is precisely because treacherous ministers hold sway at court, with no regard for whether the common people live or die, that Haining faces its present danger of hanging upside down. Qiankun Academy is founded upon the Way of the Sages; surely it knows that the lives of millions are the greatest Dao..."
"Impudent! Ignorant child, what right have you to discuss the Dao at Qiankun? Shut your mouth!"
The instant the voice fell, Lin Su felt his entire body bound at once. Forget speaking—even breathing seemed impossible.
Bao Shan lifted his gaze, his eyes gleaming sharply. "Dean! I have heard that you belong to Zhang Wenyuan's faction. Is that true?"
"We cultivate the Way of the Sages together; we are all fellow disciples. What factions are there to speak of?"
Bao Shan said coldly, "Zhao Qianqiu, are you determined to persist?"
Zhao Qianqiu—he had directly called the dean by name.
"Fu Bao Shan, you are merely an instructor, yet you dare disrespect the dean and defy Propriety and Law. Is this your Way of the Sages?"
"Hahaha..."
Fu Bao Shan laughed wildly. With a wave of his hand, all the restraints on Lin Su vanished. The two raised their heads together and glared at the mountain peak.
"Those who walk different paths