The Recent Situation at Skywater Academy

Shui Ruoyan sighed and began to explain.

"Spirit Hall has been suppressing our Four Great Academies for more than just a day or two."

She leaned against Xiao Yun's chest, her voice carrying a trace of helplessness. "Our Four Great Academies are the strongest Soul Master Academies in Snow Spirit Province, and we have always been loyal to the Heaven Dou Empire. Spirit Hall wanted to win us over and make us join them, but how could we possibly agree?"

Xiao Yun nodded in understanding.

Shui Ruoyan continued, "That is why Spirit Hall has been secretly suppressing us all these years. They supported Advanced Spirit Master Academies that had poor relations with us, giving them resources and backing so they could compete with us for students. Gradually, we recruited fewer and fewer students, and their talent became worse and worse."

She raised her head and looked at Xiao Yun. "Do you know why our Four Great Academies went to Heaven Dou City?"

Xiao Yun's heart stirred. "You wanted to find someone powerful to back you in Heaven Dou City?"

Shui Ruoyan nodded. "That's right. Spirit Hall's influence has been growing greater and greater. We simply cannot hold on for much longer by ourselves. That is why we went to Heaven Dou City, hoping to find a force willing to support us."

She paused, then said softly, "And because of that, Yue Rou and I... we ended up... ended up following you."

Xiao Yun fell silent for a moment, then said quietly, "I understand."

Shui Ruoyan leaned back into his embrace and continued, "What happened today was supposed to be a celebration banquet held by our Four Great Academies to welcome Godwind Academy. But that was only an excuse on the surface. The real purpose was to discuss how we should