But the more she acted like that, the more suspicious the elder from the Black-and-White Academy became.
"This isn't your Aurora Society!"
"And Young Friend Jiang isn't one of your disciples!"
"What? You're allowed to speak to Young Friend Jiang, but I'm not?"
At that, Cheng Miaoyi's brows shot up, and her face darkened.
"You're deliberately making trouble, aren't you?"
Though Cheng Miaoyi had accused him in public, the Black-and-White Academy elder showed no displeasure. Instead, he stroked his goatee.
"Elder Cheng, that's not fair!"
"The Black-and-White Academy has always cherished talent. Though Young Friend Jiang's Great Dao Foundation is damaged, he has a resilient spirit and outstanding Combat Awareness. He has the makings of someone great!"
"Ever since we failed to take him in at the Hero Selection Platform three years ago, I've thought of it often and wrung my wrists in regret!"
"Now that the Heavenly Divination Palace has fallen to a fifth-tier sect, I'm raising the matter again out of concern for his future. What's wrong with that?"
He spoke with such righteous conviction that one might have believed he truly cherished talent.
Cheng Miaoyi seethed.
"Is that so?"
"I still remember how your Black-and-White Academy behaved at the Hero Selection Platform!"
"You wouldn't take Young Friend Jiang then. Why have you suddenly started cherishing talent now?"
"You think no one can see the little schemes in your head?"
Struck where it hurt, the Black-and-White Academy elder's face turned green, then white.
"Cheng Miaoyi!"
"Stop trying to sow discord!"
His eyes darted, and he gave a cold snort.
"You criticize the Black-and-White Academy, but is your Aurora Society any better?"
Cheng Miaoyi gave no ground.
"My Aurora Society isn't much to boast about. I'll admit that!"
"Unlike certain sects that turn with the wind—hypocrites who dare to