The Academy's New Face, Undercurrents Emerge

Upon returning to Myriad Manifestations Academy, Qin Mo immediately sensed a vigorous vitality completely different from when he had left.

The defensive formation around the academy seemed to have been reinforced. The flowing energy was more obscure and powerful, clearly the handiwork of either his grandfather, Qin Yuan, or his father. The campus, once somewhat empty, was now filled with busy figures. Newly recruited faculty and staff—most from Myriad Manifestations Sect's affiliated forces or independent soul masters who had undergone rigorous screening—performed their respective duties, guiding the new students through various basic training sessions and theoretical classes.

These new students varied in age, but their eyes were filled with hopes for the future and reverence for Myriad Manifestations Academy. Their talents might not have been exceptional, but most possessed steadfast temperaments. They were the "cornerstones" Qin Mo believed were worth nurturing.

"The dean is back!"

No one knew who shouted first, but the entire academy seemed to come alive. Everyone's gaze converged on the three people entering through the academy gates, their eyes filled with reverence, curiosity, and a trace of fervor.

Ning Rongrong, Ye Lingling, and Zhu Zhuqing soon rushed over after receiving the news.

"Dean! You're finally back!" Ning Rongrong was still as lively as ever, though there was now a hint of competence between her brows. Clearly, participating in the academy's management during this time had helped her mature considerably. "If you hadn't come back soon, all those trivial matters would have driven us crazy!"

Ye Lingling smiled and offered a respectful salute, her temperament even gentler and more composed. "Dean, you must have had a difficult journey."

Zhu Zhuqing said the least, merely standing quietly to one side. Yet the dependence and trust in her gaze toward Qin Mo had grown even stronger.

Qin Mo looked at them and sensed that all three had made significant progress in Soul Power, especially Zhu Zhuqing, who seemed to have already broken through to Level 30. He nodded. "It seems that while we were away, none of you slacked off. The academy has also been managed in perfect order. You've worked hard."

Having received Qin Mo's approval, smiles appeared on all three women's faces.

After returning to the Dean's Office, Qin Mo listened to Ning Rongrong and several Academic Affairs deacons deliver detailed reports.

The academy's construction had basically gotten on track. The first group of students, around a hundred in total, had all enrolled and were laying their foundations. Under Dugu Bo's "help"—he came regularly to "exchange ideas"—and the nourishment of Ye Lingling's life-attribute martial soul, the herb gardens surrounding the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Eye were flourishing. They had already begun supplying the academy with low-grade medicinal herbs. Commercial cooperation with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Ye Family, Ye Lingling's family, had also begun taking shape, bringing a stable flow of funds into the academy.

Everything appeared to be developing in a positive direction.

However, a piece of news brought by old master Qin Yuan made Qin Mo frown slightly.

"Mo'er, during your absence, Spirit Hall branches in Heaven Dou City and the surrounding regions have been unusually active." Qin Yuan's expression was somewhat grave. "Especially according to news from Fasno Province, Spirit Hall's upper ranks seem to place great importance on the Black Prison Forest incident. They sent Platinum Bishop Salas to investigate personally. Furthermore, according to information sent back by our hidden agents, Spirit Hall is secretly investigating a powerful young soul master who uses a tower-shaped martial soul..."

Qin Mo lightly tapped his fingers against the table, unsurprised. His conflict with Yan and his resolution of the Black Prison Forest incident were bound to draw Spirit Hall's attention. He simply had not expected their response to be so swift or of such high level. Platinum Bishop Salas was Spirit Hall's highest-ranking official stationed in the Heaven Dou Empire, a Soul Douluo-level powerhouse.

"Grandfather, there's no need to worry," Qin Mo said calmly. "We'll deal with whatever comes our way. If Spirit Hall knows what's good for them, then peaceful coexistence will be enough. But if they insist on causing trouble..."

A cold glint flashed in his eyes. "My Myriad Manifestations Academy happens to be in need of a whetstone with enough weight behind it."

Watching his grandson's confident and unhurried demeanor, much of Qin Yuan's concern dissipated. He knew full well just how monstrous his grandson was. Perhaps Spirit Hall's pressure truly could become a catalyst for the academy's growth.

"Management within the academy must be strengthened, especially for newly recruited personnel. Background checks cannot be relaxed," Qin Mo instructed. "As for external matters, everything will proceed as usual. We'll wait and see."

"Yes, Young Sect Master." Qin Yuan nodded in acknowledgment.

Qin Mo then said to Ning Rongrong, "Rongrong, you, Lingling, and Zhuqing cannot fall behind in your cultivation. Zhuqing especially—since you've reached Level 30, I'll take you to the Star Dou Great Forest soon to obtain your Third Soul Ring."

At those words, Zhu Zhuqing's eyes immediately burst with delighted light, and she nodded vigorously.

Just then, an Academic Affairs deacon hurried in to report, "Dean, a group claiming to be from Blue Tyrant Academy has come to visit. Their dean is leading them, and he says he wants to... to conduct a 'friendly exchange' with our Myriad Manifestations Academy."

Blue Tyrant Academy? That somewhat familiar name flashed through Qin Mo's mind. Wasn't this... the academy that Liu Erlong would later take over, and which would eventually become the foundation for Shrek Academy after merging? Why had they come knocking at this time?

Was it merely an academic exchange, or... did they have other motives? Especially during this sensitive period when Spirit Hall had begun paying attention to Myriad Manifestations Academy.

A meaningful smile curved Qin Mo's lips.

"Interesting. Take them to the reception room. I'll be there shortly."

It seemed the peaceful days were about to end. Myriad Manifestations Academy's reputation had begun attracting the attention of all parties, whether their intentions were good or malicious.