Journey to Godwind Academy

The time spent as exchange students at Skywater Academy had quietly come to an end.

As everyone packed their belongings and prepared to leave Skywater Academy for Blazing Academy, Huo Wu swept her gaze over the group and solemnly announced, "We've received an invitation from Godwind Academy to hold a friendly exchange match with them. What do you all think?"

"I have no objections," Huo Wushuang was the first to state.

Immediately afterward, Yan Xiaoran, Chi Lingxuan, and the others echoed, "No objections."

Finally, Huo Wu turned her gaze to Jia Youcai and asked, "What about you?"

Jia Youcai raised his head and met Huo Wu's eyes. Calmly, he said, "You can arrange it as you see fit."

After hearing everyone's opinions, Huo Wu spoke again. "Since no one has any objections, we'll head to Godwind Academy."

At that moment, Yan Lingzhuo lightly bumped Jia Youcai with her shoulder and asked with concern, "What's wrong with you today? You seem so down."

Jia Youcai recalled what had happened the night before last, and his body involuntarily grew hot again. He hurriedly covered it up. "N-No, it's nothing."

"Really nothing?" Yan Lingzhuo was full of suspicion. She simply felt that something was off about Jia Youcai today.

"Didn't sleep well yesterday?" she pressed.

"More or less." Jia Youcai deliberately yawned and said in a tired voice, "I had insomnia last night."

Yan Lingzhuo did not think much of it and reminded him, "Then make sure to get some sleep on the train later."

"Mm, I really should get a good night's sleep," Jia Youcai replied.

Before long, they boarded the train once again. The carriage was spacious and brightly lit.

Jia Youcai leaned against the carriage wall and closed his eyes, pretending to sleep as he tried to clear the tangled thoughts from his mind. Yan Lingzhuo sat beside him, secretly glancing at him from time to time. Once she confirmed that he was truly resting, she quieted down as well.

The others spoke softly about what awaited them at Godwind Academy, their words filled with anticipation and excitement.

With the train speeding along, they soon arrived at Godwind Academy.

Godwind Academy's architectural style was distinctive. Its buildings were primarily constructed from blue-gray stone, giving them a steady, grand, solemn air.

The academy gates were tall and magnificent, carefully built from enormous stone blocks. Atop them was carved a gigantic divine bird spreading its wings as though about to take flight, every feather lifelike. The walls on either side of the gates were engraved with all manner of elements representing freedom and flight, their lines smooth, lively, and elegant.

At that moment, a row of students stood neatly at the entrance to Godwind Academy. They wore matching blue-green academy uniforms embroidered with black wind-pattern designs. They had come to welcome the group from Blazing Academy.

Feng Xiaotian stood at their head. He was tall and straight, with a handsome, dashing face, while his flowing short hair swayed gently in the breeze.

Yet in his eyes, there was only one person: Huo Wu. When he saw the people of Blazing Academy approaching, Feng Xiaotian's gaze instantly locked onto Huo Wu. The corners of his lips lifted slightly, revealing a gentle, captivating smile.

He quickly stepped forward to greet Huo Wu. With a slight bow, he said courteously, "Welcome, friends from Blazing Academy, to Godwind Academy. I am Feng Xiaotian, and I hope we can spend a pleasant time together."

Huo Wu gave a slight nod and returned a polite, graceful smile. "Thank you for Godwind Academy's warm hospitality."

Feng Xiaotian turned slightly to the side and elegantly raised an arm in invitation, his gaze remaining fixed on Huo Wu as he softly said, "Sister Huo Wu, it has been several years since we last met. You've only grown more beautiful."

Faced with the compliment, Huo Wu merely nodded slightly and said nothing more.

"Please come in with me. I've already had accommodations arranged for everyone. I guarantee you'll be comfortable," Feng Xiaotian said warmly.

With that, he took the lead, walking neither too quickly nor too slowly, perfectly matching Huo Wu's pace. Every so often, he looked back at her, his eyes full of concern and affection.

The people from Blazing Academy followed behind.

Yan Lingzhuo hurried to Jia Youcai's side and whispered into his ear, "Hey, hey, I think that guy's trying to hit on Sister Huo Wu!"

"Mm-hm, his eyes practically want to stick to her," Jia Youcai agreed.

"Aren't you worried at all?" Yan Lingzhuo pressed.

"What would I be worried about?" Jia Youcai asked in return.

Hearing this, Yan Lingzhuo's expression turned somewhat displeased. "Don't you like Sister Huo Wu? You two were so intimate last time."

"That was a misunderstanding, understand? A misunderstanding." Jia Youcai helplessly curled his lips. "There's nothing going on between Huo Wu and me. Don't go stirring things up."

Yan Lingzhuo looked unconvinced. "I don't believe you. Anyone with eyes could tell there was something unusual about how you two acted last time."

Jia Youcai scratched his head and said with some frustration, "Come on, it really wasn't what you think. The situation was special at the time."

"What was special about it? That was obviously what it was," Yan Lingzhuo continued to pester him.

"I can't be bothered explaining it to a child like you." After saying that, Jia Youcai quickened his pace.

Yan Lingzhuo hurried after him and pinched his arm. "Who are you calling a child?"

Jia Youcai turned back to look at her. "Look down at yourself. Is there anyone smaller than you?"

Yan Lingzhuo puffed out her cheeks in anger like an enraged kitten and reached out to tug at Jia Youcai's clothes again. Jia Youcai nimbly dodged her "attack," then deliberately made a face at her, making Yan Lingzhuo stomp her feet in fury.

At that moment, Feng Xiaotian, who was walking ahead, seemed to notice the small commotion behind him and glanced back. But very soon, all of his attention returned to Huo Wu.

Huo Wu followed Feng Xiaotian's gaze and saw Jia Youcai and Yan Lingzhuo fooling around. Her brows faintly furrowed, but she quickly returned to her calm expression.

As they walked, Feng Xiaotian enthusiastically introduced the various buildings and special features of Godwind Academy to Huo Wu. "Sister Huo Wu, look over there. That's our academy's Training Ground. It's extremely spacious and equipped with every kind of training facility. We usually train hard there."

Huo Wu nodded politely and replied softly, "Mm, it looks quite good."

Upon hearing Huo Wu's response, Feng Xiaotian's eyes immediately lit up, and an even brighter smile spread across his face. He continued, "If Sister Huo Wu is interested, I can take you to the Training Ground to try it out yourself. I can also give you some pointers while we're at it."

Huo Wushuang, standing nearby, could not help frowning when he heard this. He was just about to say something when Huo Wu stopped him with a glance. She merely said indifferently, "Thank you for your kindness, Brother Feng. Perhaps another time, if there's an opportunity."

Yet Feng Xiaotian seemed not to catch the perfunctory tone in Huo Wu's words. His enthusiasm remained undiminished as he continued, "No problem, no problem. Whenever Sister Huo Wu has time, just let me know."

As they continued walking, the group arrived before a magnificent building: Godwind Academy's library.

Feng Xiaotian stopped and turned to Huo Wu. "Sister Huo Wu, this is our academy's library. It contains countless precious books and materials, covering every aspect of soul master cultivation, along with extensive knowledge on soul beasts, history, geography, and more. It truly has everything. If Sister Huo Wu enjoys reading, this is absolutely a wonderful place."

Huo Wu slightly raised a brow. She did develop a trace of interest in the library, though her expression remained unchanged as she merely said, "It is indeed a fine place."

Seeing that Huo Wu seemed somewhat interested, Feng Xiaotian quickly said, "If Sister Huo Wu would like to go in, I can accompany you right now. It's very quiet and comfortable inside, perfect for reading."

At that moment, Yan Xiaoran could not help teasing, "Feng Xiaotian, aren't you being a little too enthusiastic?"