Skywater Academy Was Impossible to Escape?

Hearing this, Lin Yi, who had been feeling rather pleased with himself, froze.

What? A Guest Elder?

What right did a Support Spirit Master like me have to become a Guest Elder of Skywater Academy?

No, no, that's not the point. The point is, I don't want to go with them.

He was about to refuse when Xiao Wu spoke first.

"A Guest Elder? That sounds pretty good." Xiao Wu looped her arm through Lin Yi's, her eyes crinkling with a smile. "Lin Yi, just agree. It'd be no fun if I went alone."

Lin Yi's mouth twitched.

What do you mean, alone? You're obviously going with Zhu Zhuqing.

He looked at Zhu Zhuqing, hoping she would say something.

Zhu Zhuqing fell silent for a moment, then nodded lightly. "I think it's possible."

Lin Yi: "..."

He took a deep breath, struggling to maintain his composure as he looked at Shui Bing'er. "Miss Shui, thank you for your kind offer, but I'm only an ordinary Support Spirit Master. My strength is average, and I'm afraid I'm not worthy of the position of Guest Elder."

Shui Bing'er looked at him calmly. "There's no need to be modest, classmate. I've always been a good judge of people."

Good judge of people, my ass!

Do you know what I'm thinking? Or do you know I have Twin Martial Souls?

Lin Yi ranted wildly in his heart, but could only keep smiling on the surface. "Well... I still don't think it's appropriate."

Shui Bing'er did not press the matter and instead looked at Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing. "Then what do you two think?"

Xiao Wu's eyes darted about as she hurriedly changed the subject. "Um... why don't we find somewhere to sit and talk properly? It's tiring to stand around talking."

Shui Bing'er saw through her stalling tactic and nodded. "That works. There's a teahouse up ahead. Let's sit there."

Lin Yi wanted to refuse, but Xiao Wu had already tugged him forward by the arm. Zhu Zhuqing quietly followed beside them, giving him no chance to speak.

Lin Yi felt helpless.

Fine, I got arranged again.

But it's okay. As long as I don't agree, what can they do? Tie me up and drag me there?

The group introduced themselves as they headed to the teahouse, where they found seats by the window.

Shui Yue'er called for the waiter to bring tea. The other girls from Skywater Academy also took their seats, their gazes drifting toward Lin Yi from time to time.

Lin Yi felt uncomfortable under their stares and could only lift his teacup and pretend to drink.

Why do these people keep staring at me? Do I have flowers growing on my face?

Shui Bing'er gave a light cough, drawing everyone's attention back.

She looked at Xiao Wu and said seriously, "Xiao Wu, if you're willing to join Skywater Academy, I can directly give you a recommendation spot. With your talent, there shouldn't be any problem."

Xiao Wu smiled but did not answer. Instead, she glanced at Lin Yi.

Understanding her meaning, Shui Bing'er turned to Zhu Zhuqing. "The same goes for you, Zhuqing. If you're willing to come, I can guarantee that you'll receive the best training."

Zhu Zhuqing was silent for a moment before softly saying, "Thank you, but I need to think about it."

Her tone was calm, but her gaze also flicked toward Lin Yi.

Shui Bing'er understood.

These two girls clearly revolved around that young man.

Wherever he went, they would go.

Shui Bing'er turned to Lin Yi, her tone sincere. "Lin Yi, I know you may have plans of your own, but I still hope you'll seriously consider my suggestion. Skywater Academy may not be the strongest academy on the continent, but it is definitely the most suitable one for you."

She paused before continuing, "And as a Guest Elder, you won't need to take part in the academy's daily training. You can arrange your own time freely, and the academy will provide cultivation resources. You only need to offer some help when the academy needs it."

Hearing that, Lin Yi's heart stirred slightly.

That actually sounds pretty good...

No daily training, free control over my time, and cultivation resources too.

Isn't that just getting benefits for free?

And most importantly, if Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing both enter Skywater Academy, they won't be able to keep following me.

He was about to speak when he suddenly realized something.

No, no. If I go too, wouldn't that mean I still haven't gotten rid of them?

How would that be any different from before?

Xiao Wu nearly laughed out loud when she heard his Heart Voice.

This guy had finally figured it out.

She leaned close to Lin Yi's ear and lowered her voice. "Lin Yi, if you really don't want to go, then we can choose another academy. Wherever you go, we'll go."

Lin Yi's mouth twitched.

Why does that sound a little like a threat?

He looked at Zhu Zhuqing, trying to get a little support from her.

Zhu Zhuqing met his gaze, remained silent for a moment, then nodded lightly.

Her expression clearly said, Me too.

Lin Yi was completely speechless.

Fine, these two are determined to follow me.

Shui Bing'er took in the entire scene, becoming even more certain of her judgment.

Although this young man appeared to be nothing more than an ordinary Support Spirit Master, the fact that two exceptionally talented girls were willing to follow him so wholeheartedly meant he was anything but ordinary.

Not to mention the information revealed by those Heart Voices...

She had to find a way to keep him at Skywater Academy.

Although a Guest Elder in his teens sounded utterly absurd, if she revealed Lin Yi's Heart Voice, the academy elders would surely accept it.

"Lin Yi." Shui Bing'er spoke again, her tone even more sincere than before. "I know you may feel that the position of Guest Elder is somewhat unnecessary, but for Skywater Academy, being able to invite someone as... talented as you is our honor."

She paused, then continued, "And think about it. If Xiao Wu and Zhuqing both go to Skywater Academy while you attend another academy alone, would they be at ease? Rather than make them worry, why not go together? You can look after one another as well."

Lin Yi was speechless inside.

What the hell do you mean, talented? I'm just a Support Spirit Master.

And girl, you don't know who they are. If you did, would you still dare to talk so boldly?

Besides, what academy has a Guest Elder in their teens?

Though now that I think about it, why does this sound like she's trying to persuade me not to separate them?

But the problem is, I'd love nothing more than to separate them.

Hearing this Heart Voice, Xiao Wu quickly chimed in, "That's right, Lin Yi. Sister Shui makes sense. If you go to another academy, Zhuqing and I definitely won't be at ease. We'd have to come see you every few days. What a hassle."

Zhu Zhuqing nodded as well. Though she said nothing, the meaning in her eyes was obvious.

Lin Yi: "..."

So you mean I have to go to Skywater Academy?

And if I don't, you'll follow me to some other academy?

Then what if I don't attend an academy at all and choose to cultivate on my own?

But judging from their attitudes, they're dead set on following me.

Ugh, they're really hard to deal with.

Lin Yi took a deep breath and looked at Shui Bing'er. "Miss Shui, may I ask if a Guest Elder doesn't need to do much?"

"Normally, you won't need to do anything," Shui Bing'er explained. "It's only when the academy encounters special circumstances that we may need you to offer some assistance, such as helping research martial soul traits or participating in certain special missions."