Section 7: Famous Young, A True Heart

"No problem, of course, no problem." The academy staff member who had shrieked earlier was now glowing with radiance, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Chu Yun, brimming with excitement.

"Chu Yun, are you the Young Island Master Chu Yun from Shu Family Island?" someone asked, rushing over to verify.

"That is indeed me."

"Heavens! I've finally seen the True Person in the flesh!"

"We've waited such a long time for you; we've finally caught a glimpse."

"I only took this task of distributing jade pendants just to see this year's King of Newcomers. It's worn me out completely."

The academy staff members chattered away. Judging by their tone, they were not the academy's instructors, but senior students.

The youths were filled with confusion, casting curious, scrutinizing, suspicious, and assessing gazes at Chu Yun. They were confused, but Chu Yun was even more so.

"Sailing through a rainstorm to save your foster father, slaying the pirate Remnant Wolf. To think I'd actually meet the legendary 'Young Tiger' in the flesh!"

"Do you not know you've already been ranked on the List of Talents? You hold the glorious title of Spirit Beast Master—'Young Tiger'?! The entire academy has been talking about you these past few days."

"Only thirteen years old and already able to command a Great Demon, plus you've earned an honorary title that many Spirit Beast Masters dream of. Tsk tsk, so many people in the academy are jealous enough to go mad."

"To earn a title at thirteen is an unprecedented record in the academy. Do you know that you've been universally acknowledged as the 'Strongest Newcomer'?"

"But you've got quite a bit of trouble, too. I heard you publicly rejected the Ning Family's marriage proposal. Where does that leave the face of our academy's flower? Heh, Ning Yiyi has quite the temper, and she has many, many suitors who are all rolling up their sleeves."

The academy staff members were as energized as if they had been injected with stimulants. The looks they directed at Chu Yun burned with the fire of gossip.

The surrounding youths also shot various glances his way. There was jealousy, astonishment, realization, and disdain...

In an instant, Chu Yun had become the focus of everyone's attention. He had been pushed onto the crest of a wave, becoming the center of the whirlpool.

This was unexpected for Chu Yun.

Young Tiger?

He never imagined he would receive such a title. He could well understand the jealousy of others. An honorary title was an affirmation of a Spirit Beast Master's achievements and strength. Only a Spirit Beast Master with a title could be considered a renowned expert. Wherever they went, announcing their title would immediately draw countless admiring gazes.

In many cases, the title would even completely overshadow the person's original name. People would talk about it with relish, remembering only the title and forgetting the owner's true name.

Remnant Wolf was a title, White Prowler was a title, and White-Browed Alchemist was also a title. In his previous life, when he was over thirty, Chu Yun had also earned a title—Fire Fox Young Master. It was a reputation he had carved out after hundreds of battles, large and small, relying on his imperfect Heavenly Fox. Later, when the Heavenly Fox fell, the title was revoked and vanished.

It was very difficult for a Spirit Beast Master to earn a title, especially when young. Every Spirit Beast Master who held a title was a renowned figure with their own unique strengths.

"I really didn't expect to earn a title so soon. Young Tiger—is it linked to my father's title, All-Star Fierce Tiger? It doesn't sound too bad."

Chu Yun smiled, though his heart remained calm.

Young people love fame and pursue wealth and status, which is why they are so tireless and obsessed with the glory of titles. But Chu Yun had already passed that age. The memories of his past life taught him a truth:

All titles are empty. True strength is the foundation. Whether one possesses a title or not is irrelevant; it is merely a label others use to acknowledge you.

"Earning a title is truly an accident. However, you are all great talents cultivated by Heavenly Song Academy; one day, you will all earn titles of your own. Can I have my jade pendant now?" Chu Yun flattered the academy staff. If he wasn't mistaken, these people were students from the previous or even earlier years—his seniors.

"Hahaha, Young Tiger, you are too modest. Things like titles aren't something you can just get whenever you want." The academy staff member shook his head with a sigh, took out the jade pendant he had already prepared from his robes, and handed it to Chu Yun.

"Keep it safe, don't lose it. The identity jade pendant counts as a Young Demon-level demon weapon; it contains a faint spirituality and can record your academic credits. The replacement process is very troublesome, especially since your credits will be wiped clean—you'd be crying your eyes out if that happened." The staff member cared for him enthusiastically, his attitude a complete reversal from before.

"Academic credits?" Chu Yun asked, surprised.

"I can't say too much, but they are extremely important. You'll understand slowly once you enter the academy." The staff member glanced at the White-Browed Alchemist not far away and whispered through gritted teeth.

"Understood." Chu Yun nodded and took the pendant. As he was about to walk past, he slowed his pace. "By the way, don't call me Young Tiger. Call me Chu Yun. I still prefer the name Chu Yun."

The academy staff member was stunned.

He didn't want the title that represented glory, but preferred his own name?

The staff member scratched his head, unable to fathom the thoughts of this "King of Newcomers."

Whether it is the Young Tiger of this life or the Fire Fox Young Master of the past, they are all just titles. What remains unchanged is Chu Yun!

I am who I am; how could I ignore my true name just because of a label given by others?

I will always be myself, regardless of what outsiders say.

Walking past the gatehouse, Chu Yun suddenly felt a wave of emotion and looked back.

The gatehouse was tall and grand, painted in vermilion with golden patterns. The pillars and lintels were adorned with various demon beast motifs. The base was made of grey-blue stone bricks, carved with the mottled traces of time. The entire structure was exquisite and magnificent, yet lacked nothing in the sense of vicissitudes.

Oh, gatehouse, gatehouse.

How many years of wind and rain have you stood through without falling?

Watching the winds rise and the clouds gather, waiting quietly for the changes of the world.

Beneath you, how many young talents, dashing scholars, and heroic warriors have passed?

In the past, these people were just like these chattering youths, standing in line, entering the green mountains and the academy under your gaze.

How many joys and sorrows, bitterness and hardships have you witnessed?

And then, these people grew their wings and set sail from here to battle the vast sky.

How many legends of glorious returns and stories of homecoming have added to your splendor and brilliance?

And now, it is my turn, Chu Yun!