Two Paths Before Xuan Zi

Yan Shaozhe looked at the fatigue on Xuan Zi's face and remained silent.

The night breeze by Sea God Lake carried a chill as it swept across the shore, making the knot on the wine gourd sway gently.

The laughter and chatter of Inner Court disciples could still be heard in the distance, utterly at odds with the oppressive atmosphere here.

Xuan Zi raised the wine gourd and took a huge gulp. The fiery liquor slid down his throat, yet it could not extinguish the irritation in his heart.

"Shao Zhe, you don't need to put too much thought into Yuhao either."

Xuan Zi lowered the wine gourd and said hoarsely, "That child has his own ideas and his own path. If he wishes to cultivate at the Clear Sky Sect, then let him go. The Clear Sky Sect's stance currently aligns with the Academy's. They will not harm him."

Yan Shaozhe frowned slightly. "But he is Elder Mu's final disciple, as well as Sea God Pavilion's successor of the next generation. If he is influenced by the Clear Sky Sect for too long, I'm worried..."

"Worrying won't help." Xuan Zi cut him off, grabbing the roast chicken beside him and viciously tearing off a piece of meat.

"What, are we supposed to lock him up?"

"Elder Mu took him as a disciple because he valued his talent and character, not because he wanted to raise a dog for the Academy that could do nothing but obey. As long as he does not do anything that harms the Academy, there are some matters we can only watch."

Even so, Xuan Zi's expression did not ease. The Academy had given Huo Yuhao its most precious resources, and Mu En had devoted the last of his energy to that child.

Now that