At Taiyang Academy, Yao Li returned to her quarters in the dormitory and began preparing for tomorrow's lessons.
Because she excelled in her studies and ranked at the top in nearly every subject, she now served as an assistant to one of the instructors, helping organize teaching materials. It looked somewhat demanding, but only students like her made it onto the Academy's foremost recommendation list.
She also had another identity: a registered disciple of the Profound Residence.
The Eastern Court Profound Residence no longer turned away students lacking talent. Anyone interested in the Dao and able to pass a certain examination could join, learning breathing methods and cultivation knowledge, and gaining an understanding of the secrets of cultivation.
After completing their studies, registered disciples did not necessarily have to become cultivators; they could pursue other professions. But they would understand cultivators and cultivation, and there would not be such a great divide between them.
This was also the Profound Residence drawing upon past experience, attempting to strengthen communication between cultivators and ordinary students. For who knew—one day, the Upper Layer of the Profound Residence might be their former classmates, and communication would not face so many obstacles.
Half a month ago, Yao Li's breathing method had borne results. She had already passed the final hurdle before entering the Dao, and now she could at any time choose to practice a true cultivation method or seek insight into the Seal of the Great Dao.
Yet she had not taken that step.
She walked to the glazed windowsill and first fiddled with the wondrous plant she had grown there. It was a bright-red, goblet-shaped flower bud. At her touch, it swayed a few times in response and let out a sound like a chirping bird.
She sat down on the soft white