Still Have to Go to School?

A harrowing roar echoed through the valley, startling countless birds into flight.

No one knew how long it was before Tang Hao finally rose to his feet.

His eyes had changed completely. The despair and confusion were gone, leaving only bone-chilling murderous intent.

"Spirit Hall... I'll never forgive you for this..."

"When my son grows up, I'll make you repay this blood debt in full!"

Tang Hao took one last look at the empty cave, then charged through the waterfall and raced toward Holy Soul Village.

He had to go back.

Tang San was still at home. He was the only hope Tang Hao had left.

What Tang Hao didn't know was that while he stood in the cave, dazed and broken, the true culprit had already made it home safe and sound.

Chu Chen had kicked off his ill-fitting shoes, changed out of his soaked clothes, crawled under the covers, and fallen asleep in a second.

Perhaps because he had worn himself out, he slept exceptionally well, snoring softly through the night.

Unfortunately, his body clock was too stubborn.

Though he had gone to bed late, Chu Chen still woke at the first hint of dawn.

Old Jack hadn't come home last night, so Chu Chen had the house to himself.

He hadn't slept quite enough, but his empty stomach drove him out of bed. After a quick bite, he put on his usual smile and strolled out of the house.

He headed for the open ground by the river to begin the day's training.

But as he reached the village entrance, Chu Chen spotted several villagers who were up early to work the fields. They had gathered together and were talking with strange looks on their faces.

He casually drifted closer and soon made out what they were saying.

"Heard what happened at the blacksmith's last night?"

"I live nearby. I heard Tang Hao shouting something in the middle of the night..."

"Shouting what?"

"It was too late for me to hear clearly, but it couldn't have been anything good. He sounded furious!"

Chu Chen's steps slowed for a moment, amusement flickering in his eyes.

He noticed already?

Looks like Tang Hao can sense Ah Yin more keenly than I thought...

But Chu Chen wasn't worried.

He had what he came for, and he had left no trace. Even if Tang Hao suspected him, he had no proof.

Besides, Tang Hao was in no position to launch a conspicuous search.

He was living here to hide his identity. If he caused too much commotion and drew Spirit Hall's attention, that would be the real disaster.

The thought put Chu Chen in an even better mood.

Humming a tune, he walked briskly to the river and trained until noon before heading home.

As he neared the house, he found Old Jack outside the courtyard gate, carrying something in his hand. It looked as though he had just returned.

"Grandpa, you're finally back!"

Chu Chen greeted him with a grin.

Old Jack's face softened into a kindly smile when he saw him.

"You went to play by the river again, didn't you?"

"Don't go there so often. What if the current sweeps you away..."

"I know, I know!"

Chu Chen answered with a helpless sigh and stepped forward to support Old Jack.

"Come on, Grandpa. Let's go inside. I'll make you lunch!"

"Lunch can wait..."

Old Jack chuckled and waved a hand. Then he pulled something from his pocket with a mysterious air and held it up proudly for Chu Chen to see.

"Little Chen, look what Grandpa got you."

"This is..."

Chu Chen froze, then took it from him in confusion.

He looked down. It was a...

"A work-study admission letter for Notting City Junior Soul Master Academy?"

Chu Chen stared at the yellowed sheet in his hands. The neat handwriting, the seal of Notting City Junior Soul Master Academy, and the familiar work-study terms...

Every detail matched the admission document Tang San had taken.

"Grandpa, what... what's going on?"

Chu Chen looked up, his eyes full of surprise and confusion.

Seeing his grandson like that, Old Jack smiled even more broadly, a crafty glint in his eyes.

"Silly boy. What did you think I went to Notting City for these past few days?"

As he spoke, Old Jack led Chu Chen into the courtyard and sat down on a stone stool. Only then did he continue at his leisure.

"I told you I'd get you into school, and I meant it. Our village's spot was gone, but rules can be worked around."

Old Jack stroked his graying beard, looking rather pleased with himself.

"So yesterday, I visited a few nearby villages that share the spots. Then I went to Notting City and found the academy's admissions office."

"Villages like Sickle Village and Gudi Village didn't have any children who'd awakened Innate Soul Power. They had no use for their spots. Leaving them unused this year would've been a waste, so why not lend one to our village?"

"Once I'd secured a spot, I went to the academy. The man in charge of admissions wouldn't give me the time of day at first, but then I told him Holy Soul Village had produced a genius with Innate Full Soul Power this year!"

Old Jack lowered his voice, a sly look crossing his face.

"His eyes nearly popped out when he heard that. Innate Full Soul Power! You might not see one in decades. How could he refuse?"

With that, Old Jack reached out and patted Chu Chen on the shoulder.

"Grandpa knows you have opportunities of your own, Little Chen. A little work-study spot at a junior academy might not mean much to you. I could tell when you gave our spot to the Tang family. But..."

"This is the best thing Grandpa can give you..."

"You don't have to go, Little Chen, but Grandpa couldn't let you be left without the chance!"

Listening to Old Jack's firm voice, Chu Chen gripped the letter as warmth welled up in his chest.

Only now did he understand. Old Jack hadn't been away for a day and a night to run some errand. He had been working for Chu Chen's future.

The old man made it sound simple, but Chu Chen could imagine how difficult it had been.

A man in his sixties had gone from village to village for his grandson's admission, then traveled to the city to ask strangers for help...

"Grandpa, thank you..."

Chu Chen's voice caught in his throat.

Old Jack waved a hand, his own eyes reddening.

"Silly boy. I'm your grandpa. What are you thanking me for? As long as you make something of yourself, I'd do anything for you."

He paused, then his expression turned serious.

"But Little Chen, there's one thing you need to remember."

"Something about that Tang father and son doesn't sit right with me. Whether you go to school or not, keep your distance from them. Don't do anything foolish!"

"Don't worry, Grandpa. Why would I bother with those two ungrateful wolves?"

Chu Chen gave a deliberately easy smile. Then he raised his head and looked Old Jack straight in the eye.

"As for the academy... I'll go!"

I can't let all your hard work go to waste...