The small courtyard woke from its winter slumber once more. The roses that had stood bare were now lush and green, with several climbing roses growing especially well. The two beside the swing had climbed for years and now covered the top of its frame, their vines thick with buds.
The fastest-growing buds had already begun to show color.
Spring had come slowly to the Jade Capital this year. The east wind still carried a biting chill, and before anyone knew it, spring was already waning.
On the third day of the third month, the sky was overcast and the wind was blowing.
It was the day of Chen Shu's thesis defense.
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Location: Ancient Cultivation Building, Room 105.
Chen Shu arrived right on time, with Qingqing beside him.
Many people were already seated in the classroom.
The front two rows were reserved for the review panel, and there were a lot of them. When Chen Shu graduated from university in his previous life, he had faced five reviewers; here, more than a dozen sat waiting. As Mr. Shi Qian had said, Chen Shu knew most of them. He had even researched spells alongside several. After all, Yujing University had only so many outstanding spell teachers, and they had all been involved in the two major spell research projects Mr. Shi Qian had led.
The teacher who had tried to take him out for some fun was there too.
The college dean was also presiding.
There were a few faces Chen Shu did not know very well.
One taught cultivation rather than spell design and had never taught their class, so naturally Chen Shu was unfamiliar with him.
Another was so senior that he probably no longer taught. He had not participated in Mr. Shi Qian's projects either,