"The Academy!"
Feng Chenye looked up at the words on the plaque above the entrance. They felt remarkably expressive, with a trace of Dao Resonance hidden within.
Perhaps Feng Chenye had stood there too long; his odd behavior drew some people's attention.
"Young friend, what are you looking at here?" a gray-haired old man approached and asked curiously.
"Sir." Feng Chenye cupped his hands in greeting, then answered modestly, "I'm looking at the words on the plaque. They truly are extraordinary.
"Every stroke contains the vast, upright energy of heaven and earth, inspiring a spirit free of arrogance and boastfulness, open and honorable."
"You have a discerning eye, young friend. Admirable!" The old man smiled and extended an invitation. "Would you care to come inside for a chat?"
"I would be delighted!" Feng Chenye did not refuse. He asked, "I am Feng Chenye. May I ask your name, sir?"
The old man's mind reeled, but his expression remained unruffled. He said gently, "My name is Wang Ran. I am an instructor at the Academy."
"So you are Wang Instructor. My apologies for not recognizing you!"
"No need for such courtesy," Wang Ran said. "Let's talk as we walk. Please!"
Feng Chenye gladly followed.
"Where have you come from, Young Master Feng? What brings you here?"
Feng Chenye answered truthfully, "I came from Northern Spirit. I arrived in the Spirit Wasteland over a year ago to search for a dear friend. Although many kind people have helped me, unfortunately, my search has yielded nothing.
"The month before last, a benefactor advised me to head north, so I searched my way here and happened to pass your Academy."
"You have been in the Spirit Wilderness Realm for over a year?" Wang Instructor was quite surprised.
"Indeed!" Feng Chenye nodded.
"Oh? What has