A small ceremonial arch stood before them, marking the beginning of an entirely different area. Inscribed upon it were the words "Awakening Sword Ward," evidently written by the same hand as the name above the academy's outer gate.
Beyond it, courtyards stood in close-packed rows, and a bluestone path stretched into their depths. Beneath the old trees beside the path, Sword Talents played chess and discussed swordsmanship, like a harmonious neighborhood of lanes.
"The Awakening Sword Ward has housed generations of Sword Talents. Today, you may settle in and rest, and move in your luggage and such. Tomorrow, again at the hour of the Rabbit, remember to come before the Hidden Sword Tower to discuss your Sword Ladders with the academy head." Duan Yu opened a booklet and raised his brush. "For now, I will assign your quarters."
Ning Shuhong lifted his chin and pressed his palms together. "So the Sword Academy assigns them? I thought we could choose our own."
"He waited until after the final evaluations to assign them. Presumably, he's going by the sword assessment records," Wang Shousi said.
Pei Ye was curious. "Are some better than others?"
Ning Shuhong smiled. "Not better or worse, exactly. It's just a matter of who shares your courtyard. I hear the Awakening Sword Ward has always mixed the generations together. If we chose for ourselves, we might end up with a famous senior from a previous intake."
As they spoke, Duan Yu checked the register and had already begun writing. "Zhang Chao, Courtyard D in Lane Three still has one vacancy. A Senior Brother from the intake before yours lives there. Will you take it?"
Zhang Chao, who had looked as though he wanted to speak, lit up with surprise and delight. He hurriedly cupped his fist and bowed. "Thank