pappabearbooks Chapter 66 - 66 59 The Gift
Chapter 66 - 66 59 The Gift
66: Chapter 59: The Gift 66: Chapter 59: The Gift “Haha, of course, it’s a gift for you, old scholar,”
Zhou Li directly tossed a despairing Tang Wan onto the chair beside him and laughed, “This is something you’ve longed for day and night, why aren’t you happy?”
“I cherish ancient books, articles, and good students but have no love for women, especially not young girls like this!”
The old scholar waved his hand dismissively and said irritably, “Out with it, why have you come to the Imperial Academy, risking me pinning you to the ground and beating you?”
As he finished speaking, he glanced at the people behind Zhou Li.
When the old scholar spotted the thin Hou Jue, a glimmer of understanding flashed in his eyes.
He extended his hand to interrupt Zhou Li, who seemed to want to say something, and slowly said:
“Evil spirits and related to zombies, right?”
“I can’t hide anything from you.”
Zhou Li nodded and said admiringly, “You’re the one who truly understands these crooked and evil ways.”
“Smart aleck, don’t you sass me,”
The old scholar waved his hand again, then addressed the few people behind Zhou Li, “Please take a seat, my humble abode offers only simple tea, I hope you won’t mind.”
“To be graced with your tea is an honor for me.”
Guo Lingyun quickly bowed in respect, for he could tell that the plain gold belt worn around the waist of the elderly person was only accorded to Fourth Rank officials, signifying that this man was the Grand Scholar of the Imperial Academy of Beiliang, and the ‘Grand Master of this Academy.’ And anyone who held the title of Grand Scholar was certainly a person of great stature.
Hou Jue, unfamiliar with such matters, only knew the old man gave him an impression of profound mystery.
Years of instinctual caution reminded him that now was definitely not the time to speak out of turn; playing dead was the only way to survive.
Li Kuan found a seat easily beside them, fitting for a lower ranking.
As an official appointed by the Imperial Court, Li Kuan was unconcerned about having a seat less prestigious than Zhou Li’s, even though the latter held no official title.
What a joke, even with an official title, I’m still useless.
The Qianhu obediently sat next to Guo Lingyun, curiously surveying the room’s arrangement.
He noticed that the room wasn’t decorated in the typical refined style of common scholars, but instead, held an inexplicable sense of sternness.
“No need to be formal; I am the Grand Scholar of the Imperial Academy of Beiliang, a Fourth Rank official,”
The elderly man was the first to break the silence, calmly looking at everyone and stating, “Just call me the old scholar, like Zhou Li does.
My name isn’t important, so I won’t announce it.”
Names aren’t important…
Guo Lingyun etched these four words in his mind, not pondering them further.
He was the first to bow and said, “I am Guo Lingyun, Jinyiwei Hundred Household of the Imperial Capital.”
“A young man from the Guo Family, I’ve heard of you, the ‘Sky Sniper’, right?”
Glancing at Guo Lingyun’s right index finger, the old scholar shook his head and sighed,
“A good archer, but the flow of your Spirit Qi is chaotic; your index and thumb can’t bring together the Spirit Qi immediately.
Starting today, practice the three-finger draw, and get rid of that habit.”
Guo Lingyun was initially taken aback, then suspicion rose within him.
An old scholar, re
Seeing the old man’s spirits dip, a faint sadness appeared on Tang Wan’s face, as if she was empathizing with him.
Zhou Li stood behind Tang Wan, calmly observing her clenched, pale little fist, as if perceiving the joy within Tang Wan’s heart from popping a champagne cork.
Then, he smiled.
Just as the old man was about to encourage the young lady, he suddenly noticed Zhou Li behind Tang Wan, with a meaningful smile on his face.
He knew Zhou Li never spoke without purpose, his words always had their intent.
Instantly, it struck the old scholar like a thunderclap.
He looked at Tang Wan, then Zhou Li, recalling Zhou Li’s initial words.
“This is what you’ve been longing for, why aren’t you happy?”
Longing for…
“Fighting again?
Tang Cen, where are your parents?!”
Suddenly, the old scholar shouted.
Tang Wan, too, abruptly stood upright and instinctively called out:
“Beiliang’s Wherever Pass, Zhou Taoyao.”
Silence.
A long silence.
The three from Qianhu didn’t know what had happened, as they were unaware of Tang Wan’s true identity.
Li Kuan didn’t know what had occurred because he had already knocked himself out.
And Tang Wan?
“Don’t worry.”
Turning her head, bidding a parting smile, the young girl gently said:
“I absolutely won’t let you off the hook if I become a ghost.”
“Good.”
Zhou Li gazed back at her just as gently, “The sooner you die, the sooner you’ll be reborn.”
“Let’s do it together.”
The old scholar stroked his beard with a chuckle, joyfully saying:
“Today is truly…”
“A double celebration.”