The two riders galloped one after the other along the road leading to Longquan Square. The autumn sunlight bathed them as if cloaking them in golden armor. The trees lining the road swayed gracefully in the autumn breeze as if bidding them farewell.
Finally, they arrived at Longquan Square, near the Tiger Academy. Luo Chen slowed his horse, took a deep breath, and composed himself. He lowered his head, hiding the intense flames in his eyes beneath his bangs. He knew that in the days to come, he would need to be more cautious and discreet.
The stable boy, busy in the stables, saw Luo Chen at once. He was startled at first, then broke into a joyous smile. He eagerly ran over to help Luo Chen dismount, flattering him at the same time: "Young Master Luo, you're finally back! In your absence these three days, Master Yan was quite furious!"
Luo Chen smiled faintly, without saying much. He knew that although the boy was eager, he might also be probing. He glanced at Wang Xiaofa, who stood timidly aside, and thoughtfully asked, "Thanks for telling me, brother. May I ask where Ma Zhenren is? Also, what was his Highness's reaction upon hearing of my skipping classes?"
Upon hearing this, the stable boy looked at Luo Chen oddly and said with a mix of amusement and helplessness, "Young Master Luo, you really are forgetful! Master Yan is the chair of the primary academy; how could you forget that? As for Ma Zhenren, his whereabouts are uncertain. I don't know where he is now. As for his Highness..." The boy paused, stealing a glance at Luo Chen's expression before continuing, "They say that upon hearing of your absence, his Highness merely smiled and said nothing, just remarking that academy matters should be handled by those in charge of the academy."
Luo Chen felt a shiver in his heart, thinking that his Highness was indeed no simple person. However, he maintained a calm demeanor, merely smiling slightly and expressing his thanks before heading towards the academy with Wang Xiaofa. He knew that the days ahead would present more challenges and tests. But he also believed that if he worked hard and stayed strong, he could carve out his own path.
The two walked through the front courtyard of the academy and arrived before the schoolhouse. Luo Chen looked up to see a middle-aged man in a blue robe standing at the entrance. It was Master Yan, his face stern and his gaze sharp, clearly awaiting Luo Chen's arrival.
Luo Chen felt a tightening in his heart, but then relaxed. He took a deep breath, approached, and respectfully greeted Master Yan, "Student Luo Chen, pays his respects to Master Yan."
Master Yan glanced coldly at Luo Chen without immediately speaking. His gaze, as sharp as a knife, scrutinized Luo Chen as if trying to see right through him. After a long while, he finally slowly spoke, "Do you realize your mistake?"
Luo Chen felt a chill in his heart, but he met Master Yan's gaze without fear and said in a deep voice, "I acknowledge my mistake, sir. But please allow me a chance to explain."
Master Yan was slightly surprised to hear this. He hadn't expected this usually carefree student to speak so calmly. He nodded, indicating for Luo Chen to continue.
Luo Chen took a deep breath and began to recount everything that had transpired over the past three days to Master Yan. He did not embellish or deliberately conceal anything, merely stating the facts as they were. He knew that only this way could he regain Master Yan's trust and respect.
As Luo Chen narrated his experiences, Master Yan's expression gradually softened. He listened intently, occasionally nodding in agreement. By the time Luo Chen finished, Master Yan had set aside his previous judgments and views, reconsidering this student entirely.
He patted Luo Chen on the shoulder and spoke earnestly, "Since you have recognized your mistake and are willing to face the consequences, I will give you a chance. But remember, opportunities are rare; cherish it."
Upon hearing this, Luo Chen lightly clasped his hands in thanks to the stable boy. His smile was faint yet exuded a sense of composure. Turning around, he walked steadily toward the academy, with Wang Xiaofa naturally following behind, looking up to Luo Chen as a model figure.
"Brother Chen, how does a stable boy know so much?" Wang Xiaofa couldn't help but ask curiously.
As they walked, Luo Chen explained, "Most students at the Tiger Academy are the children of high officials and nobility. They exchange information freely. Though the stable boy just tends horses, he becomes well-informed in such an environment."
During their conversation, Luo Chen suddenly had a sensation as if sensing something. He stopped and quickly turned toward the alleyway.
At the entrance of the alley, a tall, slender youth stood silently. He appeared to be around fifteen or sixteen, wearing a pitch-black cloak, giving him a mysterious yet restrained aura. At that moment, he also caught sight of Luo Chen, and his pale eyes caught the sunlight, shining like stars fallen from the night sky, accentuating his unparalleled beauty.
Without those peculiar eyes, Luo Chen might not have given him a second glance. But in broad daylight, those pale eyes entered his view so abruptly that Luo Chen was taken aback. Waves surged in his heart, because he recognized those eyes.
Luo Chen had an excellent memory; though not photographic, he rarely forgot anything that left an impression on him. These eyes, for instance, he had seen in Princess Li Zhu's dream.
In that dream, he had followed his path to Situ Mansion, and it was the sudden appearance of this boy that disrupted his plans, preventing him from witnessing the final scene. That boy, skilled in the Secret Technique within the dream, wore night garments that only revealed those pale eyes—a sight etched deeply into Luo Chen's mind that he wouldn't forget for a decade or two.
At this moment, this youth stood before him, as if he had stepped out of the dream. Luo Chen suppressed his shock with great effort, not letting his emotions show. He forced a small smile, nodding to the youth as a greeting.
The youth also nodded slightly in response. His face showed curiosity and inquiry, seemingly trying to guess Luo Chen's identity and intentions.
However, Luo Chen didn't linger long. He knew his primary task was to head to the Tiger Academy. So, he turned again, walking with determination toward the academy. Wang Xiaofa, seeing this, hurriedly followed, both disappearing around the alley's corner.
The youth stood there, watching them leave, a strange glint in his eyes as if contemplating something. Then, he also turned and vanished down another alley.
Throughout the journey, Luo Chen remained silent, pondering the boy's demeanor and appearance, trying to glean more clues. Wang Xiaofa occasionally glanced at Luo Chen, worried he might say something to upset Brother Chen.
Eventually, after a long silence, they arrived at the Tiger Academy's gates. Luo Chen took a deep breath, adjusting his mindset.
Who was he? This question lingered in Luo Chen's mind. Though it was a brief encounter in Li Zhu's dream, why had he appeared in Changluo City? Did this signify that the secret hidden within the dream was even deeper and more complex than he had imagined?
Deep in thought, Luo Chen unconsciously moved toward the academy's gate. He couldn't help but glance back, seeing a slender girl carrying a box of bright rouge with a radiant smile, walking gracefully toward the youth. The youth accepted the rouge, his eyes filled with affection, then held her hand, and they walked together toward the square.
This scene pierced Luo Chen's eyes painfully, as he seemed to feel the cold and pain as the morning breeze passed. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm in his heart, then turned and entered the Tiger Academy, immersing himself in books.
But the doubts in his heart didn't dissipate. Who was that boy? Why did he evoke such a strong sense of familiarity?
Meanwhile, in another corner of Changluo City, Di Yi Wangfeng was frowning, pondering the same question. The girl Yue Qingqing beside him curiously glanced in the direction of the Tiger Academy and asked, "Xiao Feng, who were you looking at just now?"
"A boy from Changluo, slightly younger than us. I don't know why, but I feel like I've seen him before," Di Yi Wangfeng said, his brows furrowed with confusion.
Upon hearing this, Yue Qingqing laughed, her pale face occasionally showing a hint of color, "How could that be? Not to mention this Liu Country, even in the whole Wei Kingdom, we have few acquaintances. Xiao Feng, don't be paranoid." She held Di Yi Wangfeng's hand, "Come on, we've walked enough; we should find an inn to rest. I heard the inns on Vermilion Bird Street are the cheapest in Changluo. Let's check them out."
