I Have A Sword

Chapter 1128: It’s Been a While!

Fang Yu was busy with his duties in the Cultural Department. Although it was a relatively idle department, the daily workload was still substantial.

Having been here for several months, he had already adjusted to his role. By now, he had faded into obscurity as if he were a mere afterimage.

Whenever he was mentioned, the people would shake their heads, thinking that he was foolish and inflexible. He had even become a cautionary example cited by the powerful families in Little Guan City. Those families would teach their younger generation, saying, "Don't be like Fang Yu."

One day, an elderly man approached Fang Yu and placed a document in front of him. "Tomorrow, Grand Scholar Qingru will be giving a lecture in the main hall of the Immortal Treasures Pavilion. This is the event schedule, and you'll be working with Yang Yue and the others on this event. Head over there now."

With that, the elderly man turned around and left.

Fang Yu picked up the document and read it before making his way to the Immortal Treasures Pavilion. Soon, he and Yang Yue arrived there.

Yang Yue glanced at Fang Yu and shook his head slightly.

He felt it was such a shame. Fang Yu could have become one of the elite members of the Guanxuan Academy and led his clan to prominence, but he threw away a bright future for the sake of his meaningless ideals.

It was a shame, as life offered only a few changes for one to change one's fate.

Fang Yu's expression remained calm. Upon entering the Immortal Treasures Pavilion, he instinctively walked toward the special teleportation array he had used in the past.

However, an elderly man stepped in front of him, blocking his way. He looked at Fang Yu and said, "This is the exclusive special guest passage. Only special guests of the Immortal Treasures Pavilion may use this teleportation array."

Fang Yu froze, realizing that the last time he was here, he had been led in and had no idea that he had used an exclusive special guest passage. Regaining his composure, he quickly apologized, "I'm sorry..."

Fang Yu glanced at Yang Yue beside him.

Yang Yue shook his head and said, "I have no idea as well. I've never been here before."

Fang Yu looked at the elderly man.

The elderly man pointed at a passageway in the distance and said, "That's the regular entrance."

Fang Yu cupped his hands in thanks. "Much appreciated."

He and Yang Yue turned around to leave, but just then, someone emerged from the exclusive special guest passage.

Fang Yu paused, recognizing the man. He was Manager Hong, the very person who had once delivered the invitation for him to visit the Immortal Treasures Pavilion.

Manager Hong was briefly surprised to see Fang Yu there, but he said nothing and simply turned away. For him, it was not worth expending words on someone who had lost their value.

Fang Yu, however, didn't feel disappointed. He had already experienced enough of people's indifference and hypocrisy. People were acknowledged when they had value and ignored when they had none. It was just the way things were here.

Turning to Yang Yue, Fang Yu said, "Let's go."

Yang Yue nodded, and they headed toward the regular entrance.

Just then, a voice nearby remarked, "That's Fang Yu. I still remember him. He went here through the exclusive special guest passage..."

"Fang Yu? The one who thought he was close to the Academy Master?"

"Yes, how ridiculous! He actually thought that the Academy Master considered him a friend."@@@@

"Talk about someone who doesn't know his place."

The voices were loud, and since they were all cultivators, Fang Yu and Yang Yue could clearly hear every word. People passing by began looking at Fang Yu, whispering and gossiping among themselves. ṙÂ????ÖʙĘṦ

Fang Yu remained expressionless as he and Yang Yue headed toward the regular entrance.

After serving tea to everyone, Fang Yu quickly stepped to the sidelines.

Li Qingru began his lecture and focused on several ancient texts.

These texts originated from the Milky Way and other civilizations, so they were somewhat obscure and were written in esoteric language as well. Many in the audience furrowed their brows, struggling to understand the meaning of the phrases.

Fortunately, Li Qingru translated every passage clearly and concisely.

Time passed quickly, and by noon, Li Qingru was done with his lecture. Closing the book in his hand, he looked at the audience with a smile and said, "I know most of you are focused on cultivation. Cultivation requires cultivating the heart, and reading is one of the best ways to nurture one's heart.

"I encourage you to read more in your spare time, as it will aid you in your cultivation."

The crowd responded enthusiastically.

Li Qingru smiled knowingly. He knew that most of the young people here were simply being polite, but it was fine. If even one person took his advice to heart, his efforts would be worthwhile.

He picked up his book and got ready to leave when a voice echoed from the back. "Elder Li, your lecture today has truly enlightened me."

Everyone turned around and was completely stunned.

A young man was sitting in the corner, and he was none other than Ye Guan.

The Academy Master!

Everyone's faces were filled with disbelief. What was the Academy Master doing here?

Ye Guan rose slowly and walked toward Li Qingru at the podium. As he approached, the seated guests quickly stood and made way for him.

Li Qingru, who was about to bow in greeting, was stopped by Ye Guan. "Elder Li, there's no need for formalities. In terms of seniority, you're still my elder. How can an elder bow to a junior?"

Li Qingru smiled. "I didn't expect that you'll attend, Academy Master."

Ye Guan replied, "Just call me Little Guan."

Li Qingru shook his head. "That would not be appropriate."

"Alright then! Haha." Ye Guan chuckled. "Elder Li, you referenced a few ancient texts earlier. Is it okay if I can have those books?"

Li Qingru shook his head again. "I'm afraid not."

The room was abuzz with shock.

Everyone looked at Li Qingru as if he had two heads.

Li Qingru hurriedly explained, "They're unique copies, but I've already arranged to have them copied. Once it's done, you can send someone from the Academy to retrieve them for you."

Ye Guan nodded. "Alright, that works."

Li Qingru asked, "Academy Master, I assume you didn't come here today just to attend an old man's lecture, did you?"

"You're right. I'm here today to find someone," Ye Guan remarked. Then, he walked over to Fang Yu standing respectfully on the sidelines. With a smile, he greeted, "Brother Fang, it's been a while!"

Fang Yu froze in shock.

The hall fell deathly silent as everyone stared in astonishment at Ye Guan and Fang Yu.