Volume One: The Path Begins Chapter 114: Lei Fan

As everyone chatted, Ye Junze lifted his head, his gaze sweeping steadily around, slowly beginning to take in the classroom before him.

Having been preoccupied earlier with finding Fan Yan and the others, he now settled his mind and took the time to observe. It was then that Ye Junze noticed something peculiar about this classroom.

His eyes roamed over the room, which was neatly arranged. Yet, unlike the previous classrooms they had attended, there were no meditation cushions on the floor for sitting. Instead, a few chairs were scattered here and there for people to rest.

Then, Ye Junze made another discovery. At the far end of the classroom, there were numerous small compartments resembling tiny rooms placed side by side, separated by a wall that obscured their exact purpose. As he looked at them, an uneasy feeling crept over him, though he could not pinpoint its origin.

After pondering for a moment without conclusion, Ye Junze shook his head and chose not to dwell on it further.

Meanwhile, some of the students had already noticed the presence of these rooms. Unable to contain their curiosity, they gradually approached to take a closer look.

“Hey, look! What’s everyone else over there gathered for?” Lu Renjia suddenly exclaimed.

The others looked at him with puzzled expressions, silently asking what was going on.

Seeing this, Lu Renjia pointed toward the other side of the classroom.

Everyone except Ye Junze followed his gesture and saw a large crowd assembled by the small rooms, sparking their own curiosity.

“What’s going on? Why is everyone gathered there?” they asked in confusion.

Ye Junze smiled and suggested, “Since we’re so curious, why don’t we go take a look?”

The group’s eyes brightened at his proposal, nodding in agreement.

Fan Yan, straightforward as ever, said, “Ye Junze is right. Let’s join the crowd and see what’s happening.”

“Alright,” everyone agreed without objection.

The five of them then made their way toward the row of small rooms.

As they drew near, they saw the students already gathered there, all bustling about with expressions of frustration and confusion.

Familiar with socializing, Li Ling approached a nearby boy and tapped his arm. “What are you all doing here? You look really troubled.”

The boy glanced at Li Ling and nodded, pointing to the small rooms. “These are the rooms here, right?”

Li Ling nodded in acknowledgment.

The boy continued, “We just found out about them and came over to see what they’re for.”

Li Ling encouraged him, “And then?”

The boy looked helpless. “Well, that’s just it. We found out these rooms can’t be opened no matter what we try. They don’t even have locks, which is really strange.”

Overhearing their conversation, Fan Yan asked, “Have you thought of any solutions?”

The boy looked at her and replied, “Solutions? Of course, but none have worked. Everyone around here is still scratching their heads, trying to figure out another way.”

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Fan Yan nodded and glanced around. Indeed, many were scratching their heads just as the boy said. She wondered if they weren’t worried about losing all their hair from it.

A few people even scratched so vigorously that strands of hair seemed to fall like rain.

Yet, they appeared oblivious, persisting in their efforts.

Through their conversation, the surrounding chatter, and his own observations, Ye Junze had already realized that these doors were impossible to open by their own efforts. Their attempts were likely in vain.

Still, seeing their enthusiasm, he decided not to dispel their hopes.

Better not to dampen their spirits, he thought, approving of his own understanding nature.

Though, if others knew, he wondered if they’d appreciate his empathy—or mock it.

“Why are these rooms like this? No locks, yet impossible to open. It’s just cruel,” a nearby girl suddenly complained.

A boy next to her quickly reassured, “Don’t worry, they’ll open eventually. If we can’t do it, then maybe the teacher will when they arrive.”

The girl stomped her foot, resigned. “Well, I guess that’s all we can do for now.”

Fan Yan and the others, still unconvinced, pushed hard against one of the doors.

As expected, it didn’t budge an inch.

They wondered if the door was welded shut.

But soon they shook their heads. This was a large classroom after all—it was foolish to think such a thing.

Surely, the Department of Daoist Studies wouldn’t make such a basic mistake. The design must hold some deeper meaning; the students should stop guessing wildly.

Watching their futile efforts, Ye Junze chuckled and said, “Alright, I think it’s safe to say we can’t open these doors. Let’s just wait patiently.”

Li Ling and the others nodded in agreement.

Fan Yan, however, remained dissatisfied and grumbled, “What are these rooms for anyway? The doors are so secure, I’m tempted to smash them open.”

Her remark made the others laugh.

Yun Tianhan grinned. “I’d save your strength. Today’s class is practical training. Just hearing about it makes me think it’ll be hard labor. Better to keep your energy for the lesson.”

Fan Yan shot him a glare and gave him a playful kick. Yun Tianhan quickly begged for mercy.

The group laughed at their banter.

Ye Junze glanced at the time and saw class was about to start. He and the others settled down, chatting quietly as they awaited the teacher’s arrival.

Time passed swiftly until the bell rang—the familiar sound signaling the start of class.

Everyone instinctively turned toward the door.

At that very moment, a figure appeared just outside the classroom.

Ye Junze focused his attention and saw that today’s teacher was a robust-looking man with an indescribably stern face. He regarded the students inside with a serious expression.

Seeing them, he nodded—whether in approval or for some other reason remained unclear.

Then, the man entered the room.

The students immediately stepped back respectfully and took their seats.

Once everyone was seated, the man’s face softened into a smile, and he addressed the class.

“Hello, students. I am your instructor for today’s practical training—Lei Fan. You may call me Teacher Lei or simply Lei.”

The students responded in unison, “Hello, Teacher Lei.”

Lei Fan smiled at their politeness and said, “Since I’m teaching today, there are a few things I’d like to clarify upfront.”

The students exchanged curious glances, wondering what he would say.

Lei Fan did not keep them waiting. “Though I’m generally easygoing, I have certain rules for my class.”

His expression grew stern, making his naturally severe face even more intimidating. In a grave tone, he continued, “I hope you take these seriously. If anyone breaks these rules, don’t blame me for being unforgiving.”

Seeing his seriousness, the students straightened up, attentive and ready to listen.

As they sat up suddenly, a faint smile tugged at Lei Fan’s mouth, but he quickly suppressed it.

He spoke solemnly: “First, I expect complete silence during my lessons. Don’t talk unless I say it’s allowed. You’re all adults; this shouldn’t be difficult.”

The students nodded in understanding.

“Second, I want you to follow my instructions carefully and complete any tasks I assign. Don’t worry—I won’t ask you to do anything immoral. It’s all to help us progress with the course.”

Lei Fan’s tone remained serious. “These two rules are all there is for my class. Please remember them well.”

The students considered these simple rules and nodded, acknowledging them.

Lei Fan clapped his hands. “Good. I believe these two points aren’t hard to follow. If anyone fails to comply, don’t say old Lei didn’t warn you.”

Seeing their agreement, Lei Fan continued, “I’m not much for talking, so I’ll keep this brief. Let’s get straight to the point. Next, I’ll introduce what we’ll be doing in today’s lesson.”

The students’ eyes gleamed with curiosity—finally, the lesson was about to begin.

In their minds, they thought, “Teacher Lei really lives up to his name—decisive and efficient.”