Volume One: First Steps on the Path Chapter Five: Azure Pavilion

After stepping off the car, Ye Junze walked along the road, taking in his surroundings. In front of him stood only a single shop with an antique, elegant decor, exuding a classic charm. The sign above bore the name "Azure Pavilion," which seemed to have no connection at all to the words "Anze Academy." Ye Junze looked up at the shop with a bewildered expression, thinking to himself, "No. 100, Tianci Street—this is the right address. But how is this supposed to look like a university? It’s obviously just a regular shop, isn’t it?" His face clearly showed the realization that he might have been deceived. Muttering, he said, "Well, whatever. I’ll just go in and see for myself."

Meanwhile, the driver who had already left suddenly recalled his previous passenger. Something struck him. "Tianci Street, No. 100—that sounds so familiar. Oh, right! That’s the very shop I just mentioned to that young man. What was I thinking? Well, never mind, it should be fine. Good luck, kid," he said, humming a tune as he drove off to pick up another fare.

At that moment, Ye Junze was unaware of the driver's musings. Otherwise, he might have reconsidered the connection between this shop and Anze Academy. Ye Junze pushed open the door, and a wave of fragrance greeted him. It was unlike any scent he had smelled before—invigorating and refreshing, clearing his mind in an instant. Musing on this, he began to take in the shop’s interior. Everywhere he looked, there were various antique items. As for their authenticity, Ye Junze, having no experience with antiques, couldn't tell. Yet he sensed there was something indescribable about these objects, as if each one was alive, possessing its own vitality. Just as he was about to take a closer look at the shop—

"Who is it? An honored guest—my apologies for not welcoming you sooner," came a melodious, alluring woman's voice, naturally carrying a hint of seduction. Ye Junze looked up at the speaker.

In that instant, Ye Junze seemed to lose all sense, staring blankly at the woman before him. "Fool, wake up. This woman is not ordinary," Dream Origin’s voice echoed in his mind.

Snapped out of his daze by Dream Origin, Ye Junze regained his composure, his gaze now clear and unaffected as he looked again at the woman.

The woman, too, appeared surprised that someone could free himself so quickly from her influence, and began to study Ye Junze with interest.

Reflecting on his first impression, Ye Junze could only think of one word: "Stunning." In all his years, he had never seen such a woman—one whose image, once glimpsed, could never be forgotten. At least for now, she topped the list of all the people he had ever met. Moreover, her eyes seemed to possess some unique power; a single, casual glance could unsettle the heart.

As the two of them stared at each other, Ye Junze coughed awkwardly and said, "I received an admission notice instructing me to report to No. 100, Tianci Street. I believe this is the place. Do you know anything about this?"

The woman regarded him with suspicion, thinking, "Aside from his head of white hair, there's nothing particularly unusual about this person. When did Anze’s admission standards drop so low? Well, never mind. Best not to dwell on such troublesome matters." Aloud, she said, "May I see your notice? Please don’t misunderstand—this is simply a routine check."

At her request, Ye Junze took the notice from his bag and handed it over. She examined it carefully, thinking, "That’s definitely the old man's handwriting. So this really is the new student for this year. But I still don’t see anything special about him. I suppose spending too much time around those monsters has changed my perspective." She seemed to forget that she herself was also one of those so-called monsters.

She returned the notice and said, "Ye Junze, is it? There’s no problem with your notice."

"Let me introduce myself. I’m Tushan Yue, the proprietor of Azure Pavilion, the head of Anze Academy’s external affairs office, and the guide for new students. You may call me Teacher Yue, as everyone in the school does. Pleased to meet you, and welcome to Anze." She extended her hand.

Ye Junze, momentarily taken aback by the string of titles, saw her expression darken and quickly responded, shaking her hand. "Sorry, I’m Ye Junze, as you saw. Pleased to meet you as well, Teacher Yue."

After releasing her hand, Ye Junze asked, "So, are we heading to the academy now to complete registration?"

Tushan Yue replied, "No rush, no rush. Many new students like yourself haven’t arrived yet. Once everyone is here, we’ll go together. In the meantime, feel free to look around the shop. If you fancy anything, you’re welcome to help my business a little," she joked.

Taking her at her word, Ye Junze resumed his survey of the antiques, this time able to ask Tushan Yue about his curiosities.

"For example, Teacher Yue, why do these antiques all seem to have a life of their own, as if they were alive?"

Tushan Yue, surprised, examined Ye Junze anew. Only she knew that some of her collection was indeed different from ordinary antiques, possessing the very vitality he described. Clearly, Ye Junze was not as ordinary as he appeared—he must have secrets of his own. Well, it made sense; when had Anze ever admitted students without good reason? Perhaps this young man would one day be counted among those monsters too.

"Oh? How did you notice? You know, outside of certain people at the academy, almost no one can perceive that," she asked.

"It’s just a feeling. These pieces feel familiar to me—just looking at them lifts my mood," Ye Junze replied.

"Some of these belong to the academy, others are from my personal collection. As for that vitality you sense, you’ll have a chance to learn more once you’re at the academy," Tushan Yue said. "For now, feel free to look around. I’ll make you some tea. By the way, I’m quite skilled at brewing tea."

"Thank you, Teacher Yue."

Tushan Yue turned to prepare tea.

Ye Junze continued studying the antiques. As he passed a shelf, he noticed a small sword no longer than his palm. For some reason, the moment he saw it, a strong sense of affection welled up from deep inside him. Unable to resist, he reached out to touch it. Suddenly, the little sword emitted a burst of dazzling light, causing Ye Junze to shut his eyes reflexively.

Within his spiritual sea, Dream Origin was also stirred, murmuring in confusion, "This sword... feels so familiar." Then, as if recalling something, Dream Origin urged Ye Junze, "You must buy this sword, no matter the cost!"

As quickly as it had flared, the sword’s light faded, leaving it quiet once more, as if nothing had happened.

Returning with the tea, Tushan Yue witnessed the scene and thought, "How many years has it been since that sword reacted like this? I thought its spirit would have faded by now. Unexpected..." Her curiosity about Ye Junze only deepened—he was certainly not ordinary.

Recovering from the incident, Ye Junze hastened to explain, "Teacher Yue, I didn’t mean for that to happen. I just touched it, and suddenly—"

"It’s all right, I saw everything," Tushan Yue replied.

Seeing that she truly didn’t mind, Ye Junze sighed in relief and asked, "Teacher Yue, could I buy this little sword? I found myself liking it very much."

"Of course you can, but I won’t sell it to you—I’ll give it to you," Tushan Yue replied. "Don’t be curious about the reason. This sword was once gravely damaged, and what happened just now might mean it responded to you. I hope you’ll help restore it in the future, since you’re now its master."

"But it looks new to me—there’s no sign of damage," Ye Junze said, puzzled.

"I’m talking about its sword spirit. All things have a spirit, especially a sword that has seen countless battles," Tushan Yue explained. "Of course, don’t ask me what a sword spirit is—once you’re at the academy, you’ll understand. What I want to tell you is that the world may not be as you once knew it. I hope you’ll be prepared."

Ye Junze wasn’t particularly surprised by her mention of spirits—he had spent two years with a so-called spirit, after all.

He still asked, "What is our academy really like? I’m growing more and more curious."

"Soon, you’ll see for yourself. Just don’t cry from fright when the time comes," Tushan Yue teased.

"Haha, I’d like to see something that could make me cry from fright," Ye Junze laughed.

"All right, put the sword away for now. If someone else comes in and sees it, that would be troublesome."

As Ye Junze put the sword away, he asked, "Teacher Yue, are you sure it’s all right? Didn’t you say some of these things belong to the academy?"

"It’s fine. That sword is from my personal collection—the academy won’t mind."

As the two chatted about the academy and themselves, more and more people began to arrive, all evidently new students reporting to Anze.

Seeing the crowd grow, Tushan Yue stood and announced, "All right, it’s time for you to report to the academy."

With so many people present, Tushan Yue was clearly less patient than she’d been with Ye Junze. She addressed everyone in the shop, "Everyone, follow me to the backyard. It’s time to report to school."

Just as Ye Junze was wondering how they were going to report in, Tushan Yue, as if reading his and the others’ thoughts, said, "Newcomers, don’t be too shocked by what comes next."