"Who gave you permission to enter!" A female voice sounded, clearly displeased.
The gust of wind was not intended to harm, merely to close the door. Thus, Yan Jiaojiao did not move. Instead, she pushed the door wider, allowing sunlight to stream into the room.
A woman, disheveled from sleep, sat up in bed. Her thick bangs covered her eyes, but Yan Jiaojiao knew she was glaring at her.
"Has no one told you that you're not allowed near here?" The woman was not old, but her tone was imperious, as if she wished to hurl the pillow in her hand at Yan Jiaojiao.
"I'm sorry, I live here," Yan Jiaojiao replied calmly, walking into the room. Indeed, there was another empty bed against one wall.
The woman blinked, then let out a scoff. "Oh, I remember. Today is the day for new students to move in. You must be the new scholar."
"Yes."
"Then I advise you to find another room immediately."
"What if I want to stay here?"
Seeing Yan Jiaojiao's disobedience, the woman raised her hand and sent forth a water sword. Yan Jiaojiao intended to dodge, but the water sword split into several finer ones mid-air, attacking Yan Jiaojiao from multiple directions, effectively blocking all her escape routes!
Yan Jiaojiao's eyes narrowed. This person truly intended to kill her without mercy!
Yan Jiaojiao stopped dodging. Instead, she stood firm, flicked her sleeve, and gathered the water swords into her sleeve as if they were mere splashes of water.
Seeing her attack so easily neutralized, the woman was somewhat surprised. She scrutinized Yan Jiaojiao. "You really want to stay here? Aren't you afraid I'll kill you in your sleep?"
"I believe Senior Sister wouldn't," Yan Jiaojiao said casually, walking a few steps and sitting on the bed.
Whether she would or not, Yan Jiaojiao did not know, but she was certain that she could not kill her.
The woman stared at Yan Jiaojiao for another moment, then finally pulled the quilt over herself and lay back down. "Suit yourself. Don't regret it!"
"I'll trouble Senior Sister to take care of me from now on," Yan Jiaojiao replied lightheartedly.
The only response was a cold snort from the opposite bed.
As the saying goes, there's always something strange in the forest. Yan Jiaojiao had already prepared herself.
Especially after her statements upon admission, she knew she would inevitably offend those in high positions within Ge Nan Academy. Even setting aside the sect leader, there would be senior disciples coming to teach her a lesson for her "ignorance."
Arranging for her to share a room with a peculiar person was already a relatively mild form of retaliation.
Afterward, Yan Jiaojiao tidied up her room. Taking advantage of the days when she could still enter and leave the academy freely, she decided to return to her new home in Ge Nan City to inform Rong'er and Dongfang Xu of her admission.
Until Yan Jiaojiao left, the woman did not stir. She did not even move, as if she were truly asleep to death.
As Yan Jiaojiao exited the room, she saw several senior sisters in the courtyard turn to look at her. They seemed surprised to see her unharmed.
These were the ones waiting to watch a good show.
Yan Jiaojiao knew this well, but she said nothing. She simply walked out of the courtyard without looking back, leaving the whispers of those senior sisters behind her.
Upon returning to her new home, she found Rong'er and Dongfang Xu folding and airing clothes. They were overjoyed to see Yan Jiaojiao.
"Sister Jiaojiao, you're back!" Dongfang Xu, like a small cannonball, rushed forward and hugged Yan Jiaojiao's leg, his small face lifted in a cute smile.
Rong'er also stepped forward immediately, holding a pile of clothes. "I heard the young lady was admitted to Ge Nan Academy! Everyone in this alley is talking about it!"
The entrance examination for Ge Nan Academy was a major event in Ge Nan City, and the news had indeed spread like wildfire. Yan Jiaojiao realized then how quickly the news had traveled.
"Sister is the best," Dongfang Xu said, circling her and flattering her.
Yan Jiaojiao ruffled his hair and took out a book from her Spiritual Jade. "I knew you'd want to learn new spells. With such a sweet mouth, have you already learned the previous ones?"
Rong'er smiled. "Xu'er is also very capable. Ever since the two guards from the Sheng family left, he's become even more diligent. He says that when everyone is gone, he will protect me."
Yan Jiaojiao knew Dongfang Xu was a good child and that she had not saved the wrong person. She was willing to take good care of him.
Since Yan Jiaojiao began teaching Dongfang Xu some basic principles in earnest, his cultivation had become smoother and smoother. He was already exceptionally talented, and with Yan Jiaojiao's guidance, his progress was rapid.
The three chatted for a while longer. Rong'er went to prepare dinner, and Yan Jiaojiao tested Dongfang Xu's basic skills.
For a time, it was a moment of peaceful tranquility.
After having dinner at home, Yan Jiaojiao had to return to the academy. Dongfang Xu clung to her for a while before reluctantly bidding her farewell. Only then did Yan Jiaojiao leave.
As dusk settled, the nights in Ge Nan City were always lively. Walking on the street, Yan Jiaojiao felt there were even more people than during the day.
She noticed someone walking ahead, a figure whose back seemed very familiar. The name "Sheng Mo Bai" popped into Yan Jiaojiao's mind. Just as she was about to step forward for a closer look, the figure had already disappeared into the crowd.
"It must have been an illusion," Yan Jiaojiao murmured to herself, seeing no one around. Sheng Mo Bai should be in Jiangnan, so why would he be in Ge Nan City?
Perhaps it was because Rong'er had mentioned the Sheng family tonight, making her think of Sheng Mo Bai, which led to a momentary hallucination.
Yan Jiaojiao shook her head and continued on her way to Ge Nan Academy.
The nights within Ge Nan Academy were also bustling. Cultivators naturally slept lightly, so as Yan Jiaojiao returned to her courtyard, she saw many senior disciples still practicing along the way. Various formations lit up one after another, making it as lively as the market outside.
Yan Jiaojiao walked and observed. Suddenly, a tall figure stood before her. Yan Jiaojiao quickly stopped and looked up to see Xiao Su standing in front of her, with Wen Jinshu beside him.
"Something wrong?"
Yan Jiaojiao raised her eyebrows slightly. These two had been allied with Yan Ruxue, and she had no good impression of them.
Xiao Su seemed a little uncomfortable. He touched his nose before saying, "We wanted to thank you for saving us in the dense forest."
"We've already thanked you," Yan Jiaojiao said, having already recognized their intention to make amends, yet she remained unyielding.
Xiao Su's expression immediately darkened.
Wen Jinshu saw this and stepped forward, pulling Xiao Su back slightly. She then said, "Yan Jiaojiao, the internal competition in Ge Nan Academy is quite fierce. We're trying to befriend you out of good intentions, as you did indeed help us."
The alliance of the strong sought only the strong.
They had previously thought Yan Ruxue was worthy, but after the battle in the dense forest, they realized Yan Jiaojiao was by no means ordinary. That's why they had shifted their focus.
Yan Jiaojiao, however, smiled proudly. "Since I've already spoken up for the weaker students once, I don't mind rectifying the unhealthy atmosphere of Ge Nan Academy again!"