Zhou Yan spent several days on the airship, though he himself was not actually on it, but rather within his territory.
When the airship finally reached Ziwei Academy, Zhou Yan heard someone call out his name.
"We've arrived?"
Zhou Yan emerged from his territory and found himself back outside the main gate of Ziwei Academy.
As he stepped off the airship, he noticed that the area below was filled with familiar faces.
Teacher Leng Yue, Teacher Yang Junming, Elder Han Feng, Elder Han Li, and even Chu Luoyan were there. In addition to them, many other teachers and students were present.
Ye Bufan, Lin Tan, Li Qingjin, Luo Yushuang, Dong Qingyi, Gu Nianyun, and others – all the introductory disciples of their cohort were gathered there.
"Welcome back!" Everyone burst into applause. The students had organized a welcome ceremony.
Zhou Yan was touched by the grand reception.
"Thank you!" Zhou Yan descended and embraced Ye Bufan and the others.
"Welcome back."
"Thank you."
Surrounded by the crowd, Zhou Yan walked back into Ziwei Academy, heading straight for the teachers' office area. Yang Junming addressed the others, "We need to speak with Zhou Yan privately. You can all leave for now."
Zhou Yan also said to Ye Bufan and the others, "Once my matters are concluded, I'll treat you all to a meal."
"Alright!"
"I'll go book a hotel!"
"Let's just book the entire hotel."
"That makes sense, Zhou Yan isn't short on money anyway!"
Zhou Yan smiled and replied, "We can do that!"
He entered the office and found two elders already present. Their status seemed significant.
"Please, have a seat," the two elders said.
Everyone sat down, and Zhou Yan followed suit.
"I am Yin Pengyi, a Supreme Elder of Ziwei Academy. This is Yun Guangliang."
"Regarding the incident that occurred last time, it was the Academy's failing to provide adequate protection. It is indeed our responsibility. Had you not returned safely, our Academy would have lost a rising star. On behalf of the Academy, I apologize to you."
The two Supreme Elders spoke directly to Zhou Yan.
Zhou Yan quickly responded, "I do not blame the Academy. No one could have anticipated such elaborate schemes against me. After that incident, all the teachers and elders did their best, and I am well aware of that."
"This ordeal has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I was unharmed after entering the deep sea core and was even teleported to the Myriad Realms Lord Continent."
"I believe you have all heard of the Myriad Realms Lord Continent. That's correct; I intentionally spread the news to lure the people from the Ancient Dynasty and the Dark Dynasty there."
"Although some of them managed to escape, they will never dare to act rashly again. I have let them know the consequences of targeting me."
Zhou Yan briefly recounted the events.
"Is there any compensation you require from the Academy? We will do our best to satisfy your needs," the two Supreme Elders inquired.
"I would be very pleased if you could grant me a few top-tier buildings," Zhou Yan replied without hesitation.
They did not inquire about his experiences in the deep sea core or how he had reached the Myriad Realms Lord Continent.
Ziwei Academy has always been averse to prying into the secrets of others; it is an ancient tradition.
"That is certainly no problem. They will be delivered to you. Besides that, is there anything else you require?" the Supreme Elder asked with a smile.
"I have no other particular needs. However, I would also be very pleased if you could provide me with some top-grade materials," Zhou Yan answered.
"Very well, we understand your wishes. You can choose them yourself at that time," the two Supreme Elders said.
"Thank you both, Supreme Elders," Zhou Yan said.
"You're welcome. If there's nothing else, we shall take our leave. We will notify you later," the two Supreme Elders stated.
"Farewell, Supreme Elders."
The two Supreme Elders, having conveyed their message, nodded to everyone as a farewell and departed.
Chu Luoyan said to Zhou Yan, "When your matters are settled, come and find me."
"In a few days," Zhou Yan replied.
"Anytime is fine," Chu Luoyan said before also leaving the meeting room.
Others then began asking Zhou Yan about his experiences. After he finished speaking, they too departed one by one.
Finally, only Leng Yue, Han Feng, and Yang Junming remained.
"You truly are full of surprises, young man. While we knew you wouldn't die, the events on the Myriad Realms Lord Continent did shock us," Leng Yue remarked.
"Indeed! I heard that one or two thousand lords attacked you. It frightened me; I thought you were dead for sure that time," Han Feng added.
"Since Zhou Yan has returned safely, it is good news. We will arrange for someone to catch you up on your missed lessons. As for your disciple status, the Principal has agreed that you may choose freely," Yang Junming stated.
"I do not wish to skip grades. I will proceed according to the normal advancement standards," Zhou Yan responded.
"Very well, we respect your decision. However, there is no need for you to undergo the assessment. You will directly be promoted to an outer disciple in September. The assessment holds little significance for you now."
Yang Junming looked at Zhou Yan with a smile. As Zhou Yan's teacher, he was proud to have such a student.
"Thank you," Zhou Yan nodded.
Afterward, Yang Junming and Elder Han Feng also left, leaving only Leng Yue in the meeting room.
"I almost thought you would die," Leng Yue said.
"Don't you have confidence in me?" Zhou Yan chuckled.
"It's not a lack of confidence, but rather that we simply didn't know you were this powerful back then!" Leng Yue replied.
"Teacher Leng Yue cares for me so much; it truly moves me," Zhou Yan said.
"You are my student, how could I stand by and watch you be harmed? I would worry just as much about any other student," Leng Yue replied.
Teacher Leng Yue, like the other teachers, showed Zhou Yan great care, something he was keenly aware of.
They chatted for a long time, and she mentioned that she would help him catch up on the past few months' lessons over the next two months.
Zhou Yan nodded.
It was already the end of June, and the students would be going on holiday in a few days.
In September, they would enter the outer disciples. Leng Yue would no longer be Zhou Yan's practical combat teacher, nor would Yang Junming be his overall mentor.
"Time passes so quickly," Zhou Yan remarked.
"Yes, a year ago, you all had just entered Ziwei Academy," Teacher Leng Yue said.
"Shall we go out for a gathering?" Zhou Yan asked.
"I won't be joining. You all go have fun yourselves," Leng Yue said before leaving.
Zhou Yan exited the meeting room and then messaged Ye Bufan and the others, "Where are you?"
"Waiting for you at the usual spot," Ye Bufan replied.
"Okay."
Following this, Zhou Yan met up with Ye Bufan and the others and headed to the reserved hotel.
They all spent the entire night together, sleeping at the hotel.