Chapter 64: The Kunlun Immortal Academy

Chapter 64: The Kunlun Immortal Academy

The Kunlun Immortal Academy was established in imitation of the four great reformation academies of the Alchemical Outsiders. With the Celestial Master Zhang of Mount Longhu spearheading the initiative and the support of various leaders, the Kunlun Immortal Academy plan was proposed. Its main purpose was to cultivate young outsiders and ensure the uninterrupted legacy of the outsider world.

Times are changing, and the world is transforming. Waves of talent have emerged in the secular realm, driving the progress of China. Naturally, there are farsighted individuals among the outsiders as well. In fact, this idea had existed before, and many sects and clans had experimented with it. All that was lacking was an opportunity.

The Kunlun Immortal Academy would accept all streams, and disciples from every sect and clan would be part of it. In the future, the position of the academy’s dean would far surpass that of a sect leader, even that of the Celestial Master. It was an essential role. Yet, there was no one who could command universal respect. If any sect leader or high master were to ascend, none would consent. Even Celestial Master Zhang of Mount Longhu, despite his qualifications and strength, was suspected of selfish motives because of his origins and position as the head of the Celestial Master’s mansion, and was thus dismissed.

With the appearance of Luo Feng, the founding of the Demon-Slaying Alliance, and the invasion of the Japanese outsiders, the plan finally seemed feasible. Power, qualifications, and righteousness—all were present. Most importantly, Luo Feng’s strength was apparent to all. No one dared envy him, nor could they refuse his authority. Anyone who dared to make a move in secret would fear that as soon as the thought arose, a slap would descend.

After the battle of Ping’an, outsiders from all sects and clans gathered together. As the saying goes, where there are many people, there are many disputes. Especially since all the current major figures of the outsider world were assembled. Something had to be done. A grand drama unfolded.

Luo Feng’s face twitched; who says the ancients were rigid in their thinking? Just look at this imagination—if the plan were implemented, the future Mount Longhu Great Celestial Ceremony would likely become an academy sports meet. Flags waving, songs resounding. Youth ignites dreams, and the assembly forges brilliance.

Young disciples from every sect in the outsider world, brimming with youthful dreams and boundless passion, would compete for the position of successor to the Celestial Master of Mount Longhu! At the Great Celestial Ceremony, they would embody the outsider spirit of higher, faster, stronger, upholding the principle of friendship first, competition second.

… Next match! Li Ziming from Class Six, Year Three faces Zhang Chulan from Class One, Year Three—the one with no shame. The scene would be utterly bizarre!

Scanning the crowd with his divine sense, Luo Feng shook his head and exhaled a long, deep breath. He was just a salted fish.

The founding of the Demon-Slaying Alliance was pure coincidence. Only his principles kept him going until now. Therefore, being dean was never an option—never in his life would he become dean. He couldn’t teach students, could only drift along and live his days.

Luo Feng’s second incarnation politely refused, “I am truly not being modest! I am merely an elder of the Shangqing Sect, my abilities are insignificant. How could I possibly serve as dean? Please seek someone more capable.”

The atmosphere immediately turned awkward; many of the outsider world’s big shots cursed inwardly. If he is insignificant, what does that make us? Ants? Grass?

Perhaps only Celestial Master Zhang of Mount Longhu could be considered a newborn.

The stalemate continued. Luo Feng refused, and the elders would not relent. The Celestial Master of Mount Longhu’s gaze was resolute; today, he must push Luo Feng to the position of righteous leader. Mount Longhu had been at the top for a thousand years, attracting envy. The Thirty-Six Thieves were a case in point. It served as a warning to the Celestial Master.

Now, with a figure like Luo Feng who could overawe everyone, how could they let him slip away?

“The master is virtuous and respected, a role model for the outsider world,” said the Celestial Master. “He is a hero of China!” Not mentioning strength, he spoke of merit and integrity, then knelt in supplication, “We old fellows have studied and decided—the dean’s position belongs to you and you alone.”

“Though it is rushed, some matters must consider historical progress.”

As the Celestial Master knelt, the leaders of Wudang, Shaolin, and other major sects followed suit with tacit understanding. In an instant, a crowd of sect leaders, heads, and clan chiefs all knelt. Even those who were unwilling had no choice but to follow the masses.

Now, a great crowd was forcing Luo Feng to ascend.

Luo Feng could only smile wryly; the position of Kunlun Immortal Academy dean was sought by many but unattainable. For those who didn’t desire it, it was forcibly pushed upon them.

Such is the bizarre and laughable nature of fate.

But whether they kneel or not was their business.

Luo Feng’s second incarnation firmly refused again: “I cannot handle worldly affairs. I fear I would ruin important matters.” He followed this with a torrent of reasoning, his attitude unwavering.

The position of dean at Kunlun Immortal Academy was high and mighty. To sit there meant endless trouble. It did not fit Luo Feng’s steady style.

In short, Luo Feng was determined never to be dean.

The Celestial Master wished to speak, continuing his persuasion. Luo Feng, however, shifted the topic: “How are preparations for the transcendence ritual?”

The abbot of Shaolin, standing aside, replied slowly, “Three hundred monks will take turns chanting, sparing no effort. Master, let us return to discussing the Academy first.”

“That’s right. My Daoist sect will have three hundred disciples recite many ghost-slaying and exorcism mantras, ensuring not a trace of spiritual energy remains.”

“To prevent the use of techniques like the Mirror of Light to probe the past.”

The Wudang Sect leader chanted a prayer to the Heavenly Lord, echoing the sentiment.

In an instant, the topic was drawn back again.

Trying to dodge with Tai Chi, Luo Feng was still a mere student compared to these old foxes.

The stalemate lasted for about half an hour.

Celestial Master Zhang of Mount Longhu sighed helplessly, “Master Luo Feng, it’s not as if we’re doing evil. Why do you persist in refusing?”

Luo Feng’s face was cold and indifferent, silent and unresponsive, like a tool.

The real Luo Feng was leisurely monitoring everything in Heaven Escape Valley.

He was merely a puppet, devoid of emotion and words.

If things dragged on, the one who would break was definitely not Luo Feng.

With Luo Feng silent, the sect leaders could only discuss among themselves.

Dealing with this master, only gentle methods would work; force was out of the question.

After a long while, the elders all turned their gaze to the Celestial Master Zhang of Mount Longhu, urging him to convey their decision to Luo Feng.

Celestial Master Zhang snorted inwardly at their cunning, but as the foremost figure of righteousness, he had grown accustomed to bearing that title.

As for Luo Feng, Zhang no longer regarded this monster as human.

He cupped his hands and spoke sincerely, “Since you do not wish to handle worldly affairs, we will not insist. We only ask that you lend your name to the Kunlun Immortal Academy.”

In Heaven Escape Valley, Luo Feng was about to have his second incarnation refuse again. To lend his name—he wouldn’t even consider it.

With the battle of Ping’an concluded, there were no top outsiders from Japan for the time being; the outsider war had come to an end. Now was a sensitive period.

Luo Feng decided to stay in Heaven Escape Valley, devoted to cultivation, hoping to soon achieve the status of Innate Great Master and heal Zheng Zha.

Just as he had done in Yang Family Village.

The three-person life was something he still missed.

Unexpectedly, Celestial Master Zhang’s next words gave Luo Feng pause.

“The Kunlun Immortal Academy brings together all sects and clans. If you lend your name, Master, you may freely peruse the classics of all sects and clans, except their most guarded secrets—including scriptures and techniques on healing the soul.”

In Heaven Escape Valley, Luo Feng rose and gazed three or four miles away, seeing the unconscious Zheng Zha in his room, and the gradually recovering Luo Yuan.

Resisting the Japanese outsiders was his baseline, his principle.

But what truly mattered to Luo Feng were only a handful of people.

[Reviewing these days, exam tomorrow.]

[Updates will be delayed for now, two chapters owed.]

(End of chapter)