In the afternoon, Zhou Sheng'an decided to stay at Moon Pavilion for the night. Tang Yuehua had borrowed many ancient texts from the Heaven Dou Grand Library, some of which might contain information about the Blood God Cult, and he planned to study them overnight.
As dusk approached, Director Yin Shu came looking for him.
Zhou Sheng'an was flipping through an ancient text detailing various evil forces from two hundred years ago. Seeing how focused he was, Director Yin Shu didn't dare disturb him and quietly sat on the sofa without making a sound.
Only when Zhou Sheng'an finished reading and looked up did Director Yin Shu finally smile awkwardly and say, "Teacher Zhou, when will you return to the academy? Do you need a ride? The spirit ring you selected for Jiang Zhu has caused quite a stir among the students. They all hope you can help them choose their spirit rings too."
Zhou Sheng'an shook his head slightly and said with a smile, "I plan to stay at Moon Pavilion tonight. You should head back first."
Director Yin Shu's expression changed dramatically. Teacher Zhou was staying at Moon Pavilion?
Could it be that he was planning to stay here permanently?
That would be a huge loss for Blue Tyrant Academy!
Hurriedly, Director Yin Shu said, "Teacher Zhou, let me be honest with you. The teachers and students at our academy have all reached a consensus—we support you."
"If the dean insists on bringing that academic fraud into Blue Tyrant Academy, then we… we will leave the academy!"
"Wherever Teacher Zhou goes, we will follow."
Director Yin Shu had just made his stance clear.
Zhou Sheng'an was momentarily stunned. What was this supposed to mean? Was he stealing Liu Erlong's people?
No, this wasn't just stealing—it was like taking the entire foundation with him!
Unable to hold back his amusement, Zhou Sheng'an shook his head and explained, "Director Yin Shu, you misunderstand. I'm not leaving Blue Tyrant Academy. I just have matters to handle with Madam, so I'm staying here for convenience."
Hearing this, Director Yin Shu let out a sigh of relief and said, "Ah… so that's how it is. Teacher Zhou, I just found out that the so-called old friend visiting Dean Liu isn't the Grandmaster, but a man named Flender."
Zhou Sheng'an acknowledged with a simple hum. After chatting a bit more, he sent Director Yin Shu on his way.
…
Back at Blue Tyrant Academy, Director Yin Shu relayed the news to Liu Erlong.
Frowning, Liu Erlong said, "Tell me, is it possible that Tang Yuehua has set her sights on Teacher Zhou?"
Resting her chin on her hand, she fell into deep thought.
Flender, who had been watching the fish tank nearby, chuckled upon hearing this and said, "Your Teacher Zhou sure acts important. But Erlong, you must be joking. Even a countryside man like me has heard of Tang Yuehua's name."
"Even Emperor Xue Ye had his eye on her. How could she possibly be interested in your Teacher Zhou?"
Flender shook his head in amusement.
Director Yin Shu immediately said, "Mr. Flender, once you meet Teacher Zhou, you'll understand that Dean Liu isn't exaggerating. Not just Tang Yuehua—even if the Pope of the Spirit Hall were to suddenly fall for Teacher Zhou, it wouldn't be surprising in the slightest!"
"In terms of looks, knowledge, personality, and talent, Teacher Zhou is a first-class, elegant figure. That so-called Grandmaster is nowhere near his level."
Director Yin Shu gave Flender a pointed look, his tone subtly dismissive.
Flender narrowed his eyes. Daring to insult Yu Xiaogang in front of him—he wondered if this man could withstand his fists.
Liu Erlong shook her head helplessly and said to Director Yin Shu, "Alright, just go back for now."
"Yes, Dean Liu. Oh, about Teacher Zhou's class tomorrow…" Director Yin Shu hesitated.
Rolling her eyes at him, Liu Erlong said impatiently, "Fine, fine, I got it. I'll personally go invite him back tomorrow morning. Satisfied?"
Only then did Director Yin Shu leave contentedly.
Watching the scene coldly, Flender silently made up his mind—tomorrow, he would see for himself just what kind of abilities this Zhou Sheng'an had to make Liu Erlong so concerned.
…
Evening.
Zhou Sheng'an was still engrossed in reading. He read at an astonishing speed and had an eidetic memory. Within ten to fifteen minutes, he could finish a hundred-thousand-word ancient text.
At this rate, he would be able to finish all the books Tang Yuehua had brought him by tonight.
These books contained records of heretical cults from the past five hundred years.
Around midnight, the door suddenly swung open.
An elderly man, clad in a luxurious golden robe, stormed into the room. His presence was commanding, and his sharp gaze immediately locked onto Zhou Sheng'an.
With furrowed brows, he exuded an aura of authority as he coldly demanded, "Who are you?! Why are you in this room?"
Before his voice had even faded, a graceful figure appeared behind him.
With a hint of helplessness, Tang Yuehua said, "Your Majesty, he is a teacher at Blue Tyrant Academy, a man of great talent. My elder brother is in trouble, and only Teacher Zhou might be able to save him."
As she spoke, her eyes reddened slightly, and she let out a soft sigh.
Seeing this, Emperor Xue Ye's expression softened, his eyes showing a trace of heartache.
He said, "Yuehua, you're always so strong. Why didn't you tell me about this? I could have asked the imperial scholars to investigate, and if necessary, mobilized the empire's forces to help you."
"What can a mere teacher possibly do? Keeping him here will only harm your reputation."
"Listen to me. I will do everything in my power to help you!"
As he spoke, Emperor Xue Ye reached out, intending to place his hand on Tang Yuehua's shoulder.
Tang Yuehua, feeling touched, bowed slightly—just enough to evade his touch—and sincerely said, "Thank you, Your Majesty. My elder brother is a Titled Douluo. Though our sect has several elders of the same level, due to the influence of the Spirit Hall, they might not be able to take action. This matter will truly trouble Your Majesty."
"…" Emperor Xue Ye's eyelid twitched.
The warmth in his gaze faded considerably, and his expression turned serious as he said, "While the empire's soldiers can't restrain Tang Sect's leader, they can at least deliver messages. Very well, I will make the arrangements. Yuehua, take care of yourself."
Emperor Xue Ye gave Zhou Sheng'an a long, meaningful look before turning and leaving.
Tang Yuehua followed him out to see him off. A few minutes later, she returned, closed the door, and let out a long sigh.
Stepping up to Zhou Sheng'an, she bowed slightly and said, "I've caused trouble for Teacher Zhou. My apologies."
Zhou Sheng'an shook his head. Though he disliked trouble, he wasn't someone who would vent his frustration on Tang Yuehua for it.
He smiled and said, "Madam, there's no need to say that. Staying here was my choice."
Tang Yuehua looked at Zhou Sheng'an with gratitude. Compared to her expression in front of Emperor Xue Ye earlier, this time, it was much more genuine!
"Thank you, Teacher Zhou…"
Zhou Sheng'an didn't look at her again, instead continuing to flip through his books as he casually remarked, "Actually, I admire you, Madam. A woman without spirit power, navigating between Emperor Xue Ye and the nobles, serving as an external connection for the Clear Sky Sect… The difficulties you face are probably something even your sect members can't fully understand."
"!!!" Tang Yuehua's body trembled. She bit her lip and stared blankly at Zhou Sheng'an.
For so many years, this was the first time someone had truly understood her.
Though she lived a life of prestige, the grievances and helplessness she endured—who could she confide in?
She could only shed silent tears at night.
But now, this man… understood her.