"Ah?"
Qin Yi and Qin Wei were stunned. "Why did Young Master and Elder Huang leave so suddenly? Why are we left here?"
From above, Qin Xu's voice rang out: "You two rookies, make your way back on your own!"
Both of them exhaled in relief. Finally, they knew what to do next—but still felt a pang of helplessness.
Judging from Young Master's words, it was clear he was very dissatisfied with their performance during this trial.
Sigh… It wasn't just Young Master; they themselves were equally disappointed in how they had handled things.
Just as they were about to turn and leave, Zhou Boyuan, who was slowly getting to his feet, asked in a daze: "Young friends, do you know where the higher-level battlefield that Young Master Qingyu mentioned is?"
Qin Yi shook his head honestly. Qin Wei thought for a moment and also shook his head. "Not sure."
With that, they ignored Zhou Boyuan and made their way down the mountain.
Seeing the carriage waiting for them, the two exchanged a look and sighed in unison, like beaten roosters with drooping heads. They bowed to Elder Huang before nervously boarding the carriage.
Qin Xu noticed them getting in but paid them no attention. His eyes drifted to the scenery outside the window—the monotonous mountain forests—and he seemed lost in thought.
Qin Yi kept his head down at first, occasionally glancing at Young Master after a while.
Qin Xu finally turned to him: "Xiao Yi, what is it this time? I've said before, if you have a question, just ask. No need to act hesitant or secretive; it only makes people frustrated."
Embarrassed, Qin Yi scratched his head and chuckled nervously. "Young Master… you still have the title 'Qingyu Gongzi' in Lu Jing?"
Qin Xu shook his head with a smile. "Just a nickname my friends made up for fun. It shouldn't be taken seriously."
Judging from Zhou Boyuan's reaction, Young Master must be humbling himself.
Qin Yi pressed on: "Young Master, could you tell me more about the late Crown Prince Zhang Huai—his life, his deeds, and the Li Yang Academy he founded?"
Qin Xu seemed to have anticipated this question. He thought for a moment and replied:
"When Crown Prince Zhang Huai's name spread throughout the world, I was still a child and never met him. I only heard of him from elders. By the time I grew older, the crown prince had already passed. I could only read about his life and deeds in the archives of the Hou Mansion."
"Over twenty years ago, when he was alive, the crown prince had an outstanding reputation—not only within the royal family and noble clans but also among the common people."
"From birth, he displayed extraordinary constitution and remarkable intelligence. By age three, he had already formed his martial will and became a postnatal martial practitioner. By six, he was a preeminent martial practitioner. It is said he deliberately restrained his cultivation early on to solidify his foundation, and by ten, he broke through to the Golden Core stage—the youngest in the dynasty to achieve this rank since the founding of the Jian Yuan era."
Golden Core? A level above preeminent martial practitioners?
Young Master must also be at Golden Core, right?
Otherwise, he couldn't have suppressed Preeminent Perfection Zhou Boyuan with just the aura of his martial will.
Qin Xu paused, shaking his head in reverence for this prodigious martial talent.
"Although only ten years old, his rapid development, coupled with early intelligence, meant no one treated him as a child. Everyone regarded him as an adult. Around this time, he was appointed crown prince by the previous emperor, gaining widespread recognition."
"The books describe him as wise, respectful to the capable, and benevolent toward the people. He even implemented several welfare policies, many of which are still effective today."
This proves his extraordinary wisdom and talent: mindful of the people, benefiting the masses.
No wonder Young Master respected his character. Qin Yi nodded in agreement.
"When he was twelve, he proposed more radical ideas and founded Li Yang Academy. Only then did his fame truly spread throughout the land."
Qin Yi had already understood the gist of these ideals from the conversation between Young Master and Zhou Boyuan. To him, the ideas seemed commendable. Of course, from Young Master's perspective, they were dangerous.
"Alas, the crown prince—his brilliance was both his success and his downfall. His martial will was established too early, too idealistic, too naive. Once he truly stepped onto the battlefield and realized the truth of this world, he became disheartened, knowing his ambitions would remain unfulfilled. Not long after, news of his untimely death arrived."
"The crown prince was only fifteen or sixteen. After his passing, Li Yang Academy, less than three years old, was naturally dissolved."
Qin Xu sighed: "I never expected to encounter a student of Li Yang Academy here. Truly surprising."
Indeed, a school that existed only three years and was suppressed still has students who proudly uphold the late crown prince's legacy. Twenty years on, they have not given up—a touching testament to perseverance.
Qin Xu then advised Qin Yi: "Xiao Yi, in intelligence, you are very similar to the late crown prince. Both of you are precocious. Learn from his experiences and mistakes."
Qin Yi's eyes sparkled. "Young Master, if we are to learn from him, could you tell me in advance about the higher-level battlefield and the truth of this world?"
Qin Xu saw through his little scheme and smiled. "That is a customary rule. The truth of this world is tied to the forging of your martial will—you must discover it yourself. Everything depends on your destiny. As for the higher-level battlefield, once you become a true martial practitioner and the time is right, you will have your chance."
Why all the mystery?
Nonetheless, Qin Yi said with confidence: "Young Master, I will uncover the truth of this world and participate in that higher-level battlefield, no matter what!"
"Good. I'll wait and see."