“Sister Emily, you go ahead.”

　　“How about... you come with me to Wanling Academy in Linxue City? There are quite a few talented students at Wanling Academy, which might help with your recovery. Plus, I’m now the vice dean of Wanling Academy, so I can pull some strings and get you a spot as a new student.”

　　“Oh?”

　　I narrowed my eyes and asked with a smile, “Sister Emily, I heard you became one of the thirty-three Martial Gods on the continent half a year ago, is that right?”

　　Martial God—a pinnacle existence on the entire Longling Continent. The Longling Federation rules over tens of thousands of miles, but there are only thirty-three Martial Gods, each one a force to be reckoned with.

　　“Yes.”

　　Emily Baker didn’t avoid my gaze and smiled, “So as long as you come back to Wanling Academy with me, I’ll do everything I can to help you regain your strength, maybe even become stronger than before.”

　　“But, I heard that the requirement for new students at Wanling Academy is to have awakened their talent. Look at me, not only have I not awakened any talent, I’ve even lost my original abilities.”

　　She smiled gently, “It’s fine, I already said I’m the vice dean, basically the boss of the academy. What are you worried about?”

　　“So... do you have any plans for the future?”

　　“No plans.” Emily Baker stood up, took off her scarf, her impressive figure on full display. She glanced at me with a soft look and said, “If I have to say, now that I’m the strongest female Martial God in the Longling Federation, I hope you recover quickly and become a true powerhouse. Don’t hold your big sister back, okay?”

　　I sat up, eyes bright: “Sounds interesting, but I need to pee.”

　　Emily Baker burst out laughing, “Come on, I’ll help you…”

　　“……”

　　……

　　“Let Little Ethan go to Wanling Academy too?”

　　After dinner, my father lit his pipe, brows tightly furrowed. Naturally, he had concerns—sending me to Wanling Academy meant I’d be hundreds of miles from home, and coming back wouldn’t be easy.

　　Emily Baker stood up and massaged his shoulders, smiling, “Father, since Little Ethan has already lost his spiritual veins, staying in Yinye City will only subject him to scorn. Why not let him come with me to Wanling Academy?”

　　I said, “Just to be looked down on by everyone at Wanling Academy…”

　　“Pfft, stop talking…”

　　My long-lost cousin had become a real beauty. The last time I saw her was years ago, and now she was tall, graceful, and charming, with a captivating presence as she spoke. She continued to persuade my father, “With me looking after him, Little Ethan at least won’t be bullied at Wanling Academy. Wanling Academy is known as one of the empire’s four great martial academies—the resources, martial arts, and everything else it offers are far beyond what Yinye City can provide. Does father really want Little Ethan to spend his whole life in this small town?”

　　Father frowned, “Alright then, I’ll feel more at ease with you siblings together. But… you must come back often, and not disappear for years without a word like before.”

　　“Got it, thank you, Dad!”

　　Wanling Academy—the largest and best martial academy in the northern part of the Federation. It’s said to only accept geniuses and heirs of major powers, making it a place for both the talented and the noble. Just as Sister Emily said, being able to study at Wanling Academy is an honor in itself, let alone for someone like me.

　　……

　　The next morning, I was already able to get up and move around. I practiced a set of martial arts, but without spiritual power, I couldn’t exert any real strength—it felt more like empty showmanship.

　　“Looks like you’re still full of energy!”

　　In the corridor, my cousin clapped insincerely and cheered, smiling, “Now I can rest easy. The car is ready, we’ll leave this afternoon.”

　　“Huh? So soon?”

　　“Yeah, there’s still a lot waiting for me to handle at the academy!”

　　“Alright then.”

　　At that moment, my father came out from the inner room, holding a roll of something in his hand. He said, “Emily, I sold the remaining iron from the refinery and got over fifty thousand. Take it as Little Ethan’s tuition and living expenses.”

　　“No need.”

　　Emily Baker quickly stuffed the money back into my father’s pocket and smiled, “I’ll take care of everything for Little Ethan in Linxue City. You should keep this money for your retirement.”

　　“Really don’t need it?” Father looked a bit lost.

　　“Really, no need. After lunch, I’ll take Little Ethan and head out. Please take care of yourself, we’ll come back to visit often.”

　　“Alright.”

　　Father looked a bit forlorn. In the end, children have to leave home and venture out into the world—what’s destined to happen will happen.

　　……

　　In the afternoon, a black hunk of iron stopped in front of the Bu family residence—it was my cousin’s car. I’d only heard of such things before. In this age of whipping horses and riding beasts into battle, the Longling Federation was starting to electrify, and these cars were one of the inventions of the engineers. They looked odd, but were definitely much faster than manpower.

　　“Get in.”

　　Emily Baker got in the car and had me sit with her in the back, while the driver in front respectfully asked, “Vice Dean, shall we depart?”

　　“Yes, let’s go.”

　　“Alright!”