Jasper looked at the expressionless face of Quentin Harper and said calmly, “Miss Seventy-Six has a huge shortage of cultivation resources, is short on funds, and is at a critical stage in competing for a disciple spot in the Ascendant Immortal Sect. Regarding this matter, Chief Steward Harper, do you think Miss Seventy-Six should not be informed? What does Young Master Sixty-Four think?”

Miss Seventy-Six, Cynthia Harper, is Quentin Harper’s full-blooded younger sister, the true genius among the younger generation of Snow Sword Manor. Quentin Harper’s ability to stand out at Qingyuan Academy owes much to Cynthia Harper’s careful guidance at every annual gathering.

“I believe Young Master Sixty-Four will understand the situation, and our Snow Sword Manor’s carrier pigeons will not trouble Miss Seventy-Six over such a trivial matter. Farewell.”

With this admonition, Jasper turned and left.

The Dragon Eagle Swordsmen are one of the powerful external military forces of Snow Sword Manor, numbering eight hundred, all cultivators of at least the third level of True Refinement. Among them, the captains, squad leaders, and deputy commanders are at the fourth, fifth, and even sixth levels of True Refinement.

Such status is in no way beneath that of an unaccomplished young master or lady, so why bother to act according to their moods?

“Snow Sword Manor…”

Quentin Harper watched as the figure of the Dragon Eagle Swordsman Jasper gradually disappeared, his expression silent.

There was even…

Sorrow.

Just as Yvonne Easton had said, a pitiful reality.

……

Time quickly passed—six days went by.

“It’s time.”

On the morning of the sixth day, Quentin Harper tidied himself up, put on a white swordsman’s robe, took his sharp sword, and headed out.

In the past, Quentin Harper was known as the number one swordsman of Qingyuan Academy. When he went out, many students he encountered would try to curry favor with him.

But now, ever since he poisoned Brian Norton half a month ago, had his meridians broken, and lost his qualification for advancement, the looks those students gave him had completely changed.

Although there was no open mockery, the contempt in their eyes was all too common.

To this, Quentin Harper remained indifferent, walking straight through the scornful gazes of those students, back straight, his steps unwavering for anyone.

“Quentin Harper.”

At that moment, a voice called out from behind Quentin Harper.

Franklin Mason, an elite student of Qingyuan Academy.

“What is it?”

Franklin Mason hesitated for a moment. “Brian Norton will be heading to Eternal City the day after tomorrow. Since you’ve offended him, these next two days may not be peaceful. If it’s not necessary, don’t go out alone.”

Quentin Harper nodded to Franklin Mason.

“Thank you for the warning.”

With that, he turned and left.

“Qingyuan Academy’s number one swordsman… what a pity.”

Watching Quentin Harper leave, Franklin Mason’s expression was full of regret.

“Franklin Mason, do you believe Quentin Harper would secretly attack and poison Brian Norton?”

A female voice sounded beside Franklin Mason.

“In front of everyone, with conclusive evidence… Besides, whether there are doubts about Quentin Harper poisoning or not is no longer the point. The point is, the assessment instructor from Northern Moon Royal Academy believes he did it, and that alone is enough to cut off his path to enter Northern Moon Royal Academy.”

“The instructor from Northern Moon Royal Academy…”

The woman behind Franklin Mason frowned, and in her mind, she couldn’t help but recall the scene of Brian Norton being close with that instructor…

Based on that alone, perhaps whether Quentin Harper poisoned or not really doesn’t matter anymore.

“This is reality.”

Franklin Mason said.

His tone was heavy.

……

Eastern Academy.

One of the three famous academies in Qingyuan City.

When Quentin Harper arrived at Eastern Academy, it was already bustling with activity.

Today was the day of the Eastern Academy’s graduation ceremony.

This year, a total of six hundred and eighty-one students from Eastern Academy participated in the advancement exam, with twelve admitted, and three entering top-tier academies.

The Skyward Academy, which Yvonne Easton was admitted to, was naturally one of them.

Quentin Harper stood among the crowd, quietly watching the twelve students on the high platform in the square, each basking in glory, his heart as calm as still water.

To be admitted to a higher academy in the capital—even an ordinary one—meant limitless future achievements. Once one reached the fourth level of True Refinement, completed the Great Cycle, and stepped into the Innate Realm, they would be considered a top expert anywhere.

For cultivators, joining a faction is extremely important.

In this world, when a cultivator reaches the Hunyuan Realm, they open up a Yuan World within their body. The size and strength of the Yuan World depend on the individual, and it provides immeasurable assistance to cultivation.

A cultivator with a powerful Yuan World can not only be invincible among peers, but also possess the strength to defeat those of higher levels.

Some who reach the pinnacle and possess a perfect Yuan World can even resonate with ancient Yuan Worlds, receive the highest and greatest blessings from them, and, through special secret methods, connect their Yuan World with those of other cultivators, forming the Myriad Heavens Yuan World. Within the Yuan World, they can communicate spiritually and advance their cultivation by leaps and bounds.

Two people with the same talent—one who joins a faction and one who does not—will have vastly different achievements in the future.

A higher academy

is the gateway to joining such factions.

Moreover, with talent, one’s achievements in a higher academy are by no means limited to this.