Chapter 81

Chapter 81

Both felt that Xie Yin Xue was somewhat different compared to others.

But pinning down exactly how he differed was elusive; they just felt that Xie Yin Xue's aura was starkly out of place with everyone else.

What's most crucial is...

It seems the dean of instruction knows Xie Yin Xue.

On several occasions when the dean appeared, Sun Lingxi noticed her peculiar attention towards Xie Yin Xue—even if such attention was rooted in her glaring animosity.

Just think about it: if Xie Yin Xue was merely an ordinary participant, why would the dean so desperately want him dead? Clearly, since entering the instance, Xie Yin Xue hasn't violated any rules. Furthermore, if he really broke any school regulations, Sun Lingxi firmly believes that the dean would undoubtedly translate the murderous intent in her eyes into action.

Yet, the dean hasn't done so.

Regardless of her desire to kill Xie Yin Xue, she cannot directly act upon it, constrained by the instance's rules. Of course, it's also possible she can't kill—because both of them are NPCs within "The Lock of Immortality".

Therefore, Sun Lingxi hypothesized that there might be some internal conflicts among the NPCs in "The Lock of Immortality". Otherwise, she couldn't explain why the dean of instruction singled out Xie Yin Xue.

She informed Jiang Mo, "I've heard from other participants that in the first instance they encountered the Ferryman NPC, he was dressed in a traditional long robe with pear blossoms embroidered on the shoulders."

Hearing this, Jiang Mo quickly turned to look at Xie Yin Xue—a young man in an azure robe, the snow-white pear blossoms on his shoulders vividly depicted. Wasn't this the exact description Sun Lingxi provided?

She also commented, "Isn't that exactly how Xie Yin Xue is dressed?"

"Precisely," Sun Lingxi nodded, her brows slightly furrowed, "but he seems to have allies—Chen Yun, Liu Buhua, and even Bu Jiuzhao. They all seem to know Xie Yin Xue, so I can't be completely sure."

To Sun Lingxi's surprise, Jiang Mo confidently asserted, "It must be him."

Sun Lingxi raised an eyebrow; how could Jiang Mo be so certain about something even she, a veteran participant, couldn't confirm?

"At night in the dormitory, we can hear each student's inner thoughts, but we don't know what the teachers are thinking," Jiang Mo explained to Sun Lingxi as she sought a convincing piece of evidence. "Isn't this setting designed by the instance to obscure the identity of the Ferryman NPC?"

Sun Lingxi conceded, "...You have a point."

Still, she felt this theory had some loopholes. As she was about to voice her concerns, a scream from within the cafeteria silenced her thoughts.

"Help... Help me!"

Everyone turned their heads towards the source of the scream. He Wei, who had just finished his meal and was about to leave the cafeteria, now lay near the entrance, writhing and crying out. Despite him curling into a fetal position, he couldn't shield himself from the relentless strikes of the dean's rod—it was evident he had violated some rules.

However, everyone had been inside the cafeteria; what rules within could he possibly have broken?

"How can we help you?" Lei Chenglei asked anxiously, his face etched with concern, "What did you do?"

Only by identifying and rectifying the broken rule would the dean cease her punishment. Otherwise, He Wei could literally be beaten to death.

"I don't know... Ahh!" He Wei's screams grew more desperate, and the rod in the dean's hand began staining with blood, "I didn't do anything!"

Pei Qingrong glanced at He Wei's former seat, a spark of realization flashing across his eyes. He shouted, "The tray! After eating, you're supposed to place your tray in the dish return area!"

He Wei, hearing this, released his grasp from his head, painfully rising and using the last of his strength to dash to his seat. After grabbing his tray, he placed it at the cafeteria's designated dish return section.

The moment the tray touched the return counter, the dean, who had been relentlessly pursuing He Wei, halted. The rod, raised high, didn't fall, and with a sinister smirk, she retreated from the cafeteria.

He Wei panted heavily, his chest heaving rapidly. It wasn't until the dean of instruction was completely out of sight that his knees buckled, and he started sliding down, using the dish return counter to prop himself up and prevent a complete fall.

The onlookers observed his pathetic state and then glanced at their unfinished meals, shuddering at the thought of the severity of those blows landing on themselves.

Liu Buhua, after observing He Wei for a moment, turned to Xie Yin Xue seated beside him and remarked, "Godfather, his injuries seem worse than Liu Yi's."

Although He Wei didn't lose teeth as Liu Yi had, the fact that such a strong man was now unable to stand was a testament to the severity of his beating. At least Liu Yi could walk by himself after the punishment he received yesterday.

"Is the penalty for violating this particular rule so severe?" Chen Yun, seated opposite Liu Buhua, expressed his concern, "Or could there be another reason?"

"A teacher is a role model; their actions should exemplify virtue," Xie Yin Xue said solemnly, setting his chopsticks down. "If we, 'teachers', make mistakes, it sets a wrong example for the students. It's not surprising if our penalties are more severe."

"I see. Thank you, Mr. Xie, for enlightening me," Chen Yun said, an expression of understanding crossing his face as he gave Xie Yin Xue a grateful nod.

Xie Yin Xue responded with a gentle smile, "You're welcome."

Most of the cafeteria tables were designed for four. In the Eternal Abyss Academy, the cafeteria was no different. While Xie Yin Xue, Liu Buhua, and Chen Yun chatted happily, the fourth person at the table wore a stoic, even gloomy expression, embodying the saying, "human joys and sorrows do not resonate equally," especially since he sat directly opposite Xie Yin Xue.

Unable to earn a red flower due to unfinished assignments, Bu Jiuzhao had no meal and could only watch as the other three at his table ate.

Initially, as Xie Yin Xue, Liu Buhua, and Chen Yun were focused on their food, Bu Jiuzhao remained silent. However, after sitting there for a while and noticing the conversation amongst the trio, his brow furrowed, and he addressed Xie Yin Xue, "Why did you eat all of your food so cleanly?"

The meals provided by the Eternal Abyss Academy were the same for both teachers and students: perfectly cooked white rice topped with a pan-fried sunny-side-up egg, accompanied by a whole steak and a large crispy chicken leg, as well as some crunchy cucumbers and stir-fried greens. The meal could be described as both standard and sumptuous.

Such a meal would cost a decent amount even in the real world, let alone in a school setting. Yet, in the Eternal Abyss Academy, it was provided to every instructor and student who completed their assignments.

Although the meal was lavish, Bu Jiuzhao had been with Xie Yin Xue through three instances, and in two of them, he had cooked for Xie Yin Xue. Regardless of the dishes' complexity or extravagance, Xie Yin Xue would only eat a few bites. So, why in the Eternal Abyss Academy did Xie Yin Xue devour the school meal entirely?

Bu Jiuzhao inquired, "Did you find the chef's cooking particularly to your liking?"

Was it tastier than what he cooked? Was it exactly to Xie Yin Xue's preference?

"Not particularly," Xie Yin Xue replied, wiping his lips with a clean piece of paper from his sleeve and smiling at Bu Jiuzhao, "It's not as delicious as what you make."

Despite the compliment, Bu Jiuzhao's expression didn't lighten up. He coldly retorted, "Then why did you eat every bit of it?"

As Xie Yin Xue lifted his tray to head to the dish return area, he posed a counter-question, "Did you want me to leave some behind?"

Due to chronic illness, Xie Yin Xue's appetite had always been modest. In the real world, Mrs. Chen was aware of his dietary habits, often preparing just the right amount for him. But in the instances, no one remembered his preferences or adjusted their portions accordingly. As a result, after finishing this school meal, Xie Yin Xue felt more uncomfortable than ever—overstuffed.

Others didn't have this kind of worry; they hadn't left any food behind.

Not to mention they've been hungry all day, only to receive this hard-earned meal. They're uncertain if they'll complete tomorrow's assignments to earn a little red flower, or even get another meal.

Just by the rule "hunger affects strength," every participant turned student would ensure to finish their school meal, regardless of how full they feel, to ensure they have enough energy for climbing stairs or fleeing later.

"Why should I care about your affairs?"

When Bu Jiuzhao answered Xie Yinxue's question, his demeanor and voice weren’t cold, merely emotionless, stating the fact: “The one feeling discomfort from overeating isn’t me.”

“I just want to know if leaving food on the plate is considered wastage and if it violates school rules.” Xie Yinxue lowered her eyes, her playful smile fading into a sigh of annoyance. Her furrowed brows showed her worry, “You know I've offended that woman, so I have to be cautious, lest I lose my life here.”

Bu Jiuzhao was aware that Xie Yinxue was cunning, always speaking in half-truths, never entirely trustworthy. Seeing the young man show such vulnerability, he simply gazed at Xie Yinxue silently.

On the side, seeing Bu Jiuzhao not taking the bait, Xie Yinxue sighed again: He felt that Bu Jiuzhao had become increasingly indifferent. In the initial stages, Bu Jiuzhao would make sweet soup for him, but now he wouldn't even offer a smile. Why did their relationship seem to worsen over time?

After all, if Bu Jiuzhao wasn't concerned about him, he wouldn't have noticed his discomfort from overeating.

So does Bu Jiuzhao like him or not?

Xie Yinxue looked up at Bu Jiuzhao, who seemed to have shrunk in size, and suddenly laughed, “Bu Jiuzhao, weren’t you curious about how pale my skin is? How about you do my assignment tomorrow, help me see if leaving food on the plate will violate any school rules?”

Did he mean... If Bu Jiuzhao could find an answer for Xie Yinxue, he’d be willing to show him how pale his body truly is?

Initially feigning ignorance and engrossed in their meals, Chen Yun and Liu Buhua, who had no intention of getting involved in the conversation between Xie Yinxue and Bu Jiuzhao, were so shocked by Xie Yinxue's words that Chen Yun almost dropped his chopsticks.

Ignoring Chen Yun’s astonishment, Liu Buhua, who had been with Xie Yinxue for many years and understood his godfather's character, was completely stunned.

He knew of Xie Yinxue's frugal and detached nature. Xie Yinxue wouldn’t even curse with a foul word, let alone make such candid and bold remarks in public.

Why did he break his code for Bu Jiuzhao?

But even Bu Jiuzhao couldn't figure out what Xie Yinxue was up to.

Xie Yinxue wasn't the first participant he had helped bypass the challenge, but he was the only one for whom Bu Jiuzhao ensured safety in every stage, hoping he'd make it to the end.

He knew that although Xie Yinxue often smiled and didn't mind physical contact with others, his heart was actually placed high on a snowy peak. Year-round harsh winds and snow isolated everyone at the base, making it nearly impossible to approach.

Thus, his initial plan was merely to help Xie Yinxue pass the stages, perhaps befriending him along the way. Anything more was never in his consideration.

Yet, what followed was nothing he had anticipated.

Every time he encountered Xie Yinxue, the young man had an uncanny ability to push him off balance. By the time he regained his composure, events had strayed far from his initial intentions — this included the surprising confession he had let slip the previous night in the dorm; the fact that he knew Xie Yinxue's words were a ruse but still willingly played into his hands; and at this very moment, even though he had already agreed to Xie Yinxue's request internally, he stubbornly maintained an indifferent expression, merely responding with a cold, noncommittal chuckle.

Seeing this, the young man's eyes curved further in amusement, “If you remain silent, I'll take it as a yes.”

Bu Jiuzhao still didn’t speak, his gaze fixed on Xie Yinxue’s almond-shaped eyes. Looking at the shimmering depths and soft waves within them, he suddenly felt an urge to scale the desolate, frost-covered mountains to reach the peak, to find where this man’s heart was encased in ice and then claim it for himself.

...Yet he detested the endless snowstorms more than anything.

A hatred that had lasted eons, never ceasing, but curiously never extending to Xie Yinxue.

On the way back to the dormitory, Bu Jiuzhao, for once, did not walk alongside Xie Yinxue but quickened his pace and headed straight to the second floor.

Watching Bu Jiuzhao, who hadn’t eaten for two days and with such short legs move even faster than her and Liu Buhua, Chen Yun's eyes widened in astonishment. Out of curiosity about his identity, she asked Liu Buhua, “Mr. Liu, is Mr. Bu a friend of yours and Mr. Xie's?”

Liu Buhua wanted to admit he wasn’t even sure who Bu Jiuzhao really was.

He only knew that he and Xie Yinxue had met him in the previous stage, but nothing beyond that. Liu Buhua never pried into matters Xie Yinxue didn’t volunteer.

However, given the present circumstances, Liu Buhua felt perhaps he should inquire. If it weren’t for the fact that he knew Xie Yinxue had been destined to walk alone since becoming a disciple of Chen Yuqing, he would've suspected Bu Jiuzhao of trying to become his stepmother.

Therefore, Liu Buhua looked to Xie Yinxue, passing on the question he couldn’t answer.

Xie Yinxue laughed softly, nonchalantly saying, “He’s somewhat of a friend to me.”

Even Liu Buhua wanted to retort: Would a mere friend want to check the paleness of your skin?

But Chen Yun, not one to delve into others' personal matters, accepted this answer without further probing. She assumed that if Bu Jiuzhao was a friend of Xie Yinxue, he must also be a person of great capability, which explained his nimbleness despite not eating for two days.

Everyone returned to their respective dorm rooms to rest.

Not knowing the exact lights-out time, everyone got ready and turned off their lights soon after entering, not wanting to break any school rules.

He Wei, accustomed to an early bedtime, felt sleepy as soon as it got dark. But remembering the whispers about the voices that would arise after dark, he resisted the urge to fall asleep.

After an indeterminate wait, just when He Wei was about to drift off, sounds finally emerged from outside the window —

The first voice belonged to Liu Yi: "I'm full and no longer hungry, but I still wish to go home... I’ll focus on completing my assignment and eating well tomorrow.”

Such a simple wish. Zhang Caixia, who shared his sentiments from the night before, had slightly more distressing thoughts, “What classes are we having tomorrow? I hope they don’t make me eat cockroaches. Ugh...”

Zhang Caixia's retching was quite contagious. Hearing her, others couldn’t help but picture themselves eating cockroaches... followed by a collective wave of nausea.

So both Jin Xi and Ji Shanshan had the same thought: “Please, I pray I won’t have to eat cockroaches tomorrow!”

Pei Qingrong's mind still dwelled on the upcoming tasks: “I wonder what tomorrow's class is about. If none of the teachers are willing to lead the demonstration, what will we do?”

Lei Chenglei was more practical: “Chen Yun is so kind. Why wasn’t I born female? Then she would've helped me too. He Wei would want money to help, alas, I’m broke.”

……

As for Liu Buhua, his thoughts were just as shocking as the night before: “I've never eaten a cockroach, but I've heard there's something called a ‘water cockroach’ that’s edible. I’m terrified of bugs, but I’m curious to try.”

Xie Yinxue: “...”

Instead of these peculiar foods, he’d rather Liu Buhua continued pondering over the mysteries of pencil skirts and tight pants. Or even remain infatuated with beauties.

But when Bu Jiuzhao's inner thoughts surfaced, Xie Yinxue could no longer focus on Liu Buhua's musings. Because Bu Jiuzhao's thoughts were: “Tomorrow, I'll finish the classroom assignment, and then visit Xie Yinxue’s room to see just how pale his skin really is.”

Xie Yinxue: “...”

How indecent!

Can’t Bu Jiuzhao think of something else? Even pondering about eating cockroaches like Liu Buhua and Zhang Caixia would be better.

Everyone in the dormitory building, except Bu Jiuzhao and Xie Yinxue, began to question: Are these truly the kind of thoughts we should be hearing at night? Even Ji Shanshan wasn't thinking about Pei Qingrong, and Liu Buhua wasn’t musing about the dean’s pencil skirt. Why was Bu Jiuzhao still fixated on the paleness of Xie Yinxue’s skin?

Bu Jiuzhao had this recurring thought for two days, so much so that the next morning, when everyone gathered outside the dormitory, he couldn’t help but glance at Xie Yinxue, desiring to unravel the mysteries beneath his neatly fastened robe and behold the pale beauty beneath.

Confronted with everyone’s veiled yet revealing glances, Xie Yinxue could no longer smile. With a stern face, he stared at the main instigator, hoping he'd reflect upon his deeds.

But the chief culprit, when looking back at him, thawed his previously icy expression, revealing a hint of amusement at the corner of his lips.

Author's Note:

NPC's thoughts: I want to see just how pale his skin is... No, I want to see how dark his heart truly is.

Lord Xie's thoughts: Bu Jiuzao, I find you quite endearing. I’m offering you an opportunity to be my godson. I hope you recognize this favor.

npc：？