Yin & Yang Pleasures of Cultivation

Much like every area Darcel and Aniela seen so far, the place Teacher Zala led them to was equally luxurious. Their eyes watched numerous students all entering or leaving various doors down a long hall.

They arrived here in a short brief walk coming from the combat arena. And this specific hall, in terms of design, had a particular pallet. The pallet is a bright light blue color, exuding a fresh new atmosphere.

Clearly, the duo assumed this spot is for Qi Formation Sea students. The fact that every student walking there was dressed in the same light blue uniform also helped confirm their thoughts.

Walking down the hall, Darcel and Aniela had realized something. Of course, they were casually talking like usual. Yet, this beautiful, proud woman in front of them hasn't said a single word to them!

Moreover, she didn't even bother to turn back to them to at least see if the two were still following her footsteps. For any other youth, this woman would seem naturally untouchable.

Being a top beauty, having a high realm, and a prestigious status made it extremely difficult to approach, let alone talk to her.

Combined with the indifferent stern expression on her, it all made people be naturally compelled to respect her.

However, Aniela was having queer thoughts about Teacher Zala. Surely she should be immensely interested in the two of them! But that stubborn pride seemed to be getting in the way for any conversation.

Sneakily she got Darcel's attention by nudging his shoulder. And once Darcel saw Aniela's slight mischievous smile, he knew it was time for a change. A welcoming change, in fact, for this short walk.

"Darcy...back me up here." In a low voice, Aniela told him. Simply Darcel nodded and kept his serene expression.

The distance between Teacher Zala and the duo wasn't great. Only just a couple of feet in front of them. Meaning an acceptable length to talk. Pondering on what to say, Aniela suddenly got a good topic.

"Ah! Excuse us, Teacher Zala, but just where exactly we are? These have to be rooms for Qi Formation students, right?" It was simple but effective. Also helping was Aniela's confident and assured tone when speaking up.

She didn't have any apprehension in her tone. Or a voice that is used when regarding someone of upper status. It was like Teacher Zala was a mere acquaintance of them.

Teacher Zala had a slight pause in her step. During this whole time, her thoughts were actually on the duo. Mainly trying to pinpoint any sorts of logic to their prowess.

Sadly, nothing that could make sense came up for her. And hearing Aniela so casually called out to her got her a bit piqued. It really does look like their bravado wasn't just a facade for a crowd.

Still, she didn't look backed and continued walking. But she did answer Aniela's question with, "You would be correct. More specifically, these are rooms for Middle Order students and above. Only special early order students could stay here early."

"What counts as being special anyways? Our fight with Gorga and Boldog went pretty fast to really tell any specialness." Similarly, Darcel had an assured, confident tone when speaking.

Honestly, the two really only regarded Teacher Zala as just a woman that could easily kill them. And while this thought may be off-putting to many, it didn't bother the duo nearly as much.

The threat of death held a relatively low place in their minds. As for Teacher Zala's beautiful appearances? Aniela didn't care at all about it though Darcel found some appreciation in her beauty.

After all, a beautiful sight was a beautiful sight. And Darcel was the one to regard such views like her.

Teacher Zala all the while only expected Darcel to hold the same confident tone. Though outright hearing how these two quickly destroy special students still caused slight mixed feelings.

Whatever it was that was unique about their prowess, she must find out about! "The control you have over your profound Qi, your comprehension abilities, inborn powers, and talent all counts towards being special. And you two...well here's your room."

Changing the subject mid-sentence, the three had finally arrived at one specific blue door. On the door, it had numbers reading, '365.'

Darcel and Aniela kind of expected to come up to the door so soon, but they were at least satisfied with that small and short conversation.

Even if it was only for a little bit, the duo guessed Teacher Zala still has an interest in them.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have answered their question so extensively. While they didn't have much interest in Teacher Zala, the duo couldn't deny she could be a useful ally in the future.

Reaching into her pocket, Teacher Zala fished out a blue spatial ring. Handing it over to Darcel, she took the time to explain,

"This ring contains your academic uniforms and keys to your room. Before I leave, remember these special rules. Uniforms must be worn at all times, random fighting is forbidden and must be done on the combat stage. Classes here aren't mandatory. Every month, only one of you needs to pay three hundred Orange Crystals to continue staying here."

"Either way, you have to work here...so? How do we go about earning Orange Crystals here?" It was a reasonable assumption for Aniela to assume you can earn extra crystals here.

These students pride themselves on their trained strength.

"The main ways are fighting students in the combat arena and winning to earn crystals. Or you can take on Academic Missions. The rest you need to know will be inside your room."

Finishing her explanation, Teacher Zala turned away from the duo. And without another word, began walking off. From the start and to the end, she still didn't look the pair entirely in the eyes.

Darcel and Aniela only shrugged their shoulders at Teacher Zala swift leave. No matter what, they'll see each other around the Academy anyways. Though they did think she could be less of a prude.

Holding the blue spatial ring, Darcel interjected a bit of his Profound Qi in it. With a small purple flash, he managed to take out a light blue orb that had the same numbering as the door.

"Well, would you look at this? They even have automated keys! And...oh?" While Aniela was talking, the light blue orb ignited when Darcel held it up against the door.

Swiftly the door opens on its own, allowing the duo to witness a pleasant clean sight. The room was comfortably large and spacious. It allowed for two people living here to have plenty of room for themselves.

There were several bookshelves here, all containing various books and scrolls—a door connected to the room's backside where the washing quarters was.

And there was even a large window to gaze upon the outside world.

Already this room was marginally better than the little servant quarters given to them at the Wrathful Clan.

Stepping inside the room, Darcel and Aniela felt a pleasant warm aroma run through here. It was a scent that could make you serene, getting into a perfect mood for cultivation.

"Finally, a remarkable place for us to stay in. They even have two beds for us. Though considering those guys, it makes sense to have two." Darcel remarked while looking all over the room.

And to their left were two pairs of large comfy beds. Aniela gained a bit of a teasing smirk, grabbing Darcel's hand to lead him to one of the beds. "It's only a shame I'm too used to sleeping with your soothing warmth Darcy~."

Sitting on the bed, the two took a moment to rest. Darcel, of course, didn't let Aniela's cute teasing get to him. But he could admit in his mind that sleeping without Aniela in his arms would be rather...uncomfortable.

"Thankfully, while sleeping, you're not as nearly as energetic when you're up. Before we do anything, though, it's time to make another set of plans since we're taking an extended stay here."

Aniela's eyes lit up at this thought. For a short amount of time, they finally have a stable place to return, too, and no immediate threats now.

"Ooohh...you know our obvious course of plans has to be those missions! It's too dull to stay in one place and cultivate. Everyone thrives on the thrill of battle to make great achievements!"

"Indeed, it's always the best way to perfect our foundations. Plus, we really only need resources here, not their classes, at least for now. Unlike others, our bodies can intake energy pretty easily."

Darcel drew this conclusion from the bug's energy they so quickly absorbed. Without much effort on their parts, their souls had easily cleared out any negative backlash from absorbing Qi from another source.

Compared to naturally cultivating from the energy that runs in the air, resources are the perfect method for the duo to monstrously grow.

Glancing down at her bloodline arm, Aniela began to ponder.

"Should we take on a risky mission? With our arms, I'm sure we're probably nearing the peak prowess of this realm."

"By tonight, we can use the remaining bug's energy to break through to Middle order. And by then, we'll be able to comfortably hold our own against any Qi Formation sea missions."

"Ohh! So we're already going to get real intimate for our first-night ~? Been holding back enough~?" Aniela dawned an outrageously cute sly smile while talking.

Going by their previous breakthroughs, it did feel marginally satisfying to breakthrough together than separately. Darcel, however, only began to pat Aniela's soft hair while telling her,

"Survival over pleasure first ditzy girl. Even if we're safe for today, who knows if those two weaklings might bring people to start trouble again? We did embarrass them hard. For now, we'll just read up on this Academy together."

"Muuu~, fine. Hmm...at at least for this session, I'll make what would be ordinarily boring, fun!" Aniela did coo into Darcel's hand but still had a bright determined face.

Who said you couldn't mix fun in with information gathering? Plus, it was just her style to do things more creatively. Something of which Darcel understood all too well.

Cracking a smirk at her, Darcel said,

"And I wonder just how you'll make book readings fun?"

"Fuuu! Just wait, you'll see!"

….

While Darcel and Aniela were having their own little moments inside their rooms, several different reactions were taking place all around the Academy.

Word traveled extremely fast about seemingly two strong outsiders.

Strong outsiders who were able to ultimately crush two powerful early order students! Of course, not seeing it for themselves, many were inclined to deny this rumor.

However, it was unmistakable that Gorga and Boldog were sent to the Doctor's offices to get treated. It was a bizarre situation, and many were getting interested in these seemingly powerful outsiders turned students.

Instructor Lei had picked up on all of this while walking through the Initiate Student level part of the Academy. He was hoping to run into Teacher Zala as his mind was just as focused on the duo.

And through sheer luck, while walking down a random desolate long hall, Instructor Lei had crossed his eyes with the unfathomable Teacher Zala.

"There you are. Is everything all finished now?" Instructor Lei asked while taking notice of Teacher Zala's slightly distracted face.

"I had recently sent them off...what is so important that you have to discuss with me." Out of all youths that came to take their tests, Instructor Lei never was so adamant about sharing information.

But looking at who just joined, she could understand it now, somewhat.

"Here's the thing. The cultivation test they took, guess what marks they got on it." Instructor Lei first asked since he wanted to gauge her reactions.

Thinking about it, Teacher Zala told him, "Have they managed to get at most a seventy percent mark?"

This was already a high estimate for outsiders! Rarely could one go past an even sixty-seven percent mark. Those two having such high prowess, it would only make sense they would score high on the test.

"Not even close. Try a hundred percent perfect marks!" Teacher Zala stopped in her tracks hearing Instructor Lei. Was she sure she heard, right? A hundred percent marks?!

"Not only that, but they also did it within only ten minutes without a single break! Here, check out their tests if you want too."

Instructor Lei tossed two scrolled up papers to her. Instinctively Teacher Zala caught the papers. Her body moved on its own, and she slowly unraveled the papers.

It was then her eyes bear witness to the most sophisticated and profound answers she ever saw coming from a youth! Their knowledge and experience were something not even past geniuses could compare too.

"Judging by your expression, it's quite mind-blowing, right? And with what we saw in the arena...don't you think we should report them to the Vice-Principal? They match all of her criteria and then some."

"...Lead the way then."

Teacher Zala was still in shock but agreed to Instructor Lei's proposition. Today was like never-ending surprises for her, and going further, who knows just what kind of surprises those two have up their sleeves.