Within the Ten Directions Heavenly Path, Qin Yang curiously observed his surroundings.
Though the name resembled the Heavenly Star Path, the two couldn't be more different.
There was no acceleration here. Instead, the luminous passageway displayed numerous images—markers indicating the destination of each fork in the path.
"What happens if I fall here?" Qin Yang asked.
Martial Heaven, leading ahead, replied, "You'd randomly appear anywhere within the Ten Directions Secret Realm."
He turned back to add, "If you want to test this, keep a Teleportation Talisman handy. But if luck isn't on your side, even that might not save you."
"Teleportation Talisman..." Qin Yang murmured, pondering the concept of talismans...
After some time, Martial Heaven guided Qin Yang out of the Ten Directions Heavenly Path into the first district: Space-Time Cycle.
The academy's headquarters appeared less grandiose than expected. From a distance, it exuded an air of ancient desolation, weathered by time's passage.
Above the headquarters floated a celestial path connecting to the Ten Directions Heavenly Path. Surrounding the entire structure was a translucent blue barrier.
As they walked, they encountered many hurried senior students. Each carried an exceptionally concentrated aura, exuding an unmistakable air of sharpness wherever they went.
Some concealed their presence, yet their formidable nature remained undeniable.
They bowed to Martial Heaven, but without waiting for a response, hastily departed.
"Why such urgency?" Qin Yang frowned.
At that moment, Qin Yang spotted several Stellar Realm cultivators wearing student uniforms. The sight left him utterly astonished.
These Stellar Realm seniors were some even more powerful than the golden-armored war god from the Nangong Clan. Yet when greeted by junior students, they showed none of the expected arrogance.
The teachers moved with even greater urgency, their figures flashing as they surged onto the Ten Directions Heavenly Path.
Martial Heaven explained, "A student is in danger. They've sent a distress signal."
"But aren't there Teleportation Talismans?" Qin Yang asked.
Martial Heaven shook his head gently. "Teleportation Talismans aren't omnipotent. Though the teleportation process is brief, it can still be interrupted... Never mind, these matters are too complex. You'll understand eventually."
The headquarters of the academy resembled the idyllic paradise of District 10, with several buildings and streets forming a miniature city.
After navigating through the complex, Qin Yang finally reached the top floor of the academy's teaching building—the Dean's office.
"You can go in yourself," Martial Heaven said, his gaze steady on Qin Yang. "I'll wait to escort you back."
Qin Yang pursed his lips. What's this? Afraid I'll barge in recklessly?
If he had voiced this thought, Martial Heaven would have given an unambiguous confirmation. The very reason for escorting him like a prisoner back to District 10's paradise was precisely to prevent such reckless behavior.
"Come in," a deep, resonant voice called out.
Qin Yang pushed open the door and entered.
The old man inside had snow-white hair and a childlike face, completely wrinkle-free. His eyes, deep as the sea, radiated a light capable of piercing through all worldly illusions.
"Let me introduce you to Yun Bugui, the current Dean of Celestial Academy," the white-haired elder said with a smile, gesturing for Qin Yang to sit.
The gesture led to a tea table, which surprised Qin Yang even more.
The table and chairs, crafted from rare nanmu wood, exuded an air of refined elegance. The jade teapot and bowls added an even more exquisite touch.
The teapot hummed on the small stove. Yun Bugui moved directly over and began brewing tea.
His movements were practiced yet casual, like a carefree immortal from another world.
Qin Yang sat across from him with a frown. But in the next breath, he was stunned to see the Dean pour himself a cup and drain it in one gulp.
"Is this how you taste tea?" Qin Yang asked, his face twisting with disbelief.
"Haha, I've finished. You can take your time," the Dean said with a laugh.
Qin Yang's lips twitched. Was this tea drinking or alcohol consumption? He didn't mince words: "What do you want with me, Dean?"
"Young man, you're certainly impatient," Yun Bugui remarked.
As he spoke, he drained another cup... Who exactly was the impatient one here?
Yun Bugui wore an expression of unsatisfied longing, his act convincing enough at first glance.
"Let me put it this way," Yun Bugui continued. "You're already 100,000 points in debt. If you can't turn your balance positive within a year..."
"Wait!" Qin Yang interrupted, waving his hand. "What 100,000 points?"
Yun Bugui spoke, "You've been issued a martial ban by Martial Heaven. Each use of martial arts will result in point deductions for violating academy rules."
"That can't possibly add up to a hundred thousand points! And sometimes I have no choice—Martial Heaven never said anything about it!" Qin Yang felt uneasy; this sounded like a trap.
Yun Bugui shook his head slightly, pondering before responding, "How did you put it... 'The final interpretation rests with me'?"
"My words? When did I ever say that? Have we met before?" Qin Yang was utterly confused.
Yun Bugui glanced at the untouched tea in front of Qin Yang and shook his head again. "In the academy, everything is governed by points. All resources must be acquired using points, and sales yield points in return."
"As long as you possess sufficient points, you may access any resource within the academy," Yun Bugui stated.
"Did you summon me today merely to discuss points?" Qin Yang asked, perplexed. "Anyone could have explained this—why involve the Dean?"
Yun Bugui nodded. "It's both true and not true. By the way, do you have any concept of what these points represent?"
Qin Yang nodded, looking perplexed.
Yun Bugui pondered for a moment. "One point is roughly equivalent to a low-grade spirit stone."
Qin Yang's tension eased instantly, a smile spreading across his face.
Negative one hundred thousand points? That's just one hundred thousand low-grade spirit stones!
He'd accumulated wealth by helping classmates refine their cultivation methods and martial techniques - nearly a million in total!
This was just what he'd directly received; there were many more debts owed to him outside!
By this calculation, the negative hundred thousand points were nothing significant.
Yun Bugui studied Qin Yang, then suddenly sighed. "Ah, old age... my memory isn't what it used to be."
"Hm?" Qin Yang's heart tightened.
"I might have misspoken earlier. You don't owe one hundred thousand points - it's one million."
Qin Yang slammed his hand on the table, disregarding the Dean's presence. "You're deliberately harassing me! Why?"
Most of his classmates had already signed up for the package, leaving no potential value. Where was he supposed to earn a million points?
"Because I'm the Dean. Is that enough?" Yun Bugui chuckled.
Qin Yang's anger simmered, but more questions flooded his mind. "Why?"
Yun Bugui drained another cup of tea. "No particular reason. I just wanted to annoy you."
"Fuck!" Qin Yang cursed. The rumors about Celestial Academy's past with the Qin Family... Is this some kind of fucking grudge?