Chapter 23: Heavenly Prefecture Imperial Academy

Li Feng stared intently at the monitor of the lie detector. Zhuang Yun’s brainwaves were remarkably steady—as if to underscore a profound sense of calm and indifference toward the trajectory of her own fate.

This lie detector was a piece of military-grade, state-of-the-art equipment. Even highly trained professionals found it nearly impossible to conceal the truth before it; its discretion and precision were top-tier, and few even knew of its existence. It could conduct a precise assessment of a subject without them even realizing it.

The blood test results were equally baffling, clearly indicating that no sedative or consciousness-altering substances were present in Zhuang Yun’s system. Her sudden collapse might truly have been caused by the overwhelming psychic pressure exerted by the commander at the time. Such phenomena were not uncommon among individuals of lower rank, so fainting from an inability to withstand the pressure was a plausible explanation.

Li Feng sank deeper into confusion. Even if Zhuang Yun’s statement was impeccable, what about that bow? How could there be a bow so similar in appearance? However, the bow wielded by the figure on the Kunpeng was several times larger; it was not the same weapon. Furthermore, the ferocious aura and intense murderous intent radiating from that person still made him shudder—it was definitely not Zhuang Yun.

Then why was Zhuang Yun found so far from the cave? These countless questions plagued Li Feng throughout the night, leaving him unable to sleep.

As the warship slowly pulled into the military base, Zhuang Yun and her companions underwent three more days of rigorous interrogation before finally being released. A military vehicle dropped them off at the airfield and departed, but the area outside was already packed solid with media personnel. Although the military had intended to keep the incident highly classified, the violent disturbances within the Nightmare Wolf Forest were too conspicuous to ignore, forcing the military to make a public statement, even if the information provided was largely trivial.

From prominent newspapers to niche independent media, everyone had been waiting since dawn, hungry for an exclusive scoop. As Zhuang Yun and her group stepped out of the vehicle, the media surged forward like a tidal wave, firing a barrage of questions:

"As students of the Mecha Preparatory Academy, why were you involved in this bounty hunter operation?"

"Mr. Jiang, was your encounter with the highwaymen a coincidence, or was it related to your father?"

"Has this experience caused any psychological or physiological trauma?"

Zhuang Yun looked around, realizing she was surrounded by cameras and microphones. A sudden urge welled up in her to showcase the signature of the Cloud Hidden Temple—Taiji. After all, this was an incredible publicity opportunity that shouldn't be wasted. Just as she began to channel her energy, Lake realized her intention and grabbed her hand, continuing to answer questions while trying to prevent her from being mistaken for a fool.

Zhuang Yun could only look on wistfully, gradually realizing that the crowd wasn't looking at her at all, but at Jiang Mingxu and Lake. Deflated, she sullenly retreated behind Lin Yiwen, where it was slightly less crowded.

Just then, a reporter from a small media outlet spotted Zhuang Yun standing at the edge of the crowd—the very girl who had been injured, as seen in the military's public video. He quickly thrust his microphone toward her: "Miss, hello! Could you tell us how you were injured, and how you managed to escape in such a dangerous environment?"

Upon being interviewed, Zhuang Yun immediately perked up: "As for how I got injured, I'm not really sure, but the injury wasn't serious."

"As for escaping, it’s because the fortune-drawing at our temple is particularly effective. I drew the best possible fortune that day, so naturally, I turned bad luck into good. Would you like to try one?"

"Our temple is located in District 11, Lu City, Xiao Lane County, Muggle Street, Five Ox Village..."

Before she could finish, the media's attention was drawn to a commotion elsewhere, and they swarmed away in a collective shift of focus.

"Quick! The Passa Academy team is back after winning the championship!"

The reporters who had been crowding them seemed to vanish as if blown away by an invisible wind. Only a few stragglers remained, hurriedly finishing their questions before turning and bolting like a pack of wolves chasing prey toward the other side of the airfield.

Zhuang Yun was furious! Her indignation flared—this was such a golden opportunity to promote her temple! She demanded, "What kind of championship is this that it's more important than the security of the Federation?"

Lake, long accustomed to this, explained, "The Winston Tournament has just concluded, and Passa Military Academy has won again. They have held the title for twenty years in a row, so the fanfare is naturally grander this year. After all, it is the highest honor among the Federation's military academies."

Zhuang Yun curled her lip in disdain. "It’s just a competition; is it really necessary to make such a big scene?"

Lake shook his head. "Don't underestimate this tournament. It’s not just a contest of honor between academies; it’s a platform for students to showcase their strength and secure a better future."

"Those who perform exceptionally in the tournament can directly obtain appointments in the military districts. This is the dream of every cadet."

Zhuang Yun remained unimpressed. "Oh! Is that so? Then I don't have time. My temple still relies on me for its revival!"

Having visited that dilapidated temple before, the others understood why Zhuang Yun refused the invitation to Passa Academy. However, in an era where military strength was paramount, her approach would be painfully slow.

Jiang Mingxu chimed in, "Once you become a leader in a military district, the fanfare at any event you attend will be even greater than what you see now."

"By then, everyone will not only pay attention to you but will also dig into your background, and your temple will naturally flourish."

Lake added, "Exactly! Zhuang Yun, if you want people to know about your temple, relying on your master to fight in underground arenas and run a mecha repair shop without a major platform for promotion will only yield limited influence."

"Come to Passa Academy. With your talent and potential, if you compete in the Winston Tournament and win the championship, you will enter the military district, and your temple will surely rise to prominence!"

Zhuang Yun nodded slightly at their words. "What you say makes a lot of sense!"

"Great, Zhuang Yun! We'll be waiting for you at Passa Academy!" Jiang Mingxu and Lake beamed, delighted that their friend had finally come to her senses.

"However, I won't be going to Passa Academy!"

Jiang Mingxu and Lake: "???"

"Passa Academy is too far; I get carsick. I think I'll go to that academy in District 10 instead. It's closer to the temple. What was it called again?"

The two were momentarily speechless. Lin Yiwen noted the silence and replied, "Tianfu Imperial Academy."

Lake touched Zhuang Yun’s forehead, looking worried. "Zhuang Yun! Do you have a fever? Tianfu Imperial Academy has been in decline for years. If it ranks last again next year, it will be expelled by the Five Great Military Academies!"

Zhuang Yun replied, "Isn't that perfect? That’s exactly the opportunity I need to show what I can do!"

The two were stunned once more: "???"