Chapter 27: Upon the Hao River

Zhuang Qi said, “Master, tomorrow we can select from the major military academies on the Star Network. Classes begin in a week.”
Zhuang Yun nodded, “Hmm! Have you thought about which academy you want to apply to?”
The three disciples exchanged glances, their expressions troubled.
The second senior sister scratched her head, “But, Master, we don’t have money to pay the tuition!”
Zhuang Yun raised an eyebrow and patted her chest confidently, “Don’t worry about money. Your master is well off!”
Balance in the light brain: ???
The eldest senior brother said, “Then we’ll go to Tianfu Academy together with Master!”
Apologies###### To any readers who may have made it this far, I’m sorry—I've been extremely busy. The update will resume tomorrow.
Zhuang Yun and the others looked at the enthusiastic teachers inviting them. They were somewhat overwhelmed. Zhuang Yun understood that their spiritual power levels had revealed their potential and value to the military academies.
Zhuang Yun was the first to regain composure. She politely bowed slightly to the teachers and said, “Thank you all for your kind attention. We need some time to consider.” The teachers, though a bit disappointed, understood and each handed over their academy’s introductory materials and contact information before reluctantly departing.
After the teachers left, Zhuang Yun turned to her fellow disciples and said firmly, “Everyone has achieved good results so far; it’s the fruit of our joint effort. But choosing a military academy is a major life decision. We mustn’t be hasty; it should be based on our interests and future plans.” The disciples nodded in agreement, fully appreciating Zhuang Yun’s words.
Zhuang Shangxiao scratched his head and spoke first, “Master’s sister, I think Lambert Academy is great. They have many peak S-level teachers, and we can learn a lot there.”
Zhuang Shangyao blinked her big eyes, “But Santiago Academy’s mecha configurations are top-notch. I’m really interested in mechas.”
Zhuang Shangyou pondered briefly, “Bell Academy offers tuition discounts, and if we go together, we can look out for each other.”

Lin Yiwen remained silent, filled with both hope and a touch of confusion about the future. Zhuang Yun noticed his thoughts and gently approached him. “Yiwen, don’t overthink it. Focus on what you truly want. No matter what you choose, we will support you.” Lin Yiwen looked at Zhuang Yun gratefully and nodded firmly.
Zhuang Qitong watched the young ones discussing their futures with deep satisfaction. He knew their lives were about to begin a new chapter. These once-looked-down-upon Taoists had, through effort, firmly established themselves in this world where spiritual power held supreme respect, boldly stepping toward a bright future. At that moment, the sunset’s afterglow filtered through the window, casting a golden armor over them, a symbol of the glorious journey ahead.
After some discussion, they decided to return to the temple first and carefully deliberate their choices. As they exited the hall, the cool night breeze brushed their sweat-dampened faces, bringing an indescribable sense of refreshment.
Back at the temple, Zhuang Yun lit the somewhat worn oil lamp, its warm yellow glow instantly illuminating the small room and dispelling the lingering confusion about their choices. She neatly arranged the materials from the various academies on the table, and everyone gathered around to pore over them again.
“Look, although Lambert Academy has strong faculty, the course schedule is very tight with almost no free time,” Zhuang Shangyao frowned while reading the information.
Zhuang Shangxiao flipped through the Santiago Academy’s details, “Their mecha configurations are indeed top-tier, but their mecha operation assessments are extremely strict. One slip and you could be eliminated.”
“Bell Academy has discounted tuition and we can support each other, but their main disciplines don’t quite align with our development goals,” Zhuang Shangyou voiced his concerns.
Silence fell once more. Zhuang Yun looked at everyone, then after a moment of thought said, “Actually, choosing a military academy isn’t just about faculty, equipment, or tuition. More importantly, it must align with our strengths and future aspirations. As cultivators, we value inner cultivation and insight. Perhaps some academies’ philosophies resonate more with us.”
Lin Yiwen nodded slightly, his gaze steady. “Zhuang Yun is right. My parents once dreamed of exploring the connection between spiritual power and the mysteries of the universe. I want to choose an academy with a deep foundation in this research.”
Zhuang Yun’s eyes lit up as she quickly searched through the materials. “Look, although Starshine Academy may not be as famous as the others, they focus on researching spiritual power and the unknown realms of the universe. They have a dedicated research team—this might be a great fit for you, Yiwen.”
Lin Yiwen took the materials and studied them carefully. A spark of hope ignited in his eyes. “Yes, this is exactly the academy I want!” he exclaimed excitedly.
After confirming Lin Yiwen’s choice, the group turned their attention to Zhuang Yun. She smiled and said, “I plan to choose Passa Academy. When I needed help most, Teacher Lu Wei reached out to me. Passa Academy emphasizes personalized development; I believe I can grow better there.”

The senior brothers and sisters all expressed their understanding and support. Then Zhuang Shangxiao, Zhuang Shangyao, and Zhuang Shangyou each found academies that matched their interests and strengths from the materials.
With their decisions made, the burden on their hearts finally lifted, their faces glowing with relief and joy. That night, the oil lamp in the temple remained lit as they sat together, dreaming of their future lives at the academies. Laughter occasionally filled the room, as if to dispel all the grievances and suppressions they had endured over the years.
As time passed, the day of enrollment drew near. Zhuang Yun and the others bid farewell to the temple and set off on their journeys to their respective academies. They knew this was a new beginning, one full of challenges and opportunities. Carrying the temple’s legacy and each other’s blessings, they would shine their own light in this vast universe.

What are Starshine Academy’s strengths?
How is Starshine Academy’s faculty?
What is Starshine Academy’s campus environment like?

The moment Zhuang Yun stepped into Passa Academy, she felt the strong academic atmosphere. Various flying machines darted across the campus; students either hurried along clutching books or gathered in lively discussions on scholarly topics.
After completing enrollment procedures, Zhuang Yun arrived at her dormitory—a cozy suite, simple yet comfortable. Her roommate, a girl named Alicia, had flowing golden hair and an outgoing, warm personality. Upon meeting Zhuang Yun, she immediately helped unpack and eagerly introduced the academy’s features.
“Zhuang Yun, did you know? Our academy holds an annual Interstellar Exploration Simulation Competition. Winners receive generous rewards and may get to participate in real interstellar exploration projects!” Alicia’s eyes sparkled with excitement.