Back then, Jiang Yunhe and Jiang Qiling, father and daughter, spread rumors that Qiu Yongcheng ended up severely injured and with his cultivation ruined because Han Yan secretly tampered. Even they didnât quite believe it, but seeing Taowu just now, they couldnât help but believe it.
"Itâs just a coincidence, a mere coincidence," Han Yan said a little embarrassed.
Although she hadnât tamed Taowu when it injured Qiu Yongcheng, the incident did start because of her. Thus, the rumors from Jiang Yunhe and his daughter werenât entirely untrue.
"You, you," Gong Hongru pointed at Han Yan, momentarily unsure how to reprimand her, yet a faint pride was evident in his eyes. Having such a disciple made him feel proud.
"Forget it, the Qiu Familyâs disciples have grown too powerful in the academy over the years, bullying others with their numbers. Qiu Yongchengâs intentions werenât right, either. Weâve long intended to teach them a lesson. Han Yanâs actions have saved us quite a bit of trouble," Wenren Qingqiu said appreciatively, stroking his beard and smiling.
"In that case, we might as well expel them all from the academy," Han Yan suggested, her heart stirred.
Lady Mu understood all too well the principle of eradicating the root to prevent future troubles. Given the mortal enmity with the Qiu Family, she certainly didnât wish to give them any chance to recover.
"Thatâs not very appropriate," Nangong Jingyuan hesitated. As the dean, he couldnât act impulsively; expelling the Qiu Familyâs disciples just like that seemed unjust and weak.
"You always hesitate. Anyone daring to oppose my beloved disciple, Feng Qingyu, should consider themselves lucky to be merely expelled. Were it up to me, Iâd annihilate the Qiu Family outright," the plump man said, brimming with killing intent.
This time, Han Yan didnât roll her eyes. The plump manâs decisive nature was much to her liking... Just then, she saw him wink at her, prompting Lady Mu to quickly add in her mind: What a shame, just a bit pervy.
"How about this? You mentioned the deanâs position should be mine anyway, so why not return it to me, and Iâll expel those shortsighted fools from the academy," the plump man added, seeing Nangong Jingyuan still somewhat hesitant.
"Indeed, I will announce to the world tomorrow that Iâll hand over the deanâs position to you," Nangong Jingyuan replied joyfully, without hesitation.
Seeing his sly smile, Han Yan suddenly realized that Nangong Jingyuan, as a dean, couldnât possibly be indecisive. Evidently, he was provoking Feng Qingyu, intending to restore the deanâs position to its rightful owner.
"Very well, once Iâve dealt with them, Iâll return the deanâs position to you," Feng Qingyu said without hesitation.
Nangong Jingyuanâs smile froze on his face, staring speechlessly at Feng Qingyu for a long time.
Han Yan almost burst into laughter. If compared in cultivation, Nangong might still have some hope with effort in this lifetime, but against a rogue, no amount of cultivation could match this pervy plump man.
How could the prestigious position of the Long Yan Academyâs dean be treated like childâs play? Such tales, if spread, would surely be laughed at. Yet, knowing the pervy plump man as she did, Han Yan realized he might indeed indulge in such childish antics.
"Forget it, Iâll find an excuse and expel them all from the academy," Nangong Jingyuan said with a bitter smile.
And so, the Qiu Family, which had risen powerfully over two hundred years, meeting no rivals, was pushed to a dead end by Han Yanâs mere words, with their final lifeline vanishing into thin air.
Subsequently, everyone departed from the Secret Realm.
"Miss!" As soon as they saw Han Yan, Huayue and the others hurriedly approached.
Seeing Han Yan unharmed, they breathed a long sigh of relief.
"Lord Dean, Lord Gong." Long Congyuan and other academy mentors also headed toward Nangong Jingyuan and the others.
Initially, they too wanted to enter the Secret Realm, but the incident happened so suddenly, and unlike Jiang Yunhe and the others who premeditated, although Feng Qingyu opened the seal, only the strongest could enter. Despite Long Congyuan and others exerting all their efforts, they failed to open the seal, waiting until now.
"You all should return first; we still have matters to discuss with the lords," Gong Hongru said to Han Yan.
"Yes, Master," Han Yan bowed and returned to Wenjian Valley with Huayue and the others.
Jiuyou Netherworld appearing again, the Holy Court Continent was poised for a great calamity, and Long Yan Academy couldnât remain uninvolved.
"By the way, Dean Jiang had an epiphany and left the academy with Jiang Qiling to travel the world. The deanâs position at Long Teng Branch Academy will temporarily be held by Lord Gong," Nangong Jingyuan suddenly said.
Long Congyuan and the others, unaware of what happened in the Secret Realm, were momentarily stunned upon hearing this, but soon regained their composure.
For someone like Jiang Yunhe, reaching further heights in cultivation was exceedingly difficult. A moment of enlightenment was a rare opportunity; his sudden departure wasnât too surprising. Yet his decision to take his daughter along sparked some curiosity.
However, with Nangong Jingyuanâs words, even if they had doubts, they refrained from asking more.
Han Yan nodded, understanding that Nangong Jingyuanâs words were a veiled message for her. It seemed he had no intention of annihilating the Divine Servant Clan entirely, subtly reminding her not to disclose the events in the Secret Realm.
This aligned with Han Yanâs intentions. She shared a relationship of both rivalry and camaraderie with Jiang Qiling and wished to leave them a path to survival.
"Miss, just what happened in that Secret Realm? It seems odd to me," Huayue curiously inquired on the way back.
Earlier, Nangong Jingyuan, Gong Hongru, and Wenren Qingqiu were all anxious, relying on Feng Qingyu to open the seal and enter the Secret Realm, inducing anxiety and sparking countless doubts in their hearts.
After some deliberation, Han Yan disclosed everything that occurred in the Secret Realm to them, including the Jiuyou Netherworld and the impending calamity, keeping nothing hidden. Since Nangong Jingyuan merely hinted not to publicize it, Huayue and the others, who shared life and death with her, werenât outsiders, so there was no need for concealment.
"I never expected that Little Witch Jiang Qiling would risk her life to save you," Jiang Yuzhe remarked with a sigh after hearing Han Yanâs account.
"I didnât expect it either," Han Yan sighed, pondering whether they would meet again, not knowing if their next encounter would be as allies or enemies.
"By the way, Miss, are you really planning to take us to Shangyue Country?" Zirong asked, his expression solemn.
"Whatâs the matter?" Seeing his unusual expression, Han Yan asked.
"I believe our strength is still somewhat lacking. It might be better for Guan Shanhe and others to accompany you instead," Zirong suggested.