Chapter 251 - Let Him Kneel (1/2)

“Where is Teacher?” Wu Zhangkong asked once more as he subconsciously tousled Shen Yi's hair.

Tears began to pour out of Shen Yi's large, evergreen eyes. Dumbfounded, she threw herself into Wu Zhangkong's arms.

“Senior brother!” she said, choking back sobs.

The pitiful sound of her weeping attracted curious glances of pa.s.sersby.

Shen Yi's white hair was extremely easy to recognize even without taking her fame within the academy into account.

“Isn't that the White-haired Witch, senior sister Shen Yi? What is going on with her?”

“She never smiles and all the juniors are afraid of her. What's she doing?”

“Who is that man? He's so handsome!”

“Whoa. He seems sort of familiar. Who is he?”

As a stream of chatter reached Wu Zhangkong's ears, he patted Shen Yi on the back and said, “Let's go.”

Shen Yi raised her head sheepishly, her eyes still full to the brim with tears. “You're still my senior brother, right?”

Wu Zhangkong forced himself to form a bitter smile.

“That isn't up to me. Let's go,” he said as he dragged her by the arm, taking large strides toward the inner city's core.

“Teacher is in the inner court,” Shen Yi said softly as she wiped away her tears.

Inner court! Wu Zhangkong began to shake at the words. These words used to be an important part of his life! He had worked tirelessly for them, but as a result, he had also…

Forcefully taking a deep breath, Wu Zhangkong abruptly released Shen Yi's hand and sprinted madly down the street.

He rapidly accelerated toward the eastern part of the inner city, air chilling in his wake because of his exertion.

Shen Yi hastened to catch up to him, das.h.i.+ng forth in pursuit.

Soon enough, a building surrounded by a tall, mossy-green wall came into view. The wall prevented anyone from seeing what lay beyond it and converged on a lavish archway. At the top of the archway, the words “Inner Court” were visible on a sign that hung from it.

There were no guards manning the gate to the inner court. In spite of this, Wu Zhangkong's swift approach came to a sudden stop once he saw the sign that read “Inner Court”. It was there that every fiber of his being froze. It was as if those words possessed an infinite magical power.

This was, without a doubt, the legendary inner court of Shrek Academy. This was the place that enjoyed continent-wide fame, one which countless soul masters yearned to enter. This was the place that struck fear into the Federation.

Lush greenery covered all of the inner court. Only geniuses privileged enough to enter it would know that it resembled a park.

Guards were not needed here. The words on the sign were enough of a deterrent.

“Senior brother.” Shen Yi stopped by Wu Zhangkong's side, having finally caught up to him.

“Don't call me that. I'm no longer qualified to be your senior brother. If Teacher hears you, you'll be punished.” Wu Zhangkong dropped to his knees as he spoke.

Like jade pillars and mountains of gold cras.h.i.+ng to the ground, the normally arrogant and stern white-robed man with the blue sword had suddenly kneeled before the inner court sign.

Shen Yi's heart trembled, but she did not comment on what just happened. Instead, she simply said, “Wait here, senior brother. I'll go get Teacher.”

She sucked in a deep breath, then charged into the inner court as swift as the wind.

The turbulent emotions inside of Wu Zhangkong gradually settled down as he continued kneeling on the ground, and a sense of peace washed over him. A cool breeze swept by, carrying the refres.h.i.+ng scent of nature that could only be found in Shrek Academy.

The air of this place was humid and aromatic, perpetually bringing warmth and serenity to the people present.

Finally, I'm back. After thirteen years... today, I have returned.

As he kneeled, Wu Zhangkong felt that everything was currently as it should be.

Thirteen years ago, I was so impulsive and proud. Now I'm able to understand, but can I get back what was lost?

I'm sorry, Bing'er. I'm sorry, Teacher. It was all my fault.