Chapter 26 - I Don't Trust Them

Students pour out onto the Academy grounds as they rush towards their lunch destination. An elderly man watches the lively scene from the window of a tall building located at the center of the Academy. He takes note of a little girl in a blue dress and a young boy in a white robe. Although he couldn't see their faces from where he stood, the elderly man recognizes the two bright students based on their simple attire.

"The future of the grand continent…" He mumbles to himself as he strokes his white beard.

*Knock knock!*

The sound pulls the elderly man out of his thoughts. He turns around and makes his way towards his desk before pulling out a seat. After patting his clothes straight, the elderly man sits down.

"Enter."

A young man pushes the door open before stepping into the office. He bows with cupped hands towards the elderly man.

"Instructor Sun greets Headmaster Mo."

"At ease, Instructor Sun." Headmaster Mo chuckles as he points his hand towards the seat across from him. "Please, have a seat. Close the door behind you."

Sun carefully pushes the door shut before making his way towards the Headmaster's desk. Although it was not his first time in the office, Sun couldn't help but admire the spotlessness and perfect organization of the Headmaster's workspace. He glances around at the copious amounts of books and scrolls carefully stored along the shelves of the office walls. Amongst the rows upon rows of shelves, one half-empty shelf in particular catches his attention each time he visits.

"You're quite sharp, Instructor Sun." Headmaster Mo chuckles as he notices Sun's observation of the half-empty shelf. "They are indeed the same books that used to fill that spot."

"Thank you, Headmaster Mo." Sun cups his hands again as he bows deeply. "I apologize for not recognizing sooner."

"Hohoho! At ease, Instructor, at ease. It's just a favor between us old men." Sun's genuine gesture of gratitude causes Headmaster Mo to burst into a hearty laugh. "Besides, it was a worthy investment. Tianyu's presence is a blessing to the Academy. Now, please have a seat. There are matters I wish to discuss."

Sun bows once more towards the Headmaster before taking a seat.

"Instructor Sun. It's been over two months since you've joined our Academy, is that right?"

Sun affirms with a slight nod.

"Forgive this Headmaster for being so direct, but it seems that you have yet to take in a single student since…"

Sun doesn't reply. Rather, he doesn't know how to reply. When he took up this position as an instructor of the Academy, he only did so with the thought of providing for Yuyu. It was impossible to turn down the Ghost Doctor's recommendation. How could he when the position promised free housing and free education on top of exceptional pay? Ignoring the fact that Yuyu got admitted into the Academy, free of charge, on her own efforts, the other two benefits were still difficult to reject.

Even after two months at the Academy, Sun still doesn't have a single student registered to his class. At first, he enjoyed the fact that he had no students. Even though he had already made the choice to go through with his job as a martial arts instructor, he was still troubled by the thought of bestowing children with the tools of violence. It was easier that no student wanted to register for his class because he simply wouldn't have to deal with his internal conflict. However, as time went on, Sun started to feel troubled by all the benefits he was receiving from the Academy. Although he didn't want to enable the students of the Academy with violent tools, he also detested the feeling of receiving handouts. Grandpa Liu's words reminded him daily that he is more than capable of earning his worth. But how could he if no students want to register?

"No need to fret, Instructor. Don't think that I'm pushing you to do anything." The Headmaster continues past Sun's silence. "This Headmaster simply wishes to know where you stand should students become interested in registering for your class."

"Headmaster Mo, I am thankful for the opportunity you've provided." Sun bows towards the Headmaster as he speaks. "I am always ready to do my duties as an Instructor of the Academy."

"Hohoho! At ease, Instructor Sun, at ease. You're making this old man embarrassed for even asking." Headmaster Mo secretly breathes a sigh of relief in his mind as he chuckles. "Instructor Sun, how would you like to accompany Tianyu's class on a trip to the Viridian Valley? A chaperone spot has opened up due to a recent change of plans. It would put this Headmaster at ease if you were to take that spot."

"Instructor Sun accepts Headmaster Mo's request." Sun replies without any hesitation. "I will do my duties as an Instructor of the Academy."

***

Headmaster Mo watches as the students rush back onto Academy grounds. He chuckles as he spots a group of students barely jump through the gate as it closes.

"The future of the grand continent…" He mumbles to himself as he strokes his white beard. "A troublesome bunch."

"Speak for yourself, old man."

The Headmaster smiles upon hearing the voice of his old friend. He continues to watch as late students try to utilize their martial arts to enter the academy from over the walls, only to be reprimanded by the gate guards.

"Grandmaster Liu, tell me… Who was it that was always late for class?" The elderly man chuckles before turning around to greet his friend. "How are things at the shop?"

"Let's skip the pleasantries, old fool." Grandmaster Liu says as he takes a seat. "I'm not here to reminisce on those wasted days in the Academy."

"Straight to business, how unusual." Headmaster Mo laughs as he takes a seat across from his old friend. "I take it you're here to talk about that?"

"Bah!" Grandmaster Liu spits at the sound of his own words being used against him. "I know the boy is smart, but this is no joking matter. His conjecture, how accurate is it?"

"I can't say for sure…" The Headmaster sighs as he recalls his conversation with Chancellor Zhi. "He's every bit as cunning and calculated as me, if not more. As much as I wish for him to be wrong, I trust that he wouldn't speak so confidently on such matters without adequate reasons."

"If that's the case, we need to prepare."

"It seems that a storm is brewing…" The Headmaster nods as he sighs. "Shall I convene with the others?"

"Only Fang and Miao. It's best that Linlin doesn't get involved for now. As for the rest… I don't trust a single one."

Headmaster Mo nods as he picks up a blank scroll. He unrolls the scroll in front of him, nudging the left corner upwards to align the scroll parallel to his desk. As the Headmaster prepares his ink, Grandmaster Liu makes his way towards the door.

"By the way, old man. It's not brewing..." Grandmaster Liu pauses his steps before turning back towards Headmaster Mo. "If the boy is right, then the storm is already upon us."