He continued, "At that time, our spies didn't pay much attention to him. But his reckless behaviour—born from youthful innocence—eventually caught their eyes. We didn't know his name or origin then, but our spies managed to follow your foolish master."
"Although she erased all traces with her superior cultivation," he sneered, "that very caution made us even more suspicious."
He went on, "On our Lord's orders, our spies began observing her movements within the Blue Ocean Sect. As a Sect Master, she carried countless responsibilities. While she was occupied, our spies infiltrated the desert to search for clues."
"That was when we spotted Leo sneaking out yet again. Our spies wanted to capture him immediately, but they were wise enough to report to our Lord first."
"Our Lord ordered them to maintain surveillance. We planned to strike when you least expected it. Unfortunately for us, luck turned against us. Before we could attack your hideout, you fled, and we lost your trail."
"Later, we learned that your master had ascended to a higher realm."
He smiled cruelly. "We continued searching, but failed time and again—until today. We finally captured Leo. And after several rounds of torture, he told us everything about you."
Ethan nearly coughed blood in frustration.
This follower of the Vicious Lord talked far too much.
All he needed to say was that Leo made a mistake, which exposed their existence; their master then sent them to the Grace Continent and departed; and after years of searching, these people finally found them.
That was it.
Instead, this man delivered a full-length monologue, as if he were reading a chapter of some overdramatic novel aloud.
Ethan felt a splitting headache forming. He was a man of few words, yet today he encountered someone who was the exact opposite. Worse still, the lengthy explanation achieved nothing. Wasn't this just giving the enemy more time to prepare? What an idiot.
Frank, however, remained silent.
But everyone could see it—he was burning with rage.
Still, Frank knew the truth. He didn't have the power to kill these vicious bastards. Their cultivation far surpassed his own.
He turned to the elders and students who still possessed decent cultivation and said calmly, "You've heard him. Even if I reveal the truth, we will all die."
"I know I am no match for them," Frank continued. "Therefore, I have decided to activate the Spirit Sacrificial Altar."
"What?!" Gasps erupted everywhere.
Frank spoke firmly, "We will die regardless. So why not turn our deaths into karma and erase these monsters from the realm?"
"The Spirit Sacrificial Altar allows us to use our spirits as explosive cores. We will die—but we will take them with us. Rather than dying in their hands, I would rather choose a meaningful death. Let us die gloriously!"
He paused before adding, "I will not force anyone. Those who wish to leave may do so. You will not be branded as traitors. The academy has never demanded blind sacrifice. If you choose to leave—leave."
After a long silence, hesitation spread.
Eventually, more than sixty percent of the faculty and disciples departed. Each offered an embarrassed apology before leaving.
Frank said nothing.
After they were gone, he looked warmly at those who remained. In his heart, he knew—these were the academy's true heirs.
"These children," he said softly, "are the future."
Turning to them, Frank said, "You must leave and hide elsewhere."
"No, Grandmaster!" a young man named John cried. "The academy gave us everything. How can we abandon it now?"
Frank shook his head. "If you also sacrifice yourselves, who will rebuild the academy after we're gone?"
John and the others trembled.
Before they could speak again, Frank placed a token into Will's hands. "Leave. Protect yourselves. After we are gone, you will shoulder the academy's future. Prepare yourselves."
"But Grandmaster," Will asked anxiously, "we lack your knowledge. How can we lead the academy forward?"
"You must do it, Will," Frank said, patting his shoulder. "I believe in you."
"Remember this—seal the library forever. Do not open it under any circumstances. Until the academy regains its strength, the library must remain closed."
Frank then took out a memory crystal and another token and handed them to Will.
Ethan sighed inwardly.
He recognised both items immediately—the Memory Crystal and the Librarian Token.
Frank continued, "Hide the crystal within the library and seal it. The library's protective formation was gifted to me by my master. Even the Vicious Lord would find it troublesome to break."
"The Librarian Token is the only key capable of opening the library again. Guard it well."
Then Frank looked at Will and declared, "From this moment onward, you are the Dean of Sacred Wind Academy."
Will clenched the items tightly. "Don't worry, Grandmaster. The academy will only fall when I do. I swear—I will restore Sacred Wind and make it stronger than ever!"
"Good," Frank said, relief washing over him. "Now go. Hide well. Rest while you can. Tomorrow, there will be much to do."
Will and the others hesitated—but they understood. Only through sacrifice could the academy survive.
With clenched teeth, they left.
The recording ended.
Ethan's consciousness returned to his dormitory.
He sat motionless, staring into nothingness.
Before he could process what he had seen—
A system notification appeared before his eyes.