"Why did Grandfather summon us to the courtyard so early in the morning?"
Ya‑Ting frowned, clearly annoyed. She adjusted her robes impatiently and added,
"From today, the academy has reopened. I must reach the academy on time."
Before anyone could reply, soft footsteps echoed through the courtyard.
Bai‑Xue arrived, accompanied by her maid.
The moment Ya‑Ting and Hai‑Rang noticed her, their expressions darkened instantly.
Jing‑Yi stepped forward with a gentle smile that did not reach her eyes.
"Did you sleep well last night, dear?"
Bai‑Xue looked at her calmly, then nodded politely. "Yes."
Before the atmosphere could settle, Chang‑Pu's angry voice thundered across the courtyard.
"Everyone is already here, and you dare arrive so late? How lazy can you be!"
Just as his words fell, a colder voice cut through the air.
"And how ruthless can a father be," Jia‑Hai said as he stepped forward, his presence heavy and imposing,
"to shout at his own daughter early in the morning?"
Chang‑Pu stiffened.
Jia‑Hai snorted. "Shameless."
He walked straight to Bai‑Xue, gently patting her head.
"Good morning, my dear granddaughter."
Bai‑Xue smiled faintly. "Good morning, Grandpa."
Shu‑Hui finally spoke, her tone cautious.
"Grandfather... why did you call everyone here so early?"
Jia‑Hai turned around, his expression solemn.
"Because today, I will make an important decision—one that concerns the honor and future of the Ning family."
Everyone straightened subconsciously.
"I have chosen the person who will represent our family at Huang Academy."
At those words, Ya‑Ting's chest lifted proudly. Her mother smiled in satisfaction.
Hai‑Rang leaned closer and whispered eagerly,
"Congratulations, First Sister. Of course Grandfather chose you. Who else in this family is more deserving?"
Ya‑Ting smiled confidently.
"Don't worry. One day, you will attend Huang Academy as well."
Chang‑Pu laughed lightly.
"Father, there is no need to keep us in suspense. Other than Ya‑Ting, who in this household is worthy of such a position?"
Jia‑Hai's eyes turned sharp.
"Chang‑Pu," he said coldly,
"perhaps you no longer care about the dignity of the Ning family—but I do."
His voice dropped dangerously.
"How could I allow a concubine's daughter to represent our family? That would be a disgrace."
The smiles vanished instantly. Faces turned pale.
Then Jia‑Hai continued calmly,
"The one who will represent the Ning family at Huang Academy is—Bai‑Xue."
The courtyard erupted.
Hai‑Rang shouted,
"Grandfather! She isn't even qualified to enter Huang Academy! How can she represent us?!"
Shu‑Hui sneered,
"She doesn't even belong there. This is absurd!"
Jia‑Hai looked at them with contempt.
"Oh? Then who deserves it? You?"
Ya‑Ting clenched her fists tightly.
"Grandfather... Bai‑Xue's body is weak. She won't even pass the academy's entrance."
Jia‑Hai laughed coldly.
"Ya‑Ting, have you forgotten the history of Huang Academy?"
He looked directly at Bai‑Xue.
"That academy was founded by Huang‑Ling—Bai‑Xue's mother."
A heavy silence fell.
"Huang Academy belongs to her legacy. Who in this world can stop her daughter from entering?"
He turned away dismissively.
"This discussion is over. The decision is final."
Then he looked at Bai‑Xue gently.
"What do you say, Bai?"
Bai‑Xue smiled sweetly.
"Hehe... whatever Grandpa decides, I will follow."
She paused, tilting her head innocently.
"But Grandfather... now everyone will call First Sister a 'useless trash' instead."
Ya‑Ting's face twisted in rage.
"In the academy, no one will go easy on you. If you're scared, don't go."
Bai‑Xue smiled brightly.
"Why should I be afraid, Big Sister? Aren't you my guard?"
She turned toward Jing‑Yi.
"You'll protect me, right... Aunt Jing‑Yi?"
Jing‑Yi avoided her gaze and forced a smile.
"Of course, my dear. Your sister will protect you."
"Mother—!" Ya‑Ting hissed.
"Enough," Jia‑Hai interrupted sharply.
"Bai, come with me. There are rules and important matters you must learn."
The two left the courtyard together.
Elsewhere
Ya‑Ting stormed into her room, smashing everything within reach.
Jing‑Yi and Hai‑Rang followed quickly.
"This is outrageous!" Hai‑Rang shouted.
"Sister waited for this position for years! That useless Bai‑Xue stole it!"
Jing‑Yi's eyes turned icy.
"Like mother, like daughter," she said venomously.
"Huang‑Ling stole my position... now her daughter steals my daughter's future."
Her lips curled into a cruel smile.
"Bai‑Xue has become a problem. And problems... must be removed."
Ya‑Ting whispered,
"But Mother... what about the academy?"
Jing‑Yi's smile turned chilling.
"In missions and trials, people die all the time. Even princesses."
She clenched her teeth.
"Bai‑Xue will die—just like her mother."
The sisters exchanged dark smiles.
Meanwhile...
Jia‑Hai spoke softly as they walked.
"Your mother was the first woman to ever win the Commander Competition. She became the First Lady Commander."
His eyes glistened.
"I want you to do the same. For your mother—or for yourself—I don't care."
He stopped and looked at her seriously.
"I want the world to know... Huang‑Ling's daughter is not trash—she is a warrior."
Bai‑Xue smiled confidently.
"Don't worry, Grandpa. This little girl will bring you glory."
She tilted her head curiously.
"But... Huang Academy? What kind of place is it?"
Huang Academy could be called the highest seat of learning in the Wang‑Jin Kingdom.
Only those with true talent, strength, and potential—whether from noble, royal, or powerful families—were qualified to step inside its gates. Countless geniuses dreamed of entering, yet only a few were ever chosen.
Long ago, the academy belonged to the Huang‑Ling Clan, the family of Bai‑Xue's mother. It was built with ancient techniques and guarded by countless formations. However, after the fall of Huang‑Ling, control of the academy gradually passed into the hands of the royal family. Now, it was ruled directly by the First Prince of Wang‑Jin.
Despite this, Huang Academy remained a sacred place—filled with masters, elders, and powerful cultivators. It was the cradle where future leaders, generals, and legends were forged.
In short, it was a place where talent bloomed... and where lives could also be destroyed.