""" 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Strangely, Ji Weiwei’s breathing suddenly became rapid.

The affection in her eyes was abruptly replaced by a trace of hostility. Her delicate body unexpectedly erupted with surprising strength, directly pushing Lu Chuan out of the bed.

Lu Chuan was clearly caught off guard, staring at Ji Weiwei in confusion.

"Vivi, what are you..."

"Don’t use your filthy mouth to call my name, Lu Chuan! You disgust me!"

"What’s going on?"

"It has nothing to do with you!"

Ji Weiwei’s expression suddenly turned sour. After quickly getting dressed, she turned and left without looking back.

Lu Chuan remained frozen in place, struggling for a long time before standing up and sitting limply on the bed, utterly bewildered.

"What the hell is going on?"

Just a moment ago, she was tender and affectionate, sweetly entwined with him, and now it was as if she’d become a completely different person...

"Wait, a completely different person?"

Lu Chuan seemed to realize something, his face instantly darkening.

"Tower Spirit, does someone who’s been possessed by Thousand Faces undergo a drastic personality change?"

"If they are a cultivator, the impact is minimal. But if it’s an ordinary person..."

The Tower Spirit left its answer unfinished, but Lu Chuan already understood what it didn’t say.

He had assumed that after removing Thousand Faces, Ji Weiwei would be able to return to a normal life. But as it turns out, that damned mask had still left him with a major headache right before it disappeared!

"Is there any way to resolve the influence left by Thousand Faces?"

"It’s incredibly difficult, unless she can become a cultivator and quickly break through to the Golden Core Realm. She might then rely on the flood of spiritual power during Core Formation to purge the malevolence from her body."

"Not even the Nine Heavens Profound Fire would work?"

"Unless you’re willing to let her endure the agony of soul-burning torment, then no."

Lu Chuan could only feel his headache getting worse.

Ji Weiwei’s sudden personality shift made her completely unwilling to see him. And with her current talent, she still needed nurturing before stepping onto the path of cultivation. In this state, how could Ji Weiwei possibly cooperate with him?

"Damn that cursed mask! When I get the chance, I’ll smash it to pieces!"

Leaving the hotel, Lu Chuan was in a foul mood. However, he still had an unresolved matter to deal with — Azure Dragon Academy.

Having delayed for so long, he still hadn’t uncovered the whereabouts of the Human Emperor’s Pendant, which was indeed a lapse in diligence.

Yet, as he thought of the elegant and alluring matron who presided over Azure Dragon Academy, Lu Chuan couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on.

Her personality was likely even more bizarre than Thousand Faces’. If things went her way, all would be fine. But if not, Lu Chuan feared he might not even get through the academy’s gates.

Still, he had to try.

After a brief refresh, Lu Chuan set off for Azure Dragon Academy.

Located atop Yang Mountain, amidst misty clouds, Azure Dragon Academy was the largest power within Qingyang City — a veritable treasure trove of feng shui. Its solemn and dignified courtyards sprawled in orderly succession, and the occasional sound of chanting added a scholarly air to the institution.

Lu Chuan ascended the ridge step by step, until finally, his line of sight swept over the corner of the academy. A heavy gate blocked his path, and beside it stood an ancient bell.

It was said that anyone wishing to enter the academy had to ring this bell. If its echo resonated throughout the academy for three periods of time without stopping, the gate would open.

This, of course, posed no obstacle for Lu Chuan.

With a flick of his mind, spiritual power surged forth, striking the ancient bell forcefully. Even the bell’s surface seemed slightly dented from the impact. The deep and resonant sound exploded forth, cutting through clouds and stone, as if shaking the very ground beneath.

Lu Chuan stood with his hands behind his back, waiting patiently. Three intervals later, the gate finally opened.

Soon, a young boy emerged cheerfully from the staircase, bouncing as he walked and clutching an ancient bamboo scroll in his arms. His large eyes blinked as he asked innocently, "Visitor... what’s your name?"

Lu Chuan chuckled at the question. "Didn’t your teacher ever teach you that before asking someone’s name, you should introduce yourself first?"

"Oh... my name’s Zhuzhen. What’s yours?"

"Lu Chuan. I’m here to visit Dean Nalan."

"Visiting Dean Nalan? Then you’ll need an invitation. Without one, you’re not allowed to see the dean."

"Zhuzhen, could you do me a favor and pass this message to Dean Nalan? Tell her Qingyun is here."

Zhuzhen furrowed his brows in confusion. "But just now you said your name was Lu Chuan. How come now you’re Qingyun?"

"Consider that a nickname someone else gave me. If you’re willing to deliver the message..."

Lu Chuan turned his palm upward, seemingly conjuring a lollipop from nowhere, and waved it before Zhuzhen’s eyes.

"I’ll give you this lollipop."

"R-Really?"

"A gentleman’s word is as solid as stone."

Swayed by the sweet temptation of the lollipop, Zhuzhen ultimately gave in.

"Alright, wait here. I’ll go speak to the dean. But don’t wander off!"

"Relax, I’ll be right here waiting. Go on now."

As Zhuzhen trotted off up the stairs, Lu Chuan sat back and exhaled deeply.

He’d come in such a rush that he hadn’t actually prepared a lollipop. In truth, the so-called candy was merely an illusion crafted from leaves.

Thankfully, Zhuzhen was just an ordinary boy and couldn’t discern Lu Chuan’s trick.

After nearly thirty minutes of waiting, Zhuzhen finally returned, his delicate face flushed and beads of sweat gathering on his brow. It seemed he had truly worked hard for that lollipop.

Lu Chuan couldn’t help but wonder what his reaction would be once he realized he’d been deceived.

Would he cry from anger?

"The dean said you can go in. Now, where’s my lollipop?"

"Here it is. But I suggest you don’t eat it right away. If you keep it in your pocket for a full period, it’ll taste even sweeter."

"Really?"

"Absolutely. Do you think I’d lie to a kid?"

Finding Zhuzhen absolutely adorable, Lu Chuan gently placed the leaf-turned-lollipop into his hands and tousled his hair.

"I only brought one, so be careful not to let anyone else see it."

"Got it! Next time you come, I’ll meet you here again. But remember to bring more, so my friends can try some too!"

"I’ll keep that in mind."

Lu Chuan smiled and waved before picking up his pace, quickly leaving Zhuzhen behind.

Watching Lu Chuan’s retreating figure, Zhuzhen blinked and, ensuring no one was nearby, pulled the lollipop from his pocket.

"Teacher says that practice is the only way to test the truth. I’ve never tasted a lollipop before, so how would I know if it truly gets sweeter?"

"Hmm... just one tiny lick? Just one!"

Muttering this, Zhuzhen stuck out his tongue and gave the lollipop a tentative lick. In an instant, bitterness exploded on his tongue, and only then did he realize that the lollipop had turned into a leaf. His face scrunched up in frustration.

"You liar! Lu Chuan, you cheated me! I’m going to tell the dean you tricked a kid! Hey... wait for me!"

"""