In recent days within the Undying Academy, the Agricultural School had not yet established its own academy branch—not for lack of desire, but because it lacked a recognized, authoritative figure to lead. Without a leader capable of commanding respect and acknowledgment, how could a school be formally established? How could its doctrines be spread and elevated? Though many had studied the teachings of the Agricultural School, they felt unworthy of taking on such a heavy responsibility. No one felt qualified to lead.
Establishing a branch in Immortal Academy was not something to be taken lightly. It required prestige, capability, and a figure of leadership who could truly oversee an academy. It wasn't as simple as learning a bit about the Hundred Schools and declaring a new branch. The Undying Academy wasn't so cheap or trivial.
Take alchemy for example. Figures like Qiu Weiming and Wang Fengshan, who had shifted from the medical path to alchemy, had studied it for over a year now. But even now, the pills they could refine were the most basic, with low success rates. Asking them to establish an Alchemy Academy would be laughable—Cai Yong would never agree, and even they knew they lacked the ability to convince others.
In the academy, strength and skill were everything.
Qiu Weiming and the others yearned to establish academies, even as Hall Masters of the Heavenly Medicine Hall—but that alone wasn't enough. The Undying Academy held no exceptions or special privileges.Only strength defined value.
Naturally, Song Yingxing was not unaware of the Imperishable Academy. He had considered it many times. But now, with the Academy Lord Cai Yong personally inviting him—and a descendant of the Agricultural School formally asking him to serve as its head—he stood stunned. His face showed disbelief.
But within, a surge of excitement rose.
Living in Xuanhuang City, of course he knew Yi Tianxing, and he certainly knew Cai Yong and Huang Chengyan. Each of them was a figure of massive influence. Especially with the founding of the Undying Academy: Cai Yong served as its master, while Huang Chengyan was rumored to be taking charge of the Confucian Academy. Their status was legendary.
And now, they were asking him to join—to head the Agricultural Academy?
It felt like a meat pie falling from the heavens—a blessing beyond words. The joy was impossible to contain.
"Yes! Of course I am willing," Song Yingxing replied without hesitation."My greatest wish in life has always been to pass down the wisdom and craftsmanship of our ancestors—to let more people learn, understand, and carry it on. In terms of agriculture, I may not be the most skilled… but since all of you are willing to entrust this to me, I, Song Yingxing, will work even harder to achieve greater results in the field."
He spoke with a sincere expression.
Song had always believed that techniques and knowledge should not be hidden away, but shared and passed on. Only through broad dissemination and mutual exchange could the sparks of wisdom be ignited. His idolized period was the Spring and Autumn Era, the golden age of the Hundred Schools of Thought. That was fertile ground for all disciplines. It was to preserve ancestral knowledge that he had written Tiangong Kaiwu (The Exploitation of the Works of Nature).
As long as it benefited the common people, he was willing to be a humble farmer.
After all, the Agricultural School was one of the Hundred Schools—its position was not inferior.
"The people rely on food as their heaven."A truth as old as time.
Cultivators might not need to eat, but to completely forsake food—what joy would remain in life? Cultivation was not about becoming stone—it was about freedom and joy.
"Good! The Undying Academy welcomes Master Song's arrival," Cai Yong beamed as he stepped forward."With Master Song here, I believe the Agricultural Academy will shine brightly."
His expression was filled with joy.
To recruit such a talent was another major boost to the academy's foundation.
With this, the Agricultural Academy was officially founded.
According to the latest updates, Mao Sui had already confirmed that a School of Diplomacy and Strategy (Zonghengjia) would also open soon. Huang Chengyan would head the Confucian School. The School of War (Military School) had yet to be finalized. But at least, three branches were already confirmed. Once the recruitment of students began, the training of talent would grow easier.
Their influence would expand dramatically.
"City Lord, these Iceheart Rice seeds—I'll leave them to your discretion," Song Yingxing said. "However, I do wish to keep a portion. Since I'll be managing the Agricultural Academy, we can't lack spirit grain seeds to cultivate. Our doctrines are found in the soil—in planting, we uncover truth. Cultivating these spirit grains is a valuable experience."
Song was already adapting to his new role.
These Iceheart Rice seeds were technically his property, but his words showed that he was also very tactful.
"Master Song, you're too modest. These seeds are yours by right—they exist because of your labor. You may handle them however you wish," Yi Tianxing said calmly."Still, I hope you'll let me keep a portion. I have other plans. Also, these ten spirit fields—I'll entrust them to the Agricultural Academy as experimental plots."
"Many thanks, City Lord!" Song replied, his eyes gleaming with delight.
With spirit fields, the Agricultural Academy's future would be boundless.
"No better day than today," Cai Yong suddenly said after a moment of thought."Let today mark the official entry of the Agricultural School into the Undying Academy. With Iceheart Rice, divine omens, and newly formed spirit fields and springs, this is an auspicious day—worth commemorating. Master Song, what do you think?"
Indeed, today was a monumental day for the Agricultural School.
"I agree. Let's do it today," Song said without hesitation.
Hearing this, the other disciples of the Agricultural School revealed expressions of great joy.
"Good. Wait for me. I'll come too. The Immortal Academy is complete, but I've yet to formally enter," said Yi Tianxing with a smile."Today, I'll bring a great gift to the academy."
"Thank you, straw brothers. You will be generously rewarded," Yi Tianxing said, turning to the golden scarecrows in the rice fields.
"To protect crops, guard food, and destroy those who would steal it—that is our sacred duty," one golden scarecrow replied stoically.
They watched silently as their fallen brethren, reduced to ash in battle, self-immolated to take down enemies, their remains fertilizing the soil.
This was their destined purpose.
After thanking the scarecrows and settling affairs, Yi Tianxing and his party made their way directly toward the Undying Academy. Many citizens followed along.
"Damn it. I didn't expect Rat Eradication to fall so quickly," muttered a figure lurking in the shadows."To think Xuanhuang City could even summon scarecrows to guard the fields... I thought we could stir unrest by starving the people, but it's all gone to waste now. Even Rat Eradication's been thrown into the Heavenly Prison. That prison... looks terrifying. He's probably done for."
The figure had watched everything from start to finish. The scarecrows were far more formidable than imagined. Xuanhuang City was far stronger than anticipated. Any plan to destabilize the city would now require extreme caution. One misstep could destroy the plot before it began.
"Interesting… very interesting. The harder something is, the more satisfying its conquest. This won't be boring at all."
The figure chuckled coldly to himself, his eyes gleaming.
"Come then. Let me bring fear into Xuanhuang City. From this moment forward, fear shall reign."
As he whispered, his figure slowly faded into nothingness—silent and unseen.
At the Undying Academy
A profound, mysterious atmosphere permeated the entire academy.
A large crowd gathered as Cai Yong led the way through the main gate. Yi Tianxing and the others followed without hesitation.
"This is the academy… The scholarly aura here is dense beyond imagination. In such a setting, creativity would burst forth like a fountain. Learning would progress in leaps and bounds. It's even richer than what I felt at the ruins of the Jixia Academy—though it still lacks the aura of true sages."
Yi Tianxing took a deep breath and nodded inwardly.
"The aura of sages comes only with time—through the rise of great minds and the passage of years," Cai Yong said confidently."I believe that one day, our academy will rival any of the great schools of history."
He was ready to dedicate his entire life to this goal.
"No need to wait that long," Yi Tianxing said calmly."If we lack the presence of sages—then allow me to fill the void."
As he spoke, he raised his hand.And then, from the void—countless ancient buildings appeared, hovering in the air. Upon them were inscribed golden scriptures...