To anyone looking, it was a desperate situation.
However, Leina La did not believe that Chen Yu would die so easily at the hands of the various nations. It wasn't trust in Chen Yu; ever since the Summoning Tiger Seal was revealed, she had received investigations on Chen Yu from all over.
Astonishing.
There was no doubt about that.
To develop at such a rapid pace in the chaotic environment of the subterranean world as an outsider.
Possessing a city-state.
Campaigning against strongholds.
Holding the Summoning Tiger Seal.
Interacting with numerous forces within the subterranean world.
Let alone an outsider, even a native familiar with the subterranean world might not have achieved this much.
Thus, Leina La described Chen Yu as astonishing, but merely astonishing, nothing more. She had seen too many outstanding talents; what Chen Yu had accomplished was indeed difficult, but not to the point where no one else could achieve it.
She could not see many brilliant points in Chen Yu, but she believed the one who bestowed the Tiger Seal upon him.
The Divine Master!
After thousands of years of evolution, the gods in the subterranean world were no longer as sacred, yet they were worshipped by countless people.
In the subterranean world,
There were not a few who believed the gods had perished.
The so-called subterranean announcements were merely laws left behind before the gods' demise.
However, Leina La knew,
The gods truly and genuinely still existed.
The Divine Master's decision to bestow the Summoning Tiger Seal upon Chen Yu, in her view, was more like an inheritance. Chen Yu was the most suitable successor chosen by the Divine Master to reconquer this vast subterranean world and let the world witness the arrival of a new god.
Since he did this, there must be a reason.
For several days, Leina La perused various ancient texts, weaving Chen Yu's social network in her mind.
Yet, she could not discern any clues.
"Didn't Teacher say before that these two chose Chen Yu more out of necessity?" The scholar's eyes were filled with confusion. Leina La smiled and nodded, "Indeed, in the beginning, I did think so. But as I read more and learned more, my thoughts naturally changed. This is also something that sometimes happens among scholars in our academy, isn't it? With different perspectives, the world seen naturally changes."
"Then Teacher now..."
"Hmm..."
Leina La gently propped her chin and pondered, then looked down at the jade slip in her hand.
"Has anyone else seen this jade slip?"
"No," the scholar shook his head. "I went straight to the academy after returning to the Floating City. The royal guards tried to stop me when I arrived, but I showed them the Wisdom Leaf you gave me, and they didn't dare to obstruct me further."
"The royal family is also trying to approach us through the academy."
"That is inevitable," the scholar said matter-of-factly. "Our academy collects intelligence from various nations and forces in the subterranean world. We cannot possibly not know about something as significant as the Summoning Tiger Seal. It is only natural that they want to get the most accurate judgment of Chen Yu from us."
Unexpectedly, as soon as the scholar finished speaking, he saw Leina La's gaze turn unfriendly.
"Teacher?"
"Baelo, the greatest taboo for a scholar is arrogance," Leina La whispered to the scholar. "I have reminded you of this countless times, but you always forget it. The academy is by no means the most authoritative institution in this subterranean world; do not be so conceited."
"Teacher, the only one comparable to our academy is the Star Observation Tower, where..."
"Silence, do not say another word."
With a sharp reprimand, Baelo stopped and lowered his head, full of apology.
"This scholar was wrong."
"Perhaps Teacher is too strict," Leina La suddenly changed her tone. "Actually, it's not just you; even I have had such thoughts at times. But after I had such thoughts, I realized that they became shackles that bound me, and I couldn't advance further for years. You have a talent for academics, and I don't want you to be hindered by this, wasting your talent. You should have a broader future, not... be imprisoned in this cage for life like Teacher."
Baelo remained silent.
He sometimes didn't quite understand Leina La's words.
Imprisoned, cage.
Having lived in the academy since childhood, he never felt it was a cage, but an ocean of freedom.
The academy had no restrictions; any scholar could enter and leave freely and would enjoy high treatment anywhere in the various nations. He truly didn't understand why Leina La always referred to this sacred place as a cage.
Despite not understanding, he would never argue.
He deeply respected Leina La and had admired her since childhood. If Leina La said so, she must have her reasons. His inability to understand now only meant his knowledge was still shallow and he hadn't reached that level.
"Teacher, this student has something to ask."
Baelo's gaze deepened as he whispered. Leina La beckoned, and "Miscellaneous Talks of the Six Nations" from the wall of books returned to her hand.
"Is it about the royal family?"
"Yes," Baelo whispered. "Although I encountered the royal guards earlier, and although I returned to our academy with the Wisdom Leaf, I believe it won't be long before the royal family sends people to inquire at our academy. How should we face them then?"
"If the Tatu royal family breaks their past promises for the Tiger Seal, then grant them their wish," Leina La whispered.
"Teacher, you mean we should really give them the information?" Baelo's expression trembled. "Our academy maintains absolute neutrality and does not provide any information to any faction. If you do this, the academy's prohibitions will be broken."
"Do you think, if the Tatu royal family comes, we can stop them?"
Leina La smiled. The ring on her left middle finger glowed slightly, and a thick stack of documents fell.
"This is the compilation of all clues regarding Chen Yu's Summoning Tiger Seal. If the Tatu Kingdom's royal family asks for it, you give it all to them directly and tell them to please not send troops to set foot in the academy and disturb the scholarly atmosphere here."
Looking at the mountain of documents before him, Baelo pursed his lips.
"Give it all?"
"What the academy produces, it gives in its entirety," Leina La said with a smile. "If they want it, we give it to them, but this is the first and absolutely the last time. Whether they believe it or not is their problem; you don't need to offer any explanation."
"Yes!"
"There is also one thing that Teacher wishes to entrust you with."
"Please tell me, Teacher."
Hearing Leina La use the word "entrust," Baelo bowed deeply.
"I want you to make the arduous journey to the city's underside and stay by Chen Yu's side. For me, personally witness how he survives this desperate situation. Within half a year... I do not permit you to return to the academy even half a step. You must stay by Chen Yu's side without leaving."
"Teacher, you..."
Baelo's expression tensed. He knew very well the consequences of Leina La doing this.
An academic from the academy appearing by Chen Yu's side clearly indicated—
The academy's stance!
"Go," Leina La said with a slight smile. "Go and see the world for me, and also see... this person full of hope!"