"Not only can the hundred schools of thought be incorporated into the academy, but the myriad arts of cultivation can also be part of it. For example—pill refining, artifact forging, talisman crafting, alchemy, and pharmacology—all can become branches within the academy. Each discipline can establish its own institute, recruit disciples, pass down skills, and strive to transform a single doctrine into a flourishing bloom of a hundred schools. To revive the golden age of a hundred schools contending for greatness in ancient times."
Yi Tianxing took a deep breath and spoke swiftly.There was a strong confidence and anticipation in his expression.
The development of human civilization could not proceed without the advancement of knowledge. The hundred schools represented the various needs of the common people. To better plant and harvest grain and eliminate hunger, the Agriculturalists were born. To cure all illnesses and end pain, there were the Medicalists. In the Warring States era, with shifting alliances and unstable powers, the Strategists emerged. To govern a nation, there must be laws; ruling through law allowed the people to live in peace—thus, the Legalists arose.
The rise of the hundred schools came from the very needs of the world.
But now, the situation had changed. This was an era of cultivation. The academy Yi Tianxing intended to build must belong to his side—foster a sense of belonging—and integrate the cultivation arts. These techniques could make people stronger, create wealth, and become viable means of livelihood and personal empowerment.
He wanted the new academy to be a sanctuary for talent, a cradle of brilliance.
He would not only absorb all the strengths of the ancient Jixia Academy, but also evolve beyond it—to create something better, stronger. The academy would become the central hub of talent for the entire Xuanhuang City. Once on track, they would never have to worry about talent again, gaining a steady, unending stream of capable people.
That was the true goal.
"Lord, your vision is immensely promising. Each cultivation art is profound and mysterious. Mastered to its peak, each holds unfathomable power. If integrated into the academy, it would become a unique feature—one that would make our academy renowned far and wide. More importantly, we could spread these arts throughout the land, bringing benefit to all under Xuanhuang City's rule."
Huang Chengyan's eyes lit up, deeply inspired by the image Yi Tianxing painted.If that vision were achieved, it would become a peerless academy known throughout the ages, a sacred land in the eyes of both scholars and cultivators.
"If it can truly be done, then the academy will surely become a holy land in the hearts of the masses. It would greatly help us gather all kinds of talent. In my opinion, the academy must be built. And the bigger, the better. If we can use a rare treasure building as its foundation, it will better attract talents and set a higher standard."
Jia Xu spoke after some thought.
To build such an academy was no small feat. Ordinary construction methods would be inadequate for such an ambitious institution. Building it hastily would mean frequent renovations or expansions in the future. Better to construct it from the start using a wondrous treasure, one that could grow and evolve with time.
But Jia Xu also knew: wondrous buildings are hard to come by.Even with Yi Tianxing's many treasures, he couldn't produce one on a whim. They were incredibly rare and dependent on fate.
"If it's an academy you need, then I, Cai Yong, happen to have one such item. Tell me if it suits your needs. It was something that fell from the sky when I descended into this world, landing within the ruins of the old academy. I've kept it hidden ever since, planning to use it to rebuild Jixia Academy when the time came. Today, it seems fate has made its decision."
Cai Yong suddenly spoke, reaching into his robes and placing an item on the table.
Looking closely, it was a miniature model of a building.It had houses, dwellings, artificial hills, lakes—fully equipped and perfectly detailed. It looked like a miniature academy, emanating a faint scholarly aura. That was why Cai Yong had treasured it from the moment he found it.
It had always been a fallback plan—a last resort to rebuild Jixia Academy.
Now, by presenting it, he was clearly entrusting Yi Tianxing with it.
"This is indeed an academy-type wondrous treasure," Huang Chengyan said after close inspection, his face full of joy.
"It truly seems like Heaven's will favors the Lord. Just as we ponder how to find a fitting wondrous treasure, Lord Cai produces a complete academy. This is destiny—fate's recognition of your path. It means the heavens support you, Lord Yi."
Jia Xu's eyes sparkled with delight as he offered sincere flattery, eager to gild Yi Tianxing with a touch of destiny's glow.
"Has the name of the academy been decided?" Cai Yong nodded approvingly and turned to Yi Tianxing.
"We now live in the Eternal World, yet we occupy but a speck of land. Survival is difficult. We exist among countless monstrous races, at the bottom of the food chain. Humans are seen as nothing more than walking blood bags, our lives cheap as grass. But I firmly believe: one day, humanity will rise above all other races, standing at the pinnacle of the heavens. I believe that Xuanhuang City will endure through the ages, standing eternal."
Yi Tianxing exuded a powerful, formless aura—his belief condensed into conviction. At that moment, his presence seemed to loom large over all.
"**Eternity means everlasting. Undying means immortal. From this day forth, we shall establish the academy—the Undying (Immortal) Academy!"
He drew a deep breath and declared firmly.
His voice was not confined to the city lord's manor—it rippled outward, echoing through the entirety of Xuanhuang City, reaching the ears of every citizen and soldier.
The Undying Academy. Eternal and immortal. Forever enduring.
"What? He's founding the Undying Academy? The Lord himself is creating this?"
"Eternal means everlasting, undying means forever. The Undying Academy—a place to rival the sun and moon, destined for glory if truly established."
"Wonderful, wonderful! The Lord already ordered academies set up in villages and towns to teach children the basics. Now, a full-fledged academy stands at the top of this hierarchy: village schools, town colleges, city academies, and now the Undying Academy. From basic learning to the deepest knowledge—it's all laid out."
"Amazing! If my child could one day enter the Undying Academy, our family name would shine. I wonder what disciplines it will teach."
Throughout the city, the people erupted in joyful excitement.
"The Undying Academy—such ambition."
"Eternal, undying—how meaningful."
"I wonder how this compares to the Jixia Academy. Xuanhuang City is unlike anything we've seen before. I never wanted to enter politics—the schemes and betrayals aren't for me. Since Jixia is gone, maybe I can find a place at the Undying Academy instead."
"I wonder if they welcome cultivators from the hundred schools?"
The students of the now-destroyed Jixia Academy, still wandering the city and exploring its wonders, showed clear interest. Not all of them wished to become officials. Many preferred to stay in the academy and pursue scholarship or teach.
"Undying Academy…"
Cai Yong was deeply stirred. A name carried the weight of the founder's ambition—and a clear goal from the start made it easier to push the academy toward greatness. To the students, it would be a powerful source of inspiration.
This name would bring admiration—and countless challenges.
"A fine name. One destined for the annals of history," Huang Chengyan said, heart pounding with excitement. He was tempted. Anyone who became the head of the Undying Academy and nurtured it to success would be celebrated for eternity.
Still, despite their interest, no one dared ask for the position. It was too important a role.
"Would my honored father-in-law be willing to become the head of the Undying Academy?" Yi Tianxing looked at Cai Yong, speaking solemnly. This role could only go to Cai Yong. Only he could earn the respect of the former Jixia students. And being his father-in-law—father to Cai Yan—meant absolute trust.
If he couldn't be trusted, then no one could.
Naturally, Cai Yong was the best choice.
"Yes, Father. Since you don't wish to enter politics again, why not lead the Undying Academy instead? Isn't nurturing talent what you've always dreamed of? Now, you can make that dream a reality," Cai Yan added supportively.
Cai Yong looked at Yi Tianxing, then at Cai Yan. After a pause, he finally nodded."Very well. In that case, I shall accept. I, Cai Yong, shall give everything I have to make the Undying Academy the finest academy on the Eternal Continent."
In his eyes was a fiery determination—one born of lifelong conviction.
Inside him surged a boundless motivation.It felt as if he had finally found a cause worthy of pursuing for the rest of his life.