Alternative Plan

After briefly delegating tasks, the old dean dismissed the crowd but kept Feng Jiu and Cisheng behind.

"Old Dean, with no outsiders present, I'll speak frankly. Your academy's current actions have gone too far," Feng Jiu began, holding nothing back now that the others had left. "They have now involved other universes and the former Heavenly Emperor, Donghuang Taiyi. Yet neither the Heavenly Dao nor Heaven Beyond Heavens have taken any real action; their intentions remain unclear. For your academy to act like this is to court disaster!"

"Moreover, during the battle to exterminate Danfeng, though you tried your utmost to avoid taking action, they surely noticed. If conclusive evidence of your current weakened state—as a core member of the Sub-Institute—comes to light, past enemies will surely come knocking. At such a critical juncture, to stir up further trouble, especially with a Level 6 civilization universe... I find it truly unwise!"

"Little Jiu! What, in your view, would be the appropriate course?" The old dean did not refute Feng Jiu, but instead turned the question back to her.

"I believe such a major affair must naturally be addressed, but the decision should not rest solely with your academy. It's best to report it to Heaven Beyond Heavens and simultaneously request allied orthodox factions to join in a joint suppression! If that proves unworkable, discussions could be held with the great clans we've long been friendly with!"

"Little Jiu, your proposal is quite good, but it's not comprehensive enough—or perhaps shows insufficient understanding of our Sub-Institute.

"First, we rarely seek help from others when facing malign entities. After all, the Sub-Institute's strength is first-rate even without this old man. Furthermore, our disciples and masters differ markedly from outsiders in cultivation, philosophy, and the like; the cultivation arts we practice aren't recorded in any known texts. In their eyes, we *are* outsiders. How could cooperation bear fruit? How would seeking their help even be accepted?

"Even if a great crisis forced them to agree, we would still be the main force. They would merely be lending nominal support, likely hindering us with various trivial matters or even causing unnecessary complications!

"Furthermore, if this old man sought the aid of other clans or sects at this critical moment, it would confirm my weakened state. Should that truly become known, it's highly likely they'd stab us in the back at the crucial moment, placing the Sub-Institute in even greater peril.

"Additionally, our academy does indeed have connections in Heaven Beyond Heavens. However, he offended many there back then. The struggles in the heavenly realms are like those at court. As a powerful force backing one faction, we are obliged to take a stand. Trying to fish in troubled waters would only invite attack from both sides, potentially dooming us.

"Moreover, the Celestial Clan of the current Human Heavenly Court still holds an edge over Heaven Beyond Heavens. Though they've been quiet lately, who dares gamble on what they might be planning?

"Not long ago, the alien Emperor Shang came to their door and gave them quite a headache. If they ever obtain concrete evidence, they will definitely retaliate! Should that happen, it would assuredly be unfavorable for us!

"Finally, regarding the great clans on good terms with our institute: the alien imperial clans—though their proud talents have re-emerged—are still of the younger generation and are closely tied to Heaven Beyond Heavens, for the reasons stated above.

"The human Zhou lineage is in decline, the Ying Clan is currently unstable, and as for the other six states, we naturally have no dealings with them. The Western Regions are even less worth mentioning; at most they could assist from the rear. As for the noble clans, the old clan leaders made a vow to the heavens and earth not to interfere. If your esteemed father and the others truly came to our aid, it would not only expose this old man, but also easily draw the attention of those with ulterior motives. The Wind Clan's population is not large; should any mishap truly occur, they would be stretched too thin. That would bring nothing but harm to both of us!

"For you, Lady Jiu, to come and provide this intelligence now, we are already immensely grateful. As for the rest, please leave it to us." The old dean spoke eloquently, not directly rejecting Feng Jiu's words but analyzing the situation from all angles, leaving Feng Jiu with no retort.

"It's just... the risk is too great. Even if successful, it could easily deal a heavy blow to your academy. This junior fears that..." Feng Jiu remained uneasy.

"That you, Lady Jiu, would take our academy's interests so much to heart is already no small matter. But just as with him back then, everyone has their own convictions. Sometimes, even knowing the likely outcome, one still must try. Others may call such a person a fool, but isn't every successful individual across generations essentially one of those so-called 'fools'?

"As long as your heart remains clear, that is enough. This is our choice, and we do not wish to involve you." In truth, Cisheng could understand Feng Jiu's feelings.

After all, he too had once had a younger sister. His sister had also had a lover. He had warned them that something might happen that day and advised them not to go out! That day, he failed to return in time. His sister chose to gather herbs, perhaps trusting in her brother. As for her lover, perhaps his thoughts at the time were the same as theirs—holding a heart that believed "how would you know if you don't try," he ventured forth. Knowing the so-called "outcome," yet still holding firm to his own decision. Who isn't afraid of failure? Who isn't afraid of death? But compared to that, they feared disappointing their own conscience even more.

Feng Jiu shook her head with a sigh, muttering to herself, "Why are they all so stubborn…" She then pulled out a map and handed it to the old dean. "This was given to us by a spy that Emperor Jin once placed in Danfeng. I remember that before she went to the power behind them, she came here and met with you, old dean."

The old dean took the map and spread it on the table. "This Heavenly Secrets Pavilion… it has changed quite a lot over the years!"

"I suspect this isn't the full picture. When your academy moves against that place, you must proceed with extreme caution. Secret compartments and chambers are missing where they should be plentiful, yet appear in utterly unexpected spots. Something strange is at play. Do not attack recklessly." Feng Jiu pointed out several locations on the map as a warning.

The old dean nodded, looking at Feng Jiu with a gratified expression. After her return from the Imperial City back then, she had visited here many times, only to be taken away again for various reasons. Compared to her youthful naivety from that time, she had matured considerably.

"Also, Old Dean, does your academy have a disciple named Yan?" After a moment of silence, Feng Jiu took the initiative to ask.

"Hmm, there is indeed such a disciple." The old dean nodded, stroking his beard and deliberately avoiding Feng Jiu's gaze.

"(Slightly excited) Could you summon him here?"

"Lady Jiu, my younger brother's memories have not yet recovered. Even if he came now, it would be no help and might even backfire. Let nature take its course!" Cisheng stopped the impulsive Feng Jiu.

"Ah, but… Hmm. (Disappointed, dejected)"

"Then could I… could I go and see him once, to see what he has become? I'm struggling to remember him clearly…"

"It's fine, Old Dean. I'll accompany her; nothing will go wrong!" A man in a cyan robe pushed the door open and entered, a folding fan in his hand. He looked at Feng Jiu with a smile. "Sister-in-law, let's go!"

"Xian… Brother Xian!" Feng Jiu's lips trembled uncontrollably as she gazed at the man with tear-filled eyes. It was none other than Marquis Xiaoyao—Su Xian.

"Since you've spoken, then go ahead. Cisheng, you go too. It's been a long time since you brothers have seen each other!" Seeing that Su Xian had come, and as the old dean himself had no strong intention of stopping them—moreover, it was Su Xian who had delivered the unconscious Yan to the infirmary back then—he let them go.

The group departed, leaving the old dean standing alone in the empty hall, lost in thought.