Regarding the matter of Qingzong, only the two vice principals and Zhao Yichuan knew about it. It wasn’t that they were unwilling to inform the core upper echelons of the Dao Yi Academy, but the more people who knew, the greater the risk of the information leaking out.

At this critical juncture, any mistake could lead to total failure.

The forces tied to Qingzong were still few, and Yu Chenran dared not take risks. He had to consider his disciple and Qingzong.

“Please trust my decision. Within five hundred years, I will give you all a reasonable explanation.”

Five hundred years should be enough.

“We can trust Vice Principal Yu on other matters, but this concerns the future of Dao Yi Academy, and we cannot compromise.”

The elders were also thinking about the academy’s development; otherwise, they wouldn’t have embarrassed Yu Chenran like this.

Yu Chenran knew the consequences of his actions and pondered for a long time.

In fact, Yu Chenran had more than once thought about revealing the matter of Qingzong, but he forcibly suppressed the idea each time.

At this point, if Yu Chenran didn’t lay everything out, it would be hard to convince everyone.

“If the elders are willing to swear an oath on their Dao Hearts, promising not to reveal a single word of what they hear and not to leave the academy for several hundred years, I will disclose the reason.”

Yu Chenran waved his sleeve, sealing the space of the Council Hall, his expression extremely serious.

The elders exchanged glances. It was rare to see Yu Chenran so solemn. Was there really a reason that necessitated this?

“Agreed.”

Gu Qingfeng, the head of the Sword Hall, was the first to express his stance, nodding in agreement.

“I agree too.”

One after another, more elders made their choice.

Of course, some elders remained silent. It wasn’t that they were unwilling to swear the oath, but they enjoyed wandering the world. Being confined to the academy for several hundred years was unbearable.

“Elders who are unwilling to swear, please leave.”

Yu Chenran couldn’t afford any negligence.

“Old Yu, we can swear, but we can’t be restricted in our freedom!”

About a dozen elders wanted to know the reason but didn’t want to be bound by various conditions.

“Do you think I’m joking with you? Do you think you can negotiate?” Yu Chenran slapped the table, his expression stern, and said loudly, “And remember, this is the Council Hall. There is no ‘Old Yu’ here, only Vice Principal Yu!”

Boom!

Instantly, the atmosphere in the hall became tense. Everyone’s hearts tightened, and their palms began to sweat. Especially those core elders who tried to negotiate felt a chill run down their spines, cold sweat soaking their backs.

This was no joke!

At that moment, everyone realized Yu Chenran’s resolute attitude and dared not take him lightly.

“The Extreme Dust Mirror has shown a fluctuation in the Law; it must be the will of the Principal!”

Suddenly, Lin Wenyou broke the awkward silence with an exclamation.

Everyone turned to look at Lin Wenyou, their faces full of surprise.

Immediately, Lin Wenyou used a mystic art to summon the treasured mirror of the sect.

This treasure, known as the Extreme Dust Mirror, was always kept at the core of the Protecting Sect formation of Dao Yi Academy, and only the two vice principals could control it.

The Extreme Dust Mirror manifested in the void of the Council Hall, projecting a line of text containing the Principal’s Law.

“Regarding the academy’s affairs, everything shall follow Yu Chenran’s arrangements.”

This line of text warmed Yu Chenran’s heart and shocked everyone.

Even though the Principal’s whereabouts were unknown, he was aware of Yu Chenran’s actions.

“We shall obey the decree!”

No one dared to oppose the Principal’s order. The elders all stood up and bowed deeply to the Extreme Dust Mirror.

Then, the Extreme Dust Mirror returned to the depths of the Protecting Sect formation, and the Dao Marks in the void disappeared.

“With the Principal’s order, I won’t explain further. This meeting is adjourned.”

Yu Chenran left directly, leaving the remaining elders bewildered.

They could only guess that this was part of the Principal’s plan and believed that the mysteries would be unraveled in the future.

The Principal’s prestige was unshakable in Dao Yi Academy.

It was no exaggeration to say that in the entire Northern Wilderness, there was no one who could match the Principal in battle. Of course, this did not include Sword Immortal Changgeng, who lived in seclusion here.

For top forces like the Song Family of the Ancient Clan and Misty Palace, a single will of the Principal could scare their Old Ancestors into inaction.

Because the Principal had once beaten up all the old fellows in the Northern Wilderness.

As for the reason, it was unknown.

Meanwhile, Chen Qingyuan was advancing diligently inside the ancient tower.

Facing various trials, Chen Qingyuan never felt fear, standing tall and facing them head-on.

Outside the ancient tower, Zhao Yichuan hid in the shadows, silently protecting Chen Qingyuan.

If Chen Qingyuan encountered any mishap inside the ancient tower, Zhao Yichuan could rescue him immediately.

In this way, five years passed.

Chen Qingyuan stood on the twenty-eighth floor.

During this time, he experienced various illusions, dragon’s dens, tiger’s lairs, mountains of blades, and seas of fire. He overcame all these difficulties one by one.

“He’s truly extraordinary.”

Zhao Yichuan, who witnessed it all, was astonished.

The talent of a Saintly Golden Elixir was not just for show.

And this was just Chen Qingyuan revealing the talent of one Saintly Golden Elixir. If he showed all his potential, he might have already reached the top!

Master once said that unless absolutely necessary, the foundation of the three Saintly Golden Elixirs must never be revealed.

Chen Qingyuan always remembered his Master’s teachings. Even during the journey through the ancient tower, he didn’t show all his cards.

“To reach this point is already very strong.”

At this moment, Chen Qingyuan was covered in wounds and mentally exhausted. Zhao Yichuan used sound transmission to suggest he come out.

After thinking for a moment, Chen Qingyuan knew that in his current state, he couldn’t continue. So, he decided to stop for now and stepped out of the ancient tower, looking haggard.

“Greetings, Elder Zhao.”

Chen Qingyuan bowed to Zhao Yichuan, who appeared in front of him.

“No need for formalities. Go rest for a few days; there are still things waiting for you.”

Zhao Yichuan raised his hand from a distance, helping him up.

“Yes.”

Chen Qingyuan didn’t bother to ask what the specific matters were; he just wanted to go back and meditate.

After Chen Qingyuan left, a figure appeared.

“Truly a prodigy!”

Lin Wenyou exclaimed.

“His future achievements are limitless.”

Even the self-assured Zhao Yichuan had to admit that Chen Qingyuan’s talent far surpassed his own.

“Protecting him to the top would be an honor for Dao Yi Academy.”

Lin Wenyou hiccuped.

“This path is not easy.” Zhao Yichuan seemed to foresee the various troubles Chen Qingyuan would face in the future, a hint of worry appearing between his brows. “What we can do is try to block the crashing waves. The small winds and waves, he must handle himself.”

“I have faith in him, just as I had faith in you back then.”

Lin Wenyou said.

“At the same age, he is much stronger than I was.”

Turning to look at the ancient tower, Zhao Yichuan felt a sense of inferiority.

Five days later, Chen Qingyuan’s body had recovered, and his cultivation level had slightly increased.

“Come here, I have something to tell you.”

Yu Chenran’s voice came through a sound transmission.