Time passed by quietly at the academy, after the initial shock of the competition between Fusheng and Cheng Chi, everyone quieted down considerably. Even Meilan, especially after the incident involving the First Prince at the 5 Arts arena, she has been considerably quiet, never making trouble for Fusheng. No one knew what she was planning, but Fusheng could not even care less, she only enjoyed the peace and quiet that came without Meilan's troubles. But while Meilan was no longer disturbing her, she felt that the First Prince was constantly finding ways to annoy her. She did not understand why he could not be thoughtful like Lingjun. She even wondered if she offended him in the past.
She focused on building her foundation, everyone saw her working hard and just looked at her with pity, thinking she was trying to build herself up to avoid loosing out in the upcoming competition. But nobody knew that Fusheng the protagonist of the competition had already almost forgotten about the competition and was only working hard to build her foundation and stabilize her qi. She also focused on her cultivation and in the span of a month she was already in the second stage of FOUNDATION ESTABLISHMENT STAGE and could already cast some simple spells and can perform some hand signs. This was a cultivation miracle according to Feilong.
Feilong on the other hand had been researching about the existence of a white Phoenix, but in all the old books he had found, they all mention the normal red Phoenix and nothing about a white Phoenix. If not experiencing it first hand that day in the bamboo groove, Feilong would never have even speculated about the existence of a white Phoenix. As he searched through many ancient scrolls he kept feeling like the existence of the white Phoenix was purposely wiped out and that something out there did not want anyone to know of it's existence. Feilong also kept an eye on Fusheng, observing for any abnormal condition. He couldn't help but remember the type of vicious poison that was administered to Fusheng and had a gut feeling that it was not just a stepmother's jealousy and that something darker was going on around Fusheng.
The days went on like this in the academy, until Master Jiang called for an emergency assembly. Fusheng was confused and at a loss, she shared her concerns with Feilong and well...
"You're asking me all this as a fellow student of the academy or what? Do I need to remind you that we both entered the academy at the same time?"
Fusheng rolled her eyes "You are the one that speaks to the spirits in the Academy and you're supposed to be a formidable dragon, so who knows?" she shrugged.
Feilong just shook his head at her and said nothing. Fusheng came across Xueying and hurriedly went to her, asking if she knew the reason for the sudden assembly.
"It is probably another mission." Xueying sighed,
Fusheng was even more confused "Wait... What now?"
Xueying explained, "A mission is like a real life experience. The academy has this thing where they send out certain students from the three branches, but mostly cultivators to go and solve real life problems, like exorcise demons, caste spells, heal the sick. Missions are good for cultivators especially, because it helps them get enlightened. It also helps us medical practioners, I go to know somethings from these missions. But these missions are as deadly as they are educational, if something is to go wrong in a mission, there is a possibility that someone might die."
Fusheng gaped in surprise at the information she just heard, "That is so cool."
Xueying furrowed her brows, "Did you not head the part where I mentioned that it was very dangerous."
"Yes but one can get a lot from just a mission." Fusheng countered.
Xueying shook her head, "Forget it, I am very confident that you will not be allowed to participate in this mission anyways."
Fusheng blinked "What did you just say?"
Xueying ignored her and walked ahead until they came to the assembly ground.
Just like Xueying mentioned, the assembly was really because of a mission.
"I know that most of you will be surprised at the cause of the assembly." Master Jiang started, "But not to be worried, it is not a big deal. We just got a letter from the Mayor of the FU province. For many that are not aware, it is a province beyond the mountains to the east*. The Mayor wrote that there has been a surge of demonic activities in the province, but they seem to not know the source of the evil and he requests for our help." He paused.
"This mission is mainly for cultivators, but the medical practioners and martial artists are also to follow. The list of students going on the mission are already decided, but if anyone wishes to join, indicate... As they will embark on the journey in two days"
Fusheng hurriedly raised her hand to indicate.
"Miss Meng Fusheng, sorry to break it to you, but you are not yet qualified to go on missions. I forgot to stress the danger of this mission, so for the fact that this is dangerous, I can not allow you to join this one." As Master Jiang's voice sounded, some girls snickered.
Fusheng just understood why Xueying was confident that she would not be among the people going for the mission. She turned to Xueying "Who are the people that always go on these missions?"
"There are a people that I do not exactly remember their names, but I recall that Meilan is also among the people that take on this missions, I am also among."
Fusheng nodded and remembered something crucial, "Wait, does that person, the First Prince, does he also joins this missions?"
Xueying scrutinized Fusheng suspiciously, while Fusheng batted her lashes innocently, Xueying slowly shook her head to disagree.
After the assembly was dismissed, Fusheng went back to her room and asked for Feilong's opinion.
Feilong observed her and said "I think we should participate in this mission, you could use the real life experience."
Fusheng's eyes twinkled with excitement"I knew you would also want to go."
Feilong nodded and said nothing, the truth was that why he wanted to go there was not because of any real life experience, he was incredibly curious about Fusheng's origins and he remembered that in the mountains in the East, there was an ancient library, even older than he Feilong could remember, and if there was any record of the white Phoenix, then it was absolutely present in that particular library. He planned to check out the library as they were there.
Feilong furrowed his brows "But little ancestor, how are you going to get to the mission? I mean, the principal has specifically barred you from joining the mission."
Her eyes gleamed with mischievousness "That is if they know I joined them."
Feilong lifted an eyebrow at her "How are you going to do that?"
Her eyes shone "I have my own plans."
Feilong was puzzled but then remembered that Fusheng had a streak of doing the impossible, so he let her down her thing.
***
On the day the group departed for the mission, Fusheng spent the night in Xueying's courtyard.
"Fusheng, I am leaving the capital tomorrow, this journey might take weeks, or even last up to a month. I really feel scared about leaving you alone here for that long, especially with that evil woman still on the loose." Xueying expressed her concerns.
Fusheng furrowed her brows "You are getting too worked up, just focus on being safe during the journey, I will naturally keep myself safe. Besides I have your grandfather here in the capital, so don't be too worried."
Xueying nodded "Yes you are right, I even forgot about my grandfather, and I am sure the principal will not allow anything to happen to you."
Fusheng chuckled "Yes so you see I will safe. You are really turning into my mother."
Xueying rolled her eyes and ignored Fusheng, while Fusheng was still laughing at her.
Finally the group left on their horses and carriages, the Academy became a bit deserted and quiet. Before the group departed, Meilan gave a look of disdain, probably feeling superior that Fusheng was not allowed to join the mission.
As the group were about to leave the capital they were stopped by an entourage of the Crown Prince and the First Prince. The leader of the group, a cultivator who looked like he was about 20 years old, came down from his horse and bowed to the two Princes
"Greetings to the Crown Prince, Greetings to the First Prince. I am Du Heng, a student of the Royal Academy, may I ask for the reason why we are being blocked? Is there anything wrong?"
The Crown Prince smiled softly and shook his head "No fellow student Heng, there is no problem, it's just that my brother wants to join this mission."
Du Heng paused and looked up at the first Prince "This...uh"
The Crown Prince interrupted "Rest assured, my brother will not be a burden."
The First Prince finally spoke "What says you, student Heng?"
Du Heng felt scared being addressed directly by the First Prince "Y yes, you are welcomed to the Mission."
The Crown Prince smiled "Thank you student Heng."
Du Heng immediately shook his head "No no, it is my pleasure."
The Crown Prince nodded and turned to his brother "Brother take care."
The First Prince shook his head absentmindedly "No problem. Tell father not to be too worried about me." With that he motioned for the group to continue along with the journey and left the soldiers behind.
From the commotion just now, everyone already knew that the First Prince was joining in on this mission and all had different reactions to the news.
Xueying let out a breath of relief "luckily, Fusheng was not allowed to join the mission, otherwise the First Prince would surely pick on her."
Meilan on the other hand was excited "Seems like fate is on my side. Now that I am on this journey alone without that distraction Fusheng, I can focus on building my image in front of the First Prince and maybe even make him like me." Her eyes twinkled at the thought of the First Prince liking her.