Quinn Shepherd's heart pounded as he entered the courtyard and said, "Imperial Preceptor, you wouldn't come all the way here just to chat about trivialities, would you? Lina, see if we have any tea."
Lina the Spirit Fox bustled about and said, "Young master, we don't have any tea at home. You never drink tea anyway."
Quinn chuckled, "Then buy a few ounces next time and keep them around. Since there's no tea, let's see if we can at least find some seats."
"The Scholars' Quarters only have a few busted stools. Where are you going to find seats?" the little fox grumbled.
Quinn felt a bit awkward.
The Imperial Preceptor waved his hand, smiling, "No need to fuss. I'll just stand and chat with the Holy Cult Master for a few words, then be on my way."
Quinn's gaze lingered on his face. The Imperial Preceptor of the Everpeace Empire, hailed as the foremost sage beneath the gods, wasn't handsome—just ordinary, really—but there was a subtle charm to his features, a kind of quiet likability that grew the longer you looked.
His eyes were the most striking thing about him—bright with wisdom, flickering with hints of insight, as if they could take in all things under heaven and make the sharpest judgment.
Quinn genuinely admired the Imperial Preceptor, and his heart brimmed with respect for this trailblazer who shattered old patterns.
The Everpeace Empire owed its current glory more to the Imperial Preceptor than to its emperor.
He led reforms, transformed the military and government, broke the sects' monopoly on power, tore down the walls between the three great traditions, founded primary schools, academies, and the Imperial Academy, and instituted the Academy Fellow system. Because of him, this era became dazzlingly brilliant.
Yet for all his admiration, Quinn still felt a touch of wariness toward the Imperial Preceptor.
The Imperial Preceptor was not just a genius—he was ruthless and decisive as well.
He had campaigned against the Great Ruins—though he withdrew when he saw it was impossible, that didn't mean he wouldn't try again.
He negotiated with and annexed other states. To eliminate hidden enemies, he once feigned grave injury, luring sects that had already submitted into rebellion, plunging the realm into chaos.
He was far from a perfect man.
Quinn could never quite grasp what this man's true pursuit was. His heart was broad enough to embrace the world, yet he would still destroy nations, attack the Great Ruins, and expand Everpeace's territory.
He clearly had no greed for power, yet to eliminate threats, he would stir up storms of blood and chaos without hesitation.
To Quinn, the Imperial Preceptor was a living contradiction. His real thoughts were impossible to guess.
The Imperial Preceptor was also sizing him up. After a moment, his voice was gentle: "The Holy Cult Master of the Cult of the Heavenly Saint—you're younger than I expected. When I heard you were also my Academy's first Academy Fellow, I was quite surprised. You see me now, but you don't seem at all startled, do you?"