Quinn Shepherd’s heart gave a faint jolt. Academy Fellow—this new role was designed to finally solve the problem of teaching true prodigies according to their talents.
If Libationer Barrett and the Young Heavenly Demon Patriarch could really pull this off, then when Dao Gate’s Dao Heir or Thunder Chant Temple’s Buddha‑Child came to block the gates, the Academy wouldn’t have to rely on the Cult of the Heavenly Demon anymore.
Wayne Shen listened to the two bantering, feeling a twist of awkwardness in his chest. Every time he worked up the nerve to ask something, the words stuck and he swallowed them back.
Finally, he blurted out, "Libationer Barrett, what’s this senior-junior brother business all about?"
"You mean that?"
Libationer Barrett waved it off. "We have the same master—he’s my junior brother. So you should call him Uncle Quinn."
Uncle Quinn...
Wayne Shen went quiet, then muttered, "But if my cultivation’s higher, do I still have to call him Uncle Quinn?"
Libationer Barrett snorted. "You think too much. You’re no match for him. His skills are a whole level above yours. Know what that means? It’s like he’s a full bamboo pole taller than you. Even if you beat him someday, you’ll still have to call him Uncle Quinn."
Wayne Shen grunted, mumbling, "How would I know if I haven’t fought him yet..."
"Don’t fight. You’ll lose."
Libationer Barrett laughed, "His skills are on the same level as Dao Gate’s Dao Heir and Thunder Chant Temple’s Buddha‑Child..."
Quinn Shepherd tugged at his sleeve, and Libationer Barrett quickly shut his mouth.
He was famous throughout the Academy for his big mouth and inability to keep secrets. Just now, he’d loudly revealed the flaw in Quinn Shepherd’s technique, and nearly blurted out how Quinn defeated Dao Heir Lucas Lin.
Libationer Barrett looked at Quinn Shepherd and stood up. "The Grand Rector told me to keep you close, and to have you follow me. But since you’re my junior brother, stop calling me teacher. My lessons are simple—we go out to train together. But I can’t take too many people; too big a group draws attention, and I can’t look after everyone. Last time, I only brought Wayne Shen. This time, since I have to bring you, I’ll pick just one more scholar."
Wayne Shen’s eyes lit up with hope.
Libationer Barrett saw right through him, stood up and headed outside, shaking his head. "Not this time. I need to pick a few scholars with real talent and foundation, let them study and train with me, and see if this Academy Fellow idea works. They’ll be reserve candidates. Junior brother, you go to the Heavenly Records Tower and pick a few scriptures to bring along—I’ll teach you on the road."
He left the courtyard, probably to find some promising scholars.
Quinn Shepherd glanced at Wayne Shen and grinned. "Nephew Shen..."