Chapter 80: The Nine Palaces Eight Trigrams Step

“Haha, interesting!” Ye Tian patted Layton’s shoulder, causing a look of pain to instantly cross the latter’s face. “Don’t worry, as long as you follow my instructions, I guarantee you’ll stay at the school,” Ye Tian promised earnestly.

“That’s enough for today. Remove the weights from your body. Training needs to progress incrementally; going too heavy all at once will overwhelm you. Also, practice the breathing technique I taught you.” Ye Tian spoke seriously. “Now, go back and rest!”

Watching Layton drag his tired body away, Ye Tian finished up his remaining tasks, packed his things, and headed home. “What are you doing?” Ye Tian saw Akana bustling in his room and nervously asked.

“Nothing, just checking things out, and putting up a few small items,” the girl clapped her hands. “Almost done.” With that, she continued working, leaving Ye Tian bewildered.

“What’s this?” Ye Tian pointed at the patterns Akana had drawn on the walls and door with some unknown method. The patterns flashed and vanished once completed. “A magic array,” the girl replied without looking up.

“What does it do?” Ye Tian asked. “It’s a defensive magic array. I’ve tweaked it a bit. It’s ineffective against powerful mages, but low-level magic won’t break through it,” she said happily. “And it’s invisible. Pretty neat, right?”

“Thank you,” Ye Tian said sincerely.

“Hmph, just consider it a return for yesterday,” the girl replied, continuing her work. “By the way, you don’t need to worry. These arrays only activate when attacked; normally, they’re invisible and won’t disturb your life,” she explained.

“Oh.” Ye Tian secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and glanced at his blanket—it seemed untouched. Apparently, she didn’t know its secret. “By the way, where did the squirrel in your blanket come from? It’s adorable!”

Thud! Ye Tian toppled over. “Can you not go snooping through other people’s things?!” he protested angrily.

“Hmph,” the girl pouted. “You haven’t told me yet, where did you get it?”

“Found it on the road,” Ye Tian replied irritably.

“So, what kind of magical beast is it? I sense faint wind magic on it, but I’ve never seen one like this,” she mused, tilting her head.

“I don’t know, either.” Ye Tian gently took the little creature from the blanket. It was still sleeping deeply; he wondered when it would finally wake. “What’s wrong with it? Why is it always sleeping?” she asked.

“No idea,” Ye Tian admitted.

“Did it eat a magic core?” the girl asked.

“Probably,” Ye Tian recalled how the little fellow had secretly devoured quite a few.

“How many?” she inquired.

“I can’t remember,” Ye Tian grumbled, pinching the creature’s nose. Nearly all of them are gone; how many do you think?

“Maybe it’s evolving,” the girl straightened up. “Done!”

“Evolving? What kind of evolution?” Ye Tian asked, puzzled.

“Well, low-level magical beasts can absorb cores from stronger beasts to enhance their abilities. Once they’re strong enough, they evolve. So, your little cutie here is probably just at level one.”

“That can’t be right.” Ye Tian remembered the little creature defeating the giant python. He hadn’t seen the battle, but it was definitely the squirrel who won—otherwise, he wouldn’t be alive now.

“Generally, low-level magical beasts try to absorb the crystal cores of higher-level beasts to power up. But it’s risky. For example, a level one beast can safely absorb a level two core and become level two. But if it swallows a level five core, it’ll die from a surge of uncontrolled magic.”

“What about this one?” Ye Tian asked anxiously.

“It should be fine—at least it’s still alive, right?” The girl tilted her head. “Magical beasts typically fall into deep sleep after absorbing a core, so they can fully assimilate the magic. It’s normal.”

“Good, as long as it’s okay.” Ye Tian smiled, stroking the creature’s fur. It was still smooth, and had a pleasant scent—no doubt Layla had bathed it again. At the thought, Ye Tian’s nose tickled.

“I’ll walk you back,” Ye Tian said. The girl had helped him so much; it was only right to escort her.

“Sure, but I want to hold it!” Akana’s eyes sparkled. “It’s too cute!”

“All right.” Ye Tian had to help the girl with her tools; carrying the squirrel was inconvenient, so he gave in and gently handed it over, then began packing up.

“By the way, what’s its name?” Akana asked.

“Barbecue,” Ye Tian replied offhandedly.

“That’s awful!” The girl pouted.

“I like it. None of your business!” Ye Tian rolled his eyes.

“That’s a terrible name. Hmm, let’s call it Snowflake,” the girl said, smiling as she lifted the little creature. “So pretty!”

“Terrible name,” Ye Tian muttered, recalling that Layla also wanted to name it that. Girls really do think alike!

“No, it’s Snowflake!” the girl insisted stubbornly. “I say it, so it’s final!”

“Yes, yes,” Ye Tian agreed, knowing full well the squirrel wouldn’t listen to her anyway. “Alright, let’s go.”

“Mmm.”

“Snowflake, Snowflake, wake up soon! I’ll give you something tasty!” The girl giggled, lifting the little creature and gently poking its cute nose. “Wake up soon!”

“If it does, it’ll definitely bite you first—who told you to disturb its nap?” Ye Tian said.

“No way!” Akana objected. “Not everyone is as mean as you!”

“Yes, yes, I’m the villain. Happy now?” Ye Tian sighed.

“We’re here. I’ll be going—hand it back.”

“Can’t I let it sleep at my place for just one night?” The girl hugged the squirrel.

“No way. If others see it, they’ll try to snatch it,” Ye Tian said, pouting.

“Hmph, stingy!” Akana huffed, handing the squirrel carefully back to Ye Tian, who tucked it into his arms.

“Goodnight!” Ye Tian said, turning to leave.

“Hey, aren’t you going to help me carry these inside?” she pointed at the items Ye Tian had brought.

“Miss, if I go into your room, imagine what people will say tomorrow!” Ye Tian protested. Why are girls so bold these days?

“I’m not afraid, so why are you?” Akana pouted.

“I’m afraid, alright? Goodnight!” Ye Tian called, leaving without looking back.

“Coward!” The girl stamped her foot angrily and carried her things inside.

He slept soundly until Layton knocked on his door. Ye Tian saw him looking much better, clearly having removed his extra weights.

“Alright, go buy breakfast for us—two portions,” Ye Tian said with a grin.

“Understood!” Layton nodded and ran out of the campus.

“Is it too soon to teach him?” Ye Tian wondered while washing up. “Well, might as well. Who knows how long it’ll take him to master it?”

Layton was now a campus celebrity—not for anything special, but because everyone saw him skipping classes and training, and even his tutor had given up, leaving him to help Ye Tian clean the school grounds.

“Not angry?” Two students passed by, pointing and whispering. Layton remained calm, continuing his work.

“Why get angry?” Layton swept up the fallen leaves and carried them away.

“Good attitude,” Ye Tian murmured as he continued his tasks.

“Oh, isn’t that Layton? So, decided to switch from mage to servant?” Some idle students surrounded Layton, mocking him.

Layton ignored them, focusing on his work.

“Hmph, I told you this was your fate—just accept your role as a manservant,” the lead student laughed arrogantly. Still, Layton didn’t look at him.

“You!” The student was about to get angry when suddenly, a pile of leaves landed on him.

“Oh, sorry, I thought it was the trash bin—didn’t realize it was a person!” Ye Tian feigned embarrassment.

“You lowly servant, how dare you dump leaves on a noble mage like me? Do you want to die?” The student raged, brandishing his wand and preparing a fireball spell.

Smack! The fireball was snuffed out before it could form.

“Excuse me, are you planning to fight in the academy?” A charming girl appeared before them.

“Akana, Mentor,” the students exclaimed in shock. Though she was younger than them, her strength was on another level.

“No, not at all!” they stammered, terrified. If caught fighting, expulsion was certain.

“Scram!” Akana snapped, and the group fled in panic.

“What brings you here?” Ye Tian asked, glancing at Layton, who remained calm as if nothing had happened.

“You said you were going out to find an herb shop. I’m free this afternoon—let’s go together,” she replied.

“Great!” Ye Tian said happily. “I’ll change clothes and meet you outside.”

“Sure, half an hour is enough,” she said.

“Alright, see you soon.”

Akana left, beaming. Ye Tian patted Layton’s shoulder. “I’ll leave the work to you. You handled things well just now. Sometimes patience is needed for greater success. Keep at it—you won’t regret it!” With that, Ye Tian set aside his tools and went to change.

What’s the slowest thing in the world? Ye Tian could swear: “Girls getting ready!” He nearly fell asleep waiting outside—Akana still hadn’t arrived.

“Gray, Gray!” Ye Tian was deep in sleep when someone called his name.

“Uh, you’re here!” He stood up, brushing the dust off. “Let’s go.”

“Hmph, you didn’t even comment after I spent so long getting ready!” the girl complained.

Ye Tian suddenly turned, baring his teeth and laughing mischievously. “Dearest Akana, if you’d been any later, I’d have starved to death. How are you planning to compensate me?”

“Girls need time to get ready,” Akana replied, her voice fading.

“Alright then, my dear Akana, shall we eat first or go shopping?” Ye Tian pointed at the sun overhead.

“Fine, we’ll eat first!” she said, annoyed. “Honestly, you have no patience—not much of a man, are you?”

“You only find out if I’m a man in bed,” Ye Tian whispered close to her ear.

“Gray, you’re asking for it!” Akana blushed furiously, kicking at Ye Tian.

“Hehe, let’s go! My treat today!” Ye Tian hurriedly said.

“Gray, you’re dead! I’m going to eat you out of house and home!” Akana threatened.

Akana was determined to make Ye Tian pay, dragging him everywhere, buying whatever caught her eye, and tossing anything she couldn’t finish to him. “Don’t throw it away—I might want it later! Otherwise, you’ll have to buy me another!” she demanded fiercely.

“Yes, understood!” Ye Tian said helplessly. There’s nothing fun about offending girls. After Akana had her fill of amusement, they headed to Ye Tian’s intended shop for magical materials—only to find it closed!

“No way!” Akana exclaimed. Why of all times did it close now?

Ye Tian showed no reaction, just looked around and asked, “Shall we continue shopping?”

“You’re not angry?” Akana asked in surprise.

“Why would I be?” Ye Tian laughed. “I know the place, I can come back next time.” He pointed nearby. “Looks like there’s a street over there—let’s check it out.”

By the time they returned to the academy, evening lights were already shining.

“Today was so much fun!” Akana giggled, raising her lollipop. The candy here was beautifully decorated—and pricey.

“Hehe, thanks! Shall we go again tomorrow?” she smiled.

“Lady, you wiped out three months of my salary in one afternoon. If we do this again, I’ll have to sell myself,” Ye Tian complained.

“You chose to buy them for me,” Akana pouted. “Anyway, I’m heading back—no need to walk me home!” With that, she stuck out her tongue and dashed off with her armful of snacks, leaving Ye Tian shaking his head helplessly.

He headed back to the dormitory, and as he passed the training grounds, heard sounds from inside. Peeking in, Ye Tian smiled—Layton was training.

“Take a break.” Ye Tian tossed a bottle of fruit wine over. It was low alcohol, more of a beverage.

“Layton,” Ye Tian thought for a moment. “I’ll teach you a movement technique, but you must promise not to tell anyone I taught you. Deal?”

“Why?” Layton asked, puzzled by Ye Tian’s mysterious ways.

“I hate trouble,” Ye Tian grinned. “I am trouble myself, so I avoid it.”

“Alright,” Layton agreed.

“Swear it,” Ye Tian said seriously.

“Is that necessary?”

“It is!” Ye Tian insisted.

“Fine. By the Elemental God above, I swear that if I reveal this secret, I’ll die from magical backlash,” Layton knelt, eyes closed, hands pressed together. A tiny ball of light flickered at his fingertips and disappeared.

“Is that enough?”

“Perfect. From now on, I’ll teach you a footwork technique. It’s simple—it’s the same one you used to attack me with Starfall. Want to learn?”