Chapter 448: Only the Transcendent Can Witness the Vastness of the World
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 448: Only the Transcendent Can Witness the Vastness of the World
In the end, that meal never happened.
Under my relentless interrogation and maneuvering, Hong Chenyi finally succumbed to the "pangs of conscience" and spilled the whole story.
They really had followed us out of pure curiosity.
Furthermore, they had mistakenly assumed that the twins, Miao and He, were Sister Bai’s new girlfriends. From there, they naturally jumped to the ridiculous conclusion that I was being cheated on...
Heaven only knows how shocked I was to hear that explanation. Just because I had paused for a moment while walking, and without even seeing my expression, they had started spinning this entire fantasy in their heads.
I had to admire their imagination. Of course, I also took the liberty of wondering what exactly goes on in those little brains of theirs to come up with such a plot. Calling them "quite the characters" was an understatement.
Hong Chenyi, leading Dongli Yiren and Guan Qiuling, had rushed over all excited just to watch my life fall apart. They nearly started spreading the rumor, too.
But I couldn't be bothered to settle scores. Even if the rumor got out, who would believe it?
If my relationship with Sister Bai could be shaken by such gossip, that would be the real joke.
Time flew by. The recent rotation of Transcendent Mentors from the Main World didn't cause much of a stir. This rotation didn't just affect the Witch Academy; other Transcendent academies were going through the same thing.
However, a notice for the Teaching Assistant assessment test quietly appeared on the Witch Academy’s system.
Naturally, this notice caught many people's eyes. Plenty of freshmen noticed it too, but they collectively chose to ignore it. Everyone had a healthy amount of self-awareness—what sane student would try to become a TA before they’d even finished their first year?
I, however, studied it very carefully. The Academy Dean had only given me a general overview; for the specifics, I had to rely on the official announcement.
First, students eligible to become TAs had to meet several prerequisites. For instance, they had to be currently enrolled and not yet finished with their studies. Students who had already completed their coursework lost their eligibility for the TA test. Essentially, the TA position was an "internship" for witches who intended to return to the Main World later. Therefore, the Academy deemed students who had finished their studies but hadn't graduated—perhaps due to various delays or simply because they didn't want to leave—as unsuitable for the role.
As for those who were already TAs, they could continue in their roles even if they completed their studies or graduated during their tenure.
And for those who came back to be TAs after graduating... they were simply assigned positions without a test. After all, if you’re already a Transcendent Witch, you can pretty much do whatever makes you happy.
Secondly, one needed to possess abilities that commanded respect. The most direct way to prove this was through certifications—things like Alchemist rating certificates or Pharmacy theory level test results. These were objective proofs of one's technical proficiency and an opportunity to showcase one's talent to a Mentor.
Another way was to have made an outstanding contribution to the Academy, such as being the student who recruited the most freshmen for the new semester, or publishing a paper significant enough to be archived by the Academy.
I wasn't worried about this part. While I hadn't taken any certificate exams, I had published quite a few papers in the Academy's academic section, all of which Teacher Ji Niang had helped me organize. Furthermore, I had contributed the concepts and rune structures for Nightmare Spells and Dream Rewriting Spells. When it came to contributions and ability, I had nothing to worry about.
Additionally, students didn't sign up for the TA test themselves; they had to be recommended by a Mentor. After their fourth year at the Witch Academy, every student would follow a specific Mentor to continue their studies. If a student wanted to be a TA, they could simply ask their Mentor for a recommendation. If that path was closed, they could only pray that their social standing was good enough for someone else to step in.
Of course, a Mentor could recommend a student without actually taking them on as their own TA. The recommendation was merely the entry threshold. The subsequent basic tests would weed out a massive number of candidates. Exactly how many would be cut depended on how many Mentors needed TAs this time around.
Choosing which Mentor to assist was also an art. A Mentor could only have one TA. If you weren't favored by a Mentor but chose them anyway, you’d likely face a disappointing exit. Thus, the mutual selection between Mentors and prospective TAs was crucial.
Reading this, I started to get curious. I wondered if some unlucky guy would end up picking Sister Bai. But then again... students who made it that far shouldn't be so poorly informed.
Not long after, I spotted a familiar figure on the path leading away from the Academy Dean’s office.
I had said before that I wouldn't go looking for trouble in the Dean’s office, but I never said I wouldn't intercept Sister Bai halfway.
"Oh~ Xiao Bai, isn't that your Xiao Han over there? The two of us will head to our office first. We wouldn't want to be third wheels," Miao said, being the first to spot me. She nudged Bai Yu's side.
"Okay, sounds good."
"Wait... Xiao Bai, you agreed that quickly? What about our sisterly bond?"
"Sisterly bonds can't withstand this kind of test. I'm heading over," Bai Yu said, ditching them and running toward me.
"Unbelievable... she really forgot her sisters the moment her girlfriend showed up..."
"Let's go, Sister. Do you really want to follow them and be a lightbulb? Let's go check out our assigned office and residence. We just arrived at the Main World Witch Academy; why don't you walk around with me?"
"Fine, let's go." Miao’s indignation vanished instantly, replaced by a doting look as she patted He’s head and agreed.
Meanwhile...
"Sister Bai, are you done already?" I greeted her with a pleasant surprise, falling into step beside her.
"Yes. We only met with the Academy Dean’s clone. she explained some basic knowledge, teaching assignments, and other matters we need to be aware of."
"So, what will you be teaching, Sister Bai?"
"Me? Courses related to Body Cultivation, of course. Things like physical training and combat techniques. I'm a 'free-form' Mentor, so I only need to complete a set number of classes per semester. My formal teaching duties and official courses won't start until next semester. But... this semester is almost over anyway, right?"
"Yeah, it really is. I didn't expect you to leave me here at the Witch Academy for so long. Do you know how much I missed you?"
"Oh? How much? Enough to want to jump into my arms right now?" Bai Yu asked with a smile.
"Of course! You have no idea how excited I was when I heard you were coming back a few days ago." As I spoke, I felt Sister Bai’s hand slide around my waist. "Sister Bai, you've become quite bold, haven't you? You used to be so hesitant, but now you're so direct?"
"Naturally!"
"Hmph~ You were certainly eager to mark your territory earlier. Are those two friends you made while you were away?" I asked, hooking my arm through hers.
"Yes, I met them along the way. They are very powerful, and... very dangerous. Don't let their harmless appearance fool you; when they fight, they're more vicious than mad dogs. Xiao Han... you must become a Transcendent Witch. Only then will you be qualified to go out and see the vastness beyond this world."
"I know, I know~ I'll definitely listen to your teachings, Sister Bai. Can you tell me about the fun things you encountered outside the world?"
"I... that's hard to say. After I left the Main World, I spent most of my time working toward returning and building up my own strength. But I can tell you about what I saw in the Witch World."
"Really? I want to know about the Witch World! What's it like there?" My interest was piqued the moment she mentioned it.
"It's a sea of books..." Bai Yu drifted into her memories.
"A sea of books?"
"Yes. The Witch World is a sea of books, or rather, the Great Library of the Witch World. The entire world was transformed by the Primal Witches into a repository for all the knowledge, history, spellbooks, and heritage of the witch race since its inception..."
"That's... then where do the witches live?"
"Do witches ever need to worry about where to live?" Bai Yu countered with a laugh. "Witches are generally restless souls. Compared to their long lifespans, they spend most of their time exploring unknown worlds at the Void boundary or adventuring in mysterious lands that have been mapped but never visited. Only the unknown and the mysterious can truly excite a witch. Even when they get tired, they'll just find a world in the Void to live in seclusion, or gather a group of friends to establish a Witch Academy in the Void, spreading the glory and seeds of their kind."
"Wow..."
"It's magical, isn't it?"
"Yes!"
"But if that's the case, how do witches stay in touch across the vastness of the Void?"
"The Primal Dream. Did you forget? Even if witches are physically far apart, the Primal Dream is their greatest social hub. Witches can scatter across the Void like grains of sand without a care because the Primal Dream acts as the bond connecting them all."
"Oh... right!" I realized quickly. I think I’d heard Teacher Ji Niang mention that? Regardless, the Primal Dream was truly an incredible existence. "Um... Sister Bai~ I heard that once you become a Transcendent Witch, you don't need those clunky dream pods to enter the Primal Dream anymore. You just need something like a spellbook?"
"That's right. Xiao Han, you actually knew that?"
"Of course~ I know a lot of things. Both Teacher Ji Niang and the Academy Dean have told me plenty of common knowledge that regular students don't know."
"I see..."
"But... Sister Bai, where are we going? It feels like there are fewer and fewer people around." I glanced at our surroundings. I hadn't even noticed where we were heading while we were chatting.
"Isn't it better with fewer people?" Bai Yu turned to me with a smile. Then, with a swift movement, she pinned me against the wall.
Wait, why did I think "again"?
But I didn't have time to ponder that detail...
"Um... Sister Bai, what are you doing?"
"Finishing what was left incomplete last time, of course," Bai Yu said steadily, as if stating a simple fact. Her other hand reached out to lift a lock of my hair, bringing it to her nose for a light sniff.
"Since it was left incomplete~ there's no rule saying it has to be picked back up. You wouldn't want rumors about an improper relationship between a new Mentor and a student to start tomorrow, would you, Sister Bai?" I looked at her, a teasing smile playing on my lips, devoid of any fear or shyness.
You didn't cherish the chance last time, and now you want to try the same trick? There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world.
"Then what do you want, Xiao Han..."
"Sister Bai, is your head full of nothing but dirty thoughts since you got back? Haven't you heard that the Witch Academy discourages teacher-student romances?"
"It's only 'discouraged.'"
"People will talk, you know?"
"Do you care that much, Xiao Han?" Bai Yu released the hand bracing herself against the wall.
"Everything should be done properly... How about this: once I become a TA, you can do whatever you want."
"You're going to take the TA test already?"
"Is that a problem? The Academy Dean said I could. She’s already made the arrangements."
"Then... will you be my TA, Xiao Han?"
"Dummy! Of course! Did you think I’d become someone else's TA just so you could come and snatch me away? Eww~ Sister Bai, are you into that kind of thing?" I feigned shock, my tone dripping with playful disgust as I gave her a gentle push.
"Xiao Han, I think your head is the one full of strange ideas. Are you really trying to tease me?" Bai Yu didn't budge an inch, letting my hands rest against her as I tried to push her away.
"Teasing? Not at all. This is just normal interaction after confirming our relationship. Surely you aren't that easily flustered, Sister Bai?"
"You have to take responsibility after flirting. Since you don't want to take responsibility yet, how about I collect some interest first?"
"Whatever~ just don't go too far... Mmph."
* * *
Teacher Ji Niang’s Office.
As the light of the Reverse Summoning ritual flickered and died, I appeared in the room.
"Um... Teacher Ji Niang, was there something urgent?" I instinctively smoothed out my slightly rumpled clothes. My Body Cultivation strength allowed my flushed face to return to its normal color almost instantly.
"Hmm... you... sigh, fine. It seems I called you at a bad time. But since you're here, let's get down to business." Ji Niang was fiddling with the summoning token I had given her. She seemed quite interested in this somewhat crude alchemical item. Their use of Reverse Summoning hadn't yet reached the point of being integrated with alchemy, but it looked like it was worth a try.
"Yes, please go ahead, Mentor."
"It's about the TA position. Xiao Han, becoming a TA at your stage is a first for the Witch Academy. You don't even have a formal Mentor yet—technically, I'm still just your counselor. The Academy is processing this as a special case. You really are something else."
"Oh... it's nothing. It's just because you taught me so well, Mentor. Let's stick to the business." I scratched my head, having a general idea of what was coming.
"Right. I mainly want to talk about the TA role. Once you become a TA, you effectively leave your status as a student behind. Normally, becoming a TA means you've entered the faculty track of the Witch Academy. Even if your TA status is revoked, those with a Mentor can usually stay on with them, or pursue independent research. But you're still taking classes. If the Mentor you're assisting kicks you out, you won't be able to return to normal classes."
"Uh... is that important?"
"I'm just letting you know. I don't think those courses are important for you anyway. What's important is reminding you of the shift in your identity. I'm not trying to jinx you; I'm just saying that if you become a TA and then lose that position, you can't enjoy the conveniences of being a student anymore. You won't even get the chance to choose a Mentor after three years, unless a Mentor actively recruits you..."
"Uh... so?"
"I have to say, your growth has been far too fast. If the worst-case scenario happens, you can come to me. I can continue to guide you. Though, I doubt it will come to that. The teacher you're going to assist is that little one named Bai Yu, right?"
"Yes..."
"Try to show some restraint before you officially become a TA. You're an adult; don't tell me you can't control your impulses. You have a long life ahead of you; why limit yourself to this awkward present? Are you just looking for a thrill?"
"No... I, Sister Bai and I didn't actually do anything! I made sure of that!"
"Talk about a self-report. Fine, if you say so, I'll believe you. Next time you do something like that, remember to clear the local Ley Line information. The Main World's Ley Lines record everything you do quite faithfully."
"Wha... WHAT?!"