386 - Rebirth of a Star: Another Day, Another Drama

Chapter 386: Ambushed! A crisp clang rang out as the black-clad assailant's seemingly foolproof strike was effortlessly deflected. His short sword, coated with a deadly poison, was designed to corrode the opponent’s veins at the slightest sign of blood. “Who are you!” Ye Linglong demanded, her voice icy as she gripped her weapon, Qianjun. Remaining silent, the assailant’s eyes glinted with murderous intent. He signaled with a hand gesture, and more shadows rushed towards Ye Linglong. A cold glint flashed in Ye Linglong's eyes, her lips curling into a dismissive smirk. She stood her ground, unflinching. Realizing something was off, the black-clad man's brow furrowed. In the next moment, a massive figure soared into the air, interposing itself between Ye Linglong and the attackers. A thunderous roar erupted that nearly the entire Celestial Spirit Academy heard. A giant black panther, Xiao Hei, clamped its jaws around one of the charging attackers, snapping him into two with ease. Just like that, a formidable Golden Immortal fell to an untimely demise. "Roar~" Xiao Hei, still stained with fresh blood, let out a fearsome growl towards the remaining assailants. The surrounding commotion quickly drew the attention of others nearby, and the lead attacker sensed formidable Celestial King experts approaching. With a hint of urgency in his eyes, he hadn’t expected that their combined forces, intended to ambush a mere Golden Immortal-ranked alchemist, would face resistance. Their plan was to incapacitate and capture her easily, not foreseeing a ferocious spirit beast as her protector. Now that their element of surprise was lost, retreat was unavoidable. Signaling a retreat, the group of assailants prepared to withdraw immediately. "Leaving so soon?" Ye Linglong's sword sliced through the air, sending an arctic chill that spread from her position. Quickly activating her domain, Ye Linglong caught the attackers off guard, who remained fixated on Xiao Hei, oblivious to her subtle movements. Before they realized, her domain had spread to their feet. The full force of her Ice Soul constitution, combined with Phoenix’s assistance, unleashed its full might. Before they could react, the assailants were frozen into ice statues, expressions locked at the moment of their intended retreat. When the academy’s guards arrived, they were met with the scene of a blood-soaked, ferocious beast and several frozen attackers, alongside one beyond saving. Momentarily, the guards were uncertain of who required their assistance more. ... “Disciple, my dear disciple, are you alright? Which fool dared to assault my student within the academy?” Zou Guanqun rushed frantically upon hearing his cherished disciple had been ambushed, running into Master Hai at the entrance. Momentarily setting aside any rivalry over his disciple, Zou Guanqun shot Master Hai a glare before hurrying inside. Master Hai shook his head in resignation, following a step behind. Ye Linglong sat calmly in the hall, accompanied by the headmaster. Xiao Hei, having resumed its usual small size, lay on the ground, showing no sign of its previous savagery. The room also displayed several diverse ice sculptures standing sentinel. Zou Guanqun cast a puzzled glance at the ice sculptures, casually inquiring, "Headmaster, when did you develop a taste for ice sculptures?" Nearly spilling her drink, Ye Linglong managed to stifle a cough yet couldn't avoid some splutters. Zou Guanqun immediately focused on his disciple with concern, “Are you hurt, my dear disciple? What happened for you to be attacked in the academy? Where are those attackers? Weren’t they apprehended?” Firing question after question, warmth flooded Ye Linglong’s heart at her mentor’s genuine concern. Feeling suddenly reassured, she was reminded of her master's deep care. Impatient and answerless, Zou Guanqun turned his critique to the headmaster: "Our academy's security is lacking. My disciple was ambushed on a peaceful walk, yet no one is detained, I..." Interrupted mid-rant. Qiu Zeyuan: “The attackers have been caught.” Caught up in his fervor, Zou Guanqun paused in surprise, "What? They’ve been caught? Where?" Master Hai too looked to Qiu Zeyuan with curiosity, filled with doubt. Qiu Zeyuan pointed to the diverse ice sculptures: “These are the ones who attacked Ye Linglong.” Zou Guanqun gaped at the ice statues, incredulous: "You’re telling me these ice sculptures were my disciple’s attackers?" Confirming with a sure nod, Qiu Zeyuan left no room for doubt in his acknowledgment. ... "Did you hear? Ye Linglong was ambushed within the academy." "I heard too, thankfully she’s unharmed." "Indeed, didn't expect the little black panther we played with is such a formidable beast." "Exactly, a new student said it split an assailant in half with one bite. I just petted it yesterday," a person remarked, shivering with hindsight. Grateful to have not lost his arm, he continued, “Still, Ye Linglong’s even more impressive. Her mastery with ice attacks is exceptional. Those attackers, all elite Golden Immortals and possibly even a new Celestial King, were frozen in an instant." Amidst hearsay aside, Tai Shiyan grew increasingly unsettled and fearful, leaving abruptly for her courtyard. Where she found Ming Qian waiting. Clutching his arm like a lifeline, she cried, "Why is Ye Linglong, just from a small town like Lingshi City, so powerful? Now the attackers are caught, what if they talk!!!" Should they betray her, she feared becoming the academy’s laughing stock. Annoyance briefly flickered in Ming Qian’s eyes, but he comforted her, patting her shoulder gently, "Fear not, Yan’er. Those men are trained to silence; they wouldn’t betray you." His soothing words calmed Tai Shiyan, her panic diminishing. Sighing with relief, almost to reassure herself, she repeated, “Yes, Ming Qian, it won’t be exposed. It can’t be.” Embracing her tightly, mingled emotions shadowed Ming Qian’s gaze.