"What's your name, and which class are you in?" the enforcer demanded sternly.
Shi Yu had no choice but to answer honestly. At this point, resisting would only make matters worse.
After a brief interrogation, he was escorted to the Disciplinary Office, where—much to his embarrassment—he ran into Dean Du Weilun and his Senior Brother, Yan Shaozhe.
Yan Shaozhe happened to be there discussing teaching matters, and was surprised to see Shi Yu being brought in for punishment.
After learning the situation, Yan Shaozhe chuckled and said,"If what you want is simply a single room, I can arrange that. However, it won't be in the Outer Courtyard dorms. It would be in the Inner Courtyard. The only inconvenience is that it'll take you a little more time each day to travel between your dorm and the teaching buildings."
Shi Yu hesitated, then smiled faintly. "Thank you, Dean."
"Why do I feel like you're holding something back?" Yan Shaozhe asked, narrowing his eyes.
"I just feel… it might not be appropriate for an Outer Courtyard student like me to live in the Inner Courtyard," Shi Yu offered as a half-truth.
In reality, his concern was different: the Inner Courtyard was filled with experts. If they probed him with their spiritual senses, his secrets might be exposed—and he might not even notice.
Yan Shaozhe understood his worry and replied with a reassuring smile."There's nothing inappropriate about it. With your current status, living in the Inner Courtyard is more than reasonable."
Of course, he didn't mention Shi Yu's identity as Mu Lao's disciple. Too many privileges too early would harm Shi Yu's growth. Mu Lao had arranged things precisely so that Shi Yu would receive both tempering and opportunity.
Hearing this, Shi Yu finally nodded. "Then I have no problem."
"Good. I'll have someone make the arrangements. You can move in tonight," Yan Shaozhe said.
After leaving the Disciplinary Office, Shi Yu returned to inform his roommate, Dai Huabin.
He emphasized several times that it wasn't because he disliked Huabin—it was simply that he was more used to living alone.
Dai Huabin thought it over. He assumed this arrangement must have come from Shi Yu's Inner Courtyard teacher. Though he felt a pang of envy, he also regretted that their time together would lessen. Building a close friendship would now be more difficult.
Still, he was willing to associate with someone like Shi Yu. Befriending a genius of such extraordinary potential would benefit him greatly in the future.
That evening, Shi Yu finished his final shift at the cafeteria.
With one million golden soul coins in hand, he no longer needed to do part-time work. Time spent working could now be devoted entirely to cultivation and combat practice.
The cafeteria aunties were reluctant to see him leave. Over the past few months, Shi Yu had brought them laughter and warmth. Even Jiang Nan Nan was uncharacteristically quiet—happy for him, but also saddened by the growing distance between them.
After dinner, the two took another walk together by the Sea God Lake. The night breeze was cool and refreshing.
Jiang Nan Nan's spirits, however, were low. She couldn't shake the feeling that Shi Yu was slowly drifting further away from her world.
"Nannan," Shi Yu said suddenly with a smile, "why don't you stop working at the cafeteria and work for me instead?"
"Huh? Work for you?" she looked at him in confusion.
"I want you to be my sparring partner. My combat experience is lacking. If you spar with me regularly, I'll improve faster. I'll pay you ten golden soul coins per session. How about it?"
Jiang Nan Nan frowned slightly. "Are you… giving me money?"
Shi Yu quickly shook his head. "No. You'd be earning it with your effort. That's not charity—it's payment. And I really do need the practice. I'm not joking about this."
She stared at him. His eyes were serious, sincere. Her heart softened.
"I'll spar with you," she said softly, "but I don't want the money. You don't need to be so polite with me."
"Then at least let me treat you to meals. From now on, all your meals are on me. Don't refuse—there's no need to be polite."
Jiang Nan Nan finally smiled, a hint of playfulness returning to her tone."Fine then. I'll eat well every day. After all, you're a millionaire now."
"Ha! Try to eat me into poverty if you can," Shi Yu laughed.
The two continued their walk, returning late in the evening.
This time, Shi Yu didn't accompany Jiang Nan Nan back to the dormitory. Instead, he made his way to the Inner Courtyard on Sea God Island.
There were bridges and boats to reach the island, but Shi Yu chose to fly, treating the trip as practice for his flying ability.
Upon landing, he oriented himself and walked through the quiet, unfamiliar paths. He had toured the area briefly that afternoon, but it still felt new.
As he passed one residence, he paused.
On the rooftop sat a beautiful woman, cross-legged in meditation. Bathed in moonlight, she seemed like a fairy descended from the Moon Palace. Behind her shimmered the radiant image of a Moon Martial Soul, resonating with the silver glow of the night sky.
It was Zhang Lexuan, the Senior Sister of the Inner Courtyard—someone Shi Yu had met once before.
By coincidence—or perhaps design—the residence arranged for Shi Yu was right next to hers.
Residences in the Inner Courtyard were independent small houses. There was no division between male and female areas; disciples chose their homes freely, usually based on personal cultivation needs.
Zhang Lexuan had chosen this spot for its moonlight—the most suitable place in the Inner Courtyard for her to absorb lunar energy. Her cultivation efficiency at night was several times greater than during the day.
Yan Shaozhe had kept this in mind when assigning Shi Yu's residence.
Though Shi Yu was still an Outer Courtyard student, placing him next to Zhang Lexuan minimized potential issues. Other Inner Courtyard disciples might gossip or cause trouble, but Zhang Lexuan's gentle personality and prior acquaintance with Shi Yu made her unlikely to mind.
Most importantly, Shi Yu was Mu Lao's disciple, and Mu Lao was also Zhang Lexuan's benefactor. That alone ensured she would look after him if needed.
Shi Yu glanced at her again but didn't disturb her cultivation. Quietly, he walked on toward his new home.