Chapter 319: Chapter 319: Clouds of Suspicion Rise Again
The old man long-life technique?
Serena Sterling lightly furrowed her delicate brows. What immortality is there in this world? In the ancient days, those emperors, in pursuit of immortality, were superstitiously trusting some Daoists’ so-called elixirs, even setting sail to the legendary Isles of Immortals, but ultimately, they failed and met with ill-fated ends.
Why is Old Man Knight obsessed with this?
Serena remembered the brief gaze exchanged with Old Man Knight earlier. There was a hint of madness in the depths of his eyes, which she found quite repulsive. She also sensitively sensed Old Man Knight’s coldness and hostility towards her, likely because of his granddaughter, Aurora.
Serena felt alerted in her heart. Today’s selection might not be so smooth, including her planned trip to the Academy of Sciences, which might also be laden with difficulties.
However, her mother’s second treasure chest is at the Academy of Sciences. She must enter the academy to retrieve the chest; no one can stop her from advancing.
At this moment, some familiar figures walked over; it was Anabelle Rathborne and a few girls from T University.
Those girls surrounded Anabelle Rathborne like a princess.
Wow, Annette, are you really getting engaged to Mr. Crawford?
Mr. Crawford looks so cool and aloof, yet Annette, you have succeeded in capturing him. We envy you so much!
Tiana Ford and the others also heard the girls chit-chatting, and Tiana Ford casually murmured, "This Anabelle is going to get engaged to Mr. Crawford?"
"It seems like it. Recently, it’s been circulating in Aethelgard about the Crawford-Rathborne alliance; it’s not surprising."
"Mr. Crawford has this ’keep away from strangers’ aura, so abstinent, yet his taste isn’t that high, liking Anabelle, this little white flower."
At this moment, Anabelle Rathborne saw Serena Sterling, and she quickly stepped forward, her face full of pride and joy, "Serena Sterling, what are you discussing, are you discussing the wedding date between me and Hayden? Yes, we are going to get engaged, and the date has been chosen, just three days away."
Three days later?
Serena Sterling thought she had fully recovered from the illness that struck her, but hearing about their engagement date made her heart fiercely ache. She hadn’t expected their engagement to be so rushed.
"Hayden said he wanted to get engaged quickly. Just three days later is an auspicious day, Serena Sterling. I will send you an invitation, welcoming you to attend my and Hayden’s engagement banquet."
Looking at Serena’s slightly pale face, Anabelle felt great relief. Since Serena arrived in Aethelgard, she had stolen all her dazzling spotlight, making herself fade into insignificance.
Now by getting engaged to Hayden Crawford, another aim was to make Serena return to her original form. And can some unknown wildflower from nowhere compete with her, a privileged child of heaven?
Serena didn’t show much expression. Her clear, bright eyes looked at Anabelle, "Then I congratulate you already. Congratulations, I’ve said it face-to-face, so no need for the invitation."
Finishing her words, Serena left.
Watching Serena’s slender figure disappear from her sight, Anabelle bit her lip. Serena’s indifferent attitude made her feel like hitting a punch on cotton.
However, she quickly lifted her lips in a smile. Serena must be preparing for the Academy selection, but unfortunately, she is destined to miss the opportunity.
...
Serena forced herself to forget about Hayden and Anabelle’s engagement. She had already known Hayden had an extreme dislike for her; that day at Emperor’s Bar was the best proof. Her Mr. Crawford was gone, now it’s just Hayden Crawford; there’s no need for her to feel sorrow for him.
She still had many things to do. This time coming to Aethelgard was for the Academy of Sciences. Now that the selection is imminent, she must focus even more.
At this moment, a staff member suddenly approached, "Hello, is this Miss Serena?"
Serena nodded, "Yes, that’s me."
"Our director is requesting to see you. Please, Miss Serena, meet him next door."
When this staff member appeared, Serena had already guessed most of it; the Academy’s director, Old Man Knight, wants a private chat before the selection.
Serena frankly nodded, "Alright, lead the way."
...
Serena entered the office next door, Old Man Knight was already waiting for her.
"Old Man Knight, you asked for me?"
Old Man Knight looked at the poised and graceful girl before him. Before him, she showed no sense of nervousness or discomfort; her lips carried a smile. She quietly watched him, going straight to the point, waiting for him to speak first.
This girl, whom Anabelle and his granddaughter Aurora both felt unsettled by, was indeed extraordinary.
Old Man Knight scrutinized Serena thoroughly and suddenly felt the girl looked familiar.
Actually, earlier at the door, his first sight of Serena already sparked a strange sense of familiarity.
This sense made him feel repulsive, unpleasant.
"You are Serena Sterling?" Old Man Knight spoke.
Serena nodded, "Yes, I am Serena Sterling."
"I dislike you, so no matter how hard you try, I won’t allow you into the Academy. Give up this thought," Old Man Knight directly sentenced.
Serena knew it wouldn’t go smoothly. What she didn’t expect was this director’s straightforward refusal, cutting off all her paths into the Academy.
"Why?"
"I’ve heard a month ago you came to Aethelgard and already made quite a name here. Your fame has reached my ears. Every place has its circle, like the socialite circle in Aethelgard has its own circle; you’re an outsider suddenly intruding, breaking a certain balance. If you enter the Academy, I have a premonition you’ll also break the existing balance there. As a leader of the Academy, I absolutely won’t allow such things to happen."
Serena understood. She straightened her delicate, beautiful spine, and in her bright eyes, shone a sharp light, "Old Man Knight, you’re a feudal and stubborn person. What is the Academy? It’s born for medicine, not your personal domain. You want to control the Academy in your own hands, refusing anyone to challenge your authority. Such isolationism will only lead to regression."
Old Man Knight’s expression changed dramatically. He stood up abruptly, eyes full of shock as he looked at Serena, "You... Who exactly are you?"
These words, someone told him twenty-plus years ago!
Serena saw Old Man Knight’s sudden change of expression, her eyes brightened, yet she remained calm and said, "Why, who do you think I am?"
Old Man Knight sank into his own memories, "These words, twenty-plus years ago someone said them to me, and that person is... my mentor!"
What?
Serena had already guessed Old Man Knight’s major reaction must be related to her mother, but what she hadn’t guessed was... her mother was Old Man Knight’s mentor?
My goodness.
Completely unbelievable.
"About twenty years ago, a mysterious lady descended upon the City of Aethelgard. She accepted several closed-door disciples, with me being the first disciple. She taught me medicine, instructed me to establish the Academy, and single-handedly created today’s prosperous medical community in Aethelgard, ushering in a flourishing era."
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