"It seems that we can't keep this talent…"
The instructors who were talking suddenly gazed at the principal with shock and a hint of questioning.
"Heavenly Immortal Academy… They're here."
As if on cue, the black clouds hanging ominously above the skies suddenly parted, revealing a clear expanse of azure. A majestic golden light beamed down upon the Awakening Hall, casting a divine radiance that caused the crowd below to shield their eyes in awe and wonder. Soon, a violet portal appeared, with flashes of silver lightning encircling it.
From this otherworldly portal emerged a majestic silver dragon. Its colossal form glided through the rift with grace, its immense wings spreading wide, each flap generating a soft, sonorous hum. The dragon's scales shimmered like polished silver, each one intricately adorned with delicate golden inscriptions that seemed to pulse with ancient energy.
Perched upon the dragon's back was a figure who seemed almost ethereal amidst the dragon's splendor. A middle-aged man with short, neatly kept hair sat in a saddle that appeared as intricately crafted as the dragon's own scales. He was wearing a plain white robe, and looked like a peerless immortal. A golden sword tattoo adorned his forehead.
Qin Tian blinked, momentarily overwhelmed by the majestic presence of the silver dragon hovering before him. The creature's shimmering scales and thunderous wings were a sight to behold, but something about its appearance struck him as oddly incongruous.
"What?" Qin Tian's thoughts raced, his mind struggling to reconcile what he was seeing with his expectations. "I thought the world I got transported into had an Eastern Fantasy background?"
"And this guy—he's wearing a robe and looks like an Eastern Fantasy Immortal," Qin Tian mused, his gaze shifting back to the dragon. "How come dragons here look like... those Western dragons?"
"Esteemed emissary of the Heavenly Immortal Academy," the principal began, his voice wavering slightly but regaining its firmness. "Your presence here is both an honor and a surprise. To what do we owe this visit?"
The middle-aged man, seated atop the majestic dragon, nodded his head slightly in acknowledgment. His voice, when he spoke, was calm and authoritative.
"I am Elder Jiang of the Heavenly Immortal Academy," he announced, his tone measured and resonant. "We have come in response to a disturbance in the celestial currents—a signal of extraordinary potential that has emerged from this very hall."
'Damn, this guy speaks in Royal British.' Qin Tian couldn't help but laugh in his mind, amused by the formal and somewhat archaic manner of speech.
"We sensed the awakening of a unique talent," Elder Jiang continued, "one that has the potential to reshape the very fabric of our understanding of cultivation. It is our duty to investigate such occurrences, to ensure that the balance of power remains undisturbed and that those blessed with extraordinary gifts are guided properly."
Hearing this, Qin Tian felt a surge of apprehension mixed with excitement. He had anticipated attracting attention, but not from the Heavenly Immortal Academy—the most prestigious and ancient institution in the Supreme Human Federation. The academy's reputation was legendary; it was the training ground for those who would go on to become the future leaders and protectors of humanity, a place where the greatest talents were nurtured and honed to their fullest potential.
Elder Jiang descended from the dragon gracefully and approached the principal, who stood with a respectful bow, his eyes filled with a mix of respect and curiosity. "We seek the one who has awakened this talent," Elder Jiang stated, his gaze shifting once more to Qin Tian. "What's his name?'
"Ermm, actually…" A moment of awkward silence ensued as the principal turned to look over the instructors. They exchanged nervous glances, clearly unprepared for the question. Their lack of knowledge about Qin Tian, despite his remarkable awakening, was a testament to his previously unremarkable presence at the academy. The principal's face flushed with embarrassment, a stark contrast to his usual composed demeanor.
Qin Tian looked at their little actions and was speechless. Was the previous Qin Tian so low-key? Well, his class instructor had already fainted in shock, and all the instructors near the principal didn't pay attention to the previous Qin Tian, so it kind of makes sense.
"My name is Qin Tian." Qin Tian stepped forward, his voice steady, though his heart raced with a mix of nerves and exhilaration.
"Oh?" Elder Jiang's eyes, sharp and discerning, showed a hint of appreciation as he observed Qin Tian.
With a swift motion, Elder Jiang reached into his storage ring and produced a silver token. The token gleamed with a mystical light, inscribed with the intricate emblem of the Heavenly Immortal Academy. He tossed it to Qin Tian, who caught it instinctively.
"This is the token of the Heavenly Immortal Academy," Elder Jiang declared, his tone solemn. "Come to the Imperial City at the start of next month. Do not presume acceptance; there will be a test waiting for you at the academy." His words carried a mixture of encouragement and challenge.
As he finished speaking, Elder Jiang's form seemed to blur momentarily before reappearing atop the dragon. He offered a final wave of farewell before the dragon began its ascent. A portal, swirling with violet and silver energy, materialized before them, and in a flash of light, they vanished, leaving the hall abuzz with whispered speculation and awe.
The principal, recovering from his earlier embarrassment, approached Qin Tian with a cheeky smile that seemed to say 'this is my treasure', his eyes gleaming with a newfound respect.
"Qin Tian," he began, his tone now laden with a mixture of pride and anticipation, "you have shown exceptional promise today. The awakening of a Mythical Talent, and now this recognition from the Heavenly Immortal Academy—it is clear that you are destined for great things."
He extended his hand in a gesture of camaraderie, which Qin Tian accepted, feeling the firm grip of the principal's hand. "We at Mystic Star Academy are committed to supporting you in every way possible. After you complete the novice trial, we will provide you with the necessary resources to ensure your continued growth and success."
"We will also grant you a mansion near the Mystic Star Academy and a bonus of 1 million Federation coins. Consider this an investment in your future and a token of our confidence in your abilities." Hearing this, Qin Tian felt shocked. The previous owner of this body was an orphan, and lived off the bonuses that the Federation gave him. With this, he could finally have a house to call home and money for… grocery?
"Oh, by the way, here's the key to the mansion. It was once my residence, but I've never used it since a decade ago ever since I became the Principal of Mystic Star Academy. It's located at xxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx."
"Thank you, Principal," he said, his voice respectful. "I will make good use of these resources and strive to meet your and the academy's expectations."
The principal's smile widened, and he patted Qin Tian on the shoulder. If Qin Tian could succeed in the Heavenly Immortal Academy, it was basically free advertisement and a chance to get a favor that he could use in the future.
"We look forward to witnessing your journey. May your path be one of brilliance and accomplishment."
As Qin Tian turned to leave, intent on returning home to enter the Global Lords world and further explore his talents, he was intercepted by a graceful figure. It was Miss Nangong, who was the spotlight earlier, along with her guards.
"Qin Tian, a moment, if you please."
Qin Tian paused, studying her with a cautious gaze. Her demeanor was poised and confident, her beauty unmatched. As he observed her, Qin Tian couldn't shake the feeling that she was trouble incarnate.
In stories he had read and games he had played, characters like Miss Nangong often spelled trouble for the protagonist. They were the type of person whose beauty and influence attracted unwanted attention and entangled them in webs of danger.
'This is basically a trouble magnet,' Qin Tian thought wryly, his mind drawing parallels to countless narratives where the main character unwittingly became the focus of affection or rivalry due to such encounters. 'I'm sure this is someone that an MC would get his hands on and basically be hunted by her suitors.'
"Yes?" he responded, his tone neutral.
"I am Nangong Zuiyue," she introduced herself, her name flowing with a certain elegance. "Heir of the Nangong Family in the Mystic Moon Domain. Though our family here is significant, we are actually just a branch of the main Nangong Family in the Imperial City—one of the five strongest families in the Federation."
"I have an offer for you," she continued, her eyes gleaming with ambition. "Join me as a retainer. Together, we could secure victory in the upcoming young generation competition of the Nangong Family. The resources and support we could gain from such a triumph would be invaluable—for both of us."
Qin Tian listened, weighing her proposition carefully. The allure of her offer was undeniable; the backing of a powerful family could provide him with unparalleled advantages. Yet, he knew that such alliances often came with strings attached, binding him to obligations and entanglements that could complicate his path.
"I appreciate the offer," Qin Tian replied, his tone measured. "But I must decline. I prefer to chart my own course and avoid unnecessary entanglements."
Nangong Zuiyue's eyes narrowed slightly. "You're turning down an opportunity to align with one of the most influential families in the Federation?" she asked as if she couldn't believe it.
"Yes," Qin Tian said firmly.
'So get the hell away already. I could see many people here looking at me with deadly gazes.' Qin Tian couldn't help but say inwardly.
She regarded him for a moment, her expression a mix of curiosity and veiled annoyance. "Very well," she conceded, though her tone hinted that she was not accustomed to being refused. "But know this: opportunities like this do not come often."
With a graceful nod, she stepped back, "I hope you do not come to regret your decision, Qin Tian."
'Oh girl, I won't'
Qin Tian watched as she turned and walked away, her figure melding into the crowd of onlookers. He felt a sense of relief. Aligning with the Nangong Family might have provided immediate benefits, but it was not worth the potential future enemies he'll make.
Qin Tian hurriedly walked towards the mansion that the Principal gave him and blended into the crowd. Soon, he arrived at a vast mansion near the perimeter of the academy. He found that it was enclosed by a barrier, and he couldn't get in, so he took the key and the barrier soon let him in.
Inside, he wandered through the expansive halls until he found the living room. A plush sofa welcomed him, and he sank into its soft embrace with a sigh of contentment.
Now, he could finally do what he wanted to do since the beginning.
"Enter Global Lords," he murmured softly, his voice barely breaking the tranquil silence of the room.
As if in response to his command, the surroundings around him seemed to dissolve into darkness. The once familiar sight of the living room blurred and vanished, replaced by a void of infinite blackness.