The crystalline eagle soared gracefully through the endless blue sky, its mighty wings cutting through the air with an effortless rhythm. Yang Feng sat upon its broad back, eyes wide with awe as the vast expanse of the Eastern Spiritual Land unfolded beneath him. Every moment offered something new and incredible—a world rich with life and beauty, as far as his eyes could see.
Far below, thousands of small villages dotted the landscape, each nestled within lush forests, surrounded by winding rivers, or perched on the edges of great rolling hills. Their roofs shimmered in the morning sunlight, and from his height, they looked like miniature models placed upon a giant canvas. Fields of crops stretched endlessly, and the occasional plumes of smoke rising from hearth fires gave the air a faint but earthy warmth.
Yang Feng's gaze shifted as they flew over towering mountains, their peaks dusted with snow, and below them, thick forests filled with towering trees, their branches swaying softly in the breeze. There was a sense of tranquility to this place, a feeling that the world here moved at its own steady, peaceful pace. Yet, within this calmness, Yang Feng could feel the subtle hum of spiritual energy that pulsed through the land—an unseen force that bound the living things together.
He marveled at how alive the Eastern Spiritual Land felt, its vastness and natural beauty rivaling that of the Azure Domain, though in a different way. Back in the Azure Domain, grand cities stood as symbols of power and might, with towering structures that pierced the skies and landscapes that spoke of dominance over nature. Here, however, the land and its people seemed to coexist harmoniously with their environment, and the beauty of the world lay not in its grandeur, but in its simplicity.
"This world," Yang Feng whispered to himself, "it's not the Azure Domain, but it has its own wonders…"
As they continued to soar across the sky, the wind rushed against Yang Feng's face, tugging at his hair and clothes. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the feeling of the cool breeze envelop him, filling him with a sense of freedom he hadn't felt in so long. The vast open sky stretched endlessly in every direction, painting the horizon in hues of soft blue and gentle white.
The sound of birds chirping in the distance caught his attention, and Yang Feng opened his eyes to see a flock of colorful kenaries flying alongside him. Their small, agile bodies darted through the air with ease, their vibrant feathers shimmering like jewels in the sunlight. Yang Feng chuckled as the birds danced around the eagle, their playful movements almost as if they were welcoming him to their world. For a brief moment, he stretched out his hand, letting the wind flow through his fingers, imagining himself brushing against the fluffy white clouds that floated lazily overhead.
The clouds, soft and pure, seemed close enough to touch, like pillows scattered across the sky, and Yang Feng felt an odd urge to reach out and grasp one. But even as he did, the cloud slipped through his fingers like mist, leaving behind only the cool, damp sensation of the air.
Yang Feng's smile deepened as he relaxed into the ride, savoring each passing moment. After years of battle, struggle, and betrayal in his previous life, there was something comforting about flying through this peaceful land. Even if it wasn't the Azure Domain he once ruled and protected, this world, too, had its own beauty and mysteries.
As they continued their journey, Yang Feng's eyes caught sight of distant cities, their towering walls and grand gates visible even from the heights they traveled. Some were nestled between mountains, their stone towers built into cliffsides, while others lay sprawled across vast plains, their bustling streets alive with the movement of people and merchants. These cities, though smaller than what he had known in the Azure Domain, had their own charm, their own life.
In the distance, the landscape began to change. The flat plains gave way to a vast, mountainous region, and there, perched on the edge of a great plateau, was a structure that immediately caught Yang Feng's attention. His heart skipped a beat as he laid eyes on it.
The Spiritual Academy.
Even from this distance, the academy was an imposing sight. Its towering spires reached high into the heavens, gleaming in the sunlight like polished gems. The main building stood atop a massive plateau, its walls carved into the very rock of the mountain itself. Around the academy, smaller structures spread out like the spokes of a wheel, each one meticulously designed, giving the entire place a sense of both majesty and mystery.
Yang Feng was speechless for a moment, his eyes fixed on the sight before him. Though the Azure Domain had grander and more imposing structures, there was something captivating about the Spiritual Academy—something that stirred a sense of wonder within him.
"This is the academy…" Yang Feng muttered to himself, barely audible against the wind. "This is where it all begins."
The eagle descended toward the gates of the academy, and as they neared the ground, Yang Feng's eyes were drawn to the six great statues standing before the entrance. Each statue was carved from dark stone, towering above them, their features worn by time but still commanding respect. They depicted ancient spiritual masters, their expressions fierce and determined, as if they stood guard over the academy itself. Their poses, weapons drawn, spoke of power, wisdom, and a deep connection to the spiritual world.
Yang Feng couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence as they passed beneath the gaze of the statues. His thoughts swirled with anticipation and curiosity. Was this truly the place where he would begin to uncover the mysteries of his new life? The place where he could gain the knowledge to reclaim his former strength and perhaps even his former life?
As the eagle landed gracefully on the ground, its wings folding neatly by its sides, Yang Feng dismounted, his feet touching the earth once again. The great stone gates loomed before him, and beyond them, the vast expanse of the Spiritual Academy awaited.
Ming Ling stepped down beside him, his expression calm but unreadable. Yang Feng glanced at the vice-principal, still unsure what to make of the man. There was something about Ming Ling—something hidden beneath the surface—that made Yang Feng uneasy. He had sensed it during their journey, the way Ming Ling's thoughts seemed to drift toward something deeper, something unspoken. Yet, the man had kept his distance, his demeanor always guarded.
"So this is the Spiritual Academy," Yang Feng whispered to himself, his gaze sweeping across the grand entrance. He let out a small, unheard sigh as the realization sank in.
This was it. His journey was truly beginning. Though this academy, this world, was nothing compared to the Azure Domain in its grandeur, it still held the promise of something new—of answers, of growth, and perhaps even redemption.
Ming Ling looked toward the academy gates, then back at Yang Feng. "This is just the beginning, Yang Feng," he said, his voice calm but carrying a weight of significance. "What you learn here will determine your future. But remember, the path ahead is not easy."
Yang Feng nodded silently, his thoughts racing. He had already made up his mind. No matter what challenges awaited him, no matter the difficulties he faced, he would find the answers he sought. This academy might be his only chance to uncover the truth about this world—and perhaps even find his way back to the upper realms.
With one final glance at the towering statues, Yang Feng took a deep breath and followed Ming Ling through the gates, stepping into the unknown.
The journey had only just begun.