The enormous doors to the testing chamber swung open with a deep, resounding creak, echoing through the open courtyard like the voice of an ancient, unseen giant. Yang Feng stepped out, his boots hitting the sunlit stones with a muted thud. The sunlight hit him immediately, a sudden flood of brightness that contrasted sharply with the dim, silent interior of the chamber he had just emerged from. His figure, though young and unassuming, radiated an air of quiet strength, a ripple of energy that seemed to catch the attention of everyone in the vicinity.
A murmur began to spread, first among a few onlookers near the entrance, then quickly through the entire courtyard. Eyes widened, heads turned, and whispers of disbelief filled the air, blending with the soft rustling of robes and the distant hum of spiritual energy.
"How old is he?" one voice murmured from the shadows, laced with incredulity.
"Is that really him? He passed the test… that quickly?" another voice added, the disbelief thickening as more eyes turned toward Yang Feng.
Yang Feng walked forward with calm, measured steps, the weight of their stares barely registering. His expression was impassive, betraying none of the turmoil or thoughts that simmered beneath his surface. In his previous life, he had been the center of attention many times, often in the most dangerous and competitive of situations. But this was different. The eyes on him now were filled with awe, curiosity—not the malice or rivalry he had once faced in the Azure Domain. Still, the sensation of being watched so intensely left a faint discomfort in his chest.
"Yang Feng!" A voice, warm and familiar, rang out over the crowd, cutting through the whispers like a knife.
Turning, Yang Feng saw Sing Yun approaching with a broad grin, his dark robe flowing behind him like a shadow. "Congratulations!" Sing Yun called out, his voice echoing with genuine warmth. As he reached Yang Feng, he clapped him on the shoulder with a force that belied his lean frame. "You passed the test, and so quickly!"
Yang Feng, still processing the events within the chamber, allowed a small, appreciative smile to tug at his lips. "Thank you," he replied softly, his voice barely louder than the breeze that swept through the courtyard.
Before either of them could say more, the old clerk who had handled Yang Feng's registration earlier stepped forward. The man's hunched frame seemed almost swallowed by his oversized robes, yet his voice boomed with authority. "Young boy!" he called, his deep tone demanding attention. He gestured for Yang Feng to approach, the wrinkles on his weathered face deepening as he gave a knowing smile.
Yang Feng exchanged a brief glance with Sing Yun before stepping forward, his curiosity piqued. The old man's eyes, sharp despite his age, roamed over Yang Feng's face as if searching for something hidden beneath the surface. "What an extraordinary child," the clerk mused silently, his gaze flicking over Yang Feng's composed expression.
From beneath his desk, the old clerk retrieved a rolled parchment, aged and yellowed by time. He unfurled it carefully, his hands steady despite the years. "What is your name, boy?" the clerk asked, his voice steady but softer now, like the deep rumble of distant thunder.
"Yang Feng," he answered, his tone steady, with the poise of someone far beyond his years.
The clerk nodded as if confirming something he already knew and began inscribing the name onto the parchment with slow, deliberate strokes. As the ink dried on the page, the old man looked up at Yang Feng, a warm light in his eyes. "Welcome to the Spiritual Academy," he said with quiet reverence, as though he was not just welcoming a student but someone of immense potential.
Yang Feng bowed respectfully, his actions graceful and measured. "Thank you, sir," he said, though a part of him was still reeling from the whirlwind of events that had transpired since his arrival.
The old man leaned back, a satisfied look on his face, before turning to Sing Yun. "I assume Master Yun will handle the rest?" he asked, his tone formal.
Sing Yun stepped forward, his expression bright but respectful as he nodded. "Yes, I'll handle everything from here," he replied smoothly, casting a glance at Yang Feng.
The old clerk, with a grunt of effort, pushed himself up from his chair, his joints creaking audibly with the movement. He clasped his fists together, offering Yang Feng and Sing Yun a traditional salute. "Then, I wish you well on your journey," he said, his words carrying the weight of tradition and respect.
Yang Feng, still somewhat bewildered by the solemnity of the exchange, returned the gesture with a deep bow, feeling the gravity of the moment settle in his bones. Without further words, Sing Yun gestured for him to follow, and together they began to walk toward the academy's main courtyard.
The grand archways that marked the entrance to the academy loomed overhead, casting long shadows that danced across the ground as the sun began to dip lower in the sky. As they passed beneath them, Yang Feng's eyes were once again drawn to the phoenix statue. The stone bird towered above them, wings outstretched, every feather carved with exquisite detail. The light of the setting sun bathed it in a golden hue, making it seem almost alive, as if it might take flight at any moment.
Yang Feng couldn't help but stare. The statue was more than just a work of art—it stirred something deep within him, an ancient and inexplicable sensation that resonated in his chest. It was as though the phoenix's gaze was fixed on him alone, calling to him in a way he couldn't understand.
Sing Yun, noticing the intensity of Yang Feng's gaze, chuckled softly. "What is it?" he asked, though the knowing smile on his face suggested he already had an inkling of the answer.
Yang Feng tore his eyes away from the statue, his brow furrowed in confusion. "I don't know," he admitted, his voice quieter now. "It feels… like it's calling to me. There's something about it—something familiar, but I can't explain it."
Sing Yun's smile widened, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "That's because both your beast and the phoenix belong to the Sun Ranks," he said, his tone matter-of-fact.
"Sun Ranks?" Yang Feng echoed, his gaze flicking back to the statue. The words felt right, as though they explained something he hadn't realized he needed to understand. The phoenix was a symbol of power and rebirth, just like his spirit wolf. And now, the connection between them was starting to make sense.
Yang Feng turned his gaze forward, feeling a sense of determination settle over him. His path was clear, and he would walk it with the strength of his bond with his spirit wolf. "Soon," he whispered to himself, the word heavy with meaning.
Sing Yun clapped him on the shoulder, his grin widening. "You'll learn more soon enough," he said, his voice light with encouragement.
As they continued walking, the grand structures of the Spiritual Academy rose before them, casting long shadows that stretched across the courtyard. Yang Feng knew that passing the test was only the first step. Ahead lay countless challenges, mysteries to unravel, and secrets to uncover. But with his newfound knowledge and the strength of his spirit wolf, he was ready.
The phoenix statue, towering above, remained still, its stone eyes watching as they disappeared into the heart of the academy, its silent vigil a reminder of the power and destiny that awaited him.