Yang Feng and Sing Yun exited the dormitory, making their way toward the heart of the academy grounds. Before them stood a massive, majestic building that dominated the skyline. Its elegant architecture featured soaring towers, finely crafted arches, and intricate stonework that gave the structure an aura of grandeur. This was the central building of the academy, serving as both its headquarters and its heart.
As they walked toward the grand entrance, Yang Feng's eyes were drawn to the towering pillars and the delicate carvings along the walls. The place felt ancient yet refined, with an aura that hinted at the history and strength within. His footsteps slowed, taking it all in, while Sing Yun walked purposefully ahead.
Just as they approached the entrance, a figure stepped forward to greet them. It was Ming Ling, the vice principal of the academy, waiting with his arms folded and an unreadable expression on his face. Sing Yun immediately stopped, bowing respectfully.
"Vice Principal Ming," Sing Yun greeted him formally.
Ming Ling inclined his head, acknowledging Sing Yun before turning his gaze to Yang Feng. "Yang Feng," he said, his voice calm but carrying a weight of authority. "Come along. We have matters to discuss." He then looked at Sing Yun, pausing for a moment before adding, "You too, Sing Yun."
Surprised, Sing Yun glanced at Ming Ling, but he quickly recovered, nodding in agreement. Together, the three of them walked through the grand entrance, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished floors as they moved deeper into the halls of the academy's central building.
They soon reached a pair of tall, intricately carved wooden doors—the entrance to the principal's office. Ming Ling reached forward and knocked lightly. A muffled voice from inside responded, "Come in."
Ming Ling opened the door, and Yang Feng stepped inside, feeling the warmth and calm of the room immediately. Seated by a low table, pouring tea into a delicate porcelain cup, was an elderly man with a serene expression. The principal of the academy looked up, his face lighting up with a gentle smile as his gaze settled on Yang Feng.
"Welcome, young feng," the principal said warmly, gesturing for him to come closer. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
Yang Feng bowed politely, and the principal turned to Ming Ling and Sing Yun, offering a slight nod. "If I may, I'd like to speak to Yang Feng alone."
Ming Ling and Sing Yun acknowledged the request with a bow before stepping back, closing the door behind them. Now, only Yang Feng and the principal remained in the quiet, serene space of the office.
The principal gestured for Yang Feng to sit down. "Please, take a seat."
Yang Feng did as he was told, still slightly unsure of what to expect. The principal poured another cup of tea and handed it to him. His voice softened as he said, "It's truly an honor to meet the son of Bai Feng."
Yang Feng's expression shifted from politeness to surprise. "What…?" he muttered, taken aback.
The principal studied Yang Feng thoughtfully. "It's funny, you look just like him," he said, almost as if speaking to himself.
Yang Feng felt a jolt of confusion. His father's name was not one he expected to hear in a place like this, let alone from the mouth of the principal. His mind buzzed with questions. How did the principal know his father? What kind of relationship did they have? The pieces didn't seem to fit together, and the mystery only deepened.
After a moment, the principal seemed to realize the impact of his words and gave an apologetic smile. "Ah, forgive me for my rambling. I haven't even introduced myself." He straightened, his expression growing more formal. "My name is Meng Zhu."
Yang Feng inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment, still digesting the previous revelation. Principal Meng Zhu poured tea into his own cup and took a sip before setting it down and focusing his gaze on Yang Feng.
"Young Feng," Meng Zhu began, "we have high expectations for you here at the academy. As a Sun Ranker, you carry an exceptional potential."
Yang Feng nodded politely but couldn't help his curiosity. "Forgive me, Principal, but what exactly does it mean to be a Sun Ranker? How is that different from an ordinary spiritual master?"
The principal's eyes gleamed with approval. "That's a good question, Yang Feng. You see, in the spiritual world, cultivators are divided into different levels based on their spiritual mastery and power. Each level corresponds to the number of spiritual skills a master can perform with their spiritual beast. For example, a level 10 spiritual master can only wield one spiritual skill, while a level 20 master can wield two, and so on."
Yang Feng nodded slowly, absorbing the information.
"However," the principal continued, "Sun Rankers break these boundaries. They are a rare breed of cultivators who possess the ability to channel more spiritual energy from their beasts, allowing them to perform multiple skills even within a single level. For instance, a level 10 Sun Ranker might be able to wield up to three spiritual skills, a significant advantage."
Yang Feng's eyes widened. He had known his wolf was of the Sun rank, but the difference in ability was far more than he had anticipated. "Three skills… at level 10?" he murmured, almost to himself.
Meng Zhu nodded, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Yes. Sun Rankers truly have a considerable advantage. Their potential is vast, and with the right guidance, they can surpass even the highest expectations."
Yang Feng, trying to wrap his mind around the incredible possibilities. It was a remarkable advantage, one that he hadn't fully appreciated until now. As he pondered this, the principal spoke again.
"Of course, the academy has its own system of rankings, which I believe might interest you," Meng Zhu continued, his tone growing lighter.
Yang Feng leaned forward, intrigued. "The school rankings?"
"Yes," Meng Zhu confirmed. "Many new students find the system a bit confusing at first. Here at the academy, ranks refer to a student's level of skill and potential. For example, the Bronze Level is typically for level 10 and below spiritual masters, while the Silver Level may accommodate masters up to level 15. The ranks are intended to align each student's tasks and resources with their level."
Meng Zhu paused, sipping his tea before continuing. "Each rank has different tasks assigned to it, tasks that are designed to challenge students and help them grow. A Bronze-level task would be too easy for someone in the Silver Level, and similarly, a Silver-level task would be challenging, perhaps even impossible, for a Bronze Level student."
Yang Feng nodded, understanding the system better. "So, the ranks are like a way of measuring each student's progress and providing the right level of challenge?"
"Precisely," Meng Zhu replied. "The academy's goal is to help each student excel at their own pace and to provide the most promising and diligent students with the resources they need to succeed."
Yang Feng's thoughts raced as he pieced it all together. It was clear that the academy's system was designed to cultivate excellence, rewarding hard work and perseverance. He looked up at Meng Zhu, a question forming in his mind. "When do we graduate?"
Meng Zhu chuckled softly. "You may graduate after reaching the level of a level 40 spiritual master. It's a significant milestone, one that requires dedication and effort."
Yang Feng raised an eyebrow. "I thought the ranks determined when we'd graduate."
The principal shook his head, smiling. "You could very well be a Platinum rank and still only be a level 20 master. The ranks merely grant access to additional resources and greater challenges. True graduation, however, comes with mastery."
Yang Feng, finally beginning to understand the academy's structure and its purpose. He realized how vast the path was before him and how different it was from his previous life in the upper realms. "Wherever I am", he thought, "I'm far, far away from the world I once knew."