As Yang Feng and Sing Yun approached the dormitory complex, a wave of awe surged through Yang Feng. The buildings towered before them, their black and gold exteriors gleaming under the brilliant blue sky. Each structure exuded a sense of authority and grandeur, rising like palaces designed for royals rather than simple accommodations. Intricate carvings adorned the doors and arches, depicting fierce beasts and mythical landscapes, each detail a testament to the academy's pride and history. This was a place for the talented and ambitious—those destined to reach for greatness. Yang Feng couldn't help but pause, his eyes widening as he absorbed the sheer scale and beauty of it all.
A quiet, respectful silence filled the air around them, broken only by Sing Yun's voice. "We have arrived," he announced, the words pulling Yang Feng from his reverie. They had stopped before one of the grand buildings, and Sing Yun's gaze held a hint of pride as he took in Yang Feng's astonished expression.
Yang Feng's curiosity burned. "Where is this?" he asked, his voice tinged with excitement and confusion as he looked from Sing Yun to the grand complex around him.
Sing Yun chuckled, clearly enjoying Yang Feng's reaction. "These are the Bronze Level dormitories," he replied, sweeping his arm to gesture toward the entire complex, his eyes gleaming with amusement.
Yang Feng's jaw dropped, his gaze darting between the towering buildings. "All of this… just for the Bronze Level?" His voice barely contained his disbelief as he struggled to imagine how opulent the Silver or even Gold levels must be if this was considered only Bronze.
"Yes," Sing Yun confirmed with a nod. "Many students enroll each decade, yet only a rare few ever manage to progress beyond Bronze. Most spend years here, dedicated to advancing, and even then, some never leave this level."
Yang Feng's heart sank slightly at the thought. The immense effort and skill needed to progress even one step in this academy weighed heavily on his mind. He glanced down as they began ascending the wide stone staircase leading to the second floor, his thoughts a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
Sensing his mood, Sing Yun paused and looked back, his expression serious but encouraging. "Don't worry," he reassured him, his voice calm and steady. "There are always a few exceptional students who reach the Silver Level within a month." He gave Yang Feng a knowing smile. "Especially this year. You'll have some fierce competition."
Yang Feng nodded, finding a flicker of hope in Sing Yun's words. As they climbed higher, the corridor stretched before them, lined with grand, ornate doors leading to the dormitory rooms. His anticipation grew, each step filling him with a sense of purpose. This academy was more than just a place to live or train; it was his path to regaining his strength, his memories, and his true identity.
Finally, they reached a door marked with a simple brass plate reading "Room 203." Sing Yun stopped, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes as he looked at Yang Feng. "This will be your room," he said, pushing open the door.
Yang Feng stepped inside, his breath catching as he took in the room. Spacious and airy, it was furnished with three neatly made beds, each adorned with the academy's emblem embroidered in shimmering gold. The walls were painted a soft, serene white, and a large window on the far side filled the room with sunlight, casting a warm glow over everything. Outside, the view stretched to the horizon, where rolling green hills met the sky in a sea of deep blue.
In one corner, three identical uniforms hung, pressed and perfectly folded. They were patterned similarly to the attire worn by the older students—elegant robes lined with intricate designs and symbols of power. A small study area occupied another part of the room, complete with three wooden desks and chairs, each crafted from rich, dark wood and set up for learning and practicing techniques.
"This is where you'll be staying," Sing Yun said, watching Yang Feng's reaction with a hint of pride. "You'll have two roommates. They haven't arrived yet, but you'll meet them soon."
Yang Feng's gaze drifted from the beds to the uniforms, a subtle blend of excitement and apprehension building within him. "What should I do now?" he asked, glancing back at Sing Yun, eager to begin.
Sing Yun pointed to the uniforms, his voice gentle yet firm. "Pick one. You'll need to change into it before we go to your next destination."
Without hesitation, Yang Feng moved toward the uniforms, his fingers brushing the soft fabric as he inspected each one. The material felt almost like silk, smooth and cool beneath his fingers, yet it radiated a hidden strength, just like the academy itself. He chose the middle one, drawn to its elegant design, and nodded at Sing Yun. "I'll take this one," he said, stepping toward the small bathroom at the side of the room.
Inside, he removed his casual clothes and slipped into the uniform. The fabric clung comfortably to his frame, accentuating his lean but toned build. He adjusted the robe, taking a moment to admire the intricate embroidery—a series of intertwining vines and phoenixes that shimmered softly as they caught the light. He caught his reflection in the mirror, surprised by the figure staring back at him. The uniform made him look like a true student of the academy, someone with potential and a future filled with possibility.
Stepping back into the room, he found Sing Yun waiting with an approving nod. "You look ready. Come, there's someone who wishes to meet you."
Curiosity once again sparked within Yang Feng, questions swirling in his mind. Who would be interested in meeting him, a mere Bronze Level student? Yet, he followed Sing Yun without hesitation, his heart beating faster with every step. They left the dormitory and stepped back into the courtyard, where the afternoon sun bathed the stone pathways and surrounding buildings in warm, golden light.
The courtyard was alive with activity. Groups of students gathered in every corner, each engaged in their own pursuits. In one area, several older students practiced techniques, their movements fluid and precise as they manipulated spiritual energy with practiced ease. Sparks of energy crackled in the air, casting faint shadows across the courtyard. Others huddled together, deep in conversation, sharing stories and insights with animated expressions. The air buzzed with excitement, the hum of life and ambition, and Yang Feng felt his pulse quicken as he absorbed the vibrant scene around him.
Yang Feng's gaze lingered on a group of students practicing their movements, the fluid grace of their stances reminding him of his past life. The academy's energy and the rigorous dedication of its students were palpable, echoing the martial discipline and traditions he had once known so well. He felt a surge of nostalgia, mingled with determination. He had come to this place for a purpose. Whether it was the spiritual realm, an illusion, or some twist of fate, he would find his way back to the upper realms. This path was his, and he would carve it with every ounce of strength he possessed.
Lost in thought, Yang Feng trailed behind Sing Yun as they walked, his resolve growing sharper with each step. Though countless questions plagued him—about this realm, his purpose, and his path—he knew one thing with unwavering clarity: no matter how long it took, he would return to the home he remembered, the true upper realms where he belonged.
They crossed the courtyard, stepping into the warm sunlight once more, the lively atmosphere of the academy surrounding them like a living, breathing entity. Yang Feng's journey was just beginning, and he was ready.