The principal's office was quiet, enveloped in the warm glow from the amber lanter above,that was soon to set. Yang Feng sat across from the principal, his posture respectful yet composed, as the principal leaned back, fingers interlocked, with a look of quiet admiration in his eyes.
The principal began, his voice calm yet carrying the weight of authority. "Now that you understand the academy grounds and the hierarchy within, you should also understand your place here. Whether you decide to rise among the ranks is a choice only you can make. But know this, young Feng—this academy will do everything in its power to help you master your potential."
Yang Feng nodded, a slight but genuine smile crossing his face. "Thank you, Principal."
Meng Zhu let out a hearty laugh, his deep chuckle echoing around the richly furnished office. "No need for such politeness, Yang Feng. We're here to help those who show promise, and you've shown more than enough." The principal's expression softened as he glanced over Yang Feng. "Now go, and allow Sing Yun to show you the way from here."
Yang Feng rose, bowing his head slightly in gratitude before heading toward the door. Just as he was about to step outside, the principal's voice followed him, gentle but carrying a hidden undertone of caution. "Yang Feng, be careful. This academy holds both the best and the worst of talent."
Yang Feng turned slightly, meeting the principal's eyes and nodding in silent understanding. With a final look back, he stepped into the corridor. Sing Yun was waiting for him, leaning casually against the stone wall.
Sing Yun straightened up as Yang Feng approached, giving a nod of approval. "Let's go," he said, his tone cheerful yet carrying a note of purpose. Together, they began walking down the wide hallway, the polished marble floors glinting faintly under the evening sunlight.
As they made their way out,back inside the principal's office. Ming Ling had entered, standing beside the principal with an expression of mild curiosity.
"Well?" Ming Ling asked, his eyes shifting to meet the principal's gaze.
Meng Zhu allowed a proud, almost paternal smile to slip onto his face. "He's… something, that young one," he said quietly, leaning against the large, polished wooden desk. "For his age, his discipline and awareness are truly remarkable. We can only hope that this year's students will be able to keep up with him."
Both the principal and Ming Ling moved to the grand window, which looked out over the academy grounds. Outside, the evening had transformed into a spectacular display of color and celebration, as bursts of fireworks lit up the skies in vibrant reds, blues, and golds, casting the entire campus in a dazzling glow. They watched the scene silently for a moment, the steady pop and flash of fireworks illuminating the stone walls and gardens below.
Yang Feng and Sing Yun, who had just emerged from the main building. As they stepped outside, the sight that greeted them was one of pure awe. The academy grounds had been transformed into a place of vibrant festivity, as students filled the pathways and courtyards, all gathered to celebrate the new bronze-level entrants. Music filled the air, the deep thrum of drums mixing with the melodies of stringed instruments, adding to the lively atmosphere.
"Now what?" Yang Feng asked, glancing over at Sing Yun, his eyes taking in the scene with a mixture of curiosity and quiet surprise.
Sing Yun gave him a smile, one that hinted at shared excitement. "We're going to the new enrollment celebration. It's a longstanding tradition—a huge festival dedicated to welcoming those who have successfully entered the academy."
Yang Feng looked around, nodding thoughtfully. "Makes sense," he replied, the faintest trace of a smile forming as he observed the students gathered in celebration. There was an innocence, an unrestrained joy that seemed to radiate from the new entrants, filling the air with a contagious excitement.
As they stared further onto the open grounds, Yang Feng found himself surrounded by the sights and sounds of celebration. Large lanterns hung suspended above, casting a warm, flickering glow over the entire courtyard.
Above, the fireworks continued, their bright, cascading trails lighting up the night sky in bursts of fiery red, deep sapphire, and shimmering silver. Each explosion painted the heavens with vivid streaks, illuminating the silhouettes of students who gazed up, spellbound by the splendor above them. As Yang Feng watched, his eyes caught sight of several students wearing the bronze-level uniforms, their wide-eyed expressions mirroring his own curiosity and awe.
The crowd was alive with laughter and chatter, and yet, as he stood there watching the festivities, a strange thought crossed Yang Feng's mind. Despite the overwhelming display of happiness and camaraderie around him, something within him felt… out of place.
He looked back up at the sky, his gaze settling on the bright, cascading fireworks. "This… truly makes no sense," he murmured quietly to himself, feeling a subtle ache of nostalgia, as though this moment of happiness felt foreign in some deep, unexplainable way. The display was beautiful, yes, but something within him was calling him elsewhere, back to a distant memory, a lingering trace of the past that refused to be forgotten.
Yang Feng remained there, quietly watching as the fireworks painted the skies in a tapestry of light and color, lost in his own thoughts, while the celebration continued around him.