Under the velvet cloak of night, the academy grounds were alive with the sounds of celebration. Laughter and cheerful chatter echoed through the open courtyards, as students milled about, exhilarated to have earned their place within the academy walls. Lanterns hung from trees, casting a warm, flickering glow that illuminated the joyful faces of students who were reveling in their success, sharing stories of their journey, and looking forward to the adventures to come.
Yang Feng, however, walked among them like a lone wolf, barely acknowledging the lively atmosphere around him. His eyes were distant, reflecting none of the enthusiasm shared by his peers. Each step felt weighed down by thoughts that lay heavy on his heart. He seemed like a ghost, drifting through the sea of excitement, feeling a profound disconnect from those around him.
As he walked through the throngs of students, his gaze shifted upward, focusing on the dark expanse of the night sky. His mind lingered on the old man's foreboding words: In mere twenty years, the Immortal Clan might perish.
He clenched his fists, his jaw tightening with determination. "Twenty years…" he whispered, his voice a mere breath against the night. "Wait for me, Mother. I will return."
With renewed purpose, he moved forward, leaving behind the raucous sounds of celebration as he made his way back to the dormitory building. His steps were purposeful, his mind already focusing on the challenges that lay ahead. The darkened corridors of the dormitory were quiet, offering a peaceful reprieve from the noise outside.
Reaching the door of his room, Yang Feng extended his hand to open it, eager to finally rest after a long day. But the instant he pushed the door open, a swift shadow lunged at him, the force of the impact throwing him back a few steps. Instinctively, Yang Feng shielded himself, his senses sharp as he anticipated a follow-up attack. His assailant, masked and clad in dark attire, wasted no time, springing forward with a flurry of strikes.
Yang Feng's reflexes kicked in, his movements precise and calculated. Dodging each strike, he twisted around the attacker and, in one swift motion, appeared behind him. Grabbing the assailant's arm, Yang Feng forced him against the wall, twisting the masked figure's wrist behind him with an iron grip.
"Ow, ow!" the masked figure exclaimed, his voice muffled through the mask. "Okay, okay, I give up! You win! Just let me go already!"
Yang Feng's expression was impassive, but his grip remained firm. His voice was cold and commanding. "Talk. Who are you?"
The masked figure groaned, wriggling slightly as he muttered, "Alright, alright! Just let me go, okay? I'll show you who I am."
With a cautious glance, Yang Feng released his hold and stepped back, still on guard as the masked figure rubbed his wrist, grumbling. "That hurt, you know!" He reached up and pulled off the mask, revealing the face of a young boy, around Yang Feng's age. The boy had striking blue hair that fell messily over his forehead, and his vivid blue eyes held a playful gleam. He straightened up, grinning mischievously.
"I'm Ling Yun," the boy announced with a slight flourish, his grin widening. "Your roommate."
Yang Feng regarded him coolly, his stance relaxed but watchful. "So, why attack me?"
Ling Yun chuckled, shrugging as though his actions had been entirely reasonable. "Ah, that? Well, you know how it is—the rule goes that the strongest among the roommates is crowned the dorm leader."
Yang Feng raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "And the mask?" he asked, his tone pointed.
Ling Yun hesitated, scratching his head awkwardly before holding out the mask as if offering proof of his honesty. "Oh, that… I just forgot to take it off, that's all," he said with a sheepish grin.
Yang Feng sighed, his shoulders relaxing as he turned back toward the room. Just as he was about to step inside, Ling Yun called out after him.
"Hey, you're not just going to end the fight there, are you?"
Yang Feng turned back, his expression flat. "You lost. Accept it." With that, he stepped inside, closing the door firmly behind him.
Ling Yun stared at the closed door, his mouth hanging open in disbelief. "Hey! Are you serious?" he muttered to himself, scratching his head in frustration. "Is he really just going to sleep already?" Shaking his head in bewilderment, he turned and walked away, muttering under his breath.
Inside the room, Yang Feng let out a deep sigh, feeling the day's exhaustion settle over him like a heavy blanket. He dropped onto the bed, his gaze drifting up to the ceiling. The old man's words echoed in his mind, a constant reminder of the path he had chosen.
Twenty years, he thought, his resolve hardening. He knew what he had to do. He would strengthen his qi root, ascend through the ranks, and find his way back to the upper realms. And he would do it all to protect his mother and the Immortal Clan from whatever catastrophe lay in wait.
But as he lay there, staring at the ceiling, doubts began to creep in. What could he accomplish as a mere Qi Tu, the lowest rank on the path to immortality? His power was but a fraction of what it had been in his previous life, and the climb to the top was long and arduous.
He sighed, pushing the doubts aside. "I'll think about that when the time comes," he murmured. For now, he needed to rise through the levels as swiftly as possible. He had an advantage, he reminded himself—the vast cultivation knowledge from his former life, the power of Thunder Step, and his unique double pupils. These gifts would make his path smoother, though he knew it would still demand relentless effort.
His stomach rumbled, breaking his train of thought. Startled, he glanced down, realizing with a pang that he hadn't eaten since he'd arrived at the academy. He chuckled to himself, running a hand over his stomach. "Speaking of an 'easy path,' I haven't eaten since I got here."
He remembered Sing Yun mentioning the academy cafeteria, a place where students could eat for free. Grateful for the reminder, he stood and stretched, casting one last glance around the quiet dorm room before heading out.
The corridors were dimly lit, a stark contrast to the lively glow of the courtyards outside. Yang Feng made his way down the stairs, his footsteps echoing softly as he descended. The quiet atmosphere of the dormitory felt almost serene, and he took a moment to appreciate the calm as he navigated the maze of hallways.
Upon reaching the ground level, his senses perked up as he caught a tantalizing aroma wafting through the air. Following his nose, he ventured outside and found himself standing before a grand, beautifully lit building near the dormitories. Its towering façade was adorned with ornate carvings, and lively chatter spilled from the open doors, mixing with the delicious scent of freshly prepared food.
Yang Feng paused, taking in the sight of the bustling cafeteria, a massive structure that seemed almost out of place among the simpler dorm buildings. It was beautifully constructed, with sweeping arches and tall windows that allowed the warm glow of light to spill out onto the path. The energy inside was infectious, and for a moment, he found himself smiling at the sheer liveliness of it all.
"Smells good," he murmured to himself, the aroma stirring his hunger even more.