Xie Fan's eyes fluttered open as the first light of dawn filtered through the thin curtains. The morning chill seeped into the room, wrapping around his body like a silent reminder of the new day. He lay still for a moment, listening to the distant chirping of birds and the rustle of leaves in the wind.
He was in high spirits, remembering yesterday's success in opening his first meridian gate. The surge of energy still lingered in his veins, and the sense of accomplishment filled him with newfound confidence. It was the first step on the long path of cultivation, but it was his step, and he took pride in it.
After drinking a glass of water, he remained in bed, waiting for the maid to wake him. When she arrived, she delivered a fresh set of clothes and assisted him as he dressed. As he fastened the last button, she reminded him that today was the first day of the academy. A knot of unease tightened in his stomach—this felt like it would be far more stressful than school had been in his past life. But he took a deep breath, collected his thoughts, and muttered to himself:
"Where the winds may take my soul,
I'll follow its paths that twist and weave,
Embrace the fate that I receive."
In this life, I shall live free and explore its every inch, he thought to himself.
The sun shone through the leaves of trees that towered over the academy building, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. Xie Fan stood at the entrance, gathering his thoughts and easing his worries before stepping inside. A swarm of children had gathered, most casting him a fleeting glance before turning away. With no friends to join him, he picked an empty spot and stood there, wearing a warm expression in hopes of appearing friendly.
But nobody approached him.
Then, the door creaked open. The academy elder, Xing Ping, shuffled in. He had a white beard and wispy white hair with a bald spot in the middle, his muscular torso contrasting with his small legs.
Xie Fan tried his hardest not laugh at the elder's comical appearance.
The academy head rang a bell, signaling the start of the ceremony, and began announcing the divisions of students into classes. Class A was reserved for noble students or those with extraordinary talent, Class B was for middle-class families, and Class C was for those from the third-class families.
Naturally, Xie Fan was placed in Class A.
As he waited for everyone's names to be called, he tried not to focus on the elder's silly looks. Afterward, they were shown around the academy building, visiting each representative class.
Xie Fan entered the classroom and chose the last seat at the back, near the window. Next to him sat Zhou Xue, a member of the Zhou family. Xie Fan didn't know much about him and couldn't recall anything from his past memories. Many familiar faces were seated around him, including his step-siblings, with whom he had a strained relationship. But one name stood out—Yin Wei, his family's most promising talent. He had already opened two meridian gates, a feat that left Xie Fan in awe. His talent must be incredible, Xie Fan thought.
Soon, the teacher entered. His name was Yin Feng, one of the Yin family's elders, which meant he had begun body cultivation. On the first day, he handed out a graphic and explained the history of the academy.
As the day ended, Xie Fan was left deep in thought. The academy had been founded by the first clan head when he started the clan. I wonder how powerful he was and what kind of signature gate did he possess?
Walking home, his mind buzzed with thoughts of cultivation. He wanted to be powerful and strong. Upon arriving home, he asked his mother for information books about the other families and the village. She was surprised but willingly gave him the books, thinking her son was growing up. He also requested her help with cultivation.
She drew the array and utilized her blood physique to enhance his cultivation. As he finished cultivating, he glanced down and thought his finger was glowing red. But when he looked again, it appeared as it had before—old, with a burned appearance, the nail black like the abyss. He chalked it up to his imagination.
After spending some time reading the newly acquired books, he rested and then worked out. After dinner, feeling exhausted, he went to sleep.