"Do not show the baby dragon to others unless we meet the legendary strong person," Master's voice echoed in my spirit realm as I packed my things.
The baby dragon, now curled snugly in my spirit realm, radiated a warm and soothing energy, as if assuring me of its silent support.
Despite the assurance, I couldn't shake the feeling of immense responsibility weighing on my shoulders.
The next morning, two elders of the Blood Air Village arrived at our house.
Their presence brought with it a sense of formality, and I immediately straightened up, sensing their importance.
They exchanged greetings with my father before one of them spoke solemnly.
"Quenzhi Academy will enroll only a student if they are at least first level, five-star.
But since we have witnessed Yin's strength firsthand, we personally petitioned the dean of the academy. After much effort, they have agreed to accept our earnest request.
Therefore, we will leave the day after tomorrow."
The elders left shortly after delivering this news, their departure leaving a mixture of excitement and nervousness in its wake.
Later that evening, my father said to me aside, his weathered face heavy with both pride and worry.
"Yin," he began, "remember, the stronger you become, the stronger opponents you will face.
If you ever feel it's too hard, know that you can always return home."
His words carried a weight that only someone with a lifetime of hardship could impart.
I nodded earnestly, taking his wisdom to heart.
As I packed my belongings the following morning, my little sister appeared, her face lit up with a mischievous grin.
"Brother, when you return strong, I want a gift from you!"
"Alright, my cutie-puitiee," I replied, ruffling her hair.
"This brother promises to bring you anything you want."
With our goodbyes said, we set off, accompanied by the two elders.
We left that day
The journey to Quenzhi Academy took a week, and the elders used the time to impart their own pieces of advice.
"Yin," one of them said during a rest stop, "if you encounter any problems at the academy, do not hesitate to seek our help.
You are the future hope of our village."
"Future hope?" I asked, puzzled.
Master's voice rang in my mind, clear and steady.
"Perhaps they want you to become strong enough to represent the major sects in the future.
You carry the weight of their expectations now."
The journey was long, but each passing day brought new sights and lessons.
Finally, after a week of travel, we arrived at Mangchen City, a bustling hub of activity and a stark contrast to our quiet village.
Mangchen City was alive with energy.
Merchants called out their wares, guards patrolled the streets, and people from all walks of life moved with purpose.
At Least there are 10 million people in this city.
The city was vast, with towering structures and intricate carvings that spoke of its ancient heritage.
"This city has the highest crime rate," one elder warned, "but it is also home to the strongest and wealthiest families.
Some even claim that the bloodline of Shangdi (God) flows through this land."
Master's voice joined the conversation, his tone tinged with nostalgia.
"I remember visiting this city once with my closest friend to gather rare herbs. It holds many secrets and dangers."
I marveled at the sheer scale of the city, its overwhelming.
"Master," I said silently, "someday I will repay you tenfold for everything you've done for me."
When we reached the gates of Quenzhi Academy, we were greeted by a scene of grandeur.
The academy's massive entrance was flanked by two towering statues of gods, their presence both commanding and awe-inspiring.
"WELCOME TO QUENZHI ACADEMY!"
a large inscription read. Below it was a smaller one:
"You study to make a name."
The two statues stood like silent sentinels; their features carved with incredible detail.
One was a woman holding five-colored stones in her hand, her serene expression radiating compassion and wisdom.
The other was a man with a bow slung across his back, his stance exuding strength and determination.
The elder gestured to the statues.
"These are the gods who protect this academy and the city itself.
The goddess is Nuwa, the divine creator, and the god is Houyi, the archer who saved the world."
The elder continued, his voice rich with reverence.
"Thousands of years ago, this land was embroiled in a war between the gods of heaven and earth.
Chaos reigned, and the balance of the world hung by a thread.
Nuwa, the goddess of creation, descended to mend the broken heavens.
She used stones imbued with the five elements—earth, fire, water, air, and spirit—to restore order.
"But her task was not easy. A powerful enemy god sought to disrupt her efforts, leading to a fierce battle.
Houyi, the divine archer, stepped forward to protect her.
Using his unmatched skill, he defeated the enemy god, securing peace for both heaven and earth.
"These statues were erected in their honor, to remind all who enter of the sacrifices made to ensure the world's survival."
I stared at the statues, their lifelike features making it seem as though they were watching over me.
Feeling a deep sense of respect, I bowed low, silently offering my gratitude to these legendary beings.
As I rose, I noticed something peculiar. For a fleeting moment, it felt as though the statues were alive, their eyes glinting with approval.
We stepped through the gates, the elders' warnings still fresh in my mind.
"Yin," one of them said, "when you train here, avoid conflicts with the royals. Their power and influence are far beyond what we can contend with."
I nodded, promising myself to tread carefully.
Inside the academy grounds, the air buzzed with energy.
Merchants called out to passing students, their stalls filled with rare herbs and artifacts.
"I have the best herbs here! Discounted rate—300 elemental cores!" one vendor shouted.
I turned to the Master in confusion.
"Master, how can there be 300 elemental cores when even a single core is so rare?"
Master chuckled.
"He's referring to basic cores. These are made by combining elemental roots—fire, water, air, and others.
They can be refined into pills or elemental cores, but their effects are much weaker compared to a true sacred core."
Understanding dawned on me, and I made a mental note to learn more about elemental cores during my studies.
As we walked deeper into the academy, the elders reminded me again of the weight on my shoulders.
"You are the hope of our village," one of them said. "Train hard and make us proud. But remember, strength alone will not suffice. You must also learn wisdom and humility."
Their words were both a comfort and a burden, and I resolved to live up to their expectations.
As I gazed around the academy, my heart swelled with anticipation.
This was the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one filled with challenges, opportunities, and the promise of greatness.
With Master's guidance and the baby dragon hidden in my spirit realm, I felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.
The towering statues of Nuwa and Houyi seemed to watch over me, their silent presence a reminder of the strength and sacrifice required to achieve greatness.