The sun began to slowly descend on the horizon, painting the sky above Jianghua Academy with orange and golden hues. The soft light of the sunset bathed the ancient stone buildings, casting long shadows that danced across the now-empty training field. After the stunning talent test, the news that Alex Yuan possessed an SSS-level physique had spread like wildfire. Students, instructors, and even influential figures in the city were discussing the event with astonishment, curiosity, and in some cases, hidden envy.
Inside a private room within the academy, Alex lay on a bed, his breathing still somewhat unstable, trying to adapt to the overwhelming energy that had awakened within him. His body, still overloaded by the newly unleashed power, felt heavy, as if every fiber of his being was being restructured at that very moment. His tense muscles and the cold sweat on his forehead were clear signs of the adjustment his body had to go through. Every second felt like an eternity, and although his mind remained sharp, his body cried out for rest.
Beside him, Emily Yuan remained silent, watching her older brother with focused attention. Her calm and serene expression contrasted with the evident concern she felt for him. She had witnessed the awakening of several talents in the Yuan family, but she had never seen anything like what Alex had just experienced. Awakening an SSS-level physique was not just rare, it was something that defied natural laws and required a complete adjustment of both body and mind.
—How do you feel? —Emily asked, her voice soft and full of genuine concern, as she always did when she saw her brother suffering.
Alex weakly smiled, trying to hide the discomfort he felt. He wasn't an expert at handling pain, but at least he knew how to laugh at the situation.
—Like I've run ten marathons in a row —Alex joked, though his voice betrayed the fatigue he was feeling.
Emily nodded, understanding what he meant. It was no surprise that awakening such a powerful physique would be so exhausting. In fact, it was almost expected. Awakening an SSS-level physique wasn't just an incredible feat to accomplish, but it came with an overwhelming burden for the body, which even the strongest couldn't bear without a long adaptation period. Alex was no exception.
—Take your time to adjust —Emily said calmly—. But remember, this is just the beginning. Now, you will be the center of attention in the academy. Not just from the students, but from the most powerful factions in Jianghua. Some are already on their way to see you with their own eyes.
Alex sighed deeply, feeling that reality was beginning to set in. He knew this awakening would change his life forever, but he didn't expect it to happen so quickly. At that moment, a knock at the door interrupted their conversation.
—Come in —Emily said without looking away from her brother.
The door opened, and a middle-aged man, dressed in the official tunic of the academy's instructors, entered with a serious expression. He was Professor Han, one of the academy's lead evaluators. His imposing demeanor and determined gaze revealed that he was not someone to be taken lightly.
—Alex Yuan —he said in a deep voice—, the director wants to see you.
Emily exchanged a brief look with Alex before nodding slightly, signaling that they needed to go immediately. Although Alex was exhausted, he knew he couldn't refuse the request. With visible effort, he got out of bed and, after a brief pause, followed Professor Han through the academy's halls. The academy's structure was as vast as it was ancient, with long corridors adorned with tapestries that showcased the history and achievements of the institution. Every step seemed to echo off the walls, as if every corner of the academy was watching Alex's walk into the unknown.
When they arrived at the director's office, Alex stopped in his tracks upon noticing the presence of several important figures in the room. There stood the director himself, a man with white hair and sharp eyes, known as Cheng Wei. Beside him, an elderly man in a golden tunic watched Alex with a penetrating gaze, filled with interest and an air of mystery. Alex didn't need to be an expert at reading people to know that the old man was someone of great power and influence.
—Alex Yuan —Director Cheng began with a firm voice—, you are aware of the importance of your talent, aren't you?
Alex nodded slowly, feeling the weight of the situation starting to take shape in his mind. Although he hadn't had much time to process everything, he understood that what he had done that morning was not ordinary. An SSS-level physique was not something that could be overlooked.
—In the history of Jianghua Academy, very few have awakened an SSS-level physique —the director continued with a grave expression—. And you are the second in the Yuan family to do so in less than five years. This fact has drawn the attention of many powerful forces, and some are already on their way to see you with their own eyes.
The elderly man in the golden tunic, who had remained silent until then, finally spoke in a deep voice that resonated through the office.
—I am Ethan Lang, representative of the Celestial Cultivators' Alliance —he introduced himself, his voice heavy with authority—. We came as soon as we heard the news of your awakening. An SSS-level physique is not something that can be ignored, and we want to assess your potential more closely.
Alex swallowed hard, the weight of his words making him realize that the repercussions of his awakening were not just academic. He knew his life was about to change, but he didn't imagine that such powerful organizations would be interested in him so soon.
—In a few days —Director Cheng intervened, turning his gaze toward Alex—, you will participate in the Sacred Light Baptism. It will be the final test to confirm your talent and determine the true nature of your physique. This process will not only define your future in the academy, but it will also influence which faction will try to recruit you.
Alex nodded, understanding the importance of the event. He knew that he not only had to prove his talent but also prepare for the repercussions that would follow. The Carter family, who had suffered a blow from his awakening, would likely not take the news well, and other factions would see his potential as an advantage they would want to seize.
The meeting ended shortly after, and Alex left the director's office with a mix of excitement and nervousness, his mind still processing everything that had just happened. Emily waited outside, leaning against the wall with her usual calm expression.
—How did it go? —she asked, her voice soft but filled with curiosity.
—I'm going to participate in the Sacred Light Baptism in a few days —Alex replied, looking down as he tried to calm his anxiety.
Emily smiled faintly, though her eyes reflected a deep understanding.
—Then get ready —she said, her tone serene but full of meaning—. Because after that, you won't be able to live as an ordinary student anymore. Expectations will be sky-high, and those who want to take advantage of your power won't be far behind.
Alex nodded, understanding that his life, as he had known it, had just changed forever.