Thousand steps

Xuan woke up ready to leave his place. The excitement has taken control and flooded his emotions. The fun of learning and also getting stronger was a long-lost emotion from the past. Maybe it was a blessing in disguise that he died so that he could experience such emotion once again.

He put his rucksack on his back with several kilograms and a square meter of depth inside. He brought food and a water canteen on him as well as a short sword on his back.

Dressed in elegant white robes with a bluish hue, he was confident that he was properly dressed. Having decent attire doesn't lack the school grounds but he at least wanted to look simple and formal.

He went to say goodbye to his parents and then started to walk towards the path towards the thousand steps. His parents wept in joy as they saw their child getting into the process of adulthood. However, they felt needless to worry as they were confident that Xuan would achieve heights greater than anyone had seen.

Xuan then traveled on foot to reach a thousand steps. The school grounds were on the top of the mountain. The foggy steps were left with a tinge of wariness. Anyone could pounce at you as you can only see a meter from your foot. It was pretty troublesome for Xuan but he climbed the steps with haste. He did not want to be in such a place for long.

He started his walk upstairs and had many poles on the side of the stairs. Many were climbing and others were panting after their plight. Having to walk thousands of steps without water would be devastating.

Luckily Xuan brought his water canteen with him. But, as he walked further, he was getting tired. Also, his water was not enough. He guessed that it was already a day that he was climbing. Many others passed out beside the road and were crying for water.

He was not a saint and so he just kicked them to the side. He immediately continued his travel and then arrived at the top. It was an achievement if you did not pass out in the climb without water. It was a day of travel and so many were not able to make it.

He surmised that it was already a test of endurance and an elimination round.

He saw pillars with welcoming gates painted in red called Tori. Assuming that it was to welcome the new students and also a sign that he was nearing his destination.

He also saw lanterns hanging on both sides. Making his way a little bit clearer and soothing his troubled heart.

He then emerged from the fog and saw a vast gate. Located on the outskirts of the buildings, were students numbered several dozen. They were already ready for the examination. As Xuan would guess.

He immediately saw a man in elegant blue robes that had an imagery of waves on his hem. He has a chiseled jawline with blue spiky hair, and sharp eyes that exited on one of the buildings. All of them watched the man as he strode towards them.

"All that arrived! Come with me to the briefing grounds," he fluttered the hem of his robes as he turned around.

They followed suit and then sat on the grass. Making them rest at the moment. The person that they were following soon started his briefing.

"You all passed the test for arriving here. Not many have the guts to just take a thousand steps and fail. Now, I am instructor Yeil. I will give you the briefing,

"First rule, obey the rules! Second, behave yourselves and no killing! Third, obey your teachers! Their words are the law here! That's all!" he then scratched his head.

"Well, let me first introduce you to what the academy exams were first. First, we will test your Soul willpower, cultivation talent, Soul realm, Soul attribute, Martial technique compatibility, Cultivation techniques, and, Physique stats.

"But before that, there are Martial Techniques that I would like to introduce first. There are 7 Martial techniques that we have known. They are the Elementalist Technique, Conjurer Technique, Summoner Technique, Telekinetic Technique, Shapeshifter Technique, Healer Technique, and last, Spatial Technique.

"Elementalist Technique was using the elements to your bidding and was like controlling it like an extension of your hands.

"Conjurer technique was conjuring weapons, illusions, and clones. Also, the Summoner technique used summons ranging from beasts, nature, spirits and dragons.

"The Telekinetic technique was pushing or pulling enemies, flight, and force. Also, the Shapeshifter technique was shapeshifting to beastmen, spirits, and dragonoids.

"The Murim technique was divided into 3, specifically the Warrior which specializes in speed and Weapons, Juggernaut which specializes in defense and toughness, and Brawler which specializes in burst attacks.

"The Assassin technique was specialized on both Ranger and Rogue. They were both ranged classes. The Ranger specialized in both dual-wielding swords and bows while the Rogue was also dual-wielder but more specialized in dagger throwing. Both were masters of sneak attacks and killing intents.

"The Healer technique was on healing, regeneration, and enhancement. While Spatial technique was on teleportation, portal, and time." Yeil ended his speech.

It was then, Xuan was sitting on the side when there was a figure that was approaching him. He was the young master of their main clan and it always spells trouble with him added to the fray.

He was named Kent of the Azure Feather clan. Their Raging Mist Clan was only a trifling clan compared to theirs. The instructor then left for a while, adding to his problems.

"Hey, trash! Why are you here? The Branch clan can only eat dirt and be a lap dog for life!" he said to him then grabbed his collar.

Xuan was silent and he was punched in the face.

"Grovel in the ground!" he stomped his feet on his head. Xuan was only laughing deep inside.

"Rule number 2 Behave yourselves!" Xuan shouted.

"Oh? So you think you are protected by rules now?" he asked him.

"Hmm, that is to protect you, not me!" Xuan can't let out yet as his clan was still weak and causing more trouble would be devastating. And so he hid his fangs first until the time was right.

Their teacher then arrived and then saw Kent. Xuan has blood on the corner of his mouth.

"What happened here?" he asked.

"Nothing sir, please proceed," Xuan said to him and then wiped the corner of his mouth.

"Tsk! I will come back two times to you! I will remember this," he said as he released Xuan.

"We will measure your Cultivation potential. Please head inside the room." Yeil instructed them.