The Academy Entrance
As we approached the grand gates of the academy, the towering structure loomed over us like a mountain of knowledge and power.
The five guards stationed at the entrance, each clad in uniform armor and bearing the insignia of the academy.
Elder stepped forward, presenting the admission letter with a confident hand.
The guards glanced at the parchment before bowing slightly.
"Welcome to the academy," one of them said in a formal tone.
Without delay, we proceeded through the gates, walking along a pristine stone pathway and intricate sculptures of mythical beasts.
The academy's magnificence was unlike anything I had ever seen, its grandeur a testament to the legends of this place being the pinnacle of cultivation training.
We arrived at the grand office of the academy, where Lady Mei Ling, the esteemed Dean, was at her office.
Lady Mei Ling was no ordinary cultivator—her presence exuded dominance. As a second-level, 7-star cultivator, she commanded respect without uttering a single word.
Dressed in flowing crimson robes embroidered with golden clouds, her sharp eyes observed us as we entered.
Her lips curled into a smirk.
"Well, who do we have here? The people from the Blood Air Village," she remarked, her voice carrying a hint of amusement.
Elder Yun stepped forward respectfully, bowing slightly.
"Dean Mei Ling, this is Yin, the young boy we mentioned in our correspondence.
He emerged victorious in our village's arena competition and was selected to study at your prestigious academy.
Though he is only a first-level, 3-star cultivator, his strength and potential prove he is more than capable of being here."
The Dean raised an eyebrow, seemingly unimpressed.
"Only first-level, 3-star? And yet you think he belongs here?"
Elder smiled, undeterred.
"Not only that, Lady Mei Ling. He wields the legendary weapon, the Erlang Axe—a weapon destined only for those who carry the mark of fate."
The room fell silent.
One of the instructors, an imposing man named Wang Jun, frowned in disbelief.
"A legendary weapon? Only those with true destiny and high royal lineage wield such items. Few among our academy's elite possess them."
Lady Mei Ling leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "Is this true? Boy, can you show us your weapon?"
I stepped forward, gripping the handle of the Erlang Axe. Summoning it with a thought, the weapon materialized in my hands, its aura radiating a golden hue.
The blade seemed to hum with energy, its presence imposing.
The instructors gasped collectively, their faces a mixture of shock and awe.
"This is… incredible," muttered Zhang Hao, the instructor responsible for Earth Realm cultivation techniques.
"Rarely do we witness a student with such a weapon. This boy must indeed be destined for greatness," murmured Chen Zhi, the instructor of Basic Breathing techniques.
Wang Jun, however, scoffed.
"Just because he holds the axe doesn't mean he is strong."
The Dean nodded, her expression neutral.
"Possessing a weapon of legend is significant, but strength must accompany it. We will test his capabilities."
Among the instructors, Chen Zhi stepped forward, his posture calm yet firm.
"If he is as capable as you claim, let me personally assess him. I will test his fortitude with the Breathing Pressure Technique."
Elder Yun opened his mouth to protest, but I interrupted.
"Let him test me. I want to prove my worth."
The room grew silent, the air thick with tension. The Dean raised a hand to silence any further objections. "Very well. Chen Zhi, proceed."
Chen Zhi nodded, stepping into the center of the room.
His presence grew heavier as he activated the Breathing Pressure Technique.
The surrounding air seemed to vibrate as an immense force pressed down on the room.
I felt it immediately—the overwhelming weight bearing down on my chest, making it difficult to draw even a single breath.
My knees trembled, and sweat formed on my brow within seconds.
Chen Zhi's voice echoed, steady and challenging.
"The pressure you feel is only a fraction of my strength. Withstands this for 20 seconds, and you will have proven yourself worthy to study here."
The force intensified. Each breath felt like a monumental effort, as though I was trying to inhale through a wall of stone.
My vision blurred slightly, but I gritted my teeth and refused to falter.
"Hold your ground," I muttered to myself, planting my feet firmly on the polished floor.
Ten seconds passed. My legs felt like they were sinking into the earth, the weight pressing down on me like a mountain.
My heart raced, and every muscle in my body screamed in protest.
Fifteen seconds. The pressure increased yet again. I could hear the murmurs of the instructors, some skeptical, others intrigued.
"Most first-level 3-star cultivators would have collapsed by now," Zhang Hao observed.
"His resilience is remarkable," admitted Liu Jian, the instructor of Celestial Martial Arts.
Eighteen seconds. My vision darkened at the edges, and I felt myself teetering on the brink of collapse.
Summoning every ounce of willpower, drawing strength from its presence.
Nineteen. Twenty.
As the final second ticked by, the immense pressure vanished, and I collapsed to one knee, gasping for air.
My body was drenched in sweat, but I had endured.
Chen Zhi smiled faintly. "Impressive. You've passed."
The Dean rose from her seat, her eyes gleaming with approval.
"Yin, you have proven your determination and strength. From tomorrow, your training will begin. Welcome to the academy."
She gestured to an attendant, who stepped forward with a set of keys.
"Take him to the student quarters. Ensure he is given a room."
Elder Yun and the other elders from the Blood Air Village approached me, their faces with pride.
"Yin, this is where we part ways," Elder Yun said, his voice heavy with emotion.
"Remember the teachings of our village and carry our hopes with you. You have made us proud."
I bowed deeply, a gesture of respect and gratitude. "Thank you, Elder Chnag, and everyone who has guided me. I won't let you down."
As they departed, I watched them walk away, their figures fading into the distance.
The realization hit me—I was truly alone in this new chapter of my journey.
The attendant led me to my quarters, a modest yet comfortable room equipped with all the necessities for a training student.
As I settled in, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement and apprehension.
Tomorrow, my path at the academy would begin, and with it, the pursuit of my destiny.