The First Day of Class
The morning sun pierced through the morning mist in academy grounds.
The air was fresh and invigorating, filled with the scent of lush trees and the distant hum of cultivation techniques being practiced by various students.
The excitement of the day ahead buzzed through my veins as I walked to class, my heart pounding in anticipation.
The academy was far grander than I had imagined.
The enormous stone walls, lined with intricate carvings of mythical creatures, stood as a testament to the centuries of cultivation history within.
My steps echoed through the long corridors as I made my way to the lecture hall, a mixture of excitement and nervousness churning inside me.
Upon entering, I immediately noticed the diverse group of students gathered in the room—about 50 of them, all seated in neat rows.
I was the last to arrive, and as I walked to an empty seat near the back, every eye seemed to turn toward me.
At the front of the classroom stood a young woman, poised and confident.
She had the aura of someone who commanded respect, even though she was younger than most of the instructors I had encountered so far.
Her long black hair was neatly tied in a high ponytail, and her eyes, sharp and calculating, seemed to appraise each of us.
"Students, quiet down," she said, her voice ringing with authority.
The class instantly fell silent.
"I am Xie Ling, your teacher for Breathing Techniques and Earth Realm Cultivation. Every teaching mark the start of your true training here at the academy."
She paused, scanning the room.
"As many of you know, we have a new student among us."
She glanced over at me, and all eyes followed her gaze. My heart skipped a beat. It felt as if the room was closing in on me.
"Yin, stand up," Xie Ling commanded.
I rose from my seat, my palms clammy as I stood before the class.
"Yin, from the Blood Air Village," Xie Ling continued, her voice echoing in the room, "He is a first-level, 3-star cultivator, and his strength and potential were deemed worthy of admission into this academy."
I could feel the stares of my fellow students piercing through me, their whispers spreading like wildfire. The murmurs began almost immediately.
"First-level, 3-star? Isn't that a bit weak?" One girl whispered; her voice laced with disdain.
"How did he get in with such a low cultivation level? He doesn't even belong here," another voice muttered.
The majority of the class, seemed, were level cultivator higher than me.
A good number of students were first-level, 5-star cultivators, and a few even possessed a 6-star cultivation level.
It was clear that I was the lowest level in the room by far.
The class was divided into almost an even split of male and female students—about 3o females and 20 males.
A few of the girls were exceptionally beautiful, with delicate features and eyes that seemed to shimmer like gemstones.
They sat with an air of grace, seemingly untouched by the chaos around them.
Some looked as if they had been born for this world, destined to become beautiful like goddess.
There were also several royal students in the room.
The noble bearing of a few of the boys was undeniable—tall, with an air of authority that marked their status.
Xie Ling cleared her throat, calling the class's attention back to her.
"I expect each of you to show respect to Yin. His potential is not to be underestimated."
Despite her words, I could still feel the skepticism in the room.
I sat back down quickly, not wanting to draw any more attention to myself.
"Now," Xie Ling continued, "Let's begin today's lesson. We will be studying Breathing Techniques and Earth Realm cultivation.
These are foundational techniques that every cultivator must master if they are to progress in their cultivation journey."
She moved to a nearby blackboard, where she began to draw symbols and diagrams.
"The Breathing Techniques are vital for cultivating your internal energy and forming a solid foundation for all future practices.
Without mastering this, it will be impossible to break through the various realms of cultivation."
I listened intently as she began to explain the different types of Breathing Techniques.
There were three primary types: Inner Breathing, External Breathing, and Spirit Breathing.
Each technique allowed cultivators to channel their energy in different ways and mastering them was the key to moving forward in cultivation.
"Master, she knows almost everything about the technique"
Master- "Idiot, I will teach you the skills that are profound to the top skills among the eastern regions"
"They will only teach you the knowledge and ideas where you have to train for your own"
Teacher- "The Inner Breathing Technique is focused on harnessing the natural energy around you to strengthen your body and mind.
It is the most common method for beginners.
The External Breath is more advanced, allowing cultivators to extend their aura outward, affecting their environment.
Finally, the Spirit Breathing Technique connects the cultivator's soul to the spiritual energy of the world, allowing them to communicate with higher planes."
As she spoke, I could feel the weight of the techniques settling into my mind. These were the foundations that would carry me through the next stages of my journey.
The class was quiet as she continued to elaborate on the specifics of each technique.
Some students seemed to be following along with ease, their expressions calm and confident.
Meanwhile, I struggled to absorb everything being said.
My mind felt heavy, but I knew that if I was to survive in this place, I needed to master these basics.
Some of the girls were particularly absorbed in the lesson, their eyes glowing with interest.
One of them, a stunning beauty with long silver hair, turned to glance at me for a moment.
Her gaze was unreadable, but there was something in her eyes that seemed both curious and… calculating.
I quickly turned my attention back to teacher Xie Ling.
Just as the lesson was beginning to pick up speed, the door to the classroom suddenly flew open.
The director of the academy, Tao Long, entered the room, followed by his pet dog.
There was a quiet murmur as the students immediately stood at attention.
"Everyone," director called out, voice firm and commanding.
"There will be a gathering in the academy grounds shortly. All students are required to assemble for an important announcement."
The room buzzed with whispers once more, but Xie Ling quickly restored order.
Teacher- "Class dismissed for now. Make your way to the academy grounds."
I gathered my things and made my way toward the exit. As I stepped out into the bright sunlight, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building up inside me.
What could this announcement be? And why was the director himself involved?
On the vast training grounds, I saw students from all classes lined up.
There were the Breathing Technique students, the Earth Realm Technique students, the Heavenly Technique students, and the Celestial students.
There were almost 1000 students and 16 teachers including 1 director.
Despite our different focuses, all students were taught aspects of each technique, but it was clear that each group specialized in one discipline over others.
Our paths might diverge now, but we were all bound by the same overarching goal—to become powerful cultivators.
Director took center stage, her presence alone silencing the crowd.
"Attention, students," he said, his voice echoing across the grounds.
"We are honored to have a VIP visitor today.
His presence here is a rare occasion, and I expect each of you to show the utmost respect and skills if they asked to."
A murmur rippled through the crowd. A VIP? Who could it be?
The Dean continued, "This VIP is someone whose power transcends the mortal realm, and his visit is of great importance."
I stood among the students with curiosity.
I could see a group of elite cultivators approaching, their auras radiating power.
Whoever this VIP is, I had a feeling he is someone stronger that we all needed to pay attention to.