Chapter 129: A New Beginning

Chapter 129: A New Beginning

Night blanketed the Southern Ling capital, its vibrant streets alive with the glow of lanterns and the hum of nightlife. The cool spring breeze gently stirred the boy's white hair as he leaned against the rooftop eaves, gazing at the serene moonlit sky, savoring the tranquil moment.

A soft whimper broke the silence.

A small white serpent nestled in his arms shifted, its scales emanating a soothing warmth that was comforting to the touch.

Mu Feng's lips curved into a faint smile. Tomorrow, he would finally reunite with the one he had longed for.

"Xiao Tian, tell me, after two years, what will Wan'er be like now? More beautiful, perhaps?" he murmured, holding the small serpent in his hands and stroking its scales gently. The once-bloodstained youth, indifferent to life and death, revealed a tender side.

"Yi-ya yi-ya..."

The serpent replied with unintelligible sounds, winding itself around Mu Feng's arm.

"What do you mean by 'yi-ya'? Asking you is pointless," Mu Feng chuckled softly. "Well, tomorrow I'll see her for myself. I'm too excited to sleep tonight. Come, train with me for a bit!"

He stood abruptly, his voice carrying a playful challenge.

"Yi..."

The serpent shook its head disdainfully, staring at him with an almost mocking gaze, as if to say, You can't beat me.

"Underestimating me, huh?"

Mu Feng laughed, though he knew full well that if Xiao Tian went all out, he might not stand a chance. Xiao Tian, after all, had already reached the Condensed Qi stage.

Resigned, Mu Feng returned inside to meditate, focusing on cultivating his Yuan energy.

The next day, at the Southern Ling Plaza, the Royal Academy representatives had gathered with a fleet of massive black birds stationed at the ready.

These colossal creatures stood over five meters tall, resembling enormous black eagles with broad backs and an intimidating aura.

The Black Hump Scavenger, a Purple Core-level beast, was not particularly powerful but prized for its size and strength. Major factions often trained them as transportation beasts. A fully grown Black Hump Scavenger could carry up to twenty passengers and fly thousands of miles.

The over one hundred newly recruited students—including Mu Feng and his peers—had gathered, their excitement palpable.

"What enormous birds!" Bai Ziyue marveled as he gazed at the creatures.

As the Mu family arrived, many turned their eyes toward Mu Feng. The representatives from the Northern King's Manor and the Shangguan family watched him with barely concealed hostility.

"Alright, everyone, form groups of twenty. Each group will board one of the scavengers," Elder Wu Yi instructed.

The students quickly organized themselves by family groups. The fifteen Mu family members teamed up with five others to form a group and climbed onto one of the Black Hump Scavengers.

Once all the new students were aboard, Elder Wu Yi gave the signal.

Whoosh!

The scavengers spread their massive wings, each spanning over thirty meters. With a powerful thrust, they created gusts of wind that swept across the plaza as the beasts slowly took to the skies.

Seven scavengers in total ascended, flying high into the heavens. Accompanying them, Yuan Core-level experts from various families soared alongside to escort their disciples to the academy.

"Hold on tight! Don't let the wind blow you off!" someone shouted.

As the scavengers climbed several hundred meters, then over a thousand, the capital below seemed to shrink into a miniature model.

Mu Ye flew beside the scavenger carrying the Mu family members, as did other Yuan Core experts from the major families, escorting their heirs.

Keerree!

The scavengers let out sharp cries as they flapped their wings, gliding steadily toward the horizon.

Standing at the neck of his scavenger, Mu Feng's snow-white hair whipped in the wind. His figure remained unmoved despite the strong gusts, his crimson eyes fixed on the rising sun. Determination burned within him.

"Tianyun Valley, Tianyun Academy, Wan'er... I, Mu Feng, am coming."

He clenched his fists, speaking softly, while beside him lay a panther-like creature with a snake's tail.

Tianyun Valley lay at the border between the Southern Ling Kingdom, Tianfeng Kingdom, and Dayuan Kingdom—a vast and fertile land. Even flying in a straight line, it was nearly eight thousand miles from the Southern Ling capital, requiring the scavengers to fly for half a day.

The valley was said to have formed when a meteor struck the earth. Over two millennia ago, a powerful cultivator from the Northern Yuan region established an academy there, founding Tianyun Academy, which grew to prominence over the years.

Now one of the Northern Yuan Territory's strongest academies, Tianyun Academy bore the title "Royal Academy" and had nurtured countless talents and leaders for various kingdoms.

Its prosperity was attributed not only to its history but also to a mysterious treasure said to have fallen with the meteor.

After half a day of flight, the scavengers finally left the Southern Ling Kingdom, entering new territory. Below them, rivers, mountains, and magnificent cities passed by, appearing minuscule from above.

At last, a massive canyon stretched out before them, so vast its ends were lost beyond the horizon. Within the canyon, numerous buildings, towering spires, grand golden palaces, lakes, and small mountains emerged amidst swirling clouds, resembling a celestial paradise.

"Is this Tianyun Valley?"

The sight left many of the new students awestruck.

"Tianyun Academy was founded over 2,500 years ago and is one of the three great martial academies of the Northern Yuan Territory. With nearly ten thousand students, its founder was a cultivator beyond the Yuan Core realm. Over the years, countless strong individuals have emerged from our academy. Today, the academy boasts over forty Yuan Core-level elders and instructors," Elder Wu Yi announced proudly as he led the group.

"Forty Yuan Core experts!"

The declaration drew gasps from the new students. Such power exceeded any faction in the Southern Ling Kingdom.

Mu Feng's heart raced. This was a place where the most brilliant talents of the Northern Yuan Territory converged—a battleground for prodigies and geniuses. The thought of the challenges and rivals awaiting him ignited his fighting spirit.

The scavengers descended into the canyon, landing on a massive black plaza where hundreds of energetic youths were already gathered, their expressions filled with curiosity. More scavengers arrived from distant skies, carrying recruits from other cities, regions, and nations.

Mu Feng and his group disembarked, joining the others on the plaza as Elder Wu Yi led them.

"Xiao Feng, this is as far as I'll escort you. The academy is a mix of various factions; stay vigilant," Mu Ye advised.

"Don't worry, Uncle. I know how to handle myself," Mu Feng replied with a smile.

Mu Ye hesitated briefly before adding, "In the past, I may have been prejudiced against you. I hope you won't hold it against me. As for Mu Qing, if he disobeys you, teach him a lesson without hesitation."

Mu Feng shook his head with a laugh. "The past is the past. We're family, aren't we?"

"Indeed, family."

Mu Ye turned to the other Mu disciples. "Follow the young master's lead and train diligently. The future of our family depends on you."

The disciples responded affirmatively, and with a final nod, Mu Ye soared into the sky.

One by one, the Yuan Core experts from other families departed, leaving their disciples to begin their journeys in this new world.