The Arrival of Soaring Cloud Academy

The Heavenly Star Emperor, Ji Wuhui, was troubled by the increasing number of cultivators flooding into Nine Stars City. He couldn't use secular laws to control them, but if he tried, it would likely cost him his title as the Emperor. Fortunately, the newly powerful sects had maintained a level of restraint, preventing the situation from escalating.

At the east gate of the city, more and more cultivators had been entering recently, but today felt different.

"More and more cultivators have come to Nine Stars City lately, it seems like all kinds of people are gathering here."

"Isn't it? An ancient ruin! If we can pick up any scraps that the big forces leave behind, we could rise to power in an instant!"

"Hey, look at the sky! Something's coming!"

"What are you talking about? Are you seeing things?"

"No, really! Look carefully, it's getting closer!"

...

As the crowd turned their attention to the sky, a small black dot appeared in the distance. Within moments, the dot grew larger, accompanied by the sound of air breaking apart. Soon, the source of the disturbance was visible—a massive scarlet-gold demon bird, hundreds of meters in size, soaring toward the city.

A powerful red flame surrounded its body, distorting the air with its intense heat.

"This is the Crimson Golden Phoenixhawk, a rare and legendary beast! An adult one can reach a terrifying level of power, and it's rumored to carry Phoenix blood!"

"Is this bird an adult then, considering how large it is?"

"Not quite. But it's definitely not far from adulthood."

"The Crimson Golden Phoenixhawk is a rare creature that's hardly ever seen across the Azure Continent. The last known one was an egg that Soaring Cloud Academy obtained from an ancient ruin decades ago..."

Someone in the crowd recognized the bird and couldn't conceal their shock.

"Could this really be the Crimson Golden Phoenixhawk?"

"Wait a minute! Look at the back of the bird—someone is standing on it!"

"Are you joking? How could anyone be on that thing... Wait, there really is someone!"

...

As the Crimson Golden Phoenixhawk flew closer to Nine Stars City, a strong gust of wind blasted against the crowd, sharp like a blade. The immense pressure from the bird's presence was overwhelming, causing a palpable sense of terror.

The city guards gripped their weapons tightly, their eyes fixed on the approaching creature, afraid to make any moves that might provoke it.

But the most striking feature was the dozen figures standing on the bird's back. Most were young women, dressed in luxurious clothing, their aura strong and commanding. The weakest of them were at the peak of Fatebound Ascension.

One word could describe them all: dominant.

Among them, two figures stood out. One was a young man, his expression cold and his black suit emanating an air of authority. The other was a woman, elegant and gentle, wearing a long purple dress. Both bore the same emblem on the right chest of their clothing—a white cloud.

That emblem marked them as members of Soaring Cloud Academy.

Soaring Cloud Academy, as the name implied, was a prestigious institution for training young cultivators. Unlike sects, joining a school did not bind you permanently. After graduation, the relationship between the academy and its alumni was voluntary, based more on personal connections than formal obligation.

However, those connections were invaluable. Alumni, bound by their shared experiences, often helped each other when in need. After hundreds or even thousands of years of standing strong, an academy's foundation and influence could be terrifying.

Just like Soaring Cloud Academy, which had built a legendary reputation throughout the entire Azure Continent.

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