Chapter 2 - The First Appearance of the Holy Son

Since the birth of Prince Tianming, the heir to the Qingdi Dragon Kingdom, rumors of him being the prophesied Holy Son had quietly spread across the Four Great Ancient Kingdoms. As Tianming gradually grew, his exceptional talents in martial arts and intellect attracted widespread attention and controversy.

These rumors reached their peak when Tianming entered the Tianji Academy. Known as the most prestigious academy in the mortal world, Tianji Academy not only trained numerous outstanding generals and scholars but also served as a gathering place for the royal heirs from all major kingdoms. Here, the most promising young minds from across the world assembled, preparing to take control of their destinies and gear up for future wars and rule.

When the news spread that Tianming was considered the Holy Son from prophecy, it sparked resentment among the royal heirs of other kingdoms. Particularly disgruntled were Princess Lei Ji of the White Saint Tiger Kingdom, Prince Tianrong of the Zhu Tianque Kingdom, and Princess Bingxi of the Xuanhuang Wu Kingdom. All three were born into noble families, boasting exceptional talents and fiercely proud personalities, unable to accept a newcomer from the Qingdi Dragon Kingdom holding such a title.

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The Tianji Academy's enrollment ceremony took place on a clear morning. Under the blue sky and white clouds, the academy's grand hall—Tianyi Hall—was brightly lit, with students arranged in neat rows. The atmosphere was filled with solemnity and anticipation.

Tianming, dressed in traditional Qingdi Dragon Kingdom attire, appeared handsome yet composed. He stood in the line of new students, glancing at the others from various kingdoms, feeling a hint of nervousness. He knew that this academy gathered many extraordinary talents, and his identity made him the center of attention.

After the ceremony, the students were escorted to their dormitories and given their course schedules. Just as Tianming was about to leave the hall, a provocative voice rang out from behind him.

"Hmph, so this is the so-called Holy Son? Hardly impressive!"

Tianming stopped and turned around, spotting a young woman in white armor standing not far away, her arms crossed and a clear look of disdain on her face. She was tall with snow-white skin, and her eyes gleamed sharply, resembling a fierce tiger ready to pounce.

This was Princess Lei Ji of the White Saint Tiger Kingdom.

"Princess Lei Ji, is there something you need?" Tianming spoke calmly, not letting her challenge provoke him.

Lei Ji sneered and walked up to him, her gaze sizing him up with clear contempt. "I've heard you're the so-called Holy Son, but I don't believe it. How could someone like you possibly be the Holy Son? Today, I'll test your strength personally to see if you truly deserve that title."

Tianming's heart tightened slightly. He knew this challenge couldn't be avoided. Just as he was about to respond, another cold voice interrupted.

"Lei Ji, don't be so hasty. How can such a fun event go without us?"

A young man dressed in a red robe strolled forward, a faint smirk on his face. His red robe fluttered as if it were on fire, and his sharp eyes exuded unmatched confidence.

This was Prince Tianrong of the Zhu Tianque Kingdom.

Tianrong stood beside Lei Ji, hands tucked into his sleeves, his gaze filled with scorn. "Lei Ji, hold on, let me also see what this so-called Holy Son is really made of. Otherwise, these rumors will be nothing but nonsense."

Lei Ji shrugged indifferently. "Suit yourself. But be careful not to show too much mercy."

Tianrong snorted. "Don't worry. I'll show him what true power looks like."

Tianming knew these challenges couldn't be avoided now. He sighed inwardly, understanding this was an unavoidable test. Just as he prepared to face it, he suddenly felt an icy chill and noticed the temperature in the hall dropping by several degrees.

"You two are so eager to strike, don't you think it's a bit unfair?"

A cold voice echoed, and a young woman in a light blue gown slowly emerged from the shadows. Her presence felt like the arrival of winter, bringing a palpable sense of pressure. Her eyes were as cold as ice, her skin white as snow, and her expression radiated a kind of unreachable arrogance.

This was Princess Bingxi of the Xuanhuang Wu Kingdom.

Bingxi stood opposite Lei Ji and Tianrong, casting a cold glance at them before her eyes landed on Tianming. She spoke calmly, "I too doubt this so-called Holy Son title. Today, I'll see for myself if you truly deserve it."

Tianming took a deep breath, feeling the pressure these three royals brought. He understood that this was no ordinary challenge—it was a test of his strength and identity from the three most powerful royal heirs.

His gaze grew steady as he gripped his sword, saying, "Since you all insist, I can only comply. But let me remind you, this is Tianji Academy, not a place for random duels."

Lei Ji sneered. "Don't worry. We won't hurt you too badly. After all, you're the Holy Son, aren't you?"

Tianrong and Bingxi both sneered in unison, showing no regard for Tianming's warning.

The students in the hall began to gather around, whispering among themselves about this seemingly unfair confrontation. Everyone wondered if Tianming could survive the combined challenge from these three royal heirs.

"Let's begin!" Lei Ji shouted. Without hesitation, she made the first move, her figure darting forward like lightning, her sword crackling with the power of thunder as it aimed straight for Tianming's chest.

Lei Ji's swordsmanship was swift, as fast as a thunderstrike. Tianming immediately drew his sword to meet hers, and the two blades clashed, creating a shower of sparks. Tianming felt the tremendous force vibrating through his sword, realizing the attack was incredibly powerful. He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to steady his stance.

"You really have some skill!" Lei Ji exclaimed, clearly surprised that Tianming had blocked her attack. Her excitement grew, and she struck again, her sword crackling with even more intense lightning as her agile movements relentlessly targeted his vital points.

Tianming realized that if he continued to defend like this, defeat would be inevitable. Just as Lei Ji launched her third attack, he suddenly sidestepped and countered with a powerful strike, his sword flashing like a lightning bolt aimed directly at her side.

Lei Ji, though fierce in her assault, was equally quick to react. Realizing Tianming's counterattack, she swiftly withdrew, the blade narrowly grazing her robe, causing the fabric to tear.

"Hmph! You're not bad." Lei Ji's eyes were cold, but there was no sign of retreat in her stance.

At that moment, Tianrong made his move. He swung his spear, and the spearhead erupted in a blaze of intense fire, heading straight for Tianming's head.

"Tianming, let's see how you handle this!" Tianrong laughed, his spear descending like a ferocious tiger.

Tianming was alarmed by the fiery assault but didn't panic. He quickly raised his sword in front of him, and the blade shimmered with a blue light—the Qingdi Dragon Kingdom's inherited power, the Wind Force. Channeling this energy, he swung his sword, sending a wind blade to collide with Tianrong's flames.

The two forces collided in midair with a tremendous explosion, the fire and wind neutralizing each other and creating a shockwave that sent both combatants stumbling back.

Tianrong's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't expected Tianming to withstand his attack. His gaze darkened, and he gripped his spear tighter, preparing to unleash a more powerful strike.

But before he could strike again, Bingxi made her move. She raised her hand gently, releasing a cold, chilling aura that quickly filled the entire hall. The temperature dropped even further, and tiny ice crystals began to form in the air.

"Ice Seal for a Thousand Miles." Bingxi's voice was cold as she spoke. As she finished, several walls of ice appeared around Tianming, trapping him inside.

Tianming felt the overwhelming cold closing in from all sides. His movements became sluggish as the ice walls restricted his ability to escape. He knew this was Bingxi's special power, but at that moment, breaking free seemed nearly impossible.

Lei Ji grinned, clearly pleased. "So much for the so-called Holy Son. Trapped by such a simple move."

Tianrong sneered. "Lei Ji, don't forget. We can't give him too much face. After all, we're the ones challenging his identity."

The three of them focused their gazes on Tianming, knowing this was his weakest moment—the perfect opportunity to strike.

Tianming felt the cold intensifying. He knew that if he didn't act quickly, he might fall to their combined attack. He closed his eyes, concentrating, and slowly began to gather his energy.

Suddenly, a burst of golden light erupted from his body, shattering Bingxi's ice walls and dispersing the cold. With sword in hand, his eyes burned with unwavering resolve, exuding an unstoppable aura.

"You've underestimated me, and you've underestimated the power of the Qingdi Dragon Kingdom." Tianming's voice was cold as he declared. Then, in the blink of an eye, he charged toward Lei Ji, his sword flashing like thunder, cutting through her defenses.

Lei Ji was caught off guard. Though she tried to block, Tianming's sword qi sent her stumbling back several steps. Tianrong and Bingxi immediately prepared to join forces, but Tianming had already predicted their movements. He swiftly turned, sending a wind blade flashing through Tianrong's spear, completely nullifying his attack.

"This… is impossible!" Tianrong gasped in shock, his eyes wide with

disbelief.

Tianming stood tall, his sword raised high, and looked each of them in the eyes. "You may have underestimated me, but this was your mistake. The Holy Son isn't just a title… it's earned through power."

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The battle had only just begun, and Tianming knew the real test was still ahead. But one thing was certain—he would not back down.