Tiandu Academy

Morning sunlight spilled onto the massive gates of Tiandu Academy, the golden characters "Tiandu Academy" gleaming brilliantly.

Ling Qianxue and Xiao Hanye stood before the gates, watching the endless stream of new students.

"So magnificent," Xiao Hanye exclaimed.

Indeed magnificent. Tiandu Academy occupied thousands of acres, with grand architecture and spiritual energy so dense it nearly formed mist.

"New students register here!" a senior student called out loudly.

The two walked over and presented their enrollment certificates.

"Ling Qianxue, Xiao Hanye." The student in charge of registration looked at the list, then suddenly widened his eyes. "Ling Qianxue? You're... the one specially recruited by the Dean?"

"Yes," Ling Qianxue said calmly.

The student immediately stood up, his attitude becoming respectful: "Senior Sister Ling, please wait a moment, I'll notify..."

"No need," Ling Qianxue interrupted him. "I wish to enroll as an ordinary disciple, please don't make it public."

The student was stunned but nodded: "Understood. However, according to regulations, your identity token must still be marked as Core Disciple."

He looked at Xiao Hanye's information again: "Accompanying cultivation attendant?"

"Yes, he's the accompanying cultivator the Dean specially approved for me to bring," Ling Qianxue said.

Several passing students heard "Dean's special approval" and showed shocked expressions.

"Personally approved by the Dean? What background is this?"

"I heard a few days ago the Dean personally went to the awakening plaza to save a genius who awakened supreme fire element talent..."

"Shh, don't gossip!"

Xiao Hanye heard these discussions with mixed feelings. He knew Sister Qianxue was keeping a low profile for his sake.

"These are your identity tokens." The student handed over two jade tokens.

Ling Qianxue's jade token was engraved with "Core Disciple," but she used spiritual power to obscure part of it, making it look like "Outer Disciple." Xiao Hanye's was "Accompanying Cultivation Attendant."

"Oh, you might not know?" the student explained. "Our academy's disciples are divided into four levels."

"The lowest are Outer Disciples, living in dormitories in the outer court, with only ten low-grade spirit stones monthly allowance."

"Then Inner Disciples, who can live in double rooms with thirty low-grade spirit stones monthly."

"Above that are Elite Disciples, with private rooms and one hundred low-grade spirit stones monthly."

"The highest are Core Disciples, not only having independent courtyards but also three hundred low-grade spirit stones monthly, plus various precious cultivation resources."

Ling Qianxue and Xiao Hanye exchanged glances, both understanding.

This was encouraging competition.

"How does one advance?" Ling Qianxue asked.

"Very simple - strength," the student smiled. "There's an advancement assessment every three months, those who perform well can raise their level."

"Of course, you can also earn points by completing academy missions. With enough points, you can apply for advancement."

He pointed to a building in the distance: "That's the Mission Hall. The academy cooperates with the Adventurers' Guild, and some of their commissions are posted there."

"Completing missions not only earns points but also a portion of the guild's rewards."

"Sounds good," Ling Qianxue nodded.

Xiao Hanye just stood silently behind her, maintaining the appropriate silence for an accompanying cultivator.

"Also," the student continued, "see that commercial street? The Yun Family Trading Company has a branch there, academy disciples get 20% off when purchasing cultivation resources."

At the mention of the Yun Family Trading Company, Ling Qianxue thought of Yun Wuhen they'd met earlier.

Wonder how he's doing now.

"By the way, does the academy encourage sparring between disciples?" Ling Qianxue asked for Xiao Hanye, as she'd noticed some people looking at Xiao Hanye with disdain when he spoke.

The student showed a meaningful smile: "More than encourage - it's blatantly supported."

"The academy has dedicated martial stages where you can challenge others anytime."

"There are two types: friendly sparring where you stop when appropriate, and..." he lowered his voice, "life-and-death battles with signed death contracts."

"Life-and-death battles?" Ling Qianxue frowned.

"No choice, the cultivation world is just this cruel," the student shrugged. "But don't worry, without deep hatred, no one initiates life-and-death battles."

"Also, the academy has rules - those a major realm higher cannot challenge those below, providing some protection."

The two nodded thoughtfully.

"Oh, and about clubs," the student seemed to remember something. "The academy has many clubs, the largest being the Five Elements Clubs."

"Five Elements Clubs?"

"The Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth element clubs," the student explained. "Most people have single element talents, so they join the corresponding club."

"Clubs are entirely student-managed, the academy doesn't interfere. They share unique cultivation insights that greatly help improve strength."

"But it's not mandatory, you're free to choose whether to join."

Ling Qianxue shook her head internally.

She had only awakened fire element talent, but didn't want to join the fire element club.

Being a Core Disciple upon entry was already too conspicuous; joining a club would cause more commotion.

"Alright, that's the basic situation," the student pointed ahead. "The enrollment ceremony is starting, head to the Great Hall quickly."

After thanking him, the two followed the crowd toward the Great Hall.

Along the way, Ling Qianxue observed their surroundings.

The academy's buildings were ancient and grand, with defensive formations carved everywhere.

Students came and went with varying cultivation levels, from Awakening Stage to Foundation Building Stage.

Ling Qianxue noticed several Core Disciples passing by, each with extraordinary bearing, their spiritual artifacts glowing with restrained light, clearly valuable.

Surrounding students automatically made way, eyes full of envy.

Xiao Hanye also saw this and whispered in Ling Qianxue's ear: "Sister Qianxue, Core Disciples have really good treatment."

"Mm, we need to work hard," Ling Qianxue responded quietly.

A nearby student heard their conversation and sneered: "A servant also wants to be a Core Disciple? Dream on."

Xiao Hanye's expression darkened, but Ling Qianxue gently tugged his sleeve, signaling him not to be impulsive.

"Mm." Ling Qianxue nodded, but was thinking of other things.

That student had mentioned the Yun Family Trading Company, indicating the Yun family had considerable influence in the academy.

Moreover, this competitive system destined the law of the jungle.

She must improve her strength quickly while hiding her secrets well.

"Look, that's the Great Hall!" someone shouted.

Ahead appeared a massive building capable of holding over ten thousand people.

Many new students had already gathered at the entrance, excitedly discussing.

"I heard this batch of new students has several geniuses."

"Yeah, especially that one from the Wang family, supposedly already Five-Star Awakening Stage."

"And that one from the Li family with lightning element talent."

"Haven't you heard? The Dean personally recruited a Core Disciple!"

"Really? What background?"

"Seems to have awakened supreme fire element talent and triggered nine heavenly tribulations!"

Ling Qianxue silently listened to these discussions, smiling bitterly inside. It seemed keeping a low profile would be impossible.

However, she still needed to hide her true strength as much as possible. Showing Three-Star Awakening Stage on the surface should suffice.

"All new students enter!" a loud voice rang out.

The doors opened and everyone filed in.

The Great Hall's interior was even more spectacular, with complex formations painted on the dome emitting soft light.

On the platform sat the academy's leadership.

In the center was a white-haired elder with unfathomable aura - presumably the Dean.

"Silence!" A middle-aged man stood up.

Instantly, the entire hall fell quiet.

"I am Chen Yang, Director of Academic Affairs," the middle-aged man said. "First, welcome to Tiandu Academy."

"Here, you will begin your true cultivation journey."

"But I must remind you, the academy is not a greenhouse but a battlefield."

"Only the strong can obtain more resources. The weak can only struggle in corners."

These words were very direct, even cruel.

But no one objected.

Because this was the truth of the cultivation world.

"Next, please welcome the Dean's address." Chen Yang stepped aside.

The white-haired elder slowly stood. Though not deliberately releasing pressure, everyone felt a suffocating sensation.

"You should recognize me - I am Mo Qianji, Dean of Tiandu Academy." His voice wasn't loud but clearly reached everyone's ears.

As he spoke, his gaze seemed to search the crowd, finally pausing briefly in a corner.

Ling Qianxue lowered her head, avoiding the Dean's gaze. She knew the Dean was looking at her but didn't want to attract too much attention.

"The path of cultivation is like sailing against the current - if you don't advance, you retreat."

"Here, no one will urge you to cultivate. Whether you become a dragon or a worm depends entirely on yourselves."

"The academy will provide a platform, but how far you can go depends on your effort and talent."

"Remember, Tiandu Academy only cultivates the strong, not waste."

The brief address made all new students feel pressure.

Next, Chen Yang detailed the academy's various regulations.

Including no private fighting (go to the martial stages), no stealing others' property, no betraying the academy, etc.

Violators would face point deductions at minimum, expulsion and cultivation crippling at worst.

"Alright, everything that needed saying has been said." Chen Yang finally said. "After dismissal, go to the dormitory building for room assignments."

"Remember your current identity - Outer Disciples. Want better treatment? Then work hard to cultivate!"

The ceremony ended and new students left in groups.

"Let's go check out the dormitories first," Ling Qianxue said.

Xiao Hanye silently followed behind her.

They first went to check the Outer Disciple area.

As mentioned, it was dormitory-style with eight people per room.

"Senior Sister Ling," a senior student approached, speaking quietly. "The Dean has instructed that your residence is in the Core Disciple area, please follow me."

Ling Qianxue hesitated: "Can't I..."

"The Dean said you can keep a low profile, but residence must be arranged according to regulations," the student insisted. "Your accompanying cultivator also has a separate room."

With no choice, they followed to the Core Disciple area.

Along the way, Ling Qianxue spoke softly to Xiao Hanye: "Seems complete low profile is impossible."

"Sister Qianxue, actually you don't need to do this for me..." Xiao Hanye said guiltily.

"Don't say silly things," Ling Qianxue interrupted him. "Though you can't become a formal disciple, you can cultivate body techniques. I'll help you find suitable techniques."

Xiao Hanye's eyes flashed with gloom, but he quickly rallied: "I'll work hard, at least to have the ability to protect Sister Qianxue."

The Core Disciple area was indeed different, with independent courtyards, elegant environments, and abundant spiritual energy.

"This is your courtyard," the student pointed to an exquisite small courtyard. "Next door is your accompanying cultivator's residence."

After settling in, they decided to familiarize themselves with the academy environment.

In the Mission Hall, quite a few students were already selecting missions.

"Collect ten stalks of century blood ginseng, reward 50 points."

"Escort merchant convoy to Green Mountain City, reward 100 points."

"Investigate demon beast anomalies outside the city, reward 200 points."

Missions were varied with rewards proportional to difficulty.

"New students better start with simple ones," a senior sister kindly reminded. "Taking high-difficulty missions recklessly could cost your life with no one to help."

On the commercial street, the Yun Family Trading Company's branch was indeed large.

Inside displayed a dazzling array of goods from pills to magical artifacts.

"You two are new students?" A clerk approached. "Academy tokens get 20% off."

At the martial stages, fighting sounds constantly emanated.

Through the barriers, they could see people engaged in fierce combat inside.

"This will be our life from now on," Ling Qianxue said softly.

Xiao Hanye responded quietly beside her: "Sister Qianxue, I'll work hard to cultivate and won't embarrass you."

"I know," Ling Qianxue looked at him gently. "In front of outsiders, you must remember your identity. But in my heart, you're always my most important person."

Xiao Hanye's eyes showed emotion as he nodded firmly.

Here, she could legitimately grow stronger.

Though she needed to hide her strength, it was still better than being restricted at home.

As sunset approached, their first day of academy life ended.

Ling Qianxue sat on her bed in the Core Disciple courtyard with mixed feelings.

She had wanted to enroll low-key, but the Dean's special care made complete concealment impossible.

"Forget it, take it step by step," she said to herself.

In the neighboring room, Xiao Hanye clenched his fists.

Though he could never become a cultivator, he could grow stronger through body cultivation.

"Sister Qianxue has sacrificed so much for me, I absolutely cannot become her burden," he vowed secretly.

Night deepened and the entire academy gradually quieted.

But in the shadows, several gazes watched the Core Disciple area.

"Is that her? The one specially recruited by the Dean?"

"Should be, Phoenix bloodline aura is very obvious."

"Interesting, seems this batch of new students isn't simple..."