The arena finally fell silent.Fragments of shattered Qi arrays drifted in the air, dissolving into pale motes of light. The crowd, still reeling from the battle's end, began to disperse slowly—whispering Han Xing's name as if a legend had been born.
Tian Jianyu stepped forward, his formerly arrogant eyes now serene. A faint smile curved his lips as he met Han's gaze."This time, Han Xing, you've bested me. But the next time we meet, I'll surpass you. Mark my words."
Han chuckled softly. "Then make sure you don't fall too far behind… or you'll never catch up to me."
He moved gracefully toward Elder Rong Yue of the Azure Mist Hall, who regarded him with a faint, approving smile."You fought well, Tian Jianyu," she said, calm yet composed. "It was misfortune that his skill surpassed yours. Even among the second years, few could stand against him. So don't let this weigh on your mind. Focus on your training—when you face him again, things may turn out differently, and you might even defeat him."
Tian Jianyu bowed deeply. "Thank you, Elder Rong. I will train diligently under the guidance of the Azure Mist Hall."
With a graceful flick of her wrist, a teleportation array flared to life beneath Tian Jianyu's feet, its runes glowing softly. A faint ripple danced across the space around him, and moments later, he vanished, leaving only the hum of residual Qi.
Elder Xue Lian advanced, her crimson robes shimmering beneath the sunlight. Her voice was calm, yet her eyes held unmistakable pride."Han Xing," she said, "from this day forth, you are a disciple of the Crimson Moon Hall. Follow me."
She extended her hand, and a circle of light appeared beneath them—a teleportation array inscribed with hundreds of floating runes.
In the next moment, the world shifted.
When Han's vision cleared, he stood in the heart of a vast complex that looked nothing like the ancient sects described in legends. Towers of polished jade and silver rose toward the clouds. Transparent bridges connected training platforms suspended in the air, each surrounded by holographic formation screens displaying cultivation data and combat analysis.
It was a fusion of modern technology and spiritual engineering—Qi reactors pulsed beneath the floors, and formation drones floated silently between buildings.
Han exhaled slowly. "So this is… the Crimson Moon Hall."
Elder Xue Lian gestured toward the distant spire that pierced the skyline."That is the Hall Core—the main control node for our arrays. You'll train in the Outer Division for now. I'll personally grant you access to all of our array techniques. How much you can master will depend entirely on your own ability."
A pair of disciples approached, bowing deeply."Elder Xue Lian, so this is the new junior everyone's been talking about—the champion of this year? May I show him around the hall?"
Before leaving, Elder Xue Lian turned to Han."After you've familiarized yourself with the hall's grounds, rest for now. In an hour, a student will guide you to the Treasure Hall to receive your reward."
Her gaze shifted briefly toward the senior disciple beside her. "And don't forget to prepare his identification token."
With a graceful wave of her sleeve, she vanished into a stream of crimson light.
Han cupped his fists slightly. "Then I'll trouble senior for guidance."
He stood for a moment, taking in his new home. For the first time, he felt the weight of what he had earned—and the expectations that came with it.
Hours Later
The grand auditorium of the Imperial Academy shimmered with radiant light. High above, holographic banners floated gracefully, each projecting the names of the top ten students in luminous golden script, their brilliance reflecting across the polished marble floor.
Dean Yun Qingshan's voice boomed through the grand hall, steady and commanding."The Hall Selection has concluded! Today, we honor those who have proven their strength through battle!"
His sharp gaze swept over the crowd of students—some still bandaged, others standing tall with quiet pride."You have fought with courage and spirit. Remember this well—true cultivation is not measured by talent or luck, but by the will to rise after every fall. You stand as the hope of humanity. Whether that hope thrives or perishes depends entirely on your own resolve."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the students."Now… the results of this year's Hall Selection."His tone sharpened, filled with authority."These are the Academy's top students—those who have proven themselves through strength, determination, and unyielding will!"
Each student stepped forward in turn, receiving their individual rewards—Qi stones, weapons, and cultivation scrolls.
When Han's name was called, silence fell again."The Champion… of this year's Hall Selection… Han Xing!"
A surge of light surged in his hands, condensing into a violent thunder core. Lightning crackled wildly around it, radiating raw power. This four-rank Draconic beast of the Light type.
"This is your prize," Elder Shen Guang announced. "A Thunder Dragon Core. It will enhance your body's affinity with lightning by thirty percent. Use it wisely."
Han bowed lightly. "Thank you, Elder."
Beside him, Tian Jianyu and Yue Lianhua stood as second and third place. The three of them were summoned to stand before the Elders once more.
Elder Rong Yue smiled faintly."You three are to be granted access to the Martial Archive Library—a restricted area containing ancient arts and secret techniques. You will each be allowed to study there for three days."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Everyone realized this prize was worth far more than any treasure.
After the Ceremony — Martial Archive Library
The Hall Selection had concluded, and the top students were summoned to the Martial Archive Library to claim their rewards. The library loomed ahead, a sleek structure of glass, steel, and faintly glowing array lines. Floating shelves hummed with power, each containing martial tomes, legendary weapons, and rare cultivation resources.
Han Xing followed Elder Xue Lian through the teleportation arrays, stepping into the serene expanse of the library. Light danced across the polished floor, reflecting the intricate energy formations that lined the walls.
"The top three students will select the rarest treasures first," Elder Xue Lian explained, her voice calm yet authoritative. "Take your time and choose wisely. You may select three items, but no martial techniques may be taken. How far you advance depends solely on your understanding and insight into martial arts."
"Within these halls lie over one hundred thousand artifacts and martial arts techniques, gathered from all races and civilizations across the galaxy since the Academy's founding. Each holds the potential to aid you in your path of cultivation."
Han's gaze swept across the vast collection, already calculating which resources and tomes would best complement his mastery of the Violent Sky Thunder Art. Around him, the other top students moved with anticipation, their eyes bright with the promise of power.
For the next three days, they would immerse themselves in the library, choosing weapons, tomes, and resources that could elevate their cultivation beyond ordinary limits.
Somewhere above, the massive Academy dorm pulsed faintly, formations glimmering as though responding to the recent surge of energy from the Hall Selection. Most students were unaware—but the academy itself was alive, quietly observing the rise of its new champions.
The top students had entered the Martial Archive Library, and the future of the academy was quietly shifting around them.