Three days passed in silence.
Morning light poured through the glass walls of Han Xing's new quarters, spreading across the polished jade floor.
The room was small but refined — a compact cultivation chamber hummed softly in the corner, a projection console displayed shifting array patterns, and the air carried the faint, soothing scent of spirit herbs.
On the desk, a new identification plate gleamed faintly, as if marking the start of a new chapter.
"Crimson Moon Hall – Outer Disciple, Han Xing."
He took a slow breath, feeling the quiet rhythm of spiritual energy pulsing through the walls."So this is what life in the academy is like," he murmured. "Not bad at all."
Han walked to the window. Outside, the academy towers stretched endlessly toward the horizon, their glass walls alive with light from countless cultivation rooms — each one housing a student walking their own path to power.
His gaze fell on the table once more. A thin file lay there, sealed with Commander Ling's insignia.Finally, the mission file had arrived.
He reached for it — then froze. His eyes widened slightly.So… it's her.His heart skipped a beat, disbelief and a hint of amusement flickering across his face."Why do you always have to be so mysterious?" he muttered, lips curving into a small, eager smile."Seems we'll be meeting again sooner than I thought."
Han sat cross-legged on the cultivation mat, placing the Thunder Dragon Core before him.Lightning danced across its surface — thin arcs weaving like restless serpents, painting the room in hues of blue and gold. The air trembled faintly, as if holding its breath.
"I should start now."
With that thought, he began to circulate his Qi.The Violent Sky Thunder Art roared to life within his meridians — wild, fierce, yet perfectly controlled. Lightning surged through his veins, merging with the power of the core. Threads of thunder Qi spiraled around him, alive and untamed.
Power poured into his dantian, condensing, expanding, rising like a storm. Outside the window, faint sparks crawled along the glass — as though the heavens themselves were watching.
Then, with a sharp crack of thunder, the energy reached its peak.From the swirling arcs of lightning above him, a vast shadow took form — the silhouette of a dragon woven from pure thunder Qi. It coiled silently, eyes blazing with electric light, before dissolving into sparks that sank back into Han Xing's body.
Meanwhile, across the academy…
Deep within the Flame Hall, a young woman sat within her cultivation chamber. Scarlet flames whirled around her, molten energy swirling like a living sun.
Commander Ling's daughter — Ling Su Ren — hovered at its center, her long crimson hair flowing as the fire danced around her.Within the inferno, the faint outline of a golden crow unfurled its wings — majestic, ancient, divine.
Her eyes opened slowly, twin embers glimmering with warmth and mischief."Han Xing," she whispered, a teasing smile curving her lips. "Next time we meet, don't expect me to go easy on you."
The flames flared brighter, wrapping her in light and laughter.
The Next Morning
The first rays of dawn slipped through the glass walls, scattering gentle light across the room.Han Xing stretched slightly, feeling the thunder energy within him settle — calmer now, but sharper than before.
He adjusted his robes, glanced around the quiet room one last time, and smiled faintly."It's time to head to class."
Stepping onto the teleportation array beside his bed, he activated the formation. Blue light flared beneath his feet — and in the next instant, his figure vanished in a streak of lightning.
Moments later, he reappeared in the bustling courtyard of the Imperial Academy. Students in hall uniforms hurried past, their badges gleaming in the morning light. Floating screens projected schedules overhead while formation drones buzzed softly through the air.
Han made his way toward the east wing, where the Combat Theory hall stood. Just as he was about to step inside, someone's shoulder slammed into his.
"Watch where you're going," a sharp voice snapped.
Han turned slightly. The student was tall, wearing the silver uniform of the Steel Mountain Hall — his face carrying that familiar arrogance of those who thought their family name made them untouchable.
Behind him, two friends tried to hold him back, but the tall student shrugged them off, his fists clenching as if ready to start trouble.
Han's gaze stayed calm. "My mistake," he said evenly, stepping aside.
The student's smirk deepened as he cracked his knuckles. "Watch where you're going," he repeated, his tone thick with irritation.
But before he could take another step, one of his friends grabbed his arm."Dude, come on — don't waste your time here. Class is about to start."
The tall student scoffed but let himself be pulled away. "Tch. You're lucky this time."
As the bell rang through the hallways, their laughter echoed behind them.
Han simply exhaled, adjusted his sleeve, and continued toward his classroom. The day was just beginning.
He pushed open the doors to the Combat Theory hall.
A faint hum filled the air — Qi lights drifted like fireflies, illuminating rows of floating desks. Projection arrays shimmered with living runes, and the faint scent of spirit herbs lingered in the refined stillness.
Han walked in, quiet but steady, drawing curious glances as he passed. Then his steps halted.A familiar figure sat beneath the glow of a floating lantern.
Ling Su Ren.
Her crimson hair flowed like molten silk, her eyes lifting to meet his with a flicker of surprise."Han Xing?" she said softly, voice clear as wind through bamboo.A smile touched her lips. "Come sit here."
Han nodded lightly and moved toward her seat. Whispers rippled through the hall — curiosity, envy, disbelief.
And among them, one gaze burned hotter than the rest.
The Steel Mountain Hall student — Nie Fan — froze, disbelief twisting into fury the moment he saw Han sit beside Su Ren.
He shot up from his seat, eyes burning with irritation, and strode toward them.
"Su Ren," he demanded, his voice tight with anger. "What's your relationship with this guy? Why would you let him sit here?"
Su Ren arched an eyebrow, her tone sharp and teasing."I can let anyone sit next to me. And what are you supposed to be—my father?"
Nie Fan's jaw tightened. "I've pursued you for so long," he growled. "You never even looked at me — but him?" His glare cut toward Han. "He doesn't even look that strong."
He clenched his fists, Qi rippling faintly. "If you know what's good for you, stay away from her."
Before Han could respond, Su Ren stepped forward, placing herself between them."That's enough, Nie Fan. Since when do you have the right to order him — around?"
The room fell silent.
Nie Fan laughed coldly. "Is that all you've got? Hiding behind a woman's back… what a coward."
Han's eyes darkened, a faint glint of killing intent flashing within them.The air around him shifted — sharp, cold, and suffocating.
Nie Fan froze for half a breath, a chill racing down his spine. What… what is this pressure?But pride surged, crushing the fear."Tch." He forced a smirk. "Scared? Me? Impossible."
His own aura erupted — rough, turbulent, crackling with hostility. The pressure between them collided, desks rattling as startled gasps filled the room.
Just as it felt like the clash would explode—
The classroom doors slammed open.
A tall figure entered, robes sweeping across the floor. His aura crashed through the room, effortlessly shattering the tension.
The instructor's gaze swept over them — cold, steady, and absolute. His voice was low, but every word carried the weight of thunder.
"There will be no fighting in my classroom," he said. "If you're that eager to test your strength, wait until the practical session. You can fight to your heart's content — so long as you don't kill each other."
His aura pulsed once, and the last traces of hostility vanished."Now… return to your seats."
The silence broke. Nie Fan clicked his tongue and turned away, glaring at Han one last time before sitting down. The other students exchanged uneasy looks, still tense from what had nearly erupted.
Han watched Nie Fan's back as he sank into his seat, expression calm. If this wasn't the academy… I might've actually taught him a lesson, he thought, letting out a quiet, almost amused breath.
Everyone knew — this wasn't over. It had only just begun.