Morning dawned over the Heavenly Blade Sect Academy in waves of gold and crimson. The mountain peaks glittered with dew, and the vast marble courtyards buzzed with life as new disciples gathered in clusters, their robes catching the light of the rising sun.
It had been two days since Zeref Ying's arrival, and whispers about him still rippled through the academy like wind across a lake. Some spoke of his composure during induction. Others recalled the silent, one-sided duel that had left Huang Darius humiliated. None of them, however, had managed to uncover his background.
Zeref walked calmly through the courtyard, his dark robes fluttering lightly. His gaze swept over the students sparring on the training grounds—the rhythmic clash of wooden swords, bursts of qi energy flaring as techniques collided. Around him, disciples chatted animatedly, their excitement and pride filling the air.
He, however, remained detached.
The Heavenly Blade Sect was divided into five divisions, each representing a core path of cultivation within the Empire of the Stars:
Azure Fang Division, focusing on body refinement and raw strength.
Crimson Dawn Division, specializing in blade techniques and martial prowess.
Verdant Gale Division, dedicated to agility, stealth, and inner qi control.
Silver Serpent Division, masters of spiritual arts and formation crafting.
Golden Zenith Division, the elite core where the academy's prodigies trained, reserved for those chosen by the instructors themselves.
Zeref had been placed within the Crimson Dawn Division, known for producing powerful warriors and imperial knights.
"Disciples of Crimson Dawn, gather!"
The voice thundered across the courtyard. Instructor Liang Yuren—a tall, broad-shouldered man with a neatly tied beard and eyes like tempered steel—stood at the head of the field. His crimson instructor robes rippled with qi energy.
"Today marks the beginning of your training," he said. "Forget your noble titles, your family prestige. Within these walls, only skill and effort matter. The weak will fall behind, and those who stagnate will be expelled. The Heavenly Blade Sect does not breed mediocrity."
A murmur of nervous excitement spread through the students.
Zeref stepped into the line quietly, his calm demeanor drawing sidelong glances.
"Today," Liang Yuren continued, "you will spar to measure your potential. Those with true strength will earn their place in the advanced ranks."
Pairs were called forward one by one. The air filled with shouts, clashing swords, and bursts of energy.
Zeref watched silently. Most of the disciples were skilled enough to hold their own, but their techniques lacked polish, their energy unsteady. He could read every flaw in their stances with ease.
When his name was called, the field quieted.
"Zeref Ying—against Ren Haoran," Instructor Liang announced.
Ren Haoran stepped forward—a tall, confident youth with sharp eyes and a faint smirk. His robes were immaculately pressed, his long hair tied with a golden clasp bearing the crest of a noble house.
"So you're the quiet one everyone's talking about," Ren said, drawing his training blade. "Let's see if the rumors hold any truth."
Zeref inclined his head slightly. "You'll see soon enough."
The match began with a burst of motion.
Ren's sword lashed out in a blur, cutting arcs of red qi through the air. Zeref deflected the strike with ease, his movements precise, almost lazy. Each clash echoed across the courtyard, the rhythm steady, deliberate.
But then, with one swift motion, Zeref shifted. His blade blurred, moving faster than the eye could follow.
Clang!
Ren's weapon flew from his grip, spinning into the dirt. Before he could react, Zeref's wooden blade rested lightly against his throat.
Silence blanketed the field.
Instructor Liang's eyes narrowed slightly. He had seen that movement—clean, fluid, devoid of excess force. A strike born not of brute strength, but of deep understanding.
Zeref stepped back and bowed faintly. "Thank you for the match."
Ren Haoran stared at him for a long moment, then smiled bitterly. "Heh. I suppose the rumors weren't exaggerated."
The instructor cleared his throat. "Impressive control, Zeref Ying. However, do not grow complacent. The stronger you are, the more the world will test you."
Zeref simply nodded.
As the session continued, a few students approached him afterward—curious, cautious, or impressed. One of them was a cheerful youth with short black hair and an eager grin.
"That was amazing! You didn't even break a sweat," he said. "I'm Chen Ruo—body cultivator, Azure Fang Division. Guess we'll be training together sometimes."
Zeref regarded him quietly, then offered a faint nod. "Zeref Ying."
Before Chen could reply, another student joined them—a tall girl with pale eyes and hair tied in twin braids. She carried her sword casually on her back.
"Don't mind Chen," she said with a teasing smile. "He talks more than he fights. I'm Lin Yuexi. Verdant Gale Division."
Chen groaned. "Hey, I beat you last week in sparring!"
"By tripping me," she shot back.
Their banter drew a rare, subtle smirk from Zeref. He wasn't used to easy conversation, yet something about their energy felt… grounding.
"Guess we'll all be seeing a lot of each other," Lin Yuexi said. "Most new students who stand out in the exams end up grouped for team training. If the instructors notice you, they'll probably pair us soon."
"Then I'll look forward to it," Zeref replied.
For a while, the morning passed in drills and lectures. The academy's grounds echoed with the hum of qi flows and the rhythmic clash of weapons. Disciples trained until their robes were soaked with sweat, until the sun climbed high over the peaks.
When the session finally ended, Instructor Liang dismissed them with a curt nod. "Rest well. Tomorrow's trials will separate talent from determination."
As the crowd dispersed, Chen and Yuexi fell into step beside Zeref again.
"You really don't talk much, do you?" Chen said with a grin. "Mysterious type, huh?"
Zeref shrugged lightly. "Words aren't worth much without meaning."
Lin Yuexi chuckled. "I like him already."
The three walked toward the outer gardens, where stone pathways wound through bamboo groves and cherry trees in bloom. Other students passed them, some glancing at Zeref with curiosity, others with quiet resentment. His earlier victory had already stirred envy.
At the edge of the courtyard, Huang Darius stood watching, his arms crossed. His expression was unreadable, but his narrowed gaze followed Zeref like a blade.
Chen frowned. "That guy still looks like he wants to eat you alive."
"I noticed," Zeref said softly.
"Be careful," Lin Yuexi added. "He's from one of the royal-affiliated families. People like him don't forget humiliation easily."
Zeref's tone was calm. "Let him remember then."
They walked on, laughter easing the tension. For the first time since his arrival, Zeref felt something faint and unfamiliar—a sense of belonging. It was fragile, unspoken, but real.
Yet beneath it all, a quiet awareness lingered. He was not here merely to learn or to make allies. His purpose ran deeper, hidden beneath layers of silence and false identity.
That night, as the academy settled into slumber once more, Zeref stood by his window. The moonlight streamed through the lattice, silvering his hair.
In the distance, beyond the forest, the faint sound of the waterfall reached his ears again.
And in that same moment, unseen to him, a shadow stood atop one of the academy's towers—a slender silhouette, long hair drifting in the wind. Her gaze was fixed upon him, calm yet unreadable.
The night breeze stirred, carrying the faintest whisper of power through the air.
Their paths had crossed once. They would cross again.
But the next meeting would not be so silent.
---
To be continued...