Yuan’s Ascension

After the horses were led away by the academy's attendants. Wu Yuan, Gu Ji, Wu Xiong, and their companions followed Chen Qing, strolling along the main road of the Southdream Martial Academy.

Rows of ancient trees stretched high into the sky, while grand structures towered above the ground. Expansive training grounds and a countless number of martial disciples came into view, captivating Wu Yuan.

Now this is a tertiary martial academy! Wu Yuan's gaze swept across the disciples. The weakest among them were at the seventh-grade martial novice level, and a considerable number had reached the level of a martial virtuoso. It was quite remarkable. After all, the oldest disciples of the Southdream Martial Academy were merely twenty years old. However, Wu Yuan had yet to encounter a disciple who displayed the strength of a fifth-grade martial artist.

Chen Qing took the opportunity to explain the workings of the academy as he led the way. "Those who possess a single-arm strength of 8000 catties and have successfully passed the practical combat assessments are eligible to graduate from the Southdream Martial Academy," he revealed. "After graduation, most disciples continue to improve their strength."

"Among the disciples of our Southdream Martial Academy, 99% will ascend to the level of martial virtuosos. And from each generation, a significant number of Adepts will emerge. In fact, we have even produced a Land Ranker in the past!" Chen Qing shared, brimming with pride.

"Quite an accomplishment," Wu Yuan half-heartedly praised.

Although the Cloud Martial Hall reigned as the top martial academy in the Cloudstride Sect, it only accepted a limited number of disciples, solely focusing on cultivating the most exceptional talents. However, it was insufficient to rely solely on the disciples of the Cloud Martial Hall to solidify their rule over vast territories. Hence, the three tertiary martial academies were all essential cornerstones of the sect.

Take, for example, the Southdream Martial Academy. Each year, 1000-2000 disciples would graduate. Over time, they would gradually form the backbone of every municipality and county within the Southdream Province. And among these exceptional individuals from the tertiary martial academies, those with unwavering determination and perseverance had the potential to become Savant experts or even Land Rankers!

The party traveled through various areas of the Southdream Martial Academy, delving deeper into its grounds. Here, a collection of large, individual courtyard houses stood, their tranquil atmosphere a stark contrast to the bustling periphery of the academy.

"This particular area is known as the Radiant Hall," Chen Qing introduced with a polite smile. "These large courtyard houses are reserved for the top ten elite disciples of the martial academy, as well as esteemed guests from distant lands. During times when we have a high influx of visitors, it can be a challenge to accommodate everyone."

"However, as of late, nearly half of these courtyards have remained unoccupied," Chen Qing added.

"Mm," Wu Yuan nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "Instructor Chen, do you think a single courtyard will be sufficient for our large group?"

Chen Qing was about to provide an explanation when another voice interjected, "Arrange for another courtyard house." The voice was as calm as before, yet it made Chen Qing's heart tighten.

He couldn't forget who this voice belonged to. Even Inspector Xie had to lower her head before this person.

"Yes, Senior," Chen Qing responded obediently, quickly arranging for two adjacent, clean courtyard houses for their group.

Approaching the courtyard houses, Chen Qing handed Wu Yuan two tokens, saying, "Wu Yuan, these tokens grant you access to the martial academy. The headmaster is expected to return within three to five days. Meanwhile, you are free to explore the public areas of the academy and the provincial city."

"You will be notified upon the headmaster's return," Chen Qing continued. "Should you require anything, you can find me on the third floor of the Heart Nourishing Pagoda. It is advisable for your bodyguards to refrain from wandering the academy, as it may lead to misunderstandings."

Wu Yuan nodded, "Understood, Instructor Chen. Also, there is another favor I hope you can assist me with.”

"Please don't hesitate to ask," Chen Qing replied.

"I have two friends, Wu Sheng and Luo He, who joined the martial academy this year from Li County," Wu Yuan explained politely. "Could you kindly notify them of my arrival and arrange for a meeting between us?"

"A small matter," Chen Qing sighed inwardly with relief.

"Instructor Chen, what brings you here?" A warm voice suddenly rang out from an outer courtyard a short distance away. A youth of around eighteen or nineteen in the academy disciple uniform pushed open the door. With confident strides, he approached without hesitation. Tall and well-built, his features exuded strength and charisma.

Wu Yuan was not unattractive, but compared to this short-haired youth, he was obviously a notch inferior in the looks department. This discrepancy could mainly be attributed to Wu Yuan's boyish looks.

"Zhu Shang, haven't you left for class yet?" Chen Qing's face lit up upon recognizing the newcomer.

"Mm. I’ve just concluded my solitary training and was about to make my way there," the youth with the cropped hair replied, his gaze sweeping over the group. "And who might these individuals be?"

"Wu Yuan, allow me to introduce Zhu Shang, a fourth-year disciple of Southdream Martial Academy, and one of the top ten disciples of the academy. He just turned twenty this year, and already possesses the strength of a third-rate Adept," Chen Qing introduced warmly.

"Nice to meet you," Wu Yuan greeted, his lips curving into a faint smile.

A third-rate Adept at the tender age of twenty? In terms of talent, he was on par with Huan Xinyan, standing among the elite disciples of the Cloud Martial Hall.

"Zhu Shang, meet Wu Yuan, who has just arrived from Li City. These guards have been assigned by the sect to accompany him," Chen Qing explained with a smile. "Though only fourteen years old, Wu Yuan possesses the power of a martial virtuoso. Once he successfully completes the headmaster's verification, he will be granted the prestigious title of special recruitment student and gain direct entry into the Cloud Martial Hall."

Upon hearing this, a subtle shift occurred in the previously relaxed demeanor of the youth. His gaze involuntarily lingered on Wu Yuan, reassessing him.

Fourteen years old? Wu Yuan's face was still somewhat childlike, but since he was as tall as an adult, he looked to be around sixteen or seventeen. The strength of a martial virtuoso? A special recruitment student?

"Nice to meet you, Brother Wu!" Zhu Shang's attitude instantaneously transformed. Despite being older and stronger, his tone became significantly more deferential.

"Brother Zhu, please address me as a junior brother," Wu Yuan politely suggested.

"Haha, Brother Wu, you jest," Zhu Shang laughed, "When you join the Cloud Martial Hall, I'll need to address you as 'Senior Brother’. You may call me Brother Zhu."

Wu Yuan was merely being courteous, but Zhu Shang dared not drop the formalities. He understood the significance of special recruitment students all too well. They were the core members of the Cloudstride Sect, the geniuses among geniuses. As long as they cultivated at a normal pace, they could easily become second-rate Adepts!

Zhu Shang, a twenty-year-old third-rate Adept, was certainly talented, but his body had already passed its prime stage of development. To become a second-rate Adept, he would have to be put through the grind!

He was nearly sixteen by the time he reached the level of a martial virtuoso. Though it was not shabby at all, the gap between him and Wu Yuan was insurmountable. A one-year difference in reaching the same level during their teenage years indicated a significant talent gap.

"Very well. Zhu Shang, Wu Yuan will be staying here for some time," Chen Qing, who stood to one side, informed him. "You can interact more with him in the future whenever the opportunity arises. I believe Wu Yuan won't refuse."

"You are always welcome," Wu Yuan responded with a smile.

Zhu Shang laughed, "If Brother Wu is free tomorrow night, I would like to host a banquet solely for you. We can discuss our martial arts experiences in depth. How does that sound, Brother Wu?" Zhu Shang understood that Chen Qing was helping him build connections, and immediately seized the opportunity. If he could befriend Wu Yuan now, he was very likely establishing connections with a future first-rate Adept, or even a Savant expert. Such opportunities were few and far between!

"I have prior commitments for the next couple of nights, so I will have to decline the banquet," Wu Yuan replied with an apologetic smile.

"Haha, no harm done, it can wait until Brother Wu is available," Zhu Shang replied, his expression still very polite.

"Wu Yuan, I believe you should settle in for now," Chen Qing said, "Zhu Shang, come with me. I just remembered something I need to discuss with you."

"Alright," Zhu Shang agreed, understanding that Chen Qing was subtly hinting at him to not disturb Wu Yuan any further.

"Thank you for your assistance, Instructor Chen," Wu Yuan said. With that, Chen Qing and Zhu Shang departed.

"Uncle Wu, your soldiers can stay in one courtyard house, while Uncle Ji and I will reside in another," Wu Yuan suggested. "Once Wu Sheng arrives, I will inform him to visit you."

"Haha, excellent," Wu Xiong laughed. "I owe you one, Young Master."

"It's nothing," Wu Yuan responded with a warm smile.

Wu Yuan and Gu Ji entered their courtyard house, taking a moment to survey their surroundings. The two-story detached house consisted of separate bedrooms and a small reception room, but the most eye-catching feature was the extraordinarily spacious martial chamber.

After setting down their belongings, Wu Yuan and Gu Ji seated themselves in the reception room.

"Young Master, please pay no heed to Xie Yu’s attitude," Gu Ji said softly. "I can only think of two plausible reasons why she's giving you a hard time."

"Oh?" Wu Yuan asked curiously.

"Firstly, the Southdream Martial Academy received your information long ago. You could have entered the academy after the martial academy major tournament this year, but you decided against it. Naturally, she harbors dissatisfaction because she missed out on some merits," Gu Ji explained.

Wu Yuan nodded slightly.

"However, this reason is less probable," Gu Ji continued. "The more likely reason for her behavior is related to your recommender, Protectorate Gao Yu."

"Protectorate Gao Yu?" Wu Yuan murmured thoughtfully.

"Our sect is vast, presenting a united front externally. Yet, internal competition persists," Gu Ji elucidated, his tone light. "Not all competitions are harmless, some breed conflicts, disputes, even deep-seated grudges!"

"I understand," Wu Yuan responded with a nod.

Where there were people, there was politics. The Cloudstride Sect ruled over millions, and achieving absolute peace and harmony was impossible.

By being invited to join the sect by Gao Yu, he gained the trust of Gao Yu's faction. Naturally, this inevitably meant offending certain members of the sect.

"Haha, don't worry too much, our sect has its rules. She can only make things slightly difficult for you at most, but she will not dare to meddle too egregiously," Gu Ji reassured him.

"This is a trivial matter, I hardly paid any mind to it." Wu Yuan replied dismissively. He had encountered countless similar disputes in the past. As long as Xie Yu didn't cross the line, Wu Yuan couldn't be bothered to pay attention to her.

Soon after, Wu Yuan made his way to the second floor to cultivate in solitude, leaving Gu Ji behind on the first floor to keep watch as per usual.

Not long after dinner, Gu Ji called for Wu Yuan once again.

"The Wu Clan has sent an invitation?" Wu Yuan asked, examining the contents of the letter in his hand. "They sure got the news quickly."

He had only arrived that afternoon, yet by evening, an invitation had already been delivered. There was no doubt that the Wu Clan had been eagerly awaiting his arrival.

"Uncle Ji, inform the messenger that I will arrive at the Wu Clan's compound on time tomorrow." Wu Yuan instructed quietly.

"Mm," Gu Ji acknowledged, showing no disapproval towards his decision. He wasn't concerned about what Wu Yuan planned to do in the provincial city, as long as he remained safe and successfully completed the assessment procedure.

…

As night fell, Wu Yuan settled into his accommodations at the Southdream Martial Academy.

Thousands of miles away, roars of fury reverberated through a sprawling, luxurious manor.

"Damn it!"

"Ah! Ah!"

"Damn it!!!!!!" A muscular man in bronze armor howled, “My nephew, my only nephew, Luo Fu. How could he meet his end in the Cloudstride Sect's territory?"

"Why!"

"Why would they send him to assassinate a mere special recruit of the Cloudstride Sect?" The bronze-armored hulk glared furiously at the messenger prostrated on the ground.

The messenger shivered uncontrollably, too afraid to lift his head, as large beads of sweat cascaded down his trembling form.

"What's the name of this special recruit from the Cloudstride Sect?" The bronze-armored figure slapped the table abruptly.

Boom! The solid rock tables and chairs erupted into a shower of fragments. A splinter of wood sliced through the messenger's cheek, releasing a fresh stream of crimson.

"His name is Wu Yuan!" The messenger's voice trembled with unparalleled fear.