The spatial portal hummed as the flying boat drifted through it, cutting through distance faster than any flight. One step inside this endless tunnel felt like eight hours in the outside world. Their destination: Azure Sky Academy, carrying Mike from the Alchemy Hall toward a new chapter.
For a long while, everyone stayed silent until Jian Dao spoke.
Mike, he said quietly, your recovery takes too long. Not because you're weak… but because whenever you fight, your body pushes itself past its limit. When the pain becomes too much, you collapse into a deep sleep. Only external energy can wake you.
Mike frowned and shifted upright.
So… Master, am I sick? Should I be worried?
Before Jian Dao could answer, Jing Xu spoke.
You're not sick, she said calmly. But your condition is rare. We still need to check a few things.
She continued, your father brought you away from the cultivation world to a place with no spiritual energy. Then, suddenly, you returned to this path. Now your inner energy is overflowing, and your awakened body is rejecting the outside spiritual energy. Normally, your soul guides the body during advancement. But yours refuses to listen. That's why we need to take you to the Qing Yuan Continent.
Mike blinked.
But elder… I grew up in Qing Yuan. You said there was no spiritual energy there.
Jing Xu smiled faintly.
You must be confused. Since you called me elder… let me introduce myself properly.
She placed a hand over her chest.
I am Jing Xu, Dean of Azure Sky Academy and an old friend of your father. You may call me Miss Xu.
Mike quickly bowed.
I'm sorry, Miss Xu. I didn't know.
Inside Jian Dao's spiritual sea, Huo Chuntian let out a dramatic sigh.
You're always soft toward the children of your old friends.
Stop being dramatic, Huo Chuntian, Jing Xu replied. Someone here needs to act like a proper adult.
Huo chuntian says ah.. yes Jian Dao is only good at being worried and running around.
W–WHAT did you just say? Jian Dao barked. We're supposed to be partners, yet we never match in anything!
Mike's forehead tightened.
Not again…
Jing Xu waved him off.
Don't mind them, Mike. They fight like this every day.
Mike nodded.
Miss Xu, you were saying something about Qing Yuan?
Yes. She regained her calm. Qing Yuan seems empty of spiritual energy but its forests hold secret regions. Lightning Pool. Death Forest. Forbidden caves. Places where natural energy condenses. And Death Forest region is where we're heading.
Jian Dao added, But first, we're returning to the academy.
Mike asked, Why are those dangerous places inside Qing Yuan?
Because the land hides ancient remnants, Jing Xu answered. Some cultivators return alive. Many do not. Inside Death Forest are trials and treasures hidden. We need body origin fruits, spirit origin fruits, golden essence from corpses, wood essence. All of these will help stabilize your runaway body. After that, Lightning Pool will complete the process.
The journey continued with Mike meditated inside the room of flying, sweat trickling down his body as spiritual energy swirled around him. A knock broke his concentration.
Jian Dao entered.
Master? Mike stood. Do you need something?
Jian Dao shook his head. It's an important matter.
Mike quickly prepared tea for both of them and sat down.
Please say it, Master.
Jian Dao inhaled deeply.
I cannot accompany you to the Death Forest.
Mike's eyes widened.
Why? Did something happen?
Huo Chuntian floated out and sighed.
Mike… your master is about to break through, so he can't come with due to precautions.
Jian Dao placed a warm hand on his shoulder says slowly, actually Jian Wu never leave inner academy without me. Because of her mother's bloodline is dangerous. She cannot travel outside alone. I must stay, so you have to care her during journey.
Mike's shock faded into a smile.
Congratulations, Master. Then I will go with confidence. And I'll protect her in your place.
But Jian Dao's eyes sharpened.
Remember my warnings. If you meet someone with red hair and burning aura, they're from Suzaku Nation. If you see white-haired cultivators wearing water-patterned robes, they're from the Immortal Ice Palace. And if you smell a foul, dark-red aura…
Huo Chuntian continued,
…avoid them. That's the Red Mist Cloud Sect. They are merciless. We fought them before. Their people attacked us, and we killed three of them.
These three factions are our greatest rivals," Jian Dao said. If you encounter them stay alert.
Mike bowed his head.
Yes.
Then he asked softly, Master… can you explain Jing Ying Steps? I still don't understand.
Jian Dao smiled faintly.
Jing Ying Steps are the bridge between Dou Ba and Jing Ying realm. After Dou Ba, your path becomes foggy. Jing Ying Steps clear that fog.
How many steps?
Four.
1. Condensing True Core – You accomplished this.
2. Essence Trial
3. Elemental Resonance
4. Essence Mark – the step that shapes your entire future.
Mike took a deep breath.
Understood. Then… about alchemy?
Jian Dao chuckled. Then listen.
Alchemy Basics
1. Alchemy = Spiritual Essence + Fire Control + Herb Knowledge + Soul Strength.
2. Stronger flames = purer pills.
3. Requires focus, control, knowledge, and harmony sensing.
4. Pill quality depends on flame mastery, soul strength, essence stability, pill shape and aura.
5. High alchemists can purify energy, heal, boost cultivation, even reverse death-like states.
6. Alchemy is one of the Three Noble Paths respected more than warriors.
7. Pills range from Tier 1 to Tier 9, and rare variants are created by personal mastery.
Jian Dao leaned back.
That's the basic foundation. Enough to start?
Mike nodded.
It's enough, Master.
Huo Chuntian stretched.
Then rest. We will take leave now.
They travelled for ten days through the spatial portal connecting the Alchemy Hall to the Azure Sky Academy.
Mechanism in academy had been inactive for decades, sealed and forgotten. Places like these were always guarded by powerful cultivators anyone who dared to force their way through would be instantly crushed by the embedded killing formations.
Inside the board, Jing Xu stood near the railing.
We're about to arrive at the academy. Stay alert.
Jian Dao nodded and spoke seriously to Mike.
Listen carefully. Once we reach the academy, you are no longer yourself. From today onward, you are Dou Ba, 1-star. You must suppress your strength completely. You are forbidden from using the Ice Flame or any of its techniques because of the Ice Valley matter.
Mike opened his mouth, confused.
But Master… why so many restrictions?
Jian Dao didn't soften his tone.
Because greedy bugs are everywhere. If they sense your real strength, they'll either try to recruit you… or kill you.
Even inside the academy? Mike asked.
Jian Dao nodded. Especially inside.
He continued, you may use basic flying techniques. Mountain Shatter Hammer? Only if your life depends on it. Keep your hammer hidden. Most academy students use martial arts, so act like you're learning those. And about the competition you won, tell everyone you borrowed my power. Keep a low profile.
Then Jian Dao pulled out a simple palm technique scroll from his storage ring.
This technique is low-class. You will learn it. This will be the 'achievement' you show others. You may still use your Sea Dragon Flame.
Mike sighed.
Understood.
Jing Xu joined in.
After two months, the Core Selection Competition begins.
Mike straightened.
Then I'll participate?
Of course, Jing Xu said. Every five years, the academy selects one hundred Core Disciples. The non-core group competes with each other and then top hundred will be chosen. It becomes brutal.
Mike frowned.
What happens to last competition's top hundred?
They fights with non core top hundred students to defend their ranks, Jian Dao said. Nothing is permanent. Strength decides everything.
Mike nodded silently.
The flying boat slowed.
We're here, Jing Xu said. She crushed a jade slip and began forming hand seals to open the mechanism from the inside.
Inside the Azure Sky Academy, the four Zong Shi guardians were sitting lazily inside the portal chamber.
Guardian No. 1, an old man with long white hair, sighed.
This job is getting boring. For decades, not one person has used this portal.
Guardian No. 2, a black-haired man, scoffed.
Old man, if you're bored, quit.
No, no, Guardian No. 1 panicked. Being an elder means paperwork. I'm not leaving!
The others laughed.
Suddenly.
The sky darkened. Winds roared through the academy grounds. A surge of energy gathered around the ancient gateway.
Guardian No. 1's eyes snapped open.
For thirty-four years, no one has opened this portal… from anywhere.
The air twisted. The portal tore open.
A flying boat emerged.
Guardian No. 1 stepped forward, releasing his full power.
Whoever you are come out. This is Azure Sky Academy territory.
No response.
This is your final warning, show yourself.
Still nothing.
He turned to the others.
Prepare the killing formation.
Just then, a gentle but authoritative voice came from the darkness,
Still as impatient as ever, I see.
Jing Xu walked out.
The four guardians froze.
D… Dean Xu?!
One by one, they bowed.
Then Jian Dao stepped out behind her.
Mike followed, gliding down with his wings before landing.
Guardian No. 1's eyes lit up.
Grandmaster Jian Dao, you've returned. And congratulations on winning the Life and Death Competition.
Jian Dao shook his head.
No. You have the wrong idea. I didn't fight at all. I only lent my strength. Everything was done by my disciple.
He gestured toward Mike.
The guardians looked at him with new interest.
Oh? So he's the one.
Guardian No. 1 stroked his beard, studying Mike from head to toe.
So this is the boy who survived the competition?
Mike bowed respectfully.
This junior greets the guardians.
Guardian No. 1 nodded, clearly satisfied.
Good manners. Good attitude.
Guardian No. 4, the bulky man with a scarred face, grinned.
We heard rumors… that he defeated two Dou Wang while being only Dou Ba.
Mike stiffened slightly.
Jian Dao cut in immediately.
Rumors. He just used my power.
Guardian No. 4 nodded.
Ah, yes… yes… we understand.
But the look in their eyes said clearly, they didn't believe it.
Guardian No. 2 spoke next.
Dean Xu, Grandmaster, you may pass. We will report your return to ancestors.
Jing Xu turned to the guardians.
Good work. Maintain your guard.
The four bowed again.
The group walked out of the portal hall and into the academy. The bright sky, the towering buildings, the students training in the distance, it all felt alive compared to the deadly arena Mike had left behind.
Mike whispered,
This place… hasn't changed much.
Jing Xu smiled slightly.
You'll get used to it again.
Jian Dao says Remember what I said. Low profile. Act weak. Observe first.
Yes, Master, mike says.
As they walked deeper inside the academy, countless students turned their heads, whispering, pointing, their eyes fixed on the Mike rumored to have won the Life and Death Competition.
Mike felt a headache coming.
So much for low profile…
Jing Xu smirked.
This is the quiet version. Just wait.
Meanwhile
Jian Wu stood on a balcony, staring at the horizon.
Mike… are you coming back? It's been so long. But the news of your victory… it means this journey wasn't pointless.
Suddenly, Jing Xue appeared.
Sister Wu, the practice arena is empty. Shall we train?
Jian Wu smiled faintly.
Let's go