CHAPTER 13 — THE ACADEMY'S VERDICT
The sun stood high when the disciples were summoned again.
This time, it was not to a trial ground, nor a battlefield carved from stone and fear—but to the Grand Ascension Court of Shen Tianshu Academy, a vast circular plaza suspended between mountain peaks, supported by ancient formations and floating stone pillars.
Every sect banner fluttered in the wind.
Azure Sky.
Crimson Flame.
Silent Cloud.
Iron Vein.
Thousands of disciples stood in disciplined lines, yet the air buzzed with tension. Whispers spread like sparks in dry grass. Everyone knew the trials were over—but no one knew what came next.
Kael stood among the Azure Sky disciples, calm on the surface, though his Astral Core pulsed faintly beneath his ribs. He could feel eyes on him from every direction. Curiosity. Fear. Hostility.
Not far away, Taron Blaze stood straight-backed, expression sharp and unreadable. His aura felt different now—denser, hotter. Not loud, not flaring, but coiled. Waiting.
The sky darkened slightly as four figures descended onto the central platform.
The sect masters.
Their presence alone silenced the court.
Master Dugu Shen stepped forward first, his voice carrying effortlessly across the plaza.
"The Trial of the Four Sects has concluded."
A pause.
"Of the twelve thousand disciples who entered, less than half remain qualified."
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"Strength, resilience, control, and will," Dugu Shen continued. "These are the pillars of cultivation. Those who lack them have been found wanting."
Master Ru Ning lifted her hand, and glowing jade slips floated into the air, each bearing names.
"These are the disciples who passed all three trials."
The slips scattered, flying toward their recipients.
When one reached Kael, it hovered briefly—then dissolved into light against his chest.
A low murmur swept the court.
Another jade slip streaked forward.
It stopped before Taron Blaze.
The murmurs grew louder.
Two names. Again.
Master Lian Hu's gaze sharpened as she addressed the assembly.
"Among those who passed, a distinction must be made."
Her eyes lingered—just a heartbeat longer—on Kael… then Taron.
"The Academy has identified individuals of exceptional potential."
The wind stilled.
"From this day onward," she declared, "Kael of Azure Sky Sect is designated a Core Disciple of Shen Tianshu Academy."
The reaction was immediate.
Shock.
Outrage.
Awe.
A Body Refinement cultivator… named Core Disciple?
Before the uproar could swell, her gaze shifted.
"Taron Blaze of Azure Sky Sect is likewise designated a Core Disciple."
The silence that followed was heavier.
Two.
Two from the same sect.
Two in one generation.
Master Shen Rokan finally stepped forward, his voice firm but measured.
"Core Disciples are granted access to higher cultivation grounds, secret manuals, and direct instruction from the Academy."
Then, quieter—but sharper—
"They are also watched."
Kael felt it then.
A subtle pressure.
Invisible.
Like threads wrapping around his fate.
Taron felt it too.
His jaw tightened.
So this is the price.
The masters turned to leave—but before they did, Master Ru Ning spoke once more.
"The next phase of your cultivation will not be guided by mercy."
Her eyes swept across the crowd.
"The world beyond these mountains is unstable. Sect conflicts are rising. Ancient forces stir."
Her gaze paused briefly on Kael… then on Taron.
"Those who shine brightest are seen first."
The implication was unmistakable.
After the assembly dispersed, the court slowly emptied, but the tension did not fade.
Kael stood alone near the edge of the platform, staring down at the sea of clouds below. His mind felt heavier than after any trial.
Core Disciple.
The words carried weight—and danger.
Footsteps approached.
Taron stopped beside him, not looking his way.
"So," he said quietly, "they finally said it out loud."
Kael turned slightly. "Said what?"
Taron's eyes flicked toward him, sharp but controlled.
"That we're no longer just disciples."
A pause.
"We're targets."
Kael nodded once.
"Yes."
The wind howled between them, carrying the scent of ozone and distant storms.
Taron scoffed softly. "Don't get ahead of yourself. This doesn't mean I accept you."
Kael met his gaze, steady.
"I didn't think you would."
For a brief moment, something unspoken passed between them—not friendship, not hostility—but recognition.
Two paths, now impossible to ignore.
Taron turned away first.
"Next time," he said over his shoulder, "I won't be chasing you."
Kael watched him leave.
Somewhere far beyond the mountains, the stars shifted again.
And for the first time—
They did not tremble.
They waited.