After several hours of travel, the horse-drawn carriage finally slowed down. Tianyu, who had appeared calm earlier, now gazed out the window with eyes sparkling with curiosity.
In the distance, a grand gate with majestic lettering came into view: "Xing Luo Junior Academy." Surrounding it stood sturdy buildings of classical architecture, imposing and dignified, nestled among lush gardens and neatly paved pathways. The academy grounds buzzed with life—students in uniforms walked in groups, some were training on the field, while others chatted leisurely beneath the trees.
Xu Jiujiu smiled at Tianyu's enthusiasm. "We've arrived. What do you think? Bigger than you imagined?"
Tianyu nodded slowly. "It's... impressive."
As soon as the carriage stopped, a servant promptly opened the door. Xu Jiujiu stepped out gracefully, then helped Tianyu down. Several students who noticed them immediately began whispering—naturally, the sight of the Crown Princess accompanied by a young child drew attention.
One of the teachers, a silver-haired man with a stern gaze, approached them. "Welcome, Your Highness. And this must be the new student you mentioned?"
Xu Jiujiu gave a slight bow. "Indeed, Master Lin. This is Long Tianyu. I hope he can adapt well here."
Master Lin scrutinized Tianyu from head to toe before averting his eyes. "Very well, Your Highness. Come with me. I'll introduce you to the academy's facilities and explain the rules."
Tianyu glanced at Xu Jiujiu, as if seeking confirmation.
"Go ahead," the Princess said softly. "I'll visit you from time to time. Remember, if you encounter any problems, inform your teacher or roommate. Or you can tell me directly. I'll be staying at the academy for another year."
Tianyu nodded firmly. "Thank you, Your Highness."
Xu Jiujiu patted Tianyu's head once more before departing. "Oh, and I have a special surprise for you later."
Tianyu looked puzzled, but before he could ask, Xu Jiujiu had already boarded the carriage and left.
Once the carriage had disappeared into the distance, Master Lin guided Tianyu into the academy grounds.
With patience, Master Lin led Tianyu on a tour of the academy, introducing its various facilities.
The classrooms were spacious and bright, with neatly arranged wooden desks and chairs—this was where students would study soul theory, combat techniques, and history.
Next, they headed to the training field, a vast open area with specially reinforced ground capable of withstanding various combat techniques. Around the field, several students were diligently practicing their moves under the watchful eyes of instructors.
The academy's library stood majestically to the east, its structure surrounded by lush trees that added a sacred aura. Inside, thousands of books on martial arts, soul power development, and records of legendary masters were carefully preserved.
Finally, Master Lin showed Tianyu the dormitory area, divided into separate blocks for male and female students. Each room was simply yet comfortably designed, furnished with two beds, a study desk, and storage cabinets—where Tianyu would spend his days with his future roommate.
After completing the tour, Master Lin led Tianyu down a quiet pathway. "Now, I'll take you to your living quarters," he said.
Tianyu followed obediently, completely unaware that he was being led somewhere different from the regular dormitories.
The path eventually led to a complex of buildings far more luxurious than the rest of the academy. A royal-style pavilion stood elegantly amid a small garden blooming with exotic flowers.
"This is where you'll be staying," Master Lin said, gesturing toward the pavilion.
Tianyu froze. "But... isn't this place too extravagant for a new student like me?"
He stood rooted in place, blinking rapidly at the opulent structure before him. His small hands clutched his bag tightly, his heart pounding.
Master Lin sighed, observing the boy's bewilderment. "This is by direct order of Her Highness Xu Jiujiu. Come inside—I'll introduce you to the attendants here."
As the pavilion's doors opened, three maids dressed in pristine white bowed in unison.
"Welcome, Young Master," they chorused.
A middle-aged woman with a neatly coiled bun stepped forward. "I am Madam Lian, the head attendant of this pavilion. From today onward, we will attend to your needs."
Tianyu grew even more uneasy. Had they really prepared servants for him?
"You don't need to trouble yourselves, I can—"
"It is our duty," Madam Lian interjected with a gentle yet firm smile. "Her Highness has instructed us to ensure your comfort."
Master Lin patted Tianyu's shoulder. "I'll leave you here now. Tomorrow morning, there will be a welcoming ceremony for new students."
Once Master Lin had departed, Madam Lian warmly guided Tianyu through the lavish pavilion.
The interior was far more elaborate than Tianyu had imagined. The main hall was adorned with exquisite ceiling paintings depicting majestic mountains and rivers.
Adjacent to it was a study filled with shelves of books, ranging from textbooks to classical literature.
A compact kitchen was tucked away in the rear wing, seemingly reserved for preparing snacks or warm drinks.
Most surprising of all, the pavilion had two luxurious bedrooms in separate wings—one larger master suite and an equally comfortable guest room, connected by a long corridor lined with antique vases.
Every corner of the pavilion showcased meticulous attention to detail, leaving Tianyu awestruck by the sudden luxury that would now be part of his daily life.
"Your room is in the east wing," Madam Lian said, opening the door.
Tianyu's eyes widened. The room was far grander than he'd expected—a canopy bed draped in silk, a study desk of sandalwood, and even a small balcony overlooking the garden.
On the bed lay a brand-new academy uniform with a red ribbon labeled: "A Gift from Sister Jiujiu."
"If you require anything, simply call for us," Madam Lian said from the doorway. "We'll be on duty throughout the night."
Tianyu nodded politely. "Thank you, Madam Lian."
Once the door closed and silence enveloped the room, Tianyu sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the uniform for a long moment. Questions swirled in his mind—why was Princess Xu Jiujiu so kind to him? Did he truly deserve all this?
He set the uniform aside and lay down on the plush mattress. Exhausted from the long journey, he drifted into sleep without realizing it.
Rubbing his drowsy eyes, Tianyu hurriedly straightened his clothes. He hadn't even noticed he'd fallen asleep.
Madam Lian guided him patiently through the crystal-lit corridor. "You must be hungry after today's activities," she said, opening the dining room door.
Tianyu nodded innocently. "Yes, thank you, Madam Lian. I am a little hungry."
Madam Lian smiled warmly. "Please have a seat. The meal is ready."
Stepping inside, Tianyu paused in astonishment. The long mahogany table was laden with an array of dishes: steaming ginseng chicken soup, fluffy white rice, stir-fried fresh vegetables, beef roast glazed with sweet sauce, and an assortment of traditional pastries arranged elegantly on porcelain plates.
But what truly shocked him was the figure seated at the far end of the table—a girl with long, golden hair: Xu Jiujiu!
"Sister Jiujiu?!" Tianyu blurted out, eyes wide.
Xu Jiujiu smiled sweetly, her beautiful eyes narrowing. "Why do you look so surprised to see me?"
Tianyu stood stiffly in the doorway. "I... I just didn't expect you to be here," he murmured.
"Don't just stand there," Xu Jiujiu said, pulling out the chair beside her. "Come sit. The food will get cold."
With hesitant steps, Tianyu approached and took the offered seat.
Xu Jiujiu picked up a small bowl and began ladling soup for Tianyu. "Actually, there's something I want to tell you," she said, placing the bowl before him.
Tianyu looked up curiously.
"I'll also be living here with you," Xu Jiujiu stated calmly, as if it were the most natural thing.
Tianyu blinked in surprise. "Sister Jiujiu is staying here too?!"
Xu Jiujiu nodded, her eyes shimmering with meaning. "Of course. This is my private pavilion. I specifically arranged for you to stay here so I can keep a closer eye on you."
Tianyu, still innocent-minded, didn't dwell on any implications. Though he had inherited memories from the Golden Dragon King, they didn't affect his childlike emotions or mentality—those memories contained only crucial information, nothing more.
He nodded slowly, accepting her explanation with pure trust. "Oh... so we'll be living together?" he said, blowing on his hot soup.
Xu Jiujiu smiled, her face glowing softly under the crystal chandelier. "Yes. I'll be in the main bedroom in the west wing, while you'll stay in the guest room in the east wing. Madam Lian and the others will assist us if needed."
Throughout dinner, Xu Jiujiu patiently explained the academy's routines to Tianyu.
"Tomorrow morning, we'll attend the new student welcoming ceremony," she said, serving him a portion of vegetables. "After that, you'll take a placement test to determine your class."
Tianyu chewed eagerly. "What does the test cover, Sister Jiujiu?"
"Basic soul power, spiritual control, and combat aptitude," she replied, ruffling his hair. "But don't worry. I'm sure you'll do well."
After the meal, Xu Jiujiu rose from the table. "I'll be in the library for a while. You should rest early. Tomorrow will be a long day."
Tianyu nodded obediently. "Goodnight, Sister Jiujiu."
Returning to his room, Tianyu stepped onto the small balcony, gazing at the bright full moon overhead. His mind brimmed with thoughts about the days ahead at the academy.
Suddenly, a voice spoke beside him. "Why so gloomy? Shouldn't you be happy about receiving such special treatment?"
Tianyu turned to see the spirit woman floating nearby, her white dress fluttering. "I... just feel this is all a bit much," he admitted. "But I know Sister Jiujiu means well."
Qian Renxue nodded, her usually teasing expression now serious. "True. But remember—Xu Jiujiu is the imperial princess. Her favor will draw attention, both envy and opportunists. Be prepared."
Tianyu's small fists clenched. "I'm not afraid. If anyone bothers me, I'll beat them up!"
A faint smile touched Qian Renxue's lips. "That spirit is good. But the path of a Spirit Master is thorny. And..." her voice lowered, "...your greatest enemies will one day be the gods themselves."
Tianyu sighed, looking back at the moon.
After a moment of silence, he returned inside. His eyes fell on the new uniform draped neatly near the bed. His fingers traced the embroidered name on its chest.
Tianyu turned off the lights and lay down on his luxurious new bed. Though still unaccustomed to such opulence, one thing was certain—tomorrow marked the beginning of his new adventure at Xing Luo Junior Academy.