The jade token Elder Wei had left behind felt cool and significant in Lin Feng's palm. Its faint, steady warmth was a constant reminder of the hidden world he was about to step into. The holographic vision of the majestic gate, which had appeared during his meditation, was seared into his mind, a beacon guiding his unspoken purpose. He spent days researching the Azure Phoenix Academy, discovering it was one of the nation's premier cultivation institutions, celebrated not just for its rigorous training but for its blend of ancient spiritual wisdom and cutting-edge modern science. It wasn't just a school; it was a sanctuary where ancient legacies met futuristic innovation.
Convincing his parents was surprisingly easy. Lin Feng, with his quiet intensity and uncanny ability to articulate his desires, merely stated his intention to apply to the Azure Phoenix Academy. He framed it as a specialized science and philosophy institution that perfectly aligned with his unique interests. His parents, accustomed to his genius and unconventional fascinations, saw it as another one of his intellectual pursuits and, proud of his ambition, readily supported his application. They never once suspected that their son was pursuing a path that would lead him to rediscover his past as a cosmic deity.
The application process was unlike anything Lin Feng had ever encountered. It wasn't just about grades or essays; there were layers of physical and spiritual aptitude tests. He navigated them with an almost preternatural ease. During the physical tests, he instinctively channeled minute amounts of Qi, enhancing his speed, strength, and agility just enough to excel without drawing undue attention. For the spiritual aptitude assessments, where candidates sat in specialized resonance chambers, Lin Feng felt the Qi around him respond to his presence as if drawn by an irresistible magnet. The monitors, designed to measure spiritual sensitivity and potential, spiked off the charts for him, baffling the examiners. They exchanged bewildered glances, scribbling notes about an "unprecedented energy signature" and "off-the-charts spiritual resonance."
Lin Feng, however, remained outwardly calm, his inner self buzzing with a quiet excitement. He felt a deep connection to these energies, as if he were simply remembering how to breathe. The familiar sensation of Qi flowing through his nascent meridians was becoming more pronounced, a comforting undercurrent to his every movement. He knew, deep down, that he was merely touching the surface of what he was capable of, a mere ripple compared to the storm he sensed brewing within.
A week later, the acceptance letter arrived. It wasn't a standard email, but a beautifully crafted scroll made of what felt like hardened spiritual energy, infused with intricate golden runes that pulsed with a soft light. The text, in elegant calligraphy, confirmed his admission and provided details for orientation. His parents were ecstatic, celebrating their son's acceptance into such a prestigious institution. Lin Feng, though outwardly composed, felt a tremor of anticipation. He was finally stepping into the world where his true journey would begin.
The day of departure arrived, a crisp autumn morning. Lin Feng packed a single, lightweight bag, his jade token carefully tucked into an inner pocket. As he hugged his parents goodbye, he felt a fleeting pang of something akin to sadness, knowing that the innocent chapter of his life was about to close. He promised to call often, a normal gesture from a normal son, belying the extraordinary destiny that awaited him.
The academy was located in a sprawling complex nestled amidst lush mountains just outside a major metropolitan hub. It was a fusion of the ancient and the futuristic. Grand, traditional Chinese architectural structures with sweeping roofs and intricate carvings stood alongside sleek, towering research facilities crafted from reinforced glass and shimmering alloys. Hover-vehicles glided silently between buildings, while students in varying colored cultivation robes walked alongside others in modern uniforms. The air itself felt different here, thick with concentrated spiritual energy, almost palpable.
Lin Feng stepped off the automated shuttle, taking a deep breath. The Qi here was far richer than anything he had experienced in the city, seeping into his pores, invigorating his very being. He felt an immediate, profound sense of belonging, as if his soul had finally returned home after a long, arduous journey.
He was directed to the orientation hall, a vast circular chamber with a translucent dome ceiling that showcased the clear blue sky. Hundreds of students, ranging from early teens to late twenties, milled about, their faces alight with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. They came from diverse backgrounds: some clearly from wealthy cultivation families, others, like Lin Feng, seemingly from ordinary households but possessing an undeniable spark. Lin Feng observed them quietly, assessing their auras, noticing the subtle variations in their spiritual cultivation levels. Most were still in the foundational stages, but a few radiated an impressive, if raw, power.
As he stood in line to register, a boisterous voice boomed beside him. "First-timer, huh? The name's Gao Lei! And you look like you're about to fall asleep standing up!"
Lin Feng turned to face a muscular young man with a broad smile and an open, friendly demeanor. Gao Lei's aura was vibrant and energetic, though unrefined, typical of a rising young talent. Lin Feng offered a small, polite nod. "Lin Feng. Nice to meet you."
"Lin Feng? Cool name! You got that quiet genius vibe going on," Gao Lei chuckled, nudging him playfully. "Don't worry, even the quiet ones turn into screaming maniacs after a few weeks here. This place is a beast!"
Their conversation was brief but refreshing. Gao Lei, it turned out, was a natural extrovert, eager to make friends and share his excitement about the academy. He spoke animatedly about the different cultivation disciplines, the legendary masters, and the challenging trials that awaited them. Lin Feng listened patiently, absorbing every piece of information, recognizing some of the concepts from his own self-study and dreams.
When it was his turn to register, the elderly female administrator, her face lined with age but her eyes sharp with spiritual insight, peered at his identification chip. Her eyebrows rose slightly as she scanned his records. She gave him a long, assessing look, a hint of awe in her gaze. "Lin Feng... ah, yes. The one with the... unique energy signature. Welcome to Azure Phoenix, young master. May your path be swift and your future bright." Her voice was soft, almost reverent, a stark contrast to the standard greetings she offered others.
Lin Feng simply nodded, a faint, almost imperceptible smile touching his lips. He picked up his standard issue student uniform and the keycard to his dorm room. As he walked away, he could feel her gaze lingering on his back. He knew he was different, but he still had no idea just how different. The full extent of his past as Zhen Wu remained locked away, a sleeping dragon within him, waiting for the right moment to awaken and reclaim its glory. The journey had truly begun.