Azure Sky Academy divided its students into three main classes based on their natural talent to maintain order and efficiency.
Sky Class
The most prestigious and elite division, the Sky Class was reserved for students with exceptional cultivation talent.
Their curriculum focused almost entirely on martial training and cultivation, with little attention given to academic subjects. Combat techniques and advanced martial arts took top priority.
Only a few students were admitted each year, and competition was intense—those who couldn't keep up faced immediate demotion.
Earth Class
This was a balanced division for students with moderate cultivation potential. It was also the largest class in the academy.
Unlike the Sky Class, Earth Class students received both martial training and academic education. They studied politics, mathematics, history, agriculture, and strategy, along with basic martial arts and ki control.
Most Earth Class students aimed to become scholars, advisors, military commanders, or disciples of major sects—not supreme warriors.
Though they lacked peak talent, their intelligence and adaptability made them vital to the empire's future.
Yellow Class
The lowest-ranked class, Yellow Class was for those with weak or no cultivation ability. While they couldn't master powerful martial techniques, they were still trained in essential societal roles.
Their studies focused on non-combat subjects such as governance, economics, medicine, farming, and administration. Martial arts were only taught once a week.
Many Yellow Class graduates became teachers, officials, merchants, or clerks—keeping the empire running behind the scenes.
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"You know," Riener muttered, eyeing the entrance as a group of Sky Class students strutted past in their elegant robes, "sometimes I wonder if we should've tried harder to get into the Sky Class."
Ye Xian chuckled and shook his head. "Not all of them are as strong as they act. Some only got in because of their families."
Riener grinned. "True. Still, wouldn't it be nice to train under a top-tier master and skip these boring lectures?"
Before Ye Xian could answer, the doors to the lecture hall swung open, and everyone straightened in their seats.
A man in dark blue scholarly robes entered, his mere presence commanding silence and attention. His sharp eyes swept across the room with authority.
"Instructor Han," Riener whispered, sitting up straighter. "Looks like today's first class is politics."
Instructor Han was a respected scholar known for his deep knowledge of governance, diplomacy, and statecraft. Middle-aged, with neatly combed hair and piercing eyes, he exuded wisdom and discipline.
As he stepped onto the platform, all students stood to greet him in unison. He gave a small nod of approval before signaling them to sit.
"Politics is the foundation upon which all civilizations rise or fall," he began, his voice firm and clear. "A strong nation needs more than cultivators. It needs vision, order, and strategy. Without proper leadership, even the greatest sects and empires will collapse."
He paced slowly, locking eyes with students as he continued.
"Who can tell me the greatest strength a ruler must possess?"
A student near the front raised his hand. "Military power, Instructor?"
Instructor Han shook his head. "No. Military might is important—but if that's all you rely on, what happens when someone stronger comes along? Or when your resources run out?"
Another student answered, "Wisdom?"
Instructor Han gave a nod. "Better. Wisdom, diplomacy, and strategy—these are the true tools of a ruler."
He turned to the board and drew a rough map of the continent.
"Let's take a look at the current political structure. Which factions truly hold power? What alliances shape our world? How do conflicts begin, and who benefits from them?"
Even Riener, who normally dozed off, leaned in with interest.
Ye Xian listened quietly, absorbing every word. He knew that strength alone wasn't enough. To survive in this world, one needed to understand power from every angle.
The lesson moved into historical wars, betrayals, and shifting alliances. Then came classes on math, strategy, and history—all passing quickly. At last, the bell rang, signaling a break.
Riener stretched and stood. "Let's go get something to eat."
Ye Xian nodded, but before he could move, a girl blocked his path, flanked by two boys trailing behind like puppies.
She was Suyu Pu, a striking girl with long chestnut hair tied in a high ponytail and sharp brown eyes. She wasn't stunning, but her fair skin and well-shaped features made her attractive. She wore the academy uniform confidently, clearly used to being the center of attention.
"Hey," she said, arms crossed. "Is it true you're about to marry Meng Xueqing?"
Ye Xian raised an eyebrow. "And if I am?"
"Just answer the question," she demanded.
Ye Xian leaned back, smirking. "Aw, don't tell me you're jealous?"
"Jealous?" Suyu Pu scoffed. "Of you? Please."
He leaned back in his seat. "Well, you did walk all the way from another class just to ask me about a rumor. That tells me you're curious—maybe even obsessed. Sounds like someone has a crush. Miss Pu. You sure you're not into me?"
A ripple of laughter spread across the classroom.
Suyu Pu looked furious—but instead of yelling, she burst out laughing as if Ye Xian had told the funniest joke ever. The two boys behind her chuckled, though they looked slightly awkward.
Other students paused, turning to watch the drama.
Suyu Pu finally stopped laughing, but her face was red with frustration. "Are you blind? Why would I ever fall for you, you useless trash? you really think too highly of yourself!"
Ye Xian sighed. "You're right. I should've known better, Miss So-You-Poo."
The class exploded with laughter.
Suyu Pu's face twisted in horror. "It's Suyu Pu!"
"Ah, my bad. Miss So-You-Poop, then?"
More howling laughter. Students in the hallway even peeked in to see what was going on.
Red-faced and trembling with rage, she slammed her hands on the desk. "You're doing this on purpose!"
Ye Xian gave an innocent smile. "Moi? Never. I'm just bad with names, Miss Poo-You-True."
At this point, some students were literally on the floor laughing.
One of her lackeys stepped up, trying to look intimidating. "All you do is talk big, Ye Xian."
The other chimed in, "Yeah, you're just all bark."
Ye Xian looked them up and down, then clicked his tongue with exaggerated pity. "You two… are the embodiment of modern tragedy. Loyal little lapdogs, waiting for a treat that'll never come."
They stiffened. "What did you just say?"
He stood up slowly, towering just enough to make it obvious who had the presence. "You're simps, plain and simple. Following her around like ducklings while she sees you as nothing more than mobile furniture."
Even some of their own classmates muttered, "Oof."
Ye Xian went on, "See, the difference is—I'm the kind of man beautiful women chase. You two? You'll die of old age waiting for Suyu Pu to look your way."
Suyu Pu scoffed. "Please. Your fiancée's a cripple. A washed-up has-been."
Ye Xian's eyes narrowed slightly, but he kept smiling. "Careful. Even crippled, she's a thousand times more graceful than a loudmouthed chicken like you. She's Meng Xueqing—once hailed as a top genius, still more respected than you'll ever be."
He turned toward the door, his coat fluttering like a cape. "Let's go, Riener. This chicken coop's starting to stink."
As he reached the door, he looked over his shoulder with a mocking smile. "Move aside, side characters."
The crowd parted, laughter still echoing through the halls. Riener followed, grinning from ear to ear.
Suyu Pu stood frozen, cheeks burning, fists clenched, and two dumbfounded boys by her side—reduced to living memes in a single conversation.