In a large hall, all 36 students of the Martial Division were listening closely. At the front stood Instructor Zhao, the same old man who had explained the academy matters to them on the first day.
"I assume most of you already know about cultivation."
He looked around at everyone and paused his gaze on Zhao Mingyu before continuing, "While a select few of you have already started your cultivation journey."
Everyone glanced at Zhao Mingyu after this. Many of the boys were already mesmerized by her beauty, and some had even been planning to chase after her.
Only now did they realize they were fish heading for the chopping board.
Zhao Mingyu met their gazes with a cold expression. Everyone quickly looked away. She even stared at Instructor Zhao for a moment, making the atmosphere feel noticeably colder.
"Why is this instructor targeting her?" Bai Tian asked in a low voice.
"This old man's also from the Zhao clan. Maybe he wants to hone her ability to deal with people. After all, she's the only candidate for the next Misty Rain Lord," Wen Yu replied.
"Let's talk about cultivation now."
Instructor Zhao resumed speaking, and the hall fell silent again.
"In the heavens and earth, there exists a special energy called Astral Energy. Though it's everywhere — even inside our bodies — only a select few can sense and feel it."
"Those who can sense Astral Energy are called Astral Awakeners. Awakeners can use Astral Energy to unlock hidden pathways within their bodies. Those who manage to do so become Astral Path Masters. And those who open all the pathways and break through are known as Astral Bridge Masters."
Everyone looked confused upon hearing these unfamiliar terms. Even students from cultivation backgrounds seemed clueless.
The old man smiled at their reactions and continued,"These were the names of cultivation stages a thousand years ago."
"It all changed during the Beast Tide, when a legendary cultivator appeared — the first Grandmaster of Greenwood Academy."
"It was said he surpassed the Astral Bridge stage and reached even higher realms."
Many gasps followed. According to legends, cultivators were strong, but there had always seemed to be limits to their strength.
"Instructor, is that why in biographies and books, cultivators are often described as 'the strongest Foundation cultivator of their generation' rather than 'the strongest cultivator'?" Wen Yu asked.
Instructor Zhao was pleasantly surprised by the question.Seems like there's still one sharp-minded fellow here, he thought, then answered, "Yes. No one with any real knowledge dares to claim to be the strongest."
"It was that Grandmaster who introduced the use of Qi Sensing, Meridian Opening, and the Foundation Realm to denote the stages of cultivation. He also taught people how to cultivate properly and avoid hidden dangers, leaving behind countless techniques and scriptures. In fact, he's the reason Greenwood Academy was founded."
Bai Tian, who had been listening carefully, finally asked the question bothering him."Instructor, why is he unknown? And was he from beyond the Azure Sea?"
The old man looked at Bai Tian for a moment. As the one responsible for teaching the Martial Division, he was well aware of everyone's background.
Among the 36 students, four had special statuses — one from his own clan, another from a scholar family, the twin brothers, and finally Bai Tian, whose background was a bit complicated.
"It's said the Grandmaster didn't like to be worshipped. He ordered Greenwood Academy not to build his statues or preach his name. As for where he came from, no one knows. 'Beyond the Azure Sea' simply refers to the islands outside the Seven Alliances' territory. They're even less developed than our own lands."
After that, he resumed his lecture on cultivation and other matters. He was surprisingly friendly to everyone. Aside from Zhao Mingyu, who stayed quiet, most students asked questions and learned a lot.
....
Evening
Bai Tian and Wen Yu were walking together, chatting about cultivation and what they'd learned from Instructor Zhao. They were headed toward the Martial Pavilion. Earlier, Instructor Zhao had guided each student on which cultivation techniques would suit them best.
"What element are you suited for?" asked Wen Yu.
"I'm suited for Fire, but I'm also good with the sword," Bai Tian replied. "So he suggested I focus on Astral Energy and sword cultivation."
"As for me, it's Wind. He even recommended I request a Tier 2 cultivation technique."
"This Grandmaster seriously didn't know how to name things," Wen Yu grumbled. "Islands, weapons, ships, techniques, even cultivation tiers — it's so confusing."
Both of them laughed at that.
They soon arrived at the Martial Pavilion. There weren't many students around.
An instructor sat at the front desk. They relayed their requests and each received a thick book.
The instructor gave them a stern look and said,"Take care of your cultivation techniques. If you lose them or something happens, it'll be very difficult to get replacements."
The instructor gave them a stern look and said,"Take care of your cultivation techniques. If you lose them or something happens, it'll be very difficult to get replacements."
Then he turned to Wen Yu and added,"This is the first volume of your technique. It'll be enough until you reach the Great Circle."
Both of them nodded and quickly left. Wen Yu was a little annoyed by the instructor's attitude.
"What's up with that guy? He looked pissed for no reason," Wen Yu complained.
Bai Tian just shook his head, unfazed. He was focused on getting back to their house and starting his cultivation. He still hadn't been able to sense Astral Energy, and he hoped this technique would help him break through.
They soon arrived at their house and went to their separate rooms.
Bai Tian sat cross-legged and opened his book. On the cover, it read Astral Cultivation Technique, authored by Yan Shousan, the2nd Principal of Greenwood Academy noted beside it.
The first few pages told the story of Yan Shousan. He wasn't considered a genius — it had taken him much longer than others to reach the Great Circle of Meridian Opening. But once he did, he advanced to the Foundation Realm in less than a year.
Later, he became one of the strongest cultivators of his generation and even rose to become a principal of Greenwood Academy. He left behind his legacy in the form of the Azure Cultivation Technique.
The more Bai Tian read, the more familiar it felt. Many things in the book echoed what Granny Yu had told him. It even repeated the belief that anyone could cultivate. Bai Tian felt a surge of excitement.
He turned to the cultivation section.
There was a diagram of the human body's meridian structure and various energy points, explaining how to open the meridians. But to do that, one had to first sense Astral Energy.
He carefully read through the section on sensing Astral Energy and let out a sigh of relief.But after reading a bit more, his expression turned grim.
There were three methods listed in the book.The first was simple meditation — the method the author himself had used.
The second method was to rely on the help of stronger cultivators, who could carefully guide Astral Energy into a beginner's body.
The final method required consuming Spirit Fish. These creatures contained vast amounts of Astral Energy, though each species converted it into a different form.
The Silverfin Carp, for instance, transformed Astral Energy into vital energy and blood. The author, however, recommended the Azure Spiritfish as the ideal choice, since its energy was the closest to pure Astral Energy. It came with a warning — non-cultivators might die from consuming it, and even cultivators were advised to consume only small amounts before meditating.
This method offered a high chance of success… but also a high risk of death if overused.
Bai Tian's face turned pale. He had already tried the first two methods. Granny Yu was a Foundation Realm cultivator — she must have known this technique too. He suddenly realized Uncle Xiao and Granny Yu probably already knew how difficult it would be for him to cultivate, and had simply let him live his childhood freely.
Even Uncle Xiao's scolding had probably been a lie. He was just letting Bai Tian enjoy his days.
"No. I won't give up. There must be a way. I don't believe I can't cultivate. I'll forge my own path," Bai Tian muttered, determination flashing in his eyes.
He sat down again and began meditating, determined to work hard until the third method worked.
....
Six months later
At the Martial Stadium, all 36 students of the Martial Division were gathered. It was time for the biannual assessment. Two instructors stood before them: Instructor Zhao and Instructor Jianhong.
Instructor Zhao handled cultivation theory, while Instructor Jianhong focused solely on martial skills, combat, and discipline.
For Martial Division students, discipline and coordination were essential. Many of them would become future navy officers, island lords, or ship commanders.
From the first day, every student's talent, behavior, and progress had been recorded.
"After this assessment, you'll have a months' leave," Instructor Jianhong announced. "That should be enough for everyone to travel home and back. For those who can't afford the travel, the academy will cover your expenses."
"Also, this assessment will be special — people from other divisions will be allowed to spectate."
"So, do your best and aim for a good ranking."