Chapter 16 – The Flames of a New Beginning
The return to Azure Sky Academy was quieter than expected.
The massive gates opened with a low hum as the spiritual platform descended, carrying Yin Jin and Baifang into the heart of the campus. Golden clouds drifted lazily above the courtyard, but whispers already filled the air like wildfire.
> "Did you hear? The Blazing Wolf Tower collapsed!"
"They say it was the work of two new disciples from Wudong City."
"Impossible… that's a transcendent-tier test. Only inner disciples could survive that!"
The rumors spread faster than truth could catch them.
Baifang scratched his head, smirking.
> "Guess we're famous now. Think they'll build us statues?"
Yin Jin walked beside him, silent. His aura was faintly restrained, but every step he took left faint gold-black sparks in the air. The power within him refused to sleep completely.
> "Let's just get through this quietly," he said. "Too much noise draws too many eyes."
Baifang chuckled.
> "Yeah, but sometimes noise is good. It keeps the vultures guessing."
---
Inside the Academy Hall
The great chamber of Azure Sky's Council shimmered with runic light. Portraits of legendary cultivators lined the walls, their eyes following every movement.
Seated at the center was Head Instructor Qian Luo, an elder with silver hair and eyes like molten steel. Around him stood several instructors and elders — all silent as Yin Jin and Baifang entered.
> "So," Qian Luo said, his voice steady as mountain stone. "You destroyed an ancient testing tower, slew a transcendent beast, and returned alive."
Baifang opened his mouth. "Technically, it destroyed itself after we—"
> "Quiet."
Baifang closed his mouth instantly.
Qian Luo's gaze shifted to Yin Jin.
> "Your energy… gold and black flame. That isn't Azure Sky's standard cultivation method. What have you awakened, boy?"
Yin Jin met his eyes calmly. "Something older than I understand. It responds to danger… and it protects me."
The elders murmured, a few exchanging uneasy glances. Qian Luo raised his hand for silence.
> "Then you must learn to control it. Power that protects can also destroy. You'll begin advanced training tomorrow."
Baifang grinned. "Does that mean we passed?"
> "You didn't pass," Qian Luo said, his lips curving faintly. "You survived. That's rarer."
---
The Next Day – A New Phase Begins
After a day of rest, the academy courtyard buzzed with life again. Students of all levels gathered beneath the azure banners as an instructor held up several gleaming mission badges — each one etched with spiritual light and symbols of rank.
> "From today," the instructor announced, "students who have cleared the Second Phase may accept missions. Each mission will grant points, resources, and merit — and raise your badge rank."
The crowd erupted with excitement.
Baifang leaned close to Yin Jin.
> "Missions, huh? Finally, something fun."
Yin Jin adjusted his cloak, gazing at the rows of mission boards ahead — each glowing with text: Beast Hunts. Escort Duties. Artifact Recovery. Ruin Exploration.
But one mission, glowing faintly in dark red script, caught his attention:
> 'Void Rift Disturbance – Restricted Entry. Only for qualified participants.'
Something deep in his chest stirred — that same black-gold fire that had awakened in the Tower.
Baifang noticed his expression.
> "You're not thinking of taking that one, are you?"
Yin Jin's lips curved faintly.
> "Not yet. But someday"
That evening, as the twin moons rose over Azure Sky, Yin Jin and Baifang stood on the balcony of their shared quarters.
The wind carried the scent of the mountains, and the faint shimmer of spirit lights danced across the academy fields.
Baifang yawned.
> "You think this peace'll last?"
Yin Jin looked up at the stars, the reflection of gold and black fire flickering in his eyes.
> "No. It never does. But that's what makes us stron
ger."
Far in the distance, the faint rumble of thunder echoed. The first true missions of their journey were about to begin.