Chapter 3

Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW

Chapter 3: New Friends and New Teachers

After witnessing the battle between Qingyuan and Prince Chige, Mu Xiaofeng was captivated by Qingyuan’s heroic demeanor and resolved to become a warrior. However, being young, he could only bury this dream in his heart for now, as future ambitions required family approval according to tradition.

Mu Taigu brought Mu Xiaofeng to a place called “Tiger Pass Elite Youth Academy,” where it seemed Xiaofeng would be studying from now on. Mu Taigu handed over Xiaofeng’s luggage and recommendation letter, then squatted down, patted his head, and said, “Xiaofeng, Daddy has to leave now. Take good care of yourself, alright? If you need anything, ask your teachers. If you miss me, let them know, okay?”

Xiaofeng nodded dumbly, knowing that staying at the academy meant he would only get to visit home a few days each year. Following his father’s instructions, Xiaofeng took the letter, carried his luggage, and walked through the gates, occasionally looking back at his father standing there, until he slowly disappeared from sight. Mu Taigu watched his son enter the academy, sighed deeply, and silently left Tiger Pass City.

Xiaofeng entered the vast campus, curiously looking around at everything nearby, surrounded by children of similar age. He joined the group of kids heading towards the academy’s main teaching area. Guards at the main gate began inspecting each child’s letter, and the children obediently lined up under the guards’ guidance.

Xiaofeng, an outgoing child, started chatting with the two children in front of and behind him while they waited. The girl in front of Xiaofeng was slightly shorter than him, with long blonde hair and delicate features, even at five years old, showing signs of becoming a little beauty. Her name was Qiao Zi, from Luohai City in the north of Jun Kingdom, which was also Xiaofeng’s mother Qu Lingsha’s hometown. Qiao Zi was cheerful and outgoing, clearly from a prominent family.

The boy behind Xiaofeng was a very thin child, about the same height as Xiaofeng, with bright eyes and a bowl-cut hairstyle. His name was Zhang Wenyu, from a small village in the southern part of Tiger Pass City. This boy was not very talkative, mostly listening, perhaps feeling a bit inferior due to his humble background.

The children’s cheerful conversation made time pass quickly, and soon they reached the guards. At this moment, a child hurriedly ran up, holding a letter, and said to the guard, “I am Ximu, the grandson of the city lord Xiru Hai. Let me go in first.”

This tall, handsome boy was different from many aristocratic children who were often chubby; he was perfectly built. However, using his grandfather’s status to cut in line angered Qiao Zi, Xiaofeng, and Wenyu.

Qiao Zi pointed at Ximu and shouted, “Hey, I don’t care whose grandson you are, even if you’re my grandson, you have to line up!” Xiaofeng couldn’t help but laugh at this, as Qiao Zi was only a five-year-old girl, and the city lord Xiru Hai was over fifty-five years old.

Ximu glanced at Qiao Zi but ignored her. The guard beside him, trying to please Ximu, allowed him to go in first, even scolding Qiao Zi. This made Qiao Zi furious, but Wenyu pulled her back, shaking his head, so she reluctantly let it go.

The three friends officially entered the Tiger Pass Elite Youth Academy. Though they arrived late, and hadn’t put down their luggage, the teachers called them to assemble on the playground. Around a hundred children gathered there, playing and laughing, making the playground lively.

Xiaofeng, Qiao Zi, and Wenyu, still carrying their luggage, continued chatting and laughing. They saw Ximu, who had already put his things away and leisurely arrived at the playground, making them even more indignant.

“Quiet—” a loud voice echoed across the playground. The children immediately stopped playing and turned to see an elderly man in a white robe and hat, with a beard longer than the children themselves. Though his eyes were squinted, he scanned the crowd sharply.

The elderly man began his speech: “Children, I am delighted and honored to welcome so many new students to our family. I am your principal, Kaga. Our academy is dedicated to training elites and shaping you into the pillars of our country. In the letters you hold are your class and dormitory numbers. Verify your numbers, settle into your dormitories, and then gather in your classrooms.”

The three friends opened their letters. Coincidentally, Xiaofeng and Wenyu were assigned to the same class, Class 5, while Qiao Zi was in Class 12. Passing by, Ximu coldly said to Qiao Zi, “We are in Class 12 together. Pleased to meet you.” Despite her reluctance, Qiao Zi had no choice but to accept this.

After bidding farewell to Qiao Zi, Xiaofeng and Wenyu quickly tidied up and headed to Class 5’s classroom, curious about their new classmates and teacher. They found a slightly chubby girl with neatly cut black hair and a large fringe, big eyes, and a delicate mouth, looking like a doll. Her name was Qin Baoyi, from a small village in the southern part of Tiger Pass City, similar to Wenyu. However, unlike Wenyu, Baoyi was outgoing and a bit carefree.

Soon, a woman in a blue robe with long black hair and a slim figure entered. She had small eyes, nose, and mouth, with a petite face that looked no older than sixteen or seventeen. She introduced herself with a sweet voice, “I am your chief tutor Hui, from the Sijo Department. You also have three other tutors: the warrior tutor, the scholar tutor, and the shadow tutor. You will learn the basics of these four professions before deciding your lifelong career.”

Three more adults entered: a plump man with no hair but a long golden beard, holding a thick book—this was their scholar tutor, Jinji; a slender man with a mask, silver hair, black clothes, and two short knives at his waist—their shadow tutor, Xiying; and a man in blue armor with a large sword, whom Xiaofeng recognized as Qingyuan from the city gate.

Seeing Qingyuan, Xiaofeng’s eyes lit up, recalling the gate encounter and feeling destined to become a warrior like him. After introductions, Tutor Hui continued, “There are 32 classes in total, each with three students. On the third day after school starts, there will be a freshman assessment involving battles between classes. We need to know your strengths now. After the assessment, you’ll continue learning from the four professions. For the next three days, you’ll have specialized training.”

Qin Baoyi stepped forward first, saying, “My mother is a scholar, so I’m skilled in magic.” Jinji laughed heartily, pleased to have such a cute student. Wenyu silently stood before Xiying, who nodded understandingly without a word.

Xiaofeng, without hesitation, walked up to Qingyuan, smiling, “Teacher Qingyuan, I saw your prowess at the city gate. I want to be a warrior like you.”

Hui sighed, feeling left out. Qingyuan looked at Xiaofeng, saying, “Xiaofeng, your father and grandfather were Sijo priests. You should choose Tutor Hui. You have no future with me.” Qingyuan winked, but Xiaofeng stubbornly stayed put. Hui intervened, “Kids are still undecided. Qingyuan, train him for three days. I’ll handle their living arrangements. Don’t shirk your duties.”

Xiaofeng smiled innocently at Hui’s words. Qingyuan, seeing this, reluctantly agreed to train Xiaofeng for three days.