The morning sun rose above Thunder Eagle Academy.
Instead of gathering on the training grounds…
Every Outer Disciple was ordered to report to the Hall of Foundation Learning.
The enormous lecture hall could accommodate more than five hundred disciples.
Stone pillars carved with soaring eagles stretched toward the ceiling.
Ancient banners fluttered gently despite the absence of wind.
Rows of wooden desks filled the hall.
Today…
No one carried weapons.
Every disciple carried only a notebook and brush.
Even Ye Ming looked curious.
"This isn't a cultivation class?"
Ye Jun shook his head.
"It looks like a classroom."
Ye Luo smiled.
"I wonder if they'll give us food afterward."
Ye Jun sighed.
"You only think about eating."
Moments later…
An elderly instructor entered slowly.
His snow-white robes were embroidered with deep blue clouds.
Upon his chest rested three golden feathers.
The entire hall immediately stood.
Even the usually noisy disciples fell silent.
This was no ordinary instructor.
He was an Inner Court Instructor.
Instructor Bai.
Without introducing himself…
He turned toward the massive black stone behind him.
With one finger…
He wrote two glowing words.
Affinity.
The entire hall watched quietly.
Instructor Bai spoke calmly.
"Tell me…"
"What is cultivation?"
Hands immediately shot into the air.
"A method of becoming stronger."
"A way to gain power."
"A road toward immortality."
Instructor Bai shook his head after every answer.
Finally…
His gaze landed on Ye Ming.
"You."
Ye Ming stood respectfully.
"Cultivation…"
"…is understanding oneself and the world."
Instructor Bai's eyes brightened slightly.
"A good answer."
"But incomplete."
He turned back toward the stone wall.
"Cultivation…"
"…is harmony."
"Harmony between your body."
"Your spirit."
"Your bloodline."
"And Heaven and Earth."
He slowly raised his hand.
A small sphere of wind appeared above his palm.
It danced gently.
Without warning…
The wind transformed into countless tiny feathers that circled the classroom.
Every disciple stared in amazement.
"This…"
"…is Wind Affinity."
He closed his hand.
The feathers disappeared.
Another movement.
Flames appeared.
Then flowing water.
Then solid stone.
One after another…
The elements danced through the air.
"This world contains countless forms of spiritual energy."
"Some of you naturally resonate with wind."
"Others…"
"…with fire."
"Earth."
"Water."
"Metal."
"Wood."
He paused.
"Very rarely…"
"…lightning."
A murmur swept through the classroom.
Lightning.
Everyone knew how rare that element was.
Instructor Bai continued.
"Remember this well."
"Affinity…"
"…is not bloodline."
He pointed toward the class.
"A disciple with Wind Affinity may possess an Eagle Bloodline."
"Or…"
"He may awaken a Wolf Bloodline."
"They are connected…"
"…but they are not the same."
Several disciples hurriedly wrote down every word.
Ye Ming did the same.
Ye Jun listened carefully.
Ye Luo…
Also listened.
Though he occasionally glanced toward the food baskets resting near the instructor's desk.
Instructor Bai suddenly smiled.
"I know what you're all wondering."
"When will you discover your own affinity?"
The classroom instantly became silent.
He slowly pointed toward the center of the hall.
Covered by a crimson cloth…
Stood an ancient crystal nearly as tall as a grown man.
Its surface shimmered with countless colors.
"This…"
"…is the Spirit Affinity Crystal."
"It does not determine your future."
"It merely reveals…"
"…which spiritual energy answers your call most naturally."
Excitement spread through the hall.
Even Ye Ming's calm breathing became slightly uneven.
High above…
Hidden behind carved wooden screens…
Several instructors quietly observed the class.
Lan Xinyue stood among them.
Beside her…
The Grand Elder rested both hands behind his back.
He watched every disciple below without speaking.
Lan Xinyue lowered her voice.
"Grand Elder…"
"I've completed my preliminary investigation."
The Grand Elder did not take his eyes off the classroom.
"And?"
"The records are accurate."
"Ye Luo consumes nearly five times the nourishment of an ordinary disciple."
"He wastes nothing."
"He violates no rules."
"He remains healthy."
The Grand Elder nodded once.
"What conclusion have you reached?"
Lan Xinyue was silent for several seconds.
Then answered honestly.
"I have none."
"I only have questions."
For the first time…
The old man smiled.
"A good instructor never rushes to answers."
Lan Xinyue continued.
"I request permission…"
"…to include Ye Luo in today's affinity examination under closer observation."
The Grand Elder slowly looked toward the cheerful young man sitting near the middle rows.
Ye Luo was currently whispering something to Ye Jun.
Both of them laughed quietly.
Completely unaware that two of the academy's strongest figures were discussing him.
The Grand Elder finally spoke.
"You may observe."
"But remember…"
He looked directly at Lan Xinyue.
"We seek the truth."
"Not the answer we hope to find."
Lan Xinyue respectfully lowered her head.
"I understand."
Below…
Instructor Bai slowly stepped toward the enormous crystal.
His voice echoed throughout the hall.
"The first disciple…"
"…please come forward."
The hall became so quiet…
That every heartbeat seemed audible.
One by one…
The future of every disciple would begin to reveal itself.
Chapter 19 – The First Lesson on Spiritual Affinity (Part II)
The ancient Spirit Affinity Crystal stood silently in the center of the hall.
Nearly three meters tall…
Its smooth surface reflected the faces of every disciple present.
No one spoke.
Even the usually lively Ye Luo became quiet.
Every young cultivator understood one thing.
From today onward…
They would finally learn which element of Heaven and Earth answered their call.
Instructor Bai slowly swept his gaze across the lecture hall.
"There is one misconception many young cultivators carry."
He rested a hand on the crystal.
"They believe a rare affinity means a glorious future."
He shook his head.
"They are wrong."
The disciples exchanged curious looks.
Instructor Bai continued.
"A rare affinity opens a difficult road."
"A common affinity walked well…"
"…is better than a rare affinity wasted."
The words settled into everyone's hearts.
Even the instructors observing from above nodded in approval.
"Before the examination begins…"
"I shall introduce several disciples."
"You will be cultivating together for many years."
"If you only know your own name…"
"…you have already limited your future."
A gentle murmur spread through the room.
This was unusual.
Most expected only a test.
Instead…
The academy was encouraging them to know one another.
"The first."
A young man stood.
Tall.
Broad shoulders.
Sun-darkened skin.
A long spear rested beside him.
"My name is Lin Feng."
"I come from Iron Hammer Town."
"My family has forged weapons for generations."
Several disciples recognized the name.
Iron Hammer Town was famous for its blacksmiths.
"I wish to become the finest spear cultivator in the Eastern Region."
His voice carried confidence.
Not arrogance.
Instructor Bai nodded.
"Sit."
"The next."
A graceful young girl stood.
Her movements were calm.
"My name is Su Qing."
"I come from the Su Merchant Family."
"My dream…"
"…is to save lives."
Several disciples looked surprised.
A cultivator…
Who wanted to become a healer?
That was uncommon.
Instructor Bai smiled faintly.
"The academy needs physicians as much as it needs warriors."
"The next."
A lean young man slowly rose.
His sharp eyes immediately fell upon Ye Ming.
"My name…"
"…Han Mo."
"I have only one goal."
He pointed directly toward the front row.
"To become the strongest disciple of this generation."
His gaze never left Ye Ming.
The challenge was obvious.
Ye Ming calmly met his eyes.
Neither smiled.
Neither looked away.
The atmosphere instantly became heavier.
Ye Jun whispered softly,
"…Looks like you've made a rival already."
Ye Ming simply replied,
"A rival pushes you to improve."
One after another…
Names echoed through the lecture hall.
Gu Shan.
A massive youth whose Earth Affinity was already well known within his hometown.
Bai Yun.
A quiet disciple who preferred studying herbs to swinging a sword.
Qin Lei.
A boy whose family had produced several Wind Bloodlines over the generations.
No one knew…
Whether his own future would be the same.
Slowly…
The academy no longer felt like a room filled with strangers.
It felt like the beginning of a generation.
Some among them would rise.
Some would fall.
Some would become lifelong friends.
Others…
Would one day meet again as enemies on distant battlefields.
None of them knew it yet.
Above the hall…
Lan Xinyue quietly watched every introduction.
She wasn't observing only talent.
She watched character.
Who spoke with confidence.
Who spoke with arrogance.
Who trembled.
Who remained calm.
Her eyes paused briefly on Ye Luo.
He applauded every disciple sincerely.
Whether they came from a wealthy clan…
Or a remote village…
His expression never changed.
Interesting…
Very interesting.
At the highest balcony…
The strongest Core Disciple also watched silently.
Her white robes, embroidered with deep blue and royal purple patterns, flowed gently in the mountain breeze.
Upon her chest rested the academy's golden eagle emblem.
Her name was…
Feng Xue.
The acknowledged number one Core Disciple of Thunder Eagle Academy.
She had entered the hall merely to observe the newcomers.
Nothing more.
Yet…
Her gaze lingered on one disciple longer than expected.
Ye Luo.
Not because he was the strongest.
Not because he was the most talented.
But because…
While everyone else looked nervous…
Or excited…
He was quietly listening to every introduction as though he genuinely wished to remember every name.
Feng Xue's lips curved into the faintest smile.
"A kind-hearted fool…"
she murmured.
Standing beside her…
Another Core Disciple frowned.
"What did you say, Senior Sister?"
"Nothing."
She turned and left.
The disciple followed behind, puzzled.
Below…
Instructor Bai finally raised his hand.
"The introductions are over."
"Now…"
"…we begin."
The Spirit Affinity Crystal emitted a faint humming sound.
Ancient runes carved beneath its base slowly awakened.
One by one…
Soft streams of spiritual light flowed through the hall.
Every disciple held their breath.
"The affinity examination will not determine your worth."
"It will only show you…"
"…which path Heaven has opened."
He pointed toward the first disciple in line.
"Lin Feng."
"Step forward."
Lin Feng inhaled deeply.
He walked toward the crystal with steady footsteps.
Hundreds of eyes followed him.
Among them…
Ye Ming watched carefully.
Ye Jun folded his arms.
Ye Luo smiled encouragingly at his new classmate.
Far above…
Lan Xinyue wasn't watching Lin Feng.
Nor was the Grand Elder.
Both pairs of eyes…
Without anyone noticing…
Had quietly settled upon Ye Luo once again.
Not because they expected a miracle.
But because…
Some questions…
Could only be answered with time.
Chapter 19 – The First Lesson on Spiritual Affinity (Part III)
Silence filled the Hall of Foundation Learning.
Hundreds of disciples fixed their eyes upon the towering Spirit Affinity Crystal.
Lin Feng stood before it.
His palms were slightly sweaty despite the cool morning air.
Instructor Bai spoke calmly.
"Do not resist the crystal."
"It will not harm you."
"Simply place your right hand upon its surface."
Lin Feng nodded.
He took a slow breath.
Then…
Pressed his palm against the crystal.
For a heartbeat…
Nothing happened.
The hall became so quiet that even breathing seemed loud.
Then—
A deep crimson light burst from within the crystal.
The red glow spread upward like molten lava flowing beneath clear ice.
Several runes surrounding the crystal lit up one after another.
Instructor Bai smiled.
"Fire Affinity."
"High compatibility."
The crystal continued glowing for several seconds before gradually dimming.
A small bronze token floated from the crystal's base.
Instructor Bai caught it effortlessly.
He handed it to Lin Feng.
"Keep this."
"It records today's result."
Lin Feng accepted it respectfully before returning to his seat.
Many disciples looked at him with admiration.
"The next."
"Su Qing."
The quiet young girl walked forward.
Unlike Lin Feng…
She showed almost no nervousness.
Her fingertips gently rested upon the crystal.
A soft blue light spread throughout its interior.
It wasn't explosive.
Instead…
It flowed gently like a calm river.
The hall suddenly felt cooler.
Several disciples instinctively relaxed.
Instructor Bai nodded with satisfaction.
"Water Affinity."
"Excellent stability."
One of the healing instructors watching from the rear smiled quietly.
"A promising child…"
he whispered.
"Han Mo."
The sharp-eyed youth stepped forward confidently.
The instant his hand touched the crystal—
Whoosh!
A powerful emerald-green current circled the crystal like a miniature tornado.
The robes of nearby disciples fluttered.
Several girls gasped.
Instructor Bai raised an eyebrow.
"Wind Affinity."
"Very high resonance."
Han Mo smiled proudly.
Before walking back…
He deliberately glanced toward Ye Ming.
His challenge remained unspoken.
Next came Gu Shan.
The crystal glowed with a heavy golden-brown radiance.
The floor beneath it trembled ever so slightly.
"Earth Affinity."
"Excellent foundation."
Bai Yun stepped forward.
A gentle emerald light blossomed.
Tiny green vines briefly appeared around the crystal before disappearing.
"Wood Affinity."
"Rarely seen among combat cultivators."
The alchemy instructors immediately began making notes.
Then came Qin Lei.
The hall grew noticeably quieter.
Rumors had spread that his family possessed an unusual inheritance.
He slowly placed his hand upon the crystal.
One breath…
Two breaths…
Nothing.
Some disciples exchanged confused looks.
Suddenly—
Crack!
A tiny thread of silver lightning flickered deep inside the crystal.
It lasted less than a second.
Then vanished.
The crystal dimmed once more.
Instructor Bai remained expressionless.
"Weak Lightning Affinity."
"Do not be discouraged."
"Lightning is difficult to awaken…"
"…and even harder to master."
Qin Lei lowered his head.
Some disciples whispered among themselves.
Others secretly felt relieved.
A rare affinity…
Wasn't automatically overwhelming.
One after another…
The examination continued.
The crystal revealed:
Fire.
Earth.
Wind.
Water.
Metal.
Wood.
Most affinities appeared repeatedly.
Some stronger.
Some weaker.
No two disciples possessed exactly the same level of compatibility.
Instructor Bai explained patiently after every result.
"Affinity determines how easily spiritual energy answers your call."
"It does not decide your destiny."
"A cultivator with ordinary talent who trains for twenty years…"
"…will surpass a genius who wastes twenty years."
Many disciples quietly wrote those words into their notebooks.
Ye Ming did.
Ye Jun did.
Even Han Mo…
Though unwilling to admit it…
Also wrote them down.
High above…
The observation platform remained quiet.
The Grand Elder folded his hands behind his back.
"How many remain?"
Lan Xinyue glanced toward the register.
"Thirty-two."
"And Ye Luo?"
"Still waiting."
The old man nodded.
"No need to hurry."
Below…
Ye Luo wasn't thinking about himself.
Instead…
He whispered excitedly to Ye Jun.
"Did you see the lightning?"
"It looked beautiful."
Ye Jun chuckled.
"You admire everything."
Ye Luo scratched his head sheepishly.
"It was beautiful."
Nearby disciples couldn't help smiling.
Even after watching dozens of affinity awakenings…
He still looked genuinely amazed.
At that very moment…
Feng Xue stood quietly beneath one of the stone pillars overlooking the hall.
She wasn't hiding.
Core Disciples were free to observe.
Several younger Core Disciples stood behind her.
One frowned.
"Senior Sister…"
"You've watched these Outer Disciples for nearly an hour."
"Why?"
Feng Xue answered without turning around.
"Watch carefully."
The disciple blinked.
"Watch what?"
"Their eyes."
She pointed subtly toward the disciples below.
"Some only watch the strongest."
"Some only compare themselves."
"Some pray for talent."
Then…
Her gaze rested once more upon Ye Luo.
"That one…"
"He watches everyone."
"He celebrates every success…"
"As though it were his own."
The younger Core Disciple looked puzzled.
"Isn't that naïve?"
Feng Xue smiled faintly.
"No."
"It is rare."
"In this academy…"
"…rare things are worth remembering."
Unknown to them…
A few rows below…
Several female Outer Disciples had also begun noticing Ye Luo.
Not because he was the strongest.
Nor because he came from an influential clan.
Whenever another disciple returned from the crystal looking disappointed…
Ye Luo was always the first to smile and quietly say,
"Congratulations."
Or…
"Don't worry."
"You'll grow stronger."
His encouragement carried no trace of mockery.
Only sincerity.
One of the girls whispered to her friend,
"He's different."
Her friend nodded.
"And…"
"He's always smiling."
A third girl giggled softly.
"I think his round face makes him look approachable."
The three quickly looked away before anyone noticed.
Meanwhile…
Instructor Bai called another name.
"Ye Ming."
The hall immediately became silent.
Even Han Mo unconsciously straightened his back.
The acknowledged genius of the Ye Clan…
Walked calmly toward the Spirit Affinity Crystal.
Hundreds of eyes followed him.
Including…
Han Mo's.
Lan Xinyue's.
Feng Xue's.
And the Grand Elder's.
The hall seemed to hold its breath.
Everyone wanted to know…
What kind of affinity the young genius possessed.
Chapter 19 – The First Lesson on Spiritual Affinity (Part IV)
The Hall of Foundation Learning fell completely silent.
Every disciple's gaze followed the young man walking toward the Spirit Affinity Crystal.
Ye Ming.
The son of the Ye Clan Patriarch.
Among this generation of Outer Disciples, his name had already spread throughout the academy.
Not because of his background alone…
But because every monthly assessment placed him near the very top.
Han Mo folded his arms.
His eyes never left Ye Ming.
"Let's see if your reputation is deserved."
Ye Ming stopped before Instructor Bai.
He cupped his fists respectfully.
"Disciple Ye Ming greets Instructor."
Instructor Bai nodded.
"Place your hand upon the crystal."
Ye Ming took a slow breath.
His palm rested gently against the cool crystal.
Nothing happened…
For a single heartbeat.
Then—
Whoosh!
A powerful emerald-green light erupted from deep within the crystal.
It didn't explode violently.
Instead…
Streams of wind began circling the crystal like graceful ribbons.
The sleeves of nearby disciples fluttered.
Several banners hanging from the hall ceiling swayed gently.
The wind carried no pressure.
Only elegance.
Instructor Bai's eyes brightened.
"Wind Affinity."
He waited another moment.
The crystal continued shining.
The wind became steadier.
More refined.
Finally, he announced,
"Four-Star Compatibility."
A murmur swept through the hall.
Four Stars!
That was considered outstanding.
Han Mo unconsciously clenched his fists.
He had also awakened Wind Affinity…
But only Three-Star Compatibility.
For the first time…
He truly understood why Ye Ming was regarded as one of the academy's leading talents.
Ye Ming bowed calmly.
He neither smiled nor celebrated.
He simply accepted his bronze affinity token and returned to his seat.
Instructor Bai nodded inwardly.
"Talent without arrogance."
"Good."
"The next."
"Ye Jun."
Ye Jun scratched the back of his head.
He wasn't nearly as calm as Ye Ming.
Still…
He walked forward with determined steps.
He placed his hand upon the Spirit Affinity Crystal.
Several breaths passed.
Then…
A deep bronze-yellow radiance slowly spread throughout the crystal.
The glow wasn't dazzling.
It was solid.
Stable.
Like an ancient mountain that had stood unmoved for countless years.
Instructor Bai observed quietly.
"Earth Affinity."
The light continued to strengthen.
After several moments…
He nodded.
"Three-Star Compatibility."
Some disciples immediately lost interest.
Only Three Stars.
Not exceptional.
Not weak.
Simply…
Good.
Ye Jun smiled honestly.
He wasn't disappointed.
To him…
Cultivation had never been about being born the greatest.
It was about becoming stronger than yesterday.
He accepted his token with both hands.
"I'll work hard, Instructor."
Instructor Bai looked at him for a moment before replying,
"I believe you will."
"The next…"
A brief pause.
"Ye Luo."
Immediately…
Several disciples smiled.
The cheerful young man stood up.
Before walking forward…
He whispered to Ye Jun,
"After this…"
"…I hope lunch is soon."
Ye Jun couldn't help laughing.
"You really never change."
Several nearby disciples overheard the conversation and chuckled.
Even Han Mo shook his head helplessly.
How could someone be thinking about food at a moment like this?
Ye Luo stood before the crystal.
He bowed politely.
"Disciple Ye Luo greets Instructor."
Instructor Bai gave a small nod.
"Begin."
Ye Luo slowly placed his broad hand against the crystal.
For a moment…
Nothing happened.
Then…
A rich earth-yellow light rose from the crystal's base.
Instructor Bai spoke softly.
"Earth Affinity."
The disciples nodded.
It suited his sturdy build.
But the light did not stop.
The yellow radiance became denser.
Heavier.
Then…
Something no one expected occurred.
Within the earth-yellow glow…
Tiny transparent crystals quietly began to form.
One…
Then another…
Then dozens.
Each reflected the surrounding light like polished diamonds.
The entire Spirit Affinity Crystal appeared to contain a field of glittering crystal dust.
The hall fell deathly silent.
No one had ever seen such a phenomenon.
Even Instructor Bai's voice stopped.
Above the hall…
Lan Xinyue's eyes widened.
Feng Xue unconsciously took one step forward.
Only the Grand Elder remained perfectly still.
Yet…
Deep inside his calm eyes…
A forgotten memory surfaced.
More than a hundred years ago…
When he had still been a wandering disciple…
He had followed his master to an ancient Body Refinement Pavilion.
There…
An old scholar had shown them a damaged manuscript.
Most of its pages had already turned to dust.
Only one illustration remained.
It depicted a cultivator surrounded by countless crystalline fragments.
The old scholar had sighed before saying,
"If one day…"
"You witness earth beginning to crystallize before a bloodline has even awakened…"
"…do not interfere."
"Some physiques belong to Heaven itself."
Back then…
The Grand Elder had assumed it was merely an old legend.
He had never seen such a phenomenon.
Until today.
Below…
The crystal suddenly trembled.
The tiny crystal fragments shattered into countless sparkling motes before disappearing as though they had never existed.
The earth-yellow glow remained.
Calm.
Ordinary.
Instructor Bai finally spoke.
"…Earth Affinity."
He paused briefly.
Then continued as though nothing unusual had happened.
"Four-Star Compatibility."
The disciples immediately applauded.
None of them realized he had intentionally omitted what everyone had witnessed.
Ye Luo blinked in confusion.
"Senior…"
"Did something strange happen?"
Instructor Bai smiled gently.
"The crystal responded well."
"You've done fine."
Ye Luo scratched his head.
"Oh."
"That's good then."
Completely satisfied…
He happily accepted his token.
As he returned to his seat…
Several female disciples quietly smiled at his innocent reaction.
One whispered,
"He doesn't even know everyone is staring at him."
Another giggled softly.
"He's kind of adorable."
Nearby…
Han Mo looked thoughtfully at Ye Luo for the first time.
Perhaps…
The Ye Clan hadn't produced only one remarkable disciple.
High above…
The Grand Elder slowly turned away from the railing.
His expression remained calm.
But his voice had become unusually serious.
"Lan Xinyue."
"After today's lesson…"
"…come to the Archive Pavilion."
Lan Xinyue looked surprised.
"The archives, Grand Elder?"
He nodded slowly.
"There is an old manuscript…"
"I once believed was nothing more than a myth."
He looked back at the smiling Ye Luo below.
"Perhaps…"
"…I was mistaken."
With those words…
The old man quietly left the observation platform.
For the first time in decades…
His heart was no longer completely at peace.
Chapter 19 – The First Lesson on Spiritual Affinity (Part V)
The Spirit Affinity Crystal gradually dimmed.
The strange crystalline phenomenon was over.
Most of the Outer Disciples quickly forgot about it.
To them…
The most important thing was their own future.
Only a handful of people remained deep in thought.
Instructor Bai stood before the crystal once again.
His calm voice echoed throughout the hall.
"Today…"
"You have learned your elemental affinity."
"But affinity alone…"
"…does not make a cultivator."
He slowly raised two fingers.
"There are two foundations every disciple must understand."
"The first…"
"…is your cultivation realm."
"The second…"
"…is your bloodline."
He wrote upon the black stone wall behind him.
Cultivation Realm
Below it, another line appeared.
Bloodline Evolution
Every disciple immediately picked up their brushes.
Instructor Bai continued.
"Your cultivation realm determines how much spiritual power your body can contain."
"Your bloodline determines how that power is expressed."
He turned toward the class.
"Do not confuse the two."
"A disciple with an ordinary bloodline may defeat one with a rare bloodline."
"If his foundation is stronger."
"If his judgment is better."
"If his will is greater."
Several disciples nodded thoughtfully.
Even Han Mo, who had been disappointed by Ye Ming's superior Wind Compatibility, found himself listening more carefully.
With another wave of his sleeve…
New words appeared beneath the first heading.
The Mortal Body Realm
1st Layer
2nd Layer
3rd Layer
…
9th Layer
Below that…
Another realm appeared.
Spirit Meridian Realm
The hall became quiet.
Instructor Bai pointed at the writing.
"Every one of you sitting here…"
"…is within the Mortal Body Realm."
"Some have just entered."
"Some have reached its upper layers."
"When your body becomes capable of enduring spiritual energy…"
"You will begin opening your meridians."
"That is the beginning of the Spirit Meridian Realm."
One disciple immediately raised his hand.
"Instructor!"
"How many meridians does a cultivator possess?"
Instructor Bai smiled.
"A question worth asking."
"The human body contains countless branches."
"But twelve primary meridians serve as the foundation of cultivation."
"When all twelve have been successfully opened…"
"Only then may a cultivator seek the next realm."
The disciples hurriedly copied every word.
Ye Ming lowered his brush.
"So…"
"Our clans only taught us the beginning."
Ye Jun nodded.
"There is still so much we don't know."
Ye Luo looked at the notes covering his page.
His eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"So cultivation is much bigger than I imagined."
Instructor Bai continued.
"Thunder Eagle Academy does not simply teach you techniques."
"We teach you how to cultivate correctly."
"If your foundation is unstable…"
"No technique can save you."
"If your foundation is firm…"
"Even an ordinary technique may become extraordinary."
The lesson settled deeply into the minds of the young disciples.
At the rear of the hall…
Another instructor entered quietly.
Unlike Instructor Bai…
She wore elegant white robes trimmed with deep blue.
Upon her chest rested three golden feathers.
She was clearly an Inner Court Instructor.
Many disciples immediately stood.
"Instructor Lan!"
Lan Xinyue nodded politely before taking a seat at the side of the hall.
She did not interrupt the lesson.
Yet…
Her arrival drew many curious glances.
Especially from the older disciples.
Few instructors personally attended foundation classes.
Something unusual was happening.
Meanwhile…
Far above the lecture hall…
The Grand Elder slowly climbed the worn stone steps leading toward the Archive Pavilion.
Almost no one entered this place anymore.
The shelves were filled with ancient scrolls.
Some were so old that touching them carelessly would reduce them to dust.
An elderly archive keeper looked up in surprise.
"Grand Elder?"
"It has been years."
The Grand Elder smiled faintly.
"It has."
"I've come looking for an old record."
The keeper bowed respectfully.
"Which one?"
The old man's gaze slowly drifted across countless shelves.
"I do not remember its title."
"I only remember…"
"…that it spoke of ancient physiques."
The keeper frowned.
"Body cultivation records?"
"Perhaps."
"Perhaps not."
The Grand Elder himself wasn't certain anymore.
More than a century had passed.
Memory could fade.
Legends could become distorted.
Yet…
The image of those crystalline fragments refused to leave his mind.
Back in the lecture hall…
Instructor Bai closed the day's lesson.
"Beginning tomorrow…"
"You will no longer cultivate together as one large class."
The disciples exchanged puzzled looks.
Instructor Bai continued,
"The academy will divide you according to your progress."
"Each instructor specializes in different forms of cultivation."
"Sword."
"Spear."
"Body Refinement."
"Healing."
"Archery."
"Elemental Arts."
"You will discover which path suits you best."
Excitement spread through the hall.
This was what everyone had been waiting for.
Real cultivation.
Real techniques.
Real progress.
Before dismissing the class, Instructor Bai added one final sentence.
"Remember…"
"The strongest cultivator is not always the one with the rarest affinity."
"It is the one who understands himself."
As the disciples began leaving in groups…
Conversations filled the academy once more.
Lin Feng was already discussing spear techniques with Gu Shan.
Su Qing was surrounded by several girls asking about healing.
Han Mo walked alone, silently replaying Ye Ming's affinity test in his mind.
Ye Ming and Ye Jun discussed the upcoming training assignments.
Ye Luo…
Was asking another disciple if the academy kitchen really served steamed spirit buns on training days.
The disciple laughed.
"I've never met anyone who gets excited about food more than cultivation."
Ye Luo grinned.
"I need food to cultivate."
Neither of them noticed…
Lan Xinyue watching from a distance with an amused smile.
She quietly murmured to herself,
"Perhaps…"
"…that isn't entirely untrue."
Then she turned and walked toward the Archive Pavilion.
The Grand Elder had summoned her.
And somehow…
She felt the answer to Ye Luo's mystery was hidden somewhere among the academy's oldest secrets—even if that answer had long since been forgotten by the world.
Chapter 19 – The First Lesson on Spiritual Affinity (Part VI)
The afternoon bell echoed across Thunder Eagle Academy.
Dong…
Dong…
Dong…
Outer Disciples streamed out of the Hall of Foundation Learning in small groups.
Some were discussing their affinities.
Others excitedly argued over which cultivation hall they hoped to enter.
For the first time…
The academy truly felt alive.
Near a stone bridge crossing a clear stream…
Han Mo walked alone.
His fists remained clenched.
"Four-Star Wind Compatibility…"
He exhaled slowly.
"So I'm still behind."
A voice suddenly came from behind him.
"Then work harder."
Han Mo turned.
Ye Ming stood there calmly.
There was no ridicule in his voice.
Only honesty.
Han Mo looked at him for several moments before nodding.
"…Next time."
"I'll beat you."
Ye Ming smiled slightly.
"I'll be waiting."
The two young geniuses walked in opposite directions.
Neither knew…
That one day, they would become two of the academy's greatest disciples.
Elsewhere…
Lin Feng had already gathered several disciples around him.
"I heard the Spear Hall has an instructor who once fought bandit armies by himself."
Gu Shan laughed loudly.
"Forget spears."
"The Body Refinement Hall is where real men cultivate."
"You should come with me."
Lin Feng snorted.
"I'd rather hold a spear than punch rocks."
The two burst into laughter.
Nearby disciples joined the conversation.
Small friendships…
Were beginning to form naturally.
Su Qing was stopped by another young girl.
"Your Water Affinity was beautiful."
Su Qing smiled warmly.
"Thank you."
"My name is Zhao Ling."
"I'm from River Willow City."
The two girls continued walking together, chatting quietly.
Around them…
More groups formed.
Some would remain friends for years.
Others would drift apart.
But today…
Everyone was simply another young disciple chasing the same dream.
Not far away…
Ye Luo balanced three lunch trays in his hands.
Behind him walked Ye Jun.
"You took food for all of us again?"
Ye Luo grinned.
"Brother Ming is probably still talking with Instructor Bai."
"He'll forget to eat."
Ye Jun laughed.
"You're probably right."
The two headed toward a shaded courtyard.
Several disciples watched them pass.
One whispered,
"Isn't that the Ye Clan disciple?"
"The cheerful one?"
Another nodded.
"He greeted me this morning even though we've never met."
A third added,
"He helped me carry my training stones yesterday."
None of them noticed…
These tiny acts of kindness were slowly building Ye Luo's reputation.
Not as the strongest.
But as one of the most approachable disciples in the academy.
Above the academy…
The clouds drifted lazily across the blue sky.
Within the quiet Archive Pavilion…
The Grand Elder carefully turned another brittle page.
Dust floated into the sunlight.
Hours had passed.
Ancient records lay scattered across the wooden table.
Lan Xinyue stood nearby, helping organize the scrolls.
"So many are damaged…"
she whispered.
The Grand Elder nodded.
"Wars."
"Time."
"Neglect."
"Knowledge disappears more easily than people imagine."
He reached for another weathered bamboo scroll.
Nothing.
Another.
Still nothing.
Then…
He froze.
A thin, cracked jade slip had fallen from between two old books.
Its surface was covered in faded characters.
Most had already disappeared.
Only a few remained readable.
The Grand Elder slowly infused a thread of spiritual energy into the jade slip.
Ancient writing flickered weakly.
"…certain body constitutions…"
"…before awakening…"
"…may resonate with spiritual treasures…"
The remaining lines were broken.
Unreadable.
Lan Xinyue leaned closer.
"Is that it?"
The old man slowly shook his head.
"No…"
"But we're getting closer."
He carefully placed the jade slip aside.
"Whatever happened today…"
"It wasn't ordinary Earth Affinity."
Lan Xinyue hesitated.
"Then should we investigate the Ye Clan?"
The Grand Elder looked out through the window toward the distant disciple residences.
"No."
"If we investigate openly…"
"We may harm the child instead."
His voice became serious.
"Until we know the truth…"
"Ye Luo is simply another disciple."
"Nothing more."
Lan Xinyue nodded.
She understood.
Sometimes…
Protecting a secret meant pretending it didn't exist.
At that very moment…
A bell rang from the eastern side of the academy.
Dong!
Dong!
Dong!
Every disciple stopped walking.
A senior disciple's voice echoed across the academy grounds.
"Attention!"
"All Outer Disciples are to gather at the Martial Plaza before sunset!"
"The assignment of cultivation halls will now begin!"
Excitement immediately spread.
Lin Feng pumped his fist.
"The Spear Hall!"
Gu Shan laughed.
"I'm definitely choosing Body Refinement!"
Su Qing quietly hoped for the Healing Hall.
Han Mo looked toward the Sword Hall in the distance.
Ye Ming smiled.
"No matter where we're assigned…"
"We'll meet again during the Inner Disciple Advancement."
Ye Jun nodded firmly.
"We'll all keep improving."
Ye Luo looked toward the Martial Plaza…
Then at the food in his hands.
He sighed dramatically.
"Can I at least finish eating first?"
Ye Jun burst into laughter.
"You're impossible."
The three brothers from the Ye Clan walked side by side toward the gathering plaza.
Behind them…
Dozens of other young disciples followed.
Each carrying different dreams.
Different talents.
Different destinies.
None of them realized…
That years later, historians would remember this generation by a single name—
The Generation of Rising Eagles.
And among the many names recorded in that generation…
Some would become legends.
Some would become loyal companions.
Some would become rivals.
And some…
Would one day stand beside a young man named Ye Fu, changing the fate of the entire cultivation world.