Following the Grand Elder and stepping once again onto familiar ground, Chen Yi's aura was completely different.
The outline of the former Skywater City was still visible, but the city's scale and atmosphere had transformed dramatically. Skywater, once a prosperous town at the northern border, always carried a sense of simplicity and restraint. Now, the towering city walls stretched for miles, replaced by sturdier, darker stone. The city had expanded vastly, incorporating the surrounding wilderness and forests.
The streets were broad and straight, the noise rising to the sky. Its prosperity and size now rivaled the top cities of both empires.
"What a change… Truly astonishing."
Chen Yi gazed over the new metropolis, quietly sighing.
But the greatest change was not the city itself, but the enormous complex at its center—now named "Grand Martial Academy." The former Skywater Academy was a symbol of the city, but more like an elegant, independent campus. Now, the Academy's buildings rivaled the city itself, its high walls occupying a third of the entire urban area—and this was just the city-side portion.
According to what Chen Yi had heard from the elders, the other side of Grand Martial Academy opened directly onto the vast plains beyond the city, planned as the sect's combat training ground, cultivation area, and future expansion zone.
The total area of the present Grand Martial Academy was larger than several small cities combined.
"In this period, the sect has poured immense resources and effort into Grand Martial Academy."
Chen Yi looked at the grand buildings, sighing inwardly. It was far more than a simple name change; from scale to status, it was a complete transformation and sublimation.
As if seeing through Chen Yi's shock, the Grand Elder laughed gently.
"Since the entire Defense Clan joined the sect, Elder Niu Gao has personally led the best builders and soul masters of the clan. Nearly all of them relocated here."
"For the past six months, they've worked day and night to achieve today's scale. The architectural achievements of the Defense Clan truly live up to their name."
As if to confirm his words, a tall, imposing figure strode over from the street corner. It was Niu Gao, patriarch of the Defense Clan and now the outer sect elder of the Body Sect.
Niu Gao was extremely tall, his muscles bulging, skin the color of bronze, standing like an iron tower. He gave a strong sense of reliability.
At this moment, he wore a simple, functional suit, slightly dusty—clearly fresh from the construction site. As soon as he saw the Grand Elder and Chen Yi, his serious face broke into a respectful expression. He quickened his pace, bowed to the Grand Elder, and spoke in a voice like a bell:
"Niu Gao greets the Grand Elder! I wasn't aware you'd be coming today—I apologize for missing the welcome!"
The Grand Elder smiled, supporting him with approval.
"No need for such formality, Elder Niu. The Defense Clan's hard work has made today's Academy possible. You all have made great contributions!"
Niu Gao hurriedly waved his hand, smiling honestly.
"Grand Elder, you're too kind. The sect gave us a home and even rare elixirs for cultivation. Such kindness is like a rebirth! Compared to the sect's favor, our efforts are just our duty—hardly worth mentioning."
His words came from the heart. He was mainly in charge of planning and management, while labor fell to disciples and hired workers. Since joining the Body Sect and taking the precious elixirs, his long-stagnant cultivation had begun to loosen, his soul power soaring as if nothing could stop him. Once the Academy's affairs settled, he felt confident he could calm his mind, condense his soul core, and break through to Title Douluo—a realm he'd never dared dream of, back when his clan struggled just to survive. Now, not only did they have a powerful backer and no fear of destruction, he himself was poised to reach the peak of soul mastery. This great change often felt like a dream.
"Ah, the world is truly full of change…" Niu Gao sighed inwardly, his heart swelling with joy and gratitude.
"Following the right people is vital!"
The Grand Elder nodded in satisfaction, turning to introduce Chen Yi.
"Elder Niu, this is our Body Sect's young sect master, Chen Yi."
Niu Gao's expression brightened. He turned to Chen Yi and bowed deeply, tone full of respect.
"Niu Gao greets the young sect master!"
He had heard from the Yang brothers that the young sect master was a prodigy, already displaying amazing potential and strength. Previously, when reporting to the sect, Chen Yi had been in deep meditation, so they'd never met—until today. In person, Niu Gao felt awe; though the youth's face was still immature, his bearing was upright, and the faint rhythm around him seemed to harmonize perfectly with heaven and earth. Even as a peak Soul Douluo, Niu Gao could not sense his depth—only that it was as vast as the sea.
"Indeed, there are no false heroes under great fame. The Yang brothers spoke truly—this young sect master is no ordinary person!"
Niu Gao praised inwardly, his respect only growing.
After the greetings, Niu Gao led them toward the grand main gate of Grand Martial Academy. The massive pillars held up a sign reading "Grand Martial Academy" in three characters. There, a graceful figure waited—the vice dean and academic director, Qing Yun.
She wore simple, elegant robes, radiating a calm scholarly air, but now with added confidence and composure befitting a Title Douluo. Clearly, her breakthrough had changed both her mind and temperament.
She stepped forward, greeting the Grand Elder and Chen Yi with a gentle smile. Her gaze lingered on Chen Yi, a complex and unreadable emotion flashing through her eyes before settling into a gentle nod.
"Grand Elder, young sect master, you've worked hard. The Academy's preparations for the ceremony are nearly complete."
Qing Yun spoke softly.
"Elder Qing Yun is present."
The Grand Elder replied with a smile.
Chen Yi also saluted respectfully.
"Grandma Qing Yun."
Her smile deepened as she patted his shoulder.
"Come, let's go in and take a look. This… is our new Academy, for all of us."
...
Bonus Chapter at 100 PS