Heart of Fire Academy, this is Heart of Fire Academy!
The champion academy of the All-Continent Elite Soul Master Competition!
From now on, they too were members of this academy!
Could they become as strong as Second Sister (Second Younger Sister)?
This place was truly magical, full of a sense of belonging.
At this moment, both Zhu Zhuyun and Zhu Zhuyu faintly felt:
Their lives were about to embark on a new beginning.
The realization did not come as a sudden burst of emotion, but rather as a quiet, steady settling in their hearts. Everything around them—the drifting cherry blossoms, the disciplined yet vibrant atmosphere, and the confident expressions of the academy members—carried a weight of purpose that slowly reshaped their understanding of what "future" could mean. It was no longer confined to the rigid expectations of the Star Luo Empire. Instead, it stretched forward into something unknown, yet filled with possibility.
"Junior Sisters, I am the Fourth Senior Sister, Meng Yiran. I'm very happy you've joined. If there's anything you don't understand at the academy in the future, you can come to me for help."
A composed girl stepped forward with a calm, confident presence. Her tone was neither distant nor overly enthusiastic—just steady and reliable, like someone accustomed to responsibility. Her gaze briefly assessed the two newcomers before softening slightly, acknowledging them as part of the same circle.
"I am the Fifth Senior Sister, Xiao Wu. That's 'Wu' as in dance, yoga dance, not the number five. Zhuqing's sisters, Fifth Senior Sister is looking forward to your performance at the academy! But you must behave properly, don't act recklessly, and most importantly, respect your teacher and honor the Dao!"
Xiao Wu spoke with lively energy, her voice carrying an almost playful rhythm. She pointed cheerfully toward the most prominent building ahead, where a tall vertical scroll hung, the four bold characters of the academy name standing out clearly against the structure.
Her enthusiasm made the atmosphere feel less rigid, almost warm in contrast to the disciplined aura of cultivation that permeated the academy grounds. Yet beneath her playful tone was a clear reminder: this place had rules, and those rules mattered.
"Junior Sisters, it seems there's still some poison in your bodies. Let me help you detoxify. Remember, I am the Sixth Senior Sister, Dugu Yan."
A girl dressed in a form-fitting dark purple outfit stepped forward with quiet confidence. A small green snake rested coiled around her shoulder, its presence eerie but not hostile. Despite its intimidating appearance, her focus was entirely clinical.
Dugu Yan did not hesitate. She extended a hand and gently placed it near Zhu Zhuyun's wrist, then Zhu Zhuyu's. A subtle yet powerful wave of energy flowed from her touch—cool, soothing, and precise. The lingering toxicity from their previous exposure began to dissolve rapidly, drawn out as if pulled by invisible threads.
Zhu Zhuyun's expression shifted slightly in surprise. The discomfort she had grown accustomed to over time faded at a pace she had not thought possible. Zhu Zhuyu, too, blinked in disbelief, sensing her body lighten as if shackles had quietly been removed.
This Heart of Fire Academy was full of extraordinary people.
"I'm Shui Bing'er, and my sister is Shui Yueer~"
A calm, elegant voice followed. The speaker carried an air of quiet composure, like frozen water that concealed immense depth beneath its still surface.
Shui Bing'er stood gracefully beside another girl who mirrored her presence with slightly more relaxed energy. Together, they gave off a sense of harmony, as though even their names belonged to a flowing rhythm.
"And us, we're also Named Disciples. I'm Xue Wu. Very happy you've joined, Junior Sisters~"
Another girl chimed in with a friendly smile, her tone welcoming without pretense. The atmosphere among the students was unexpectedly warm. There was no arrogance, no exclusion—only a shared recognition that new members were stepping into something meaningful.
The academy members' greetings were sincere, but beneath their friendliness was something deeper: respect for the teacher who had brought them all together.
However, the teacher only said calmly to Ning Rongrong and Bell:
"The academy's Senior Brother and Senior Sister, introduce the academy's situation to your Junior Sisters and arrange their accommodations."
Ning Rongrong nodded without delay, already shifting into her organized, capable demeanor. Beside her, Bell also moved promptly to carry out the instruction.
"Zhuqing, Yiran, you two, come with me to the Artifact Refining Pavilion."
Xin's voice remained steady and unhurried as he turned away from the gathering. Without waiting for further questions, he began walking toward a structure located roughly five hundred meters from the main school building.
Zhu Zhuqing immediately followed, her expression focused. Meng Yiran also stepped forward, curiosity flickering in her eyes as she fell into pace beside them.
Ahead stood a pagoda-like pavilion, its silhouette distinct against the academy grounds. One side was unusually spacious, as though designed for large-scale experimentation. At its peak hung a dark plaque engraved with three bold characters:
Artifact Refining Pavilion.
This was no ordinary structure. It was a weapon-forging and research facility that Xin had invested heavily in, coordinating its construction with significant resources and the backing of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. Within its walls were experiments on hidden weapons, spiritual tools, and advanced combat equipment—disciplines that merged craftsmanship with cultivation.
It was here that Xin intended to reveal something important.
A true foundation of power.
A treasure meant not just to be shown—but to be taught.