At the heart of the Crimson Kingdom stood the Verdant Dragon Academy, a place known for both learning and cultivation. Its large campus was filled with gardens, lakes, and open spaces where students trained. People from all over came here, drawn by its reputation.
But even a place like this wasn't completely safe.
The Crimson Kingdom was known for its landscapes and trade routes. Because of that, it also attracted trouble. Bandits and rogue groups often stayed near the outer areas, targeting travelers and caravans.
To deal with that, the kingdom's soldiers patrolled regularly. Their crimson armor made them easy to recognize, and their presence alone was enough to keep most problems under control.
When Isshin entered the kingdom, the difference was immediate.
The city was alive.
Stone-paved streets stretched out in every direction, lit by rows of lanterns. Vendors shouted from their stalls, trying to attract customers. The smell of food filled the air, roasted meat and fresh bread mixing together.
Isshin hadn't eaten in a while.
His stomach growled slightly, but he ignored it for now.
After traveling for so long, what he needed most was rest.
He moved through the crowded streets, looking around as he walked. There were large buildings with detailed carvings, shops selling herbs and equipment, and even people performing in the streets.
Eventually, he found a place that looked decent.
A wooden sign hung above the entrance.
"The Crimson Hearth Inn."
It wasn't fancy, but it looked clean. Warm light came from inside, and the smell of food made it even more inviting.
Isshin stepped in.
The inside was quiet compared to the streets. A few people sat at tables, talking softly while eating. A fireplace burned on one side, giving the place a steady warmth.
Behind the counter stood an older man, wiping a mug.
He looked up.
"A room?" he asked.
"Yes," Isshin replied, taking out his coins.
"Five coins."
Isshin handed them over.
The man gave him a key. "Second floor. Third door on the left."
Isshin nodded and headed upstairs.
The wooden steps creaked slightly as he walked up. When he reached his room, he unlocked the door and stepped inside.
It was simple.
A bed, a desk, and a small window.
Nothing special, but it was enough.
He placed his things down and sat on the edge of the bed, stretching his arms slightly. His body still felt the weight of travel, but being indoors made it easier to relax.
Outside, the noise of the city continued, but it felt distant now.
Isshin lay back and stared at the ceiling.
Tomorrow, he would head to the academy.
A new place.
New people.
He didn't know what to expect.
But that didn't matter.
He had a goal.
With that in mind, he closed his eyes.
The day of the entrance test had finally come.
Isshin stood in front of the Verdant Dragon Academy gates, looking at the massive crowd gathered there. There had to be at least twenty thousand people, all trying to get in.
For a moment, he just watched.
"This will be very hard for you to get into, for one of the best academies in the world it is not easy" Raijin said
That instantly put more pressure into Isshin.
So many people, all aiming for the same thing.
The academy didn't waste time. The first test had already started.
A large crystal stood at the center. One by one, applicants stepped forward and poured their qi into it. The result would show their cultivation level. Anyone below Body Refinement Realm 4th Stage was immediately disqualified.
Thousands had already failed.
Isshin waited for his turn.
When it finally came, he stepped forward and stood in front of the crystal.
He hesitated for a second.
He didn't want too much attention. But holding back didn't make sense either.
Raijin's voice echoed in his mind.
"You need the biggest opportunities even if it puts you at risk, apply what you have learnt from me."
Isshin took a breath and placed his hand on the crystal.
He released his qi.
The crystal lit up instantly.
The light grew stronger and stronger until people nearby started turning toward him.
Then the result appeared.
Golden Core Realm, 1st Stage.
The noise around him changed immediately. People started whispering, some in disbelief.
But Isshin didn't react much.
He glanced at the board.
There were others with strong results too. Not many, but enough to stand out. Their numbers were close, though slightly below his.
Still, it didn't matter to him.
The test wasn't over.
The second test began shortly after.
Now, only thirteen thousand remained.
In front of them stood a large stone.
The task was simple.
Hit it.
The force of the impact would be measured. To pass, they needed at least 1,000 kilograms.
Isshin stepped forward when his turn came.
Isshin focused his qi.
Thunder gathered in his arm.
Then he struck.
The impact echoed.
The stone shook, cracks spreading across its surface.
When the result appeared, the crowd went silent.
9,000 kilograms.
This time, even the instructors reacted.
There were more people that also scored a lot more than 1000 kilograms, just because they were to able to gather their qi and use it to their advantage, without their qi, the amount would be close to 1000 kilograms.
Isshin wasn't the one with the highest record, lots of other cultivators who mainly focused on strength scored even 15000
Isshin stepped back quietly, ignoring the looks around him.
The second test ended.
Only three thousand remained.
Then came the final test.
The candidates were led to a massive tree.
It towered over everything around it, its branches spreading wide like a canopy.
"This is the Verdant Guardian," one of the instructors said.
Everyone looked up.
"You will climb this tree and bring back a leaf from the top. The first 250 to return will pass."
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
The instructor continued.
"This spiritual tree has been instructed to attack you, it will try to make you fall and fail the test."
Isshin looked up at the tree again.
Then the signal was given.
Everyone started.
Isshin stepped forward and began climbing.
At first, it felt normal.
Then the tree reacted.
Vines shot out suddenly, striking toward the climbers.
Isshin moved instantly.
He could see their movement before they fully formed, thanks to the system.
He dodged one, then another.
His body moved smoothly, lightning qi boosting his speed.
Around him, others weren't as lucky.
Some got hit and fell.
Others lost their grip and dropped.
Isshin kept going.
He didn't rush blindly.
Step by step, avoiding every attack.
The higher he climbed, the harder it became.
But he didn't slow down.
Eventually, he reached the top.
The leaves were right in front of him.
He grabbed one.
Without wasting time, he started descending.
The way down was easier, but he stayed focused.
When he reached the ground, he looked ahead.
Five people were already there.
All holding leaves.
Isshin came in sixth.
He didn't mind.
He had passed.
More people followed after him, some barely making it.
By the time it ended, two hundred fifty had succeeded.
The rest were left behind.
The atmosphere changed after that.
People started talking, some even congratulating each other.
Isshin didn't say much.
He just turned and left.
Back at the inn, he sat down on the bed, thinking about everything that had happened.
He thought to himself, "wow that was not too hard" he thought that this was supposed to be the best academy in the world. Raijin burst out laughing.
"You really believed me when i said that? I don't even know any proper locations in this planet.
This is just an average academy it's not the most fanciest or the strongest, i lied to you so that you take it more seriously.
You really think a magician from a tower would just give you a free pass to the best academy in the world?"
Isshin was disappointed. He thought too highly of himself, but it helped him understand. It didn't matter too much.
He had made it.
But this was just the beginning.
Raijin spoke.
"The real challenge starts inside."
Isshin nodded slightly.
He lay down.
For the first time in a while, his mind felt calm.
Tomorrow, he would enter the academy.