ne week before departure, Headmaster Shen gathered everyone in Mingde Hall.
Everyone assembled inside. Headmaster Shen stood at the front, with Elder Jiang, Granny Liu, Master Sun, and the middle-aged man in green who had appeared at the training ground standing behind him. Today, he wore a dark green fitted outfit, a blade at his waist, his expression cold and stern.
The ten students sat on both sides.
Headmaster Shen swept his gaze across them and spoke slowly.
"Before departure, there are still some matters that must be made clear. For this trip to Yunmeng Country, I will lead the team personally, with Elder Jiang as the deputy leader. When I am absent, all of you must follow Elder Jiang's arrangements."
Elder Jiang nodded slightly.
"Granny Liu will be responsible for everyone's medical care," Headmaster Shen said, gesturing toward the white-haired old woman. Granny Liu wore plain-colored robes, her face kind, leaning on a wooden staff. She nodded to the group.
"Master Sun will handle daily logistics and the management of spirit beasts." Master Sun clasped his fists.
Finally, Headmaster Shen pointed to the middle-aged man in green. "This is Deacon Yang from Senluo Hall. He will be responsible for everyone's safety."
Yang Jian stepped forward, clasped his fists toward Headmaster Shen, then turned to the group. His voice was low and firm, carrying unquestionable authority.
"Young ones, my name is Yang Jian, a deacon of Senluo Hall. On this journey to Yunmeng Country, I will be responsible for your safety and will also act as an envoy of Senluo Hall to negotiate important matters. In addition to me, two Qingluo Guards will accompany us. Once you leave Jumu Academy, you must strictly follow the arrangements of your teachers and us along the way. The world outside is not peaceful—do not be careless. At best, you may be robbed; at worst, you may lose your lives. During the study trip, you are not allowed to leave the group without permission or cause trouble. In emergencies, seek your teachers or me first—do not act on your own."
Hearing this, Lin Fei couldn't help but feel a bit tense. Wan Li and Li Dong had never told him much about the dangers of the outside world. He hadn't expected that beyond Jumu Academy, such risks existed.
After Yang Jian finished speaking, he stepped back. Headmaster Shen continued:
"Our destination is Yunsheng City, the capital of Yunmeng Country. You will stay at Yunze Academy for over a month. Although Yunmeng maintains friendly relations with Jumu, it is still a foreign land. Once there, observe and learn more, speak less, and act cautiously. Yunze Academy specializes in water-element techniques—you may study their methods and learn from their strengths."
The ten students nodded repeatedly.
Headmaster Shen's gaze fell on the two at the front. "Han Yue, Deng Qian—you are the eldest students. You must also assist the teachers in guiding your juniors."
Han Yue and Deng Qian stood and bowed respectfully. "Yes, we understand."
Elder Jiang then added detailed instructions about the journey—daily schedules, meals, supply distribution, everything down to the smallest detail. Granny Liu reminded them to bring extra clothes, keep warm, and explained how to handle common illnesses on the road.
Finally, Headmaster Shen emphasized, "This trip is both for learning and for representing Jumu Academy. Your words and actions reflect the reputation of Jumu."
Everyone responded in unison, "Understood."
After the meeting, the group gradually dispersed.
Lin Fei and Li Chen left together. As they passed Huang Su, Lin Fei stepped forward to greet him.
"Senior Brother Huang."
Huang Su turned slightly and nodded. He still carried that cold, detached air—tall and slender, dressed in a faded green robe, like a bamboo standing upright.
"Junior brother, we meet again," he said lightly.
Lin Fei smiled. "I've heard Senior Brother's talent is extraordinary. I hope to learn from you along the way."
Huang Su's lips curved slightly into a rare smile. "Of course."
Just as they were about to continue, a loud voice sounded behind them.
"Junior brothers, wait a moment."
Lin Fei turned to see Han Yue and Deng Qian walking over.
"Senior Brother Han, Senior Sister Deng." They clasped their fists in greeting.
Han Yue smiled. "Let's get to know each other first. It'll make things easier during the journey."
He led everyone to the corridor outside Mingde Hall, where the ten students formed a circle.
Han Yue spoke first. "I'll start. Fifth year, Han Yue, early Core Formation stage. I mainly cultivate Metal and Earth techniques."
Deng Qian followed. "Fifth year, Deng Qian, early Core Formation stage. I cultivate Wood and Water—Wood for offense, Water for support."
A burly fourth-year student said loudly, "Zhao Wuji, fourth year, peak Body Tempering stage. Fire and Earth. I'm best at fighting!"
Another refined-looking student beside him spoke gently, "Su Qinghe, fourth year, peak Body Tempering stage. Water and Wood. I specialize in support and healing."
When it was Huang Su's turn, he said calmly, "Third year, Huang Su, late Body Tempering stage. Wood and Fire."
The other third-year student, a gentle-looking girl, added, "Meng Yao, third year, early Body Tempering stage. Water and Metal."
"Second year, Liu Xiangru, mid Foundation Establishment stage. Wood and Water, mainly control," said Liu Xiangru calmly.
Another energetic student added, "Fang Zijing, second year, mid Foundation Establishment stage. Fire techniques."
Li Chen straightened his chest. "First year, Li Chen, early Qi Refining stage. Wood and Earth."
Finally, Lin Fei said, "First year, Lin Fei, early Qi Refining stage. Mainly Wood, with Water as support. Focus on control."
Zhao Wuji stepped forward and slapped Lin Fei's shoulder, nearly making him stumble. "Stick with me, kid—I'll keep you safe!"
Lin Fei laughed awkwardly and thanked him.
Han Yue nodded. "Now that we know each other, take care of one another on the road."
He added, "This trip is both study and training. Yunze Academy excels in water techniques. Those of you who cultivate Fire or Metal can learn how to counter them. Those of you with Wood or Water can study their methods."
Everyone nodded.
…
The day of departure finally arrived.
At dawn, with morning mist still lingering, Lin Fei and Li Chen arrived at the square with their bags.
They both wore the academy's dark green uniform robes. Lin Fei's storage belt was hidden beneath his clothes, and Li Chen's bracer was tucked under his sleeve.
Many were already gathered. Han Yue and Deng Qian stood calmly together. Zhao Wuji was chatting loudly with Su Qinghe. Huang Su stood alone, eyes closed. Liu Xiangru and Fang Zijing spoke quietly.
The teachers stood at the front. Headmaster Shen stood with his hands behind his back, alongside Elder Jiang, Granny Liu, and Master Sun. Yang Jian stood to the side with two Qingluo Guards, all dressed in dark green, blades at their waists, their gazes sharp.
Lin Fei's eyes fell on the two guards. He paused slightly—one of them seemed familiar. But the man wore a head wrap and a face covering, making it impossible to see clearly.
"Everyone is here?" Headmaster Shen looked over the group and nodded. "Then we depart."
He raised his sleeve slightly.
A streak of green light flew out and landed on the ground, expanding rapidly. In an instant, a two-story wooden ship appeared before them. Its body was carved with intricate runes, the bow shaped like a dragon's head and the stern like a phoenix tail—exquisite like a work of art.
"Wow…" Li Chen's eyes widened. Lin Fei was equally stunned.
Master Sun stepped forward, unfurled a scroll, formed hand seals, and shouted, "Summon!"
A flash of green light burst from the scroll, and several giant herons flew out, circling before landing. Each was several times larger than ordinary herons, with wingspans of several meters, gray-green feathers, and sharp eyes.
Master Sun tied thick ropes from the herons to the ship—six in total, evenly arranged.
"Board the ship," Headmaster Shen ordered.
Everyone boarded in turn. The ship had two levels—cabins below and a deck above. Lin Fei and Li Chen grabbed window seats, peering outside.
After checking the ropes, Master Sun shouted, "Rise!"
The six herons flapped their wings and soared into the sky. The ship trembled slightly before stabilizing. Morning wind rushed past, carrying the scent of grass and trees.
Lin Fei leaned by the window, watching Jumu Academy grow smaller beneath them—its gates, training grounds, library, and valleys fading into tiny dots before disappearing into the mist.
"Look, Lin Fei!" Li Chen pointed downward.
In the distance, Senluo City emerged in the morning light. Its streets crisscrossed neatly, people like ants.
At the center stood the petrified divine tree—its massive gray trunk towering into the sky, branches twisted like a giant hand reaching upward. Even from afar, its scale and desolation were overwhelming.
The flying ship continued southwest. Below lay mountains and fields, scattered towns like building blocks in the valleys.
Lin Fei had never seen the world from such a height. Everything seemed small, yet the vastness before him felt boundless.
So this is what the world looks like.
He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and immersed himself in this unknown journey.