Before dawn had fully broken, his eyes snapped open.
The sky outside was still a deep shade of blue, with only the faintest hint of light at the horizon. Most of the academy was still asleep.
But Luo Feng was already sitting up.
He exhaled slowly, steadying himself. The habit of early training was ingrained in him—something no new environment could change.
After a quick wash, he slipped out quietly, making sure not to disturb his roommates.
The academy grounds were vast, but Luo Feng didn't head toward the main training fields. Those would soon be crowded, filled with students showing off or competing.
That wasn't what he wanted.
Instead, he walked further… and further… until the paved paths gave way to uneven ground and scattered trees.
Finally, he found it.
A relatively remote clearing.
It wasn't perfect—just a patch of open land surrounded by tall grass and a few crooked trees—but it was quiet.
That was enough.
Luo Feng stepped into the center, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.
The air felt fresher here.
Calmer.
He began.
He didn't train his martial soul,
First, basic stance training. His legs lowered into position, steady and unmoving. Then came controlled breathing, guiding his energy through his body in slow, deliberate cycles.
Minutes passed.
Then an hour.
Sweat formed on his forehead, but he didn't stop.
He shifted into movement—punches, kicks, transitions—each motion sharp, efficient, and precise. There was no wasted energy, no unnecessary flourish. Every action had purpose.
A bird fluttered from a nearby branch, startled by the sudden intensity of his movements.
Luo Feng didn't notice.
His world had narrowed to one thing: improvement.
By the time the sun rose fully, casting golden light across the clearing, his clothes were damp, and his breathing was heavy—but his eyes were bright.
Satisfied.
Not with where he was… but with the progress he was making.
"That's enough for now."
He wiped his sweat, straightened up, and headed back.
Classes were already beginning by the time Luo Feng returned.
The academy transformed completely in daylight—students everywhere, voices overlapping, instructors calling out instructions. Compared to the quiet morning, it felt almost overwhelming.
Luo Feng blended into the crowd.
Inside the classroom, he took a seat near the back.
The instructor began speaking about foundational principles—energy control, spiritual pathways, combat awareness. Much of it wasn't entirely new to Luo Feng, but the depth… the detail… that was different.
He listened carefully.
Around him, some students were distracted, whispering or showing off. Others struggled to keep up.
Luo Feng did neither.
He absorbed every word and remembered.
By the time the classes ended, the sun had begun its descent.
Evening settled over the city beyond the academy walls
And Luo feng was free for the day