Greenwood Academy was the most prestigious organization in the Azure Alliance, founded as a neutral ground to resolve conflicts and establish a safe haven for humanity during the Nightmare Tides millennia ago.
It was established on Starflow Island, the largest of the seven islands. Later, six more branches were built on the remaining sovereign isles.
Since there weren't many people capable of sensing astral energy, the academy also began accepting students talented in other fields.
Today marked the day when all seven academies accepted new disciples. It was a rare event, as Greenwood Academy only accepted students every two years, and applicants had to be under eighteen.
The Greenwood Academy on Misty Rain Island was located on a small isle off the northern coast.
"Everyone, follow me!"
Instructor Jianhong shouted, his voice booming across the shore. The students quickly gathered into an orderly formation, following him closely.
After disembarking from the ship, a breathtaking scene greeted them. Massive ancient trees, quaint huts, and pavilions stood amid lush greenery. In the distance, the shadow of a grand building loomed.
"Greenwood Academy is really beautiful," Bai Tian murmured in awe. Everything from the ancient trees to the carefully arranged pavilions and huts radiated a timeless, solemn beauty.
"Instructor Jianhong, why is no one here?"
A small, curious voice broke the silence.
Everyone turned to see a frail-looking boy with short hair. Some students shot him strange looks, while others openly showed disdain.
Bai Tian wasn't surprised. He'd already learned from a lady at Misty Rain Pavilion that all senior students were out on missions.
"Every senior student at Greenwood Academy undertakes a mission at the end of each year. That's why only a few remain, most likely in their residences," the beautiful woman beside Instructor Jianhong finally spoke. Though she hadn't said a word until now, Bai Tian suspected she too was an instructor.
The students nodded in understanding. Not everyone was from the Sovereign Islands or had relatives who had joined Greenwood Academy.
Some haughty glances came from those born on the Sovereign Islands, their expressions tinged with disdain.
"Enough. Follow me," Instructor Jianhong barked, leading them deeper into the island.
Before long, they arrived at a massive structure.
"It's the Martial Stadium!" someone gasped.
Legends of the Martial Stadium were known to almost everyone, and seeing it in person left many students breathless.
Inside, numerous people were gathered, both young and old, all exuding an air of experience. At the front stood a striking woman dressed in elegant green robes embroidered with silver patterns. Her long hair cascaded down like a waterfall, and her calm, commanding presence made it clear she held authority here.
Instructor Jianhong and the woman both approached the podium, joining other instructors.
The woman stepped forward to address the students. Neatly organized in lines, Bai Tian noticed he was at the end of his, while Wen Yu had been assigned to a different one to maintain balance.
The woman smiled, her gaze sweeping over them.
"Some of you may know about Greenwood Academy, but many of you don't truly understand what it stands for. Being a student here is a privilege, but it also comes with responsibility. I hope you are all prepared to carry that weight."
"I, Lin Ruyan, Vice Principal of Greenwood Academy, welcome all 292 of you."
With those brief words, Vice Principal Lin Ruyan stepped down. Though the students expected a longer speech, they still applauded and shouted in unison, "Thank you, Vice Principal!"
A few instructors then introduced themselves, each offering a few words of encouragement. The last to speak was an old instructor named Zhao Hengzhi, who talked for much longer than the others, explaining the academy's rules and what lay ahead.
Later, inside a modest wooden house, Bai Tian and Wen Yu lay on their beds, chatting.
"I didn't expect to end up with you," Bai Tian said with a smile.
Greenwood Academy paired students together, assigning them shared housing so they could keep each other in check and report any issues. If anything suspicious occurred, both would face punishment.
"There are 36 students in the Martial Division. Take out the girls and there are 21 boys. Not impossible we'd end up together," Wen Yu replied, secretly pleased it was Bai Tian and not a stranger.
"I'm planning to take Herbology as well. What about you?" Wen Yu asked.
Bai Tian wasn't surprised. After spending some time with him, he realized Wen Yu was a scholar at heart, eager to learn everything he could.
"I've decided to focus on cultivation and worldly knowledge," Bai Tian answered after a moment's thought.
His real ambition was to become a ship commander. With his poor cultivation talent and failure to sense astral energy so far, he needed to dedicate himself to both cultivation and learning about the world.
Wen Yu gave him a curious look. "I thought you'd choose Craftsmanship. Physical strength is valued there."
Though Wen Yu didn't say it outright, Bai Tian knew he was implying that with Bai Tian's lack of talent, it might be better to pick a practical path. Still, Bai Tian remained resolute. His goal was to become a ship commander and reach the Foundation Realm. Then, he would leave the Azure Dominion to search for answers about his father and grandfather.
"Never mind. Let's go eat. I heard they even have Spiritual Fish meat!" Wen Yu exclaimed, his mouth already watering.
Bai Tian nodded. Now that he was here, he intended to use every resource available to him and make up for his lack of natural talent through sheer effort.
They made their way to the dining hall. Each division had its own, and the Martial Division's hall wasn't crowded. Bai Tian spotted two familiar faces — the burly brothers from earlier.
At the counter, a middle-aged woman listed the available dishes, among them several varieties of Spirit Fish. Without hesitation, Bai Tian chose Silverfin Carp, while Wen Yu picked Azure Spirit Fish.
As they sat down, Wen Yu shot Bai Tian a skeptical look. "You sure you can eat that much Silverfin Carp? Even the lady at the counter looked surprised."
"My body's a bit special. I can handle a little more than usual," Bai Tian replied casually.
"A little? I doubt even late-stage Meridian Opening cultivators could stomach that much," Wen Yu muttered, still staring.
Just then, footsteps drew their attention. A stunning girl passed by, so ethereal she looked like a fairy from a dream. On closer inspection, she bore a resemblance to Vice Principal Lin.
"That's Zhao Mingyu, daughter of the Misty Rain Lord," Wen Yu whispered, his tone serious.
Bai Tian recalled Uncle Xiao mentioning her. It made sense that the Misty Rain Lord's daughter would join the Martial Division. What puzzled him was how similar she looked to the Vice Principal.
"Heh… Vice Principal Lin is her aunt. I heard the previous Misty Rain Lord was a lustful man with many wives, and he didn't treat the Vice Principal's mother well. There's some bad blood between them, though apparently Vice Principal Lin still cares for her niece," Wen Yu explained.
Bai Tian gave Wen Yu a strange look.
Wen Yu coughed awkwardly. "It's important for scholars to understand the politics of the Legacy Clans. These things matter."
As Zhao Mingyu passed by, she paused and glanced at Wen Yu, then at Bai Tian, her expression flickering with mild surprise. It lasted only a moment before she continued to the counter.
Wen Yu looked even more embarrassed. "Damn, did she already open her meridians? I could swear she heard me whispering."
Bai Tian's brows furrowed. It should've been impossible for a Qi Sensing stage cultivator to hear them from that distance. Then he exhaled and let it go.
Everyone had their own path to walk — and he had his. Whatever the odds, he would carve out his future by his own hands.