Here, it was almost like a legendary paradise.

A vast plaza stretched out, its ground paved entirely with white jade, glittering under the light, making anyone who looked at it feel insignificant. In the distance, white clouds floated like gauzy veils, drifting below their feet. In the center of the plaza, at intervals of several dozen yards, stood massive columnar compasses, their surfaces etched with starlight patterns that occasionally emitted flashes of light. They were arranged in three rows, with three in each row, making a total of nine, all placed with meticulous precision.

"Follow me," the young man, seeming to understand the awe in these children's hearts, smiled gently. He let them marvel for a while before calling them to continue forward.

"This is the entrance to the main hall of Phantasmal Academy. There are even more amazing sights ahead!" the young daoist said as they walked.

Rowan couldn't help but ask, "What's ahead?"

The young daoist pointed ahead and said, "The Skybridge."

They strained their eyes to see, noticing something shimmering at the far end of the plaza, beyond a misty veil of clouds. Hastening their pace, they moved forward.

Gradually, the sound of water reached their ears.

As they walked closer, the mist parted gently around them like a shy maiden, revealing its hidden beauty.

At the end of the plaza stood a stone bridge, unsupported by any pillars, arching gracefully into the sky. One end anchored at the plaza, it sloped upward into the clouds, like a proud dragon leaping into the heavens. The sound of trickling water filled the air, and under the sunlight, the entire bridge glowed with vibrant colors, resembling a rainbow descended from the sky, magnificent and stunning.

The sight left everyone gaping in awe.

The young daoist chuckled, "Come along." He took the lead and stepped onto the stone bridge.

As they stepped onto the bridge, they noticed streams of clear water flowing down its sides, leaving the center dry. The sunlight passing through the clouds refracted through the water, creating a brilliant rainbow.

Seeing their entranced expressions, the daoist warned, "Be careful. There's a bottomless abyss below. Falling off would mean certain death."

Startled, they steadied themselves and walked cautiously.

The rainbow bridge was extremely high and long. As the seven of them walked, the clouds gradually sank beneath their feet, indicating their ascent. The strange sounds ahead continued to grow louder.

After a while, the clouds thinned, and they emerged from the sea of mist, greeted by a brilliant blue sky that seemed almost transparent. The vast sky stretched endlessly in all directions, and below, the clouds floated gently, making their hearts swell with a sense of freedom.

Ahead of them stood the main hall of Phantasmal Academy.

Green mountains surrounded the hall, which perched majestically atop a peak, enveloped in clouds. Occasionally, auspicious cranes would cry out and circle in the sky, enhancing the ethereal beauty of the scene.

The stone bridge no longer ascended, forming an arch in mid-air and descending to the edge of a crystal-clear pond in front of the grand hall.

They descended the rainbow bridge and approached the pond. A wide stone staircase led up from the pond to the grand hall's golden doors. The pond's green waters were as clear as a mirror, reflecting their images and the surrounding mountains.

As they climbed the high stone steps, they saw the golden door adorned with a lifelike dragon head, poised as if to soar into the sky. Entering the grand hall, they found the doors wide open, light flooding the interior, where a solemn statue stood in the center. The statue depicted an elderly man with a stern gaze directed at the heavens, holding a thick spellbook, his flowing robes exuding an air of dignity.

In front of the statue, within the grand hall, stood dozens of robed individuals, clearly members of Phantasmal Academy. Arranged before them were nine rosewood chairs, four on each side and one in the center. Only eight were occupied, with the central chair hosting the renowned headmaster of Phantasmal Academy, Alexander Steadfast, his deep blue robes, and kindly eyes making him easily recognizable. Among the others were several who had observed the second-round test at the mountain's base.

The last chair on the right side was vacant, with a middle-aged man standing behind it, his respectful demeanor distinct from the seated individuals.

The people in the hall were conversing about something. The young man who had led them there straightened his robes outside the door and respectfully announced, "Headmaster, teachers, I, Emile, have brought the new students as instructed, awaiting their department assignments."

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

Alexander nodded, surveying the six newcomers with a smile. "Children, welcome to Phantasmal Academy. I hope you will train diligently and not waste this precious opportunity."

The group, filled with excitement, hurriedly bowed in response.

Alexander exchanged a glance with the elder seated second from the left. After a brief nod, he said, "Evelyn Darkwood, Aiden Nightshade, Aurora Frost, you three will join the Second Division. Emile, they're your junior disciples, so please take them and settle them in."

Emile respectfully clasped his hands. "Yes, Headmaster." He gestured to the three, smiling, "Come with me, my junior disciples. Let's get you familiar with the Second Division."

The three nodded eagerly, bidding farewell to the elders before following Emile out of the hall.

Watching them leave, Alexander gestured towards Liam and the remaining two. Stars of light flickered from his sleeves, unnoticed by the three as they bowed their heads. The starlight scattered over them, causing them to collapse unconscious. The hall's occupants glanced at them but showed no surprise, accustomed to the spectacle.

Alexander mused briefly before speaking. "The Second Division is settled. Now, we must decide on the placements for these two children, which my junior brothers have yet to agree upon." He looked towards the assembled individuals.

The other six division tutors, led by the First Division tutor Ulric Stonebreaker, all turned their attention to Rowan and Caspian, their eyes lingering with interest, but none paid any heed to Liam standing to the side.

In the path of cultivation, talent is of paramount importance. There are often tales of prodigies who attain enlightenment and surpass centuries of training. The disciples of Phantasmal Academy understood this well. Back in the days when Phantasmal Academy was at the brink of collapse, it was revived by the remarkable talent of the founding grandmaster, who, despite his youth, possessed extraordinary gifts. He deciphered the mysteries of Arcane magic and surpassed the achievements of his predecessors, revitalizing the once humble Phantasmal Academy into a thriving and respected institution, now a leader of righteous paths in the world.

Moreover, while a great mentor is rare, a highly gifted disciple is even harder to find. Caspian and Rowan both possessed extraordinary talents, their S-class potential being exceedingly rare. Caspian, in particular, with his exceptional determination and aptitude, caught the eyes of Phantasmal Academy's division tutors instantly.

After a moment of silence, the Fifth Division tutor Gerard Grimstone cleared his throat and spoke, "Heh, Headmaster, you know our Fifth Division has always been short on numbers. Let me take one off your hands this time."

He extended his hand towards Caspian, but was intercepted by the Fourth Division tutor, John Wisdom, who quickly stood up and interjected, "Headmaster, from the moment I saw this child, I felt an extraordinary connection with him. It must be fate. Why not let him join my division?"

Phantasmal Academy, with its long history, had divisions that, while outwardly amicable, were inwardly competitive. Seeing Caspian's outstanding potential, no one wanted to miss the chance of recruiting a future grandmaster. At the very least, even if they failed to groom him, denying the other divisions the opportunity was reason enough.

With the Headmaster's authority and wisdom, none would dare challenge his decisions openly. It was known that Alexander had shown an interest in taking Rowan before these new students arrived. Missing out on Caspian would be unthinkable.

John's words had barely settled when the Sixth Division tutor, Ignatius Flameborn, remarked, "Brother, you already have two hundred disciples, each supposedly destined to be with you. Isn't that too many 'fated' connections?"

John blushed and was about to reply when Gerard cut him off, "Ignatius is right. Speaking of disciple numbers, even the smallest divisions have over a hundred members, while my Fifth Division has only eleven. It's quite unbecoming. How about—"

The First Division tutor Ulric interrupted, "Gerard, new students are like unpolished jade. We must provide them with the best growth opportunities to help them shine, rather than worrying about our own numbers."

He turned to Alexander, bowed, and said, "Headmaster, this child is indeed a gem. Please allow me to take him under my wing. I promise to train him diligently and ensure he reaches his full potential."

Alexander pondered briefly while John, Gerard, and the others held their breath. As expected, Alexander finally said, "Ulric makes a good point. Let him join your division."

Ulric Stonebreaker laughed heartily, "Thank you, Headmaster."

The other tutors watched with concealed frustration. Yet, with Alexander's decision and Ulric's formidable strength, they could only swallow their displeasure.

Alexander paused and then said, "Now, about the other one..."

John coughed, closed his eyes; then peeked through slits at the ornate ceiling as if suddenly fascinated by its patterns; Gerard let out a nervous chuckle and feigned sudden drowsiness; Ignatius, unable to intervene earlier, simply stared off into space, pretending disinterest.

Only Ulric, having won Caspian, glanced coldly around, a smile playing in his eyes.

Alexander, though slightly embarrassed, didn't mention anything about disregarding lesser talent. Instead, he quickly found a scapegoat.

"Nephew Aiden," Alexander's smile seemed particularly gentle at that moment.

The middle-aged man standing by the empty chair straightened, his heart pounding. He was about to speak, but Alexander continued, "Your Eighth Division has also been short-staffed. Though your mentor isn't here today, this student should join your division. He's the top scorer in the first trial, climbing eight hundred steps, a rare talent in Phantasmal Academy."

Aiden Nightshade was alarmed. Liam Serenity's talent was mediocre, although his determination was exceptional. However, in the path of cultivation, determination was vital, but talent defined one's potential. Taking him in would be a burden, and his mentor would surely reprimand him. Aiden was about to argue, but Alexander didn't give him a chance, concluding, "Alright, this matter is settled. Teach the new students well, understood?"

Ulric, William, and the others stood up and responded in unison, "Yes."

Alexander nodded, coughed a few times, avoided Aiden's gaze, and with a gust of wind, swept the still-sleeping Rowan into the inner hall.

As his figure disappeared, the grand hall emptied quickly. Ulric left with a laughing Caspian, followed by other tutors returning to their quarters, leaving Aiden and the unconscious Liam behind, with only a few sighs echoing in the vast space.

Liam, unaware of his fate, remained in a deep sleep, oblivious to the dramatic turn his destiny had taken.