The blazing sun rose from the east, indicating a new day, and a youth was slowly waking up, wincing in pain.

“Ah sh*t.”

As the youth sat up in bed he held onto his stomach, as a sharp pain shot through it. When his vision unblurred he looked around his room.

The room itself was nothing special. The walls were painted a dark blue, and the floor was hardwood. Inside the room there was a small wooden bed, a nightstand of similar material and a tall dresser next to the door.

Though to the average person the room was lacking, the youth had a soft smile on his face as his eyes shifted across the room.

He stood up slowly, tying his hair up and grabbing the dark purple robes with a small emblem of a dragon on the front, with the words ‘Long Shui’ just underneath.

The boy peered out of the window, stopping to think, before muttering something under his breath and briskly walking out of the room.

The hallway was painted the same color as his room, but it seemed to have much more life. Paintings ran along the wall, some of beautiful scenery, some were scriptures depicting the grand adventures of historic figures.

The youth paused in front of a large painting placed at the end of the hallway. It was a man with dark black hair with tufts of grey on the sides. He wore light purple robes with the emblem of a crane on the right side. The man's eyes held a great sadness but his mouth still curled up in a smile.

The youth set his eyes on the painting in fascination. He felt somehow connected to the man in the painting.

‘I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere…’

“Bai Cao, the great crane swordsman, his nickname comes from his unfathomable height and strength. But his second title carries importance too. The found sect leader of the purple rain sect, an idol to all those in the academy and the purple rain sect.” A soft voice came from behind the youth, causing him to turn his head around sharply.

“Who-”

“Xin Zi, I too am a disciple here. I saw junior brother standing in fascination so I thought I’d offer an explanation.” Xin Zi spoke with a calming tone, and a faint warmth radiated from his body.

The youth cautiously observed Xin Zi, when he saw that the boy in front of him had no malicious intentions he calmed down and spoke up.

“This junior apologizes for failing to greet senior brother. My name is Zhao Chen, I hope my older brother will be forgiving.” Of course the youth was none other than Zhao Chen, who had arrived at the academy the day prior.

When he arrived at the academy, he was given his robes, his room key and was told where the baths were. When he attempted to ask more questions they were shut down, so he simply went to his room and called it a night.

Xin Zi looked at Zhao Chen for a moment with a strange glimmer in his eyes before returning to his usual smile.

“Oh? And how do you know this senior is someone who commands such respect?”

“The weak are conceited and arrogant, but the strong are aloof to all that does not harm them. Senior took his time to explain to this junior, so naturally this junior can only assume that senior is someone of great power in the academy.” Zhao Chen stood with his hand palmed, the boy in front of him wasn’t at a level that he could ascertain.

Xin Zi paused, his smile turned playful before he let out a small laugh.

“Hehe, junior seems to be on the smarter side compared to the other rookies. From now on you can drop the honorifics, just call me brother Zi. Based on what you’re holding, I assume you’re going to the baths, come I'll walk with you.” Without leaving any room for further questions, Xin Zi turned to walk.

“Yes, brother Zi.” Though Zhao Chen showed the youth in front of him respect, he was still cautious. Just because he was quick to trust Zi Qingyun, did not mean his mindset and personality had fully changed.

Zhao Chen wasn’t at the academy to make friends or get close to anyone. He was here to drain them of as many resources as possible and reunite with his parents after reaching a much higher realm.

Zhao Chen and Xin Zi walked alongside each other, while Xin Zi talked about various things Zhao Chen just simply nodded his head continuously.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

‘You don’t seem to be curious about anything that happened yesterday.’ A voice sounded out from inside Zhao Chen's sea of consciousness.

Zhao Chen immediately recognized it as Bainfu, the mysterious figure that resided in his sea of consciousness.

‘I believe the first condition was no questions. And I'm not dying before I kill every last one of those bastards that wronged me.’ Zhao Chen was definitely curious, but he didn’t want to take any risks.

Zhao Chen was actually a little content, seeing as how he could communicate with Baifun via thoughts, at least he wouldn’t ever truly be alone.

‘About yourself. I never said anything about other topics. But I'm not a very talkative person, so if you have nothing to say then I'll let you carry on.’ Baifun had an aloof and carefree tone that slightly annoyed Zhao Chen.

“Wait, I do have questions.’

No response.

Zhao Chen took this to be Baifun telling him to go on.

‘You said I lost control because I was too weak, why is that? And remember that's not technically about me, since it’s a condition that could appear in others.’

‘I choose what is and isn’t in accordance with the conditions, but yes you’re right. As for what I meant, I thought it was pretty straightforward, your soul hasn’t perfectly set into this body, resulting in there being a small crack in your mind. If something that makes your emotions act up greatly, such as failure, then an inner demon is formed and easily passes through that crack and takes control.’

Baifun paused and Zhao Chen realised he was making sure Zhao Chen understood. Zhao Chen nodded to indicate that Baifun could keep talking.

‘In simple terms, I acted as the glue between your soul and body, connecting them perfectly and slaying your inner demon. Had you been stronger, this would have never happened. I’m rather tired, so I’ve decided to give you two more questions, so think wisely oh great divine lord.’

Arrogant bastard!

Zhao Chen gritted his teeth. If Baifun wasn’t just a spirit, Zhao Chen might have already tried to throw a punch.

Zhao Chen took a deep breath and regained his composure. The explanation wasn’t greatly helpful but it was useful in telling Zhao Chen that at least he was in harmony with this body. Had he never fully harmonized with this body, it would have greatly affected his cultivation.

Zhao Chen shifted his thinking once more. If this stingy bast- Baifun was only giving him two more questions then he’d have to think wisely.

Then the question popped into his head, or at least the part where Baifun wasn’t.

‘Are you also from the upper realm?’

‘No.’

…

‘What the hell do you mean no? That’s not an answer you bastard. If not the upper realm then are you from the mortal plain?’

‘No. That’s three questions. I enjoyed this talk, I look forward to many more.’

‘Wait, wait, wait! You stupid bat bastard! You didn’t answer my questions! I demand my questions be answered!’

Zhao Chen wanted to yell out in anger but he stopped himself. It seemed as though everyone in the mortal plain was dead set on angering him. He had been more infuriated in the short amount of days he’d been in the mortal plain, then he ever was in his previous 600 years of life!

“Junior brother Chen? Junior brother Chen, we're here.”

Zhao Chen snapped back into reality as he heard Xin Zi call out to him. He cleared his throat and stood up straight.

“Apologies brother Zi, I was lost in thought.”

“Hm, alright. Well you’d best hurry up. I’d say you have about 20 minutes before the opening ceremony. And speaking from experience, it’s not something you want to miss.” Xin Zi had a slight look of confusion but he disregarded it quickly. He bid farewell to Zhao Chen and walked away.

“Opening ceremony huh? Make me reminisce.” Zhao Chen shot a smile to the sky, a feeling of loss welled up inside him. He shook his head and switched his train of thought.

The past was the past, nothing could be changed. A man could only grow by looking ahead, never behind.

Zhao Chen entered the baths, which to his surprise were rather luxurious and spacious, but best of all empty! He quickly threw his clothes off and washed up.

Long Shui Academy, inside of the deans building, two people were engaged in a silent conversation

“What do you think sir? Based on this year's rookies, who’ll end up joining the Purple Rain sect?

“Hmm. Well based on Patriarch Luo’s words the five young lords, and those kids surnamed Qingyun and Chen seem to be the most promising. As for what I think, well I’ll have to see their capabilities first hand.

“Elder Pan is wise.”

“You flatter me too much Dean Liang.”

“Dare not Elder, dare not. This dean simply speaks the truth.”

“Haha, good good. You were always my favorite little Liang. Come, it's almost time for the opening ceremony.”

“You’re quite right Elder Pan, come let us walk.”

Centre courtyard of Long Shui Academy , a small group of disciples stood

‘This place is definitely something. Quite grand for just a simple academy.’ Zhao Chen had arrived in the center courtyard.

He looked around him and was quite impressed with what he saw. Several buildings stood tall, lined with banners that depicted important figures and the academy's accomplishments. Training zones with large and new amounts of equipment, with enough variety to fulfil any disciples needs.

Certain buildings stood out, being made out of different materials compared to the rest. They all caught his eye, but the one that interested Zhao Chen the most was the towering pagoda that stood in the middle of the center courtyard.

It seemed to be made of a polished grey stone, and each floor seemed to lighten in color. Zhao Chen couldn’t tell if it was some kind of illusion but it greatly interested him.

A large signboard hung just above the door, that read:

“The Thousand Whispers Library”

Had it been any other structure in the mortal plain with such a boastful name, Zhao Chen would have disregarded it completely, but the pagoda in front of him felt mysterious in some ways. As if he was drawn to it. In that moment Zhao Chen made up his mind, no matter what happened he had to find a way into that pagoda.

As Zhao Chen drew closer to the crowd of new disciples, he spotted some familiar faces.

The now five young lords turned their heads to look at Zhao Chen. Some had sour expressions, and some almost released their bloodlust immediately. But to Zhao Chen's surprise, the girl who had spoken up during the exam was looking at him with fascination.

Zhao Chen started to approach her but was suddenly pulled back by someone.

“It seems brother Chen has also fallen for young Miss Chaotian's charms?”

“And I’m hearing this from the idiot that was drooling from the sight of her?” Zhao Chen was smiling from ear to ear.

He gave Zi Qingyun a tight hug.

The day of the entrance exam, Zhao Chen had fully cemented Zi Qingyun as his sworn brother in his heart. Zi Qingyun was truly a respectable man.

“Wow, brother Chen is really a popular man. I think all five of the young lords want your autograph.” Zi Qingyun chuckled as he gave a wave to the group of youths staring him and Zhao Chen down.

“As if you didn’t leave a lasting impression on them either.” Zhao Chen retorted quickly. The two brothers laughed together.

“I’m glad to see everyone is so lively.” A powerful voice rang out.

Zhao Chen, Zi Qingyun and the rest of the group of disciples sharply turned their heads to the direction of the voice. Two men were standing on the platform in front of them. The man who had just spoken had quite shabby and simple clothes, but the aura he exuded showed that he was no ordinary man.

The man next to him was fully concealed in a dark robe, but he had a power that compared to the old man from the entrance exam.

All the disciples quickly huddled together and formed lines of eight, before turning their eyes to the two men in front of them.

“Good to know you’re all sensible. My name is Shou Liang, I am the dean of Long Shui academy, welcome to the first day of your new lives.” The man spoke up again, but all his aura had vanished.

Zi Qingyun and Zhao Chen faced each other, this academy was covered in too many mysteries!