Chapter 3: Envoy of the Academy

Tang Jian, a mere three-year-old, shouldn't possess the ability to read and write. However, Tang Jian is no ordinary child; he is a reincarnated old soul. As a result, Tang Jian astounded everyone around him by displaying impeccable reading and writing skills. The astonishing incident led to widespread admiration, with others hailing Tang Jian as a genius.

Unfazed by the praise, Tang Jian continued his studies of the language spoken in this world known as the Thousand Dao realm. Its unique language, called Mayam, intrigued him.

Remarkably, Tang Jian's name remained unchanged even in this unfamiliar world, for reasons unknown.

Tang Jian's father, Tang Ren, served as the vice captain in the 3rd Division Troupe of the Azure Dragon Empire and was an accomplished martial artist at the 8th layer of the Body Forging stage.

The Azure Dragon Empire stood as one of the three major empires in the Eastern Continent. Tang Jian's family resided in the Qian Province of the Azure Dragon Empire. Legends whispered that the empire's founder was a cultivator who wielded heavenly flames resembling an Azure Dragon, thus inspiring its name.

Tang Jian's elder brother, at the age of nine, attended the prestigious Azure Dragon Academy, an institution directly operated by the Empire itself. Due to this circumstance, Tang Jian had not yet had the chance to meet his older brother.

Tang Jian's mother, a caring housewife, possessed knowledge of herbs and medicines. His younger sister devoted her time to learning about herbs and medicines, while his youngest brother was still a toddler.

Despite the love and care his family showered upon him, Tang Jian harbored no intentions of remaining with them for long. Even in his past life, he had left his family behind, opting not to marry, so as to pursue his dreams single-mindedly.

Returning to the present, Tang Jian diligently flipped through the pages of a book.

"Son, it's time to sleep. You're only three years old, yet you study so intensely. Do you wish to become a scholar? That would make me immensely proud," Tang Jian's father whispered, sneaking up behind him.

"No, father, I want to become a cultivator, just like my grandfather. You used to tell me incredible stories about his greatness. Why won't you allow me to follow in his footsteps?" Tang Jian replied.

With a sudden smack, Tang Ren slapped Tang Jian in a fit of anger.

This marked the first time Tang Jian had been struck by anyone in both of his lives. However, as a person who had once been a cunning adult, he comprehended the reason behind his father's actions and chose not to react strongly to the blow.

After catching his breath and calming down, Tang Ren firmly grasped Tang Jian's shoulder. "Jian, I understand your affinity for stories of cultivation and your stubbornness. Therefore, I'll give you a chance to prove your determination. Normally, children are admitted to Azure Dragon Academy at the age of five if they possess sufficient talent. However, I will leverage my connections to secure your admission at the age of three. Reach the pinnacle of the Body Forging stage by the time you turn ten, and I will help you join a prestigious cultivation sect."

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Tang Jian felt a surge of joy upon hearing this news. Joining a sect was an arduous task for someone from a humble background—it was akin to reaching the heavens.

Excitement brimming within him, Tang Jian nodded eagerly. However, his elation was short-lived as he soon realized that his father had played a trick on him. After all, his father, at the age of twenty-nine, had only reached the 8th layer of the Body Forging stage.

With an annoying smirk, Tang Ren exited the room, basking in his perceived victory.

"Did my own father just outwit me? I shouldn't have let my guard down. Nevertheless, I must work even harder now," Tang Jian mumbled to himself.

The following day, upon waking up, Tang Jian discovered a mysterious figure seated in the living room, savoring a cup of tea. The person wore the distinct Azure Dragon Academy insignia that Tang Jian had read about in books.

In an instant, Tang Jian recognized the visitor as an emissary from Azure Dragon Academy, sent to retrieve him.

Tang Jian, somewhat taken aback, approached the tea-drinking stranger. "Hello, I am Tang Jian, three years old, proficient in reading, writing, and mathematics," Tang Jian introduced himself, offering a slight bow.

The mysterious elder, stroking his white beard, responded, "Ah, such a well-mannered child you are. I traveled all this way upon hearing of your accomplishments from your father's letter. Just as he described, you possess a resolute determination to walk the path of a cultivator."

On closer inspection, Tang Jian realized that the elder was a highly influential person who had retired. The calloused hands spoke of countless battles fought. Yet, what amazed Tang Jian the most was the elder's ability to see through him.

"Well, Elder, what is your decision? Will you permit him to join the academy?" Tang Ren interjected, no longer being ignored.

"Of course, he may join, provided he passes the entrance examination. Otherwise, he will need to wait for two more years," the elder declared simply.

The elder's words provided Tang Jian with a clear understanding of the situation. The elder had journeyed from the capital to assess whether Tang Jian matched his father's description and to convince Tang Jian to fulfill certain requirements in exchange for what he desired.

"As you say, Elder. After all, if this child cannot achieve even this much, it simply means he isn't cut out for it," Tang Ren agreed on behalf of Tang Jian, his voice tinged with a hint of disappointment.

Tang Jian couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at his father's lack of belief in his abilities. It seemed that Tang Ren truly didn't want him to pursue martial arts and cultivation.

Finishing his cup of tea, the elder rose from his seat and motioned for Tang Jian to follow. As they stepped outside, the main gate of Tang Jian's house swung open, revealing a magnificent carriage waiting before them.

The sight of the luxurious carriage only confirmed Tang Jian's earlier deduction—the elder must have held a prestigious position during his active years.

Entering the carriage, Tang Jian marveled at the opulence of the interior. It was far grander than anything he had ever seen before.

As the carriage set off, Tang Jian's attention shifted to his family members standing outside, their smiles bearing a hint of smugness. His father, mother, and sister looked as if they expected him to give up and return home.

Determined to prove them wrong, Tang Jian clenched his fists and reaffirmed his resolve. "I won't let their doubts deter me. I will show them that I have what it takes to become a great cultivator."

As the carriage traveled toward Azure Dragon Academy, Tang Jian's mind brimmed with determination and a burning desire to surpass all expectations placed upon him. The journey ahead would be fraught with challenges, but he was prepared to face them head-on.

Little did Tang Jian know that this was just the beginning of his extraordinary adventure, where he would forge his own path, defy expectations, and unveil hidden powers within himself.