The Headmaster's smile grew. "I must say, I'm impressed. I'd never have thought someone at the ninth star of the Disciple rank could perform so well. Well done, very well done," he said.

"Why do you think Elder Kanev helped one of the applicants?" Jie asked.

The Headmaster looked stunned for a moment. "And sharp too. Not even ten years old, but already so observant... incredible. As for Elder Kanev helping a certain someone, well... I have my reasons. No doubt so do you, hmm? That bag must've been quite a find indeed. Too bad the young master of the Chen family managed to fail the trial despite it. How embarrassing.

"But, enough of such matters. They're not for you to concern yourself with. No, you have a bright future to focus on. Please, come with me," he said.

As Jie followed after the Headmaster, she couldn't help feeling that this world was so... alien.

She'd expected this school to be like the schools on Earth and for the Headmaster to be an elderly man or woman... at the very least middle-aged. Certainly not for him, and just about everyone else, to make fitness models on Earth look old and out of shape by comparison.

And that she had no way of knowing what his or anyone's true age was made it feel all the more peculiar. That and the fact a good deal of the people she'd seen so far weren't even human.

The aura the Headmaster gave off was profound as well. She sensed it was carefully restrained, but it was far more potent and mysterious than the auras of the elders.

Still like a raindrop compared to the profoundness of Ming's aura though.

The people in this world were so much... sharper. Like blades honed against the grindstone that was the harshness of life here.

Once more, Jie felt like she knew too little about this new environment.

The Headmaster led her across the fields at a steadily increasing pace.

Jie frowned. Was he trying to measure her speed? Why?

She intentionally stopped running faster and maintained a steady pace. Still far above the pace Elder Kanev had led them through the trials with, but well below her true speed.

She had Ming to protect her, but their real enemies were too powerful even for him to deal with. She'd stood out too much as it was.

The Headmaster raised an eyebrow at Jie's measured pace but said nothing. She wished she could've made herself sweat or something. As it was, it was obvious she was holding back, and she hated that.

They made it to the front of The Crimson Academy. The crowd was gone now, and not even a trace remained.

As much as Jie hated crowds, it felt somewhat ominous seeing it so... empty.

The journey up the hundreds of steps took quite some time even though their speed put cars to shame.

"Does everyone in your world make things in such a ridiculous manner? What's the point of all these stairs? What a waste of time," Jie said to Ming.

Ming chuckled. "Who doesn't like to impress others hmm? I saw in your world many live in buildings too tall for their weak legs to climb. You're just a cultivating monster. You should learn to enjoy life," he said.

"What is there to enjoy other than developing myself and fulfilling my blood pact?" Jie asked.

Ming shook his head. "Life isn't so bad, kiddo. You've gone through tough times, and they're far from the last you'll have, but there's good too. There's much to enjoy.

"Though, of course, our priority right now is to stop Fang Zhuyu's followers, this journey is going to take a long time, and we may not survive. You need to learn to enjoy yourself too," he said.

They finally reached the top of the stairs. A line of guards in blood red robes stood before an impossibly huge metal gate of gleaming crimson metal.

Just the gate was hundreds of meters tall and the walls surrounding it were even higher. An overpowering aura washed over her. It seemed to be coming from the building itself.

"Hmm... it seems this Crimson Academy isn't quite as simple as I first thought. They have powerful formations woven into the walls and the gate. I pity anyone foolish enough to attempt attacking. Though... it still isn't nearly enough to stop me," he said.

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The line of guards bowed deeply and parted, allowing The Headmaster and Jie to walk forward. The Headmaster handed Jie a small gem only a little larger than her thumbnail.

"This keystone will allow the defenses to recognize you. Insert some of your qi into it to bind it to you. Hold onto it and don't lose it. Only you may enter and leave with it.

"You may not bring guests inside. Should you wish to meet someone from the outside world, you will have to do so outside," he said before continuing with a smile, "Welcome to The Crimson Academy."

The huge metal gates swung open.

Jie's eyes went wide.

Whatever she'd imagined the academy to be like... this wasn't it.

Beautiful gardens stretched on further than the eye could see. There were enough buildings for a city on Earth, and she saw mountains in the distance.

Beside her, Ming chuckled. "Nothing to enjoy eh, kiddo?" he said.

The Headmaster led her through the grounds as spindly metal creatures cut the grass with long scythe-like claws. They looked a bit menacing to Jie but nobody else seemed to pay the strange creatures any mind.

Boys and girls of all ages, some human, and others of various races Jie couldn't identify sat in the lotus position and cultivated, sparred, or chatted with each other.

Some even enjoyed picnics beneath the beautiful trees and two youths a few years older than Jie raced each other on clouds that hovered about a foot off the ground. The atmosphere couldn't have been more different from any school she'd ever gone to before.

Even the most wonderful schools in books or movies just didn't compare. This place was like a paradise!

Jie's head swiveled from side to side as she unabashedly took it all in. What splendor!

The headmaster looked at her, and his smile grew. "The Crimson Academy takes good care of its students. Each month you will receive cultivation resources depending on your rank and on various other achievements.

"You will also have the opportunity to spar with the other students. Someone as gifted as you, coming in first in the entry trial... you may even find an elder willing to be your master.

"You'll find that such disciples are looked after even better than normal students. The cafeteria is open all day and night. You may eat as much as you wish. You're still only in the lower dantian, and a growing girl at that so make sure you eat enough! Besides, who doesn't enjoy a good meal?

"On your left over there is our Martial Library. Inside, you'll find many scrolls containing different martial skills. All students are free to borrow one at a time.

"Up ahead is our Shrine of Healing, where you can receive medical attention and healing from wood affinity elders at any time.

"On your right is the Crimson Pill Pavilion. That is where you'll pick up your monthly cultivation resources, but if you have additional money, you may feel free to purchase more at a very reasonable price.

"We have many older students training in alchemy, and you'll find no better price on cultivation resources at your rank.

"Over there, is our Training Hall. There you'll find constructs should you wish to test your techniques and don't have a sparring partner, and of course, it has many dedicated sparring grounds.

"We're holding a tournament in six months' time. You may want to sign up when you get the chance. Those who do well will gain great prizes, and of course, the battles will do wonders for your cultivation. Ah... here we are. The Crimson Vault," The Headmaster said.

They stopped before a massive building made of the same blood-red metal as the gates. It towered over the two of them, reaching high up into the sky.

The Headmaster led her inside, and an elderly man with a mane of gray hair greeted them both with a respectful bow.

The Headmaster put his hand on Jie's shoulder. "We have our first place winner of the entry trial, Vaultmaster Song," he said.

Vaultmaster Song looked at her and raised a bushy eyebrow. "Only a ninth star Disciple? Did we not get a good batch this time?" he asked.

The Headmaster smiled. "Oh, I think we did... she paid her tuition just from the beasts she slew in the trial," he said.

Vaultmaster Song's eyes went wide, and he looked at Jie again. "Hmm... perhaps she is a little monster after all. I shall take her to claim her prize, Headmaster," he said, bowing again.

The Headmaster smiled and vanished in a gust of wind.

"Showoff," Vaultmaster Song muttered.

"I heard that!" shouted The Headmaster from several miles away. Yet, his voice somehow reached them easily.

Vaultmaster Song shook his head and chuckled. He looked at Jie. "Come along, child," he said.

He led Jie through the ornate building. Ming floated along beside her and eyed the massive statues.

"Hmm... you'd better behave yourself and not steal anything without my help. The statues are a defensive measure that could give even those at the Emperor rank some serious trouble. It'd be a shame if you got greedy and died," Ming said.

Jie paled and looked at the statues again. Was there anything in this world that wouldn't try to kill her? Though of course, she had no intention of stealing anything.

They passed through doors... and more doors... and still more doors. Each one more massive and intimidating than the last.

Finally, they stepped into a room bigger than a stadium and filled with shelves and racks, each lined with beautiful treasures that gleamed in the light.

Jie's eyes went wide, and she ogled the many beautiful spears, swords, armor, and precious gems.

What would a historian from Earth give to see this place? She wondered.

"You may take any one item from this floor as your prize for placing first in the trial," Vaultmaster Song said.

Jie bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Vaultmaster Song," she said, "I'll do my best to choose wisely."

Vaultmaster Song smiled and nodded his head. "You have manners. This is good. Many geniuses have died over a needless lack of politeness," he said.

Jie shivered. Five minutes! Could she just go five minutes without somebody mentioning something related to being killed, or attacked in some fashion?!

She looked out over the many treasures.

What should she choose? They were beautiful, but she didn't know anything about them... what would be good?

She stroked her chin and stared at several items while she waited for Ming to look through everything. He'd know better than her anyway.