Right after that, the teacher for Class 6 walked in. Her presence immediately calmed the room. She smiled warmly and greeted everyone.
"Good morning, everyone! I'm your new class teacher," she began, her tone both kind and firm. Then, her gaze drifted to the back of the room where Jin Chi and Yu sat. "I see a couple of new faces today. I'm sure everyone's curious, so why don't you two introduce yourselves?"
A murmur spread across the class. Jin Chi and Yu glanced at each other — a silent game of "you go first" playing out between them.
Yu fidgeted, eyes darting toward the teacher, then back at Chi. Finally, he gave a weak grin and mouthed: You first.
Chi sighed softly, pushing himself up from his seat. "Alright," he said, calm but confident.
He straightened his posture, meeting the curious gazes of his classmates.
"I'm Jin Chi," he announced, his voice shrill but clear. "I skipped grades three and five, and I'm eight years old!"
Whispers erupted across the classroom. Even Jin Chi blinked in surprise — he had never spoken this confidently in his past life. A quiet sense of pride and happiness bloomed inside him.
He sat down to polite claps — mostly from Yu, grinning proudly beside him.
Now it was Shen Yu's turn. Taking a deep breath, he stood up, trying his best to look confident even though his hands fidgeted nervously at his sides.
"Hello everyone," he began, his voice shaky at first. "I'm Shen Yu… I skipped fourth grade, and I'll try my best to be a good student."
Feeling he needed to add something more personal, he hesitated, then blurted, "Also… I like playing and reading comics."
The class chuckled, clapping warmly. Shen Yu relaxed, a small smile creeping onto his face.
Jin Chi grinned. Not bad, Shen Yu… not bad at all.
Some students began whispering and waving, eager to make friends with the newcomers. A few mischievous kids in the back, however, were already smirking, itching for a chance to make the boys cry.
The teacher clapped her hands twice. "Alright, everyone, calm down. Since it's their first day, we'll have a free period. Get to know each other — you'll be classmates for a long time."
The chatter rose immediately, a mixture of curiosity and excitement. Jin Chi felt something warm stir inside — a sense of belonging he hadn't known he needed.
---
But chaos never stays away for long.
Before any trouble could start, the bell rang for Cultivation Class. The air shifted instantly as Instructor Loch stepped into the room, his calm yet commanding presence silencing the students.
"Alright, settle down," he said, his voice echoing. "Today's topic — the Realms."
Everyone leaned forward, eyes wide.
"There are countless realms in existence," Loch began, pacing slowly. "Each vast and unique, connected by ancient portals left behind by the immortals. Some realms are technologically advanced, filled with towering metal cities and machines that touch the sky. Others are wild and untamed, lands where spirit beasts roam freely."
He paused, allowing the information to sink in. "When a cultivator becomes an immortal, they can travel freely between these realms—or even create a small world of their own."
The students were awestruck. Even Jin Chi and Shen Yu leaned forward, eyes glittering with curiosity.
Loch's lips curved into a faint smile. "But for now, focus here — in this world. Your only connection to the other realms before immortality… will be through the Heaven-Rank Universities."
A ripple of excitement swept the classroom.
"Heaven-Rank Universities," Loch continued, "are the highest institutions across all realms — places where geniuses from different worlds gather. Only the most extraordinary cultivators are accepted."
Jin Chi's fists tightened beneath the desk. Someday… I'll reach that level too.
Time flew, and soon it was the moment everyone had been waiting for: Martial Arts Class.
Jin Chi blinked as Loch stepped forward again. Wait… he's teaching this too?
"Yes," Loch said, reading their expressions. "Cultivation and martial arts go hand in hand. One cannot exist without the other."
He clapped his hands once. "Alright! Form a line and follow me to the cultivation ground. No pushing."
The students scrambled to comply, whispering nervously, some with exaggerated flair, clearly treating it as a chore.
---
Jin Chi and Shen Yu stepped outside, and the world seemed to gasp with them.
The cultivation ground was breathtaking. A crystal-clear waterfall cascaded down a mossy cliff, sending mist into the air that shimmered faintly with spiritual energy. Spirit grass bloomed in vibrant colors, and glowing butterflies — real spirit butterflies — flitted gracefully among the trees.
It wasn't just beautiful; it was alive. Sacred.
Jin Chi's heart raced. Spiritual energy flowed through the air, brushing against his skin like a living current.
Loch's calm voice cut through the awe. "Alright, everyone! This is your first martial arts class. Our first objective — awaken your spiritual roots."
Gasps erupted. Even Jin Chi widened his eyes. Awaken spiritual roots… already?
He clenched his fists, excitement burning.
"I understand your enthusiasm," Loch said, "but awakening your spiritual roots takes time. Most students only begin this process in the ninth standard. Patience is key — strength without control is meaningless."
Groans filled the air. Some students rolled their eyes.
Chi and Yu exchanged a quiet grin. We already have a head start thanks to Haoran's training.
"Now," Loch continued, "ten laps around the cultivation ground. Focus your mind, steady your breathing, and let your spiritual roots respond naturally."
The students shuffled into position, some reluctantly, some dramatically, clearly treating it like a punishment.
Chi and Yu, however, moved with quiet confidence. Every step felt practiced, every breath controlled. Tingling beneath their skin, their spiritual roots responded eagerly.
Moments later, most students were panting and red-faced. Chi and Yu had barely broken a sweat, finishing their laps effortlessly.
Loch's eyes narrowed slightly, a mixture of curiosity and amusement. "Interesting… already ahead of schedule, are we?"
Chi smirked. "Training pays off."
Yu, proud but slightly winded, added, "Yeah… thanks to a lot of extra tutoring."
Whispers and jealous murmurs spread across the remaining students.
Chi leaned toward Yu. "Ready for the next step?"
Yu nodded, eyes sparkling. "Let's see if we can keep up with the teacher this time."
The first taste of martial arts had begun — a perfect mix of challenge, excitement, and humor. For Chi and Yu, it was only the start of an unforgettable journey.
He went back to home and a surprise came at his was his father surprised him with a martial art's manual.
Next chapter: awakening of spiritual roots.