Time flew, and before they knew it, summer had arrived. The last day of school before the summer holidays carried an unusual buzz of excitement—and tension.
"Alright, everyone, settle down," Teacher Loch's voice rang out, sharp yet controlled. The students scrambled into neat rows, their chatter fading under his commanding presence.
"As we discussed earlier, you will be undergoing a series of evaluations: friendly duels with your classmates, alchemy challenges, theory exams, and practical cultivation tests. Your performance will determine your grades and, more importantly, your progress in cultivation this term."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. Eyes flicked nervously across the crowd; some students whispered strategies, others clenched their fists in silent determination.
"Remember," Loch continued, his gaze sweeping across the students like a hawk, "these tests are not just about skill—they are about understanding. Knowing your limits, refining your techniques, and demonstrating control over your Qi. A single misstep could be dangerous, so take this seriously."
Chi leaned slightly toward Yu, a mischievous grin on his face. "Looks like summer is going to be… interesting," he murmured.
Yu's golden aura shimmered faintly, his eyes alight with anticipation. "Interesting? Chi… it sounds more like survival training to me."
Chi chuckled softly. "Well, lucky for us, we've already started stepping into 2nd stage of Foundation Establishment. The others might be in for a surprise."
Liora and Buddy, resting quietly by their sides, chirped and nudged the boys as if agreeing.
Loch's voice cut through the murmur once more. "You'll have time to train and prepare, but remember—the tests aren't just about winning. They're about growth, insight, and understanding"
The room fell silent. Even the seasoned students felt a shiver run through them. For Chi and Yu, excitement mixed with anticipation—they were ready to test just how far their new-found powers could take them.
Loch's sharp voice cut through the classroom chatter.
"Chi, Yu—come with me outside for a minute."
Chi and Yu exchanged a quick glance, their hearts skipping a beat. Quietly, they followed Loch out of the classroom, the corridor eerily silent as their footsteps echoed.
Once outside, Loch stopped and turned to them, his gaze serious.
"You two will be facing these tests against two students from 12th-A," he said. "Both are rising stars—once-in-a-century geniuses. They are currently at the sixth stage of Foundation Establishment. Talent-wise, you two are far ahead, but in cultivation, knowledge, and alchemy, they surpass you—for now."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "In the alchemy portion, you'll be making the exact same pills as listed in your syllabus. Do not take this lightly. Every test will push you to your limits."
Yu's eyes widened, a shiver running down his spine. I knew it… this summer is going to be hell, he thought silently, already feeling the pressure of the upcoming challenges.
Chi, though equally overwhelmed, felt a thrill surging through him. Excitement battled with apprehension, and deep down, he knew this was exactly the kind of challenge he craved.
Loch's eyes softened just slightly as he added, "Remember, it's not just about winning. It's about learning—understanding your limits, refining your techniques, and strengthening your bond with your beasts"
The boys nodded, their hearts pounding in anticipation.
The school bell rang, signaling the end of the day. Today, they weren't going to ride the cloud carriage home—they would be returning on their own.
Chi and Yu stepped out into the warm afternoon sunlight, the academy grounds quiet now, the hum of residual Qi lingering faintly in the air. Their legs moved almost on instinct, carrying them faster than any normal human could manage. Every leap, every stride, felt lighter, more fluid—their bodies still resonating with the energy of Foundation Establishment.
"Feels different without the cloud carriage, doesn't it?" Yu said, glancing at Chi, his golden aura flickering faintly as if it were excited too.
Chi grinned, adjusting his pace to match Yu's. "Yeah… but I kind of like it. It feels… more alive."
They sprinted across the rooftops of the academy, the wind rushing past, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and warm summer air. Every movement left faint ripples in the Qi around them, visible only to the sensitive eye, like brushstrokes of energy painting the air.
For a moment, they let themselves forget the looming tests, the challenges of the summer. Here, on these rooftops, with their beasts waiting at home, they were simply boys—free, unburdened, and exhilarated by the new limits of their power.
Chi's mind wandered briefly. An hour of play in the cultivation grounds… it was like stepping into a new world. And now, every step I take, every breath I draw, feels sharper, clearer… alive.
Yu and Chi now sat cross-legged in Yu's house, their faces full of determination. The faint scent of incense drifted through the room as both looked at their fathers with pleading eyes.
"Dad, please teach us some cultivation techniques!" they said in perfect sync, leaning forward like a pair of desperate beggars.
"We have a match coming up! They're already in the sixth stage of Foundation Establishment!"
Both fathers exchanged a knowing glance over the edge of their so called "tea".
Yu's father, yuanhai, chuckled. "Sixth stage, huh? You two just broke through and you already want to skip steps? Cultivation isn't a race, you know."
Chi's father smirked, swirling the tea in his cup. "But… I do like your spirit."
Before either boy could celebrate, a blur of motion pounced onto them. Liora landed on Chi's head with a triumphant "meep!", while Buddy circled Yu's chair, wagging his tail so hard it looked like he might take off.
"Liora, Buddy—help us convince them!" Yu said dramatically.
Liora puffed up her tiny chest, chirping proudly as if she understood the mission. Buddy barked twice in agreement.
Yuanhai sighed, rubbing his temples. "Even your beasts are joining in now…"
Chi's father finally gave in, a faint smile on his face. "Alright, alright. We'll teach you—but only if you can withstand what comes next."
Chi and Yu froze. "What do you mean by that?"
"Training," Yuanhai said, standing up. His eyes gleamed like a predator's. "Real training. You asked for it."
The boys looked at each other, their excitement replaced by a flicker of dread.
Maybe Yu was right, Chi thought nervously. This summer really is going to be hell...
The next moment, before they even knew it, their fathers had already drawn up a full timetable for the entire summer break.
Chi stared at the board in disbelief. A timetable… for summer vacation?
"Aren't you two more excited than us?" Chi whispered under his breath, eye twitching.
Haoran stood tall, holding a wooden stick like a military instructor, tapping at the schedule written neatly on the board. "Alright! Now listen carefully. For the first fifteen days, you'll be cultivating nonstop with the help of a special cultivation technique that we'll personally teach you."
He smacked the stick against the board for emphasis.
"Then," he continued, "you'll move on to alchemy. Lianhua will supervise that part for the next fifteen days. After that, you'll spend time getting used to your newly refined strength…"
Haoran turned around, eyes glinting dangerously. "And finally, you'll spar with your respective spiritual beasts. Any questions?"
Yu raised his hand slowly. "...Yeah, I have one."
Haoran raised a brow. "Go on."
"Is there… any part of this schedule that involves resting?"
Haoran blinked once, then turned back to the board. "No."
Chi groaned quietly, while Liora and Buddy barked and chirped in amusement as if mocking their despair.
Next chapter: duel against foundation establishment seniors 2