CHAPTER 15 — "THE THREE GREAT ACADEMIES"
The forest canopy thinned as Long Hao and Ouyang Xue'er stepped onto a worn dirt path that cut through rolling hills. The late afternoon sun filtered down in warm waves, brushing the earth with gold.
Long Hao walked leisurely, hands in his pockets, eyes half-closed as the wind carried the scent of wildflowers.
Beside him, Xue'er walked with elegance — even in dirt-stained clothes, she looked like a goddess fallen into the mortal world.
After a comfortable silence, Long Hao finally glanced sideways.
"So," he said calmly, "where were you going when you fell into that well?"
Her cheeks turned faintly pink.
"I told you," she muttered, "I did not fall. I slipped. There's a difference."
Long Hao grinned. "Uh-huh."
She narrowed her eyes at him — violet-gold flickering in indignation.
Then she exhaled and straightened her posture.
"I was heading to be admitted into Azure Dragon Academy."
Long Hao paused mid-step.
"Azure Dragon Academy?" he repeated.
Xue'er nodded firmly.
"One of the Three Great Academies."
Long Hao raised an eyebrow. "You mean the ones everyone keeps talking about?"
Xue'er clasped her hands behind her back, looking suddenly excited — almost like a teacher proud to explain something.
"Yes! The three most prestigious academies in the entire Azure Dominion."
She lifted one slender finger.
"First — Azure Dragon Academy.My destination. It specializes in combat, ancient bloodlines, and dragon arts."
Second finger.
"Second — Vermilion Academy.Known for elemental mastery, fire specialization, and ancient runic arts."
Third finger.
"And Third — Dragon Turtle Academy.Famous for defense, healing arts, and battle strategy."
Long Hao nodded thoughtfully. "Strong names."
"These academies," Xue'er continued, "are not just schools. They are powerhouses. Every year, the strongest awakeners, nobles, and warriors compete to enter."
Long Hao chuckled. "And let me guess… most fail?"
Her expression turned serious.
"Not most. Almost all."
She turned toward him, eyes deepening.
"Even royalty… even high nobility… cannot enter without talent."
Long Hao stopped walking."That strict?"
Xue'er nodded.
"A Duke's child won't even be allowed to stand at the gates without showing a remarkable talent."She paused, then added softly:"…Even I, a princess, have no privileges there."
Long Hao whistled lightly. "Must be an interesting place."
Xue'er smiled, a mix of pride and anticipation."The Azure Dragon Academy produces heroes, legends, and commanders. Even some Guild Masters studied there."
Long Hao tilted his head.
"And that's where you're going? To what… train? Get stronger?"
A faint blush colored her cheeks.
"Well… yes. And also to prove myself."She poked her index fingers together shyly."Grandfather said I need discipline."
Long Hao raised an eyebrow. "Do you?"
She glared cutely. "No. I'm perfect."
Long Hao smirked.
She pouted harder. "Stop laughing!"
He didn't stop.
THE THREE GREAT ACADEMIES
As they walked, Xue'er launched into descriptions, her voice filled with a mix of awe and nostalgia.
She pointed to the distant eastern horizon.
"There, beyond the Misty Peaks, lies the Azure Dragon Academy. Its main hall was built using fragments of a fallen dragon spine. Some even say dragons sleep beneath it."
Long Hao hummed. "Sounds lively."
Xue'er pointed south.
"The Vermilion Academy stands near the Magma Valley. It's said the air is so hot that weak-willed students faint on the first day."
Long Hao chuckled. "Remind me to avoid that place."
"And the Dragon Turtle Academy—"She gestured southwest, toward the great rivers."—is built on an island with ancient runes. Their defensive formations can withstand attacks from S-rank monsters."
Long Hao raised an eyebrow. "So basically… each academy could beat half the world by themselves."
Xue'er nodded. "Exactly."
She paused, gaze turning serious.
"The Three Great Academies do not accept weaklings… nor pretenders. They only want prodigies."
Then she looked at Long Hao.
Her eyes softened.
"…And I think you qualify."
Long Hao blinked, slightly surprised. "Why?"
She stepped closer, studying him with careful intensity.
"You're calm in battle, move like a trained killer, and your instincts are sharper than most elite warriors. Even if you don't want to show your talent… your power speaks for you."
Long Hao looked away slightly.
He wasn't used to praise.
Not genuine praise.
Not since… the old life.
Xue'er waited, fidgeting with her fingers.
Then she finally spoke again.
"So…" she said softly, trying to keep her tone casual,"…would you accompany me to Azure Dragon Academy?"
Long Hao turned back, eyebrows raised."You want me to go with you?"
She nodded quickly."Yes. I mean… uhm… traveling alone is dangerous… and… and you're strong. And…"
She inhaled, then looked straight into his eyes.
"…and I feel safe around you."
Long Hao froze.
For the first time in a long time… his heart skipped.
This girl… the divine princess…She didn't fear him.She didn't see him as a monster.She didn't mock him or judge him.
Instead, she—
She trusted him.
Xue'er stepped closer again.
"And who knows?" she said softly."Maybe you could try getting admitted too. With your abilities… even the Azure Dragon elders might be impressed."
Long Hao looked at her for a long moment.
Her hopeful violet-gold eyes.Her gentle posture.Her soft smile directed only at him.
He exhaled slowly.
"If that's what fate demands of me…"
Xue'er's face brightened beautifully.
"Then we travel together!" she declared happily.
Long Hao nodded once. "We do."
She clasped her hands behind her back and grinned, practically glowing.
"You won't regret it. I promise I'll be great company."
Long Hao smirked.
"We'll see."
The wind blew gently, carrying wild petals across the road as the two stepped forward — side by side — toward an unknown horizon filled with ancient academies, forbidden powers, and countless challenges.
Two legendary destinies… beginning to intertwine.
[CHAPTER ENDS]