Dylan reclined in his carriage, humming a soft tune as he took in the picturesque landscape. It was a moment of tranquility in a world that he had only recently begun to navigate. He had discovered his place in this realm, albeit temporarily, fully aware that his Vesperan nature would never allow him to settle peacefully in the Shadow Peaks.
In this new environment, one thing weighed heavily on his mind. He had to exercise extreme caution to ensure he never ran out of Shakti, the life force that fueled his abilities. The memory of the insatiable hunger he had felt once before lingered in his thoughts, a chilling reminder of the consequences of such a shortage. Should he ever find himself in that state again, he would be at risk of losing control and potentially harming those around him.
These were the thoughts that occupied his mind as he continued his journey, determined to master his newfound powers while maintaining the delicate balance between his Vesperan nature and his life as a student in this unfamiliar world.
The inner city was a vibrant hub of activity, and now and then, he would catch sight of a carriage carrying a youth of similar age, headed in a different direction. Today, the inner State was abuzz with excitement, for it marked the beginning of the back-to-school season.
It was the day when countless children embarked on their educational journeys, as most schools conducted their yearly entrance exams on this very day.
The simultaneous scheduling of entrance exams might have seemed unusual, but it stemmed from the intense competition among the learning institutes. Each institution aimed to showcase its excellence and draw the most promising students, hence the synchronized examination dates.
Each year, many young nobles were granted the privilege of testing their luck in the entrance exams, their social status often serving as their ticket. In contrast, less fortunate students hailing from ordinary families had to either pass preliminary exams or secure a referral to gain admission. This was a well-established norm governing the admissions process for the State's three most esteemed schools.
As the carriage continued its journey, Dylan's keen ears picked up a sudden commotion and the sound of raised voices. The Uxulia pulling the carriage gradually came to a halt. Ahead, he noticed two young individuals engaged in a heated argument near a carriage.
One of the disputing individuals appeared noticeably wealthier than the other, their opulent attire making this distinction quite evident. Dylan was well aware of the necessity to remain inconspicuous, as it would be problematic if he were to be recognized. With this in mind, he politely asked the driver to detour around the altercation, avoiding the commotion.
Much to the young master's dismay, this attempt to maintain a low profile had the opposite effect. The grandeur of the Uxulia and the carriage, adorned with the ostentatious Haco family insignia, seemed to draw everyone's gaze. Dylan's hopes of avoiding attention were dashed as onlookers turned their focus towards the eye-catching display.
"Stop there!" An arrogant youth shouted, his voice cutting through the air as he stepped directly into the path of Dylan's carriage.
Dylan sighed and pinched his brow with his fingers, recognizing the inevitable nuisance approaching.
The arrogant child was garbed in sumptuous silks, adorned with intricate, enchanted jewelry that gleamed in the sunlight. Exuding an aura of self-importance, he defiantly positioned himself in front of the carriage, effectively blocking its passage.
Dylan leaned out of the carriage window, his expression carrying a hint of irritation. "How may I assist you, esteemed young master?" His attempt at flattery was intended to defuse any potential conflict, but it seemed to have the opposite effect.
The arrogant child's eyes narrowed further, and an air of haughty self-importance radiated from him. He let out a condescending chuckle before responding, "Assist, you ask? Permit me to elucidate. I am He Qian, the youngest scion of the Vermillion Crescent House’s High Elder. The Uxulia you ride is an exceedingly rare and coveted creature, while the insignia on your carriage unquestionably designates you as a member of the Haco family, a lineage of paramount distinction in the exalted realm of the Shadow Peaks. It is evident that we share an affinity for the finer things in life."
He Qian delivered the last of his speech in a mocking tone, displaying a dismissive attitude towards the Haco Family Clan. It was made glaringly evident by his audacious request to use Dylan's steed.
Dylan couldn't help but heave an internal sigh. He vaguely recalled stories about the Vermillion Crescent House and its haughty disciples, who frequently carried themselves with an air of superiority, as if they were beyond reproach.
"Indeed, young master He Qian," Dylan replied, maintaining a measured and respectful tone. "However, I trust you grasp that the influence of the Vermillion Crescent House should not extend to impeding the Haco family's affairs. It is in everyone's best interest to find a resolution without unnecessary complications."
Dylan's gaze sharpened as he fixed his eyes on the arrogant youth, a subtle shift in his demeanor. Sometimes, when the gentle approach failed, it was necessary to consider a firmer stance. Thoughts of various ways to discipline this child raced through his mind.
He Qian's arrogant demeanor wavered briefly under the weight of Dylan's scrutiny. However, he swiftly recovered his confidence and motioned toward his entourage, who had been observing the encounter with great curiosity. "Did you all hear that?" he exclaimed. "The Haco family seems to believe they can casually traverse these streets at will. Let us determine if their prestige can shield them from the might of a genuine cultivator."
Unbeknownst to Dylan, the Vermillion Crescent House was merely another Arcane Adept family, much like his own Haco Estate. The main difference lay in their substantial wealth, attributed to one of their elders stumbling upon a spiritual core mine in a neighboring territory.
Though Dylan's patience was wearing thin, he remained well aware that a confrontation at this moment could lead to more significant complications. While the temptation to give the arrogant child a lesson in manners was strong, he chose to exercise restraint. A crowd had assembled, eager to witness the impending clash.
Just when it appeared that a clash was imminent, a deep, resonant voice resonated through the bustling street. "Enough!"
Every head turned to witness the source of the command. An elderly man came into view, adorned in unassuming robes, yet radiating a potent aura of authority. He moved with a grace that defied his age, and the emblem of the Vermillion Crescent House on his attire identified him as a figure of great influence.
"Grand Elder!" He Qian exclaimed, bowing deeply in reverence.
The elderly man surveyed the situation with a stern countenance. "This is not how we conduct ourselves, He Qian. The honor of the Vermillion Crescent House is not maintained through acts of highway robbery. Clear the way for the Haco family carriage and allow them to proceed."
The crowd, taken by surprise, buzzed with murmurs of astonishment. They hadn't anticipated such a rapid resolution to the tense standoff. With a profound sigh of relief, Dylan nodded in appreciation to the Grand Elder. "Thank you for your wisdom, Grand Elder."
Reluctantly, the disciples of the Vermillion Crescent House made their way, allowing the Haco family carriage to proceed on its journey, leaving the commotion behind. Yet, as they moved forward, Dylan couldn't escape the nagging feeling that this encounter had hinted at the obstacles ahead. His peaceful aspirations of studying magic appeared to be shadowed by impending challenges.
As the Haco Carriage pulled away, the Vermillion Crescent House Elder observed it until it disappeared around a bend. He stroked his chin thoughtfully as when Dylan had locked eyes with He Qian, the Elder had discerned a peculiar change in the young man's disposition.
"Hmm, it seems the Haco family has been fortunate to acquire such a competent disciple. Although, I can't recall the Haco young master being particularly noteworthy. Curious..." He Tianfeng mused to himself.
A rivalry existed between the two families due to their close levels of power. The Haco family's disciples generally displayed superior skill, but the Vermillion Crescent House compensated for this through their considerable wealth and well-equipped resources.
……
Dylan and the aspiring students of the Celestial Phoenix Institute arrived at a spacious clearing amid the bustling urban city. Their families and mentors had led them here, and the atmosphere was electric with a mix of excitement and nervous energy.
Anticipation pulsed through the group as they stood waiting, their eager eyes scanning the surroundings for any hint of what lay ahead. In the distance, the sky seemed to burst to life with the songs of mystical birds, while the air was filled with the enchanting scent of fragrant herbs and blossoms.
The students, attired in a diverse array of traditional and ornate garments, huddled in whispered conversations amongst themselves. Every one of them exuded an unmistakable aura of potential and ambition, fully aware that they were about to set forth on a journey that would scrutinize their abilities and guide them toward the attainment of magical mastery.
Then, as though conjured by their collective anticipation, a figure robed in navy emerged from the midst of the clouds. His attire bore intricate patterns of stars and moons, symbolizing his status as a student of the Celestial Phoenix Institute.
His eyes bore the wisdom of countless years, and a tranquil, reassuring smile adorned his lips. This man was the one designated to be their guide and mentor as they navigated the entrance exams of the Celestial Phoenix Institute.
With a graceful wave of his hand, he set in motion a magic circle on the field where the students had gathered. It throbbed with ethereal energy, and the symbols within it shimmered with a soft, azure radiance. The students watched in awe as the circle gradually expanded, encompassing them all.
"Welcome, aspiring disciples of the Celestial Phoenix Institute," the man intoned, his voice carrying both authority and warmth. "Step into the magic circle, and together, we shall embark on a journey to the heart of our esteemed institution."
Filled with a blend of trepidation and excitement, the students disembarked from their carriages and parted ways with their escorts, stepping into the circle. The moment their feet touched the surface, a surge of energy surged through them, and in a dazzling burst of light, they were transported from the tranquil field to the majestic grounds of the Celestial Phoenix Institute.
