Chapter 14: Academy
Several days later, my father informed me that all the necessary information regarding the academy had been verified and approved by the elders. He assured me that the academy was one of the safest places in the empire, located in the capital city, which was protected by a Title Douluo level 92. This powerful warrior, whose identity remained a secret, was a formidable deterrent to any potential threats. The academy was also situated within a fortified complex, surrounded by high walls and guarded by elite soldiers.
In addition to the physical security measures, the academy was also protected by a powerful barrier that was nearly impenetrable. This barrier was maintained by a group of skilled mages who were constantly monitoring for any signs of intrusion. The combination of these security measures made the academy one of the safest places in the entire empire.
My father understood my concerns about attending the academy, and he wanted to reassure me that my safety was his top priority. He believed that the academy was the best place for me to receive the education and training I needed to prepare for my future as the patriarch of our family.
I appreciated my father's efforts to ensure my safety, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. I was leaving the familiar surroundings of my family and venturing into the unknown. I was stepping out of my comfort zone and into a world that was both exciting and intimidating.
I knew that attending the academy would be a challenging experience, but I was also determined to make the most of it. I was eager to learn from the best teachers in the land, to expand my horizons, and to develop new skills that would benefit me and my family.
I was confident that the academy would provide me with the education and training I needed to succeed. I was also excited to meet new people and make new friends. I knew that the experience would be transformative, and I was eager to embrace the challenges and opportunities that awaited me.
I chose a suitable location within the tribulation field and prepared myself for the trials ahead. I knew that the tribulation would be difficult, but I was determined to persevere. I focused on my breathing, calming my mind and centering my energy. I visualized the path ahead, envisioning myself overcoming each obstacle and emerging victorious.
As I began the tribulation, a powerful energy surged through me, testing my limits in every way. My body ached, my mind raced, and I felt as if I was on the verge of collapse. But I refused to give up. I drew on my inner strength, my resolve, and my determination to push through the pain and continue.
The tribulation lasted for ten hours, a grueling test of my physical and mental endurance. I fought through waves of fatigue, doubt, and despair. I pushed myself to the very edge of my abilities, and I refused to give in.
Finally, the tribulation ended. I emerged from the experience exhausted but exhilarated. I had survived the trial, and I had grown stronger in the process. I had pushed myself beyond my limits, and I had discovered a new level of strength and resilience within myself.
As I stood in the center of the tribulation field, I could feel the power radiating from me. My body was pulsing with energy, and my mind was sharp and alert. I knew that I had become a stronger and more capable martial artist.
The elders and family members who had witnessed my tribulation were impressed by my performance. They congratulated me on my achievement, and they were filled with pride for our family. They knew that I had a bright future ahead of me, and they were eager to see me succeed.
I was grateful for their support and encouragement. I knew that I had not achieved this alone. I had the support of my family, the guidance of my elders, and the strength of my own determination.
I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. I was confident in my abilities, and I was determined to make the most of the opportunities that awaited me.
That night, at the dinner table, I informed my father that I had decided to attend the academy. He was delighted and told me we would be leaving two days later. I also expressed my desire for my mother to stay behind, and my father agreed without hesitation. I instructed my father to inform the dean about the presence of a Title Douluo within our family, as a precaution to prevent any potential betrayal. My father agreed, and my grandfather, Elder Yun (level 84), also volunteered to accompany me to the academy.
Two days later, we prepared for our departure. Elder Emerald Poison would be following us in secret, his presence undetectable to anyone other than a Title Douluo at least two levels higher. After a week-long journey, we arrived at the academy's entrance. A letter had been sent ahead to Dean Liu Erlong, informing her of our arrival. As we entered, we were escorted to the academy's backyard, where I saw a beautiful woman. I asked the system for her information:
Name: Liu Erlong Martial Soul: Fire Dragon Soul power: 74 (Soul Saint) Bloodline: Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Illusion magic: In effect (Angel Soul Bone) Age: 29
I recognized her from the original novel, where she was deeply infatuated with Yu Xiaogang, even knowing he was her brother. I suspected this was due to a martial soul fusion, but now I realized that my presence and Qian Xunji's illusion might also be factors.
Liu Erlong was a woman of striking beauty, with long flowing red hair and piercing green eyes. She exuded an aura of confidence and power, and I could sense the strength of her martial soul. I was immediately drawn to her, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration and respect for her.
As Liu Erlong greeted us, I observed her closely. I noticed that she seemed to be holding back something, as if she were hiding a secret. I wondered what it could be.
Liu Erlong was a skilled teacher, and she was known for her ability to connect with her students. She was passionate about her work, and she was dedicated to helping her students reach their full potential. I was eager to learn from her and to benefit from her expertise.
I was also curious to see how she would react to me. I knew that she was a powerful martial artist, and I was eager to test my skills against hers. I was confident in my abilities, but I also knew that Liu Erlong was no pushover. She was a formidable opponent, and I was eager to see how I would fare against her.
Liu Erlong bowed towards my father, grandfather, elder, and mother, then greeted my mother as a younger sister. She seemed upset when she heard the relationship between my mother and her father, but my mother assured her that it was a complicated situation and that she should focus on the present.
Liu Erlong expressed her understanding of the situation, but she couldn't help but feel a sense of resentment towards her father. She had been deeply hurt by his actions, and she still carried the scars of that betrayal.
My mother tried to comfort Liu Erlong, reminding her that she was a strong woman and that she could overcome her pain. She encouraged Liu Erlong to focus on the present and on the opportunities that lay ahead.
Liu Erlong thanked my mother for her words of encouragement. She knew that she needed to move on from the past and focus on the future. She realized that holding onto her anger and resentment would only harm her and prevent her from living a happy and fulfilling life.
Liu Erlong then asked if the young man studying at her academy would be me. Everyone nodded, and she requested that I demonstrate my soul power and martial soul. My father hesitated, but I insisted that it was okay. I stepped forward and unleashed my full power, revealing my two spirit rings (one purple and one black) and the red dragon that emerged from my mouth. My level 24 soul power also radiated from me, causing Liu Erlong to be both frightened and impressed.
Liu Erlong took a moment to compose herself, her eyes wide with astonishment. She had never seen such a young person with such powerful martial soul rings and such a high level of soul power. She was also impressed by the red dragon that emerged from my mouth, a sign of immense power and potential.
She asked why I would be sent to such an academy, considering my potential to become a powerful Title Douluo. I explained that it was a family tradition for future patriarchs to study outside the family. My grandfather and elder revealed their presence, displaying their spirit rings, further emphasizing our family's strength and the reason for my presence.
Liu Erlong realized that the Red Thunder Dragon family was far more powerful than she had initially believed. She understood why they would send their future patriarch to her academy for protection and to avoid attracting unwanted attention. She agreed to accept me as a student, recognizing the potential benefits of having such a talented individual at her academy.
She also understood that my family was taking precautions to ensure my safety. The presence of a Title Douluo among my guardians was a clear indication that they were taking my protection very seriously.
Liu Erlong was impressed by my family's strength and the resources they were willing to invest in my education. She knew that I would be a valuable addition to her academy, and she was eager to see what I could achieve.