Volume One: First Steps on the Path Chapter Thirty-One: Gathering Storms

While the various departments of Anze Academy were busy organizing files for the incoming students, the world outside was far from tranquil. Deep within a remote mountain range, the landscape appeared untouched by human presence. The forest was lush and dense, interrupted only by the occasional chirping of birds or the calls of wild beasts. Aside from hunters making a living off the land, it was hard to imagine anyone willingly venturing into such a place.

Yet, pressing further into the wilderness revealed a scene wholly at odds with the primeval forest. The towering trees vanished abruptly, giving way to a sudden, open expanse where a grand and luxurious residence stood in all its opulence. Anyone seeing this manor would have but one thought: the owners must be exceedingly wealthy. Upon closer examination, there were people who appeared to be servants, diligently tending to the gardens or sweeping fallen leaves. Everything was orderly, the atmosphere one of stately grandeur. In the vast courtyard, only the gentle sounds of watering flowers and sweeping leaves could be heard, a quiet and peaceful harmony.

But this calm was shattered by the sound of hurried footsteps. A man strode purposefully through the courtyard, acknowledging the greetings of others with a mere nod before quickening his pace. At last, he arrived outside a room, paused to straighten his attire, and then knocked respectfully on the door. After a moment, a deep male voice sounded from within. “What is it?”

“Master, the young lord has successfully passed the entrance examination. The files for this year’s new students at Anze are also prepared. I have come to present them for your review,” the man replied.

“Very well, come in,” the person addressed as master responded from within.

Hearing this, the man carefully pushed open the door and, once inside, closed it behind him with a practiced ease that suggested he had performed this ritual countless times. He approached the figure seated in a chair and bowed deeply. “Master, here are the documents concerning this year’s new students at Anze. Please look them over.”

The man in the chair took the files, waving his hand dismissively. “You may rise. You’ve been with me for so long; you know I’ve never cared for such formalities. There’s no need for them in the future.”

Shaking his head, the other replied, “I’m afraid I cannot agree. Even if you don’t care for these rituals, I must set an example. Otherwise, if the servants neglect their manners, it would not do. After all, you are the head of the family.”

Realizing nothing he said would change the man’s mind, the master simply shook his head with a sigh. “Very well, as long as you don’t find it burdensome.”

“All these years, how could I?” the man replied with a smile.

At that, the master said no more, instead turning his attention to the documents in his hands. After a moment of reading, he suddenly asked, “Shiming, did you just say that Shen Han has passed the examination?”

“Yes,” replied the man addressed as Shiming.

“Then he must have been assigned to a department by now. Which one?” the master queried again.

“The young lord has entered the Department of Formations,” Shiming responded respectfully.

“The Department of Formations? Excellent, excellent. The boy has not let the Shen family down.” The master’s voice was filled with satisfaction.

“The young lord has always been exceptionally gifted. Now that he’s at Anze, I imagine he’ll thrive even more. Besides, the Department of Formations aligns well with our family's techniques. With diligence, his cultivation will surely bear fruit,” Shiming said with a smile.

Hearing this, the master’s already good mood improved further. Glancing at the documents, he continued, “Still, we must not grow complacent. Anze is vast, and there are always unexpected geniuses. Remind Shen Han not to grow arrogant.”

“You may rest assured, Master. With the young lord’s upbringing, such behavior is unlikely.”

“Indeed. Also, tell him to pay attention to those around him. If he finds any with remarkable talent, he should befriend them. In the future, they could be of use to the Shen family. Even if not, forging goodwill is never a bad thing. On the road of cultivation, more friends can only help,” the master instructed.

“Yes, I will pass along your words to the young lord,” Shiming replied.

Looking at Shiming, the master sighed. “You’ve worked hard all these years.”

Shiming shook his head, unbothered. “It’s my duty. If not for you back then, I—”

The master waved him off. “Let the past rest. What you’ve done over the years has been more than enough. It makes my actions back then seem trivial by comparison.”

“That’s not so. What you did was most important. That’s why I feel I have not yet done enough,” Shiming said earnestly.

“All right, all right, I understand,” the master said gently. “It’s getting late. Go and rest.”

“Yes.” Shiming answered and left the room, making his way back to his own quarters.

...

Conversations like the one that took place in the Shen family this day were happening in great houses all across the nation.

Meanwhile, the new students at Anze Academy, lost in the joy of beginning their path of cultivation, were unaware that they had already attracted the attention of many powerful families. Should any of them display extraordinary talents in the days to come, they would soon find themselves the object of eager recruitment. Unaware of all this, they continued to train diligently, striving to become the brightest presence in the eyes of their peers.

...

It was a space of utter darkness, devoid of the faintest glimmer of light, as if darkness itself was the very essence of this place. Those who dwelled here seemed accustomed to such gloom. For years, it seemed, not a sound had disturbed this silent void, until suddenly, a voice shattered the stillness.

“Chief, the entrance examination at Anze has been completed.”

“Oh? How does it look this year? Any potential threats?”

“There are more new students than ever. Some appear to be quite gifted. Should we take action?”

“No, not yet. To reveal ourselves now would do us no favors.”

“Understood, I await your command.”

“Good. News from the Domain Lord should arrive soon. For now, we must remain still and conserve our strength.”

“Truly? But the Domain Lord isn’t—” The speaker’s voice rose in surprise.

“It’s true. But I won’t go into details. Keep this to yourself,” the chief instructed.

“Yes.”

“All right, you may go. Remember what I said.”

After the other’s footsteps faded, the person known as chief muttered to himself, “Anze, is it? Just wait—we will reclaim everything that is rightfully ours.”