Chapter 170: Azure Firmament Martial Academy
Chapter 170: Azure Firmament Martial Academy (Requesting Monthly Vote)
"Looks like everyone's here!" A deep voice rang out from behind the crowd.
A muscular man in a black suit strode forward—Yue Feng, his rugged features and imposing frame unmistakable. Sun Manager followed closely behind him.
Spotting Lin Qi, Yue Feng broke into a smile.
"Here already", he called out.
"Uncle Yue!" Lin Qi nodded in greeting.
Yue Feng raised his voice to address the group: "Everyone, come outside with me!"
As he turned toward the pavilion exit, the crowd followed him out into the open.
"Boom!"
A dark shadow loomed on the horizon, rapidly closing the distance until it became visible—a steel-plated aerial transport gliding toward them like a monstrous bird.
Recognizing the insignia, murmurs spread through the crowd. "Great Sparrow Transport!" Unlike the battered survival training aircraft, this military-grade model gleamed with a sleek black-and-crimson finish, its metallic surface reflecting sunlight like a blade.
The transport touched down with a gust of wind, and with a sharp hiss, its hatch opened. A broad-shouldered figure emerged, striding directly to Yue Feng.
"I'm Duan Wei. I'll be escorting the students", he said, extending his hand.
Yue Feng clasped it firmly, sensing the man's formidable aura—a sixth-stage martial artist.
"Then they're in your hands", Yue Feng replied before turning to the crowd. "Students—you'll board in an orderly fashion!"
As he spoke, his gaze lingered on Lin Qi.
Duan Wei added sternly, "Once aboard, find your assigned seat. No switching—understand?"
The mention of Lin Qi's name as Cang Province's top genius wasn't lost on him. Ensuring this young man's safety was his priority.
Leading the way, Lin Qi boarded first, Jiang Tao close behind. Others followed in quick succession.
"Rumble!"
With the final boarding thud, the aircraft shuddered and lifted into the sky.
Yue Feng stood unmoving against the gale, his coat flaring.
"Sun, what do you think awaits Lin Qi at Azure Firmament?"
Sun Manager shrugged. "Beyond imagination."
Yue Feng chuckled. "Like the roc soaring nine thousand miles, perhaps. Facing greater prodigies might push him further. I'm eager to see."
...
The Xia Kingdom's imperial capital—the political heart and martial arts holy ground. Here converged the nation's mightiest forces: the Crimson Vault Martial Arts Pavilion's headquarters and the Azure Firmament Martial Academy, twin pillars among the three great martial pavilions and top-tier academies.
Two hours later, the transport neared its destination. Cang Province lay nearly two thousand kilometers south of the capital—remote, yet connected by modern flight.
"Boom!"
Deep within the capital's mountainous outskirts, ancient trees formed a natural canopy. Through the aircraft windows, passengers glimpsed endless forests stretching like an emerald sea.
"Duan Wei explained, "Martial academies are built in remote mountains for two reasons. First, spatial gate technology—if mishandled, catastrophic. Second, the vast space allows expansive campuses."
A sudden shout broke the quiet: "The school!"
Through the trees emerged a sprawling complex of interconnected steel fortresses, their battle-scarred surfaces gleaming under the sun. Towering artillery turrets and claw marks from disaster beasts told tales of past conflicts.
Beyond the military perimeter rose futuristic structures—iridescent towers and angular modules resembling transforming mechas. Skybreaker crafts zipped between the buildings, their paths weaving through countless hovering metal spheres.
At the center loomed a hundred-meter-tall statue—a muscular warrior mid-swing, blade raised to cleave the heavens. Though its face was blurred, the sheer power in its stance was palpable. Beside it, a colossal tablet bore six golden characters:
Azure Firmament Martial Academy
"Is this the first principal—Red Emperor?" someone whispered in awe.
"Why's the face unfinished?" Lin Qi asked.
Guo Heng answered, "Legend says Red Emperor carved his own likeness, infusing it with his Blade Artistry Resonance. Gazing upon it felt like enduring endless blade strikes—driving people mad. He shattered his own face, leaving only fragments."
"And those fragments?" another asked.
"Treasures of our academy. Blade masters pilgrimage here to study them, hoping to ascend their techniques."
Lin Qi clenched his fist, heart pounding. Compared to Tianhai Martial Institute's modest statues, this was legend incarnate. One day, he vowed, his own name would echo here.
...
Minutes later, the transport landed on a vast plaza—not a conventional airport.
"Disembark!" Duan Wei announced.
As students filed out, Lin Qi sensed unseen scrutiny. Looking up, he spotted a swarm of crimson-and-black surveillance spheres monitoring the arrivals.
Another transport arrived amidst rising winds, unloading more students.
Lin Qi's gaze settled on the main gate—a silver alloy monolith, its five-meter mechanical corridor lined with armored guards and three sentry drones.
"Why land here instead of an airport?" someone questioned.
Duan Wei interjected, "All students undergo mandatory security screening. No exceptions."
Guo Heng leaned toward Lin Qi. "As an S-Rank genius, you know about the Vermin God Cult and Vermin Race? The academy screens for infiltrators."
Lin Qi nodded. The Vermin Race's ability to mimic humans made security paramount.
Suddenly, a black disc-shaped craft zipped past.
"Why aren't they screening?"
"That's the Falcon—transport for special-ability awakened students", Duan Wei explained. "Screening exists to protect them. Awaken your own unique talent, and the vice dean himself will greet you."
A moment of silence followed.
...
Lin Qi joined the line, entering the black corridor. A faint hum vibrated through his body as unseen scans passed over him.
"Beep! Lin Qi—Sixth Institute freshman—cleared!"
The terminal screen flashed green.
Beyond the checkpoint, another scene unfolded. Massive machines loomed ahead—punching test gauges projecting two holographic leaderboards.
"1620kg!" A student groaned, "I'm not even top 100?!"
Duan Wei announced, "This tradition tests your fist strength—new recruits on the left, historical records on the right. Let the competition begin!"
Silence fell as realization dawned—this was no mere formality. The air crackled with unspoken rivalry.
Lin Qi's eyes gleamed. Here, strength dictated status. Around him, hundreds gathered, eyes burning with ambition.
...
(End of Chapter)
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