BATTLES OF THE WORLDS

In Master Jian Dao's Room

Golden sunlight filtered through the latticed wooden windows, casting warm patterns across the smooth floor. The faint aroma of aged sandalwood curled in the air. Steam rose from a porcelain teacup in Master Jian Dao's hands, delicate and still.

Across from him, Jian Wu stood stiffly, her arms folded like iron gates.

"Dad, listen! Tell me where Mike is. Are you even hearing me?" Her voice trembled with restrained worry.

Jian Dao didn't look up. He gently blew on his tea, the ripples disturbing the perfect reflection of the ceiling beams above. "He went somewhere important. Don't disturb me with questions now."

Jian Wu's heel tapped against the floor. "He left without even telling me. He's so careless and stupid sometimes!"

The corner of Jian Dao's lips curved. "Hey Wu, don't be so harsh. He's actually very sweet… if you take a moment to understand him."

Outside, birds chirped softly on the roof tiles. Jian Wu glanced away.

"I care about him," she mumbled. "If I don't act strict, he won't survive here. He's not that strong."

Jian Dao's eyes grew distant, watching the breeze rustle the paper scrolls beside him. "This is just the beginning for him. Wait and watch — you'll see how far he goes."

Atop the Remote Mountain Peak

The mountain air was crisp, edged with the scent of pine and wild blossoms. Jagged rocks framed the clearing, and a cluster of violet flowers grew stubbornly between cracks. A hawk cried in the distance, its silhouette gliding across the golden-blue sky.

Mike sat cross-legged on the smooth stone, a scroll unfurled across his knees. His fingertips traced the glowing calligraphy as it shimmered in response to his touch.

"The flying skill… depends on rank progression?" he murmured. "As I grow stronger, the wings become faster and more powerful? Ooow, that's interesting."

A leaf landed on his shoulder, carried by a lazy gust. Mike didn't brush it away.

Ten Days Later

Clouds passed slowly overhead, casting long shadows over the training ground. Mike sat in the same place, his robe dusty and his hair tangled by wind and sleepless nights.

He groaned. "Oh my god… what is this? This is too hard!"

Frustrated, he slapped the stone floor. Pebbles bounced. A squirrel startled from the nearby branch and scampered off.

"No… I can do it. I will do it."

He inhaled slowly, the smell of dew and earth grounding him. With eyes closed, his fingers moved through the memorized hand signs, weaving ancient energy patterns. The air thickened — not hot, not cold, but alive.

Weeks Passed

The mountain was his world now — dawns kissed with golden light, nights filled with whispering wind and endless stars. Trees stood like patient sentinels. A small waterfall trickled nearby, its sound a constant rhythm of calm.

Then — at last — something snapped into place.

His breath caught as a sharp current surged through his back. A pulse of light expanded from his spine. He gritted his teeth, gasping, and behind him — two translucent wings began to form. Feathers of glowing energy shimmered as they flared outward, trembling but visible.

Back at the Academy

Feng Jian paced along a stone path edged with cherry blossoms. Their petals floated lazily across the courtyard, catching in his boots.

"Where is he? It's been more than a month!" he muttered.

Ling Xue leaned against a sun-warmed railing, arms folded. "He'll be back. Why are you so tense?"

Lei Hu joined them, tossing a dried seed pod in the air. "He's our friend. Don't act like it's nothing."

"I know, I know. But come on, we're going to the practice room," Ling Xue said. "Let's not waste time."

"Feng Jian, you're close to your next rank," Lei Hu added. "Don't fall behind."

"I know it's tough," Feng Jian exhaled, watching a butterfly land on his sleeve. "But I'll manage. Don't worry."

Back in Jian Dao's Room

The lanterns flickered with a gentle amber glow. Jian Dao sat still, a scroll resting forgotten in his lap.

"I wonder how he's doing... Should I go check?" he mused aloud.

Outside, clouds drifted past a silver moon. He stepped to the window. "No — it might disturb him. But... just a peek."

He vanished into the air, leaving only the soft rustle of curtains in his wake.

Back at the Mountain

Moonlight bathed the peak in silver. Jian Dao hovered quietly, watching from above as Mike sat in stillness. His aura pulsed with life.

"Hm, no color," Jian Dao whispered. "No flame yet… but his progress is solid."

He nodded and vanished once more.

Several Days Later

Mike's robes rippled as he stood at the cliff's edge. His wings — now fully formed — curved gracefully behind him, aglow with pale energy. He stumbled, caught himself, then leaned into the wind.

He rose.

Upward — slowly at first, like a kite testing the wind — then steady. The sky opened before him, wide and infinite. Below, the trees blurred into a quilt of green. He laughed, the sound caught in the wind.

"I did it…" he whispered. "Finally…"

His stomach growled loudly.

"Ah, right. I'm starving."

Back at Jian Dao's Residence

The sky had begun to blush with evening light. Jian Dao stood by the doorway, feeling the air shift.

A knock came.

He opened the door before it finished. Mike stood there, dust on his face, wings dimming as they folded away.

"Mike! I knew you'd do it!" Jian Dao pulled him into a tight hug.

"Master… I'm starving," Mike murmured, dazed.

"Come in, come in!" Jian Dao chuckled.

The dining table gleamed — bowls of fragrant rice, golden dumplings, steaming soup, roasted meats, and sweet fruit pastries.

"Eat slowly! It's all for you."

As Mike devoured a dumpling in two bites, Jian Dao leaned forward. "So? How was your first flight?"

Mike beamed through a mouthful of rice. "The wings are amazing… but flying — flying is freedom."

Just then, the wooden door creaked.

Jian Wu stepped in, wind-swept and blinking.

Her eyes landed on Mike — alive, glowing with energy — and she stopped mid-step.