BATTLES OF THE WORLDS

Whispers fluttered through the ancient stone corridors of the Inner Academy like wind stirring dry leaves.

"Hey… that's the newcomer," a student murmured from behind a marble pillar, half-shrouded by the shadows of a tall bronze lantern.

"And he's walking with Headmaster Jian Dao and Senior Jian Wu!" another gasped, peeking out from behind a blossoming fire-crimson tree, petals trembling in the breeze.

The courtyard they passed through was quiet, save for the soft crunch of gravel beneath their boots. Lush vines clung to the surrounding arched walls, their purple flowers faintly glowing in the evening light. Far above, the sky stretched out in a fading gold, its hue deepening into indigo as stars began to twinkle faintly.

Jian Wu, walking a few paces behind his father, glanced over and asked, "Dad… what Protectors were you talking about? You've never told me anything about them."

Jian Dao's gaze remained steady as they passed a pond edged with silver lotus blooms. "Listen carefully, Mike," he began, his voice calm, yet filled with weight. "This isn't just about your father. The Protectors… they are above even the Pure Soul Hall."

He paused as they crossed a small stone bridge, under which water gurgled gently over smooth pebbles. Fireflies rose from the shadows.

"A long time ago," Jian Dao continued, his voice low, "when the world hovered on the edge of chaos, the three continents — Tian Ling, Zhen Wu, and Qing Yuan — joined hands with the Pure Soul Hall. They forged a new force... seven Protectors to guard the balance."

The trio passed beneath a tall gate carved with symbols of ancient beasts. Jian Dao raised his fingers, counting them one by one.

"The First Protector — Han Zexian. Wu Huang, Star 9. He was called the Wall of Tian Ling."

"The Second, Rui Jinlei — Wu Huang, Star 7. The Wall of Zhen Wu."

"The Third — Luo Qianyu. Wu Sheng, Star 8. The Wall of Qing Yuan."

They turned onto a quieter path now, lined with moonlit cherry trees. The soft scent of blossoms danced in the air.

"These three formed the coordinates of the world," Jian Dao said, his tone darkening. "But the Fourth... your father, Eldon Yeager, was more than that."

A breeze rustled the leaves as Mike stiffened slightly.

"He was the Wall of the Holy Tree — a Wu Di, Star 3," Jian Dao said, his voice now slower. "He stood at the center, the most powerful of them all."

Mike's breath caught. The night air suddenly felt heavier.

"But they've all vanished," Jian Dao continued grimly. "The four Protectors… taken."

Mike halted beside a lantern-lit statue of an ancient cultivator. His reflection shimmered faintly in the polished stone.

"But… Master," Mike asked softly, "if my father was that strong… who could've taken him?"

Jian Dao didn't answer. He simply looked up toward the distant spires of the academy, their black outlines jagged against the moon.

---

Elsewhere, near the north training field…

Feng Jian stood with arms crossed beside a withered old tree, watching the distant clouds glow red from the setting sun.

"Ling Xue, I don't like this," he muttered. "Those seniors went all out on us. And now… even the Wall of Academy feels scattered."

Ling Xue leaned on the railing of a wooden walkway, her eyes following a group of birds vanishing into the twilight. "You're right. Something's off."

Feng Jian scanned the silent path, where lamps had just begun to flicker to life. "Did you see Mike? Or even Lei Hu?"

"No… not since earlier," she replied, brushing her hair as the wind tugged at it.

Suddenly, fast footsteps echoed down the stone steps. Lei Hu stumbled into view, panting and sweaty. His robe was dusty, torn at the sleeve.

"Guys… I'm done. This place is crazy!" he wheezed, bending over near a water basin. "But hey, rules are rules in the Inner Academy."

Feng Jian frowned. "Still no Mike?"

Lei Hu shook his head. "Nope."

---

Back inside the Headmaster's chamber…

Jian Dao's room was lined with long scrolls and jade figurines. An incense burner puffed soft curls of smoke, its scent wrapping around the wooden walls like a whisper.

Jian Dao turned from the window. The moonlight caught the edge of his robes.

"Yes, your father was powerful. But something happened... something I won't reveal yet." His voice dropped to almost a whisper. "Not until you're ready."

Mike sat quietly on a woven cushion, watching the candlelight flicker in his tea cup.

Jian Wu smiled gently. "Don't push him too hard, Father. He's still catching up."

Jian Dao let out a breath and nodded. "You're right."

He looked at Mike, his eyes piercing. "Remember this — the Inner Academy is only the beginning. Beyond these walls, the real world awaits. And one day, we'll explore the vast universe together."

Mike stood. "If anything happens, Master... I'll come to you."

---

Later that day…

Under the shimmering glow of training ground crystals, Feng Jian, Ling Xue, and Lei Hu wandered across a field littered with practice dummies and weapon racks. The sun had fully set now, and fireflies blinked among the bushes.

"Hey," Ling Xue whispered, pointing toward a stone bench beneath a glowing tree.

Feng Jian narrowed his eyes. "That guy... that is Mike! But... who's that girl beside him?"

She sat gracefully, playing with the hem of her robe — golden silk embroidered with lightning patterns. Her smile was warm, and her voice barely audible from afar.

After a moment, Feng Jian grinned. "So much for the serious guy. Looks like our Mike's found a little romance."

Lei Hu burst out laughing. "Let's go ruin the moment!"

As they neared, Mike waved. His cheeks flushed as they got closer.

Feng Jian smirked. "Mike… who's this? A cousin? Or…"

Mike stammered, "She's Jian Wu… my childhood friend."

"But isn't she… the daughter of Jian Dao?" Lei Hu added dramatically.

Jian Wu raised an eyebrow. "Just a friend, huh?"

Mike froze. "W-Wait—Wu! I didn't mean—"

"I'm leaving!" she snapped, leaping up and storming off into the glowing grove.

Mike scrambled after her, yelling apologies.

Behind him, laughter echoed through the star-silver night.

Feng Jian chuckled. "Go get her, lover boy!"