NOVEL WEB CHAPTER 297
CHAPTER 297: Prelude to Power
Most cities within the Eternal Clan’s territory lacked walls. Xuanshui City was no exception.
As the bull-drawn cart descended from the official road and onto the city’s internal streets, they had entered Xuanshui City. At first, the roads were lined with low buildings and patches of farmland. But the deeper they ventured, the more the city evolved. Buildings grew taller, more numerous, and increasingly elegant. Side streets branched from the main road like arteries, spreading throughout the city.
Quan Chao brought the carriage to a stop. He knocked on the door.
“Let’s head straight to the vicinity of the Three Elements Academy,” came Lu Ming’s calm voice from inside.
He glanced at Zhang Caixin and the others. “If I remember correctly, the entrance examination starts in three days, right?”
Zhang Caixin nodded eagerly. “That’s right. Three days. We have time to explore Xuanshui City. I’ve never been here before.”
“Me neither,” Wang Beibei added with a grin. “I plan to enjoy it this time.”
Xuanshui City was the capital of Heavenly Wheel Province, one of the eight major provinces of the Eternal Clan. It was considered a first-tier city—an irresistible draw for young adventurers eager to explore its wonders. Arriving a few days early had been a no-brainer.
Lu Ming glanced between them. “Have you all booked a hotel?”
Zhang Caixin and Wang Beibei both nodded. “Yes, near the academy. Brother Lu, don’t tell me you haven’t?”
They had exchanged names during the journey. Lu Ming shook his head with a soft laugh. “No, but I imagine there are plenty of hotels near the academy.”
There were, in fact, many hotels and inns surrounding the Three Elements Academy, catering to all price ranges. After they arrived in the vicinity of the academy, Lu Ming parted ways with Zhang Caixin and the others. He and Quan Chao continued toward their destination and soon reached the academy gates.
“It’s impressive,” Lu Ming murmured, his gaze sweeping over the towering structure.
The Three Elements Academy was vast, seemingly boundless. Though situated in the heart of the city, it occupied the space of an entire district. Zhang Caixin had mentioned the academy’s reputation—it was a signature institution in Xuanshui City, receiving substantial support and land from the city itself.
Within the academy’s walls were artificial forests, serene lakes, and over a hundred distinct buildings. The academy’s influence had fostered numerous industries in the surrounding area, drawing many to settle nearby. It wasn’t that the academy had been built in the city center—it was the academy’s presence that had made this the center of the city.
And a place this important had to be protected by powerful figures.
Lu Ming’s eyes narrowed as he looked up at the tallest building in the distance. A grand, imposing aura radiated from it, one far surpassing even the quasi-Divine Realm, or even Moonfiend Yue. This aura could belong to only one person—the head of the Three Elements Academy: Jiu Han.
Jiu Han was a well-known figure, though reputed for his laziness. Despite being the leader of the Hundred Schools of Philosophy, he rarely left the academy, preferring to remain secluded. His deputies, Xiang Yi and Shufang, handled internal and external affairs, respectively. Jiu Han, though, commanded the most respect of them all—his immense power undisputed.
A slow nod escaped Lu Ming. Power, influence—Jiu Han was exactly what Lu Ming aspired to be.
“Let’s find a hotel first,” he said to Quan Chao.
They booked a suite at the Tengda Hotel, settling in swiftly. After unpacking and enjoying a simple meal of local cuisine, night fell over the city. Lu Ming had barely begun to drift to sleep when a surge of heat stirred in his chest.
He sat up, reaching for the token tucked beneath his shirt. The token Moonfiend Yue had given him.
Infusing it with origin power, Lu Ming opened a communication channel, Moonfiend Yue’s cold, distant voice echoing from the other end.
“Why have you gone to Heavenly Wheel Province? Have you done what I told you to do?”
The imperious tone didn’t faze him. It was hardly surprising that Moonfiend Yue knew his location—either through the token or the Moonlight Curse Seal embedded within him. Perhaps both. But Lu Ming had prepared for such scrutiny.
“I’ve learned that a well-favored descendant of Shufang is studying at the Three Elements Academy,” Lu Ming said smoothly. “I came here for him.”
It was a lie. But a believable one. There was no way Moonfiend Yue could pick it apart. After all, who could know the preferences of a deity like Shufang? If Moonfiend Yue knew, why not send Lu Ming directly to the target?
As expected, Moonfiend Yue’s voice softened.
“I see... Very well. Just be sure to do your job properly. If you succeed, I’ll reward you.”
“I understand,” Lu Ming replied evenly.
The connection ended. Silence returned, but Lu Ming sat still, gripping the token tightly. His knuckles had gone white. While some grudges fade with time, others only deepen. Lu Ming had never been one to forgive easily.
An eye for an eye. A score to settle. And the sooner, the better.
A dark smile curled at the corners of his lips.
“Soon.”
Three days later.
The 640th day of the Black Mist Calendar. For Xuanshui City, today was a day of great importance. It was the annual enrollment day for the Three Elements Academy.
The streets buzzed with excitement. For the citizens of Xuanshui City, this day was akin to the New Year. Lu Ming and Quan Chao arrived early at the academy’s entrance, greeted by a sea of people and the chaotic movement of traffic. Parents accompanied their children, all of them hopeful for the chance to rise to greatness through the academy’s entrance exams. Among the crowd, elderly wanderers stood at a distance, their eyes fixed on the gates with a wistful longing.
The Three Elements Academy didn’t only admit Eternal Clan members. It, like most of the Hundred Schools of Philosophy, accepted students from various backgrounds—anyone who showed potential, regardless of age or status.
At nine o’clock, the sound of a deep bell resonated through the city. Ancient Realm experts rose into the sky, their voices booming across the academy grounds.
“The time has come. The examination begins!”
The call was echoed by academy students stationed around the area.
“Candidates, please proceed by category in an orderly manner.”
End of Chapter 297