Choose your own path.

After the holiday ended, Qin Hao was summoned by his chief leader. Upon arriving at the secret headquarters, he saw several young men around his own age. As soon as Qin Hao arrived, the chief spoke: “It is said that the finest talents gather at Huangpu Academy, where nearly all the nation's geniuses convene. Our Tai Chi Society once had students there, but their talents were mediocre and yielded no notable achievements. Therefore, I plan to send fresh recruits this time.” The chief paused and added, “Of course, participation is voluntary.”

“Forty-two years ago, when we first started, I and the other three leaders were full of ambition! The martial world’s old saying goes, ‘For one general’s glory, thousands of bones must break.’ But I disagree; I believe that in the world of martial arts, whether one lives or dies is one’s own choice. You are all the brightest of the younger generation in the Tai Chi Society. This is the path laid before you—I leave the choice to you.”

None of us hesitated. Entering the academy not only promised to enhance our strength but also offered connections with higher officials and their disciples—a new path for our futures. Moreover, life in the academy was freer; no longer would we have to keep our heads bowed daily. Seeing that none of us backed down, the chief was pleased. He raised a cup of bamboo leaf green tea and toasted with us: “May every genius here sail smoothly through the academy.”

Thus, we journeyed to Huangpu Academy in Yanjing to take the annual entrance examination. Qin Hao met one of the others there—Chen Jianqiu. Chen was the favored disciple of the Fourth Elder, who doted on him and was reluctant to let him face the brutal martial world. Chen’s background was similar to Qin Hao’s: as a child, he and his mother were sold by their cruel father to a brothel. With his mother’s sacrificial help, Chen escaped and was adopted by the elder into the Tai Chi Society. The first person Chen ever killed was his own father. Chen Jianqiu’s personality resembled Qin Hao’s—sometimes calm, sometimes carefree, quick with jokes—and so they became close friends.

“I’ve actually heard about you,” Chen said. “Taking the Yin-Yang Jade from several geniuses—that’s impressive. I want to be as renowned in the martial world as you are.”

“Then go for it.”

“The old man Wang forbids me, saying the martial world is perilous, and people’s hearts are treacherous. I told him, how can I understand if he won’t let me out? But now, things are different. He can’t control me anymore. I’m going to write my own legend.”

“I believe in you.”

Huangpu Academy judged not by birth but by capability. To the left of the academy’s main gate stood a massive stone capable of measuring one’s innate talent. When a person touched it, the stone would glow—the brighter the light, the greater the talent. Of course, some less gifted but hardworking students had a chance to prove their strength by facing an elder seated to the right of the gate. Anyone who could reach the elder was deemed accepted.

Crowds gathered before the gate, some joyful, others anxious. Many passed by touching the stone, while others of average talent tried their luck challenging the elder, only to fail. Qin Hao’s talent was average, so he skipped the stone and went directly to the elder. Bowing respectfully, he announced, “Senior, I am ready.”

The elder smiled and nodded. Qin Hao stepped forward unimpeded, reaching the elder quickly. The elder gestured for Qin Hao to sit before him, then took his pulse. After a moment, he said, “You may enter. You have passed.”

“Why?”

“Your strength speaks for itself.”

“Thank you, senior.”

The elder thought to himself, “So young, yet already possessing level-Wu power—not inferior to the likes of Zhang Jianyi or He Xi, the top prodigies.” He Xi, the academy’s president’s own grandson, had recently joined Huangpu Academy as a 42nd term student—this year marking the 42nd year since the founding of Kai Xuan.

After Qin Hao passed, he waited for Chen Jianqiu, who went to touch the stone. The stone’s light dazzled countless onlookers. When they recovered, someone remarked, “That must be about the same brilliance as He Xi’s light a few days ago!”

“Never thought anyone else had such talent.”

“This year’s Huangpu rankings are going to be exciting.”

After passing, Chen Jianqiu joined Qin Hao, and they entered the academy side by side. Immediately, a beautiful young woman approached them.

“I’m Feng Lan, a 41st-term student,” she said. “I’ve just received word from the president to welcome you.”

“Oh, the renowned Tianhua Fairy of the martial world,” Qin Hao said in surprise. Feng Lan, styled Tianhua, was famed alongside Lu Xin and Peng Yi as one of the three fairies of the martial world. Some said if Gongsun Xiaoyue had participated, they would be the four fairies. Feng Lan was also a top student of the 41st term, currently ranked eighth on the Huangpu leaderboard.

“Follow me; I’ll show you around the academy, your accommodations, and the upcoming competition.”

“Competition?”

“A simple contest among freshmen, after which several masters from different departments select their disciples.” The trio’s striking appearances drew curious gazes from many.

“Who are those two handsome guys? Even Tianhua Fairy is personally receiving them.”

“No idea. They must be newcomers.”

Along the way, they learned about the academy’s general system. It operated on a points basis—the more academy tasks completed, the higher the points. Reaching certain thresholds could grant official positions. However, societies like the Tai Chi Society and the Dao Alliance could only exchange points for items; the imperial court would not confer ranks.

The academy was divided into three departments: Pharmacology, Physical Arts, and Military Science. The Pharmacology department focused on developing battlefield medicines and elixirs. Physical Arts was the martial arts department, teaching hand-to-hand combat and fighting techniques. Military Science covered theoretical knowledge—strategic formations, battle tactics, and the like. Physical Arts was the most popular, while Pharmacology was the least, recruiting only a few students yearly. Within Physical Arts, there were several specializations—spear, sword, bow, staff, among others.

Soon, the trio arrived at the training ground—a vast circular arena. Almost all freshmen had gathered. The current president, Huang Pu, was elderly and frail. Several times, the emperor urged him to rest, but Huang politely declined, saying his health still held. Standing on stage, he projected his deep, resonant voice, delivering an inspiring speech to the assembled freshmen.

“Now, I hereby declare: the freshman competition officially begins.”

The contest was straightforward—a fight to the last standing. The ultimate victor would be the grand winner. Of course, even those who did not win or lost could be chosen by masters if they showed exceptional skill.