Chapter Six: Stirring Up Trouble

"Do you think just because we're new here and don't know many people, we're easy targets?" someone from Liu Feng's group said.

The short youth replied, "How could that be? He bumped into me, so I spoke up. I don't think I'm being unreasonable."

"We all saw it; you walked over on purpose, then tried to play the victim," the boy who'd been knocked down retorted.

"Watch your mouth! You hit someone and now you're twisting the truth. You're just asking for a beating," the short youth declared, stepping toward the boy he'd struck.

"What do you want?" the boy asked warily.

"You hit me and still argue? Looks like you need a lesson," the short youth said, and with that, he threw a punch at the boy.

The fist whistled through the air, faintly glowing as it shot toward its target. The boy, a newly arrived student, was no match for the short youth. Unable to dodge, he took the blow in the stomach and immediately crumpled to the ground, clutching his abdomen.

"Hand over your money, or you'll get more of the same," the short youth threatened, advancing again.

"Hold it." At that moment, Liu Feng stepped forward and blocked his path.

"If you want to play hero, you'd better make sure you're up to it," the short youth said, swinging a punch at Liu Feng.

Liu Feng didn't dodge, and met the blow with his own fist.

There was a loud "bang!"

The short youth staggered back a step from the shock.

"Not bad. Let's see if you can handle my last move. If you do, I'll let you all go," the short youth said, his anger rising.

"Swift Wind Slash!"

With a shout, he chopped his hand like a blade, and a pale arc of energy shot from his palm, howling toward Liu Feng.

Liu Feng remained calm, forming his fingers into a sword. A blade of light shaped like a sword flew out to meet the incoming slash.

With a deafening roar, the ground trembled beneath their feet, and the force of the collision sent a gust of wind swirling through the room, making everyone's clothes flutter wildly.

"You've got some nerve, kid. Remember the name Yang Cheng. This isn't over," the short youth spat bitterly.

Liu Feng looked at him with a calm expression, saying nothing.

"Let's go," Yang Cheng said to his companions, and the three of them left.

"Liu Feng, this happened because of me. Will you be in trouble because of it?" the boy who'd been struck asked, worry in his voice.

"I couldn't just stand by while he bullied you. In the academy, I doubt he'll dare cause real trouble," Liu Feng replied.

The boy opened his mouth to speak but stayed silent.

"Alright, it's over. Let's go find our dormitory," Liu Feng said.

They made their way to the dormitory area. Liu Feng glanced at his room assignment—District One, Room Ten—and headed that way. His room was on the outer edge of the dorm area. He unlocked the door and entered. The space was modest but not cramped, furnished with four beds and four chairs. Fresh bedding and pillows were laid out on each bed, along with some toiletries.

Liu Feng picked the first bed, tidied up, and sat down to rest.

Just then, another boy entered. Liu Feng saw it was a youth in white.

Suddenly, someone outside said, "I hear this year's entrance exam was especially tough—hardly anyone passed."

"Those who did must be pretty strong," another replied.

Two more boys entered the room—one pale and slender, the other sturdy with a darker complexion.

Seeing Liu Feng and the youth in white, the slender boy introduced himself, "I'm Wang Yun," he said, gesturing to his companion. "He's Li Feng."

"Welcome, new roommates," Li Feng, the sturdy one, greeted them.

"Liu Feng."

"Zhang Chen."

Liu Feng and the youth in white introduced themselves in turn.

"Wang Yun, the assessment teacher told us to report to Primary Class 1 in the Qi Condensation division tomorrow. What does that mean?" Liu Feng asked.

"Well," Wang Yun explained, "The Qi Condensation division is split into a Primary and an Advanced area, with six hundred students in total. The Primary area is for those at stages one through six of Qi Condensation; the Advanced area is for stages seven through nine."

Li Feng added, "Some in the Primary area reach stage seven but still aren't moved up to the Advanced area."

"That's a lot of people. Zhang Chen and I are both in Primary Class 1," Liu Feng remarked.

"That's good—you can look out for each other. Every class has its own factions, always competing and putting pressure on each other," Wang Yun said.

"Don't the instructors do anything about it? Do they just let everyone run wild?" Liu Feng asked.

"Normally, they don't interfere," Li Feng replied. "Rivalry and competition push everyone to improve faster."

"It's getting late. Let's get some rest. We have to report in the morning," Liu Feng suggested.

At dawn, after washing up, Liu Feng, Zhang Chen, Wang Yun, and Li Feng headed to the academy cafeteria. The place was spacious, with two floors. All the tables were made of valuable wood, each about ten meters long and two meters wide, seating around twenty people.

They ordered several dishes, got their rice, and found a table. Liu Feng took a bite of rice—smooth and fragrant, with a subtle aroma. The dishes were exquisite, far tastier than anything he'd eaten outside.

"The academy cafeteria uses specially cultivated ingredients, with many spiritual herbs added. The food is not only delicious but also benefits your cultivation—a luxury you won't find outside," Li Feng explained with a smile.

"It's delicious and good for cultivation, too. Not bad at all," Zhang Chen agreed.

"That's the advantage of joining the academy. The cultivation resources here are unmatched, which is why so many people want to get in," Wang Yun said.

"You lot, come here. Our group's leader wants to see you," a shifty-eyed youth suddenly called out to Liu Feng and his companions.

Looking in the direction he pointed, they saw five boys eating at a nearby table. One, about sixteen, with a cold, stern face, glanced their way.

Liu Feng was about to go over, but Li Feng stopped him. "Let me see what this is about. You all stay here," he said, then approached the table.

"What do you want?" Li Feng asked.

The cold-faced youth said, "My name is Yang Dong. I see you all have some strength. I want to invite you to join our group."

"Why?" Li Feng asked.

"Join us, and we can team up for expeditions, complete academy missions together, and earn points. Isn't that a good thing?" Yang Dong replied.

"I can't decide for them. Let me ask," Li Feng said.

"But think carefully. If you refuse my invitation, you'll embarrass me—and things won't be easy for you in the future," Yang Dong said with a hint of threat in his voice.