C7 College

On a long road stretching from the Silent Sea region, the distant sound of a carriage could be heard approaching.

Aboard the carriage were a boy and a girl, two children.

The boy was at the reins, clearly a novice, his movements awkward as he attempted to steer. The girl sat beside him, offering guidance.

They were Jie Mu and Yu Wen, having departed from Fragrance Light Mountain earlier that morning. Despite the carriage's swift pace, the journey seemed endless.

Yu Wen had been driving for too long, and it would be exhausting for her to continue. So Jie Mu took it upon himself to learn, his natural aptitude allowing him to quickly catch on.

Jie Mu mopped his brow and turned to Yu Wen with a smile, "Driving a carriage is quite challenging. By the way, which group did our teacher mention this morning?"

Yu Wen, reclining against the carriage, gazed up at the azure sky, a nostalgic tone in her voice. "It's been ages since I've been back to the academy. It's truly a wonderful place."

"The academy is essentially a university. You're familiar with universities, right? They're institutions that cultivate high-level talent, and our academy is no different.

"No one really knows when the academy was founded. At any rate, our current dean is our teacher, Donglin Chenmu."

Jie Mu listened intently, puzzled. He had heard others refer to his master as Donglin Chenmu multiple times, but Donglin wasn't a common surname.

And yet, he always referred to himself simply as Chenmu. However, such details were trivial and of no concern to most.

Yu Wen went on, "Our academy, simply known as the Academy, is also referred to as the Machinery Weapon Academy. We primarily teach Machine Arts and martial skills."

"Since the Civilization Calendar, no other university has had the global impact that our academy boasts."

"Graduates from our academy, regardless of their proficiency in Machine Arts, are without exception, leaders in their respective fields."

"Hold on," Jie Mu interjected with confusion, "Does the academy teach more than just Machine Arts and martial skills? How else would it have a presence in every industry?"

Yu Wen shrugged, "Who said the academy only teaches Machine Arts and martial skills? Those with a gift for Machine Arts stay on to further the academy's progress."

Those without a knack for Machine Arts pursue other areas of knowledge, either remaining in academia or venturing into society, shaping it as a whole.

Jie Mu pressed on, "How does the academy recruit students annually? Is there a regional exam?"

Yu Wen pondered briefly, "It's not quite like that. The academy's recruitment is selective; not just anyone can join."

"In the past, the dean personally handled admissions, but recently, the task has been delegated to the senior faculty members, who now handpick the students."

Jie Mu nodded, still curious, "Based on what you're saying, the academy should be renowned and influential. Why haven't I heard of it until now?"

"And I haven't heard of any prominent figures who are alumni."

Yu Wen gave him a look, "The academy is indeed prestigious and well-known. Your lack of awareness speaks to your own limited knowledge."

"Moreover, many graduates who leave the academy take an oath of secrecy about their affiliation, punishable by death if broken."

"This stringent rule was established by the academy years ago to avoid unwanted attention, as prominence often invites trouble."

Jie Mu reflected, then inquired, "So, in Region No.1, with the academy's might, does it dominate unchallenged?"

"Not at all. The academy's primary goal is to research and disseminate martial skills, not to vie for dominance or influence in Region No.1."

"The academy may be formidable, but it's not the strongest. Region No.1 is teeming with powerful entities and masters," Yu Wen clarified.

"Therefore, outside these walls, being a student of the academy doesn't grant carte blanche. To some of the elite, our institution's name doesn't carry much weight."

Jie Mu let out a wistful sigh, having mistakenly thought he'd found a powerful ally, only to realize his excitement was premature.

Seeing his disappointment, Yu Wen softened, "Still, the academy's reputation isn't entirely without merit."

In our academy, the Ninth Department is the one taught by the dean himself. When you mention outside that you're the dean's student, a lot of people tend to show respect.

Jie Mu, being perceptive, picked up on the uncertainty in Yu Wen's voice. It seemed that in some places, dropping Chenmu's name might not carry any weight.

"The academy often assigns missions to students," Yu Wen continued.

"The final grades for students are split into two parts: the final exam, which typically accounts for sixty percent, and the regular grades, making up the remaining forty percent."

"That forty percent is based on how well and how much of the missions you complete. As for attending classes, it's up to you. No one will mind if you don't show up."

Yu Wen added nonchalantly, "But in reality, most students do attend classes. Otherwise, passing the final exams can be quite challenging."

"What's our mission this time?" Jie Mu inquired.

Yu Wen glanced around and with a gesture, a faint golden glow surrounded them both.

Jie Mu admired the barrier enviously. It was a 'Soundproof Machine Layer,' a technique only achievable at Level Four in Machine Arts. His own skills were just at Level Three.

"This mission is the lowest tier of the four-tier system, known as the Yellow grade," Yu Wen explained. "Our objective is to collect a shipment of goods from Duross City and ensure its safe delivery back to South Jade Mountain."

She spoke softly, aware that despite the barrier's strong soundproofing, it wouldn't deter those with exceptionally deep cultivation from overhearing.

Hearing this, Jie Mu flicked the reins, "That sounds easy enough. It's just transporting goods. How hard could it be?"

Yu Wen smirked, "If only it were as simple as you think. Duross City is a melting pot of characters, with every major power having a presence there. It's quite a dangerous place."

"They might not openly confront academy members, but there's no telling what they might do behind the scenes."

With a sigh, Jie Mu realized, "So it's going to be more complicated than it seems."

Yu Wen shook her head, equally puzzled by their teacher's motives for assigning them such a complex mission.

Duross, an ancient city with a storied past, boasts a history spanning over four thousand years. Despite the relentless wars that have raged for centuries, the city remains unscathed.

Today, Duross stands as a critical hub, connecting the four cardinal directions at the heart of Region No.1. Both waterways and roads converge here, creating a bustling nexus of travel and trade.

The civilization of the Terrin World is peculiarly distorted, with Duross epitomizing this anomaly. Here, the lines between the archaic and the contemporary blur, where economic and cultural forces clash. It's a haven for innumerable shadowy entities, and even the government of Region No.1 finds itself at a loss to exert control.

The most formidable gangs, the Qilin Society from the north and East Prosperity from the south, are considered outsiders in this domain. The city's true power lies with its indigenous serpent—a force so formidable it's likened to a mythical dragon.

The Crouching Dragon Slope is the safest enclave within Duross, not because it houses the government, but because it's the stronghold of the Zhang family. Their lineage, deeply rooted in the city's history, has endured for generations.

Naturally, any ordinary ancient clan would struggle to survive in a city teeming with both dragons and snakes. But the Zhang family is no ordinary clan. The current head, Zhang Loong, rose to prominence during a tumultuous period marked by a scandalous catastrophe that remains a secret to outsiders. Besieged by betrayal within and threats without, all coveting the family's assets, he took decisive action.

With the ferocity of a thunderstorm, Zhang Loong purged the traitors and forged alliances with the Qin family of West Chuan, the Zhao family of Zither Island, and the Guo family of Zichuan. Together, they established a delicate equilibrium in Duross, deterring any would-be aggressors.

Subsequently, the Zhang family fortified their influence by importing cutting-edge technology from the academy, significantly bolstering their power and securing their legacy.

Thanks to Zhang Loong's efforts, Duross City has achieved its current balance of power, and he has emerged as the city's de facto ruler.

Regardless of the faction, anyone wishing to take action in Duross City must first obtain his approval.

Even the government must show Zhang Loong respect when conducting business in the city.

Today, Crouching Dragon Slope is expecting a special visitor.

The arrival of this guest has set the Zhang family's servants into a flurry of activity, with everyone from the footmen to the stewards diligently preparing for the guest's reception.

In the central hall of the Crouching Dragon Courtyard, a young man sits, savoring a fine cup of Longjing Tea with his eyes closed in repose.

He appears unremarkable, yet there is an inexplicable air of authority about him. Despite his modest stature, his commanding presence ensures that no one dares to underestimate him.

This man is none other than the Zhang family patriarch, Zhang Loong.

Standing by his side is a young man who bears a striking resemblance to him.

This young man is Zhang Xuan, Zhang Loong's eldest son and a rare prodigy within Region No.1.

Respectfully standing behind Zhang Loong, he reports, "Father, according to our intelligence, the envoy from the academy is expected to arrive the day after tomorrow. Should we send someone to greet them?"

Zhang Loong gestures dismissively and takes a sip of his tea, "The academy's affairs are not a pressing concern. As for the black Qilin, while we do not fear him, we must not neglect the proper courtesies."

"He represents the entire Qilin Society, after all."

The young man nods in agreement, "I've already given orders to our people below; there should be no issues."

"Let's hope not. I have this nagging feeling that something untoward might occur," Zhang Loong says, massaging the center of his brow with a sense of disquiet.