Wang Chun

Jiang Ting gazed at the campus in front of him as a sense of Déjà vu washed over him.

Back then, he had stood here, filled with determination, having even walked away from his grandfather just to walk the martial path. His determination had been met with the respect of his seniors, and he had made too many great memories and bonds here. The thread of fate bound him tightly to this place, and his return to the academy in this life had always been inevitable.

'I'm coming, Master, Wait for me.' Jiang Ting thought to himself as he nodded at the guard before pushing open the gates. Jiang Ting was rather well known due to the incident with the village chief and the headmaster, and rumor had it that both of them were impatiently waiting for him to enroll, so it could be said that there was no need to verify his identity.

The buildings in the village academy were fairly large, with white walls. There were several statues of famous cultivators that graduated from the academy in the past lined up before the Library, all sculpted exquisitely from pearl white marble by the sculptors who were head of the sculpting division at some point.

Among the statues, the last in line was that of a middle-aged man with a muscular physique, wearing spiked gloves. Jiang Ting came to a stop before the statue, gazing up at it with reverence. The statue held the inscription- 'Wang Chun: 7th generation headmaster of Fudi Academy. Master of the Red Tiger Battle Art. Cultivation: 4th level of Body Forging.' This was the current headmaster of Fudi academy, also being the head of the Martial wing. He had another identity- strongest cultivator in the village.

Of course, none of these things mattered much to Jiang Ting. The reason he held Wang Chun in high regard was simple. He was his master and had trained him to the best of his abilities, caring for Jiang Ting as if he were his own son, and supported him as best he could on the martial path.

Judging by the fact that I have delayed my admission by two years in this life, perhaps things might have changed. Maybe he resents me, or maybe he has just lost interest. After all, the whole point of seeking my talent was to give me a head start, so I could achieve the thing that he wanted so badly. It isn't an issue, though, since with my talent, I will become his disciple again and get it for him nonetheless.' Jiang Ting thought of his fierce master and couldn't help but let out a smile.

At this time, he continued on to the tavern, stopping before the entrance, surprised.

Standing in front of him was a large, muscular young man in a tank top from the fur of an inferior fierce beast, the Flame Bear. He looked like he had been waiting there for some time and was currently staring at Jiang Ting.

Jiang Ting pretended to be unaware of his identity, giving him a polite nod as he approached the entrance.

He stepped through the entrance under the watchful gaze of the young man, feeling creeped out as he went to hand over the form to the receptionist Li Ming, a middle-aged man tasked with overseeing the Tavern.

"Please don't mind Zhao Song, he is a nice and honest kid, just a tad bit disastrous at social interactions." Li Ming stated.

Jiang Ting gave a wry smile, saying "It's quite alright." 'That airheaded senior brother is infamous as always.'

Li Ming sat back down on his chair, taking a sip of water before continuing with a smile, "It's good that you understand. He's the disciple of the headmaster and quite strong. A lot of people get offended by his behavior and pick fights, only to get their bones broken. Anyways, now that you have enrolled here, you should head over to the library. It houses the knowledge that all wings of the academy require. You will find all sorts of martial arts techniques and treatises. Best of luck, kid."

Jiang Ting smiled back, "Many thanks, Uncle Li."

Li Ming waved him off. Jiang Ting headed out, making for his soon to be senior brother.

Zhao Song called out to him.

"Jiang Ting, right? Please hold on for a moment."

Jiang Ting was slightly confused, before he figured out what was going on. 'So master is still gunning for me;

"What may I help you with?"

"My name is Zhao Song. I am the disciple of headmaster Wang Chun. He has summoned you."

"Oh? May I know what for?"

Zhao Song hesitated for a moment, before replying," I'm not sure either. Let's go. Follow me."

Jiang Ting smiled before following Zhao Song. 'Senior brother sure is the same old awkward, straightforward beast of a man that he always was. Sure enough, I may be late to come here, but things don't seem to have changed much after all.'

* * *

On a slope on the mountains, around the fringes of the village, there was a mud house. Inside was a couple of beds and a simple kitchen. In front of the house sat a young man with his empty sleeves billowing in the wind. He was sitting cross legged on the ground with his eyes shut tightly. Around him, the flow of spiritual qi was rather erratic, as if his body was sucking it into his skin.

At this point a young woman walked out from inside the house. Her doe like eyes were hazelnut in color, with her pitch-black hair set free. She was a strikingly beautiful young woman dressed in purple martial artists' training robes.

She called out to the young man, "Brother, lunch is ready. Let's quickly eat before the food goes cold. I still have to go to the academy. It's sparring day today."

The young man looked at his sister, nodding gently as he walked in. Looking at his empty sleeves, his sister's face fell as she followed him in.

His voice rang out, "Ping, I'm one step closer now."

Upon hearing him say that the young woman flashed a brilliant smile.