Chapter 375: Back to the Azure Dragon Sect [Bonus - PS]

Chapter 375: Back to the Azure Dragon Sect [Bonus Chapter PS]

Sword Pavilion Master Wu stepped out of the swirling blue portal on the other side, and Solomon followed right behind him. The moment their boots touched the cobblestones, the portal snapped shut. Elite guards stationed around the perimeter immediately moved in, sealing off the archway and forming a protective barrier to secure the transit zone.

They were standing at the very base of the Azure Dragon Sect, right where student’s initial practical trials had taken place months ago. Now, they had to climb the long, winding stone stairs leading up the mountain to reach the main pavilions.

Wu let out a weary sigh, rolling his shoulders. "These inter-dimensional portal jumps always tire me out completely. Ripping through the fabric of space drains a significant amount of strength and leaves the body feeling incredibly weak for a few hours."

Solomon didn’t know exactly what to say. He wasn’t feeling fatigued in the slightest. His Indefatigable talent had likely already converted whatever minor physical drain he experienced into fresh stamina before he even realized it.

"How come that same draining effect does not happen when entering a dungeon or a spatial rift?" Solomon asked curiously, adjusting his greatsword.

"That is the fundamental difference between traversing a natural, chaotic anomaly and utilizing a man-made, stabilized transit network," Wu explained, beginning the long hike up the stone steps. "Rifts pull you in naturally. Artificial portals forcefully push you through the void."

They continued walking up the massive staircase. After several flights, Wu glanced over at the teenager. "Would you like to take a quick break, Solomon? If you are feeling tired from the jump, we can rest here for a moment."

"I am perfectly fine," Solomon responded effortlessly.

[1Fizzy: bro has infinite stamina.]

[James_hayes: the old man is tired, Solo Man!]

[Mezz_3863: give him a break lol.]

[GoonLord: THE GRIND NEVER STOPS!]

[Foodball: Wu is struggling out here.]

They continued climbing in silence, but since it was a long walk up the mountain, the quiet atmosphere quickly grew awkward, and the chat scrolling rapidly across his interface wasn’t helping alleviate the tension.

"How exactly did you, the Grandmaster, and Cedric become such close friends?" Solomon asked, breaking the silence.

Wu laughed fondly, the sound echoing off the stone cliffs. "We became friends more than a century ago, back when all three of us were just arrogant, hot-headed students attending the academy."

Solomon was genuinely surprised to hear that. "Did the Live Streaming Academy actually exist back then too?"

[User12: lore drop!]

[M00N: how old is the academy?!]

[Brerell: the founders must be ancient.]

[LazyCat: wait, did they have drones back then?]

"The academy has existed in various forms for thousands of years," Wu responded, leaning slightly on the stone railing as they climbed. "Although, for a few millennia, it was not actually a ’Live Streaming’ academy. The original institution was completely destroyed in a catastrophic incident long before any of us were even born. I do not know the exact details of that ancient tragedy. When the academy eventually resumed operations, it started as a standard martial and magical institution."

Wu smiled, reminiscing about the technological evolution. "Then, it slowly transitioned. At first, it wasn’t live streaming, but it was just students submitting written reports and physical journals of their dungeon runs to the administration. Later, magical audio broadcasts and basic radio frequencies were introduced."

"Then, the Technomagic Division invented heavy, expensive artifacts with localized crystal screens, which took months to manufacture. Then came recording crystals, then regional television channels... and finally, the era of modern technology arrived, where the network allows people across the realms to watch our students live on their personal devices."

[Nick: the technology scaling is actually so cool.]

[sgtcwby: from written reports to drones.]

[Ferald: imagine submitting a written essay after killing a boss.]

[DaoistAlexkg: the academy lore goes deep.]

Solomon and Wu continued chatting about the academy’s rich history until they finally reached the towering main gates of the sect and entered the central common pavilion.

"I am going to head back to the Sword Pavilion now and rest," Wu announced, letting out another tired sigh. "The portal jump took a lot out of me."

"I will head over to the Qi Gathering Pavilion," Solomon nodded.

[Vaelen: time for the cultivation arc!]

[Joshua_Swofford: Solo Man is about to unlock the rest of his cores.]

[trenthay: Yue is waiting for him.]

They parted ways in the central plaza. Solomon began his trek toward the Qi Gathering Pavilion, but he quickly realized he had absolutely no idea where it was located.

It was his very first time venturing into that sector of the mountain. He wandered through the sprawling courtyards, occasionally running into patrolling guards and passing disciples to ask for directions.

He navigated through a beautiful, winding bamboo forest, crossed several arched wooden bridges spanning over clear koi ponds, and finally reached the secluded gates of the Tenth Pavilion.

Two heavily armed guards crossed their staffs to block his path. "Halt. State your business. Why are you here?"

[Dakota_Smith: bro is getting blocked again.]

[Shadow: they do not know who he is.]

[Sedrikk: here we go again.]

"I am here to meet Yue," Solomon responded casually. "I need to learn some cultivation techniques from her."

The guards immediately grew furious. "How dare you speak the Pavilion Master’s name so casually!" one guard shouted, gripping his staff tightly. "Show some proper respect, novice!"

The second guard laughed mockingly. "She is the Tenth Pavilion Master! She does not take direct, personal disciples, especially not from cocky first-years wandering in off the street!"

[Andy_Thornton: they are asking for a beating.]

[Stephen_wood: Solo Man is about to throw hands.]

[Brerell: TEACH THEM SOME MANNERS!]

[1Fizzy: bro is going to snap their staffs.]

Solomon didn’t want to bother arguing with them or cause any unnecessary trouble on his first day back. He figured the guards were simply doing their jobs, and getting into a brawl with the gate sentries wouldn’t do him any favors with Yue.

"I am not a first year student. Can’t you see my uniform?" He let out a tired sigh. "I just want to go inside."