The crisp morning air nipped at Atticus' cheeks as he hurried towards the Arcane Studies building as he felt a bit of excitement bubble in his chest, a stark contrast to the dry demeanor he had assumed while in the Bloodhound Sect. Today marked his first official class, and the prospect of learning from a seasoned mage filled him with anticipation.Reaching the imposing structure, Atticus marveled at its intricate carvings and soaring towers. It exuded power and knowledge, a beacon for aspiring arcanists. Inside, the air crackled with a nervous energy shared by his fellow first-year students. Murmurs and fidgeting filled the hallways as they navigated their way towards their respective classrooms.He found himself in front of a massive oak door emblazoned with a swirling symbol of arcane energy. Taking a deep breath, Atticus pushed it open, stepping into a vast lecture hall. Rows of wooden benches, worn from years of eager students, faced a raised platform dominated by a large oak des

As he reached for his discarded shirt with the thoughts of going out to get some food, the door creaked open, revealing Xu Hua. Her usual stoic expression was etched with a hint of surprise, a rare sight. Following closely behind was a whirlwind of activity in the form of a girl with vibrant pink hair fashioned into two high buns. "Woah, you have a roommate? And it's a guy!" the girl exclaimed, her voice a bubbly chirp. "Xu Hua never mentioned that!" Xu Hua simply swept past them both, heading straight for her desk, her silence a clear message to let the topic die. Atticus recognized the tactic – a well-honed defense mechanism against her potential pestering and fostering awkwardness. Sure enough, the girl, seemingly oblivious to the silent plea, bounced towards Atticus, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Hi there! I'm Lu Xiaoyan, Xu Hua's best friend! You must be the new roommate, right?" she chirped, extending a hand in greeting.Atticus took her hand, a wry smile playing on

The walk back to the academy with Wei Chen was shrouded in a tense silence. The gruesome scene at the restaurant replayed in Atticus' mind, the chilling image of the decaying bodies a constant reminder of the brutal encounter. Wei Chen, usually brimming with nervous chatter, remained uncharacteristically subdued, his face etched with a mixture of fear and confusion. As they approached their separate dorms, a flicker of concern crossed Wei Chen's usually jovial expression. "Atticus," he began, his voice barely above a whisper, "that... that figure...I have a feeling it is related to a spectral demon.."Atticus, his own thoughts a tangled mess, simply offered a grim nod.Even though he did really know anything about spectral demons, he did know a bit about demons based on the demonic energy he himself possessed.The evidence spoke for itself – the inhuman agility, the dark energy, the chilling aura – it all pointed towards something far more sinister than a mere cultivator. Especially

A hush fell over the gathered crowd as the supervisor, a wizened old man with eyes like polished obsidian, addressed the aspiring participants. His voice, though aged, resonated with a quiet power that demanded attention."Welcome, young cultivators," he boomed, his voice echoing across the precipice. "Today, you stand at the threshold of the Skyfall Trial, a test not only of your strength, but also of your control and adaptability."He surveyed the faces before him, a mix of eager anticipation and nervous apprehension. "This preliminary stage," he continued, "requires you to descend from the peak. However, a formidable barrier of spirit qi awaits you. Your task is to navigate this resistance and reach the ground with the utmost speed."A collective intake of breath filled the air as the supervisor raised a hand, silencing the murmurs. He then produced a series of intricately carved talismans, each glowing with a soft ethereal light. "These," he explained, gesturing towards the tali

Even the seasoned seniors observing the situation couldn't help but acknowledge the impressive display Atticus had just delivered. His swift reflexes, decisive counterattack, and the potent lightning spell left them surprised. Bai Feng, on the other hand, presented a stark contrast. He knelt on the ground, his face contorted in a mixture of pain and humiliation. The once arrogant demeanor had completely vanished, replaced by a deep scowl that burned with unspoken threats. If death stares could kill, Atticus would have been a goner. But the intensity of Bai Feng's glare did little to faze him. Atticus stood tall, his expression resolute, the playful banter completely erased.The awkward silence stretched for a moment before Bai Feng, wincing slightly as the aftereffects of the electrical assault lingered, slowly pushed himself to his feet. He cast one final venomous look at Atticus, a silent promise of retribution hanging heavy in the air. Then, without another word, he turned a