From Death To Dominion

Azure Sky Academy was not just any ordinary martial institution—it was one of the most prestigious academies in the Lonshan region. To maintain order and efficiency, students were divided into three primary classes based on their innate talent.

1. Sky Class (Talent A & B)

The most prestigious and elite division, the Sky Class was reserved for those who possessed exceptional talent in cultivation. Whether through their bloodline, innate physique, or sheer determination, these students stood above the rest.

Their curriculum was heavily focused on martial training, with little regard for traditional academics.

Subjects like Qi refinement, combat techniques, and advanced martial arts were prioritized.

Only a handful of students were admitted into this class each year, and competition was fierce—failure to keep up meant demotion.

2. Earth Class (Talent C)

A balanced class that catered to students with moderate cultivation talent, the Earth Class was the largest division in the academy. Unlike the Sky Class, these students received both martial training and academic education, ensuring they had a well-rounded foundation.

They studied subjects like politics, mathematics, history, agriculture, and strategy, alongside basic martial arts and Qi training.

Many students here aspired to become advisors, scholars, military commanders, or sect disciples, rather than supreme martial powerhouses.

While they were not the most talented cultivators, their knowledge and adaptability made them crucial to the empire's future.

3. Yellow Class (Talent D & Below)

The lowest-ranked division, the Yellow Class was composed of those with weak or non-existent cultivation talent. While they lacked the aptitude for advanced martial arts, they still played an essential role in society.

Their studies were heavily focused on non-combat disciplines, such as history, governance, economics, farming, medicine, and administration.

Martial arts were minimally taught, with only one cultivation class per week.

Many of these students went on to become bureaucrats, merchants, teachers, or local officials, ensuring that civilization functioned smoothly.

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"You know, sometimes I wonder if we should have tried harder to get into the Sky Class," Riener muttered, glancing at the entrance where a few arrogant Sky Class students strutted past, their fine robes and superior expressions making their status evident.

Ye Xian chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Not everyone in the Sky Class is as strong as they act. Some are just there because of their families."

Riener grinned. "True. But still, wouldn't it be nice to train under a top-tier master and avoid these boring subjects?"

Before Ye Xian could reply, the doors to the lecture hall swung open once more, and the students immediately straightened their posture.

A man in dark blue scholarly robes stepped inside, his presence commanding instant respect. His sharp eyes swept across the room, his aura filled with both wisdom and authority.

"Instructor Han," Riener whispered under his breath, sitting up straight. "Looks like today's first lesson is politics."

The man who entered the hall was Instructor Han, a respected scholar known for his deep understanding of governance, diplomacy, and statecraft. He was a middle-aged man with neatly combed hair and piercing eyes, his very presence commanding respect.

As he stepped onto the platform, the students instinctively stood up, a sign of deference toward their teacher.

Instructor Han nodded in approval before gesturing for them to sit. Once everyone had settled, he clasped his hands behind his back and began his lecture.

"Politics is the foundation upon which civilizations rise and fall," he declared, his voice firm and authoritative. "A strong kingdom requires more than just powerful cultivators; it needs vision, strategy, and governance. Without order, even the mightiest sects and empires crumble into dust."

He paced slowly across the platform, his gaze sweeping over the students.

"Can anyone tell me—what is the greatest strength of a ruler?" he asked, his eyes settling on a student near the front.

A young man hesitated before replying, "Military power, Instructor."

Instructor Han shook his head. "No. While military strength is important, a kingdom that relies solely on brute force is destined to collapse. What happens when a stronger opponent appears? What happens when resources run dry? A ruler must possess something greater than strength."

Another student raised their hand. "Wisdom?"

Instructor Han nodded slightly. "Closer. Wisdom, strategy, and diplomacy—these are the true weapons of a great ruler."

He turned to the blackboard behind him and began drawing a map, outlining the major factions and kingdoms of the continent.

"Let us examine the current political landscape," he continued. "Who holds true power in our world? Which sects influence the balance of power? And most importantly—how do conflicts shape the future?"

The students leaned in attentively, their curiosity piqued. Even Riener, who often dozed off during lectures, found himself engrossed in the discussion.

Meanwhile, Ye Xian listened quietly, his sharp mind absorbing every detail. Politics might not be as exciting as cultivation battles, but he knew its importance. Strength alone wasn't enough—understanding how power worked was just as critical.

The lecture continued, delving into historical wars, alliances, and betrayals, offering a glimpse into the complex world of power and influence.

After the first lecture on politics, the next three classes—mathematics, strategy, and history—passed in quick succession. Then, the bell rang, signaling the break, and the teacher left the classroom.

Reiner stretched lazily and stood up. "Let's go eat something," he said.

Ye Xian nodded and was about to stand when a young girl suddenly appeared before him, flanked by two boys following closely behind.

She was Suyu Pu—a girl with a striking yet not ethereal beauty. Her long, chestnut-brown hair was tied into a high ponytail, and her brown eyes carried a sharpness that hinted at her fiery personality. Though not breathtaking, she had a beautiful appearance, her fair skin and well-proportioned features making her attractive in her own way. She wore a well-fitted academy uniform, emphasizing her slender figure, and carried herself with confidence, as if she were used to being noticed.

"Hey, there are rumors that you're about to marry Xuan Lingshuang. Is that true?" Suyu Pu asked, her tone laced with skepticism, as if the very idea was absurd.

Ye Xian arched a brow, unimpressed by the sudden interrogation. "And what if it is?"

She huffed, crossing her arms. "Just answer the question."

Ye Xian chuckled, leaning back in his seat. "Don't be jealous, my dear."

"Jealous? Me?" Suyu Pu scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Why would I ever be jealous of you?"

Ye Xian smirked. "Well, considering you came all the way from another class just to confirm a mere rumor—despite the fact that we've never interacted before—it only means one thing: you have a crush on me and got jealous."

Laughter erupted around them. Suyu Pu's face twisted in irritation, but before she could respond, she suddenly burst into laughter, clutching her stomach as if she had just heard the funniest joke of her life. The two boys behind her also chuckled, though their expressions betrayed slight embarrassment.

Meanwhile, other students, who had been on their way out for the break, paused and turned back to watch the drama unfold.

Suyu Pu finally regained her composure, but her face was red with frustration. "Are you blind? Why would I ever have a crush on you, you worthless trash?" She sneered.

Ye Xian sighed dramatically. "I'm not blind, Miss So-You-Poo."

A wave of laughter erupted from the class.

Suyu Pu's expression froze, and her face turned an even deeper shade of red. "It's Suyu Pu! Get it right!" she snapped, clearly fuming.

Ye Xian, unfazed, leaned forward with a leisurely grin. "Oh, my mistake. I thought I said it correctly, Miss So-You-Poo?"

More laughter filled the classroom, and even some of the students outside began whispering among themselves, amused by the exchange.

Furious, Suyu Pu slammed her hands on the desk. "You're doing this on purpose, Ye Xian!"

"I'm sorry, I won't say it again, Miss So-You-Poo..." he said with an innocent expression, yet his voice dripped with mischief.

The laughter only grew louder.

One of the boys standing behind Suyu Pu finally stepped forward, glaring at Ye Xian. "All you do is run your mouth, Ye Xian."

The other boy nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you're just full of nonsense."

Ye Xian clicked his tongue and shook his head, giving them a look of pity. "You two are simps."

Both of them stiffened. "What did you just say?" they demanded in unison, anger flashing in their eyes.

Ye Xian smirked. "There's a clear difference between us. You two follow this girl around like obedient pets, while I'm the one being followed by beautiful women. And now, I even have the most beautiful fiancée in Azure Sky City—no, maybe even in the entire province... no, perhaps even in the whole Empire." He clicked his tongue twice, feigning pity. "Tsk, tsk… what a shame."

The surrounding students murmured among themselves. Many of them were already envious of Ye Xian's engagement to Xuan Lingshuang, and his arrogance only added fuel to the fire. Some even muttered that they wanted to beat him up for his smug attitude.

Ye Xian, however, paid them no mind. They were just background noise to him. Without sparing Suyu Pu and her lackeys another glance, he turned his back on them and walked toward the exit.

"Do you see the difference now, simps?" he called over his shoulder. "Now, move aside."

With that, Ye Xian and Reiner left the classroom, heading toward the canteen, leaving behind a fuming Suyu Pu and a classroom full of entertained onlookers.