On a dark expanse as blank as ink, scars split the void. The world behind this scar was actually even darker. No one could see through what was inside.
This was not the birthplace of darkness, nor the origin of chaos. This was a place beyond the grasp of space and time, where even the concept of existence had yet to exist.
A young man was floating in this primordial chasm. No one could see his eyes, but his gaze could be felt. The flow of eternity itself seemed to shudder, as if his unseen eyes could pierce through the very essence of time.
An invisible ray flashed from his eyes, turning into timeless streams as they quietly flowed back to the start of time. Though it seemed slow, the flowing speed was actually crossing through countless epochs.
Finally, it had incorporated itself into the ocean of time. The time flow was devoid of consciousness earlier, but after the fusion, it was pulsing with life.
A world spanning twenty-five thousand miles brimmed with vitality and boundless potential. The sun and moon hung like ancient guardians, casting their light across lands rich with history and cultures.
The morning bell rang, signaling the start of a new semester. Xuan Mu made his way to the Foundation Section, the lowest section at Huanglong Academy. The whispers and stares were different from what he was used to.
Back in his old school, he was a source of admiration. Teachers praised him, classmates respected him. He was the pride of a small neighborhood where making it into any prestigious school was already a miracle.
But here, things were different.
He was the first student in the academy's long and illustrious history to be admitted because of his score. Thus, his admittance to the Foundation Section after joining the academy caused quite a stir.
That alone was enough to incite jealousy, suspicion, and scorn.
There were many students at the academy; the General Cohort had the highest number. The majority came from middle-class backgrounds or non-elite families, but that was only when compared to wealthy, influential families. Ultimately, they still had some resources and connections.
On the other hand, Xuan Mu came from a tiny location, so he had no backings, especially at the academy. He was all alone and traveled far to the academy to learn. Thus, there was no family here or someone he could rely on.
"That's the so-called top scorer from the International Exam?" One student noticed Xuan Mu and sneered. "This guy thinks too highly of himself. This isn't the place for him to walk around."
"You're right. The academy's standards have really dropped. They've even allowed entry to anyone, even an ant." A senior from the General Cohort said with disdain.
Someone from the Honors Division scornfully laughed. "So, a commoner scores top marks, and now they've built him a whole section? If this isn't some grand joke, I don't know what is."
Xuan Mu kept his head low and felt embarrassed. He started to walk faster to maintain a distance away from them.
He had no lofty ambitions. His only goal was to restore his family's business to its former glory.
Once, his family's small company had been thriving. But back when his father was younger, he had offended someone. Since then, they suffered a huge decline.
"Screech!" A black Lamborghini came to a halt with a deafening roar.
The automatic doors slid open with a quiet hum as Li Suya made her entrance, her entourage following closely behind.
A supreme beauty came about. Her eyes were bright and animated. When she focused, they emitted a frightening glow and an imposing aura. She was a winter apricot flower, cold and keeping everyone away. Nevertheless, her appearance brightened the place.
"Sister Suya!" The greeters cheered with excitement, especially the members of Summit Class. However, none of them dared to approach her. She was known for her cold and overbearing demeanor.
The academy was divided into five sections: Summit Class, Prestige Track, Honors Division, General Cohort, and Foundation Section.
Summit Class was the top class in the academy. Only the sons and daughters of billionaires, political elites, and royalty were allowed to join here.
It was a place people were born into.
"You've returned, Lady Li," A group of senior students was responsible for welcoming people back. One of them came up to Li Suya with a smile.
She only answered with a slight nod before entering the academy.
"People from the Li Conglomerate." The knowledgeable students were startled with whispers: "That's the daughter of Chairman Li Zhengyuan, the Flower of the Li Dynasty herself."
"Looks like the Young Overlord of the Li Dynasty will come too then." Even the older students were surprised to see the woman.
Li Suya immediately looked around and noticed the man who was stumbling over his own feet.
"Oh? Isn't that the son of the Mu? You also came to Huanglong Academy, how unexpected." She smiled and said.
Despite the words coming from her mouth, the grin on her lips betrayed her. Clearly, she already knew he was going to enroll in Huanglong Academy
Xuan Mu wanted to leave after seeing her, but she had already spotted him.
"I'm only here to learn." His head was slightly drooping, clearly afraid.
"The scholar student?" Some older students looked at this boy right away.
Anyone with half a brain could easily connect the dots and figure out that Xuan Mu had somehow offended the Li Clan.
This was partially true. In fact, his father was the one who offended the Li Clan.
His father was considered to be a genius as he managed to grow a business into a small company. It was an impressive feat, given he built it up from scratch. However, he was young and arrogant back then so he offended the Li Dynasty.
The Li Clan ruled the Li Industries, a monstrous conglomerate that control the nation's energy sector with an iron fist.
A small company like theirs was nothing but a speck of dust in the grand scheme of things. Hence, they lacked the strength to even dream of revitalize their business, let alone challenge the Li Clan.
"Enrolling here at Huanglong Academy requires a large sum of money, looks like your family bled themselves dry just to get you here." The princess said with a mocking tone despite keeping up a friendly facade.
"We can handle it." Xuan Mu spoke with little confidence.
"It's not that simple." Li Suya shook her head: "Where are you going? Perhaps we are going the same way."
"I'm, I'm just heading to my class. Its the opposite direction to yours." Xuan Mu avoided the overbearing gaze, clearly trying to flee.
Since Li Suyao was the daughter of Chairman Li Zhengyuan, the head of the Li Clan and the leader of Li Industries, it was only natural for her to be placed in the Summit Class.
Li Suya showed a bright smile: "Why not come with us then? Li Longjian will be coming too. Since we shared a past, we should help each other."
Xian Mu's expression changed after hearing about her older brother's name and staggered backward. He tried his best to stay calm but his emotions betrayed him.
"Young Overlord!"
"Young Overlord…" A senior student narrowed his eyes and became serious: "He's really coming here."
Li Longjian was the current leader of Azure Dawn Corporation, as famous as any of the three Young Titans. At a young age, he managed to build his own corporation.