Storm

Tan Wu left home in high spirits, looking forward to a wonderful new day. He greeted people as he walked. In the past, who would have dared greet him? He had been lucky if they didn't hide when they saw him.

In the distant mountain plaza, a crowd had gathered. People had started challenging one another and sparring early that morning. The betting pools beside them had also earned the Academy a tidy sum. All of it was thanks to him. As these ventures grew more successful, his standing in the Academy would rise, too. Tan Wu's mood only improved.

He rode a Flying Spirit Beast reserved for the Academy and arrived with ease at the General Affairs Office, the great hall at the highest point. That hall had been built to the standards of an Imperial Palace.

Back then, he could only sit in a corner at the very rear of the hall. Now things were different: Tan Wu had earned a seat in the middle. Perhaps, before long, he could even sit in the front row.

But the moment he entered, Tan Wu sensed something wrong with the atmosphere. Though it was early morning, no one had returned to their rooms. Instead, everyone sat in their assigned places in the center of the hall. The vice dean at the head of the room looked especially grim. Tan Wu had a keen sense that something bad had happened at the Academy.

When he saw Tan Wu arrive, the vice dean's expression eased slightly. "You're here. Go sit in your place." He said nothing more. Tan Wu lowered his head, went to his seat, and quietly looked around.

Everyone else looked bewildered, as though they knew nothing either. Clearly, the vice dean had summoned them to discuss something. But what