With the selection concluded, Ye Lingyun set off for Icewave Academy under the guidance of Vice Dean Venerable Han Xing. They rode a flying boat condensed from ice element, passing over Ice Seal City as they headed north.
The flying boat traveled at tremendous speed, the cold wind howling past their ears, yet its interior remained as warm as spring. Ye Lingyun stood at the bow and gazed at the distant horizon, his heart brimming with anticipation for the academy life awaiting him.
"Ye Lingyun, Icewave Academy is a sacred cultivation ground at the northernmost reaches of the Star Great Plane." The vice dean stood beside him, a trace of pride in his voice. "The star power there is abundant. It is the finest place to cultivate ice-type combat techniques."
Ye Lingyun nodded. He could feel the surrounding star power growing increasingly dense as the flying boat advanced, as though even the air were becoming fresher.
After several hours of flight, an enormous ice-blue castle came into view. It stood atop a massive iceberg, surrounded by stretches of the Ice Crystal Forest. Above the castle, star power formed ribbons of light as dazzling as rainbows.
"That is Icewave Academy." A hint of anticipation entered the vice dean's voice. "This is where you will begin your cultivation journey."
The flying boat slowly descended onto the academy's plaza. Ye Lingyun stepped off, and the instant his feet touched the ground, he felt a powerful surge of star power. The star power here was denser than anywhere he had been before. He could even feel his own star power becoming more active at that very moment.
"This star power..." Ye Lingyun murmured, excitement shining in his eyes.
The vice dean smiled and nodded. "Icewave Academy has some of the densest star power in the Star Great Plane. You will find a paradise for cultivation here."
Ye Lingyun swept his gaze across the academy. He saw many cultivators training in the plaza, in the forest, and on the iceberg, each radiating a powerful aura.
Suddenly, a clear cry rang out. An enormous ice phoenix flew from the depths of the academy, spreading its wings. Every beat stirred up an ice and snow storm. Intelligence gleamed in its eyes as it circled overhead, as though surveying its own territory.
"That is Icewave Academy's sacred guardian beast, the ice phoenix," the vice dean explained. "It is the academy's guardian deity, and the object of every ice-type cultivator's faith."
A flicker of shock crossed Ye Lingyun's eyes. He could sense the ice phoenix's powerful aura, a strength surpassing that of any opponent he had ever encountered.
"The ice phoenix..." Ye Lingyun softly repeated the name, his heart filled with awe.
With Ye Lingyun's arrival, the cultivators of Icewave Academy cast curious glances his way. They knew this newcomer had displayed astonishing talent during the selection, and his arrival might bring fresh vitality to the academy.
Under the vice dean's guidance, Ye Lingyun toured every corner of the academy. They passed the Library Pavilion, which housed countless precious manuals; they passed the training grounds, where cultivators worked hard to improve their strength; they passed the Star Power Spring, whose waters contained abundant star power, making it a treasured cultivation site.
Ye Lingyun's heart brimmed with anticipation for the future. He knew this would be his new starting point, where he would begin his journey among the stars.
Icewave Academy's master selection ceremony was a grand annual event. Every newly admitted disciple hoped to receive guidance from a powerful mentor. Ye Lingyun stood among the many new disciples, his bearing and strength making him particularly conspicuous.
Vice Dean Venerable Han Xing stood on the raised platform, sweeping his gaze over the new disciples one by one. "Today, you will have the opportunity to choose your own mentor."
No sooner had he finished speaking than the disciples below began whispering among themselves, their eyes filled with anticipation and nervousness.
"Ye Lingyun, would you be willing to study under me?" A middle-aged man approached, a hint of eagerness in his eyes.
Ye Lingyun smiled faintly. He could sense this mentor's strength, yet a trace of hesitation lingered in his heart.
"Ye Lingyun, I can see that you possess extraordinary talent. How about studying under me?" Another mentor approached, a hint of challenge in his eyes.
Ye Lingyun's brow furrowed slightly. He could sense these mentors' goodwill, but his instincts told him he should wait.
Just then, a cool, clear voice rang through the gathering like a winter wind, making everyone involuntarily shiver. It was like a clear spring flowing through the mountains, pure yet icy cold.
"Ye Lingyun, would you be willing to become my disciple?"
Every gaze turned toward the source of the voice. A woman in an ice-blue robe slowly approached. Her steps were light, yet carried an indescribable majesty. Her bearing was as cold as ice, discouraging anyone from drawing near, yet making them unable to resist stealing another glance. Her eyes were as deep as the sea, as though holding endless wisdom and power.
"Dean!" A trace of surprise entered Vice Dean Venerable Han Xing's voice. He had not expected the dean to appear in person, much less take such an interest in a new student.
Ye Lingyun's gaze sharpened. He could sense this woman's strength. Her aura was unfathomable, and her power seemed connected to the star power of the entire academy. He knew he had met a truly formidable expert.
"Who are you?" Ye Lingyun asked. Though he had already guessed her identity, he still wanted to hear her confirm it herself.
A smile curved the woman's lips, beautiful yet cold, like a snow lotus blooming on an icy mountain. She said softly, "I am Bing Xin, the dean of Icewave Academy."
A flicker of understanding passed through Ye Lingyun's heart. He knew this dean's strength far exceeded his imagination.
"I am willing." Ye Lingyun's voice was firm and powerful.
A hint of satisfaction flashed in Bing Xin's eyes, and she nodded. "Very good. From today onward, you are my disciple."
Ye Lingyun's acceptance as her disciple drew exclamations of astonishment from the crowd. They had never expected Dean Bing Xin, who never took disciples, to accept Ye Lingyun. Their eyes were filled with envy and jealousy.
Ye Lingyun followed Dean Bing Xin through corridor after corridor of the academy, finally arriving before an enormous ice-crystal palace.
"This is where I cultivate. From today onward, you will cultivate here." A trace of anticipation entered Bing Xin's voice.
Ye Lingyun nodded, his heart filled with anticipation for the future. He knew this would be his new starting point.
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