Chapter 81: Secrets and Rankings at the Academy

In the soft glow of the evening lanterns, the three adventurers, Li Yang, Feng Xuan, and Lisa, sat around a finely adorned table. As they awaited their dishes, Li Yang's sharp eyes caught the intricate details of his companions' newly chosen treasures. The circular jade pendant hanging gracefully from Feng Xuan's flute and Lisa's shimmering crystal necklace paired with a unique bracelet were clear indications of their choices in the treasure chamber. Li Yang resisted the urge to ask about their powers, respecting the private nature of such treasures.

Suddenly, Feng Xuan leaned forward, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh? Earrings on a man?" he teased, pointing towards Li Yang's ear. "Quite the effeminate touch, don't you think? Doesn't really suit you."

Li Yang, unfazed by the banter, smirked. "In my homeland, men wearing earrings is considered 'Korean style'. You wouldn't understand."

Lisa and Feng Xuan exchanged puzzled glances. "Korean? What's that?" Lisa inquired, genuinely curious.

Shaking his head with a laugh, Li Yang diverted the conversation back to the matter at hand. "Let's talk business. Do you have any intel about the Central City Academy?"

Lisa cleared her throat, "My father once mentioned that joining the academy would significantly enhance our abilities. If we're fortunate enough to be chosen as a favorite pupil of a mentor, there's an opportunity to participate in the Academy Championship. However, you need to rank within the top ten of the academy leaderboard."

Just as she finished, Zephyr, an uninvited guest, strolled over, pouring himself a glass of wine. "Let me elucidate the academy's system for you." Everyone leaned in, eager for firsthand information.

"Central City Academy is presided over by Master Harry, the 50th principal. He's one of the three most influential figures in the Seven Star Cosmos," Zephyr began. "Then there's his younger brother, the vice-principal, Mr. Henry. Following them are the five top mentors of the academy - Mentor Lin, Mentor Fred, Mentor Issac, Mentor Fang, and Mentor Meng. They're all formidable."

Zephyr took a deep breath before diving into the ranking system. "As newcomers, you'll be considered lower-tier members. To ascend to the upper tier, you need to break into the top 100. And as for being a mentor's direct disciple, that's reserved for the top 10."

Unable to contain his curiosity, Feng Xuan interrupted, "And you, Zephyr? Are you upper-tier?"

Zephyr sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, admitting, "Regrettably, I remain in the lower-tier."

A heavy silence settled upon the trio as they realized the academy's competitive nature. But Zephyr wasn't done. "Apart from the upper-tier and direct disciples, there's also the ranking tournament held every six months. Only the top 10 can compete in Lisa's mentioned Championship. Now, for the bad news: Infinity City, where we are now, is just one of the selection sites, and sadly, the most remote one."

He continued, "There are four other major cities – Xuan Cliff City, Lu Li City, Sky Wind City, and South Heaven City. Each city will send three top fighters to the academy. Especially South Heaven City, their fighters are notorious."

The weight of this revelation pressed down on Lisa and Feng Xuan. In stark contrast, Li Yang's eyes gleamed with unbridled excitement.

Zephyr finished his wine, standing up, "Rest well. Tomorrow, we set off for the academy."

The night deepened, filled with dreams of challenges, rankings, and the promise of untapped power.