Chapter 98: A New Beginning

Edward looked at Yuan with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Yuan, if you don't step up your game, you might just find yourself being surpassed soon."

Grandmaster Yuan responded with a hearty laugh, "With such prodigious talent on display, I can't argue with that."

Edward beckoned, "Follow me." Outside, a restless crowd had gathered, having waited for what felt like an eternity. Standing before them, Edward's voice echoed with authority, "I hereby announce Li Yang as my second disciple, officially recognizing him as an Alchemist!"

Upon hearing the news, Zephyr, Feng Xuan, and Lisa immediately came forward to offer their congratulations. Zephyr, with a playful tone, remarked, "Guess we can't call you Li Yang anymore. Master Li it is!" 

Feng Xuan joined in, giving Li Yang a friendly nudge, "Well, my friend, it looks like I'll be riding your coattails from now on." 

Lisa, always the more reserved of the group, offered a simple "Congratulations," though her eyes, deep and contemplative, betrayed a myriad of thoughts she chose not to voice.

Edward handed Li Yang an intricate card. "This grants you access to the alchemy chamber anytime you wish," he explained. "I must attend to other matters now, but come find me tomorrow." With a nod, he disappeared into the crowd.

Grandmaster Yuan, offering a brief farewell, also made his exit. Li Yang called after him, gratitude evident in his voice, "Thank you, Master."

Zephyr, ever the organizer, gathered the trio, producing three cards from his pocket. "Here are your student cards," he explained. "All you need to do is hold them and focus; they're magically attuned to recognize you. Inside, you'll find all your personal details and academic credits."

As the sun began to set, the academy grounds were filled with a warm, golden hue. Students wandered around, some rushing to their next class, others engaged in animated discussions about the day's events. The very air seemed charged with magic and potential.

For Li Yang, this was a moment of transformation. From an eager student to an officially recognized alchemist, his journey was both exhilarating and humbling. With the card clutched tightly in his hand, he realized the weight of the responsibility he now bore.

Zephyr, Feng Xuan, and Lisa, each with their unique personalities and dreams, were bound together by their shared experiences and aspirations. As they walked through the academy's stone-paved paths, they reflected on the events of the day, contemplating the future that awaited them.

Feng Xuan, ever the joker, broke the silence. "So, Master Li, what's our first lesson going to be?" he teased.

Li Yang chuckled, "Perhaps a lesson in humility for starters?"

The group laughed, their camaraderie evident. As they continued on their way, the vast, sprawling academy with its majestic spires and ancient libraries seemed to beckon them forward, promising countless adventures and challenges.

In the distance, the Alchemy Tower stood tall, its silhouette framed against the setting sun. Its storied walls had witnessed the rise of many an alchemist, and now, they would bear witness to the journey of Li Yang and his friends.

For now, the chapter closed on a high note, but as with all tales of magic and might, the path ahead was bound to be fraught with twists and turns, challenges and triumphs. The story of Master Li had only just begun.