A month passed quietly, yet the change in the academy was undeniable.
The once-clumsy students had matured rapidly. Their breathing techniques grew steadier, their spiritual energy firmer.
The world of cultivation had truly begun to open its doors to them.
Inside his simple room, Arin sat cross-legged, spiritual stones placed around him in a small formation.
The stones glowed faintly, releasing wisps of pure energy that flowed into his body.
Arin's breathing deepened.
The spiritual energy circulated faster through his meridians, following the paths he had painstakingly cultivated.
At a certain moment, the thin barrier within his dantian shuddered — and broke.
A surge of power poured into him.
His dantian expanded, his spirit felt lighter, and a new, vibrant strength filled his body.
He had successfully stepped beyond the Foundation Opening Stage.
Now, he had entered the Spirit Initiate Stage — Early Phase.
Arin opened his eyes slowly, feeling the transformation inside him.
His journey had only just begun — but today marked his first true step into the broader world of cultivation.
Across the academy, similar scenes played out.
After one full month of focused training, nearly all students had reached the Foundation Opening Stage — Completion Phase.
They could now truly call themselves cultivators, albeit still at the beginning.
Among the top students — especially those who had received spiritual stones as rewards — a few had broken into the Spirit Initiate Stage like Arin.
Sera, Kaelen, Yula, and a handful of other names now quietly stood above their peers.
At the month's end, the principal gathered everyone once again.
Standing atop the grand platform, he addressed the crowd with satisfaction.
"You have all made admirable progress," he said, voice resonating through the courtyard.
"As promised, a short break will now be granted. Two weeks — to return home, rest, and stabilize your cultivation."
A wave of excitement spread through the students.
Talk of family, home-cooked meals, and city festivities filled the air.
For many, it was the first time stepping beyond the academy since they entered.
The following morning, the academy gates opened wide.
Carriages rolled in, banners fluttered, and family retainers came to collect their young cultivators.
Some left with great fanfare; others quietly.
Arin stood patiently at the edge of the crowd, his bag packed neatly by his side.
He waited, hands clasped behind him, as figures bustled around.
Suddenly — a shift in the air.
It wasn't oppressive, but the spiritual pressure was undeniable.
An elder in a dark green robe embroidered with gold thread approached at a steady pace.
His aura was vast yet restrained, like a deep sea under a calm sky.
He was not a cultivator of the early stages — no.
The man had long since surpassed the Spirit Initiate Stage.
He stood firmly within the Spirit Origin Stage — the fifth major realm of cultivation.
Even the principal, standing nearby, straightened his posture out of instinct.
The elder walked toward the principal first.
"Welcome, Elder Veylan," the principal said, bowing respectfully.
Veylan — Arin's grand-uncle — nodded slightly, his expression neutral but not cold.
"I've come to pick up my grand-nephew," he said.
The principal smiled warmly.
"You will find him much improved, Elder. His potential is budding nicely."
Veylan gave a rare, small smile — a flash of pride leaking through his dignified exterior.
Turning his sharp gaze toward the students, Veylan immediately spotted Arin.
Arin, recognizing him, stepped forward and bowed deeply, both hands clasped in respect.
"This junior greets Grand-Uncle Veylan."
Veylan approached, his steps light yet carrying the weight of mountains.
He placed a large, calloused hand on Arin's shoulder and squeezed gently.
"Good," he said, voice low but warm.
"You've grown. And your spirit feels stronger."
Arin straightened, his face slightly red but his back proud.
He answered respectfully, "I will work harder, Grand-Uncle."
Veylan chuckled quietly, a rare sound.
"You've done well already. But don't get complacent. Talent means little without perseverance."
"Yes, Grand-Uncle," Arin said seriously.
The older man gave him another approving squeeze on the shoulder.
"Hmph. Still too thin. Your grandmother will nag me if I don't bring you back stronger."
Without further delay, Grand-Uncle and grand-nephew turned and left the academy together.
The heavy gates of the academy closed slowly behind them, marking the end of Arin's first stage of cultivation life.
Ahead lay home — and a future filled with unseen challenges and opportunities.
But for now, Arin allowed himself to relax, walking steadily beside the man whose footsteps he hoped one day to match.