CHAPTER 71 — THE DAY BEFORE THE FIRE
Morning came quietly to Dragon Turtle Academy.
Not with the roar of beasts or the clash of steel, but with the slow hum of ancient formations powering down as dawn light washed over stone terraces and massive training grounds. The academy felt… settled. As if the earth itself was exhaling after days of tension.
For the Azure Dragon Academy team, that calm felt unfamiliar.
They stood on the outer transit platform, a wide stone plaza suspended between towering pillars carved with dragon-turtle reliefs. Below them, clouds drifted lazily. Above them, the sky stretched wide and open.
Travel packs were stacked neatly. Cloaks folded. Weapons secured.
They were leaving.
Not as survivors this time.
But as contenders.
Mei Ying stood at the front, arms crossed, gaze sweeping over her students with practiced sharpness. She looked relaxed, but those who knew her could tell she was already thinking ten steps ahead.
