Chapter 345: The Grandmaster and the Pavilion Master

High above the sprawling campus of the Live Streaming Academy, the Grandmaster sat comfortably on the open-air balcony of his private executive lounge. He poured a cup of steaming, fragrant tea and slid it across the marble table toward his esteemed guest.

Pavilion Master Wu, the head of the Sword Pavilion at the Azure Dragon Sect, accepted the cup with a respectful nod.

The two veteran administrators were quietly discussing the escalating political matters of the Eastern Realms, specifically the recent, violent resurgence of the Four Evil Sects and the subsequent intelligence reports they had gathered.

"The situation remains incredibly volatile," Master Wu noted, taking a slow sip of his tea. "However, the immediate threat to the Azure Dragon Sect was neutralized with surprising efficiency. I must admit, I am profoundly impressed by the boy you sent us. Solomon’s achievements in the Eastern Realms at such a young age are nothing short of miraculous. His martial comprehension and terrifying combat instincts far exceed any prodigy I have ever witnessed."

The Grandmaster smiled proudly, leaning back in his chair. "I completely agree, Wu. He possesses a remarkably unique drive. His recent exploits are truly staggering. Have you read the preliminary reports regarding the dimensional rift he conquered entirely by himself in the Azure Moon Kingdom?"

Wu nodded, his expression turning grave. "An A+ grade spatial rift. And according to the surviving Holy Knights, the rift law explicitly restricted the use of aura. To defeat a regenerating boss monster relying purely on physical foundations... it defies conventional logic."

"He is an exceptional student," the Grandmaster stated simply.

"When will he be returning to the sect to complete his practical classes?" Wu asked.

"There was a slight, unexpected bureaucratic issue regarding his recent activities back in his home world," the Grandmaster explained, waving a hand dismissively. "I dispatched Professor Balzac to handle the legal matters personally. They were originally scheduled to return yesterday, but perhaps something else came up. Regardless, they will be back on campus very soon."

The Grandmaster took a sip of his tea and looked out over the peaceful academy grounds. "The academy is usually so calm. The curriculum progresses smoothly, and the practical classes at your sect remain orderly. But this year feels entirely different. The sudden resurgence of the evil sects, the spatial anomalies, the political friction with the Holy Empire... it feels as though the gears of fate are turning much faster than usual."

Wu nodded in agreement. "The influx of royal and noble disciples this year has certainly complicated the political landscape of our pavilions as well."

The Grandmaster set his teacup down and leaned forward. "I must tell you, Wu. Solomon was not recruited through standard guild evaluations or standard administrative scouting. He was personally invited by the Founder."

Master Wu froze, his eyes widening in shock. "The Millennium Ticket?"

"Exactly," the Grandmaster confirmed.

Wu let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his white beard. "That explains everything. No wonder this generation feels so different. Massive, world-altering events always seem to occur whenever a student wielding the Millennium Ticket enrolls. The natural order of the realms shifts to accommodate their growth."

"Indeed," the Grandmaster agreed. "Which is exactly why we must be careful. We have to remain strict, attentive, and fully prepared to manage the chaos he will inevitably drag into our halls."

"You must do what I asked you. Hold of Solomon from going to the Eastern Realms. He must stay in this academy."

"I am telling--"

Just then, a huge shadow completely blotted out the morning sun.

A gale of wind swept across the balcony, rattling the teacups and tearing leaves from the surrounding trees. The sheer air noise sounded like a hurricane touching down. A massive shockwave rippled through the air, vibrating the marble floorboards beneath their feet.

A colossal, crimson-scaled dragon descended from the clouds, landing on the mountain peak situated directly below the Grandmaster’s executive lounge. It was the same dragon that had presided over the entrance ceremony and sorted the first-year students into their respective houses.

Master Wu gripped the armrests of his chair, staring down at the terrifying, majestic beast. He muttered quietly to himself, "Even after all these centuries, I still cannot believe I am casually sitting in the presence of a being capable of incinerating entire nations with a single breath."

The Grandmaster stood up from his chair, adjusting his robe, and prepared to walk down the winding stone stairs to greet the beast.

Wu watched his old friend descend, his mind drifting back to the reckless days of their youth. He vividly recalled the foolish, arrogant mission they had undertaken hundreds of years ago, back when he and the Grandmaster were just brash, overconfident adventurers.

They had actually attempted to subdue this exact crimson dragon to claim its hoard. The battle had been a humiliating disaster. They lost miserably, entirely outmatched by the creature. However, instead of incinerating them, the dragon had surprisingly decided to spare their lives, finding their pathetic teamwork amusing.

That humiliating defeat ultimately led them to train under the mysterious Founder of the Live Streaming Academy, shaping them into the powerful administrators they were today.

The Grandmaster reached the lower peak and approached the colossal beast. He offered a deep bow of respect.

"Have you finished what you set out to do, old friend?" the Grandmaster asked. He spoke fluidly in the ancient, guttural Dragon Tongue, a complex language that sounded like grinding boulders and hissing flames.

The crimson dragon lowered its massive, horned head. "I have concluded my inquiries, indeed," the beast rumbled, its voice vibrating through the Grandmaster’s chest.

"You departed the academy grounds immediately after the entrance ceremony," the Grandmaster noted. "You mentioned you needed to investigate something urgent. May I ask what you were looking for?"

"I needed to confirm a lingering suspicion," the dragon replied, its golden, slit-like pupils narrowing. "During the evaluation day, I caught a very distinct scent upon one of the new fledglings. I departed to commune with the elders of the other draconic tribes and bloodlines to verify the source."

"And what did you discover?" the Grandmaster asked.

"I inquired about a Dragon Spawn," the beast stated.ℯℯ𝑙.