CHAPTER 652: VISITING THE ACADEMY

Aldrian reappeared in his palace’s garden and continued walking toward Baek Jimin’s location. From what he saw, she was in the middle of her cultivation.

After walking for a while, he finally saw her in a meditative position on the flat floor in one part of the garden. Because of the peaceful and safe conditions, along with the rich energy of this floating land, anyone could cultivate in any part of the place.

Many chose to cultivate in the garden because of its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery, allowing them to focus more easily in the serenity.

Aldrian smiled warmly as he kept watching Baek Jimin cultivate. Since the change of the continent and because she always cultivated here, her progress had accelerated. She was now at the high Earl stage and steadily approaching the peak stage.

Looking at her development, he decided not to give her his cultivation technique, as her current one was already sufficient. Her technique, which came from the Heavenly Demon’s wife, the Heavenly Demon’s Flower Scripture, was the most suitable for her. With the right environment like this place, its speed would not fall behind the technique he had created.

Well, she had another way to cultivate much faster, and that was to dual cultivate with him. It was the fastest method, and Sylphia was proof of it, she had truly left Baek Jimin in the dust because she had dual cultivated with him.

Aldrian put that thought aside for now. Sooner or later, he could help Baek Jimin as he had helped Sylphia.

As if Baek Jimin could sense his presence during her cultivation, she suddenly halted her session. The energy absorption stopped, and she slowly opened her eyes. She instantly turned her head toward him and showed a beautiful smile before standing up and pouncing on him.

Aldrian smiled warmly as he caught her, and she instantly embraced him in a tight hug. He returned the hug, but in a sudden motion, she kissed him on the lips, stunning him for a moment. That surprise lasted only a split second before he quickly reciprocated her kiss.

He felt Baek Jimin’s lips grow bolder as they parted, her tongue attempting to enter his mouth. Noticing her boldness, Aldrian didn’t want to lose. He accepted her challenge, opened his mouth, and their tongues met.

Their kiss grew deeper and more sensual as Baek Jimin grabbed the back of his head, while Aldrian wrapped his arms around her waist. Their tongues battled for dominance, but experience didn’t lie, Aldrian quickly took control, pushing the battle into Baek Jimin’s mouth. There was no way she could match the experience he had gained from "fighting" with Sylphia every chance they got..

Baek Jimin knew she had lost, but she let him be, letting him wreak havoc in her mouth and dominate her completely. Only after a minute did they finally separate, with her gasping for air. Her face was deeply flushed, but she quickly hid it by hugging him again.

Aldrian smiled warmly and stroked her smooth white hair. This had always happened with Baek Jimin over the past month whenever they were alone without anyone watching. Although she could act bold in front of others, she still felt a hint of shame when it came to showing her true affection.

But when they were alone, it was as if there was nothing to fear, she simply let her desires show. The kiss just now was something she would only do in private, and Aldrian’s willingness to respond made her truly happy.

The only thing missing was the three words she had long been waiting to hear from him.

"Jimin, do you want to come with me to visit the Vindas Empire? I’ve been invited by my uncle to give a lecture at the Heavenly Path Academy. I thought you might be interested, so I asked if you’d like to accompany me."

Hearing that, Baek Jimin’s eyes lit up with happiness as she looked into his eyes.

"Of course I’d like to. I’ll accompany you, if you’ll let me," she replied, which made Aldrian nod.

Yesterday, after the coronation, his uncle Luis had invited him to visit the Heavenly Path Academy. The purpose of the visit was to inspire the younger generation by giving a lecture at the most prestigious academy on the continent.

At this moment, Aldrian had become a role model for the younger generation. Though he was still young himself, he had already achieved much and was creating a legend of his own.

His visit would give those young souls renewed spirit and vigor to face the challenges ahead, especially with the arrival of outsiders on the continent in the future.

He thought it was a good idea, so he agreed and decided to make the visit today. The time was drawing near, with the sun almost at its highest point. He had asked Baek Jimin to come with him because he wanted to show everyone that she stood beside him too just like Sylphia as his woman. Until now, everyone had only seen him with Sylphia at most formal occasions, and they weren’t surprised, since she was already known to be his fiancée.

However, many still doubted Baek Jimin’s true status, and it seemed it was time to make things clear. Bringing her along on official matters was also a way of showing that her position was equal to Sylphia’s.

"Wait, let me change into a more formal robe," Baek Jimin said as she ran into the palace.

Aldrian watched her with a smile, then looked down at his own attire. Thinking he should also dress more appropriately, he changed into his noble robes. Once both of them were ready, Aldrian teleported them to their destination—Heavenly Path Academy.

-----------------------------------

The Heavenly Path Academy, widely regarded as the most prestigious academy on the continent, was the place young cultivators across the land dreamed of studying at, even if only once in their lives.

Located in a special region in the southern part of the Vindas Empire, near the Eternal Sanctuary Forest, it offered the best environment for those seeking a deep education in cultivation.

Although the Heavenly Path Academy was located within the Vindas Empire, it was a special place where even the emperor himself had no right to interfere in its affairs. The academy was truly an autonomous region, focused solely on education and the cultivation of powerful individuals.

Many great cultivators still maintained ties to the academy, which was one of the key reasons it had been able to preserve its autonomy and remain free from outside influence to this day. Even the major powers of the continent hesitated to impose their own agendas on it because of it.

As the most prestigious academy on the continent, the requirements to enter were difficult and demanding. That was why those who could enter were truly the best of the best.

At this moment, the disciples of the academy were in an uproar as news spread that the emperor would be visiting. The teachers had already gathered thousands of disciples in the grand auditorium, where it was said the emperor would personally give a lecture. In fact, it wasn’t just the students, many teachers were just as eager for the event.

Because of that, the academy had adjusted everything to ensure the event would run smoothly.

The noise of thousands filled the auditorium as everyone waited for the emperor’s arrival. The eagerness on the faces of the younger generation and even the teachers was plain to see.

"Ah, I can finally see His Majesty in person, this is truly my lucky day!" one of the female disciples said to her friend.

"Yes! I can finally see his handsome face directly. I’ve only ever seen him through a screen, and now His Majesty is even generous enough to give us a lecture in person," her friend replied.

Conversations like this, filled with admiration, could be heard throughout the auditorium, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Amid the disciples’ enthusiasm, one lower-classman sat not far from the platform. A young man with brown hair and blue eyes, he too seemed excited, his gaze fixed on the stage with eyes full of anticipation. There was nothing particularly striking about him at first glance, his appearance was ordinary, and even his cultivation seemed lacking compared to those around him.

His expression of enthusiasm froze as someone beside him shoved him to the side. Standing next to him was a handsome blond-haired young man. Judging by his robe, he was in the same class, but his expression now turned mocking as he looked down at the brown-haired youth.

Behind him stood several of his friends, their faces showing the same disdain, as if the brown-haired boy’s very presence was beneath them.

"You’d better move, weakling. I want this seat," the blond-haired young man said in a mocking tone, followed by the snickering of his friends.

The brown-haired student seemed like he wanted to respond, but in the end, he lowered his head and silently gave up his seat. Seeing him obey so easily only made the blond-haired student more smug, and sneered.

"Fucking commoner weakling."

The brown-haired student heard it, but chose to ignore it as he walked off to find another seat farther from the platform. He finally found a vacant one, though it was much further back than his original spot.

Not long after he sat down, a loud voice echoed from one side of the auditorium.

"His Majesty has arrived at the academy!"