The Royal Dream Academy, a singular beacon of enlightenment and progress in the cosmos, stood as a testament to the vision of Taoist Boundless Dream. Spanning an area as large as two giant cities combined, the academy was a marvel of celestial architecture and advanced engineering. It took three days to fly from one end to the other for Mortal Coil cultivators, but a network of teleportation nodes, placed strategically around the city, ensured efficient travel.
Today, the academy was brimming with life and vitality. The Royal Dream Academy had opened its doors for the annual Royal Examinations, a highly anticipated event where the brightest and most promising youths competed for a coveted spot as disciples. The teleportation nodes, which usually required a fee of one spirit stone per use, were free today to accommodate the influx of candidates.
The city’s streets were a vibrant tapestry of youthful energy, as sixteen-year-olds from all corners of the cosmos gathered to prove their worth. Arrogant, prideful, timid, shy, and every other personality type imaginable were represented among the throngs of hopefuls. Each carried dreams of greatness, eager to seize the opportunity to study at the prestigious academy.
The Royal Examinations were a rigorous process, designed to select only the best of the best. Over ten billion students had arrived, but only 3,000 spots were available. The first step was a written test in basic knowledge, intended to weed out 99.99% of the applicants.
The grand examination halls, capable of accommodating millions of students, were filled with nervous chatter. Rows upon rows of desks stretched as far as the eye could see. At each desk, a hopeful candidate sat, clutching their writing instruments and waiting for the examination to begin.
The head examiner, a stern-looking elder with a flowing beard and eyes that seemed to pierce through the soul, stood on a raised platform. He raised his hand, and a hush fell over the hall.
“Welcome to the Royal Examinations,” he announced, his voice amplified by spiritual energy to reach every corner of the vast hall. “You have all traveled far and wide to be here. This is your chance to prove your knowledge and potential. The first test is a written examination. You have three hours to complete it. Begin!”
The sound of scratching pens filled the air as the students dove into their tests. The questions ranged from basic arithmetic and language skills to more complex problems involving spiritual energy manipulation and philosophical concepts. The intensity in the hall was palpable, as each candidate poured their heart and soul into their answers.
Those who passed the written test moved on to the next stage: the specialized examination in their chosen field of study. The academy offered a wide array of disciplines, including martial arts, alchemy, engineering, spiritual technology, philosophy, and medicine. Each candidate had selected their field in advance, and now it was time to demonstrate their expertise.
The specialized examination took place in different sections of the academy, each designed to test the specific skills required for the discipline. In the martial arts arena, candidates showcased their fighting techniques and physical prowess, while in the alchemy labs, students carefully crafted potions and elixirs under the watchful eyes of master alchemists.
In the engineering workshops, candidates were tasked with building intricate devices using a limited set of materials, testing their creativity and problem-solving abilities. The spiritual technology labs hummed with energy as students manipulated spiritual circuits and nodes to create functional artifacts. Philosophers debated complex ethical dilemmas, while medical candidates demonstrated their knowledge of healing techniques and herbal remedies.
The final stage of the Royal Examinations was the personal test, where each candidate was evaluated by a teacher from the Royal Dream Academy. This one-on-one interaction allowed the teachers to assess not only the candidates’ knowledge and skills but also their character and potential for growth.
Hanna, as Taoist Boundless Dream, took a personal interest in this stage. She walked among the examination halls, observing the candidates and occasionally stepping in to conduct the evaluations herself. Her presence was both inspiring and intimidating, as the candidates knew they were being assessed by one of the most powerful beings in the cosmos.
In one corner of the hall, a timid girl named Lian stood before a teacher, her hands trembling slightly as she demonstrated a healing technique. The teacher nodded approvingly, impressed by her precision and control.
“Very well done, Lian,” the teacher said. “But tell me, why do you wish to join the Royal Dream Academy?”
Lian took a deep breath, summoning her courage. “I wish to help others. My village was saved by a healer from the Dream Academy, and I want to be able to do the same for others in need.”
The teacher smiled warmly. “A noble aspiration. You have the potential to achieve great things.”
Nearby, a young boy named Jian sparred with a martial arts master, his movements fluid and powerful. The master observed him closely, noting his determination and strength.
“Jian, you have impressive skills,” the master remarked. “But what drives you to seek a place at the academy?”
Jian paused, his eyes fierce with resolve. “I want to become strong enough to protect my family and my village. The world is filled with dangers, and I want to be a shield for those I care about.”
The master nodded, recognizing the fire in the boy’s heart. “Your determination will serve you well.”
As the day drew to a close, the head examiner once again addressed the gathered candidates. “The results of the Royal Examinations will be announced shortly. You have all shown remarkable talent and determination. Regardless of the outcome, remember that this is only the beginning of your journey.”
The candidates waited with bated breath as the names of the successful candidates were called. The atmosphere was electric, a mix of anticipation, hope, and nervous excitement. For those whose names were called, it was a moment of triumph and elation. For others, it was a time of reflection and renewed determination.
Amid the intense atmosphere of the examinations, there was a humorous interlude that lightened the mood. Hanna had included some popular games from Earth, such as Angry Birds and Candy Crush, on the devices distributed to the disciples. The games quickly became a source of entertainment and a way to unwind after the rigorous tests.
One night, as Hanna made her rounds, she noticed a group of artisans huddled together, their faces illuminated by the glow of their devices. Curious, she approached them quietly.
“Are you all still working?” she asked, feigning sternness.
The artisans looked up, their eyes bleary with exhaustion but twinkling with excitement. One of them sheepishly admitted, “No, Taoist Boundless Dream. We’re playing Angry Birds. It’s so addictive!”
Hanna couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, I’m glad you’re enjoying the games, but remember to get some rest. You need to be at your best for the tasks ahead.”
The artisans promised to get some sleep soon, though it was clear they were already planning their next game session. Hanna left them with a smile, amused by the unexpected popularity of the games.
As the successful candidates celebrated their acceptance into the Royal Dream Academy, Hanna addressed them with a speech that resonated with hope and inspiration.
“Congratulations to each of you,” she began, her voice carrying the weight of her wisdom and experience. “You have earned your place here through your talent, determination, and hard work. The Royal Dream Academy is not just a place of learning; it is a community where you will grow, support each other, and contribute to the greater good of the cosmos.”
She paused, letting her words sink in. “Remember, your journey is just beginning. Embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and always strive to cultivate wisdom, strength, and compassion. Together, we will create a cosmos where balance, harmony, and compassion prevail.”
The students cheered, their spirits lifted by Hanna’s words. They knew that they were part of something extraordinary, a journey that would shape their lives and the future of the cosmos.