As Taoist Boundless Dream, also known as Hanna, retreated back to the Dream Academy, her mind was occupied with the myriad responsibilities of running such a vast and interconnected network of knowledge and cultivation. Upon arriving, she sought out the Assistant Principal to discuss an important matter.
“How did the secret examination go?” Hanna asked, her tone serious yet tinged with curiosity.
The Assistant Principal, a venerable figure named Elder Zhen, bowed respectfully. “It went well, Taoist Boundless Dream. The examination was intense, but the students have shown remarkable resilience and strength. We should go over there at once to review the results and address the students.”
Hanna nodded, a sense of anticipation building within her. The secret examination was a crucial event for the Battle Majors, the top fighters who had little patience for study and only wanted to fight and grow stronger through combat. This group contained the largest number of students—nine hundred and ninety-nine battle majors—each of whom had received a personal invitation to enter through secret portals.
These portals led to a secluded arena, a place designed to challenge the students with battles, formations, illusions, and life-and-death struggles, all under the careful control of the teachers to ensure no student perished.
Hanna and Elder Zhen made their way to the arena, their presence immediately noticed by the gathered teachers and students. The arena buzzed with energy, the air thick with the lingering intensity of the recent trials. As they entered, the students straightened, their eyes filled with a mix of exhaustion and pride.
The arena itself was an impressive sight—a vast expanse filled with various terrains, from rocky mountains to dense forests, designed to test the students’ adaptability and combat skills. The formations and illusion arrays had been meticulously crafted by the most skilled artisans and cultivators, providing realistic and challenging scenarios for the participants.
Hanna and Elder Zhen approached the central dais, where the lead instructors awaited their arrival. Master Wei, the head instructor for the Battle Majors, stepped forward to present the results.
“Taoist Boundless Dream,” Master Wei began, his voice steady and respectful, “the secret examination has concluded successfully. Each student faced multiple trials, including one-on-one combat, group formations, and complex illusion scenarios. The tests were designed to push them to their limits and beyond, and I am proud to report that all nine hundred and ninety-nine students have shown significant growth.”
Hanna nodded, her gaze sweeping over the assembled students. She could see the weariness in their eyes, but also the fierce determination and sense of accomplishment. “Thank you, Master Wei. Let us address the students and commend their efforts.”
Stepping onto the dais, Hanna raised her voice so that all could hear. “Battle Majors, you have faced the secret examination with courage and resilience. Each of you has shown remarkable strength and determination, and for that, you should be proud. These trials were not merely tests of your physical abilities, but also of your spirit and will.”
The students listened intently, their expressions a mix of respect and anticipation.
“You have all grown through these experiences,” Hanna continued. “The life-and-death struggles, though controlled, were designed to teach you the importance of strategy, teamwork, and adaptability. You have faced illusions that tested your perception and formations that challenged your coordination. And you have emerged stronger.”
A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd, the students clearly resonating with her words.
“But remember,” Hanna added, her tone more serious, “this is just the beginning. The path of the Battle Major is one of constant growth and challenge. Use what you have learned here to continue honing your skills. Support each other, learn from each other, and strive to become the greatest warriors you can be.”
The students bowed deeply, their respect for Taoist Boundless Dream evident in their gestures.
Master Wei stepped forward again, holding a scroll. “Taoist Boundless Dream, we have recorded the individual performances of each student. This scroll contains detailed evaluations and areas for improvement for each Battle Major.”
Protecting the Weak is the Ability of the Strong
Taoist Boundless Dream stood before the gathered Battle Majors in the grand arena of the Dream Academy. The nine hundred and ninety-nine students, fresh from their grueling secret examination, looked up at her with a mixture of respect and anticipation. These young warriors, each honed by the intense trials they had faced, were the future protectors of the cosmos.
With a gesture, Hanna summoned a series of simple white robes, each embroidered with a hidden Lightning Bolt Pin made from Celestial Gold. The pins were inconspicuous, positioned just beneath the heart area of the robes, and each carried a potent protective talisman.
“Battle Majors,” Hanna began, her voice clear and commanding, “you have proven your strength and resilience through the secret examination. Today, I present you with these uniforms. These robes are simple and unadorned, but they carry a symbol of great power and responsibility—the Lightning Bolt Pin. This pin will save your life once from any danger, should you ask it to.”
She paused, letting the significance of her words sink in. The students murmured among themselves, their eyes wide with curiosity and awe.
“You are the Battle Majors,” Hanna continued, “and you will not be given splendorous outfits to wear normally. Your strength and purpose are not defined by outward appearances, but by your actions and your dedication. We will give you all the opportunities to fight to your hearts’ content, but only in the protection of those who do not wish to battle! You will be the protectors of the geeks, the healers, and all those who seek knowledge and peace.”
The students’ murmurs grew louder, a sense of pride and determination filling the air.
“Ensure their safety,” Hanna emphasized, “and you shall be allowed to taste blood, to fight, and to live with purpose. By protecting the weak, you will reach heights you could not imagine. You are the next generation of Masters. Remember, wealth and power can only be protected with strength, and not all people are loyal or honest to their own values. Your integrity and strength will be your guiding stars.”
With a wave of her hand, Hanna materialized another set of robes—Deep Crimson Red with golden formation lines running through them. These robes, imbued with the Asura Battle Formation, were designed to amplify or unify the powers of their wearers when in close contact. They would serve as the Battle Majors’ combat attire.
“These Crimson Robes,” Hanna said, “are your battle attire. The Asura Battle Formation woven into them will enhance your abilities when you fight together. Unity and cooperation will be your greatest strengths on the battlefield.”
She then summoned a series of spatial rings, each containing a weapon perfectly suited to the individual styles of the students, based on the evaluations provided by the examiners. The rings floated in the air, awaiting their new owners.
“These spatial rings and weapons,” Hanna announced, “are gifts to aid you in your journey. Use them wisely and honor the trust placed in you. Let your strength and dedication protect those who seek peace.”
The students stepped forward, one by one, to receive their robes, rings, and weapons. Each young warrior accepted their gifts with a solemn vow to uphold the values of the Dream Academy and to protect the weak.
As the distribution concluded, Hanna addressed them once more. “Battle Majors, you are the shield that guards the seekers of knowledge and peace. Protect them, and in doing so, you will find your true purpose and reach heights beyond your wildest dreams.”
The students bowed deeply, their respect and determination evident in their eyes. They had been given a mission of great importance, and they were ready to embrace it with all their might.
As the students dispersed, excited to explore their new gear and discuss their future, Hanna stood with Elder Zhen and Master Wei, reflecting on the ceremony and the future of the Battle Majors.
“You’ve given them a great responsibility, Taoist Boundless Dream,” Elder Zhen remarked, his eyes filled with admiration.
“Indeed,” Master Wei added. “These young warriors will now have a purpose beyond mere combat. They will learn the true meaning of strength and honor.”
Hanna nodded, her gaze following the departing students. “They have the potential to become not just powerful fighters, but also wise and compassionate leaders. By protecting those who seek knowledge and peace, they will learn the true essence of the Dao.”
That evening, as the academy settled into its usual rhythm, a humorous incident unfolded. Some of the artisans and forge masters, who had been up late crafting the new gear, were caught staying up all night playing Angry Birds and Candy Crush on the newly distributed devices.
Hanna found them in one of the common areas, their faces illuminated by the glow of the screens, completely engrossed in their games. She couldn’t help but laugh at the sight.
“Seems like these games have found quite an audience,” she said with a chuckle.
One of the artisans looked up, slightly embarrassed but grinning. “It’s just so addictive, Taoist Boundless Dream. We never had anything like this before!”
Hanna smiled warmly. “Remember to balance work, play, and rest. Even the strongest need downtime. But don’t forget, your primary mission is to protect and serve.”
The artisans nodded, their enthusiasm undimmed. Hanna left them to their games, amused by the unexpected impact of the Earthly additions.
With the Battle Majors equipped and inspired, the Dream Academy continued to thrive. The students embraced their roles as protectors, their dedication and strength growing with each passing day. The new uniforms and gear symbolized their commitment to the values of the Dream Academy, and their actions reflected the teachings of Taoist Boundless Dream.
As the academy moved forward, its influence spreading further across the cosmos, Hanna remained a guiding force. She continued to lead with wisdom and compassion, her vision of a unified and enlightened cosmos ever closer to reality.
Together with her companions, Jin and Li Mei, and the dedicated instructors and students, Taoist Boundless Dream would ensure that the Dream Academy remained a beacon of hope and progress. Their journey was far from over, but with each step, they moved closer to creating a cosmos where balance, harmony, and compassion prevailed.
The Dream Academy, with its Battle Majors and dedicated scholars, healers, and protectors, stood as a testament to the power of unity and the boundless potential of the Dao. Under the guidance of Taoist Boundless Dream, the academy continued to inspire and uplift, creating a brighter future for all.
As the years passed, the legacy of the Dream Academy endured, its teachings spreading across the cosmos. The values of balance, harmony, and compassion became guiding principles for countless beings, leading to a more enlightened and unified existence.
And through it all, Taoist Boundless Dream remained a steadfast leader, her vision of a brighter future ever within reach.