The Legend of Futian Chapter 1 - The Youth of the Present

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Divine Prefecture Calendar, Autumn of Year 9999, East Sea, City of Qingzhou

In the City of Qingzhou, the Qingzhou Academy was regarded as a hallowed ground. More than half of the elite experts from the wealthiest families and most influential clans had once walked its halls. Consequently, the local citizens viewed studying there as a badge of honor. Anyone fortunate enough to be admitted would typically dedicate themselves to their studies with unwavering focus.

Yet, it appeared that one individual did not share this sentiment. Inside an academy classroom, a young man sat slumped over his desk, lost in a deep sleep.

A young woman dressed in a flowing teal gown was delivering a lecture at the front of the room. When she noticed the slumbering student, a flicker of irritation crossed her features. She began walking toward the young man who was currently dead to the world.

At seventeen years old, Qin Yi was an official disciple of the academy and served as a lecturer for the outer sect disciples. She possessed a striking face and a captivating figure. As she moved through the room, every eye followed her; even in her annoyance, her every gesture remained graceful.

“Him again! I can’t believe he fell asleep during Senior Sister Qin’s lecture again.” Until that moment, the rest of the class seemed oblivious to their sleeping peer. Many were left speechless, as this was clearly not a new occurrence.

“Senior Sister Qin is such eye candy. I have no idea how that guy could manage to nap,” a student whispered to a neighbor.

Among the faculty, Qin Yi was undeniably the most sought-after lecturer. The reason was obvious to anyone with eyes, as many considered her a goddess. Her classes were perpetually overflowing, making the idea of falling asleep during her session seem nearly impossible.

Qin Yi’s footsteps were nearly silent as she approached the young man. Standing before his desk and looking down at his sleeping face, her expression turned icy.

“Ye Futian,” a gentle voice called out. It wasn't Qin Yi who spoke, but someone positioned behind Ye Futian.

Reacting to his name, Ye Futian’s body stirred. Propping his head up with his hands, he blinked his eyes open. Through his hazy, half-awake vision, he found himself staring directly at two rounded peaks.

“So big,” Ye Futian murmured instinctively. Though it was only a quiet mumble to himself, the silence of the room allowed the entire class to hear his unexpected remark with perfect clarity. The room froze for a heartbeat before the atmosphere erupted in renewed anger.

“Unbelievable! How can he be so blatantly vulgar toward Senior Sister Qin?!”

“What a shameless scoundrel.” The collective gaze of the class fell upon Ye Futian like a barrage of sharp swords, causing him to shudder. Sensing the shift in the air, he shifted his focus upward, away from the impressive view, only to meet a jade-like face trembling with fury.

“Uh…” Ye Futian was stunned. It was Qin Yi! Hadn't it been Qingxue who called him?

Glancing back, he saw the mischievous, wide eyes of a seemingly innocent fifteen-year-old girl.

Ye Futian looked at the girl and cursed internally. He had been set up; no wonder the proportions seemed off.

“Senior Sister Qin, I…” Ye Futian tried to find the words to explain.

“Ye Futian,” Qin Yi cut him off coldly. She demanded, “What is the historical origin of the Qingzhou Academy’s founding?”

It was clear she was trying to pivot away from the embarrassment by changing the topic, but Ye Futian could feel her rage radiating toward him. He could even sense the Will of Sword vibrating within her, as sharp as a blade pressing against his skin.

“Three centuries ago, the Great East Phoenix unified the Divine Prefectures of the East. He ordered all dukes to establish martial arts academies to foster the growth of martial arts. That is why the Qingzhou Academy was built,” Ye Futian answered. His response was taken directly from official records. In the secret histories of his own clan, a different name was linked to these events, but that forbidden name could never be mentioned.

“And what are the primary paths of development?” Qin Yi pressed further.

“Development is split into martial arts and the art of divination,” Ye Futian explained. “The martial path includes roles like warriors, knights, and swordsmen. Divination arts involve mages, alchemists, and armorers. Mages are further categorized into various specialties. Naturally, there are those born with extraordinary talent who choose to master both paths.”

“You seem to have overlooked one specific occupation,” Qin Yi noted sternly.

“I couldn't have possibly missed one,” the young man replied, a bright look appearing on his face. “The Divine Prefecture recognizes Mandate Sorcerers as the supreme occupation, for they hold a gift from the Heavens. Most who possess unique talents are Mandate Sorcerers—such as conjurers, beastmasters, and astrologers. Regardless of the path they take, they excel beyond all others.”

The entire room listened intently to Ye Futian’s explanation. “Mandate Sorcerers are legendary figures. They act according to the heavenly will and are blessed by the skies. Furthermore, even the most basic Mandate Sorcerer has the natural talent to practice both martial arts and divination.”

Qin Yi looked at the young man, momentarily impressed despite her lingering anger. “I didn’t realize you were so well-versed in this,” she admitted.

“Of course,” Ye Futian said, meeting her eyes. “Because I am a Mandate Sorcerer.”

Pfft! A student nearby began choking on his water, coughing violently. Numerous pairs of eyes stared at Ye Futian as if he had lost his mind.

Everyone was stunned by such brazen behavior. Ye Futian was already notorious at the school, and his reputation was well-earned. Not only had he just insulted Senior Sister Qin, but now he was claiming to be a Mandate Sorcerer. Was he really going this far just to get her attention?

Who did he think he was? During his three years of Cultivation at the academy, he had never progressed past the Collection Plane of the first level of Awakening. His constitution was frail. He hadn't even reached the Enhancement Plane yet. How could a failure like him claim to be a Mandate Sorcerer? His audacity was boundless.

Qin Yi’s chest rose and fell with her heavy breathing; it was a spectacular sight. She glared at Ye Futian. “If you are indeed a Mandate Sorcerer, then you must possess a spirit in your Life Palace. Release your Life Spirit and prove your claim.”

“My Life Spirit is currently in a deep slumber and cannot be manifested. That is actually why I was sleeping in class,” Ye Futian replied with a straight face.

“Ye Futian!” Qin Yi snapped. Her beautiful eyes locked onto his. “Three years ago, you came to this academy as a twelve-year-old child. I was an outer sect disciple back then, and I watched your talent evaluation. Your ability to sense Spiritual Qi was at the peak, which stunned the entire academy. Yet, despite the attention of numerous mentors, you haven't moved past the first level of Awakening in three years. You spend your time idling and ignoring lectures—have you even bothered with Cultivation? And now you have the nerve to lie about being a Mandate Sorcerer just to excuse your napping.

“For three years, whether it’s the Spring or Fall Quarter Examinations, you always withdraw, leaving you at the very bottom of the academy rankings. Ye Futian, do you truly have no shame?”

Following Qin Yi’s outburst, the classroom fell into a heavy silence. You could have heard a pin drop. Everyone watched as she fumed; it was the first time they had seen her lose her composure like this.

Ye Futian was also stunned. His dark eyes gazed at her delicate face, which was flushed with rage.

Has it really been three years? he wondered. Time had slipped away, but the activity within his Life Palace remained stagnant and unchanged. He was also slightly surprised that Senior Sister Qin, the "ice beauty" goddess, had apparently been keeping such close watch on him since his very first day.

The silence persisted. Qin Yi studied the young man. He had a handsome face with sharp, defined features and eyes that were as deep as the night. At fifteen, his only flaw was his slight, thin frame. In a few years, he would clearly be quite handsome.

Qin Yi wondered if she had been too harsh. Seeing a hint of melancholy in Ye Futian’s eyes, her anger began to soften.

“The Fall Quarter Examinations are only a month away. If you fail or skip them again, no one can prevent your expulsion. The academy won't keep you any longer, do you understand?” Qin Yi said. The class realized the academy had finally run out of patience with him.

Was he actually going to be kicked out? If so, it would be a historic event, as being expelled from Qingzhou Academy was no easy feat.

“If he is expelled, I’m leaving too.” A voice spoke up indifferently from the rear of the room. Many turned to look at the young man sitting in the corner. Their expressions were a mix of envy, jealousy, admiration, and concern.

“The academy has already decided that Yu Sheng is exempt from the next Spring Quarter Examinations,” Qin Yi noted. “He can choose to train at the Battle House, join the knights, or enter any divination school. His future shouldn't be tied to yours. You will only be a burden to him.” Qin Yi sighed as she looked at Ye Futian. He and Yu Sheng were clearly headed for different worlds.

“A burden?” The corners of Ye Futian’s mouth quirked into a small, cynical smile.

“Be quiet,” Yu Sheng growled from the back. He stood up, his eyes fixed on Qin Yi with a piercing glare.

“Sit down,” Ye Futian said softly, without even looking back. Yu Sheng’s gaze softened as he looked at Ye Futian’s back. He sat down obediently, treating Ye Futian’s words like an absolute command.

“I’ve made a decision...” Ye Futian said with a playful grin. He looked at Qin Yi and continued, “I will officially take part in this year’s Fall Quarter Examinations.”

In the back, Yu Sheng’s eyes lit up.

After three years, was he finally going to get serious?

Throughout their three years at the academy, everyone knew of Yu Sheng’s incredible talent. His affinity for the metal element was top-tier, and he was a martial arts prodigy. He could excel in any path. Though he was still an outer sect disciple, his Plane already exceeded that of many instructors.

But even so, who truly understood Ye Futian?

“Your body is weak, and you are still trapped in the Collection Plane of Awakening. Even if you participate in the exams, how do you expect to pass?” Qin Yi sighed internally while looking at him. Even if he started trying now, it was likely too late.

“And what if I do pass?” Ye Futian seemed to have no doubts about himself, his voice brimming with certainty.

“If you pass, you can do whatever you like in my classroom,” Qin Yi replied.

A strange light flickered in his eyes as he scanned her stunning figure. His gaze drifted toward a spot it shouldn't have. He asked quietly, “Is it really okay for me to do anything I want?”

This guy… what is he implying? many wondered as they stared at him.

“You shameless bastard, where are you looking?!” The other students finally caught on to where his eyes were resting. They were itching to beat him up. How could he still be so disrespectful to Senior Sister Qin?

Qin Yi realized where he was looking as well. Any pity she felt vanished instantly. Her eyes blazed with anger once more. She bit her lip and gave her answer.

“Whatever you want!”