"She told me to get a Spirit Communication Watch," I muttered under my breath, walking through the semi-organic marketplace of Ironflare District. The streets were paved with metallic roots, humming faintly with spiritual power. Robotic merchants advertised artifacts and rare goods from dozens of worlds, their synthetic voices rising and falling in perfect harmony. Above me, artificial suns floated in a synchronized orbit, casting a cool golden glow that shifted with time cycles.
The device I needed was vital—not just for staying in touch with the Dimensional Tower, but for receiving missions, updates, and vital system messages. With it, I could eventually travel to other worlds, become stronger, and perhaps one day… rise above the chains of my past.
I approached a robotic vendor floating behind a stall formed from hovering stone panels. "Spirit Communication Watch," I said calmly.
The bot scanned me. "Confirmed: ID holder David. Access approved."
A sleek black band materialized on the stall platform. It was far beyond Earth's level of tech—thin, flexible, and layered with glowing rune circuits. I placed it on my wrist, and it automatically bonded with my soul signature.
"Connection to Dimensional Tower... complete."
I exhaled slowly. Step one was complete.
Later that evening, I took out a World Tree Leaf and activated its dimensional coordinates. These ancient leaves were precious—capable of traversing great cosmic distances when infused with spiritual energy. As the leaf lifted me into the sky, I felt a familiar pull in my chest. Home.
Mid-flight, I paused the leaf's movement and stood in the air, cloaked in invisibility. Below me, the vast complex of the Red Heaven Clan came into view. Crimson pagodas stretched across mountain ranges, spiritual lights forming rivers in the sky. It was beautiful—oppressive, but beautiful.
With the Heaven Sealing Stone hidden within my robes, my presence was utterly undetectable. No spiritual sense or divine eye could pierce my veil.
"I'm back," I whispered, though no one could hear me. "But not for long."
From the Dimensional Tower's database, I'd uncovered fragments of information about this place. This particular branch of Red Heaven was considered an Outer Clan, yet even they possessed strength beyond what most factions could comprehend. However, information about their true capabilities, cultivation techniques, or hierarchy was tightly sealed. Most clans, especially ones as ancient as Red Heaven, did not share secrets lightly.
The Tower had taught me many things—but there were still blank spots. Hidden truths.
My leaf resumed flight, and I quietly made my way back to my temporary residence in the mortal realm. A quiet stone house nestled in a pocket dimension connected to Earth, a place even members of the Red Heaven Clan rarely visited. The moment I entered, I activated several protective formations, ensuring no one could spy on me.
After making sure the room was completely sealed, I sat cross-legged on a meditation mat.
"Siri," I said quietly, "are you there?"
A soft mechanical voice responded almost instantly. "Yes, Sir David."
Siri was an artificial intelligence linked to the Dimensional Tower's network. Not just any AI—one with access to millions of years of data, including records of cultivation systems, interdimensional laws, and galactic power structures.
"I have questions," I said. "Tell me about the Dimensional Tower. The real one."
There was a pause—perhaps for effect, or processing.
"The Dimensional Tower was founded by the Supreme Immortal King, eons ago, within the core of a divine rune that pierced the edge of reality. It serves as a hub, connecting countless worlds, timelines, and cultivation realms. What you visited previously was merely an outer corridor, one of many thousands. The true Tower lies within the inner layers of dimensional space, beyond most mortals' comprehension."
I nodded slowly. That made sense. The place I'd entered had felt too... empty. Grand, yes—but not profound enough to be the true core of the Tower.
"And within it?" I asked. "One can grow stronger?"
"Yes. The Dimensional Tower is built in layers—floors—each representing a trial, a world, or a cultivation plane. No one knows how many floors exist. For every cultivator, the Tower presents a unique challenge, tailored to their path. But access is restricted."
"Restricted how?" I asked, brows furrowing.
"According to the laws set by the current Star Emperor, only graduates of Star Academy are permitted to enter the true Tower. This decree cannot be bypassed—not even by the high clans."
That caught my attention.
"Star Academy… I've never heard of such a place. What are the requirements?"
"To apply as a direct candidate, one must be at least a Stage 10 powerhouse, with upper-tier combat capability. Alternatively, clans may sponsor a candidate, allowing them to bypass the public exam process."
I sat still, absorbing the information. "And me? What stage am I currently at?"
"Analyzing…" Siri's voice paused briefly. "Spirit state: Stage 12. However, due to lack of Combat Martial Arts, your effective combat level is estimated at Stage 11, middle-tier."
I blinked.
I'd expected Stage 9, maybe 10 at best. To be ranked at Stage 12 in terms of spiritual power meant I had advanced far more than I realized.
Still… my lack of combat techniques was a serious weakness.
Siri continued, "As a pure spiritual being, your constitution allows for compatibility with nearly all martial systems. You are a blank slate. A vessel that can adapt, absorb, and master any cultivation art, regardless of origin."
I leaned back slightly. "Sounds like a blessing... but also a danger."
If any major clan discovered this, they would suspect demonic intervention. Cultivators like me—who ascended without following a traditional path—were often branded heretics. Worse, they'd think I had obtained forbidden knowledge, or formed a pact with some ancient being.
Returning to the Red Heaven Clan now would be a mistake.
"Is there any way I can obtain Combat Arts without involving a clan?" I asked.
"Yes," Siri replied. "You may purchase verified techniques through the Dimensional Store—although prices vary based on tier and compatibility. Another option is the Star Competition at Star Academy. Victors are awarded divine-grade arts from the Dark Star Universe Collection. Lastly, should your clan recognize you, they may grant you one from their archives."
I shook my head. The last option was risky. Too many eyes. Too many questions.
"Alright. I've made my decision," I said. "I want to attend Star Academy. What's the process?"
"When your ID arrives," Siri began, "you must fill out an application. You can apply as an independent candidate or as a clan representative. Clan-recommended applicants often receive privileges—but are also closely watched. Independent applicants must pass an entrance examination."
"Good," I said. "I'll go as an independent."
"Understood," Siri replied.
I chuckled lightly. "So formal."
"It is the default tone."
"Of course."
Two days passed.
On the second morning, as I meditated beneath a spiritual waterfall in my courtyard, a ripple in space formed before me. A silver-gold card materialized from thin air, floating gently until it settled in my palm.
My official ID—encoded with soul recognition patterns and spiritual verification runes.
I activated it immediately. The interface opened within my mind, a perfect blend of cultivation intent and digital interface. Siri guided me through the application process step-by-step.
Name. Origin. Spiritual state. Combat estimate. History.
There was a section that asked for a clan affiliation. I left it blank.
Once the form was complete, I infused it with my spiritual signature. The ID pulsed once—submission confirmed.
The next morning, a golden letter appeared in my room.
It was sealed with a triple-layered sigil, one I had seen in the Tower's archives: the mark of the Star Academy.
With cautious excitement, I broke the seal.
Inside was a message written in flowing celestial script:
> "Applicant David. Your application has been received and verified.
You have been invited to undergo the Star Academy Entrance Examination.
Location: Gate of Ascension, Western Celestial Plateau.
Time: 7 days from this notice. Be prepared.
—Star Academy Admissions Division"
I folded the letter and looked out over the hills of my hidden domain.
Seven days.
That was all the time I had to prepare. My spiritual energy pulsed gently within me, swirling in perfect harmony.
No turning back now.
I was on the path to the stars.