The Extra's Rise-Chapter 139: Spring Break (1)

The day spring break began, the Academy buzzed with excitement. Students rushed about, gathering their belongings, sharing plans, and exchanging parting words. I stood near the dormitory gates, my bag slung over one shoulder, as Rachel, Cecilia, and Rose approached me.

Rachel, ever the light of the room, flashed me her warm smile. "You better not forget about us while you’re at Mount Hua, alright? And take care of yourself, Arthur. And call me, many times."

I smirked. "I’ll try, but no promises about forgetting. The monks might brainwash me."

Rachel gave me a playful punch on the shoulder. "I’m serious. And don’t come back with some weird philosophy about abandoning material possessions."

Cecilia snorted, her arms crossed as she leaned against the gate. "If he comes back preaching, I’ll make sure to knock some sense back into him. Honestly, Arthur, you and Seraphina going to Mount Hua... it feels like the setup for a bizarre romantic drama."

"Please, Cecilia," I said, shaking my head. "The last thing Seraphina or I are interested in is drama. We’ll be busy training."

She rolled her eyes but smirked. "Sure, keep telling yourself that."

Rose, standing a step behind the two of them, nodded at me. "Good luck, Arthur. If you need anything while you’re away, just let me know. And remember, you owe me a proper update on that Lich project when you get back."

I chuckled. "I’ll keep you posted, Rose. Thanks for everything."

She gave me a small smile, her usual calm demeanor intact. "Don’t mention it. Just don’t die climbing mountains or something ridiculous like that."

I laughed, shaking my head as I slung my bag higher on my shoulder. "I’ll try my best."

With a final wave, I turned toward the waiting warp gate, where Seraphina stood, her silvery hair gleaming in the sunlight. She was already dressed in practical attire for travel, her posture calm and composed.

"You ready?" she asked as I approached.

"Always," I replied.

The first warp gate took us to the Northern Continent. The moment we stepped out, the air was crisp and cold, the kind of chill that felt sharp against your skin. Snow blanketed the landscape, and the bustle of the station was accompanied by clouds of breath from hurried travelers. This was a city without any temperature control as that was only in big cities like Luminarc and Nimran.

"Quite a contrast," I remarked, adjusting my jacket.

Th𝗲 most uptodate novels are published on ƒгeewёbnovel.com.

Seraphina nodded. "We won’t be here long. The next gate is just across the station."

The second warp gate brought us to the Eastern Continent, and the change was immediate. The air was warmer, the landscape dotted with rolling hills and thick forests. The station was larger here, bustling with activity. People moved with purpose, and the faint scent of spices and flowers lingered in the air.

Like how the Western continent was based around necromancy, the Eastern continent was based around what was known as Murim in my old world. Or, it would be better to say this place was the modern day Murim with the same characteristics, just switching out qi for mana.

From there, we boarded a flight, a sleek, state-of-the-art aircraft that promised a smooth journey. The interior was spacious, with large windows that offered a stunning view of the Eastern Continent below.

After a couple of hours, the plane touched down at a private airfield nestled between mountain ranges. The towering peaks of Mount Hua were visible in the distance, their snow-capped summits gleaming under the sun.

As we disembarked, a luxurious black car awaited us, its sleek design and polished surface reflecting the surrounding mountains. Standing beside it was a dignified older man dressed in the traditional robes of Mount Hua.

"Elder Zhang," Seraphina greeted with a respectful bow.

The man inclined his head, his sharp eyes appraising me briefly before he spoke. "Lady Seraphina. And this must be your companion, Arthur Nightingale."

I returned the bow. "Elder Zhang. Thank you for coming to escort us."

"It is an honor," he said, his voice calm and measured. "Please, step inside. The journey up the mountain will take some time."

The interior of the car was as luxurious as its exterior, with plush seats and an advanced climate control system that kept the cabin at a perfect temperature. As the car began its ascent, the view outside grew more breathtaking. The winding roads offered glimpses of sprawling forests, cascading waterfalls, and towering cliffs.

Elder Zhang spoke occasionally, pointing out landmarks or sharing brief anecdotes about Mount Hua’s history. Seraphina listened intently, her usual reserved demeanor softening slightly in the presence of the elder.

I, on the other hand, found myself marveling at the sheer beauty of the landscape. Mount Hua wasn’t just a place—it was an experience, a testament to the harmony between nature and cultivation.

As we neared the summit, the car slowed, and the gates of Mount Hua Sect came into view. They were enormous, intricately carved with depictions of legendary battles and moments of enlightenment. Guards stood on either side, their postures straight and disciplined.

"We have arrived," Elder Zhang announced as the gates began to open, revealing the sprawling sect beyond.

Mount Hua rose like a slumbering giant, its peaks shrouded in clouds that seemed to glow under the sunlight. The mountain was vast, a towering colossus that seemed to stretch endlessly into the heavens. Verdant forests covered its lower slopes, giving way to rocky cliffs and cascading waterfalls that sang as they tumbled down to the valleys below. Stone pathways zigzagged up the mountain, flanked by vibrant cherry blossom trees that swayed gently in the breeze, their petals a soft pink contrast to the deep greens and greys of the landscape.

"Welcome to Mount Hua," Seraphina said as she led me along one of the many stone pathways. Her voice was steady, but there was a softness to it, an unspoken pride in her words.

The sect itself sprawled across the mountain, its architecture a blend of ancient tradition and modern functionality. Grand halls with curved rooftops stood against the cliffs, their tiles gleaming in the sunlight. Towering pagodas dotted the landscape, their spires piercing the sky. Training grounds were nestled among the trees, their stone floors worn smooth by generations of disciples. Statues of legendary swordsmen adorned the pathways, each one carved with such precision that they seemed ready to step off their pedestals and draw their swords.

Disciples moved with purpose, their robes flowing as they practiced intricate sword forms or meditated in serene courtyards. The air was thick with the hum of energy, a palpable testament to the sect’s long history of martial excellence.

"It’s beautiful," I said, my eyes sweeping across the landscape. "Almost unreal."

Seraphina nodded. "Mount Hua is more than just a sect. It’s a sanctuary, a home. It’s where legends are born and raised."

She led me past a courtyard where young disciples were practicing their swordsmanship under the watchful eye of an elder. Their movements were sharp and precise, a testament to the rigorous training they underwent.

"Come," Seraphina said, motioning me to follow her as she climbed a set of stone steps that seemed to disappear into the clouds.

We passed through a grand archway inscribed with ancient runes that glowed faintly as we crossed. Beyond it lay the heart of the sect—a vast plaza surrounded by towering halls. In the center stood a massive tree, its blossoms a radiant gold. The Tree of Virtue, Seraphina explained, a symbol of Mount Hua’s enduring strength and wisdom.

"Where’s my father?" she asked one of the disciples who bowed deeply at her approach.

"The Patriarch is not currently at Mount Hua," the disciple said respectfully. "He left for a summit at the Eastern Sect Alliance three days ago."

Seraphina sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "I see. Thank you."

"Your father?" I asked as we resumed walking.

"The Patriarch of Mount Hua," Seraphina replied. "But it seems he’s not here. No matter." She glanced at me, her silver-blue eyes assessing. "You’ll need someone to guide you during your time here."

She stopped in front of a hall that exuded an aura of quiet authority. "I’ll make you my uncle’s disciple for now. He’s the Lightning Dragon of Mount Hua and one of the finest teachers in the sect. You’ll learn more from him than from anyone else here."

"Your uncle?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Master Li, a high Immortal-ranker, second strongest in the sect after my father," she clarified. "He might be strict, but he’s brilliant. If you’re serious about improving, you won’t find a better teacher."

I nodded, trying to suppress a flicker of apprehension.

"Come on," Seraphina said with a small smile. "Let’s find him and make this official."

She led me toward one of the grand halls, her stride confident, the weight of the mountain’s legacy seemingly lighter on her shoulders. For me, however, the enormity of the opportunity—and the challenge—began to settle in.