Inside The Black Mist

Tianyang didn’t rush out, even though the figure outside remained still and emitted no special aura. But as soon as he noticed the shadow, his Star Essence became active, heightening his senses. His intuition kept warning him that the shadow outside the door was up to no good!

Slowly, Tianyang backed away to create some distance, giving himself space to react if the person charged in.

A few seconds later, the elevator door closed automatically. After a brief pause, it opened again, clearly showing the work of the person outside.

The shadow was still there, motionless, like a beast locked onto its prey, patiently waiting for the right moment to strike.

Tianyang regretted leaving his Crimson Moon Warblade at home. If he had a weapon, he wouldn’t be so passive.

The standoff continued for a few more seconds before the elevator door closed again.

This time, it didn’t reopen.

Tianyang moved to the control panel and pressed the button for a lower floor. The elevator descended and stopped on the floor below his.

As the door opened, Tianyang, with his Star Essence manifesting, dashed out.

This floor's corridor was quiet, without a single person in sight. Feeling slightly relieved, Tianyang opted for the stairs and carefully peeked out when he reached his apartment's floor.

The area around the elevator was empty; the person had left.

Tianyang waited for a moment. The elevator chimed, its doors opened, and a couple emerged, chatting and laughing, their voices echoing down the hallway.

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Only then did Tianyang withdraw his Star Essence, walking to his apartment door and quickly unlocking it.

As he slipped inside and closed the door, he felt the distinct sensation of being watched.

Quickly, he shut the door.

After taking a shower, Tianyang checked his messages. He had contacted the registry office in the morning, but the staff handling his application had been out.

The registry office had promised to send the results.

Sure enough, there were two messages on his home communicator.

He played the first message.

"Hello, Mr. Tianyang. This is the office of Tianqing Academy. We have received and approved your application. The History of the Inverse Universe course you applied for has a class tomorrow. If you’re interested, please be in the classroom by 10 AM. Detailed information has been sent to your personal communicator. Please check it."

Tianyang was surprised by Tianqing Academy’s efficiency. He had applied just last night, and today it was approved.

Perhaps the course was only open to Ascenders. Being a Night Walker might have expedited the approval.

Tianyang played the second message.

"Hello, Mr. Tianyang. This is the Upper City Registry Office. We apologize for not contacting you sooner due to an outing this morning. The results of your inquiry are in, and we regret to inform you that we couldn’t find any information on “Jingnan.” If you have any questions, please contact us. Apologies again."

No information on "Jingnan?"

Tianyang frowned. Did Su Lie make a mistake, or did he only provide a given name, and the person had a surname?

Shaking his head, Tianyang thought he’d have to find another way.

The next morning, after breakfast, Tianyang visited the fortress cemetery.

The cemetery was located on the west side of Upper City, with rows of black tombstones arranged in a tiered layout, creating a solemn atmosphere.

It was still raining. Being close to the fortress's edge, raindrops managed to drift in despite the dome overhead.

Tianyang held a bouquet of fresh flowers and approached his mother Nanfei’s tombstone. To his surprise, there was already a bouquet there, seemingly placed a day or two ago. Who had visited his mother?

Placing his bouquet down, Tianyang looked at the tombstone. "Mom, I’m back. This mission was really dangerous. You wouldn’t believe what I encountered in Huanggu Town..."

"Mom, I’m sorry." Tianyang squatted, gently touching the cold tombstone. "I still don’t understand why you opposed me joining the Night Walker. But I might have to stay with this corps for a while."

"And I found a diary. I wish I could ask you if that guy Su Lie is my father."

With a sigh, Tianyang fell silent, staring at the tombstone. Ten minutes later, he stood up and left the cemetery amid the drizzle and cold wind.

Tianqing Academy, the fortress's sole learning institution, was in the southern part of Upper City, near the fortress library and archives. The academy was open to civilians, upper citizens, and Ascender.

It offered a wide range of subjects, including basic education, politics, economics, management, architecture, three-dimensional armaments, and weapon development, among dozens of other courses.

Through this academy, the fortress continually produced professionals across various fields.

After presenting his ID card, Tianyang passed through the academy’s security and, following the information on his communicator, found the classroom for the History of the Inverse Universe course.

Inside the classroom, about ten people were scattered around. As Tianyang entered, a familiar voice called out excitedly, "Tianyang, you’re here too! Come over here."

Looking up, Tianyang saw Lao Xu waving at him.

Sitting beside Lao Xu, Tianyang was also surprised. "What? You’re attending the class too?"

Lao Xu, dressed in casual clothes today, smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "After retiring, teaching at the academy became one of my goals. So sometimes I come here to sit in on classes."

"Recently, they’ve been offering the History of the Inverse Universe. I’m quite interested in this topic. Whether I become a mentor or a novice instructor, this knowledge could be useful, so here I am."

Pausing for a moment, Lao Xu continued, "What about you?"

Tianyang shrugged. "I originally wanted to see if there were any courses on Inverse Universe scripts, but the home system recommended this course instead, so I came to check it out."

Lao Xu was momentarily stunned. "Inverse Universe scripts? You’re interested in that?"

Tianyang smiled sheepishly. "Learning more is never a bad thing. Since we often venture into the Inverse Universe, understanding its scripts could be helpful."

Lao Xu nodded. "Then you should definitely visit my place. I have a book on Inverse Universe scripts. After this class, come over for dinner, and I’ll lend you the book."

Tianyang’s eyes lit up. "That’s great, another free meal!"

Lao Xu stroked his chin. "But let’s be clear, you’re not getting a free meal. I have some chores at home. You’ll help me out."

Tianyang, of course, agreed.

At that moment, someone entered the classroom and walked straight to the podium.

Clearing his throat, he looked at the class and said, "Good morning. I’m your lecturer, Liu Jinglin..."