The academy's hierarchy was discussed to the students as early as day one. Teachers made sure to let everyone know who are at the upmost part of the pyramid, people who should they be careful around with and try not to offend.

Freshmen are called "Earth"; still green, or unexperienced, and are first to learn the fundamentals through books and lectures. Next to that was "Sky"; students who learned everything to know about martial arts and passed the written exams, and are ready to learn the actual movements. ​​

"Sun" are those who bested the Drillmasters through a spar and have mastered their own techniques.

Then, for a Sun student to achieve the rank of "Heaven", he or she must have a Master accept them as their disciple.

Lastly, and the highest rank among students, was the "Immortal". These are students who were personally chosen by the Academy's highest ranking teachers to be under their tutelage; the Grandmasters.

Immortal students are what you considered as the "graduates", and are usually called "Grand disciples". They may leave and enter the Academy whenever they want, or stay to choose a disciple and be a Master.

Only one Grand Disciple can be chosen by their respective Grandmaster to be their heir.

And Lillie is certain, no matter how much Grandmaster Wei dotes her, his seat was already reserved for her Senior Brother, Death. Don't misunderstand, Lillie was not upset about it nor have interest in acquiring the position.

Unfortunately for Grandmaster Wei, his first pupil shared the same thoughts as his second pupil. The reason why Death escapes a lot, was because he doesn't wanted to be tied down by the Academy and live like a hermit until he's old and wrinkly like their master.

Death couldn't see himself wearing the Grandmaster's robe and looking after the students to pick himself a disciple. He may be a genius in martial arts, but imparting his knowledge to snotty brats was impossible for a hot-blooded guy like him.

A few might disagree with his assumptions. Lillie and Ethan saw a potential in Death teaching. Though vague because of his impatience, brashness, and tendency to insult his student—Ethan—every time he failed to land or block a punch.

But after their spar, Death would unconsciously point out Ethan's mistakes, lecture him of his footwork while throwing some guidance.

Bent on wanting to gawk and go near the two legends, especially since they were bestowed the appearance of one who was not seen in many years, the students in the queue endured the temptation.

They already saw the Grand Disciples, Life and Death, as soon as they approached the line, but were discreet enough in not making it obvious that their appearance caused a huge impact on them.

Thanks to their trained ears, eavesdropping to the conversation happening under the canopy between Master Qi and the two Grand Disciples had never been easier without being called nosy.

Though, they doubt their conversation was something to be hidden if they were talking about it in public where they're aware of the many students who have sharp hearings.

So when the bomb was unintentionally thrown at them, they nearly plunged themselves to the ground. They were already astounded to see the ghost of Grand Disciple Life, but adding the fact that she's married and brought her husband with her, was the biggest blow of all.

No one dared to admit it out loud but...Grand Disciple Life wasn't the most prettiest girl in the Academy, but her capabilities are nothing to scoff at.

With her position plus her really pleasing personality, even the Academy's heartthrob would gladly marry her!

Why did she settle with this average Joe?

Did she thought a plain Jane like her would deserve someone as plain?

The students could only discuss this to themselves, or at least until Grand Disciple Life was out of earshot. They can't wait to return and spread the news! But with this line and the ship almost reaching its passengers' limit...

"Ah, why is there a lot of you swimming?" One of the school's staff was baffled when he saw around 20 students jumping into the ocean and diving away.

No one bothered to stop and answer him because time isn't at their disposal.

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(Author's note)

Here are some guidelines for you to understand Soaring Dragon Academy's Hierarchy:

Students:

Earth - elementary level

Sky - junior high school level

Sun - senior high school level

Heaven - college level

Immortal - doctorate level

Teachers:

Guru - teaches the Earth students.

Drillmasters - teaches the Sky and Sun students.

Masters - experts on certain field of Martial Arts (Just think of them like the courses in college). Teaches the Heaven students.

Grandmasters - teaches the Immortal students.

I hope you get the gist of it. It's really just like a typical school system. I hope there's no confusion. But I'll try to elucidate as much as I can through the chapters.