The Sunrise Academy wasn't the largest or the most extravagant institution, but it stood unrivalled as the top academy in the entire Eastern Continent. There were plenty of other academies scattered across the land, yet none could come close to Sunrise Academy, when it came to producing geniuses. Most said it was all because of the principal, a mysterious man who had come from the Central Continent with his wife to spread the Dao and seek enlightenment.
At Sunrise, students still stuck in the Qi Refining Realm were considered bottom-tier, basically failures, if they hadn't reached Foundation Establishment by the age of sixteen. Those who managed to reach final-stage Foundation Establishment by sixteen were seen as true prodigies. They could even take the Central Continent's enrolment exams, unless they already had a recommendation letter.
Jack and Rose were both final-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, and on top of that, they had recommendation letters thanks to their powerful backgrounds. Maybe that's why they looked down on Su Wen so much.
But it hadn't always been that way.
Two years ago, when Su Wen first met Rose and Jack, things had been completely different. Rose had been a bright, cheerful girl, but her confidence often shattered whenever people criticized her violin performances. One afternoon, after yet another harsh comment from a senior student, she sat alone on the academy steps, quietly crying with her violin case clutched to her chest.
That was the moment Su Wen found her, and chose to sit beside her, offering comfort when no one else did.
Su Wen had always believed that hard work mattered more than talent. Sure, talent helped, but what really shaped a person was how much effort they were willing to put in. So he encouraged Rose to practice harder, to understand each note, to transform her music from mere sound into something truly her own.
He would sit nearby while she played for hours, even when her sudden pitch changes made him wince or when a snapping string startled him in the middle of his studies. Yet he never complained. Not once.
He simply stayed by her side, supporting her in the quiet, steady way he always did.
Over the next two years, all that effort paid off. Rose not only gained confidence but also became one of the best violinists in the academy. Her music turned graceful and powerful, filling the halls with warmth and light. Before long, she'd become a star, the bright, shining face of Sunrise Academy. And people couldn't help but be drawn to her.
Not only did she possess talent in cultivation, but she was also a genius violinist. A beautiful fairy blessed by the heavens, the very embodiment of brilliance and hard work. She was someone destined to soar above the masses like a phoenix rising through the clouds.
Jack, like Rose, first encountered Su Wen two years ago during Poetry classes. Unlike many students, Jack was a practical man whose true interest lay in outdoor activities; poetry and the violin were certainly not his passions. He initially approached Su Wen seeking guidance simply to gain some scholarly achievements.
Su Wen, who thought little of the request, readily agreed, patiently explaining the concepts slowly and concisely. Through these sessions, the two grew close, forging a bond like that of brothers. They began to share drinks and practice not just poetry, but also martial fighting. Jack's weapon of choice was the spear, while Su Wen was a sword cultivator. They regularly duelled, helping each other by pointing out flaws and refining their techniques.
Jack's innate talent in cultivation proved formidable. A few months ago, he achieved a breakthrough, reaching the Final-stage of Foundation Establishment. Furthermore, he managed to comprehend the Second Grade Spear Intent, a feat that firmly established him as the top genius in the academy.
Jack, now one of the academy's rising stars, had become an unofficial big brother to many of the younger students. Despite his growing reputation, Su Wen still saw him exactly the same as before: a straightforward brute with very little brain power, a brother, but absolutely terrible with anything that required thinking.
Jack, being the son of the City Lord, and Rose, the daughter of the richest merchant in Sunrise City, didn't need to achieve anything at the academy to secure their futures. Even if they were complete wastrels, both could easily obtain recommendation letters to the Holy Lands in the Central Continent. Their backgrounds alone guaranteed it.
Su Wen had introduced the two of them to each other only a few months ago, since they were his closest companions among the academy students.
At first, when Su Wen introduced Jack and Rose to each other, things seemed harmless enough. They exchanged polite greetings, made small talk, and appeared to get along well. Seeing that two of his closest companions could become friends, Su Wen felt relieved.
But as weeks passed, something subtle began to shift.
Jack and Rose started spending more time together, studying in the same rooms, training in the same courtyards, even walking to the cafeteria side by side. Their personalities, which were polite when interacting with Su Wen individually, became different when they were together.
Although Su Wen had noticed their changes, he chose not to speak of it. He saw the shift in their eyes, the faint condescension whenever they looked at him, the way they stood farther from him during gatherings, whispering to each other while pretending he wasn't there.
At academy events, they would deliberately bring up topics like political alliances, noble banquets, and the newest luxury treasures in the city. They spoke loudly enough for Su Wen to hear, their voices tinged with mockery, as if to remind him he was nothing, but a country bumpkin compared to them.
Jack, the City Lord's son, became increasingly outspoken, letting his casual arrogance slip through with ease. Rose, once a gentle and insecure girl whom Su Wen had patiently supported, began mirroring him. Her rising fame as the academy's violin genius, paired with Jack's constant flattery, made her pride swell.
The girl who once cried quietly on the academy steps now carried herself like someone above everyone else, including Su Wen.
Su Wen desperately hoped he was simply overthinking things. After all, they were his closest companions; they wouldn't truly betray him. That fragile hope was utterly shattered, however, when he received the final stab in the heart this very morning.
Seriously, that whole mess taught Su Wen one major, lifelong lesson: Run away the minute you see those red flags! Don't stick around just to get totally stabbed later.