The place was a total wilderness as there exist sand dunes making it no different from a desert.
As empty as it is, a subtle life energy filled the surroundings as little strange grass grows from the sand dunes.
At this moment there were tens of strange airline ships packed at the desert rear and there were also hundreds of people moving towards the center of the desert.
This are the students and teachers from different academies going for the exploration of the star rift.
Each academy has different elemental logo describing which institute they came from, among them was also the crimson dawn institute.
Suddenly they all came to a stop and the head inspector for the exploration of each academy moved forward. There were about tens in number.
"We will be opening the star rift soon and once you hear the call, you all have to bolt in"
"You only have seven days for the exploration and after that you would be sent out by the star rift itself"
Someone from the Oceanwide academy said as he seems to have a higher status than some of the inspector present.
"Now" without delaying any further all the head inspector raised their hands and magical energy began appearing on their arm and bolted straight to the void.
*Boom!"
An earth shattering sound resounded as the energy sent out by the inspectors seems to have collided with some unknown force.
But this wasn't the first time they did this as they continuously poured out the thier elemental energy without break.
"Woah is that the legendary elemental manifestation state?"
"I heard anyone in this stage can control the weather and move mountains"
The students were still young so they where astounded by the sight of this legendary elemental manifestation.
"Hehe you guys are still a frog in a well"
A teacher from the Ironsaw institute interrupted and then continued…
"Those at the level of controlling weather are really legendary beings and little ant like us don't have the qualification to do that yet"
"Although you can't understand me right now but as you continue to grow stronger you will realize how massive this world is"
"Then teacher is this not elemental manifestation?"
*Crrrck!*
"Get in now!"
Before the teacher could answer the question, a tear open in space shocking the students and until they gear the urgent tone of the inspectors did they react and started jumping in without hesitation.
*Boom*
After all the students had entered the opened crack close by itself almost instantly.
"Now you people should be in position and lock unto your group device bracelet"
After hearing the command all the teachers present immediately sat crossed leg and a giant blue ring hallowed out of each of them hands as they started glowing rapidly.
Those above the age of 15 could not enter the star rift and the reason was still unknown. This was the only way the academies has to make sure no accident occurs to the students.
….
"Wow… is this the star rift?"
"What a blissful place to stay forever"
The moment the students appeared they all fell into a trance like state as they were mesmerize by how beautiful the star rift was.
The place was as dark as the night but the glowing stars twinkling in the sky made it looks like a heavenly abode.
Life energy was existing everywhere and this place seems to be the source of the little life energy at the desert.
Although the place was filled with dense forest but it still couldn't block the rays of star light and there even exist little fireflies in here.
"It time to explore this new world"
After a while someone awoken from the mesmerized state and his sentence also woke up the rest.
Just as the person said, it felt as if they were all in a new world and was really in a rush to explore it.
Silently a figure with a hooded face walked out of the group and started his exploration alone towards another direction.
But the figure didn't know that this decision of him walking alone would bring in a big trouble s he had already been targeted by someone.
"Hehe follow him and use that thing so he won't be able to call for help"
"Yes young master"
Two students also chased after the hooded figure as they had been assigned to finish their work as soon as possible.
…
"This place as such a grand sight to behold"
"As the history said, since the time the star rift as been found there had been some occasion where some people find their luck here and change thier destiny for good"
"If I could find such luck, hehe all those idiots that only knows how to bully should better be ready for me"
Ye Chen thought out loud as he clench his fist tightly in anger. He was also the hooded figure as he needed to hide his bruised face.
The only reason he had been willing to explore the star rift was for such grand luck, he already pitted all his luck unto this.
"Hehehe I didn't expect a cripple to have such a grand imagination"
"Who?"
A voice spoke out of nowhere which startled Ye Chen as he began searching his surroundings if there is anything amiss.
*Wheep!*
Before he could react a small red object was flung out of the forest and flied towards his left hand where he wore the device bracelet given to him.
*Bing!!*
As the red object hit the device bracelet it released a pitch sound and then the emitting blue glow change into that of red.
"Hmm?"
"Who is that… what did you want"
Ye Chen immediately felt something was off when he tried operating the bracelet and it didn't work, even the map placed there can't be seen.
"Ohh"
"I didn't expect you to be so weak and daring to injure the young master"
Two figures then showed themselves, one was wearing the uniform of Crimson Dawn while the other one has the uniform of Oceanwide.
Seeing those two Ye Chen backed away immediately cause he knew someone that mean no harm would not attack his device bracelet.
"Young master?"
"Which young master are you talking about"
Ye Chen still feeling confused tried to cleared things out.
"Ohh having forgotten about yesterday event so quickly?" The students from Crimson Dawn institute asked.
"Long Yun?"
*Boom*
Before anyone could react the students from the Oceanwide academy launch and landed a hard punch at Ye Chen chest making him flying through the air.
"Tsk… do you think you are qualified to say his name?"
*Boom*
Another shocking sound followed as Ye Chen landed hard on a little mountain making him vomit a mouthful of blood.
"Finish him quickly we have no time to waste"
The other one from the Crimson Dawn academy also launch forward with a dagger in hand.
"They are stronger than Long Yun, I can't even see them when they move, I have to esc…
"Argh"
A bone piercing pain fill through Ye Chen body as he was still thinking on how to escape.
Blood began streaking out of his mouth as he stared down at his chest, a dagger as been driven into his chest, piercing right out of his back and sticking into the small mountain behind him.
"Why?"
Tears filled Ye Chen eyes as he looked at those two with intense hatred and the image of Long Yun appeared before him making him seating in hatred.
"Hehe… what a waste of time to deal with a cripple"
"In your next life never disrespect those you can't afford to"
Saying those word the dagger was removed and the two left the place.
Ye Chen slid down the mountain as his blood draw a straight line on it, he felt regret for the first time.
Not regret for entering the star rift but the regret of never been able to repay the two people that really cared for him.
"Aunty Meng I…
"Ding"
As he almost lost his consciousness an emotionless voice suddenly rang in his mind.
…
Soul bounding has been initiated.
The devouring dragon core is been integ..
…
Before the voice could finish its statement Ye Chen closed his eyes while the mountain he was resting on began dissolving into mist that began entering his body.