MY HIDDEN TALENT IS FORBIDDEN BY THE HEAVENS-Chapter 75: STAGE THREE AWAITED

Chapter 75 — THE LAND WHERE FIRE BLOOMS

The clouds parted.

Not gently.

But with a whisk.

They burned away.

The transport bus pierced through the final layer of mist, and the world beyond opened up in a blaze of color so sudden that even seasoned cultivators caught their breath.

Below them—

VERMILLION PHOENIX ACADEMY.

It did not sit upon the land.

It claimed it.

The academy sprawled across a massive volcanic plateau, suspended between rivers of slow-moving magma and lush terraces of flame-touched flora. Structures rose in elegant spirals and sharp angles, forged from crimson stone, obsidian glass, and gold-veined metal that shimmered like living embers under the sun.

Bridges of hardened flame arched between platforms.

Waterfalls of molten light cascaded down distant cliffs, cooling into crystal pools mid-fall before shattering into mist.

The air itself felt alive.

Warm. Dry. Charged.

"This place..." Chen Wulian muttered, pressing his face against the window. "It’s so cool and charming."

Ling Yifan’s eyes narrowed slightly, not in awe—but assessment.

"...Every structure is positioned for flow," he said. "Energy circulation. No dead zones."

Bai Qianlan tilted her head, illusion-sense brushing outward instinctively—then immediately pulling back.

"...They don’t suppress," she said quietly. "They invite."

Ouyang Xue’er crossed her arms, lips pressed thin.

"Show-offs."

Long Hao watched in silence.

The academy felt nothing like Dragon Turtle.

That place had been old.

Heavy.

Grave-like.

Vermillion Phoenix Academy was the opposite.

Young. Proud. Burning.

Inside his chest, Longyu stirred.

"...Tch," she muttered. "They built this place to be admired."

He didn’t disagree.

The transport descended smoothly onto a colossal arrival platform shaped like an unfurled phoenix wing.

The moment it touched down—

MUSIC ROSE.

Not martial drums.

A Sonorous beat nice to hear.

But flowing, rhythmic melodies woven with spiritual resonance. Heat danced through the air, gentle rather than oppressive, wrapping around the arriving guests like a warm cloak.

Rows of Vermillion Phoenix students lined the platform.

Perfect posture.

Perfect spacing.

And striking—impossibly striking.

Chen froze.

"...Why are there so many—"

"Girls," he finished weakly.

Bai Qianlan counted subconsciously.

Then frowned.

"...Seven to three."

Ling Yifan blinked. "What?"

"The ratio," Bai said calmly. "Seven women for every three men."

Chen swallowed.

"...I’m in danger."

Ouyang Xue’er rolled her eyes. "Focus."

But even she glanced twice.

The women of Vermillion Phoenix Academy were not just beautiful.

They were confident.

Hair ranging from fiery red to molten gold to deep obsidian, styled freely rather than bound by rigid academy standards. Their uniforms were elegant, tailored, designed for movement rather than modesty—short jackets, fitted leggings, flowing sashes that caught the light like flame.

Their gazes were open.

Curious.

Evaluating.

Some smiled.

Some whispered.

Some didn’t bother hiding their interest.

"This is deliberate," Qin Shuo muttered quietly. "Psychological environment shaping."

Chen nodded vigorously. "Yes. Very hostile."

Han Duwei intercepts the conversation.

"This is gonna be my playground."

A line of senior hosts approached.

At their center walked a tall woman with long crimson hair tied high, golden eyes sharp and amused. Her presence alone quieted the platform.

"Welcome," she said, voice smooth and warm, carrying effortlessly. "Azure Dragon Academy."

She bowed—not deeply, but sincerely.

"I am Lin Huoyan," she continued. "Third-year representative and coordinator for Stage Three arrivals."

Her gaze flicked briefly over each member.

Ling Yifan felt it linger.

Bai Qianlan noticed.

Ouyang Xue’er noticed Bai noticing.

Chen noticed everything and panicked internally.

"You’ve traveled far," Lin Huoyan said. "We hope your stay here will be... enlightening."

The word enlightening carried weight.

Mei Ying stepped forward calmly.

"We appreciate the welcome."

Lin Huoyan smiled wider.

"Oh, we pride ourselves on hospitality."

She gestured.

Servants and junior disciples moved instantly, offering chilled flame-fruit drinks, light restorative pills, and neatly folded accommodation tokens.

Everything was prepared.

Everything was smooth.

Too smooth.

Long Hao accepted the drink, eyes steady.

"...They knew exactly when we’d arrive," he murmured.

Longyu snorted softly inside him.

"Of course they did."

As they were escorted inward, the sensation intensified.

Eyes followed them.

Not hostile.

Not reverent.

Interested.

Students paused mid-training to watch them pass. Flame techniques slowed. Conversations dipped. Laughter softened into murmurs.

"Is that him?"

"The Shadow King?"

"He doesn’t look special."

"Look at his eyes."

"Which one?"

"Both."

Chen leaned closer to Ling Yifan. "Why do I feel like prey?"

Ling Yifan didn’t answer.

He was too busy feeling something else.

Pressure.

Not suppression.

Expectation.

They passed through the Fire Gardens—a vast open complex where phoenix-flame lilies bloomed in brilliant reds and oranges, petals flickering like living embers. Pathways wound between pools of warm light where students trained, sparred, or simply relaxed.

Laughter echoed.

Music drifted.

Life flourished.

"This doesn’t feel like a battlefield," Bai said softly.

Mei Ying replied without looking back. "That’s the trap."

Long Hao walked quietly among them.

No reaction.

No tension.

But those who watched closely noticed something odd.

The flames nearest him flickered... then steadied.

Not drawn to him.

Not repelled.

Simply aware.

Lin Huoyan noticed.

Her smile shifted—just a fraction.

"...Interesting," she murmured.

THE WELCOME HALL

They entered the Grand Welcome Hall—a vast amphitheater carved into the plateau itself. Terraced seating rose in elegant arcs, banners of Vermillion Phoenix Academy hanging like living fire along the walls.

At the far end—

A throne-like dais.

Empty.

For now.

"Please rest," Lin Huoyan said. "Tonight is for recovery and enjoyment."

Her gaze sharpened playfully.

"Stage Three begins tomorrow."

Chen exhaled. "Enjoyment. I like that word."

Ouyang Xue’er elbowed him. Hard.

As they dispersed toward their assigned quarters, Long Hao paused.

He looked back once.

At the academy.

At the fire.

At the countless eyes watching.

Inside, Longyu hummed softly.

"...They’re proud," she said. "And dangerous."

Long Hao nodded faintly.

"Yes."

He turned and followed his team.

But his voice, low and calm, carried just enough.

"This place burns brightly," he said.

A faint smile touched his lips.

"Let’s see how it handles shadows."

VERMILLION PHOENIX ACADEMY WELCOMED THEM WITH FIRE.

STAGE THREE AWAITED.

And beneath the beauty—

The flames were already watching.

[Chapter ENDS]