The towering gates of Floating Sky Academy rose like a fortress carved from the clouds. Massive floating platforms hovered above the main grounds, connected by glowing qi bridges. The air was thick with dense spiritual energy, making every breath feel refreshing.
Walter and his seven harem members stood before the grand entrance. Disciples in elegant academy robes moved in and out, many casting curious or envious glances at the group.
"Finally," Walter said, eyes shining with ambition. "This is where the real game begins."
Sylvara scanned the area with cool focus. "Many strong auras here. Core Formation experts are common."
Vespera smiled gently. "The energy is perfect for cultivation. I can already feel my healing abilities improving."
Thalira cracked her knuckles. "Good. I want strong opponents."
Calyria adjusted her storage ring. "The academy library and alchemy halls will be useful for my research."
Nyxara stayed glued to Walter's side, violet-red eyes scanning everyone possessively. "If anyone tries to take Master from us, I'll burn them."
Lunara's rainbow eyes sparkled. "The academy has ancient spirit arrays. My harmony powers will thrive here."
Seraphina stood tall, her white-and-gold robes restored. "As a Sword Saintess, I already have some reputation here. But from now on, I fight for you, Walter."
The system chimed brightly.
[Main Mission: Enter Floating Sky Academy – Activated]
[Objective: Pass the entrance examination or gain special admission]
[Bonus: Attract and bond with new high-value targets among the academy's female geniuses]
The goddess purred in Walter's mind. "Many proud flowers bloom here. Claim the best ones and watch your empire grow."
They approached the registration square where hundreds of new applicants waited. An elder stood on a raised platform, announcing the rules.
"Today's entrance examination will test cultivation, combat talent, and comprehension! Only the top performers gain direct inner court admission. Others start as outer court disciples."
A group of arrogant young masters nearby laughed when they saw Walter's group.
"Look at that guy with seven women! Does he think this is a pleasure trip?"
One of them, a tall youth at Foundation Establishment Stage 4 named Rylan Voss (distant relative of Calyria's clan), stepped forward with a sneer.
"Walter Cooper? The one who caused a stir in the small sects? Pathetic. Bringing your little harem to the academy? You won't last a week here."
Calyria's eyes narrowed. "Rylan. Still as loud as ever."
Walter smiled calmly. "Big words. Let's see how you do in the actual test."
The examination began with a qi measurement pillar. Applicants placed their hands on it one by one.
When Walter's turn came, he channeled his full Foundation Establishment Stage 3 power plus the sextuple—no, septuple—bond synergy. The pillar lit up brilliantly, glowing all the way to the top.
The crowd gasped.
"Foundation Establishment Stage 3! At such a young age?"
"Impossible for an outer sect nobody!"
Rylan's face twisted in jealousy. His own result was only Stage 4, barely higher.
Next was the combat test against academy puppets. Walter destroyed his puppet in under ten seconds using Harmony Sword Slash, combining Seraphina's sword intent with the group's elements.
The elders watching nodded in approval.
Seraphina performed excellently too, her sword strikes clean and powerful. The other girls also passed with strong results thanks to their bonds.
At the end of the day, the head examiner announced, "Walter Cooper and his companions have shown exceptional talent. Special inner court admission granted!"
Cheers and jealous murmurs spread through the square.
As they received their inner court tokens, a group of beautiful female disciples approached. One stood out — a graceful beauty with long flowing azure hair and sapphire eyes. She was Elyndra Mistveil, a water-attribute genius known as the academy's top beauty in the inner court.
Elyndra's eyes lingered on Walter with clear interest.
"So you are the one who brought seven women and still passed with such ease," she said, voice soft but melodic. "Impressive. Most men here can barely handle one."
The system reacted instantly.
[High Potential Target Detected: Elyndra Mistveil]
[Special Physique: Pure Azure Water Yin Body]
[Bonding Reward: Powerful water-based techniques + calming yin boost for the harem]
Walter met her gaze boldly. "Quality over quantity. But there is always room for more exceptional women. Perhaps we can discuss cultivation methods later?"
Elyndra's cheeks tinted pink, but she smiled elegantly. "You are very direct. I like that. The academy has many rules… but I look forward to seeing how far you go."
She walked away with graceful steps, but not before giving Walter one last lingering look.
Rylan Voss glared from afar, clearly furious at being overshadowed.
That evening, in their new spacious inner court courtyard residence, Walter gathered his seven women.
"We're in," he said. "But this is just the beginning. The academy is full of proud talents and hidden opportunities. We train hard, grow stronger, and expand the harem."
Sylvara nodded. "Agreed."
Nyxara smirked possessively. "And if anyone tries to steal you… they burn."
The girls settled in, already planning group cultivation sessions for the night.
Walter looked at his seven loyal beauties with satisfaction. The Floating Sky Academy had no idea what kind of storm had just arrived.
With the Shared Pleasure Link and Harmony Jade Pendant, their collective power would only keep rising.
The Dual Cultivation Empire was ready to take root in one of the continent's top academies.