Two teenagers with identical appearances but distinct dispositions, stand shoulder to shoulder. At the age of fourteen and a half, they found themselves in the most significant phase of male development, already surpassing a height of five feet nine inches. This placed them in the upper tier among their peers. Despite the remnants of childhood still visible on their faces, it was clear they had matured, transitioning from boys to young men.
Across from them stood three middle-aged men. Zi Tianwu wore a smile, his eyes falling upon Long Dangdang with evident satisfaction. Although Dangdang had never been able to overcome his inability to cast magic from multiple specializations simultaneously, his comprehension and usage of a single specialization in magic could only be described as exceptional. Zi Tianwu, being a 9th-Rank Magic Demigod, believed that for Dangdang's age, his single specialization magic usage was impeccable.
Reckless Knight Hai Jifeng, as always, wore an expressionless visage, detached from everything around him.
Na Ye bore a faint smile with the passage of over four years. Among the three 9th-Rank experts, only he appeared slightly more aged than before. However, his gaze grew brighter, and his aura more profound.
Zi Tianwu addressed Long Dangdang and Long Kongkong, "You have been studying with us for over four years. As you know, compared with other students in the Academy, you indeed excel in every aspect. Thus, this place is no longer suitable for you. In fact, remaining here for cultivation was never the optimal choice. Because of us three, you stayed behind. Your future should progress in a world belonging to those of the same level. Therefore, after returning home today, you can tell your parents that we intend to send you to the Spirit Furnace Academy. It will be a more fitting stage for you. I presume your parents would agree."
Na Ye interjected, "The Spirit Furnace Academy is an elite institution established specifically within the Temple Academy's Main College. The students admitted here are all groomed as future high-level talent for the Sanctuaries. There, every student is a prodigy, and competition is intense. We three are also graduates from the Spirit Furnace Academy. It trains genuine powerhouses, and its teaching staff includes Sacred Legate elders even stronger than us. There, you will receive more systematic training, improve your comprehensive quality, receive training for optimal coordination between major professions, and also have the opportunity to acquire suitable equipment and even a spirit furnace. You are being sent there ahead of time because soon, the once in five year Spirit Furnace Providential Selection will be held. This grand ceremony, which only the students of the Spirit Furnace Academy can attend, offers a chance to win the favor of a Spirit Furnace and is not to be missed. Every student of the Spirit Furnace Academy gets only this one opportunity."
Long Dangdang and Long Kongkong exchanged glances. Having spent four years with the three 9th Rank powerful experts, their understanding of the spirit furnace had evolved far beyond its initial level.
Hai Jifeng casually commented, "There is no question about Dangdang entering the Spirit Furnace Academy. Even though he hasn't broken through to the 5th Rank, with his strength peaking at the 4th Rank at his age, and his dual cultivation in magic and knighthood, he is second to no disciple in the Spirit Furnace Academy. However, what about Kongkong, Old. Cowardly Knight? Do you think he's ready? Over the years, you've never let us see his abilities. It's about time for a test."
Na Ye smiled faintly, "You just have to remember the promise you made to me."
Zi Tianwu looked a bit surprised, "Has he really reached the 4th Rank?"
Na Ye replied, "He hasn't yet. But our deal was for five years. And those five years aren't up yet."
Zi Tianwu's brow furrowed slightly. "Brother Na Ye, you should know that it's not good to press the kids. It might actually not be for the best."
Na Ye waved his hand, seemingly averse to discussing it further. ''The only criterion for testing the truth is putting it into practice. I don't think we need to test his spiritual power. Don't you all agree that Dangdang is definitely qualified to be a disciple in the Spirit Furnace Academy? Then just let them compete against each other in front of us. A real fight will prove everything."
"Under what criteria?" Hai Jifeng asked in a deep voice.
Bright light flashed in Na Ye's eyes. "Within half an hour, Dangdang won't be able to defeat Kongkong."
"What?"
"Are you serious?"
Zi Tianwu and Hai Jifeng almost simultaneously swung their gaze to Na Ye.
Corner of Na Ye's lips curled up, "Do you believe in miracles? If you don't, then watch one unfold today."
Hai Jifeng gave him a long, deep look but remained silent. Astonishment flickered in his eyes. He knew Na Ye better than Zi Tianwu. After all, their respective rankings were close, and they were both divine knights, with Na Ye being slightly older. Na Ye, the Cowardly Knight, was well-known for his cautious nature. Yet, at the same time, he was steadfastly committed to safety. His courage never wavered. Hai Jifeng was surprised by the confidence Na Ye displayed. He couldn't understand where it stemmed from, yet he knew how stable Na Ye's character was. The Cowardly Knight was as steady as an old...
Zi Tianwu, looked astonished. "If it really turns out as you say, I will never call you 'Cowardly Knight' again."