The Central Region Academy, in this particular year, admitted thirty-four students, a number that vastly exceeded previous intakes. To put it into perspective, five years ago, the academy had accepted only nineteen students.
This surge in talent speaks volumes about the emerging generation of prodigies, as young heroes from all corners of the realms continue to rise. Yet, despite the growing competition, Bai Yun felt no pressure at all.
The thirty-four newly admitted students quietly listened as an elder spoke to them. After briefly outlining the academy's rules, he began guiding them deeper into the heart of the academy.
It was then that Bai Yun understood why disciples from prominent sects across the realms sought admission here. When the elder spoke of the hidden secrets of the "Xuan Sheng" within the academy, Bai Yun could see the burning fervor in the eyes of his peers, which only confirmed his suspicions.
In the realm of Xuantu, the cultivation ranks were as follows: Xuan Disciple, Xuan Master, Xuan King, Xuan Emperor, and ultimately, the Xuan Sovereign. To the common folk, the Xuan Emperor was already the pinnacle of human achievement, a legend in their eyes. However, beyond the Xuan Emperor existed a far greater realm—the Xuan Sheng. Bai Yun had heard of this mythical level, though it was often regarded as little more than a tale.
The legends spoke of the Xuan Sheng: with a mere glance, they could peer across the entire planet, and with a casual motion, they could shatter the fabric of space and soar into the boundless void beyond.
Yet, Bai Yun was puzzled by one question: Why didn't the academy establish its own sect, choosing instead to indiscriminately accept prodigies from every region and every sect?
The students, divided by their regions, had already formed small cliques. It seemed that this had always been the case with past generations of students.
"Main Quest: Uncover the Secrets of the Academy. Reward: 2000 Evolution Points. Penalty: None. Deadline: None."
As Bai Yun followed the elder, lost in thought, a familiar quest prompt echoed in his mind.
"As expected, there are deeper secrets hidden within the academy," Bai Yun mused.
The elder continued to lead them, pointing out various buildings and explaining their purpose. Upon hearing the mention of the "Library Pavilion," Bai Yun's interest was piqued, and he took a careful look at it.
The Library Pavilion appeared no different from an ordinary loft, except that it had an additional floor.
"Secrets? Perhaps I'll find something there," Bai Yun thought.
The elder led them to the base of a towering mountain, its peak shrouded in mist, before stopping to address the group.
"This mountain is nameless, but it will become a place you must all contest for in the future."
"Within it, from the base to the summit, countless caves, pavilions, and courtyards have been built. As you ascend, the concentration of spiritual energy will increase accordingly."
"To secure a dwelling in the upper levels, the only requirement is your strength. Don't think these are merely ordinary gathering formations. Once you take residence, you'll understand their true benefits."
The elder smiled as he saw the indifferent expressions of the new students. He chose not to elaborate further.
"One last point," the elder added, "The academy does not forbid private duels. If you have any grudges, you are free to fight to your heart's content, but you must not kill fellow students within the academy grounds." He scanned the group of youthful students before continuing, "In other words, the academy does not oppose you killing others outside the academy."
The students remained calm at these words, most of them had already done their research before coming to the academy and were familiar with this rule.
Only Bai Yun seemed a little stunned. "This is truly brutal."
"You've been bullied? No problem! Pick yourself up and train harder to get revenge. However, if you involve your sect in matters between students, even if it's a sect of Heavenly Rank, the academy will expel you from Xuantu!" The elder's otherwise average demeanor suddenly transformed as he unleashed an aura that sent a chill through the air.
"Is he a Xuan Emperor?"
The young disciples were astonished. They had not expected such a seemingly ordinary elder to possess the power of a Xuan Emperor. It was clear that the academy truly lived up to its reputation as a place where hidden dragons and crouching tigers resided.
"In a month's time, it will be the contest for the cave dwellings among new disciples. Prepare yourselves accordingly!" With that, the elder turned and soared toward the mountain peak, leaving the students in awe.
Once the elder was gone, the group of talented youths began to murmur among themselves.
Within the Northern Region's circle, Wang Xuan, a true disciple of the Xuan Shen Sect, fixed his gaze firmly on Bai Yun. He had just learned from Chen Ran that the "Bai Yun" he had heard of was actually Bai Yun, a cultivator of lightning-based techniques, and more intriguingly, someone from the Northern Region. However, Wang Xuan had never encountered him before, which reminded him of a certain incident involving a traitor from the Xuan Ming Sect, also named Bai Yun, who had publicly insulted the Xuan Shen Sect.
Chen Ran, Lin Yushuang, and the others were also taken aback, realizing that this was the very same Bai Yun involved in the scandal that had recently shocked the Northern Region.
Lin Yushuang's thoughts were the most complicated. She hadn't known about Bai Yun's past until after the incident, but once the rumors reached her ears, she became part of the story too. People in the Northern Region had begun gossiping about her, claiming she was a beauty who had captivated the hearts of many.
Wang Xuan's expression hardened as he strode toward Bai Yun, his voice laced with ice, "You're Bai Yun, the traitor of the Xuan Ming Sect, aren't you?"
Bai Yun, lost in thought about the quest prompt, paused for a moment before offering a faint smile, "Heh, indeed, I was once a disciple of the Xuan Ming Sect."
Wang Xuan had not expected such a straightforward admission. His face froze for an instant, but then his rage flared, and he drew his sword, pointing it at Bai Yun. "So it's you! Today, I will teach you the consequences of offending the Xuan Shen Sect."
Wang Xuan did not immediately strike to kill Bai Yun. It wasn't out of fear or lack of confidence—he was a peak-tier Xuan Master on the cusp of reaching Xuan King. He was certain of his position among the young generation. However, the elder had just emphasized that while duels were allowed, killing was strictly prohibited within the academy.
The commotion drew the attention of all the students, many of whom had heard of the incident in the Northern Region. As they gathered around, eager to watch the drama unfold, the atmosphere turned charged with excitement.
Princess Long Anyue of Daxia also seemed intrigued. The recent events involving Bai Yun had caused a stir, and despite his recklessness, she couldn't help but admire his courage. She focused intently on Bai Yun, curious to see how he would fare and what made him so daring.
The tension in the air was palpable as Wang Xuan, now composed, glared frostily at Bai Yun.
Bai Yun, however, stood unfazed, a light smile playing on his lips, as though he couldn't care less.
But then, a slight shift in his heart occurred.
"Side Quest: Defeat Wang Xuan in one move. Reward: 1000 Evolution Points."
"Well, isn't this just handing me Evolution Points on a silver platter?" Bai Yun thought, eyeing Wang Xuan with renewed interest.