The royal martial academy stood in Chongtian City, occupying the entire second district.

When Yang Lingrui reached the academy’s iconic crimson gate, he recognized a familiar figure.

Xu Jianan from Qingfeng Cave in Beipu—who’d bought talismans from the Yang Family at a ceremonial gathering years ago—stood nearby.

Now at the ninth level of Gathering Qi, Xu ranked seventeenth on the roster.

Like the Yang Family, Qingfeng Cave had gained from the secret treasure site incident.

Their current influence in the northern front matched the Yang Family’s standing in the southern region.

But both had paid dearly during those events.

Of Qingfeng Cave’s four disciples, only Xu Jianan survived—his two junior brothers and junior sister had been slain by their own sect.

Xu trailed behind a Wanhuamen disciple, his face weathered beyond his years since their last meeting.

The loss of his junior brothers and sister had clearly taken a heavy toll.

“Brother Shenglai! It’s been years!”

Wanhuamen’s current senior brother, Xiao Yize, approached as they drew near.

“Too long indeed. How fares Elder Mo?”

“Hah! Master’s in fine health,” Xiao grinned, “though he still complains you never visit.”

He Shenglai sighed. “Responsibilities chain me here. I’ll pay respects when duties ease.”

He’d begun his cultivation journey alongside Xiao under Elder Mo at Wanhuamen, leaving only after reaching the fourth level of Gathering Qi.

Though never formally master and disciple, their bond ran deep—hence Xiao’s casual “Brother Shenglai” instead of formal titles.

The four entered together, Yang Lingrui and Xu exchanging silent nods behind their seniors.

Guiding cultivators immediately separated them.

He Shenglai and Xiao, both in the perfect realm, were escorted by an Early Stage Condensing Essence martial cultivator to the academy’s heart.

Yang and Xu found themselves led to an outer courtyard tower instead.

“Your disguise technique’s remarkable,” Xu murmured. “I know it’s altered, yet detect no flaws.”

“My family’s Elder crafted it,” Yang admitted. “I lack such skill.”

As they waited, conversation flowed. Xu remembered Yang from the ceremonial gathering—the youth’s striking features had been memorable. Today’s altered appearance spoke volumes about avoiding unwanted attention.

“You’ll easily claim a spot with your strength,” Yang offered.

Xu shook his head. “This nest hides dragons. Our humble origins can’t match great clans’ resources when true measures are taken.”

Xu Jianan shook his head and said, “Take that roster for example. I was ranked seventeenth at the ninth level, with two Eighth Level cultivators even above me.”

“Then there’s Zi He from the Exterminate Evil Division, truly ferocious! He hasn’t practiced the Way of Spiritual Manipulation yet still made the top three. If I can befriend him this time, the trip will be worth it.”

The two chatted for a while as more people gathered beneath the high tower.

Disciples from various factions entered, including thirteen from ChengTian Academy.

The moment they stepped in, all eyes turned to them.

The reason was simple: Li Qingwan and Ye Lan were present.

Catching sight of even one of the Four Great Beauties was rare—seeing two at once made everyone stare longer.

Ye Lan, wearing a plain robe, led the group. Though she usually smiled warmly, today her brows carried faint worry.

Li Qingwan followed, her cool demeanor unchanged, but her eyes subtly scanned the crowd.

Laughter soon echoed across the field.

Three figures approached side by side—the top three from the roster:

Chu Hao of Daoyuanshan,

Xia Lihang of the martial institute,

and Zi He of the Exterminate Evil Division.

Even the five Spiritual Manipulation masters ranked below them watched warily, revealing how formidable these three were.

All one hundred twenty-four participants had assembled.

Whoosh—

An energy wave rippled as a burly figure descended.

“Young friends, I’m Hong Guang, chief instructor of the martial institute. I’ll oversee this event.”

Recognized by cultivators from powerful forces, Hong Guang stood at the late stage of Condensing Essence.

He scanned the crowd. “Since all are present, let’s begin.”

Pointing to the tower behind him, he declared, “The first trial is simple: climb this replica of the Divine Warrior Tower. Reach the eighth level in time to advance. Fail, and you’re out.”

With a smile toward Zi He and the others, he added, “Reach the twelfth level, and you’ll secure a spot in the observation area immediately.”

Excitement ignited among the young cultivators.

“Xia Lihang!”

“Here, Chief Instructor.”

The muscular martial cultivator stepped forward and bowed.

“As our martial institute’s disciple, you’ll go first.”

“Understood.”

Xia Lihang turned to the crowd. “Friends, I’ll lead the way.”

In a blur, he vanished into the tower’s barrier.

“So fast!”

Many gasped, having failed to catch even a fleeting shadow of his movement.

“Zi He,” Chu Hao asked, “what odds would you have against him?”

Zi He shrugged. “Without Spiritual Manipulation, I might stand a chance. With it? I’d flee.”

Chu Hao chuckled. “You’re modest. Didn’t you slay a Perfected Gathering Qi rebel at the eleventh level recently?”

“Rumors exaggerate. He was only tenth level.”

Chu Hao studied Zi He but pressed no further.

Light flared on the tower—Xia Lihang had reached the eighth level.

To everyone’s shock, he surged upward relentlessly.

The barrier blocked divine awareness, but violent Fluctuations of Spiritual Energy spilled out.

“Such terrifying power!”

“I’d be crushed in one strike!”

“No wonder he’s second-ranked!”

Murmurs of awe spread through the crowd.

Xu Jianan watched the ascending lights, sighing. “Brother Yang, we’re far beneath such talents.”

“Naturally. Our families rose recently, with less than a century of true cultivation. We can’t match these giants.” Yang Lingrui gazed at the tower. “But our descendants might. That we stand here today is already an enviable opportunity.”

Xu Jianan looked surprised. “You’re right, Brother Yang. Absolutely right.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep