"I've seen narcissistic people, but never one as self-absorbed as you!"
Lu Fan said coldly, "I owe Shenji Mountain a favor, how can I stand by and watch the eldest disciple of Shenji Mountain die to disaster."
Liuli was slightly startled; she hadn't expected Lu Fan to intervene for her.
"You..."
Shen Yehong's expression shifted. She had thought Lu Fan was acting for her, hence his rash move. Now it seemed she was simply being overly sentimental.
"Let's go!"
Lu Fan said casually, rising into the air. As for the narcissistic Shen Yehong, he didn't pay her any mind.
Not long after, Lu Fan and the others arrived at Tongtian Mountain. Within Tongtian Mountain, several figures were already present. These individuals were not ordinary; the aura they exuded was clearly stronger than others.
"Have you obtained the Holy Sword?"
The Eighteenth Elder gazed at Lu Fan and his companions, a hint of confusion in his eyes.
"Naturally!"
Zhao Hanxue nodded, "If we hadn't obtained the Holy Sword, how could we have come to Tongtian Mountain!"
After speaking, Zhao Hanxue produced the Holy Sword.
"Very good, apart from him, you are likely the fastest to reach Tongtian Mountain!" The Eighteenth Elder pointed at a man before them.
Lu Fan also noticed that this man wore a coronet and a white robe, and his delicate features made him appear even more ethereal.
After a period of waiting, quite a few more people arrived at Tongtian Mountain. However, they were covered in blood, clearly having emerged from a fierce battle.
To bring the Holy Artifact out of the Myriad Demon Den required courage, but to truly bring the Holy Artifact to Tongtian Mountain represented an extraordinary level of strength.
"Hmm, not bad, not bad!"
The Eighteenth Elder nodded with satisfaction as he looked at these individuals, "The fact that you could obtain the Holy Artifact and bring it back to Tongtian Mountain is enough to prove your strength!"
With these words, many of the men displayed resolute expressions. They were well aware of the immense price they had paid to bring the Holy Sword back to Shenji Mountain.
After counting them, the Eighteenth Elder nodded with satisfaction, "Exactly thirty-six Holy Artifacts. You now have the qualification to undergo the assessment for entering Tongtian Academy!"
"The qualification for entering the academy?"
Everyone present was taken aback, clearly confused. In their understanding, obtaining the Holy Sword was sufficient to become an academy disciple. However, it now appeared that was not the case.
"The assessment has two layers. You have only passed the first layer."
The Eighteenth Elder stated directly, "To enter Tongtian Academy, you must also pass the Tongtian Bridge. Only then will your assessment be considered complete."
"Tongtian Bridge?"
Many of the men present frowned. They had thought they could already enter Tongtian Academy, but they never imagined there would be another trial. This was no small torment for them.
"Of course, if any of you do not wish to undergo the assessment, Tongtian Academy will not force you."
The Eighteenth Elder smiled, "Tongtian Academy has always adhered to the principle of quality over quantity. If you do not meet the standards, you will not be able to enter Tongtian Academy."
The men were somewhat helpless and couldn't say much more. This was Tongtian Academy's rule, and they could only abide by it.
Following the Eighteenth Elder, they soon passed through a formation and arrived at Tongtian Academy. Inside Tongtian Academy, palaces stood in rows, and there were even lakes and waterfalls, presenting a rather grand spectacle.
"I never imagined there would be such beautiful scenery here in Tongtian Mountain!"
Zhao Hanxue remarked, "I've lived in the Triangle Domain for so many years, and I've never seen anything like it."
"This is also normal. This is Tongtian Academy," Lu Fan said. "How can ordinary people enter? Only the disciples of Tongtian Academy can come and go freely."
As they were conversing, many figures peered out from within the palaces of Tongtian Academy. However, their gazes were arrogant, and they didn't take Lu Fan and the others seriously at all.
"Are these the new disciples this year? They don't seem all that impressive!"
"Who says not! The standard for recruiting disciples in Tongtian Academy is getting lower and lower. If this continues, the entire Tongtian Academy will be ruined!"
"That's right, that's right. However, with these new students joining, Tongtian Academy will be livelier in the future."
As they were talking, an old man with white hair approached. He glanced at the senior students and said, "You people spend all day not cultivating, just idling around in the academy, and yet you're here criticizing the new disciples' standards. I'm afraid it won't be long before they surpass you!"
"Twelfth Elder, with all due respect, we are senior students. For them to surpass us is probably unlikely."
A woman said proudly, "Besides, breaking through to the Saint realm is not that easy. Even prolonged meditation is futile. It's better to come out and gain some insights, perhaps even achieve enlightenment."
"In any case, you always have reasons for whatever you do. But when you are surpassed by new disciples, you'll be the ones to lose face," the Twelfth Elder waved his hand, his body stooped, and his face held a benevolent expression.
The many disciples were unconvinced. Although they were the lowest-level disciples in Tongtian Academy and couldn't compare to the peerless prodigies, they still felt confident regarding these new students.
Not long after, they all arrived at the Tongtian Bridge. This bridge was not large, but it was about a hundred meters long. On both sides of the Tongtian Bridge were lakes, appearing turbulent.
"This Tongtian Bridge is a testing ground!"
The Eighteenth Elder said, "Only those who can cross the Tongtian Bridge can enter Tongtian Academy to cultivate. Who among you will go first?"
The crowd exchanged glances, hesitant to make the first move. They didn't know the true power of the Tongtian Bridge. The opportunity to enter Tongtian Academy was rare, and they didn't want to miss it easily.
"I'll go."
Lin Jiutian's voice was indifferent as he stepped onto the Tongtian Bridge. His demeanor was calm, as if no obstacle could shake him.
The Eighteenth Elder stood by, nodding silently. Lin Jiutian, in terms of both strength and courage, far surpassed others, which pleased him greatly.
Soon after, as Lin Jiutian stepped onto the Tongtian Bridge, the lake water around it suddenly surged. Each surge of water carried a hidden force, exerting pressure towards the bridge, appearing extremely formidable.
At this moment, the senior students on the pavilions all sighed. They themselves had to cross the Tongtian Bridge to enter Tongtian Academy and had endured considerable hardship. If not for their steadfast will, they would have likely been swept into the abyss by the lake water, losing their chance at Tongtian Academy.
Lin Jiutian stood firm, his expression even more detached. Even in the face of the powerful onslaught, he remained completely unfazed.