Within a mountain range in the Triangular Domain, a large crowd gathered at dawn. These individuals were all exceptionally talented, composed of young heroes exuding considerable presence.
As people continued to arrive within the mountain range, each person radiated an extraordinary aura.
This mountain was named Tongtian Mountain, a place frequented by elders of the Tongtian Academy. Today was the assessment day for Tongtian Academy, and it was expected that elders from the academy would arrive, presenting an opportunity for these aspiring individuals to enter. Such an opportunity was exceedingly rare.
Therefore, many of the younger generation had arrived early to ensure they did not miss the auspicious time.
They had invested greatly in their pursuit of entering Tongtian Academy, and now was the moment to be tested and to gain entry. Their eagerness was palpable.
Among the throng, Shen Yehong stood tall, accompanied by two attendants. He seemed out of place, as if the surrounding crowd was not worthy of him.
“Princess, today is the assessment day for Tongtian Academy. If you can successfully enter, you will become a sage in the future!”
“Indeed! This way, when we return to the Taiyan Dynasty, everyone will surely look upon us with new respect.”
Several maids chimed in, their voices filled with anticipation. After all, Shen Yehong’s advancement would significantly benefit them as well.
“That is naturally so,” Shen Yehong nodded slightly, maintaining a composed demeanor as if all of this were commonplace in his eyes.
Just then, he noticed a figure approaching from not too far away. This person was Liuli.
“I truly didn’t expect a disciple from Shenji Mountain to come here!” Shen Yehong remarked, “Do you also wish to enter Tongtian Academy?”
“Entering Tongtian Academy has always been my aspiration!” Liuli smiled. “I didn’t expect Princess Yehong to be here as well.”
“Naturally. As a princess of the Taiyan Dynasty, how could I not attend when the Tongtian Academy opens its doors?” Shen Yehong stated plainly. “However, it has always been quite difficult to enter Tongtian Academy in previous years. With your strength, I doubt you can enter.”
“Please do not worry, Princess. I have divined the heavenly secrets before coming, and this time I am certain I will be able to enter Tongtian Academy,” Liuli replied directly, casting her gaze towards other directions.
At this moment, Shen Yehong felt a surge of displeasure. In his view, Liuli, as the senior sister of Shenji Mountain, was simply not on his level. He held such a person in disdain.
“He’s here too!”
Just then, Liuli’s gaze turned towards a figure in the distance. It was Lu Fan, accompanied by Zhao Hanxue.
Shen Yehong followed Liuli’s gaze. Upon seeing Lu Fan, his face involuntarily flushed slightly. Ever since learning of Lu Fan’s strength, Shen Yehong’s attitude towards him had changed considerably.
At least, in his opinion, Lu Fan now possessed the qualifications to be worthy. If that were the case, he wouldn’t mind anymore.
However, he was also keenly aware that at this point, making Lu Fan develop feelings for him would likely be quite difficult. After all, he was the one who had abandoned Lu Fan, even attempting to harm him. This would undoubtedly remain a thorn in Lu Fan’s heart.
“What a coincidence, I didn’t expect to meet you here,” Lu Fan said, casting his gaze towards Liuli. “You’ve become much prettier these past few days.”
“Mr. Lu, you jest!” Liuli replied with a hint of awkwardness, unsure of Lu Fan’s intentions. She knew very well that the Lu Fan of the past would never have spoken so casually to her. Now, his words were likely deliberate.
Seeing this scene, Shen Yehong’s expression soured. In his heart, Lu Fan belonged to him. Even if he didn’t want him, no one else could have him.
As they were conversing, a surge of divine light suddenly erupted within the entire Tongtian Mountain range, illuminating the entire mountain and causing it to tremble slightly.
The people present frowned, turning their gaze towards the center of Tongtian Mountain. At that very spot, a white-haired elder appeared, accompanied by several disciples dressed in white robes.
“Today, Tongtian Academy is recruiting disciples. Are you the ones here for the assessment?” the white-haired elder inquired, his sharp gaze sweeping across the crowd, appearing unlike an ordinary person.
“We are all here for the assessment!” a man cupped his fist and replied. “If not, why would we have come to Tongtian Mountain!”
“Entering Tongtian Academy is not difficult. This assessment is also very simple,” the white-haired elder said with a smile. “I am the eighteenth elder of Tongtian Academy, and you may call me Elder Eighteen.”
“Elder Eighteen?” Zhao Hanxue exclaimed slightly. He had known that Tongtian Academy had many elders, but hearing it confirmed now, there truly were quite a number.
“You may not be familiar with Tongtian Academy, but that does not affect your entry,” Elder Eighteen smiled. “The assessment for entering Tongtian Academy this time is to enter the Ten Thousand Demon Cave!”
“Enter the Ten Thousand Demon Cave?”
Everyone present was startled, their complexions turning sallow. They had never imagined that to enter Tongtian Academy, they would have to venture into such a perilous place.
“Elder Eighteen, the Ten Thousand Demon Cave is on the fringes of the Divine Wilderness Mountain. Although not as dangerous as the Divine Wilderness Mountain itself, it is still a forbidden zone!” Zhao Hanxue stated directly. “Why must we go to the Ten Thousand Demon Cave? Are you trying to send us to our deaths?”
“You could say that!” Elder Eighteen nodded slightly. “To become a disciple of Tongtian Academy, one must naturally possess a spirit that fears no death. Without this, how can one become an academy disciple.”
“Elder, you are mistaken. We are entering Tongtian Academy to improve our cultivation, not to court death,” Shen Yehong interjected directly. “I have heard of the Ten Thousand Demon Cave; even a sage might not emerge alive from it, let alone us.”
“As I said, you have the option not to go!” Elder Eighteen smiled. “Furthermore, the number of disciples recruited by Tongtian Academy this time is limited. Only thirty-six disciples will be accepted, not one more!”
Upon hearing this, the expressions of everyone present shifted slightly. They had not expected the scale of recruitment for Tongtian Academy to be so small, which meant their competitive pressure would be immense.
“The main mission this time is to go to the Ten Thousand Demon Cave and retrieve a sacred artifact!” Elder Eighteen stated directly. “Within the Ten Thousand Demon Cave, there are thirty-six sacred artifacts. These artifacts are treasures of Tongtian Academy. If you can obtain them, you will be able to enter Tongtian Academy and have passed the assessment.”