Chapter 1425: Chapter 1426: A Master!
“Immortal Nangong must be joking. This flame is still in its infancy, and its true power, as well as whether its devouring capability has an upper limit, requires further verification.”
“Though, I heard Immortal Nangong has come this time for tribulation crossing, aiming to break through the shackles of the Transcendent Third Layer and ascend to become an Immortal Platform Cultivator—an achievement that truly inspires envy.”
Bai Hua said with a sly smile. The women from the Heavenly God Academy were not to be trifled with; thinking they could manipulate the narrative to point the finger at him over the fire inheritance was laughable. Both sides held secrets over each other—nobody was foolish enough to act rashly.
The Baihe Sect had yet to fully understand the secret of the black flame—how could it possibly be made public?
“Brother Bai is well-informed indeed. Menglu has indeed come for tribulation crossing. The tribulation grounds ranked in the Heavenly God Academy are all full, and with the opening of the Forty-Ninth Battlefield imminent, naturally, she wouldn’t want to waste time waiting and miss out on a prime opportunity. Minor Tribulation Peak in Cangtian City, which has been bathed in Emperor’s Blood and witnessed the Era of the Emperor’s Fall, is the perfect location for tribulation crossing. This matter has already been discussed with the City Lord, and three days from now, fellow cultivators may observe the spectacle.”
Nangong Menglu hid her smile behind her hand and spoke lightly. Tribulation crossing is no trivial matter—not every place is suitable. Two main factors must be considered: one, the destruction caused by the Heavenly Tribulation to the surrounding environment; if it inadvertently harms others or damages someone else’s property or grounds, then grudges are bound to form. Second, a sacred tribulation crossing ground can suppress the effects of the Heavenly Tribulation, making it easier for cultivators to overcome the ordeal.
Minor Tribulation Peak within Cangtian City is precisely such a location.
It is said to be imbued with Emperor’s Blood, leading to a faint trace of imperial might lingering over its mountains. Regular cultivators can’t perceive it, but its power during tribulation crossing does weaken slightly, granting cultivators a critical breath of respite at key moments. This is why Minor Tribulation Peak is the considered ideal location for tribulation crossing.
“So the realm above the Transcendent Realm is called Immortal Platform. Learned something new!”
Li Xiaobai sat silently on the side, listening to their discussion. He couldn’t help but feel shocked internally—so Nangong Menglu came for tribulation crossing and had already reached the Transcendent Third Layer. This likely tied into her previous presence within the Baihe Family.
His thoughts murmured within, though he didn’t reveal them outwardly. If this woman succeeded in her tribulation crossing, she’d be an entire realm ahead of him. Yet, mentioning the Heavenly Tribulation piqued his interest; based on his ascent from the Central Origin Realm, enduring the Heavenly Tribulation could allow the System to obtain an Unlimited Eternity—though this was merely a tentative assumption that required further validation.
“Indeed, witnessing a young expert from the Heavenly God Academy undergo tribulation crossing is bound to be greatly rewarding!”
“Since Immortal Nangong has come from the Heavenly God Academy, surely she must understand the Academy’s standards for selecting disciples. Why not share some insights and broaden our horizons?”
Bai Hua sipped his tea leisurely as he spoke.
“There are no specific standards. Major sects have always prioritized strength, and the Heavenly God Academy is no exception. The recruitment methods are simply more novel. On the path of cultivation, what’s valued is one’s cultivation level, not anything else.”
“To forge iron, one must be strong oneself. Maintaining an ordinary heart in cultivation and awaiting results patiently is essential. If one allows their lifestyle to become chaotic because of recruitment anxiety, the senior experts at the Heavenly God Academy will likely perceive such individuals as lacking character.”
Nangong Menglu gently uttered these words, serving both as advice and admonishment. It was clear whom her words were directed to—those who understood didn’t need further clarification. Beyond the Third Miss Fu of the Fu Family, no one else was implicated.
Trying to gain recognition through petty tricks—how could such schemes escape the Dharma Eye of the Heavenly God Academy?
“Hah, the thoughts of big shots are not something we can casually fathom.”
“Everyone knows the Heavenly God Academy has always acted unconventionally. Perhaps they’ve grown bored of the usual recruitment methods and are looking to catch us off-guard with something new!”
Fu Tao snorted coldly, scoffing at Nangong Menglu’s remarks.
“Immortal Fu’s thinking is novel—it’s not entirely impossible.”
Nangong Menglu didn’t argue, responding nonchalantly. Often, truth hurt the most. The cultivators within Cangtian City buzzed with excitement, oblivious to the fact that, in the eyes of the Heavenly God Academy, this city was merely one of many recruitment hubs.
You might put on an impressive show, performing with great enthusiasm, but it wouldn’t matter if they didn’t even consider you noteworthy!
Nangong Menglu was fully aware of the situation within the Academy—extreme competition, not only among disciples but even among elders, who were fiercely competitive. Most were unwilling to take on trivial tasks like recruiting new blood for the sect—it disrupted their cultivation progress.
So oftentimes, no one from the Academy showed up until the final day when they had to meet their quota. With their insight, selecting high-quality disciples in a single day was more than sufficient.
In her view, Fu Tao’s actions were purely self-delusional.
“Ladies and gentlemen, heed my words—it’s just an Academy. What’s there to argue about? All cultivators are part of one family, and an Academy is merely a place to benefit cultivators. There’s no need to be so fixated. Besides, if the Heavenly God Academy doesn’t work out, we can always try other Academies. Young people have many opportunities—just keep your mindset steady, and great things will come to fruition!”
Li Xiaobai chimed in, speaking as if he were some wise elder, portraying himself as a charmingly eccentric old man. His persona was well-crafted, and thus, his bluff came effortlessly.
He merely sought to make an impression, but his words, spoken unintentionally, carried significance for those listening.
Nangong Menglu’s brows subtly arched. “You know about other Academies? May I ask your identity, Senior? Ordinary cultivators rarely have access to such realms!”
“Other Academies?”
“Aside from the Heavenly God Academy, there are other Academies?”
Upon hearing these words, the surrounding cultivators were utterly baffled. The name of the Heavenly God Academy was familiar to all—but when had anyone ever mentioned other Academies?
“This old man was just speaking offhandedly. Academies are places for learning, so it’s natural there wouldn’t be only one.”
Li Xiaobai scratched his head.
“But within the Cangtian Realm, there’s only the Heavenly God Academy. Most cultivators here spend their lifetimes unable to venture beyond. Only those who have entered the Ancient Battlefield can glimpse a glimpse of the world beyond. For Senior to know of other Academies, you must not be an ordinary cultivator.”
“If you find yourself without a place to stay, you are welcome at our Heavenly God Academy. I believe the Academy’s elders would warmly welcome you.”
Nangong Menglu extended an olive branch, having already sensed the mystery surrounding the old man before her. His seemingly casual speech carried immense hidden depth—these weren’t mere coincidences.
Moreover, with the Forty-Ninth Battlefield about to open, the presence of such an old figure at such a pivotal moment implied his intent to access the Ancient Battlefield through the Heavenly God Academy.
Her intuition suggested this was a hidden expert!
“Haha, Immortal’s words—this old man doesn’t quite understand.”
Li Xiaobai chuckled lightly, yet an unusual gleam flickered in his eyes. Another valuable piece of information—the entire Cangtian Realm had only the Heavenly God Academy. From this, it seemed the Academy must indeed house great masters!