An Miaoxian, along with his subordinates, approached Zhang Pingfan.
Mobas asked politely, "Does Fairy An need something?"
An Miaoxian ignored Mobas and stared at Zhang Pingfan, asking, "Are you also from the Ziwei Star Domain?"
Zhang Pingfan simply nodded silently, without making any significant movements.
An Miaoxian frowned. His companions knew who he was, so it was impossible for this person not to know his demeanor. "Then I ask you, why do you carry the aura of the Taihang Sword Art?"
Zhang Pingfan casually replied, "I am a rogue cultivator. I obtained this inheritance unintentionally. I just finished my seclusion and came to the Black Dragon Empire to try my luck, hoping for further improvement. Is there a problem?"
This left An Miaoxian speechless. The Taihang Sword Art was indeed unique to their Taihang Dynasty, but it wasn't entirely exclusive. Before the Taihang Dynasty was established, many people knew the Taihang Sword Art.
"Alright, you should know my identity. I won't pursue where you got the Taihang Sword Art from, but after entering the academy, you must follow me!"
Zhang Pingfan frowned. He knew this guy wouldn't approach him for a good reason. "Sorry, I'm new here and not familiar with the place, so I need some time to familiarize myself before making a decision!"
An Miaoxian frowned again. His attitude was already quite good. If he hadn't been restrained, this person would definitely not be acting like this. "Are you rejecting me? There are quite a few people from our Taihang Dynasty in the academy, and many are stronger than me. You, someone not belonging to the Taihang Dynasty, possess the Taihang Sword Art. Do you think you can get by here? The only thing you can do now is follow me!"
Zhang Pingfan's brows were tightly furrowed.
Mobas, seeing this, directly transmitted to Zhang Pingfan, "Brother Gao, agree to her. This is indeed trouble for you, otherwise, you'll find it difficult to move in the academy!"
Zhang Pingfan stood up. "What if I still refuse?"
An Miaoxian's expression turned displeased. "Are you sure?"
Zhang Pingfan nodded. Following people like them, while it could offer temporary protection, would essentially make him their subordinate, having to watch their every mood. Although this would certainly invite retaliation, Zhang Pingfan believed they wouldn't dare to act within the academy. "I'm sure I haven't decided to team up with you yet!"
Zhang Pingfan didn't speak too definitively, as he couldn't easily agree yet. After all, he didn't know the specific situation within the academy.
Seeing that Zhang Pingfan hadn't directly refused him, An Miaoxian's expression improved slightly. "Alright, I can give you time to consider. After all, you are also from the Ziwei Star Domain, and I won't make things too difficult for you." With that, he led his people to another spot and sat down quietly.
After they left, Mobas sighed, "Brother Gao, why did you refuse? This is a great opportunity, and they are not weak!"
Zhang Pingfan smiled and said, "It's fine. I haven't understood the situation in the academy yet. Let's understand it first!"
"Alright, you rogue cultivators are really something, always preferring to go solo. But coming here, you need to change your ways. After we get in, I'll take you to our boss. If you're willing, you can stay with us too, it's no worse than them!"
Zhang Pingfan nodded. If An Miaoxian hadn't appeared, Mobas would likely have insisted Zhang Pingfan join their team. But now it was different; he wouldn't offend An Miaoxian without reason.
After this brief interlude, things became quite peaceful. However, the number of universe-level powerhouses arriving here also increased. By the last day, a total of 15 universe-level powerhouses had arrived. Besides Zhang Pingfan and An Miaoxian from the Ziwei Star Domain, the others were from various races. Some were tall, some incredibly short, but each was not weak in strength.
After the official assessment concluded, an examiner led the successful candidates to the plaza here. Approximately thirty people arrived, all at the stellar and domain lord levels.
"Everyone is here. Gather here first, and I'll go notify your mentors to pick you up!"
Zhang Pingfan looked around. This assessment had attracted over fifty people. Their combined strength would undoubtedly be world-shattering on Blue Star. However, here, they were merely a group of newcomers.
Soon, an old man appeared before the crowd. He was slightly taller than Zhang Pingfan and the others but still relatively short compared to some other races. The old man looked at the batch of students with some dissatisfaction.
"Old Niu must have known that the quality of this batch of students isn't great, so he bet with me." They didn't hide their voices, and everyone present could hear them, but no one dared to show any displeasure.
"Hmph, listen up. From today onwards, I am your mentor. You can ask me anything you don't understand about cultivation at any time. Now, follow me. Don't wander around after entering the academy. I am not responsible for any problems!"
The old man walked ahead, and Zhang Pingfan watched from behind. "Amazing! A mere mentor is an immortal-level powerhouse. This Black Dragon Empire is so powerful!" Zi Ling's voice also echoed in Zhang Pingfan's mind.
"Of course, an immortal-level powerhouse serving as your mentor is more than enough. Remember, immortal-level powerhouses are already considered beings of eternal existence, their lives are virtually endless. Some immortal powerhouses who have no further growth opportunities choose to take on roles like mentors in empires. If they can cultivate powerful disciples, perhaps when the disciples' achievements surpass their own, they might gain considerable benefits!"
So that's how it is. Isn't this the legendary "old sixth"? The immortal-level powerhouse ahead glanced back at Zhang Pingfan. He had a feeling these guys were probing him just now, but this fellow was only at the peak of the universe level. He shouldn't have the ability. However, this kid was the strongest among this group and was also his most important candidate for assessment. For a long time to come, he would likely have to place his hopes on this kid.
Following the mentor, Zhang Pingfan and the others slowly walked into the academy. The situation within the academy was somewhat different from what Zhang Pingfan had imagined. Zhang Pingfan thought it would be like the Heavenly God Sect he established, but this place was completely different. Apart from a large stone tablet at the entrance with "Black Dragon Academy" written on it, the surroundings seemed no different from the outside. Of course, there were still many academy-related facilities, such as teaching buildings.
Upon entering the academy, Zhang Pingfan could clearly feel many senior students observing them from a distance. He could even hear them talking.
"Heh, this batch of newcomers is so weak. The strongest is only at the peak of the universe level. Look at Old Man Qiao's face turning green!"
"Bang!" The person who had just spoken was sent flying with a slap. The hand that struck was their mentor.
"My ears aren't deaf yet."
To slap away a universe-level powerhouse with a single blow – was this the terrifying ability of an immortal-level powerhouse? The people around didn't dare to say anything further, but they could clearly sense their intense hostility.