The gathering of heroes has arrived—the elites from both academies have come to the Celestial Academy for an exchange, or rather, what they call a “friendly competition”!
Of course, this is also a necessary method for the two academies to select the finest talents from the Celestial Academy, taking away the strongest and most capable individuals, handpicking the most gifted disciples.
“The people from the two academies arrived so quickly, it’s a bit nerve-wracking. If this is truly for selecting disciples, we must perform our best!”
“I hope I can pass smoothly and be chosen for the Immortal Academy!”
The Celestial Academy was abuzz with excitement. Some students were fervently discussing, knowing full well that an opportunity had arrived.
The elders had already made it clear—the best among them would enter the two academies, advancing their cultivation there, becoming the personal disciples of ancient powerhouses.
Though the Celestial Academy was excellent, it still fell short compared to the two academies.
The Immortal Academy specialized in ancient immortal techniques, housing peerless scriptures and supreme treasure seeds. It even possessed an environment akin to the Immortal Ancient Era, making it the purest land for cultivating immortal energy.
The Sacred Academy, on the other hand, gathered prodigies from every era, pushing the limits of the current cultivation path, surpassing all expectations and creating unparalleled new methods.
“We didn’t arrive too late, did we? Those disciples haven’t fused with their seeds yet, have they?” An ancient powerhouse from the Immortal Academy smiled as he conversed with the elders of the Celestial Academy in a grand hall.
The Immortal Academy’s group had left the Boundary Tomb slightly later than the Celestial Academy’s. Upon their return, learning that the Celestial Academy had already arrived, they immediately dispatched envoys.
“Not late at all. The strongest among them have yet to fuse with their Dao Seeds, still awaiting the final opportunity,” the Second Elder responded with a chuckle.
Just as he had guessed, the Immortal Academy likely still possessed ancient supreme seeds—a great opportunity for Shi Hao, Lü Tuo, and others!
“That’s good. It would be a true pity if exceptional talents missed out on these immortal seeds,” the ancient powerhouse from the Immortal Academy said with a laugh.
“How many of the strongest-grade seeds are there?” asked one of the Celestial Academy’s elders, a question of great interest, as it would also reveal more about the Immortal Academy’s strength.
“You won’t be disappointed. More than one was excavated from the immortal caves of the previous era, though they require restoration,” said another ancient powerhouse, his white hair faintly shimmering with golden light. Though aged, his vitality was vigorous, his gaze sharp as lightning.
“Oh?” The Second Elder was slightly surprised, setting down his teacup. He sensed that things weren’t as simple as they seemed.
“What kind of restoration is needed?” another elder from the Celestial Academy inquired.
“They require precious blood to nourish them, reviving their former glory, transforming them into the most perfect seeds in existence!” the ancient powerhouse declared.
Everyone was stunned. The situation was indeed not simple—the Immortal Academy’s purpose wasn’t merely to gift supreme Dao Seeds but to pursue another goal.
It was clear that “precious blood” referred to the inherited bloodlines of the strongest geniuses from various clans—more specifically, the blood of those who had cultivated three strands of immortal energy.
The atmosphere in the hall grew heavy. The Celestial Academy’s elders lost their smiles, their expressions turning grave. Were they here to benefit the academy’s disciples or to exploit them?
“I knew it. The Immortal Academy is overflowing with talent, even boasting prodigies hailed as ‘Little Heavenly Kings.’ Why would they willingly part with their ancient supreme seeds? They’d naturally reserve them for their own elites,” one of the Celestial Academy’s elders scoffed coldly.
This left a bitter taste in their mouths. The Immortal Academy’s motives were impure—they sought peerless blood, and in the end, the “ancient seeds” might not even go to the Celestial Academy’s disciples.
“Elder, you overthink this. I assure you, at least one ancient seed will go to a genius of the Celestial Academy!” another ancient powerhouse from the Immortal Academy interjected.
His sparse purple hair still shimmered brilliantly, untouched by age, and his ruddy complexion retained a childlike vitality despite his years.
“Since Elder Zi Ying has spoken, there will be no going back on his word,” the Fourth Elder of the Celestial Academy said, his expression softening slightly.
“Supreme ancient seeds still need restoration? Aren’t they indestructible, impervious to heaven and earth?” the Second Elder frowned.
Seeds of such perfection—like the Yin-Yang Seed or the Embryonic Universe Seed—were said to unravel the ultimate mysteries of the cosmos, embodying supreme Dao principles. How could they degrade?
“Blame the devastation of the Immortal Ancient War. When their previous masters fell in battle, they shattered, suffering unimaginable damage. That they’ve managed to reform over the eons is a miracle in itself,” the golden-haired ancient powerhouse explained.
His true form was that of a White-Gold Ape, renowned for his boundless strength and vitality. Despite his age, his life force remained overwhelming.
They had consulted countless ancient texts and gathered endless spiritual treasures to nourish the supreme seeds, achieving remarkable results. Now, only the final ingredient—precious blood—was missing.
“Dragon or phoenix blood would be ideal, but lacking those, the blood of young supremes who’ve cultivated three strands of immortal energy will suffice. Hence, we’ve come to the Celestial Academy for aid,” said Zi Ying, the purple-haired elder.
“Exactly how many ancient seeds does the Immortal Academy possess?” the Second Elder pressed.
“Rest assured, there’s more than one. The Celestial Academy won’t be left empty-handed,” the White-Gold Ape replied.
“If there are multiple, giving our academy only one seems rather stingy. After all, we have several promising immortal-path talents!” the Second Elder pressed further.
“One is already generous. Our Immortal Academy has far more peerless geniuses!” Zi Ying retorted.
The Celestial Academy’s elders exchanged glances, sighing inwardly. The Immortal Academy’s geniuses were personally nurtured by their ancient powerhouses—favoritism was inevitable.
“With the great upheaval approaching, we implore the elders to prioritize the greater good, bestowing the seeds upon those with the greatest potential, ensuring they fulfill their destined roles,” the Fifth Elder of the Celestial Academy said bluntly.
“Worry not. We will judge solely by combat prowess and latent potential,” the White-Gold Ape assured.
The Celestial Academy’s elders remained silent, unsure if his words were sincere.
After further discussion, they rose, as the Celestial Academy’s elders still needed to meet with the Sacred Academy’s representatives to discuss disciple selection.
By now, the Celestial Academy was livelier than ever, with all disciples emerging from seclusion to gaze at the celestial bodies in the sky.
“The Immortal Academy is truly extraordinary—using an entire planet as a vessel to traverse the cosmos is astounding!” Many were awestruck.
The stone planet hung above the academy, exuding an ancient grandeur, shrouded in chaotic mist, immovable and majestic.
In another direction floated a massive bone artifact, shaped like a gourd, enveloped in white mist—the Sacred Academy’s vessel, rivaling the planet in size. No one knew what creature’s bones had forged it.
The academy buzzed with anticipation. The moment that would decide their fates was near.
Many longed to enter the two academies, bolstering their cultivation with their vast resources.
“The elites from both academies have arrived in numbers, yet they remain within their vessels.”
“Seize this chance! The opportunity to leap through the dragon’s gate is here!”
Discussions filled the air as all eyes turned skyward.
Even Lü Tuo, Wang Xi, and others emerged from seclusion, while Princess Yao Yue and some others ascended to greet the visitors.
For figures like Yao Yue and Wang Xi, entering the two vessels was no surprise—their clans had ties to the academies.
Sure enough, celestial music resounded as the stone planet glowed, splitting open to form a gateway, extending a path for visitors. Yao Yue was permitted entry.
Meanwhile, the bone gourd emitted sacred light, its opening revealing a passage. Wang Xi, too, was invited inside.
Many knew of the Wang Clan’s impending alliance with another immortal family, whose prodigy—a peerless genius—resided within the Sacred Academy’s bone gourd.
“Honored guests, since you’ve arrived, please show yourselves so we may extend our hospitality,” someone called from below.
Many echoed the sentiment, eager to forge connections with the academies’ elites.
Shi Hao stood silently among them, observing. Many glanced his way, knowing of his past conflicts—his defeat of Immortal Academy experts in the Boundary Tomb and his feud with Wang Xi.
Now, her betrothed—a prodigy lauded by ancient powerhouses—might be present.
“Shi Hao is in trouble. Yuan Qing will likely block his entry into the academies,” someone whispered.
Yuan Qing’s grudge with Shi Hao was no secret. After attempting to suppress him for a decade, sending him to the Primordial Ancient Mine, Shi Hao retaliated—killing Yuan Qing’s grandson and exiling his son, deepening the enmity.
Yuan Qing hailed from the two academies, with connections to many influential figures. If he slandered Shi Hao, he might indeed hinder his path.
**Boom!**
Suddenly, the stone planet rumbled as a golden path unfurled, and figures emerged.
“Does the Celestial Academy have someone named Shi Hao?” a voice boomed from the golden path.
The challenge had come—swift and direct.
Figures stood atop the golden path, gazing down at the academy’s disciples.
Shi Hao remained silent, watching calmly.
“Such audacity! In the Boundary Tomb, a ‘Shi Hao’ dared attack our Immortal Academy disciples, humiliating Wu Tai and stealing his Azure Armor! Is he here?!” the voice thundered again.
“Even when beating a dog, one must consider its master! That armor belongs to the Little Heavenly King—how dare you take it? Shi Hao, if you’re below, surrender the armor now and come forth to receive your punishment!” The command was stern, brimming with authority.
“Come forth and accept judgment!” others roared, their voices like thunder.
In an instant, every gaze in the Celestial Academy turned to Shi Hao.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage