“You…” The old monster from the Immortal Academy glared with eyes like two piercing bolts of lightning, yet he had no rebuttal. The ancient seeds had indeed already been promised to others, and there was no going back now.
In truth, some had already been fused by others—where could they possibly find replacements?
“Old man, think carefully—are you truly valuing talent, or are you just holding them back?” The elder from the Sacred Academy pressed further, twisting the knife.
“And what of your Sacred Academy? Is it any better?” The old monster from the Immortal Academy sneered, striking at the heart of the matter. “The path of the Present World Law focuses on physical cultivation, requiring supreme immortal treasures. Would you really part with the Elixir of Longevity? It’s already been given away, hasn’t it? And the Heart’s Blood of the True Dragon—most of it must have been reserved for those chosen few. As for the Phoenix’s Nirvana Essence Blood, someone else has already inherited it. The rest won’t be left unclaimed either.”
These words shocked not only Shi Hao but even the Second Elder of the Celestial Academy. The Sacred Academy’s foundation was truly astonishing—they actually possessed such treasures.
The Heart’s Blood of the True Dragon, the Nirvana Essence Blood of the Phoenix, the Extreme Strength Blood of the Heavenly Horned Ant… These were no ordinary blood—they were the very essence of their respective lineages.
How many drops of Heart’s Blood could a single dragon even possess?
Such resources, such accumulation—it was enough to move anyone!
“Our Sacred Academy is rich in resources, overflowing with heavenly treasures, gathering the fortunes of the Nine Heavens. Shi Hao will not be left wanting!” The elder from the Sacred Academy thumped his chest with conviction.
“Hah! Can you even make that decision? Those treasures were long since reserved—don’t think I don’t know!” The old monster from the Immortal Academy laughed mockingly.
Shi Hao fell silent. Both academies were indeed extraordinary, possessing heaven-defying treasures—but they had already been claimed.
The Second Elder of the Celestial Academy spoke up, advocating for Shi Hao’s right to such treasures. “You all know this boy’s talent is unparalleled. But if he enters the Immortal or Sacred Academy and receives neither an ancient seed nor the Heart’s Blood of the True Dragon, what’s the point? As for scriptures, we can provide those for him as well.”
“Rest assured, the Sacred Academy still has some of the Heavenly Horned Ant’s Extreme Strength Blood left. We can gift it to Shi Hao. Given his physique, it will be like adding fuel to the flames,” the Sacred Academy elder said with a smile.
“Spare me. That blood is far too precious—there’s no way it’s still available. It must have been reserved long ago. You’re just trying to scrape together a pittance now—what’s the point?” the Immortal Academy’s old monster scoffed.
“If the two of you can show sincerity, I will make the decision to send Shi Hao for further training!” the Second Elder of the Celestial Academy declared.
Soon, representatives from both academies took action, departing to retrieve small bone altars for a ritual.
The bone altars glowed, their surroundings growing indistinct. They placed inscribed bone tablets upon them, awaiting responses from distant realms.
The wait was long, and Shi Hao remained quiet.
Meanwhile, the Celestial Academy buzzed with activity as disciples were swarmed by recruiters from both academies.
“Attaining the Dao and ascending to immortality is the ultimate goal of cultivation, the pinnacle every cultivator strives for. If you do not choose the Immortal Academy, it will be the regret of your lifetime!” The Immortal Academy’s recruiters worked tirelessly to sway the talented.
“Enough. The fall of the Immortal Ancient Era proves that such methods are outdated. There’s no need to worship relics as scripture,” the Sacred Academy’s representatives countered, emphasizing that the Present World Law was the only true path forward.
The two academies fought fiercely over the talents, and soon, many from the Celestial Academy made their choices.
The Ten Crown King, the Banished Immortal, and Lü Tuo joined the Immortal Academy, while the White-Clothed Ning Chuan, Wang Xi, and others entered the Sacred Academy.
Wang Xi had initially considered the Immortal Academy, but under her family’s influence, she ultimately chose the Sacred Academy—where a peerless genius, possibly her future betrothed, resided.
“Don’t even try to pull me in—I’ve already decided on the Sacred Academy!” The little fatty, Cao Yusheng, made a scene.
The Immortal Academy’s recruiters nearly choked in frustration. This brat had been spouting nonsense during Shi Hao’s battle with the Netherworld Vulture—why would they even invite him?
“Don’t flatter yourself!” one of the Immortal Academy’s youths sneered.
“If you’re not here for me, then why bother?” Cao Yusheng puffed up arrogantly.
“We’re here for this little fairy,” the recruiters said, turning their attention to the Lunar Grace.
“What? This rabbit was just talking about eating Netherworld Vulture meat—whether to steam or boil it! And you want her?” Cao Yusheng exposed her mercilessly.
The Immortal Academy’s recruiters twitched. They hadn’t wanted to invite the little girl either, but seeing her cradling a pure-blooded Qilin cub, they had no choice.
Soon, an old monster arrived in person.
“My little Qilin here loves divine herbs—it eats one every ten days or so. Do you have any?” the little rabbit asked sweetly.
As if those were mere radishes! The crowd inwardly scoffed.
But the old man smiled warmly. “We can arrange for that.”
“Young friend, would you consider joining our Sacred Academy?” another elder approached, extending an invitation to Cao Yusheng and the others.
“Of course!” The little fatty scampered over eagerly, infuriating the Immortal Academy’s representatives.
Before long, the Celestial Academy settled down as most made their choices.
“Shi Hao, are you really going to the Immortal Academy? You just defeated the Netherworld Vulture—and you still have a battle with the Little Heavenly King! They’ll make life miserable for you!” Cao Yusheng urged him toward the Sacred Academy.
Soon, old friends gathered. Aside from Qing Yi, who chose the Immortal Academy, most opted for the Sacred Academy.
“I’m waiting for news,” Shi Hao replied, curious about the academies’ offers.
Not long after, the Immortal Academy’s old monster returned, his expression grim. He hesitated before speaking.
“Elder, speak freely,” Shi Hao encouraged.
“The ancient seeds were long since reserved. One was even given to someone from your Celestial Academy to repay a debt to a certain longevity family,” the old monster sighed.
He quickly added, “But rest assured, if we find another, it will be yours.”
Shi Hao shook his head, saying nothing.
Cao Yusheng and the others were furious on his behalf.
“You saw it yourselves—Shi Hao defeated the Netherworld Vulture! How many can match his talent? If even he isn’t worthy of an ancient seed, who is? Such an unfair academy isn’t worth joining!”
Others echoed the sentiment, feeling the Immortal Academy had been unjust.
“Go to the Sacred Academy! It’s not like there’s nowhere else!” they shouted.
The old monster from the Immortal Academy was embarrassed and frustrated, but his superiors had refused to budge—the seeds had been allocated, and nothing could be changed.
Shi Hao sighed. The Immortal Academy was overflowing with talent—figures like the Little Heavenly King were likely not alone. The old monster wouldn’t overturn decisions for him.
The Sacred Academy’s elder returned, equally awkward, wringing his hands. “Too late—all the true blood has been distributed.”
This time, even Cao Yusheng and the others were incensed. “Elder, what’s the point of joining the Sacred Academy if all the good stuff is gone?”
“We can still refine your marrow and open immortal caves for you. Once we obtain more immortal blood, we’ll lay the foundation for your Dao!” the elder vowed.
The group remained dissatisfied.
“Rest assured, you’ll have unrestricted access to supreme scriptures as compensation,” the Sacred Academy elder promised, eyeing not just the little rabbit and Cao Yusheng but also hoping to lure Shi Hao through them.
“In that case, Shi Hao will stay at the Celestial Academy. We can solidify his foundation here,” the Second Elder suddenly declared.
The old monsters from both academies paled—they hadn’t expected the Second Elder to intervene.
Shi Hao smiled. “Good. I’ll stay at the Celestial Academy.” He made his decision without hesitation.
“Young man, think carefully—the best place for immortal cultivation in the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths is our Immortal Academy!”
“Little friend, the Sacred Academy has countless divine treasures, immortal caves, and scriptures—it’s the best place for your growth!”
The elders from both academies tried to persuade him.
“No need. Both academies are overflowing with geniuses—losing one like me won’t matter. I’ll stay here,” Shi Hao refused.
He felt that both academies, brimming with prodigies, had taken him for granted. Staying was the better choice.
“Stay with us for now. If we have nothing left to teach, we’ll send you later,” the Second Elder said.
“Very well. The higher-ups have decided that in a few years, the three academies’ caves may merge into a single supreme immortal land. Meeting then will be easy,” the Immortal Academy’s old monster mused.
This news stunned Cao Yusheng, Gu Jianyun, Feng Wu, and the others.
“Indeed,” the Sacred Academy elder nodded.
At the farewell, Shi Hao stood at the academy gates, watching his friends depart with heartfelt blessings.
In these turbulent times, this might be their last moment of peace. Time was running short—this was their critical moment to rise swiftly.
The Celestial Academy grew quiet. Shi Hao wandered alone along a pebbled path, contemplating his path forward.
In a misty bamboo grove, a figure appeared—the Grand Elder himself!
“I give you ten days to ponder your future path. Come to me once you’ve decided,” the Grand Elder said before vanishing.
A rare appearance from one of the most powerful beings in the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths—even the old monsters from the academies feared him.
The world fell silent. Shi Hao sat down, deep in thought, then retrieved a few items.
An ancient coffin from the Three Thousand Provinces, sealed with a jade book—a relic from the Immortal Ancient ruins.
Next, a stone box—the most mysterious artifact, obtained from the depths of the Immortal Ancient battleground, possibly even more valuable than the jade book.
Finally, his body glowed faintly as a seed emerged, shifting in size, wreathed in chaotic mist and radiant light.
Like the womb of heaven and earth, it nurtured an immortal treasure—not yet ripe, not yet meant to emerge. It had come from the Three Thousand Provinces, unearthed in the Ancient Mine of the Celestial Clan.
These items held immense significance, possibly shaping his future path. Shi Hao pondered deeply.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage