Within the mountain gates, towering peaks stood one after another, shrouded in flowing colors and white mist, creating an ethereal and hazy scene, truly resembling the abode of immortals.
At this moment, even someone as powerful as Yuan Qing staggered, as if struck by an unseen force. His Daoist robes billowed violently, snapping in the wind, before he erupted with a radiant golden light, resisting the impact.
“Enough, Yuan Qing. Return for now.”
From the depths of the academy, amidst jade towers and celestial palaces, an ancient voice echoed from an island suspended in mid-air, veiled in chaotic energy, summoning him back.
By the sound, it was likely the same elder who had previously shown favoritism toward Yuan Qing.
Whoosh!
A flash of blazing light, and he vanished from the spot, reappearing on the floating island.
Outside the mountain gates, everyone witnessed this scene clearly, astonished by what had transpired.
Some recognized Yuan Qing—a figure of great renown, a formidable powerhouse in Wuliang Heaven, a man of immense influence.
Others knew of his recent deeds—rumors claimed he had suppressed the prodigy Huang from the lower realm for ten years on behalf of the Feng Clan, an act that defied the academy’s will.
Who would dare do such a thing? Yet he had done so with chilling composure, banishing Huang to the Primordial Ancient Mine, from which there had been no return, his fate unknown.
In truth, by now, few believed Huang still lived. Forced into the Primordial Ancient Mine, he had vanished without a trace—after so many days, death was certain.
In a way, Yuan Qing’s audacity and dominance were terrifying. He had ruthlessly crushed a youth of boundless potential, yet faced no consequences, remaining unchallenged in his authority.
Of course, while many knew of this, none dared speak up now, fearing Yuan Qing’s wrath.
Shi Hao remained silent, saying nothing.
“Yuan Qing obstructed a prodigy, yet it seems he won’t face severe punishment,” Wang Xi remarked, her enchanting eyes scanning the crowd, stirring excitement among those nearby, who straightened their backs, eager to impress.
Before long, a sharp sound pierced the air as Yuan Qing reappeared, his face slightly pale but unpunished. He had walked free.
Moreover, the disciple he had brought was allowed to stay, not expelled.
Shi Hao’s fury surged—this was the outcome?
Yuan Qing had attacked him, leading to his disappearance and presumed death, yet faced no harsh penalty. Worse, his disciple had secured a place in the academy.
The contrast was staggering.
Shi Hao, the victim, remained outside the gates, while the perpetrator’s descendant was admitted, claiming a precious spot.
Worse still, whispers in the academy suggested latecomers would be barred—meaning Shi Hao might never enter.
To him, this was a cruel joke, a mockery.
He nearly turned away, ready to abandon the Celestial Academy, unwilling to endure such humiliation.
But then he overheard murmurs—the youth admitted was Yuan Qing’s most cherished descendant.
If this was his enemy’s kin, then he would act. If he couldn’t strike at Yuan Qing or his backers yet, he would start with their heirs.
Since they had sought to suppress him for a decade, paving the way for their descendants, he would shatter their hopes.
Perhaps he wouldn’t join the academy, but he could linger, seizing its immortal resources if possible.
“Very well, I’ll compromise. I invite you to discuss the Dao, not as a follower. How does that sound?”
Wang Xi’s unexpected concession stunned the crowd.
Gasps arose—this was unheard of! A famed immortal maiden, a scion of an eternal clan, lowering herself to invite a youth as an equal?
Envious glares burned toward Shi Hao, not just from outsiders but even from the academy’s disciples.
Wang Xi, ethereal and saintly, was a goddess in many hearts, her beauty and status unmatched.
“This fool can’t even qualify for the academy, let alone cultivate immortal energy. What right does he have?”
Murmurs of disdain spread, some disciples glaring coldly.
“Does he even understand the profound scriptures he’d discuss with Lady Wang Xi?” someone sneered.
Mostly, it was jealousy—why would Wang Xi favor an unqualified outsider?
A chuckle broke the tension. “You’re overthinking it. See it differently, and all becomes clear.”
“How so?”
“His talent is lacking. Lady Wang Xi merely wishes to keep him close… to torment him slowly. A noble scion tolerates no refusal. Watch—this will be entertaining.”
Understanding dawned, and the disciples relaxed, pity replacing hostility.
Outside, Shi Hao pondered briefly, then accepted.
“He acts reluctant? How shameless!”
But whispers from the academy soon enlightened the crowd, who now watched Shi Hao with knowing smirks.
Hearing their theories, Shi Hao glanced at Wang Xi—was she truly planning to toy with him?
Wang Xi smiled faintly, her intent inscrutable.
Shi Hao considered her motives—perhaps the diamond hoop on his head, or his defiance. Regardless, she wouldn’t let him leave, intent on making him a follower.
So be it. If this was another form of battle, he feared nothing.
“Let’s go,” Shi Hao said.
The proud young man behind Wang Xi frowned—who was the master here?
Her attendant girl, however, seemed amused, anticipating chaos.
Others seethed with envy, their emotions beyond words.
“I’ll select two more followers,” Wang Xi announced, her voice melodious even in detachment.
Excitement flared—another chance!
Soon, she chose a man and woman, both exceptional, already in the Heavenly Deity Realm, peerless among their generation, lacking only immortal energy.
“Ready?” Shi Hao asked.
Wang Xi nearly choked—was he truly treating her as an equal? Her courtesy had been mistaken for deference!
“Ready,” she replied coolly, unaccustomed to being hurried.
Ancient pines lined the gates, their trunks bent like slumbering beasts, millennia-old yet never gaining sentience.
Some said the land, forged from fallen stars and ancient blood, suppressed their spirits.
“Sister Wang Xi, you’ve chosen two followers and… invited a fellow Daoist?” A light laugh rang out as Princess Yao Yue appeared, bathed in moonlight, her beauty radiant.
She glanced at Shi Hao, then at Wang Xi. “I’ll invite him for discussions too, someday.”
“Of course,” Wang Xi agreed.
The rivalry between these immortal maidens was evident—even in followers, they competed.
Next, Shi Hao spotted Lü Tuo, whose mere gaze sent thunderous tremors through the air.
Unfazed, Shi Hao turned to Feng Xing Tian, the Feng Clan’s prodigy. If they had schemed against him, he wouldn’t hesitate to settle it in blood.
Rumors of Feng Xing Tian’s invincibility meant nothing—Shi Hao feared no one.
The mountains varied—some black as night, others glowing crimson or wreathed in violet mist—but all pulsed with dense spiritual energy.
This was the ultimate cultivation paradise.
Shi Hao had never imagined entering the Celestial Academy this way.
The winds of change had begun to stir.
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