The Celestial Immortal Academy, located on the fringes of the state, was exceptionally grand and majestic, covering an area far surpassing that of ordinary colossal cities.
There, clouds and mist swirled, and towering structures stood in grandeur. Within the academy, numerous spiritual mountains and cascading waterfalls could be seen, with great rivers winding through—truly a breathtaking sight.
Renowned far and wide, though the Upper Realm was vast and boundless, the academy’s ancient heritage and formidable strength were famed across three thousand states, making it one of the most supreme orthodoxies.
“Ten Beauties of the Celestial Immortal Academy—anyone interested? The most stunning ten maidens!”
“Treasure Technique left behind by the Solar Divine Sparrow—highest bidder takes it. Though incomplete, it points directly to the pinnacle of the Fire Dao. A glimpse reveals the true essence of fire, allowing one to forge their own path.”
“Quasi-Saint Medicine—an eight-thousand-year-old ancient herb already emitting saintly radiance, on the verge of transforming into true Saint Medicine. Bidders welcome—a rare treasure!”
…
Shi Hao arrived in this bustling area long before reaching the Celestial Immortal Academy. Crowds thronged a massive marketplace where treasures of all kinds were being exchanged.
In truth, looking around, the outer regions of the academy were dotted with numerous satellite cities, connected in a sprawl that dwarfed even the largest metropolises.
Of course, these places had no walls—just buildings forming lively marketplaces. Given their proximity to a major sect, defensive walls were unnecessary.
Who would dare cause trouble here?
Clearly, the outer regions had flourished because of the academy, merging into a vast urban district—or rather, a marketplace—far larger than the academy itself.
Some had calculated that the combined population of these satellite cities, including both permanent residents and travelers, numbered in the millions.
Some families had lived here for generations, while others had settled specifically to cater to cultivators. A great number of young people had even crossed states just to train and join the academy.
Shi Hao was astonished. The area was so vast that after wandering for over an hour, he still hadn’t reached the academy’s main gate, remaining in the outer districts.
With keen interest, he roamed through the satellite cities and markets, passing through one after another. It had to be said—this place truly held treasures, where rare and secret artifacts could be exchanged.
At one point, he even saw the treasure techniques of ancient savage beasts openly priced and available for purchase!
Of course, they came at exorbitant prices, enough to bankrupt even major clans. The average person could never afford them.
Evidently, many extraordinary individuals frequented these parts. At the very least, Shi Hao spotted groups of young people gathered around bone scriptures, pondering the value of these techniques.
And this was no isolated case—other stalls also offered rare, supreme divine abilities for sale.
Naturally, these places were built with dazzling opulence, exuding grandeur. They were massive auction houses, distinct from the ordinary clamor of the marketplace.
“Incredible! Even such divine abilities are sold here. The Celestial Immortal Academy is truly remarkable,” Shi Hao couldn’t help but marvel.
A bystander overheard him and chimed in, “Of course! This is one of the Upper Realm’s supreme cultivation sanctuaries. Many great clans send their descendants here, gathering countless prodigies. The forces backing them are innumerable, and many young masters have families capable of purchasing such treasures.”
“However, those techniques aren’t flawless—they have minor imperfections. Moreover, buyers are forbidden from leaking them, or they’ll face retribution. The original holders aim to sell them multiple times,” another added.
Shi Hao was surprised and earnestly sought clarification.
“Young man, you must be new here and know little of the Celestial Immortal Academy. These auction houses aren’t simple—they’re backed by major figures. Otherwise, how could they operate so boldly? Rumor has it that the ones behind them are the academy’s Heavenly Deities and renowned elders, who consign their spoils and techniques here for sale.”
These techniques were obtained by supreme experts during their travels—they didn’t belong to the academy and were deemed obsolete by them.
Additionally, some techniques were acquired by the academy’s prodigies during their own expeditions. If unneeded, they could be sold here as well.
Shi Hao searched around, looking for items that piqued his interest. After a long stroll, he realized the place was a mixed bag—genuine treasures coexisted with worthless fakes, and counterfeits were far from rare.
Unconsciously, he arrived before the Celestial Immortal Academy’s majestic gates—a towering archway that had stood since ancient times.
Twelve colossal stone pillars, each so thick it took several people to encircle them, were carved with auspicious beasts and divine birds, exuding an ancient aura. The grand gate bore the weight of time, a testament to the academy’s profound heritage.
Without a doubt, the Celestial Immortal Academy was sacred—a cultivation sanctuary in the hearts of many. Even elites from great clans were willing to cross states just to seek enlightenment here.
Within the academy lay ancient sacred sites, Heavenly Deity halls, and sect leader chambers. Gaining entry promised immense rewards.
For within were the insights of sages, recording their cultivation experiences!
The academy’s forbidden techniques would never be leaked—they were the foundation of its orthodoxy, used to safeguard its legacy. However, many steles inscribed with profound realizations were open to outstanding disciples.
This was why countless young prodigies yearned to join. Every year, a multitude of geniuses arrived with reverence, seeking to enroll.
Of course, for those who came only to study and would inevitably leave, accessing these insights required a steep price.
After all, nothing in this world came without cost.
**”Boom!”**
From the depths of the academy surged vast clouds of mist, accompanied by a towering figure that seemed to fill the heavens, piercing the very clouds!
The sky trembled in its presence, as if an immortal sovereign had descended into the mortal realm, delivering lectures and scriptures within the academy, shaking the ancient land to its core.
The aura was overwhelming, stirring the souls of all who witnessed it. Many couldn’t help but kneel in devout worship.
Showers of radiant light descended, as if granting enlightenment to all present. Bodies and souls alike felt purified.
It took a long while before people regained their senses.
“That’s the legacy of ancient sages—carvings left by true immortals, insights from sect leaders, and steles inscribed with the wisdom of imperial clans. It’s the most sacred of all. Even the leaders of other great sects yearn for a chance to enter.”
“Who is that? To have such fortune—what incredible luck!”
“No need to guess. It must be Feng Wu, the peerless fairy. She’s entered multiple times already—this is her preparing for the great showdown of the three thousand states’ geniuses!”
The crowd buzzed with envy, for even outside the academy, the spectacle was visible.
Shi Hao was equally stunned, his heart surging with awe.
The mist swirled, and the towering figure’s might soared into the heavens, lingering unbroken—rivaling even the War Emperor and the Ancient Heavenly Deity.
Yet this seemed merely the result of inscriptions on steles, a glimpse of the unfathomable marvels hidden within.
The figure had already faded, vanishing without a trace. Only when the site was opened could such visions be glimpsed—proof of the immense rewards awaiting those who entered.
“Are those truly carvings left by immortals? Is it reliable?” Shi Hao asked a nearby observer, deeply shaken.
“Country bumpkin! Just arrived, huh? Don’t even know this? And you want to enter the Celestial Immortal Academy? Another fool hoping to stumble into luck. You’ll never make it.”
At the academy’s gates, a young woman spoke, her delicate features twisted in disdain as she glanced at Shi Hao. Clearly, she was a student.
Shi Hao was surprised. Upon closer inspection, the girl was extraordinarily beautiful—a rare sight.
“What are you staring at? Don’t block the entrance,” she snapped, her mood clearly foul.
“My junior sister speaks true. Our academy isn’t for just anyone. Only one in a thousand geniuses is selected—all elites of their clans,” a young man chimed in, his tone ingratiating as he smiled at the girl before turning to Shi Hao with contempt.
“Look at you—twenty-one or twenty-two, still at the Array Formation Realm, yet dreaming of entering? I suggest you go back and train for a few more years.”
Shi Hao was speechless. He hadn’t revealed his true cultivation level—yet just for asking a question, he’d been berated. What kind of people were these?
He opened his mouth. “Am I really that old? I’m not even eighteen yet.”
“An eighteen-year-old Array Formation cultivator—nothing to boast about. Some of your peers are already nearing the Divine Flame Realm!” the beautiful girl scoffed.
Dressed in green like a lotus leaf, she resembled a budding flower—fresh, vibrant, and striking. Her curves were alluring, her skin snow-white, her beauty undeniable.
Clearly, the commotion had drawn attention. Many onlookers, including academy disciples, turned their way.
“Eh? Isn’t that Chen Lin, one of the Ten Beauties? Why is she in such a foul mood?” someone murmured admiringly.
“Shh! Keep it down. The academy just updated its beauty rankings—Chen Lin was bumped to eleventh, off the list. Rumor has it the newcomer, Qing Yi, made the cut. Her ethereal grace has left many senior and junior brothers spellbound.”
…
The whispers were soft, but Shi Hao’s sharp senses caught every word.
No wonder the girl was so stunning—she was a famed beauty of the academy’s rankings.
He also knew that “Qing Yi” was Yue Chan, though she hadn’t revealed her true form. Otherwise, the uproar would’ve been even greater, her ranking higher.
The Celestial Immortal Academy was also famed for its beauties—countless peerless maidens had emerged throughout its history.
“Hey, why are you still standing there? Move along—don’t block the way,” the young man who’d earlier fawned over Chen Lin spoke again.
“Isn’t that Wu Feng? One of the academy’s top hundred senior students, renowned for years.”
“Word is he’s been pursuing Chen Lin—a devoted guardian of the flower.”
Murmurs spread.
Meanwhile, others gathered behind Chen Lin. Indeed, the beauties of the rankings commanded immense popularity, always surrounded by admirers.
“Why should I leave? I intend to enter the academy. We might even become fellow disciples,” Shi Hao replied with a smile, unruffled.
Someone nearby reminded him that enrollment had just ended—he’d have to wait until next year.
“Not necessarily. The academy’s doors are always open for supreme talents. If one can ascend the Heavenly Stairway, they can be admitted at any time,” another interjected.
“Such a thing exists?” Shi Hao was intrigued.
“Save your breath. You? Climb the Heavenly Stairway? Know your place!” Chen Lin sneered. “Delusions of grandeur.”
“Lately, standards have slipped. Every stray mutt thinks they can waltz into our academy and spout nonsense,” Wu Feng added, mocking Shi Hao to curry favor with the beauty.
Laughter rippled through the crowd—some amused, others derisive—all eyes on Shi Hao.
“If one ascends the Heavenly Stairway, they must be no ordinary disciple. What benefits come with it?” Shi Hao asked earnestly, unfazed.
Some were taken aback. Was this youth seriously considering the challenge?
“Those who conquer the Heavenly Stairway become supreme disciples. They gain access to the Divine Lotus Pool for baptism and even the chance to bathe alongside the most celebrated beauties of the rankings—who often frequent the pool for cultivation.”
“What? That’s amazing!” Shi Hao nearly whooped with excitement.
All eyes turned to him, the young men grinning suggestively while the girls blushed and muttered in disapproval.
Clearly, no one believed he cared about the pool—they all assumed his interest lay solely in the legendary beauties.
For a moment, silence fell before the gates of the Celestial Immortal Academy.
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