Coalition of the Nine Academies

After Mo Qingcheng's departure, Qin Wentian and his companions pressed on, passing through the Arch Gate and emerging on the other side. The scene was bustling with life; most of the crowd appeared to be around 15-16 years old, their vibrant, youthful energy permeating the atmosphere.

"Today is the day for academy registrations, which is why there's such a huge turnout," Mountain explained. Qin Wentian also noticed that in this open area, people were organized into nine rows, waiting patiently to register and undergo the required examinations.

"See that central area? That's designated for our Emperor Star Academy. Look at all those people lining up to register," Mountain pointed ahead, where a sizable group displayed nervous expressions. Some, with downcast faces, walked away, evidently having fallen short.

"Why is he the one overseeing today?" Mountain's brows furrowed as he glanced at the elder responsible for the examination.

Qin Wentian looked at Mountain with curiosity, prompting an explanation. "The elder in charge of the examination is named Janus, and within the Emperor Star Academy, there are two conflicting schools of thought. I, Teacher Mustang, belong to a faction that shuns dealings with aristocratic clans and the Royal Family. Janus, on the other hand, belongs to the opposing faction, advocating for closer ties with those in authority and power."

"In the past, regarding your family's situation, the Emperor Star Academy rejected assistance precisely because of this second faction's influence," Mountain added.

With understanding dawning upon him, Qin Wentian's complexion returned to its usual state. The Emperor Star Academy's decision not to assist had prompted Mustang and the others to take matters into their own hands.

"Let's go. Since you're here, what can he do?" Luo Huan's eyes narrowed, a hint of unease gnawing at her. The elder in charge wasn't supposed to be Janus.

They moved ahead and soon reached the section reserved for the Emperor Star Academy. As Chu Country's most renowned institution, it attracted aspirants not only from the nation but also neighboring countries. Talent was the sole criterion for entry; nationality held no sway. Yet, the Emperor Star Academy boasted the highest rejection rate.

The queue of young hopefuls stretched like a serpentine dragon. As Luo Huan, with her striking figure, approached, the fervent youths began to indulge in wild fantasies.

As Luo Huan led Qin Wentian forward, a figure clad in white robes blocked their path. Exuding a sharp aura, this 18-year-old had sword-like eyebrows.

"Junior Brother Qin, this is Orchon. He's at the 8th level of the Arterial Circulation Realm and has been at the Emperor Star Academy for two years. He's exceptionally strong, so be cautious around him," Mountain whispered.

"Senior Orchon," Luo Huan greeted as she approached Orchon. "I'm here to collect the Jade Medallion from Elder Janus."

Orchon glanced at Luo Huan and, when his gaze landed on Qin Wentian, it turned as sharp as a spear's tip. He coldly commanded, "Join the line."

"Orchon, he already passed Teacher Mustang's examination in Sky Harmony City," Luo Huan replied, her demeanor growing frosty.

Orchon's response was equally cold. "So what?"

"Hmph," Luo Huan snorted and turned to Janus, who stood before her. She stated firmly, "Elder Janus, under my teacher's orders, I'm here to obtain the Emperor Star Jade Medallion."

Janus seemed to ignore her words, not even glancing her way. He responded curtly, "Join the line."

"Elder Janus, Junior Brother Qin Wentian has successfully passed Teacher Mustang's examination," Luo Huan insisted, noticing that Janus was determined to use his authority for personal vendetta. In the academy, this marked the first direct conflict between Luo Huan and Orchon, mirroring the rivalry between Mustang and Janus.

Janus finally shifted his gaze towards Luo Huan and Qin Wentian. His eyes mirrored Orchon's cold, piercing stare as he spoke. "What he passed was Mustang's examination, not mine. In any case, we have an agreement with the other academies: today marks the conclusion of the initial exams. Those who passed are to join the coalition of the nine academies and enter the Dark Forest for a demonic beast hunting training exercise. This exercise serves as the second examination, and only those who pass will gain entry to one of the nine martial academies."

"So, it's the same for him. Even if he passed Mustang's examination, to obtain the Emperor Star Jade Medallion, he must first survive the training exercise."

Luo Huan asked coldly, "How long is the training exercise?"

"One month," Janus replied.

"If you don't wish to participate, you can choose to give up and return to Sky Harmony City," another youth chimed in, standing beside Orchon and glaring at Qin Wentian.

At that moment, multiple pairs of eyes seemed to be focused on Qin Wentian. His heightened senses picked up the scrutiny, and he turned to see in the area designated for the Royal Academy, many eyes fixed upon him. Among them was a figure in a green robe exuding an icy aura—Bai Autumn Snow.

The Bai Clan had already moved to the Royal Capital, and it appeared that Autumn Snow also intended to partake in the training exercise sanctioned by the Coalition of the Nine Academies.

"Junior Brother Qin, they intend to deal with you," Mountain explained. "I warned you to be cautious of Orchon because he has close ties with Ye WuQue."

Qin Wentian remained composed. He had not expected a trap to be laid for him as soon as he arrived in the Royal Capital, ready to devour him in one fell swoop.

Most of the applicants were unaware that this expedition, in addition to being a training exercise, had a secondary purpose: to deal with Qin Wentian. Most participants didn't even know who Qin Wentian was. They only knew that this training exercise was extremely perilous, and the nine martial academies had recently informed them that they could withdraw if they felt unsafe.

Luo Huan glared at Janus and asked, "How can we ensure the fairness of this examination?"

"According to the Coalition of the Nine Academies, all applicants must enter the Dark Forest without exception. Each of the nine martial academies will send two elders and four seniors to oversee the operation and prevent accidents. What are you questioning?" Janus responded coldly.

"Who will represent our Emperor Star Academy?" Luo Huan inquired further.

"The elders will be Mustang and me. The seniors will consist of our respective disciples. Mustang is aware of and has agreed to this arrangement," Janus explained with a cold smile.

Upon hearing this, Luo Huan turned her attention to Qin Wentian, finding him smiling faintly as he replied, "I'm willing to participate in the training exercise."

As he agreed, Qin Wentian couldn't help but notice a chilling smile on the lips of the youth standing next to Orchon.

Luo Huan led Qin Wentian away to a secluded spot. "Junior Brother Qin, this time there seem to be many forces actively working against you. You must be cautious in everything you do. The Dark Forest is dangerous enough without you having to defend against treacherous individuals." Mountain's warning was grave.

"I'll respect Teacher Mustang's decision. As for the other applicants who may have ill intentions and the demonic beasts, I'll definitely be cautious," Qin Wentian replied.

"Just remember this: never underestimate any of the applicants, especially those from the aristocratic clans who have applied for the Emperor Star Academy and the Royal Academy. Some of them may be young, but their talents are undoubtedly monstrous."

"Very well. Let's wait for the training exercise to begin," Qin Wentian said, nodding. His gaze inadvertently swept in Autumn Snow's direction. She was surrounded by numerous young men and women, like stars clustered around a cold and beautiful moon. Her innate talent was one reason for the attention, but her engagement to Ye WuQue also played a significant role.

"Master, why not allow me to scout out some good resting places in the Royal Capital?" Francis respectfully suggested to Qin Wentian.

"Sure, please do so," Qin Wentian agreed.

"I'll await your safe return, Master," Francis smiled and departed. He believed in Qin Wentian's ability to turn this apparent danger into an opportunity. He was still waiting for Qin Wentian to become the ultimate master weaponsmith and surpass Murin.

The first phase of the examination, organized by the Coalition of the Nine Martial Academies, began, swiftly evaluating the long lines of applicants. However, Qin Wentian, leisurely chatting with Luo Huan and Mountain, remained unaffected.

High above, far from the examination site, a massive demonic beast hovered in the air. Resembling a lion with wings on its back, it exuded terrifying pressure as an 8th level demonic beast—a Lionvulture Griffin. Standing atop the griffin were two figures: Mustang and an elderly man.

"Teacher, why didn't you object when Janus agreed to the Royal Academy's proposal?" Mustang asked, a hint of confusion on his face.

"Mustang, do you hold that young man in high regard?" The old man smiled, countering with a question.

"I do. To be honest, I have a great deal of respect for him. If not for that, I wouldn't have invited you to help me stop this training expedition to the Dark Forest when they proposed it."

"If you hold him in such high regard, why didn't you prevent him from joining the expedition?" The old man smiled as he observed the vast area where applicants were undergoing examinations. "There are indeed some promising talents among this batch of applicants. I look forward to the training expedition."

Mustang smiled wryly and thought to himself, "Young fellow, I tried my best. All I can do now is wish you luck."

"Grandpa, did you need something?" At that moment, a white demonic crane soared into the sky, carrying the number one beauty of Chu Country, Mo Qingcheng.

"Yes. This time, I want you to accompany Mustang and take a stroll in the Dark Forest. It won't do you any harm to get out of the house," the old man kindly suggested, then turned his gaze to Mustang. "Mustang, I'll lend you this 8th level griffin temporarily. Take good care of Qingcheng."

Mustang was taken aback. He didn't fully grasp his esteemed teacher's intentions. After a moment, he nodded slightly at Mo Qingcheng, still somewhat stunned. Even someone of his caliber couldn't help but be affected by Mo Qingcheng's beauty. He didn't interact with the granddaughter of his esteemed teacher often, but he knew well enough that the ten prodigies in the Royal Capital were all vying for her attention. So, why did his esteemed teacher want him to act as her bodyguard for a walk in the Dark Forest? Was there some other special motive behind this?