The Dark Forest

As the sun lazily stretched its shadow to the west, a buzz of activity erupted in the expansive area. The preliminary examinations had wrapped up, and the nine martial academies had slammed the door on new recruits. Some folks shuffled away with dejected looks etched across their faces, their dreams momentarily dashed. Meanwhile, the determined bunch, the ones who still clung to their aspirations, embarked on a pilgrimage toward the epicenters of hope – the Emperor Star Academy and the Royal Academy, nestled smack in the heart of this sprawling landscape.

In this very moment, an individual clad in pristine white robes, a longsword snugly strapped to his back, confidently strode toward Qin Wentian and his comrades. Qin Wentian recognized this figure from his days in Sky Harmony City – it was the sword aficionado who had managed the rare feat of condensing two sword-type Astral Souls.

"Luo Huan, Mountain, Teacher has some words for y'all," Yu Fei, the messenger, delivered the news with a casual grin.

"Alrighty then. Did Teacher drop any hints about which one of us seasoned pros is getting the golden ticket to the Dark Forest?" Luo Huan inquired, her eyes dancing with curiosity. Word on the street was that both Mustang and Janus could each bring two senior students from the academy into that mystical forest.

"You, for sure. As for the second lucky soul, well, that's a mystery only Teacher knows," Yu Fei replied, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Guess we'll find out when we get there."

"Fair enough, let's roll." Luo Huan nodded, taking the lead as they all set course for the designated rendezvous point: the Martial Palace of the Nine Academies. It was a massive assembly, with a staggering 5,000 hopefuls qualifying for the second leg of the journey – the training expedition into the enigmatic Dark Forest. The sheer number was jaw-dropping, but if you peered through the lens of reality, understanding just how many folks had tossed their names into the ring for the nine martial academies, you'd realize that 5,000 was merely a smidge – a measly one percent, to be exact – of the total applicants.

The Royal Capital and the Martial Palace of the Nine Academies acted as beacons, drawing in all the brightest, most ambitious stars of Chu Country's youthful elite. The stage was set, and the anticipation was electric.

"If you want to be a powerhouse, you've got to be ready to dance with danger in every alley," bellowed an elder from the Royal Academy. The gravity of his words hung in the air, etched into the faces of all the applicants. They knew that they couldn't ascend to the realm of true Martial Cultivators without spilling some blood, without tangoing with life-and-death battles.

"Buzz!" Nearby, furious gusts of wind spiraled as two monstrous creatures soared overhead. Perched atop one of these flying beasts was a figure, graceful and beautiful, captivating the gaze of every onlooker.

"Look who graced us with her presence! It's Mo Qingcheng!"

The rules in this domain stipulated that only those at the Yuanfu Realm could ride flying beasts. Yet, Mo Qingcheng was the exception, for there was no soul audacious enough to question her.

Janus and Orchon were taken aback by Mo Qingcheng's unexpected appearance alongside Mustang. They concealed their astonishment and spoke, "Now that everyone's here, let's get moving. Everyone, start running. We must reach the Dark Forest before nightfall."

"Lil' Junior Brother, take care," Luo Huan smiled at Qin Wentian. She walked past him, leading the pack with that peculiar, affectionate puppy still nestled comfortably in her arms.

"Junior Brother Qin, I'll be waiting for you at the Emperor Star Academy," Mountain patted Qin Wentian's shoulder. The applicants from all the martial academies formed orderly lines as the various instructors, riding flying beasts, hovered above. Meanwhile, the applicants raced forward on land in the opposite direction.

The Dark Forest swallowed up half of the Royal Capital. The front entrance was impassable. Did this mean they'd have to enter through the Royal Palace?

The 5,000 applicants divided into nine primary camps. The Emperor Star Academy camp had the fewest, just 500, while the Royal Academy boasted 800.

The ground trembled as the 5,000 applicants sprinted with the might of ten thousand galloping horses, stirring up a fierce wind in their wake. Onlookers couldn't help but smile. This assembly of individuals represented the future backbone of Chu Country.

"Hey," a rotund, youthful figure from the Emperor Star Academy Camp greeted Qin Wentian. Although they were moving at an impressive pace, they were cultivators, and this speed hardly exhausted them, allowing for casual conversation.

"What's your name?" asked Qin Wentian.

"Fan Le. Fan for ordinary, Le for happiness," the plump youth replied, a grin plastered on his face.

Qin Wentian pondered for a moment, sizing up Fan Le, who sported shabby attire, unkempt hair, and an ever-present smile.

"That name really suits you," Qin Wentian chuckled.

"Hehe," Fan Le responded with an amicable smile. Then, he shifted his gaze to the graceful lady riding the airborne demonic beast and whispered, "That's the Chu Country's number one beauty. 'Beautiful' doesn't even begin to describe her. Just seeing her sets my heart racing."

Qin Wentian rolled his eyes at Fan Le's enamored expression, but he couldn't deny the truth. Mo Qingcheng's beauty was otherworldly, on par with legends of fairies themselves.

"But seriously, Senior Apprentice Sister Luo Huan is more my style. That figure, those curves, huehuehue..." Fan Le wore a lecherous expression, practically drooling as he spoke.

"You know Senior Apprentice Sister Luo Huan?" Qin Wentian inquired.

"Me, acquaintances with a babe like her? Dream on!" Fan Le exclaimed. "I only know her by reputation. They say she's the hottest, most enchanting vixen in our Emperor Star Academy. Who wouldn't know her? But what I said earlier, well, those were just my wild fantasies, hehe." Fan Le grinned, turning to face Qin Wentian. "But from that poker face of yours, it seems like you might know her..."

Observing the pervy glint in Fan Le's eyes, Qin Wentian rolled his eyes and muttered, "Get lost!"

This guy was undeniably a character.

"Quit pretending, hehe." Fan Le shot Qin Wentian a 'You know that I know' look, leaving Qin Wentian speechless.

"But you know, in the Royal Capital of Chu Country, there's no shortage of geniuses and beauties. Take a look over there: Autumn Snow from the Royal Academy, a stunning beauty with talent. I heard she condensed an Astral Soul from the 3rd Heavenly Layer on her first try." Fan Le pointed toward a group of applicants from the Royal Academy, filling in Qin Wentian.

"Then, there's our Emperor Star Academy. We're swimming in geniuses. Right in front of us, that handsome lad named Orfon is insanely powerful. He's a 2nd level Arterial Circulation Realm cultivator with two Astral Souls." Fan Le gestured to a young man at the front of the line, standing beside Orchon. They seemed to be brothers.

"And look at that elegant lady in black over there. She's on the 1st level of the Arterial Circulation Realm, with two Astral Souls. Plus, she's got quite the figure. Although, when compared to Luo Huan, she falls a tad short." Fan Le critiqued like a seasoned judge.

"But, in our group, do you know who the top genius is in Emperor Star Academy?"

"Who?" Qin Wentian asked, curiosity piqued.

"Well, that person is right in front of you." Fan Le's grin grew even more lascivious.

"Fan Le, are you bragging again?" Another person approached, smiling as he regarded Fan Le. Evidently, this wasn't the first time Fan Le had unashamedly boasted in front of people.

Qin Wentian chuckled. Fan Le was an incredibly amusing character. Despite his penchant for bragging, he had a pretty good sense of humor.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, nine massive teams, each consisting of 5,000 individuals, marched out of the Eastern Heavenly Gate of the Royal Capital.

The Royal Capital stood encircled by the menacing Dark Forest. For 3,000 years, since the formation of Chu Country, it had witnessed numerous brutal clashes with the denizens of the forest's shadows. Thus, the gates and walls separating the Dark Forest from the Royal Capital were imposing, built with incredible strength and height. They formed a majestic sight, like a celestial moat surrounding the city.

Beyond the Eastern Heavenly Gate lay a smaller city, acting as a buffer zone connecting the Royal Capital to the Dark Forest. Here, many cultivators sought training and thrill-seekers looked for excitement. As they witnessed the 5,000 individuals from the nine martial academy camps approaching, they couldn't hide their astonishment.

"Wow, are those the applicants for the nine martial academies?"

"So many handsome lads and beautiful ladies, haha," grinned nearby thrill-seekers.

"Keep moving, set up your own camp in the Dark Forest," a commanding voice echoed from the air, causing the applicants to feel a sense of apprehension. They were about to spend many nights in this perilous forest, responsible for their own survival, hunting the forest's dangerous inhabitants for sustenance.

As night descended, the coalition of the nine academies reached the Dark Forest's boundary. Ahead, ancient trees stretched as far as the eye could see, an endless expanse. A heavy veil of demonic energy hung in the air, pressing down on them.

Everyone came to a halt, the silence hanging in the air unsettling. Every applicant understood that the coming days would be fraught with danger.

Elders from the nine martial academies perched on flying demonic beasts in the air addressed the applicants, "Now, you must enter the Dark Forest. By dawn tomorrow, you should be at least 10 li inside the forest. Consider this 10 li distance as the boundary of the designated 'safe zone.' If any of you are found in this zone before the training ends, you will automatically fail. You may enter now."

The safe zone, a 10 li perimeter from the forest's edge, was relatively safe, with fewer high-level demonic beasts.

"Qin Wentian, let's stick together," Fan Le proposed.

"Agreed," Qin Wentian replied. The 5,000 applicants, divided among the various academy camps, entered the Dark Forest. Once inside, they scattered in all directions, forming smaller groups of two or three.

Using faint starlight, some cultivators summoned ember sparks from their flame-type Astral Souls to illuminate the path. Others employed precious items like night illumination pearls.

"Let's venture a bit further and find a spacious spot to rest for the night. We'll leave the safe zone before dawn, so we won't break any rules," Fan Le whispered. In the darkness, everyone struggled to find their way. Fan Le and Qin Wentian used wooden branches lit with flintstone flames to light their way.

"Wait, someone seems to be watching us," Fan Le suddenly whispered, his sharp senses picking up on it. Qin Wentian had sensed it too.

In Sky Harmony City, he had killed Ye Mo and Ye Lang, displaying remarkable talent. The Ye Clan wouldn't let him off so easily. It was highly likely that Qin Wentian was one of the reasons this training expedition had been proposed. But at the same time, such an exercise would provide surviving students with real-life, life-and-death experiences, giving all nine martial academies a compelling reason to participate.