Tragic Roar

Tragic Roar...

This year, the martial academies had unanimously chosen the same location for their enrollment examination - the notorious Dark Forest. It seemed that the path of blood and danger was an essential rite of passage for young cultivators, a test they must endure to grow stronger. The academies agreed that these aspiring cultivators needed to be exposed to the harsh realities of their world before they could be considered true contenders.

In a ruthless world where strength reigned supreme, those who had chosen the path of cultivation had to move forward without hesitation. They had to survive countless perilous trials and never look back unless they were content with a mundane existence.

Outside the Dark Forest, in a small town filled with adventurers and thrill-seekers, hearty laughter erupted as they caught sight of a group of young cultivators approaching. Living on the edge of a blade every day was a horrifying ordeal, where no one knew when their time would run out. However, the arrival of these youths always brought a momentary spark of light to their bleak lives.

Inside the boundaries of the Dark Forest, a group of prospective students from the Emperor Star Academy was led by Qin Wentian, accompanied by Mo Qingcheng, Luo Huan, Mountain, Luo Chen, and Rain. Qin Wentian had become a person the academy needed to protect at all costs, his radiance making him a prime target for those who sought to extinguish it.

Though Gongyang Hong's reputation deterred most from openly attacking Qin Wentian, he still had to remain vigilant against hidden threats. The attempted assassination by Janus served as a grim reminder.

"Prepare yourselves to enter the Dark Forest, everyone," Mountain announced, turning to the prospective students of the Emperor Star Academy with a reassuring smile. "Remember, if you're dead, you won't be able to enroll in the Emperor Star Academy, will you?"

"Don't worry about us, Senior Mountain," Zi Jun declared with an excited grin, taking the lead among the group of students. His enthusiasm was palpable, and he couldn't contain his excitement.

"Alright, everyone, let's move in," Mountain said, waving them forward. He couldn't help but feel a mixture of nervousness and excitement as they entered the foreboding Dark Forest.

Qin Wentian gazed at the eager group of students, a radiant smile in his eyes. "Are you reminiscing about your experience from last year?" Rain asked from atop her white horse. Her gentle demeanor exuded warmth.

"Yeah, and I also felt wronged by someone," Qin Wentian replied, laughing.

Mo Qingcheng shot him a playful glare. "Who are you talking about?"

"The person already knows," Qin Wentian teased, "back then, she had the coldest attitude."

Mo Qingcheng huffed in mock annoyance. "Didn't I already apologize?"

Luo Huan interjected with a mischievous grin, "Stop flirting so openly, you two."

Mo Qingcheng blushed and retorted, "What are you saying?"

Luo Huan continued, "Junior Brother Qin is so talented in every way; even I'm smitten. If you don't want him, give him to me."

Qin Wentian chuckled wryly, looking at the teasing senior sister. Sometimes, she really seemed determined to make his life interesting.

Observing their reactions, Mo Qingcheng huffed again and briskly walked ahead, causing Rain and the others to burst into laughter.

Rain pondered silently, finding the intricacies of human relationships fascinating. It was incredible how words from an external party could easily foster goodwill between two individuals. It was clear that Luo Huan had a clever plan to bring Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng closer together.

Watching Qin Wentian urge his horse forward to catch up with Mo Qingcheng, Rain couldn't help but smile. They truly made an endearing couple.

The others mounted their horses and followed suit, heading deeper into the forest. As the group of prospective students ventured further into the Dark Forest, Mountain couldn't help but call out, "I'll go and keep an eye on Zi Jun."

With that, he galloped ahead into the depths of the forest.

A year ago, Mountain might not have taken such an initiative, but having learned of Qin Wentian's experiences and considering the recent turbulence in the Royal Capital, he wasn't willing to leave anything to chance.

"It seems like Senior Mountain has taken quite a liking to Zi Jun," Qin Wentian remarked as Rain, Luo Huan, and the others caught up.

"He's already thinking of himself as an Elder, acting like a mentor guiding his students," Luo Huan chuckled.

"Yes, you're right. Senior Mountain mentioned earlier that he's prepared to stay at the Emperor Star Academy. Somehow, when I look at him, I can see hints of Teacher Mustang," Qin Wentian said in a hushed tone. Every time he was with Mountain, he felt a protective aura akin to that of an older brother. Despite Mountain's seemingly slow demeanor, he remained composed and unruffled.

"I think it's related to his past experiences. Mountain was an orphan placed under Teacher Mustang's care at the age of ten. When Teacher Mustang discovered his aptitude for cultivation, he began mentoring him, treating him as his own son and guiding him with unwavering dedication. It's only natural that you see traces of Teacher Mustang in Mountain. Besides his talent, I believe his decision to stay on as a guest Elder at the academy after breaking through to Yuanfu is also a testament to Mustang's profound influence on him," Rain speculated.

Luo Huan spoke earnestly, her eyes filled with warmth. She, along with Mountain and many others, had grown up under Mustang's care.

"I see," Qin Wentian murmured, watching as Mountain's figure gradually disappeared into the depths of the Dark Forest.

"Luo Chen, Fatty, come with me. Sister Rain, junior brother Qin, and Miss Mo will form a separate group. Let's split up," Luo Huan directed. Her group veered left, while Qin Wentian's group headed to the right. Although it was an examination, they still needed to be prepared for unforeseen dangers.

"You two can continue chatting; I'll scout ahead," Rain told Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng before forging ahead. Qin Wentian couldn't help but be amused by Rain's transparent intentions.

In the quiet of the Dark Forest, Qin Wentian rode alongside Mo Qingcheng, but an inexplicable awkwardness hung in the air.

Mo Qingcheng turned to Qin Wentian and asked, "Dumbo, do you mind sharing your past with me?"

"What would you like to know?" Qin Wentian replied. "Before I came to the Royal Capital, I spent almost my entire life in the Qin Residence in Sky Harmony City. There's not much of note to tell."

"Did you not spend time with Autumn Snow?" Mo Qingcheng asked softly. It was as if she knew she shouldn't ask, and her face quickly flushed with embarrassment. She added, "You don't mind me asking, do you...?"

"Why would I mind? It's all in the past," Qin Wentian shrugged, offering a smile.

"Alright, then," Mo Qingcheng smiled sweetly. "Besides, you'll find an even better girl, so there's no need to dwell on the past."

"Find a better girl?" Qin Wentian blinked as he gazed at Mo Qingcheng. When it came to finding someone better, the number one beauty of Chu standing right before him surpassed Autumn Snow in virtually every aspect.

Seeing Qin Wentian's persistent gaze, Mo Qingcheng's face reddened once again. She glanced at him with exasperation and commented, "You rascal."

With that, she urged her horse forward. In the distance, a white crane soared gracefully in the sky.

"Wait, wasn't I 'Dumbo'? When did I become a rascal?" Qin Wentian rubbed his head and smiled, his eyes fixed on the beautiful silhouette in front of him.

In the blink of an eye, more than ten days had passed since they entered the Dark Forest. The prospective students from various martial academies were doing their best to survive, hunting demonic beasts. Many of them now understood the hardships of walking the martial path.

Meanwhile, Zi Jun reached a thicket of trees. His long spear pierced through the head of a demonic bear, finally killing it after great effort. He extracted the demonic core from its head and placed it in a pouch hanging from his side.

His shirt was in tatters, and blood stained his face, but he couldn't help but smile. He had already slain numerous low-level demonic beasts and had gathered enough demonic cores to exchange for Yuan Meteor Stones when he returned to the Royal Academy. With those stones, his cultivation speed would skyrocket.

Just thinking about it filled Zi Jun with happiness. His dream was to follow in Qin Wentian's footsteps and achieve the glory of becoming the champion of the Jun Lin Banquet next year.

With such a dream, he understood the hard work required, even in the face of danger. He was filled with unwavering determination.

Watching over him with admiration from beneath an ancient tree, Mountain knew that if Zi Jun didn't quite reach the level of Qin Wentian, he wouldn't be too far off.

Zi Jun continued forward. However, at that moment, a sharp gleam flickered in his eyes. He discarded the pouch filled with demonic cores, brandishing his long spear as whistling sounds cut through the air. Three arrows, like golden lightning, shot straight at him.

Zi Jun began to retreat. His long spear danced, turning into a rain of spears as thunderous crashes echoed. When the arrows made contact, Zi Jun was pushed back several steps, but he maintained his defense.

But in that moment, a long lance shot through the air with incredible speed, growing larger in Zi Jun's vision.

Puchi...

With incredible strength, the long lance was hurled by an unknown assailant. Zi Jun's body was lifted, soaring backward until he was impaled on an ancient tree.

The once-smiling youth was now engulfed in despair. He lowered his head, gazing at the long lance that had pierced through his heart. How could there be someone so powerful here, lying in ambush for him?!

In a heartbeat, the light in his eyes dimmed. Even in death, his eyes remained wide open, a testament to the grievance with which he had departed. He had only just begun to chase his dreams, hoping to accomplish them, but everything had ended prematurely.

"NOOOOOOOO!" A voice filled with terror and anger reverberated through the Dark Forest. Mountain unleashed his Astral Souls as he sprinted frantically toward the source of the scream. When the arrows had first appeared, a dreadful premonition had already gripped him, and he had started rushing toward Zi Jun. But it was all too late.

From a distance, rustling sounds filled the air. Pairs of eyes filled with chilling coldness and murderous intent emerged, fixated on Mountain as if he were their prey.

Mountain's roar was deafening, causing nearby cultivators to sprint in his direction.

By this time, Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng had caught up with Rain. The thunderous roar sent shivers down Qin Wentian's spine, a familiar sound echoing in his ears.

Without hesitation, Qin Wentian dismounted and a pair of Garuda Wings sprouted from his back. He shot forward with lightning speed.

Mo Qingcheng whistled, causing the hovering white crane to descend. She gracefully mounted it, flying in the direction of the roar.

Rain soared into the skies, following closely behind Qin Wentian.

The sense of unease was intensifying with every passing moment.