Sacred Academy’s Quota

Sacred Academy's Quota . . . 

The ethereal figure presiding over the sacrificial altar began to speak. Instantly, a procession of immortal kings rushed forward, ascending the towering platform. As they stepped onto this sacred ground, a remarkable energy enshrouded their bodies. Their forms seemed to blur, revealing the intricate network of their bones and meridians, radiating with a dazzling brilliance.

"In the realm of cultivation, immortal kings have already reached a certain level, and their paths are well-defined. Their potential is relatively easier to gauge. In contrast, immortal emperors, if we liken immortal foundation to its embryonic form, have already solidified and stabilized their foundation. Hence, they do not qualify for admission to the Heavenly Dao Sacred Academy," Bai Wuya explained in hushed tones. All eyes were fixed on the towering platform. Moments later, rays of light emanated from the scepter, descending upon the hundred immortal kings who had ascended.

This scepter possessed the unique ability to connect the bones, blood vessels, and meridians of the immortal kings. A hundred glimmers bathed the surroundings, but soon, the radiance from several of the immortal kings began to dim and fade into nothingness.

"For those who no longer shine, you may step down," declared the illusory figure. Many wore expressions of disappointment. These were peak-level immortal kings from major powers, yet a majority no longer gleamed under the scepter's light. They could only gracefully descend from the towering platform, feeling a mixture of awkwardness and embarrassment.

"Those of you who remain have passed the criteria and are eligible to enter the sacred academy," the scepter's light transformed into runes inscribed upon their bodies. The immortal kings who met the requirements proceeded into the academy and vanished from sight.

"Next group," continued the figure, and another batch of a hundred immortal kings ascended the platform. This group included renowned immortal kings, eliciting excited exclamations from the spectators below.

The residents of Nine Tripod City recognized some supreme immortal kings, shouting their names when they spotted them. However, Qin Wentian, unfamiliar with the elite of the immortal realm, remained relatively uninterested. Even if a renowned immortal king stood before him, it wouldn't pique his curiosity. Nevertheless, he noticed that the success rate for elite immortal kings to enter the sacred academy was remarkably low, even at their level.

The competition was fierce, with countless experts vying for entry. Despite the low success rate, a considerable number achieved it.

Finally, Bai Wuya spoke up, saying, "I will attempt this with the other immortal kings. Once I gain entry, take care of yourselves."

Qin Wentian couldn't help but smile at Bai Wuya's unwavering confidence. This senior of his exuded an air of assurance, as if his admission to the sacred academy were guaranteed. The people around him also shared in the laughter, their trust in Bai Wuya unwavering.

As Qin Wentian ascended the towering platform, many immortal kings from the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect joined him. Among them, he couldn't help but notice the presence of Beiming Youhuang, the enchanting princess from the Darknorth Immortal Dynasty.

The scepter's radiant light encompassed them all. However, the brilliance emanating from Bai Wuya and Beiming Youhuang seemed to outshine the rest. Smiles graced the faces of everyone from the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect. Indeed, they thought, the White-Robed Immortal King lived up to his renowned reputation.

Apart from Bai Wuya, several other immortal kings from the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect successfully gained entry into the Heavenly Dao Sacred Academy. Qin Wentian was aware that those who met the criteria were all his senior brothers from the Heavenly Talisman Realm. However, not everyone from the Heavenly Talisman Realm managed to pass the entrance test.

The standards for entering the Heavenly Talisman Realm were incredibly stringent. Qin Wentian had realized that, while he initially joined with limited exposure, he had since grown much stronger. His expanded horizons revealed that not everyone in the Heavenly Talisman Realm possessed peak-tier, demon-level genius. Instead, they were individuals with extraordinary talent.

Time flowed on, and many familiar faces from Qin Wentian's past began to appear. Even the senior apprentice sister who inducted Zi Qingxuan into the Heavenly Talisman Realm made an appearance. Evergreen Longhao and Zi Daolong, the son of the Violet Emperor, were also among the crowd.

Although the criteria were set for immortal kings to reach that level within 10,000 years of cultivation, the number of immortal kings who appeared seemed endless. The magnetic pull of the sacred academy proved irresistibly strong. And yet, these were only immortal kings; an even larger number of immortal-foundation experts still awaited their opportunity.

Finally, the stream of immortal kings ceased ascending the towering platform.

The illusory figure holding the scepter displayed no signs of fatigue. His gaze swept across the vast assembly as he announced, "Next in line are the immortal-foundation experts. Those over 10,000 years old without violet-gold astral souls or those who haven't cultivated a king-grade immortal foundation need not come forth."

As the last words left his lips, countless individuals with less impressive talents wore dejected expressions. They had hoped to test their luck, yet the illusory figure's initial statement extinguished their hopes.

For immortal-foundation experts, those older than 10,000 years, those lacking violet-gold astral souls, and those who hadn't cultivated at least a king-grade immortal foundation were excluded.

These three criteria were only the initial filters. Admission to the sacred academy depended on passing further examinations. Failure to do so meant rejection.

"In addition, there's a quota for admission. Regardless of the number present, the sacred academy will only admit 20,000 individuals, including demonic beasts," the figure continued, sending waves of unease through the crowd. The gathered multitude numbered in the countless thousands, yet only a mere 20,000 would gain entry.

Though 20,000 might sound like a substantial number, it was astoundingly limited. Consider the multitude of peak powers across the immortal realms, each with tens of thousands of elite members present here today. These elites alone numbered well over a hundred thousand, not including those from other immortal-emperor level powers.

"In light of the overwhelming numbers, I've decided to select the most exceptional talents first," proclaimed the illusory figure, brandishing his scepter as he approached the platform's edge. He peered out at the vast crowd below, announcing a new condition.

As his voice resounded, individuals surged forward, making their way to a location not far from the towering platform.

Disciples from the pinnacle powers of the immortal realms took the initiative to step forward. Many talented youths exuded unwavering self-assuredness as they strode ahead with heads held high.

Simultaneously, numerous powerful pure-blooded greater demons advanced, staking their claim on a specific area of the platform.

From the Myriad Devil Islands, a group exuding fearsome devilish aura emerged. Their eyes brimmed with provocation as they locked gazes with the surrounding experts.

"After we enter the sacred academy, let's capture some of these devil island folks to serve as our slaves," a pure-blooded greater demon from the Sky Roc Race declared coldly, displaying utter disdain.

"These pure-blooded demonic beasts are perfect for use as mounts, especially for the Sky Roc Race. Even if we can't tame them, we can roast and consume their nourishing flesh," a devil-practitioner from the Myriad Devil Islands remarked with a bloodthirsty gleam in his eye, exuding a ferocious aura.

"Enough of this bickering. Save it for after we gain entry to the sacred academy," a stern voice interjected. It emanated from a young man hailing from the Nine-Emperors Immortal Empire. His emperor's aura was unmatched, naturally casting him as a born leader. Despite his youth, his demeanor exuded regal authority.

"Who do you think you are? How dare you speak to me in such a manner?" The Sky Roc Race expert refused to let the slight pass unanswered. With the illusory figure making no effort to intervene, the surrounding spectators observed with keen interest.

All these individuals hailed from the peak powers of the immortal realms, each brimming with confidence and unwilling to acknowledge any inferiority. Should they all secure admission to the Heavenly Dao Sacred Academy, the ensuing clash would be nothing short of a spectacle.

At that moment, several members of the Southern Phoenix Clan stepped forward, catching Qing'er's eye. She glanced toward the direction of the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect before joining them.

"We should go as well," Qin Wentian declared, and a contingent of immortal-foundation experts from the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect followed suit.

Witnessing this scene, onlookers couldn't help but express their confusion. Which power were these individuals from? Despite the latest criteria being explicitly stated, an unusually large number of confident young talents emerged from their midst.

The illusory figure had been quite clear. Even for esteemed powers such as the Nine-Emperors Immortal Empire, Chasing Sun Immortal Empire, and the Sky Roc Race, only around ten to twenty experts from each stepped forward. Yet this particular group mustered an astonishing fifty to sixty participants. Such a high number was truly remarkable.

The members of the Skymist Immortal Empire couldn't help but furrow their brows as they observed the unfolding scene. A group of their elite members had already stepped forward, and the audacity of the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect left them bewildered. What right did this sect have to display such arrogance, sending forth such a substantial contingent? It seemed like they were inviting humiliation upon themselves.

Indeed, the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect had a significant representation. In addition to Qin Wentian's thirty-six Battle Saint Tribe members, Jun Mengchen, Purgatory, and Little Rascal, they totaled forty individuals. Furthermore, a few disciples from the Heavenly Talisman Realm were sprinkled among them. Hence, their count easily reached fifty to sixty, surpassing the number of experts from the Nine-Emperors Immortal Empire, Chasing Sun Immortal Empire, and even longstanding clans like the Ancient Ying Clan and Southern Phoenix Clan.

"Where did this sect spring from? Are they so oblivious to the vastness of the heavens and earth?" scoffed someone in the crowd.

The experts from the Nine-Emperors Immortal Empire regarded them with frowns etching their faces. When they spotted Qin Wentian and his group advancing, one of their experts spoke up. "Haven't you heard the conditions laid out earlier? Don't assume that being in your sect's territory grants you the freedom to act recklessly."

"We are well aware of the conditions," Jun Mengchen replied confidently.

"How audacious," sneered an expert from the Myriad Devil Islands. "It seems that cultivators of the immortal realms are growing increasingly impudent, grossly overestimating their worth."

"Where do you hail from?" inquired a beautiful maiden resembling a fairy from the Jadestage Immortal Palace, her smile radiant.

"We are from the Eastern Regions of the immortal realms, representing the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect," Qin Wentian responded.

"Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect? I've never heard of it," chimed in an expert from a prominent power in the Central Regions.

"It's a newly emerging sect. Frankly, they aren't even worth mentioning," another individual interjected.

Qin Wentian gazed at the person who spoke and retorted, "You will soon become acquainted with the name of the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect." His words were infused with unwavering confidence, leaving an air of intrigue and anticipation among the onlookers.