Opening of the Sacred Academy

Opening of the Sacred Academy . . . 

Having vanquished Chu Qingyi, the path the Battle Saint Tribe had carved through the chaos began to crumble, a maelstrom of tyrannical attacks converging upon Qin Wentian. Astonishingly, in this dire moment, he chose not to evade, relinquishing all defenses as he stood resolute. The destructive onslaught bore down upon him, an inexorable force seeking his end.

A palpable aura of impending doom enveloped him. His life force waned, teetering on the precipice of extinguishment. The sensation of impending death loomed over him, stark and undeniable. His consciousness blurred gradually, approaching the brink of dissolution.

Meanwhile, in the tangible world, at the very altar where Qin Wentian sat, a guttural cry of anguish pierced the air. His body was violently hurled from the platform, wracked by intense agony. The experience of returning from the brink of death was vivid and unforgettable, his consciousness gradually resurfacing from the depths of oblivion. It felt surreal, as though he had traversed the veil between life and death.

Drawing a deep, shuddering breath, Qin Wentian grappled with a profound discomfort, an unsettling sensation that seemed to emanate from the depths of his psyche. The ordeal within the realm had left an indelible mark on his being. The memory of his own destruction, and subsequent revival, weighed heavily upon him, a mystical encounter beyond words.

Several graceful figures swiftly approached—Nanfeng Yunxi, Nanfeng Shengge, and Purgatory. Unbeknownst to him, they had remained in close proximity, their concern evident in their eyes.

"You were thrown from the platform," Nanfeng Yunxi observed, her voice tinged with worry. Qin Wentian rose to his feet, nodding in acknowledgment. "Inside, I confronted some unsettling challenges. Jun Mengchen was deliberately targeted by an unknown adversary. I'm considering whether I can locate an entrance leading to the other sacred academies."

"You wish to venture to other academies?" Nanfeng Shengge inquired, her gaze keen. It had become evident that the Sky Connecting Realm harbored more than just a single sacred academy.

"Yes," Qin Wentian affirmed. "The Sky Connecting Realm is a labyrinthine dimension, but Jun Mengchen's assailants had a tangible presence in the real world. I wonder if there's a method to access the other academies."

"This sacred academy is vast, akin to a world unto itself," Nanfeng Shengge mused. "It harbors countless secret realms, and perhaps a pathway to other academies exists. However, such a route remains undiscovered as of now. Considering that there are four distinct academies, each residing in separate dimensions, traversing between them won't be a simple task."

Qin Wentian's gaze fixated on their current surroundings, a determination kindling in his eyes. It appeared that his most prudent course of action was to cultivate diligently, fortify his strength, and prepare for any challenges that might arise within the enigmatic confines of the Sky Connecting Realm. By doing so, he could ensure that he possessed the power needed to confront whatever obstacles lay in his path.

In the hallowed sanctum of yet another sacred academy, a parallel drama unfolded, mirroring the intensity of the clash in the first academy. Here, at the very altar, Chu Qingyi was forcefully jolted from her elevated platform, her gaze radiating an icy wrath. Under the vigilant protection of numerous experts, the unthinkable had occurred—Qin Wentian, a supposed lower-level adversary, had breached their formidable defenses and dispatched her with a single, decisive strike. She, the revered holy maiden of the Snowdrift Sage Hall, an eminent and lofty figure, found herself humiliated to the core.

"Qin... Wen... Tian!" Chu Qingyi enunciated the name with chilling precision, each syllable dripping with venomous disdain, chilling the very marrow of those who bore witness to her words.

A mocking voice echoed through the air, breaking the tense silence. Chu Qingyi turned to face the two individuals assigned to monitor Jun Mengchen by her and Lei Ba. These two had been strategically stationed to oversee the unfolding events.

"You're laughing?" Chu Qingyi locked her icy gaze on Jun Mengchen.

"Why shouldn't I?" Jun Mengchen's voice was laced with sarcasm. "My senior brother made it crystal clear: if you didn't release me, he'd ensure your reputation crumbled to dust. Perhaps you should instruct these two lapdogs to leave." He leaned into his taunts, further provoking her. "I must admit, though, I'm quite curious—what did my senior brother do to elicit such dread from you? Your reaction is rather... intriguing. But given his temperament, I doubt he'd concern himself with someone of your character."

"Silence!" Chu Qingyi's form tensed, and an arctic gust of energy surged forth, enveloping Jun Mengchen. Frostbite rapidly encased his body, causing him to shiver uncontrollably.

In spite of his physical distress, Jun Mengchen clenched his teeth and defiantly retorted, "Ready to take it all the way, are you? I can play this game."

"Release him," Chu Qingyi's cold command pierced the air. The two figures guarding Jun Mengchen hesitated momentarily but eventually obeyed, distancing themselves from their charge.

"Be off!" Chu Qingyi waved them away, sending another chilling blast of energy crashing into Jun Mengchen, propelling him into the air before he collided harshly with the ground. His body, covered in frost, bore the scars of his ordeal, yet his unwavering resolve remained unbroken. "You're nothing but a vile harlot. If you've got the guts, don't let me go."

"Do you think I'm afraid to end you?" Chu Qingyi inched closer, provoked by Jun Mengchen's insult.

"Give it your best shot." Jun Mengchen's spirit remained unbroken. He stood tall once more, locking eyes with the formidable figure before him.

Suddenly, a deafening "BOOM!" reverberated through the space. Chu Qingyi advanced menacingly toward Jun Mengchen, her frigid aura intensifying. Yet, in that critical moment, a mysterious figure descended from the heavens, appearing beside Jun Mengchen. This enigmatic figure's eyes gleamed like piercing swords, capable of penetrating the hearts of those who dared cross their path. Confronting the overwhelming chill emanating from Chu Qingyi, this newcomer's aura of sword-like qi coalesced into an impenetrable barrier around Jun Mengchen. Chu Qingyi's frigid onslaught found itself thwarted by this formidable defense.

Jun Mengchen was momentarily stunned, his gaze locking onto the unexpected savior. A faint smile of recognition graced his lips.

The rescuer was none other than a fellow disciple from the Heavenly Talisman Realm.

Though it was customary for disciples of their realm to maintain a discreet distance in public, they couldn't idly stand by when one of their own was subjected to humiliation and mistreatment. Solidarity among the disciples of the Heavenly Talisman Realm ran deep, transcending the boundaries of convention and protocol.

In the midst of this dramatic confrontation, an unexpected savior emerged, casting an imposing presence over the unfolding conflict. The interloper's words were delivered with a sense of moral indignation, chastising the egregious bullying he witnessed. His powerful aura bore the mark of a member from the Heavenly Talisman Realm, a stalwart ally from the past who had explored the ancient mountain within the God Hand Mountain Manor alongside Qin Wentian. His reputation preceded him, bolstered by his entry into the sacred academy under the guise of a disciple from the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect—a strategic choice that granted him the freedom to intervene without arousing suspicion.

Chu Qingyi's gaze bore into this mysterious newcomer, her voice tinged with irritation as she demanded to know his identity.

"That's not of concern to you," he retorted icily, his unwavering eyes locked onto hers. "For this matter, I demand a satisfactory answer."

In a tone that resonated with domineering authority, Chu Qingyi countered, "I am the holy maiden of the Snowdrift Sacred Hall. Why should I answer to you?"

However, Jun Mengchen stepped forward, revealing the sordid truth behind the tangled web of vendettas. "This woman was vanquished by Senior Brother Qin in the Sky Connecting Realm and sought retribution. She enlisted others to exact vengeance, ensnaring me in her scheme. She aimed to coerce me into revealing the secret art of establishing a saint-grade immortal foundation, even forcing me into the Sky Connecting Realm as leverage against Senior Brother Qin," he declared, laying bare the depths of Chu Qingyi's machinations.

The Heavenly Talisman Realm's representative scornfully rebuked her, "The Heavenly Dao Sacred Academy was originally a battleground for the pinnacle of genius cultivators to test their mettle. Yet, you implicate the innocent because you couldn't bear the sting of defeat? Your shamelessness knows no bounds."

With that, he took a decisive step forward, and a formidable vortex of sword energy unfurled, encasing the entire area. Chu Qingyi's features contorted as the razor-sharp aura of countless swords bore down upon her, her skin prickling with their imminent assault. It felt as though a mere thought from her opponent could summon a million swords to pierce her heart.

Chu Qingyi's frosty demeanor did not waver, and she challenged, "Do you truly intend to take action against me?"

"Ordinarily, I refrain from challenging those of lower cultivation. However, since you were the first to discard decency and decorum, I see no reason to extend you any courtesy," he responded, his voice resolute. With that declaration, he advanced, thrusting forth with a sword-like finger that emitted a blinding beam of light. Chu Qingyi attempted to retreat, but the gulf in their power proved insurmountable. The feeling of helplessness mirrored the despair that had once engulfed Jun Mengchen during his battle with Lei Ba.

The sword-like finger found its mark, propelling Chu Qingyi into the air before she crashed unceremoniously to the ground. Blood gushed from her lips, her visage ashen. Once more, she had been subjected to profound humiliation.

This sacred maiden of the Snowdrift Sacred Hall, accustomed to reverence and honor, found herself enduring a depth of disgrace she had never before encountered. Her journey within the Heavenly Dao Sacred Academy had etched a memory that would haunt her forever.

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It's always best to maintain some semblance of dignity," the Heavenly Talisman Realm's representative declared, his emotions concealed beneath an austere veneer. Without sparing Chu Qingyi another glance, he turned his attention to Jun Mengchen. The two departed, soaring away atop a swift sword, vanishing from sight in the blink of an eye.

Chu Qingyi's scream reverberated through the air, a culmination of shame and fury. Her heart brimmed with a resolve to exact vengeance upon her tormentors.

Spectators in the vicinity bore witness to the sight of the Snowdrift Sacred Hall's holy maiden in disarray, their hearts quaking. The Heavenly Dao Sacred Academy, a crucible of ruthless competition among the immortal realm's elite talents, left no room for exceptions, regardless of one's prestigious lineage. The backdrop of similar backgrounds and power-drenched bloodlines offered no reprieve or special treatment. The lesson was clear: maintaining one's dignity amid the cutthroat world of the sacred academy was an absolute necessity.

After a considerable span of time, Lei Ba, Skymist Mu, and their companions began to stir upon the platform. The five experts from the Battle Saint Tribe, despite their combined might, had failed to make any headway against the quintet of formidable experts. This experience only deepened their impression of the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect, leaving an indelible mark upon their understanding of the academy's might and complexity.

Amidst the swirling currents of conflict and tension, a name resounded with urgency and concern, escaping the lips of Lei Ba as he observed the tumultuous fluctuations in Chu Qingyi's aura. Her pallid visage, a stark departure from her customary grace, hinted at concealed injuries. Casting an inquisitive glance at the two figures flanking her, he couldn't help but demand answers. "What transpired here?" he queried, his tone laden with worry.

One of the nearby onlookers hastened to respond, shedding light on the recent events. "An adept from Jun Mengchen's sect came to his rescue, injuring the holy maiden in the process," the informant revealed.

Lei Ba's countenance darkened, and a thunderous resonance seemed to emanate from the very core of his being. The potent energy of thunder crackled and gathered around him, a harbinger of the tempestuous storm within. "The Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect wields formidable strength, particularly at the level of immortal foundation. We've crossed blades with them before, and I can attest to their overwhelming combat prowess. Their actions clearly demonstrate their disregard for the honor of the Snowdrift Sage Hall and the Thundergod Hall," Skymist Mu interjected, his words tinged with provocation.

"In that case, if they seek war, we shall meet them on the battlefield. I will rally forces from other factions, and any member of the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect who dares to cross our path will pay a grievous price," Lei Ba declared, his voice resounding like a war drum. His unwavering resolve burned brightly, fueled by a thirst for vengeance. Rarely had he suffered defeat, but today's outcome marked a profound exception. His initial intention had been to stand by Chu Qingyi's side, but fate had cruelly snatched her away before his very eyes, leaving her grievously wounded in the tangible world.

However, a sudden shift in the atmosphere diverted their attention. Gazing skyward, several individuals marveled at the awe-inspiring spectacle unfolding before them. Numerous figures ascended into the heavens, their presence heralded by a dazzling array of rainbow-colored lights that blanketed the dimension in a mesmerizing aura.

A resounding "BOOM" reverberated through the air like the tolling of a sacred bell, sending shockwaves through the hearts of all who bore witness. Upon the Sky Connecting Altar, the seated participants gradually roused from their slumber, their eyes reflecting a sense of bewilderment. The sound of the bell, both sonorous and profound, had stirred them from their reverie.

Again, the bell sounded, its resonance echoing the very essence of the Great Dao itself. Far on the distant horizon, an ethereal academy materialized, its luminous form pulsating with radiant brilliance.

"The twelve-year cycle has arrived. The Sacred Academy unveils its gates, unveiling the mysteries of the Great Dao," proclaimed a resonant voice, its thunderous authority causing the very dimension to quiver. The reverberations reverenced the heavens, leaving many to cover their ears in the face of such overpowering might. Regardless of which of the four academies they belonged to, all present heard the same resounding declaration, reverberating through the very core of their existence.