Chapter 123: Recruitment Resumes

Chapter 123: Recruitment Resumes

The South Spirit Plaza teemed with excitement as the Royal Academy's spring recruitment began. Crowds filled the enormous square, eager to witness or participate in the testing process. Delegates from prominent families escorted their youths, hoping to see them accepted into the prestigious academy.

The Mu Family's Entrance

Amidst the throngs, the Mu family stood out, with over twenty young disciples gathered in preparation for the tests. Yet, all eyes gravitated toward a silver-masked, white-haired youth standing tall among them — Mu Feng, or as he was now widely known, "Feng Ye."

Whispers rippled through the crowd:

"Look, it's him! The one they call Feng Ye, the prodigy of the Rune Masters Guild."

"Is it true he's a dual-discipline rune master at only seventeen?"

"He supposedly earned the mentorship of two grandmasters, the Rune Guild's most powerful leaders. What a terrifying talent!"

"Do you think he's wearing the mask because he's disfigured?"

"Disfigured or not, that kind of talent is more than enough to overshadow any shortcomings."

The murmurs carried a mix of awe, jealousy, and admiration. Feng Ye's recent rise to fame had already drawn the attention of countless noble families, their younger members gawking with curiosity and ambition.

Even among the Mu disciples, reactions were mixed. Many cast envious glances, some muttering their disbelief or unease at the sudden emergence of such a prodigious figure.

On the Central Platform

The Royal Academy's delegation, stationed on an elevated platform, presided over the proceedings. Three blue-robed elders sat in positions of authority, flanked by promising young academy students. Among them was the notable Shangguan Qianzhi, a nineteen-year-old who radiated confidence. With his sharp features and impressive aura, he drew his own share of attention.

Since entering the academy, Shangguan Qianzhi had ascended rapidly, reaching Purple Palace Realm Level 6, a significant leap from his abilities two years prior. Yet, his mood darkened when his gaze swept over the Mu family's ranks.

"Mu Feng..." he muttered under his breath, his lips curling into a sardonic smile. "If only you were still alive. I would have relished humiliating you today in front of the entire kingdom."

Behind him, Elder Zhao Heng, the man who had once ridiculed Mu Feng and dismissed him as a cripple, remained composed, oblivious to the resurrection of the youth he had once scorned.

Royal Academy's Recruitment Tests Begin

The testing apparatus, a towering white stone monument known as the Spirit Bone Stone, stood at the center of the plaza. Each candidate was to place their hands on the stone, which would evaluate their spiritual bone grade, martial potential, and compatibility with cultivation.

One by one, candidates stepped forward.

"Li Xiang of the Li family!"

The first test-taker, a young boy, nervously approached the stone. A faint blue light illuminated from his hands as he touched the monument, earning a moderate reaction from the crowd.

"Bone Grade: Intermediate Blue. Compatible for Purple Palace Realm cultivation. Pass!"

Applause followed, though it was lukewarm.

The tests continued with varying results. Only the rare flashes of golden or crimson hues, signaling superior or rare bone types, managed to truly excite the onlookers.

The Academy's Interest in Mu Feng

Back on the platform, the academy elders exchanged hushed conversations.

"I hear this Feng Ye has dual-discipline rune mastery. Such talent is sorely needed in our academy's Rune Division," remarked the rotund elder.

The female elder in the blue robe nodded in agreement. "Indeed, if his abilities are as extraordinary as claimed, his addition could revitalize our research efforts."

Zhao Heng, however, sneered. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. No matter how talented he may be in rune studies, the Mu family remains a declining power. Such brilliance would be wasted under their banner."

The other two elders frowned at his tone but refrained from pressing further.

Schemes in the Shadows

On a nearby balcony overlooking the plaza, Prince Nan Hao observed the scene, his gaze fixed on the silver-haired youth below. His face betrayed no emotion, but the tension in the air around him was palpable.

"This boy… Feng Ye," he mused aloud. "It seems the Mu family has found a glimmer of hope amidst their decay. A shame it will be extinguished."

Behind him, a diminutive figure knelt — the same assassin who had survived the previous night's ambush attempt.

"Your Highness, forgive my failure—"

Nan Hao cut him off with a wave of his hand. "Spare me your groveling. I'm not interested in excuses. For now, we'll refrain from further action. Let him enter the academy if he wishes."

Another figure stepped forward, this one dressed in formal attire and exuding a calculated air. Duan Qianmou, a trusted advisor, spoke up:

"Your Highness, if I may, we should consider wooing this Feng Ye to our side. Young prodigies are easily swayed with promises of wealth and power. A boy like him would be tempted by more... tangible gifts."

Nan Hao's lips curled into a sly grin. "Very well. Offer him the finest treasures we've acquired. If he refuses, we'll ensure his loyalty through other means."

Duan Qianmou bowed, already formulating plans to lure the prodigy into the prince's fold.

Mu Feng's Turn

As the crowd continued to marvel at the tests, the Mu family's turn approached.

"Mu Feng!"

The silver-haired youth stepped forward, his gait steady and commanding. A hush fell over the plaza as all eyes turned to him.

"Is this the famed Feng Ye? Let's see if his reputation is truly deserved!"

The elders on the platform leaned forward, their curiosity piqued. Even Zhao Heng, despite his disdain, couldn't hide a flicker of interest.

Mu Feng placed his hands on the Spirit Bone Stone. A moment passed, then—

Boom!

The stone erupted in a dazzling array of light. Crimson, gold, and violet hues intertwined, bathing the plaza in a radiant glow. Gasps of astonishment rippled through the crowd.

"Grade: Supreme Crimson. Spiritual Potential: Perfect Compatibility for Royal Realm Cultivation!"

The announcement sent shockwaves through the audience.

"This… this is a once-in-a-generation talent!"

Even the academy elders couldn't suppress their excitement. Zhao Heng's sneer faltered, replaced by a rare expression of shock.

Mu Feng's crimson eyes gleamed beneath his mask as he turned to face the crowd, his voice calm yet powerful:

"I came here today to claim my place in the Royal Academy. And no one shall stop me."

The crowd roared, their cheers echoing through the plaza. A new chapter in Mu Feng's journey had just begun.