Inside Langya Academy, there were joyous cheers and a festive atmosphere.
Outside Langya Academy, it was as if a funeral was being held, with wails and cries forming a continuous stream.
The teachers and students who had betrayed Langya Academy, upon seeing the current state of the academy, beat their chests and stamped their feet, weeping bitterly.
Originally, they too should have been inside. Now, they could only stand outside, watching their former colleagues and classmates enjoy the wonderful cultivation environment.
A single wall separated them, creating a world of difference.
From this day forward, they were no longer fellow travelers.
It was imaginable that those who remained in the academy had a bright future, while they, the betrayers, had no hope.
This was a case of one wrong step leading to a complete loss.
It was very real and very cruel.
When this news reached Shengling Academy, Wu Kong was struck as if by lightning, becoming utterly dejected.
Zeng Qiyan, on the other hand, roared to the heavens, believing that all of this was Song Zhenwei's scheme and that he had fallen for the old trickster's trap, being designed out of Langya Academy.
If he could cultivate in the environment of Langya Academy now, he estimated that he could truly break through to the Mortal Immortal Realm within two years.
Upon arriving at Shengling Academy, Zeng Qiyan found that it was not as good as he had imagined. He was somewhat ostracized, and because he had only brought twenty people, he had no influence of his own, thus possessing very little say.
At this moment, he also felt some regret, but it was too late.
"This is quite interesting. I didn't expect Langya Academy to have such means to set up such a powerful Spirit Gathering Formation. However, as long as we defeat them in the Academy Competition and obtain that immortal sword, Langya Academy will have no power to resist Shengling Academy. By then, we will simply absorb Langya Academy."
Upon learning the news, the Dean of Shengling Academy, Zhao Yanyun, quickly formulated a plan, contemplating how to seize Langya.
If Langya Academy was considered a mere trifle in her eyes before, it had now become a coveted prize.
Zhao Yanyun harbored great ambitions. Her goal was not only to make Shengling Academy the number one academy in the Southern Region but also to venture beyond the Southern Region and compete with academies from other regions of the Xuanling Realm for the title of the greatest academy in the world.
The teachers and students who remained in Langya Academy were extremely fortunate to have made the right choice back then.
As for those students who firmly believed that Ji Mo was a "lucky charm," they considered this a benefit gained from their faith in Ji Mo and secretly worshipped Ji Mo even more diligently.
Everyone with discerning eyes within the academy knew that the series of changes in Langya Academy seemed to be inextricably linked to Ji Mo.
The emergence of three prodigious students, followed by the academy transforming into a sacred ground for cultivation – Ji Mo's shadow was present in all these events.
Consequently, the number of students worshipping Ji Mo grew, and even some teachers joined in.
In Qianlong City, many people began to harbor ulterior motives, trying every means to get their descendants into Langya Academy.
Previously, they had disdained Langya Academy, considering studying at Langya a disgrace and a source of great shame.
But now, they were desperately trying to find ways to enter Langya Academy.
As long as one could cultivate at Langya, even the most foolish would see their cultivation improve rapidly.
However, the admission criteria for Langya Academy had completely changed.
Instead of valuing aptitude or talent, the most important criterion was character.
This was Ji Mo's requirement: as long as one possessed good character and respected their teachers, then all could be taught without discrimination. Even with mediocre aptitude, one could still enroll in Langya.
Soon, a trend swept through Qianlong City, where entering Langya Academy was considered an honor.
If nothing else, being accepted proved that a person had good character and would be respected.
Langya Academy's reputation gradually shifted from bad to good, and its fame grew increasingly resonant.
On this day.
An uninvited guest arrived outside Langya Academy.
He was not a native of the Southern Region but hailed from the Eastern Region.
His purpose for this visit was to ascertain whether the student named Lin Mengmeng within Langya Academy had truly awakened the "Heaven Suppressing Overlord Body."
"Have your Dean come out to welcome me."
This person was arrogant and adopted a superior stance, ordering the old cultivator guarding the academy gate.
His face was filled with a sense of superiority, believing that the Southern Region was a barren land of barbarians and that everything here was inferior.
Moreover, his master was a renowned figure in the Eastern Region, and relying on his master's influence, he naturally became overbearing.
"What, are you also here to use back channels and want your descendant to enter our academy? Go to the admissions office to register. No matter who it is, they must pass the assessment to enroll; back channels are not allowed."
The old cultivator at the gate spoke.
These days, many people had tried to meet Song Zhenwei, seeking to use connections and back channels to get their descendants into Langya.
The old cultivator naturally categorized this person among them.
"What back channels? I am Meng Qi, from the Eastern Region. Quickly tell that Song Zhenwei to get out here and see me."
This person's face was filled with anger, and his eyes revealed a fierce glare.
"I don't care which region you are from. When you come to my Langya, you must follow the rules. If you are here to visit, state your origin and submit a calling card. I will help you pass it on, and the Dean will decide whether to see you."
The old cultivator was neither humble nor arrogant, not showing any deference simply because the other party was from the Eastern Region.
No matter who came, they had to follow the procedures.
If it were in the past, he might not have been so assertive, but Langya Academy was different now. As the facade of Langya, he naturally had to display Langya's integrity.
Meng Qi snorted, "A calling card? Song Zhenwei is not qualified to receive my calling card."
"Then you will never enter the gates of my Langya Academy."
The old cultivator exuded a faint aura of the early Saint Realm.
He was originally only at the Spirit Venerable cultivation level, with ordinary aptitude. By all rights, he would be unable to advance further in his life. However, due to the changes in Langya Academy's cultivation environment, he had also gained immense benefits, his cultivation skyrocketing, and he had entered the Spirit Saint Realm.
"A mere Spirit Saint dares to speak to me like this? You're seeking death!"
A hint of killing intent flowed in Meng Qi's eyes. He immediately waved his palm, and as if swatting a fly, he struck the cultivator away with a single blow.
"Pfft..."
The old cultivator spat out a mouthful of blood, revealing a look of horror. This person was actually a Demon Emperor.
"A Demon Emperor is attacking!"
The old cultivator used the last of his strength to let out a cry, then his head lolled, and he fainted.
Meng Qi did not kill the old cultivator on the spot, but rather allowed him to cry for help. His palm had completely shattered the old cultivator's dantian, meaning that even if he were saved, he would be crippled.
This showed how ruthless Meng Qi was.
"What, someone dares to cause trouble on my territory?"
Long Dazui happened to be nearby. Upon hearing the commotion, he rushed over quickly, thinking this was a perfect opportunity to show off and perhaps capture the hearts of some girls.
However, upon seeing Meng Qi, he turned and fled without a word, running away decisively.
It was not that he was cowardly or timid, but he could tell at a glance that Meng Qi was a peak Demon Emperor, someone he was utterly incapable of dealing with. He had to let Song Zhenwei handle it.
"Heh, coward. Frightened away by me and fleeing in panic."
Meng Qi laughed triumphantly, his face filled with disdain, believing that everyone at Langya Academy was a wimp.