As dawn broke the next morning, within a mountain range in the Tri-Domain, a large crowd had gathered. These individuals were all exceptionally talented, young prodigies, possessing a distinguished bearing.
As people continued to arrive within the mountain range, each exuded an extraordinary aura.
This mountain range was named Tongtian Mountain, a place frequented by elders of the Tongtian Academy. Today was the day of the Tongtian Academy's assessment, and it was expected that elders from the academy would arrive. This presented an extremely rare opportunity for them to enter the Tongtian Academy.
Therefore, many of the younger generation had arrived early to secure their spot, fearing they might miss the auspicious hour.
They had sacrificed a great deal to gain entry into the Tongtian Academy, and now was the time to prove themselves and enter. Naturally, they were incredibly eager.
Amidst the crowd, Shen Ye Hong stood tall, accompanied by two attendants. They seemed out of place, as if the people around them were not worthy of his presence.
"Princess, today is the assessment day for Tongtian Academy. If you can successfully enter, you will become a sage in the future!"
"Indeed, indeed! If you can achieve this, upon returning to the Taiyan Dynasty, you will surely be greatly admired by all."
Several maids spoke in unison, their anticipation growing, as Shen Ye Hong's advancement would also greatly benefit them.
"Naturally," Shen Ye Hong nodded slightly, his expression calm, as if all of this was commonplace in his eyes.
However, at that moment, he noticed a figure approaching in the distance. This person was Liu Li.
"I truly didn't expect disciples from Shenji Mountain to come here!" Shen Ye Hong remarked, "Do you also wish to enter the Tongtian Academy?"
"Entering the Tongtian Academy has always been my aspiration!" Liu Li smiled, "I did not expect Princess Ye Hong to be here as well."
"Naturally. As a princess of the Taiyan Dynasty, how could I not come when the Tongtian Academy opens its doors?" Shen Ye Hong said calmly, "However, in previous years, it has always been quite difficult to enter the Tongtian Academy. With your strength, I fear you may not be able to get in."
"Princess, rest assured. I have divined the heavenly secrets before coming. This time, I will definitely be able to enter the Tongtian Academy," Liu Li stated directly, while casting her gaze in other directions.
At this very moment, Shen Ye Hong felt a surge of displeasure and annoyance. In his opinion, Liu Li was merely the senior disciple of Shenji Mountain, not on his level. He disdained such individuals.
"He's here too!"
Just then, Liu Li's gaze fell upon a figure in the distance. It was Lu Fan, accompanied by Zhao Han Xue.
Shen Ye Hong followed her gaze. Upon seeing Lu Fan, his face flushed slightly. Since learning of Lu Fan's strength, Shen Ye Hong's attitude towards him had changed considerably.
At least in his eyes, Lu Fan was now qualified. If it were possible, he wouldn't mind.
However, he was also acutely aware that with things having reached this point, it would be quite difficult to make Lu Fan develop feelings for him. After all, he was the one who had abandoned Lu Fan, even attempting to harm him. This would undoubtedly remain a thorn in Lu Fan's heart.
"What a coincidence, I didn't expect to meet you here," Lu Fan said, his gaze falling upon Liu Li. "You've become much prettier since I last saw you."
"Mr. Lu is too kind!" Liu Li replied, a hint of awkwardness in her voice. She was unsure of Lu Fan's intentions. She knew very well that the previous Lu Fan would never have spoken to her so casually. This current behavior was likely intentional.
Shen Ye Hong's expression soured at this exchange. In his heart, Lu Fan belonged to him. Even if he didn't want him, no one else could have him.
As they were conversing, a surge of radiant light suddenly emanated from within the entire Tongtian Mountain range. This light illuminated the entire mountain, causing it to tremble.
The people present all frowned and looked towards the center of the Tongtian Mountain range. At the center, a white-haired elder appeared, accompanied by several disciples dressed in white robes.
"The Tongtian Academy is recruiting disciples today. Are you the ones here for the assessment?" the white-haired elder inquired, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, sharp and not like that of an ordinary person.
"We are all here for the assessment!" a man said, cupping his fist. "If not, why would we have come to Tongtian Mountain!"
"Entering the Tongtian Academy is not difficult. This year's assessment is also very simple," the white-haired elder smiled. "I am the Eighteenth Elder of the Tongtian Academy. You can also call me Elder Eighteen."
"Elder Eighteen?" Zhao Han Xue expressed slight surprise. He had long known that the Tongtian Academy had many elders, but hearing it now confirmed their considerable number.
"You may not be familiar with the Tongtian Academy, but that does not prevent you from entering it," Elder Eighteen smiled. "The assessment for entry into the Tongtian Academy this time is to enter the Myriad Demon Cave!"
"Enter the Myriad Demon Cave?"
The crowd gasped, their complexions turning pale. They had never imagined that to enter the Tongtian Academy, they would have to go to such a dangerous place.
"Elder Eighteen, the Myriad Demon Cave is on the outskirts of Shenhuang Mountain. Although it is not as dangerous as Shenhuang Mountain, it is still a forbidden zone!" Zhao Han Xue stated directly, "Why are you asking us to go to the Myriad Demon Cave? Are you trying to send us to our deaths?"
"You could say that!" Elder Eighteen nodded slightly. "To become a disciple of the Tongtian Academy, one must possess a spirit that fears no death. If you lack this, how can you become a disciple of the academy."
"Elder, your words are mistaken. Our purpose in entering the Tongtian Academy is to improve our cultivation, not to die," Shen Ye Hong stated directly. "I have heard of the Myriad Demon Cave. Even a sage might not emerge alive from it, let alone us."
"As I said, you have the option not to go!" Elder Eighteen smiled. "Furthermore, the number of disciples recruited by the Tongtian Academy this time is limited. Only thirty-six disciples will be accepted, not one more!"
Upon hearing this, the expressions of those present shifted slightly. They had not expected the Tongtian Academy's recruitment scale to be so small, which would greatly increase their competitive pressure.
"The main mission this time is to go to the Myriad Demon Cave and retrieve sacred artifacts!" Elder Eighteen stated directly. "Within the Myriad Demon Cave, there are thirty-six sacred artifacts. These artifacts are treasures of the Tongtian Academy. If you can obtain them, you will be able to enter the Tongtian Academy and pass the assessment."