Dragon Phoenix Academy, one of the Four Great Ancient Academies.
This was an ancient academy that had existed for nearly 100 thousand years. Their aim was to train powerful human cultivators to protect and maintain the peace of the dominion. One ought to know that the dominion was mainly a territory of humans. Of course, it also contained many powerful races. The moment humans showed weakness, they would definitely suffer the cleansing of the other races, losing the places they could live, and might even suffer extinction.
The Four Great Ancient Academies shouldered the burden of nurturing generation after generation of powerful humans. They maintained absolute neutrality and would not be involved in the struggles between any organizations or be bothered about any injustices that might be happening.
The only time they would take action was when the entire human race was threatened. With their strength, they would destroy the calamity. The Dragon Phoenix Academy was located at the Dragon Phoenix Mountain Range, occupying an area larger than three cities. The academy was constructed on a space surrounded by mountains, akin to a city among mountains.
Looking at the academy from far away, one would have a sensation that the auras of dragons and phoenixes were swirling above the academy, enveloping the academy with an enigmatic ancient aura.
Thin mist drifted about the mountain peaks, and rows upon rows of elegant and ancient buildings could vaguely be seen behind the mist. Every now and then, flying beasts would fly across the sky. The entire academy gave off a sensation that one had arrived at a divine kingdom.
At this moment, Xiang Shaoyun, Tang Longfei, and company had passed through numerous obstacles to arrive before the Dragon Phoenix Academy’s entrance. The entrance was placed between two mountains, looking like the mouth of a massive dragon. The 81 steps of stairs before it were akin to the teeth of a dragon, shining with a luster that exuded extraordinariness.
When they looked up the stairs, two massive pillars entered their vision. In between the pillars was a board with “Dragon Phoenix Academy” written on it. The words were written with vigorous and fascinating strokes and were flamboyant and bold—powerful yet elegant, exceedingly shocking to behold.
“Is this the Dragon Phoenix Academy? We’re finally here!” Ning Wenhuang cried out, no longer able to hide her excitement.
“Yes. We have to get through the remaining rounds of the test as well and become official disciples of the Dragon Phoenix Academy!” Tang Longfei said as he clenched his fists tightly.
Even Lady Shura, who had always remained calm, couldn’t help but to grab at Xiang Shaoyun and declare, “I will definitely be able to join the academy!”
“Um. You must remain confident in yourself,” said Xiang Shaoyun with a nod.
As for the Han Clan sisters, the influence of the others and the grand aura the academy exuded also caused them to be filled with excitement. On their way here, they had been in deep thought. They had also confirmed the relationship between Xiang Shaoyun and Lady Shura.
The combat prowess Lady Shura had displayed was far beyond what they were capable of. In fact, not even Ning Wenhuang was comparable to Lady Shura. Thus, for the sisters, it was understandable why Xiang Shaoyun would select her over them. Therefore, they made a firm resolution to quickly catch up to him to change his opinion of them.
The group looked for an empty spot and sat down cross-legged to take a short break. They had only spent six days to reach this place and had one additional day remaining. Therefore, they had to wait for the others to arrive as well before they could know the contents of the second round.
As they waited, the number of people arriving was neither high nor low, and the final number of people that could arrive after one more day was unknown. But from what they saw so far, it was certain that at least half of the original participants would fail to arrive. Xiang Shaoyun was about to sink into meditation when he caught the glimpse of a group of people. They instantly filled his eyes with fury.
“Di Tong, Di Shang!” Xiang Shaoyun exclaimed.
The two were accompanied by a few other young geniuses. Di Lin, who he hated most, was nowhere to be seen, but he was sure this enemy of his must have arrived as well. Both Di Tong and Di Shang also looked at Xiang Shaoyun, and as they saw him, a sharp glint appeared in their eyes.
A toying smile appeared on Di Shang’s face as he said, “Little Brother Yun, you’re here as well? This is worthy of celebration!”
Xiang Shaoyun clenched his fists tightly, to the point cracking sounds could be heard. It was obvious how much anger he was in. This was the first time Lady Shura and Han Clan sisters saw him so furious. They thus looked over at Di Tong and Di Shang, quickly memorizing the two faces.
“Shaoyun, calm down. Private battles are prohibited here,” Tang Longfei said through voice transmission.
“Oh? It can’t be that a stray dog like you wishes to make a move against us, right?” Di Shang provoked, as he could see the fury in Xiang Shaoyun’s eyes. So long as Xiang Shaoyun attacked, he would be immediately disqualified. This provocation was a ruse by Di Shang.
“Is this Xiang Shaoyun, the son of your Ziling Sect’s previous sect master? The rumored useless trash?” asked a young man beside Di Shang.
“Yeah. I wonder how he got so lucky to actually obtain a little bit of combat prowess. But he’s nothing special,” said Di Shang with disdain.
“True. It is quite surprising that someone this weak can actually reach this far. I reckon he won’t be able to get through the second round,” said the young man. The young man was La Yun, a genius from Celestial King Province’s Setting Sun Sect. His strength was similar to Di Tong, a peak King.
Xiang Shaoyun took a deep breath and suppressed the fury in his heart. Wearing a mocking smile, he then swept his gaze over Di Shang. “Traitors from the Di Clan, it won’t be long before I trample upon you one by one. Enjoy the remaining time you have left.”
“Repeat what you just said if you dare, stray dog!” Di Shang was infuriated.
“Sure. Everyone in the Di Clan is a traitor. Your father Di Batian is one, his nine bastard sons are similarly traitors. My father had treated all of you as family, but you actually stole his sect while he was away. What are you if not traitors?” said Xiang Shaoyun, his voice laced with contempt. He then looked at the people around the Di Clan brothers and said, “You guys have to be careful as well. They have a history of stepping on others while they’re down, betraying their friends. Don’t end up falling for their tricks and still feel deeply grateful to them. I know this from experience.”
Those words thoroughly angered Di Shang who almost wanted to attack. Di Tong quickly dragged him back and said, “Don’t fall for his provocation!”
Di Tong then met Xiang Shaoyun’s gaze and said, “Little Brother Yun, why are you saying all those words of anger? It’s your fault for being too useless. None of the elders are willing to submit under your rule. Everyone was afraid that you would be the ruin of the sect. That was why they had elected my father as the temporary sect master. If the old sect master is still able to return, we will naturally return the sect. Fine, why don’t you come back to us? We will try to persuade the elders to continue acknowledging you as the young master.”
