The battle between the 10 Heavenly Venerables and the top four Divine Firmament prodigies was about to come to a conclusion on the Void Platform.
The top four Divine Firmament prodigies stood proudly in mid-air, bathed in lightning divine light. They looked like gods, heroic and indomitable!
They occupied one side, attracting boundless divine lightning and turning the platform into a sea of lightning. It was like they were going to destroy the entire world.
Streaks of Mixed Divine Lightning struck downward as lightning covered the entire area. The whole region was obscured from the sun, making it dark and shadowy.
Lightning flashed and crisscrossed wildly!
The light barrier created by the Sage artifacts of the 10 Heavenly Venerables shook violently from the impact!
Boom, boom, boom!
Lightning surged as if the God of Lightning himself was roaring in anger.
The 10 Heavenly Venerables were finally exhausted. Their energy was completely expended.
Crack!
The light barrier created by the Sage artifacts cracked from the impact of countless lightning bolts, which penetrated and spread across the barrier like dancing snakes.
In the blink of an eye, the 10 Heavenly Venerables were surrounded by the Divine Firmament Sky Lightning Array.
After the lightning dispersed, the 10 Heavenly Venerables were sprawled across the ground, their hair standing straight up.
Their faces were charred black, white smoke spouting out of their mouths, their bodies twitching!
The 10 Heavenly Venerables were defeated in this battle!
The four Divine Firmament prodigies gradually descended on the ground, peering down their noses at the Middle Ground prodigies.
“Please, is there anyone else who wishes to come up on this platform?”
“Anyone!?”
…
The Middle Ground prodigies all looked very conflicted as they looked at the four god-like Divine Firmament prodigies.
This generation of Divine Firmament disciples was just too powerful!
Not only had the four top Divine Firmament prodigies defeated 10 Heavenly Venerables, but their Divine Firmament Saint had also thrashed a Six Tribulation True Sage.
All the providence in the world seemed to be congregating at the Divine Firmament Sacred Ground now. The other sacred grounds were as good as nothing!
Was this even really a sparring session? It was just an exhibition of the Divine Firmament Sacred Ground’s prowess!
You guys are so domineering. Is there any point sparring at all now?
The Middle Ground prodigies were all sobbing on the inside. They felt completely dispirited.
At the same time, they were also thinking woefully, The Eastern Wilderness prodigies’ rise is irrepressible!
Over the past thousands of years, the Middle Ground prodigies had always dominated over the Eastern Wilderness prodigies during sparring sessions between same-generation practitioners.
Unexpectedly, this generation of Eastern Wilderness prodigies was too freakishly powerful. They had even managed to thrash their senior Saints. It was unprecedented.
…
The North Prince, Shi Ling, looked at the four Divine Firmament prodigies in shock. Their overall power was still far inferior to his, but he was well aware of how high their innate talents were.
If he had to suppress his cultivation level to the Nascent Soul stage, he would not be confident of beating any single one of them.
These four prodigies could easily become Saints in any one of the sacred grounds.
In fact, over the past thousands of years, some of the sacred grounds had not had such talented heirs at all.
However, these fellows had somehow all turned up in the Divine Firmament Sacred Ground.
And they were so united. It was a very curious matter.
How powerful must their Saint be to be able to suppress them?
Unthinkable!
Shi Ling took a deep breath. “The Divine Firmament Sacred Ground has so many young prodigies. It is truly an eye-opener for me!”
The present Middle Ground prodigies were very powerful practitioners in their own right, but they were defeated by opponents of a lower level than them.
There was no doubt that this generation of Eastern Wilderness prodigies was extremely formidable.
“Brother Shen, I will take my leave for now!”
Shi Ling prepared to leave.
They had gotten into conflict with the Eastern Wilderness prodigies because of the Golden Phoenix room.
Now that the Middle Ground prodigies had lost, they were too ashamed to remain here any longer.
Unexpectedly, Shen Tian stopped them before they could leave.
Shi Ling’s heart tightened. “Brother Shen, what’s the matter?”
He had heard that there was an elder in the Divine Firmament Sacred Ground called Azure Lotus. He would fleece his opponents every time they finished a fight.
The First Divine Firmament Saint, Yue Yunde, had picked up the exact same practice.
Would the Tenth Divine Firmament Saint have the same habit?
Shi Ling looked at Shen Tian vigilantly, but then he immediately felt a sense of resignation. He realized that he would not be able to resist anyway.
This was the Saint who had thrashed a Six Tribulation True Sage.
Not only that, Shi Ling might not even be able to gain the upper hand over his band of juniors.
If Shen Tian really wanted to, would Shi Ling and his group be able to resist?
Sigh, I have no choice but to concede.
…
Shen Tian had no idea what Shi Ling was thinking. He already thought of how he was going to play this out.
There was a very simple reason he had stopped the Middle Ground prodigies. He wanted to maintain good relations.
Although there were some conflicts between the Eastern Wilderness and Middle Ground prodigies, Shen Tian felt that these were just minor grievances.
Given Shen Tian’s power, the fight between these two groups was like a scuffle between kids.
As long as his own group of kids won, there was no need to hold any grudges.
Moreover, who had never fought with other kids over the playground swing? Youngsters would always be youngsters.
These Middle Ground prodigies might have been arrogant, but they had conceded after losing. They were still rather upright practitioners. If they could become friends with these people and gain their acknowledgment, they wouldn’t have to worry about being stabbed in the back in the future.
Ahem!
More importantly, these fellows also had pretty good providence!
Didn’t a wise man say before that unity was strength?
Of course, one could never have too many golden-egg-laying geese!
Shen Tian smiled. “Brother Shi, my Middle Ground friends. The saying goes that one can only really get to know another through fighting. Why don’t we all go into the room and become friends?”
The two princes were dumbstruck. They were totally stunned by Shen Tian’s attitude.
Your comrades just beat us up, but you want to treat us to a meal? Beating with a stick before giving us a carrot?
…
Shen Tian took a bottle of Nirvana Holy Liquid out of his Archeon Sea Ring. He said sincerely, “I have some Nirvana Holy Liquid here. It can help you guys recover from your injuries.”
Many Middle Ground prodigies had been injured during the fight, especially those 10 Heavenly Venerables. The top four Divine Firmament prodigies had nearly charred them black.
What better time than now to buy one’s way into their hearts?
The Middle Ground prodigies were even more shocked at the sight of the white jade bottle containing the Nirvana Holy Liquid!
We were just fighting so intensely earlier, but you are suddenly so cordial now? How do you expect us to react?
Especially the Seventh Black Sky Saint and the Seventh Nine Sun Saint. They were very envious of the Eastern Wilderness prodigies’ pills.
They didn’t expect to have a share of the Nirvana Holy Liquid now.
The two of them raised their hands, which trembled. They had no idea whether they should accept it!
…
Some of the prodigies snapped out of their trance and looked very embarrassed.
“The Divine Firmament Saint is so benevolent. We are not worthy of your generosity!”
“We offended you guys so terribly earlier. Saint, we hope that you won’t hold it against us.”
At this point, all the Middle Ground prodigies felt very conflicted.
They didn’t expect the Divine Firmament Saint to be so benevolent. Not only did he not begrudge them for hurting so many Eastern Wilderness ex-Saints, but he was even giving them Nirvana Holy Liquid to treat their injuries?
It should be pointed out that the Divine Firmament Saint was a formidable practitioner who could even smash a True Sage.
If it was another person with that kind of power, they would have already pulverized them!
Unexpectedly, the Divine Firmament Saint didn’t take advantage of his mighty powers to bully those weaker than him. On the contrary, he was treating them so well despite their earlier behavior.
The Middle Ground prodigies felt their hearts grow warm. They couldn’t help being very moved.
The Divine Firmament Saint was such a great man!
However, this concerned their reputation. They might be very tempted, but they still rejected Shen Tian’s kind offer. After all, they had just endured a tremendous beating. It was very difficult for them to turn around and make friends now.
Shen Tian smiled. “My friends, there’s no need to stand on ceremony!
“As the top prodigies in the five regions, we must be more open-hearted.
“There will be so many more major wars in this world. If we look at the big picture, at the overall security of the entire five regions, this minor scuffle between the Eastern Wilderness and Middle Ground prodigies is nothing.
“Perhaps there might come a day when we have to team up and rely on each other.
“By then, who would care about this insignificant conflict?”
The Middle Ground prodigies were stunned by Shen Tian’s words!
Was this the greatness of the Divine Firmament Saint?
Here I worry over the power rankings of my peers while the Divine Firmament Saint is thinking about the survival of the five regions.
High level. He is indeed of a much higher level!
No wonder Huang Shi pays attention to this fellow.
Just his manner alone is far beyond that of a normal prodigy!
The difference between us is like heaven and earth!
The North Prince’s blood surged. He hollered. “Brother Shen well said! How can we reject Brother Shen’s kind intentions now? We accept it in humility!”
If it was some normal gift, these prodigies would never accept it. They had a reputation to maintain!
However, this was the Nirvana Holy Liquid. It was enough to tempt all the Middle Ground prodigies. It was impossible for them to reject it!
They would have to rest in bed for at least 10 to 14 days due to their injuries.
However, they could recuperate much faster with this Nirvana Holy Liquid, such a wondrous elixir. It was personally gifted by the Divine Firmament Saint himself, so who in the world would reject it?
After Shi Ling’s words, the Middle Ground prodigies accepted the Nirvana Holy Liquid with thanks.
“Thank you, Divine Firmament Saint!”
“The Divine Firmament Saint is so generous!”
“…”
After that, the Middle Ground prodigies were completely won over by Shen Tian.
Even Shi Tianzi might not have been able to accomplish this!
Eh?
How can I have such a thought?
His Highness is the pride of the Great Wilderness Celestial Dynasty. He is the face of all Middle Ground prodigies!
But this Divine Firmament Saint seems not bad at all either!
Somehow, my gut feeling seems to indicate that Brother Shen is more powerful than His Highness!?
Who knew where those prodigies got that idea!
Perhaps it was because they had never received any gifts from Shi Tianzi before!
…
Shen Tian’s smile deepened as he looked at the heads of the Middle Ground prodigies.
These Middle Ground prodigies also had extraordinary providence, as good as those Eastern Wilderness prodigies!
The two princes especially had purple-gold halos!
I will have to depend on them to strike it rich in the future!
I am so smart!
As expected of me!
“Alright, everyone, don’t just stand there. Today is a joyous occasion. We have to prepare the place for our Junior Brothers!”
The Seventh Divine Firmament Saint stepped forward energetically. He was feeling very gleeful. He didn’t expect his Junior Brother to be so awesome, able to make those Middle Ground prodigies willingly submit to him.
With him around, our sacred ground will definitely rise again!
…
Everyone gathered inside the Golden Phoenix room and sat down.
Soon, all sorts of delicious delicacies covered the tables.
The Copper Sparrow Pavilion was indeed Sky Saint City’s most luxurious restaurant. It had extraordinary resources. Its dishes were cooked with spirit herbs and possessed a large quantity of Spirit Qi. It was very expensive.
The two princes were in high spirits. They took out the divine wine of the Great Wilderness Celestial Dynasty and shared it with everyone.
Shi Ling boasted, “Brother Shen, this wine is brewed using the tree sap of a Sage spirit tree that had undergone three tribulations. It is touted as the nectar of the immortals. It can send one into a drunk, dream-like trance!
“Even my father is very prudent with this wine. He would only drink this on special occasions!
“I stole some. I will definitely endure a major beating if I get found out!
“I wonder if Brother Shen is willing to have a taste?”
Wine brought out the true character of a person. Now that they were sharing a meal together. Shi Ling was letting his hair down.
He started to show off his own wine. It was clear that he was very passionate about fine wine.
He raised his glass to toast Shen Tian.
Shen Tian accepted a glass. “Brother Shi, thank you!”
Shen Tian was not that fond of wine, but he didn’t want to be a spoilsport. He took off his mask and downed the entire glass in one swallow. He felt endless Spirit Qi circulating inside him.
“Fragrant and smooth. It is indeed a fine wine!”
Shen Tian praised with a smile. However, he then realized that everyone, especially the female prodigies, was just staring at him in a daze. They looked completely bewitched.
Noticing the mask on the table, Shen Tian suddenly realized what happened.
Sigh… This again…
I deserve it. I shouldn’t reveal my charm so carelessly!
…
Crash!
Shi Ling’s wine glass dropped on the table, startling everyone.
He sighed. “Brother Shen is so handsome. Your looks are truly astonishing!”
Shi Ling was a Great Wilderness Celestial Dynasty Prince. Not only was he powerful, but he was also very handsome. He had many fans amongst the people.
Nonetheless, even he couldn’t help feeling inferior after seeing Shen Tian’s face.
This face was completely out-of-this-world. It was beyond gorgeous.
No one else in this mortal world could compare.
As for the other Middle Ground prodigies, they had the same thoughts as Shi Ling.
Shocked, moved, envious, defeated…
Didn’t expect that not only am I not as powerful or talented as the Divine Firmament Saint, but even my looks cannot compare.
Yeap, or perhaps I should say that the difference in looks is even wider!
Thereafter, there was a barrage of compliments and small talk. Jovial voices and laughter filled the room.
Eunuch Gui felt very content at the sight of Shen Tian, who was surrounded by a bevy of adoring prodigies.
Sigh… If only Concubine Lan could witness this scene!
…
After eating and drinking to their hearts’ content, the prodigies left in scattered pairs and groups, hurrying back to Jixia Academy.
There was a huge crowd at Jixia Academy today.
The mass of people jammed the main gates. Long lines formed at the entrance. Even when night fell, the lines seemed to get no shorter!
As Shen Tian and his group wanted to enroll in the school earlier, their ex-Saints had yet to make their way over.
Instead, there were many other same-generation prodigies from Middle Ground’s sacred grounds who were with them.
They couldn’t help being stunned the moment they arrived at Jixia Academy.
Wang Shenxu felt dizzy. “No way! Such long queues. Won’t we be queuing for months and months?”
All the prodigies across the five regions that were at Golden Core Sixth Refinement Stage and above had gathered here. It could be imagined just how many people there were!
Jixia Academy had no lack of prodigies!
With so many prodigies wanting to enroll in Jixia Academy, just registering their name alone would take a long time.
One of the Middle Ground prodigies sighed. “No choice. This is Jixia Academy’s rule. Everyone must follow it.”
Whether you were an exemplary prodigy or a Saint from the royal family, you would have to obediently queue up if you wished to enter Jixia Academy.
In the past, not many came to the academy, so it didn’t take too much time to queue.
Nonetheless, Jixia Academy had relaxed its restrictions and started a mass enrolment.
Prodigies across the five regions had rushed over only to witness this sight.
“Is there any other way to enter more quickly? For example, a back door?”
Wang Shenxu did not want to queue. Just the sight of it made his scalp go numb.
“No back door! Unless you have a Distinguished Talent Token. Only then can you move up more quickly.”
The Middle Ground prodigies sighed. That method was as good as impossible.
Distinguished Talent Token… How could it be that easy to get one?
Over the past 1,000 years, only Shi Tianzi had been given a Distinguished Talent Token when he was specially invited to enroll in Jixia Academy!
Shen Tian looked thoughtful. He took out a token. “Do you mean this?”
It was a golden token covered in golden runes. It looked very mysterious and divine.
The word “Wilderness” was carved into the token. The calligraphy was refined and elegant as if it possessed a deep truth.
One couldn’t help being entranced by the sight of it!
Previously, the War King had sought out Shen Tian before leaving. He had given him this golden token and said that it would be of use to him when entering Jixia Academy.
Shen Tian was very curious then about how to use this token!
Looks like this is the Distinguished Talent Token!
The Middle Ground prodigies’ eyes went wide at the sight of Shen Tian’s token. “Is this really the Distinguished Talent Token?”
These Middle Ground prodigies were all from aristocratic households. They had never seen a Distinguished Talent Token, but they had heard of it.
This was a personal token of the Great Thearch Huang Shi. It possessed an authority second to none!
This was a sign of one’s status and powers. It awarded one with all sorts of special privileges inside Jixia Academy.
…
The Divine Firmament Saint is indeed on par with His Highness, Shi Tianzi!
Otherwise, how could he possibly enjoy this special privilege too?
Meanwhile, the Eastern Wilderness prodigies had no idea what this Distinguished Talent Token meant.
Nevertheless, the fact this token meant they could jump the queue made them very happy.
Shen Tian led the way. He did not wish to waste time here either. With the Distinguished Talent Token in hand, he went to find a teacher.
The Distinguished Talent Token was very useful. Even the Jixia Academy teachers had to hold it in high regard. They immediately allowed Shen Tian and his group to enter.
As countless prodigies stared on in envy and shock, Shen Tian and his group went straight through!
The Middle Ground prodigies tagged along, feeling very lucky.
If not for Shen Tian, who knew how long they would have to wait in line?
Everyone sighed contentedly.
It is always a good thing to follow Brother Shen!
It feels great not to have to queue!
…
After entering Jixia Academy, Shen Tian and his group realized that there were already a lot of people inside.
These were the prodigies who had endured the long wait outside and finally entered the academy.
After a short while, the crowd saw a white-haired elder walk over,
This elder was dressed in sackcloth and exuded a very regal bearing. His aura was deep beyond fathom. He was clearly no weakling.
His elderly, frail voice rang out. “Young prodigies from the five regions, welcome to Jixia Academy!
“I am your Lead Teacher. You can call me Elder Su!
“From now on, you are all Jixia Academy’s outer sect disciples!
“Now that you have joined Jixia Academy, you cannot relax. You must devote yourself to learning and continuously improve yourself.
“Only when you become more powerful can you continue to progress forward. From there, you will also gain more cultivation resources!”
…
The Jixia Academy might be a holy land for learning, but its rules were similar to the other sacred grounds. There were different levels.
Students from the different levels would receive different grades of cultivation resources.
Jixia Academy had much better resources than a normal sacred ground. It possessed a large number of secret techniques, and it even had more than one imperial sutras!
These legacies had either been collected by the Great Thearch Huang Shi or created by him.
Nearly all of Huang Shi’s resources, which he had accumulated over thousands of years, were at Jixia Academy!
And all these legacies were open to the students, as long as one achieved enough school credits. Even the imperial sutras were available.
It should be pointed out that the imperial sutras in the various sacred grounds were only available to true disciples.
On top of that, the most advanced, forbidden chapters were reserved only for the Saints and Saintesses.
However, Jixia Academy’s legacies were available to all. Although one had to achieve enough credits first, it was just a matter of time before they would get the opportunity.
Jixia Academy was famous across the five regions because of this very reason. In the hearts of countless prodigies, it had become the most highly-esteemed holy land.
…
Upon hearing Elder Su’s words, the prodigies all looked very excited. “Yes!”
Joining Jixia Academy was like winning an express ticket in one’s cultivation journey!
As long as one devoted oneself to cultivating, their future would be limitless!
Everyone firmly believed in this!
