Lingtian academy!

In the midst of the gathered crowd, an air of awe enveloped everyone. Young girls exchanged hushed whispers, declaring, "He is so handsome!" The handsome young master approached the quarreling children, and as soon as Xiao Bai caught sight of him, he furrowed his brow and began to explain, "This girl took my lantern," a frown marring his handsome, yet immature face. Xiao Rui, unwilling to tolerate such an insult, strained to break free from Xue Zi Qian's grasp with the intention of confronting Xiao Bai once again. Meanwhile, Zi Qian struggled to keep her in check. However, the young master took it upon himself to resolve the dispute. He approached Xiao Rui and handed her the last lantern, speaking softly, "Little girl, here you go. We can purchase another lantern." Zi Qian looked on in admiration as the young man continued, "But brother!" "No more arguing. Apologize, Xiao Bai," the man firmly instructed. Xiao Bai offered a sincere apology to Xiao Rui, and they began to depart. Just as they were about to leave, Zi Qian couldn't resist his curiosity and inquired, "Who are you?" His question was sudden and unexpected, causing him to quickly cover his mouth in embarrassment. The man looked defiantly at Zi Qian then gave out a dry chuckle. The young man gracefully introduced himself, "I apologize for not introducing myself earlier. I am Shen Xiao Yang, the young master of the Shen Pavilion in the North. And you are?"

Stuttering slightly due to embarrassment, Zi Qian replied, "Ah, I am Xue Zi Qian, the young master of the Xue Clan," nervously chuckling. As Zi Qian locked eyes with Xiao Yang, a sense of familiarity washed over him, but he couldn't quite place where he had seen those eyes before. But his mind is telling his that he had indeed seen those eyes somewhere. To resolve Xiao Rui and Xiao Bai's feud, they decided to make their way to the academy together, with Ying Ying and Wei Yang planning to join them later. Upon arriving at the academy, they were greeted by a magnificent sight. Lingtian Academy stood majestically, its walls adorned with intricate patterns, a sprawling training field, and numerous individuals participating in the entrance exams. Some were driven by dreams of becoming demon hunters, while others sought popularity or family reunions. For Zi Qian, it was merely a compulsory task, but he was captivated by the academy's grandeur. Looking at the handsome young man beside him, Zi Qian wondered the reason why he was here. Was it to become a demon hunter? But Xiao Yang did not look that he would want to be a demon Hunter. Zi Qian never felt like that before. When he met Xiao Yang, he felt a sense of familiarity and got a strange feeling. Ying Ying and Wei Yang were already present. Wei Yang, his usual worry etched across his face, had been concerned as Zi Qian hadn't informed him of their plans. "Young master!" Wei Yang rushed to his side and immediately bowed. Wei Yang's eyes widened as he caught sight of Shen Xiao Yang. He squinted in surprise, his gaze falling upon the young man. Xiao Yang, however, nodded in acknowledgment. An enthusiastic Zi Qian happily introduced Xiao Yang to Wei Yang, "Wei Yang, he is Shen Xiao Yang, the young master of the Shen Pavilion." Wei Yang bowed gracefully, still appearing slightly suspicious and confused, but he held his tongue and took his place by Zi Qian's side, maintaining his role as a dedicated bodyguard, albeit casting the occasional side-eye toward Xiao Yang, who appeared unruffled by the scrutiny.

In the meantime, Zi Qian found himself fatigued, as Little Xiao Rui and Xiao Bai had been incessantly bickering since they'd left town. The two seemed to have a natural aversion to one another, and their quarrel had escalated to the point where they'd even torn their lantern apart. Zi Qian knew that they would definitely not get along quite well.

"Oh, come on! Don't talk to me, you wild cat," Xiao Bai taunted, sticking his tongue out at Xiao Rui.

"You dare to call me a cat? Then you're a wild pig! No, not a pig, but a wild, dirty, clumsy boar," Xiao Rui retorted, her words laden with anger!

"Enough, enough now! You two are simply unbelievable. Please, don't start again. I fear that if this continues, we'll be expelled even before the entrance exams," Zi Qian admonished, his arms crossed and his head tilted in exasperation. A stern, unwavering glare from Xiao Yang was all it took to silence Xiao Bai. However, Zi Qian was surprised, how he wished Xiao Rui was this obedient. "Welcome, all participants!" a man announced as he struck a large drum, signaling the commencement of the ceremony. The grand gates of the Lingtian Academy swung open, ushering in the skilled and gifted individuals who had come to take part in the competition. It was evident that every participant possessed remarkable talents. Among the notable participants was Gu XuanJi, a female warrior renowned for commanding 40,000 demon soldiers single-handedly. There was also Chu Meng, the scholarly and seemingly quiet individual who concealed a potent strength, specializing in water cultivation, and many others who had their own exceptional abilities.As the doors of the academy opened, each participant entered with a sense of glamour and confidence. Inside the academy, At the front of the hall, there was a raised platform where the five the elders of Lingtian were seated comfortably, enjoying their tea together. The assembly comprised five elders: Elder Meng, Elder Chu, Elder Si, Elder Xu, and Elder Wang. They were elderly men, their faces etched with wrinkles, adorned in traditional monk attire, and each held a wooden staff, a symbol of their unlimited power. Among them, Elder Xu was the leader. He rose from his seat and cam to address the young participant who eventually took their seat. participants were arranged in orderly rows in the open space below the platform.

Standing in the center of the hall, his hands clasped behind his back, elder Xu gently caressed his long, flowing white beard. With an air of wisdom and authority, he began to address the assembled young participants."Welcome to Lingtian Academy, young people," he spoke, his voice carrying a sense of gravitas. "As you are well aware, in order to qualify for admission to our esteemed academy, you must first successfully navigate the entrance exams. These exams consist of a total of three tests, each progressively more challenging than the last."He paused briefly, allowing the significance of his words to settle in. "Among the gathered hopefuls here today, there are at least four hundred eager minds. However, I regret to inform you that only a hundred of you will earn the privilege to enter Lingtian Academy. I hereby announce that the first test will commence next week. The specifics of the test will be revealed at that time, so I urge you all to be thoroughly prepared for the challenge ahead." Upon hearing the elder's words, a murmur of excitement and apprehension rippled through the crowd. The participants exchanged hushed conversations and nervous glances, already beginning to contemplate the tests that awaited them. As the elder concluded his address, the participants were dismissed from the grand hall, their thoughts and preparations for the upcoming entrance exams consuming their minds. Before the exams, students who had traveled to Lingtian Academy from afar were provided with accommodations within the academy's premises. The academy had dormitory facilities to house its prospective students during this period, ensuring that they had a comfortable and convenient place to stay while preparing for the exams. The dormitories were equipped with basic amenities, such as sleeping quarters, shared study spaces, and access to essential facilities like bathrooms and dining halls. However girls and boys were in different quarters. Meanwhile, Zi Qian happened to share a room with Xiao Yang, much to Wei Yang displeasure. He has been constantly glancing him as if he was a danger to Zi Qian.