Incident

Within the hallowed halls of Emperor Star Academy, where legends were born and destinies were forged, an aura of malevolent energy hung thick in the air. It was as if the very essence of darkness had chosen this place as its breeding ground. The sheer volume of this ominous energy was staggering, almost as if it sought to challenge the boundaries of heaven itself. The whole training area felt like it had been invaded by an army of nightmarish creatures.

In the midst of this eerie mist, Qin Wentian sat in a meditative pose, his face twisted into an unsettling, demonic mask. Strange, ethereal lights danced around him, casting eerie shadows that danced like a chaotic ballet. His entire being appeared to be undergoing a sinister metamorphosis.

Suddenly, the swirling vortex of malevolent mist surged with a newfound frenzy, hurtling toward Qin Wentian with an almost manic determination. The ghostly lights surrounding him grew brighter, now rivaling the brilliance of a thousand constellations. A deafening cacophony filled the air as, within mere moments, the entirety of the sinister fog vanished, sucked into Qin Wentian's very being. The eerie lights began to fade, one by one, until nothing remained.

"BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!" An otherworldly, rhythmic pounding resonated from within his chest, the unmistakable rhythm of a heartbeat. In this singular moment, Qin Wentian felt his own life force undergo a profound transformation.

Compared to his former self, his vitality now multiplied a hundredfold.

With eyes that glittered with a malevolent gleam, Qin Wentian slowly opened them. His gaze bore into the very soul of anyone who met it, and his features, though eerily attractive, seemed to possess a demonic allure that was impossible to resist.

"Hu…" He exhaled, stretching his body with a series of spine-cracking cracks that echoed like firecrackers.

In the midst of this unsettling transformation, a familiar voice sliced through the eerie silence. "Qin Wentian, if you're done with your little demonic makeover, maybe we can finally get back to training without you scaring off the entire academy!"

Qin Wentian turned to see his fellow disciple, Li Hua, standing there with a raised eyebrow and a grin that held a hint of mischief. "Ah, Li Hua," he chuckled, his voice carrying a newfound depth. "You always know how to ruin a demonic moment."

Li Hua laughed heartily. "Well, what are friends for if not to keep your demonic tendencies in check?"

With a sudden clench of his fist, a thunderous boom reverberated through the air. It was as though his body had been injected with pure, unadulterated power.

In the present, his physical prowess could rival that of a mythical beast. If he decided to condense a Beast-type Astral Soul for his third Astral Gate in the future, he would be able to take the Fiend Transformation Art to the second level, granting him an even more formidable demonic physique. At this very moment, Qin Wentian felt his strength surge to unprecedented heights. Even without relying on his innate techniques, his every strike held a power that demanded respect. His gains were nothing short of exhilarating.

Standing up, Qin Wentian retracted his aura and made his way out of the training grounds.

"Wentian!" Qin Yao, who had been sitting in a nearby pavilion, hurried over upon noticing his emergence from seclusion. She tenderly wiped the sweat from his face and smiled, "Remember, even though you're cultivating, you still need to take care of your body. You can't cultivate round the clock, okay?"

Qin Yao understood that Mountain's death had deeply affected Qin Wentian. He didn't have many friends within the Emperor Star Academy, and Mountain, Luo Huan, and a few others were the ones who had helped him escape the clutches of the Ye Clan back in Sky Harmony City.

"Don't worry, sis. The bodies of us cultivators only grow stronger as our cultivation deepens," Qin Wentian reassured her, a gentle smile gracing his face. Qin Yao nodded in agreement and continued, "That's true, but you should still know your limits."

"I understand," Qin Wentian replied, appreciating his sister's concern.

"What's the situation out there?" he inquired.

"The winds are restless, and the cranes are calling. Tensions are running high. The Royal Academy has been provoking us, but there haven't been any major clashes...yet. But I fear it's only a matter of time," Qin Yao replied, her words laden with the anticipation of impending conflict.

At present, many nobles and influential clans were keeping a low profile, observing from the sidelines. It was evident that the impending clash between the Royal Clan and the Emperor Star Academy would be of an unprecedented magnitude.

The Emperor Star Academy was akin to a formidable prey that the Royal Clan coveted but found exceptionally challenging to swallow. In the Royal Capital's airspace, numerous flying-type demonic beasts roamed. Only those at the Yuanfu level possessed the right to fly, and many of them headed straight for the Royal Palace. However, among these Yuanfu cultivators were alumni of the Emperor Star Academy and students who were currently away for training. Upon hearing the news, those who cherished their bonds and comradeship, and were not too distant, hastened to return to support their alma mater.

"Absolutely," Qin Wentian affirmed, his gaze steady. "Sister, please look after Father."

With that, Qin Wentian set off in the direction of the Heavenly Star Pavilion. Within the pavilion, the Spirit Beasts Testing Ground occupied the 7th level, while the enigmatic Fiend Transformation Art was found on the 8th level. But what secrets lay hidden on the 9th level, the final tier of the pavilion? This was the mystery Qin Wentian was determined to unravel.

As he entered the Heavenly Star Pavilion once more, he bowed respectfully before the weathered guardian.

"Are you seeking entry to the final level?" The old man inquired abruptly.

"Yes," Qin Wentian replied. If the guardian was willing to guide him, it would undoubtedly be the most advantageous option.

"Concentrate your power, summon your inner strength, and unleash your mightiest blow. Your goal is to force the door open. If you cannot open it before reaching Yuanfu, there will be no need for you to return here after attaining Yuanfu," the old man calmly explained, causing Qin Wentian's gaze to freeze momentarily.

It struck him that everything left behind by the Azure Emperor required one's cultivation to remain below the Yuanfu level. The Jun Lin Banquet, the Spirit Beasts Testing Grounds, and now, the final level's door—all demanded that one's cultivation be below Yuanfu.

Could it be that the challenge on the last level surpassed the difficulty of the Jun Lin Banquet and the Spirit Beasts Testing Grounds?

Furthermore, Qin Wentian had already mastered the Fiend Transformation Art.

Unbeknownst to him, a faint gleam sparkled deep within the old guardian's eyes. In the span of thousands of years, Qin Wentian was undoubtedly the closest anyone had come to completing all of the Azure Emperor's tests. At this point, Qin Wentian should have already mastered the Fiend Transformation Art. If he still couldn't unlock the final entrance, who knew how long it would be before another student reached the same level of achievement as Qin Wentian.

Let's keep our fingers crossed for our young friend's success, shall we?

Standing resolutely before the imposing door that guarded the last enigma of the academy, Qin Wentian felt a surge of determination. This ancient portal had remained sealed for millennia, yet its surface appeared as pristine as if it had been polished just moments ago.

Qin Wentian's arteries pulsed with energy as Divine Yuan coursed through his veins, flowing into his arms. With a force capable of toppling mountains, he unleashed a mighty punch at the door.

RUMBLE! The sound was deafening, but the door remained unmoved. Evidently, his earlier strike lacked the power required.

Demonic Qi radiated from Qin Wentian's body, transforming his entire aura in an instant. He took another step forward, slamming his fist into the door with renewed determination. Yet, the door refused to yield.

"How in the world is this door so unyielding?" Qin Wentian wondered aloud, his eyes blazing with resolve. His blood surged with newfound vigor, and his aura shifted once more, now carrying a demonic presence that seemed to proclaim him as the supreme demon lord.

His Divine Yuan Energy surged wildly as he stepped forward once more. This time, his left palm formed the Forgotten Imprint, while his right executed the Falling Mountain Palms.

BOOM! The sheer impact shook the entire space, prompting those on the lower levels who were browsing for innate techniques to glance upward, baffled by the disturbance.

The old man monitoring the entrance couldn't help but feel a tremor in his heart. This could mean that Qin Wentian had a real chance at opening the door to the final enigma.

But as Qin Wentian poured his utmost strength into it, his narrowed eyes revealed a glint of frustration. Even with such a colossal effort, the door remained stubbornly sealed.

Clang, Clang...

A sudden tolling of bells echoed throughout the Emperor Star Academy, causing Qin Wentian to furrow his brow. In all his years at the academy, he had never heard such a bell toll.

Rushing out of the Heavenly Star Pavilion, he joined a throng of students heading in a single direction.

"I've been here for three years, and this is the first time I've heard the academy's bell summoning all the Elders and students," someone remarked with a sigh. It was evident that something of immense significance had transpired.

As the bell's chimes reverberated in his ears, Qin Wentian's eyes glittered with an icy determination.

Is the long-awaited spectacle finally unfolding before our eyes? Qin Wentian flowed with the surging crowd, swept along towards the grandeur of the Emperor Star Monuments. As time trudged forward, a sizable throng—several thousand strong—congregated beneath the towering edifice of the Emperor Star Monuments, painting a breathtaking tableau.

"Well, slap my backside and call me a donkey, those rascals from the Royal Academy seem to be fishin' for trouble with a whole darn net. If they're hankerin' for a scrap, I say we oblige 'em. You reckon our Emperor Star Academy's quakin' in its boots? Ha!" A voice boomed from within the gathering, laden with a potent mixture of anger and defiance.

"By the horns of a cantankerous bull, you're darn tootin'! Senior Mountain and junior brother's dirt nap can be squarely laid at the Royal Clan's doorstep, aided and abetted by them Royal Academy slicksters. We don't need to untangle no more yarn." The words spread like wildfire as discussions ignited among the crowd, each ember of understanding sparking and flaring.

So, as it turns out, today was no ordinary day. A covey of Emperor Star Academy's students was enjoyin' their grub down in the Royal Capital. Amidst 'em was a purty little filly, and some scalawag from the Royal Academy thought it'd be a rippin' idea to snag a bit of her liberty for himself.

Well, that's like tryin' to teach a donkey to two-step—a surefire way to rile 'em up. Those Emperor Star lads got their feathers mighty ruffled, and as the dust settled, it was plain as day that a skirmish had erupted. Now, them Royal Academy hotshots showed up plumb ready for a donnybrook, givin' them Emperor Star youngsters a lesson in the rough and tumble. They even took some rather ungentlemanly liberties with them lady students. But, like a chicken hightailin' it from a coop, one Emperor Star bloke made tracks and hightailed it to his academy, spreadin' the word like wildfire.

Sure as shootin', all this hullabaloo was calculated as a June bug's flight. The brawl that bust out today was as deliberate as a bullfrog croakin' at dawn.

What's more, this piece of news started rollin' like a snowball down a hill, gatherin' moss and more folks from both these learnin' dens, gettin' tangled up in the rigmarole. And hold onto your horses, the Royal Academy's bigwig Discipline Elder and his posse of Committee cronies waltzed on over to the scene. They laid into them Emperor Star youngsters, maulin' their cultivations like a raccoon in a cornfield.

Them Royal Academy rabble, they skated away from punishment smooth as a greased pig in a mudslide. Anyone with two nickels to rub together could spot a rattlesnake in a wagon rut—Royal Academy was fixin' to set Emperor Star Academy's britches ablaze. They was lookin' to rile up a storm, prod the Emperor Star folks into makin' the first move.

And if that warn't enough, remember the dearly departed Senior Mountain and young Zi Jun? If Emperor Star Academy turns the other cheek, they might as well pack their bags and call it quits. They'll be about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. If they let this slide, reckon we'll see a rerun of this cowboy play down the line.

The stage was set with all the elders up front, and taking the lead was none other than Ren Qianxing. He turned to face the assembled crowd, and like a storm brewing, a hush fell over the gathered throng, hanging on Ren Qianxing's every word.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Ren Qianxing began, his voice carrying the weight of the world, "as of late, much has unfolded. I suspect most of you are privy to the gist of it. The Emperor Star Academy stands on the precipice of trying times, ones that might test our mettle like never before. If any among you harbor the desire to depart these hallowed halls, I won't chain you here. When the tempests subside, you're more than welcome to return. Moreover, for those whose cultivation stalls below the 5th level of Arterial Circulation, I regret to inform you that even if you'd stubbornly stay, your presence would bear little fruit."

Within the academy's embrace, students formed the majority. Many among them were yet to scale the heights of profound cultivation. In the impending maelstrom, their contribution would be as impactful as a mosquito's buzz in a thunderstorm. Thus, the Emperor Star Academy had no intention of conscripting them into this dire struggle. Indeed, those below the 5th level of Arterial Circulation were outright barred from partaking.

To throw them into the fray would be akin to tossing lambs to the lions. Such expendable fodder held no place in the Academy's grand scheme. Each student represented a beacon of potential, a promising star on the rise. To squander them in such a manner would be an unforgivable travesty, a tragedy that would echo through the ages.