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Translator: Fate
Proofreader: Silavin
When Gu Changge announced that the jade straw he held was labelled ‘Ranked Disciple One’, the other Ranked Disciples’ expressions shifted minutely as they looked down to check their own jade straw. Even the look in the mysterious King with Six Crowns’ eyes shifted briefly as he looked down at his own jade straw, which was shiny and clear. He no longer looked as calm as before.
Whoever was on Gu Changge’s team would fare much better, with an increased chance of surviving the trial. His might was already known to everyone, and many young prodigies wanted to become one of his followers. Furthermore, the Elders had already warned them in advance about the difficulties of the trial, saying that there might be multiple casualties.
“How unfortunate…” The King with Six Crowns shook his head, his voice full of meaning. His Straw was labelled Ranked Disciple Three.
“Truly a pity.” The Pheonix Lady looked away to stare at the number on her own straw, slightly disappointed.
“Luckily I’ve gotten Ranked Disciple Three.” Sky King Zhi Yang sighed in relief that his worries were unfounded. He was worried about being on the same team as Gu Changge; that would be his greatest nightmare. Senior Wuya had already headed to the Lake of Reincarnation to get its water, so no one else could help him if he clashed with Gu Changge.
“Ranked Disciple Two.” Yue Mingkong glanced at Gu Changge and shook her head. There wasn’t much change in her emotions.
Gu Changge couldn’t help but laugh. “What, are we not that attuned to each other?”
Yue Mingkong rolled her eyes at him and did not answer.
“I am Ranked Disciple Two as well. Chuchu, why don’t we exchange straws?” Wang Zijin smiled brightly at Jiang Chuchu beside her, who was trying to remain calm.
“It’s a rule set by the Immortal Academy. How can we just change them as we please?” Jiang Chuchu looked at her briefly and clutched her straw tightly. “Princess Mingkong’s power is not as weak and simple as you think. The two of you can look out for each other when on the same team.”
Wang Zijin couldn’t help laughing. “You didn’t even look at the expression on her face. She can’t tolerate me at all.”
Jiang Chuchu fell silent. She looked calm on the outside, but her heart was now full of thoughts. She hadn’t expected to draw the same number as Gu Changge. [Does that mean that I would be going through the trial with him? What will happen? Will he be cold and ignore me, or will he do the same thing as before, and bully me?]
Jiang Chuchu didn’t know what she was feeling right now. Panic, anxiety, worry, expectation, concern about what she would gain or lose? Probably all of them.
Soon, the Elders flashed into existence on the stage. A tall stocky Elder with red hair and a red beard waved a hand to signal for silence before announcing the contents of the trial. Everyone looked at him in unison.
“This trial will still be related to the Eternal Overcast. It’s suspected that Eternal Overcast Kingdoms have materialised within the areas where the Eternal Overcast have seized. The Yin Emperors have developed a mind of their own, leading the Eternal Overcast creatures under them to start attacking ancient cities and forces. As of now, the Vermillion Bird Empire has been attacked, leading to the loss of large swathes of land and the terrible deaths of many cultivators…”
“Besides the Vermillion Bird Empire, others including that of the White Tiger, Azure Dragon, Black Tortoise, and Red Flame were also attacked leading to great casualties.”
These ancient empires were practically vassals of the Immortal Academy, which was also closely linked to the families or sects of many of the young prodigies present. Hearing the news outraged many, who clench their fists with strong desire to avenge them. The Eternal Overcast had now invaded many surrounding worlds and realms while continuously birthing its own creatures. This was the greatest scourge many factions would face. The cultivators might be able to escape with their lives, but it would be a catastrophe for any normal human being.
[Even with the resurgence of the Eternal Overcast, I can’t say with certainty that another Eternal Overcast Source will be present… I found one last time thanks to Wang Zijin; do I have to rely on Jiang Chuchu this time?] Gu Changge was in deep thought, as he was attached to such a rare, precious Source. After consuming and digesting part of it, he had felt his Grand Flask was brimming with new life, as if cleansed of all impurities.
“I can’t believe Gu Changge isn’t on the same team as Sister Mingkong. Where did that Successor of the Mortal Palace come from, and why are there so many women surrounding him? I’ve never noticed them before…” Gu Xianer muttered, a small distance away from him.
She might have underestimated his attractiveness to many prodigal damsels. Other than his betrothed Yue Mingkong, the Successor of the Mortal Palace who was born in the Sacred Realm, also had a close relationship with him. Even Qing Xiaoyi, the young girl rumoured to have the Celestial Demonic Physique, seemed to fancy him; it was obvious in her admiring gaze. This made Gu Xianer moody for some reason. Furthermore, she was placed on the same team as Qing Xiaoyi and Qing Feng. [Doesn’t this mean I would have to look out for these two weaklings as well?]
[If Gu Changge suggested exchanging places with them, they might actually agree…] Thinking this, she stared longingly at Gu Changge. She was nearly ready to show her expectant expression.
Gu Changge naturally noticed this but chose to ignore her as if he hadn’t seen anything. Bringing her with him would be extremely inconvenient. Being a Fortuitous Lady, she had a great abundance of Fortuity, so she should learn to develop herself by looking for any opportunity to improve. Gu Changge had been wondering if she would surprise him by bringing back one of the Tools of World Domination. [Foolish girl. Why are you waiting for me to lead you? There is no way I would do that.]
[Ugh, he had clearly noticed me but chose to ignore me.] Gu Xianer raised a fist towards him angrily.
Sky King Zhi Yang noticed this too. His heart burned with jealousy as his hands turned into fists. His cold, proud Junior Sister had never expressed such emotions towards a man, while Gu Changge refused to care about her. [Just what had he drugged her with?]
His teeth were nearly breaking with how hard he was gritting them, and he could only reassure himself with the fact that her memories from her past life hadn’t been awakened. This wasn’t her fault since Gu Changge schemes were far too deep, under too many layers.
Soon, the Elders had finished explaining the requirements for the trial. Its original purpose was to return the attacks of the Eternal Overcast, led by the strongest of disciples, the Ranked Disciples. Since Qin Wuya, who had emerged from the Wondrous Stone, had temporarily left the Immortal Academy, many Unranked Disciples got the chance to draw straws as well, including Yue Mingkong and Gu Xianer. Even though they were still in the Enlightened King Realm, their true power was unknown to the Elders. This was because no one knew the techniques every young prodigy possessed. Who knew what ultimate technique they would use when they needed it the most? Thus, they were treated as Ranked Disciples for this trial.
Finally, the teams were formed. The King with Six Crowns and the Sky King Zhi Yang led one team; Prince Shen and the Chosen Monk Jin Chan led one team; Yue Mingkong and Wang Zijin formed one team, and Gu Xianer formed a team with Qing Xiaoyi and Qing Feng.
“Saintess Chuchu. It’s been a long time since we last met. I hope you’re well.” Gu Changge approached Jiang Chuchu and greeted her politely.
“There’s no need for such courtesy, Young Master Changge.” She nodded calmly. This was the first time she was greeting him after leaving the Eternal Overcast Battelfield, and neither of them showed any awkwardness. If Gu Changge refused to mention anything that had happened, she would naturally do the same.
Everyone else didn’t see anything strange about the interaction, but Yue Mingkong could see an unnaturalness in Jiang Chuchu’s expression ever since she heard the Elders speak. [They don’t seem to be mere acquaintances.]
“Princess Mingkong, are you worried that your betrothed will be stolen?” Wang Zijin smiled and greeted her in a familiar way.
Yue Mingkong remained calm. “No, I’m just worried about Saintess Chuchu’s safety.”
Wang Zijin froze before smiling once again. “Oh, I see you have a great knowledge of Brother Gu then.”
Yue Mingkong felt some irritation towards the woman before her. Her beauty was comparable to her own, but she liked to poke her nose into everything without fear of inconveniencing anyone. She would even watch the fun without any care. She was now even mentioning the enmity between her and Jiang Chuchu! She might be the Successor of the Mortal Palace, but she was obviously a seductress.
“Well, you must be truly reassured about Brother Gu. However, I don’t think he’s that much of a gentleman. I doubt he can resist a pretty woman…” Wang Zijin was still smiling.
“It won’t be me who would be abandoned carelessly after the deed.” Yue Mingkong finally showed a rare smile, looking as calm and unruffled as a flawless jade stone.
The answer stunned Wang Zijin, who was a transmigrator. She couldn’t believe that Yue Mingkong would be so tolerant of her betrothed. [Is she that confident in herself? I just can’t understand what she is thinking. Is she saying that Gu Changge’s heart will never be touched?]
The disciples then began to choose the teams they wanted to join. There were no restrictions, as the Elders all knew that the specially trained disciples had to be chosen from the Ranked and Unranked Disciples. In more callous words, the other disciples were only there to round up the numbers.
Naturally, most wanted to follow Gu Changge. Many of the Unranked, Inner and Outer disciples made his team their first choice. He was extremely domineering in terms of strength and would never mistreat his people. This was obvious from the number of followers he had, which far exceeded every other young prodigy.
The other teams the disciples joined were those belonging to the King of Six Crowns, Prince Shen, and Yue Mingkong. Gu Xianer, Qing Xiaoyi, and Qing Feng looked awkward as no one joined their teams including the Outer disciples. Everyone knew Qing Xiaoyi and Qing Feng’s current condition; although the Elders were all expectant of her Talents, she had only been cultivating for a short time. They would be a burden during the trial. Gu Xianer was not weak either, but she was still weak compared to the other young Ranked Disciples, especially with the two burdens she carried with her.
“What’s happening…” Even Gu Xianer, who had always been cold and proud, could not believe her eyes. There was no one with her except for the siblings. It made her surroundings look deserted compared to the other teams, who had plenty of followers. Even the Sky King Zhi Yang, a loser who had been humiliated by Gu Changge, had many disciples joining him. So why didn’t she have any? Was she that unpopular?
She couldn’t understand this, as she was comparable to the other prodigal damsels in terms of beauty and power level, even far exceeding some of them. Why didn’t anyone join her then? This made her blush with embarrassment and awkwardness.
“Sister Xianer…” Qing Xiaoyi and Qing Feng were already used to such situations, but they could feel their faces getting hot with embarrassment. This was obviously because of them.
Gu Xianer forced a nonchalant expression onto her face. “It’s okay, they just don’t have taste. It’s fine if we have fewer people so I can save the energy needed to protect them.”
‘We will not inconvenience you during the trial.” Qing Feng smiled weakly as he made the promise. If not for him and his sister, Gu Xianer wouldn’t have been embarrassed like this.
“Mmm.” Gu Xianer nodded without saying anything.
The Elders, watching this from the sky, did not know how to react. It was the first time such an awkward situation had happened in the Immortal Academy, especially when Qing Feng and Qing Xiaoyi were promising disciples in their opinion.
Qing Feng had shown profound transformation during his time here, developing traces of Chaos Qi within his veins, bones, and organs. The occasional sound of wind and thunder showed how shockingly strong he was. This made many of the Elders surprised, and they concluded after some research that he had a mysterious physique. It hadn’t awakened before since he couldn’t cultivate.
This meant that both Qing Xiaoyi and Qing Feng had great fortune in owning a unique physique, which surprised the Elders. This was why they had allowed the siblings to join the trial together. However, they hadn’t expected the other young prodigies to be so materialistic, favouring the stronger teams instead. While Gu Changge’s team was to the point of bursting, due to the sheer number of people, his cousin looked pitiful compared to him.
“Don’t worry, respected Elders. I will look out for the siblings when I get the chance.” Gu Changge suggested with a smile as if sensing the frustration of the Elders. The siblings and Gu Xianer all had great Fortuity, so they wouldn’t be harmed so easily.
The suggestion was just an empty promise, but it made the Elders smile in relief, thinking it was a vow.
“That’s good. At least you understand the situation, Young Master Changge.”
“We are all reassured by your words.”
“Exactly. We will have to trouble you then.”
They were all calmed by his words and smiled gently, thinking that he was very sympathetic and was managing everything. The dissatisfaction they held about how he bullied Sky King Zhi Yang without regard towards them disappeared.
“Don’t worry. I will bring them back safely.” Gu Changge was still smiling.
“See, brother? Young Master Changge is so kind. He is even looking out for us…” Qing Xiaoyi’s gaze was respectful and admiring as she whispered to Qing Feng.
“Young Master Changge only did this for Lady Xianer’s sake. Don’t think too much about it.” Qing Feng smiled wryly as he hastily corrected her mistake.
“I don’t need his concern anyway. He’s too much of a busybody,” Gu Xianer said scornfully when she heard their conversation. She was however pleased and smug. He might claim to not care about her, but his actions betray him.
…
After that, a blinding beam of light shone towards them. The air surrounding the great teleportation array was thick with spiritual energy. It was made out of interweaving lines of runes, exuded a terrifyingly intense power, resembling an ancient gateway.
The young prodigies gathered around, and in a flash, they appeared on the ancient battleships in front of the teleportation array. Their gazes held traces of excitement.
“Go!” an Elder called out, and a multicoloured light appeared with a wave of his hand. The ancient battleships disappeared as they entered the gateway, speeding towards the location of the trial.
*Boom!*
The battleships rose into the air and disappeared into the gateway. Moving through the void, they soon were billions of kilometres away from their original location.
“I hope they will all return. The number of casualties and deaths should not exceed half the number.” One of the Elders sighed with worry in his gaze. The trials from the Immortal Academy were vastly different to that of the other factions. Since the law of survival of the fittest was a priority here.
Furthermore, with the resurgence of the Eternal Overcast being much worse than before, who below the Quasi-Sacred Realm could guarantee their life?
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