In the blink of an eye, the day of the test arrived. Over 100,000 young geniuses had arrived in the city, filling the city with bustle and excitement. A majestic voice rang out, “Everyone that is here for the test, gather outside the north gate.”
At that announcement, young geniuses flew out from everywhere in the city and started heading toward the north gate. The entire city was filled with youngsters flying or riding on powerful mounts. All of them were brimming with excitement, filled with hope that they could get through the test.
Soon, the geniuses arrived at an empty space outside the north gate. The originally empty land instantly became crowded with people. Xiang Shaoyun, Tang Longfei, and the others were naturally present as well, awaiting for the test to start.
In the sky above the young geniuses, a luxurious wagon dragged by eight demonic beasts appeared, with several figures standing within the wagon. Obviously, these were either the elders or the overseers of the Dragon Phoenix Academy responsible for the test.
“The Dragon Phoenix Academy will only open the door of recruitment once every 100 years. A total of 888 batches of recruitment have been held thus far, and some remarkably talented disciples have emerged from each batch. I hope this batch will not disappoint either,” said a crudely dressed old man with a crew cut. He was on the luxurious wagon. “Most of you are still in the Skysoar Realm. To reach the Dragon Phoenix Academy from here, you will require seven days. Those who are able to reach the academy within seven days will be considered to have passed the first round of examinations. Special-recruits, step forth. The others, prepare yourself.”
At that, a number of figures moved forward. Since Xiang Shaoyun was also a special-recruit, he moved forth as well. To his surprise, Shou Xie moved forward as well, causing him to be astonished. Shou Xie was decently talented, but his combat prowess did not seem too impressive. Thus, him becoming a special-recruit was quite a surprise.
When Shou Xie sensed Xiang Shaoyun’s gaze, he smiled and explained, “I’m not that good at fighting, but I’m good at dealing with demonic beasts. I have an innate closeness with them, and because of that, I was lucky enough to become a special-recruit as well.”
His explanation hit Xiang Shaoyun with a sense of realization. Shou Xie was a special-recruit that possessed a talent unique only to him, one that set him apart from the other young geniuses. Of the over 100,000 youngsters present to take the test, about 1,000 of them were special-recruits.
That might seem like a large number, but in comparison to the test candidates numbering over 100,000, it was a pitifully small number. It was evident how harsh the requirements to be a special-recruit were.
“Excellent. Special-recruits do not need to take the test and can come straight to the academy with us. Of course, you can also opt to take the test. Those wishing to take the test may step back right now, while those wishing to come with us can stay,” said the old man with a crew cut hair.
At that, Xiang Shaoyun stepped back. Apart from him, there were about 100 special-recruits who had similarly retreated. The rest remained where they stood. Those who had retreated naturally shared the same thoughts as Xiang Shaoyun. They wanted to validate their capabilities by going through the entrance test. As for those who had remained, they were the ones who wanted to join the academy without going through further hassle.
“Alright. Those who are here need to reach the academy in seven days or you will be disqualified, even if you’re a special-recruit,” said the crew-cut old man. “There might be some dangers during the test, so you will have to react accordingly. The test commences now.”
At that announcement, the young geniuses started flying toward the Dragon Phoenix Mountain Range ahead of them. Like a swarm of locusts, they flew forward, blanketing the sky with a massive cloud of people. Xiang Shaoyun’s group was doing the same.
Beside him, Tang Longfei asked, “Shaoyun, why did you give up on entering the academy straight away?”
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“Someone told me that going through the test will bring me some benefits, so I stayed,” said Xiang Shaoyun. He had not expected that the academy would announce that the special-recruits who failed the test would be disqualified.
Inwardly, he cursed, This can’t be a scam, right?
“Alright, you need to be careful then. Don’t mess up, or it will be too much of a pity,” said Tang Longfei.
“Don’t worry, I know what to do,” said Xiang Shaoyun.
Apart from him, only Tang Longfei, Lady Shura, Ning Wenhuang and the Han Clan sisters were left in their group. As for Jin Shui and Ling Lin, they had already followed Shou Xie to the academy with the identity of followers.
As for the Han Clan sisters, since Xiang Shaoyun was participating in the test, they had to do the same. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have the chance to enter the Dragon Phoenix Academy.
At this time, Xiang Shaoyun had already summoned Money out. Money was no slower than an average late-stage Skysoar Realm cultivator. With him ferrying the Han Clan sisters, the group would be able to travel faster.
Money was now a peak fourth-stage Demon King and would be able to advance anytime soon and become a fifth-stage Demon King. None of the people there knew how Xiang Shaoyun had conjured Money out of thin air. Thus, they were all astonished to see Money’s sudden appearance.
Xiang Shaoyun had to make an explanation, “This is Money. He has a demonic ability allowing him to perform invisible latching. Therefore, you won’t be able to see him normally.”
The others wore a look of realization after hearing his explanation. They were all aware that demonic beasts would have some unique abilities, so they did not think too much into it. Like everyone else, they started traveling at a rapid speed.
In the beginning, nothing special happened. But after about half a day, trouble finally started coming. A massive swarm of locusts flew out from the mountain range below them, forming an overwhelmingly dreadful sight. The bugs were as big as half an adult, and most of them were Demon Kings. Furthermore, at the middle of the swarm, there were dozens of Demon Emperors.
An ear-piercing screech resounded everywhere, causing the young geniuses to assume ghastly expressions. Without any hesitation, they unleashed their might and charged the swarm.
Rumble! Rumble!
Instantly, numerous explosions of varying colors erupted midair as the geniuses clashed with the swarm. The swarm of locusts spat a large amount of corrosive venom from their mouths. Anyone who as much as touched the venom had a bad time.
To make things worse, although the cultivation levels of these locusts were lower than the geniuses, there were too many of them. They greatly outnumbered the young geniuses. Thus, in the chaotic battle, apart from locusts, many unlucky young geniuses fell as well.