From Five Animal Exercises to being hailed as a saint and ancestor

The exit of the Meteorite Realm.

It was not the magnificent and imposing gate that Yao Mengkang had imagined.

Instead, it appears somewhat ancient and even quiet.

It was a relatively open valley in the heart of the valley, with an ancient stone platform weathered by time standing in the center.

The stone platform is circular, with dense, now blurred, runes engraved along its edges.

At this moment, these runes were emitting an extremely faint, almost imperceptible glow.

Like the slow breathing of a sleeping behemoth.

Around the stone platform, more than twenty deacons who had arrived earlier were already standing and waiting.

Their auras were deep and their sharp gazes swept over the disciples who were gathering from the mountains and forests.

Yao Mengkang, standing among the crowd, could clearly sense it.

When you step onto the solid ground of this valley, when your eyes fall upon that quiet stone platform.

Almost all the disciples around him, including himself, had been on edge for nearly a month.

Finally, I relaxed a little, almost imperceptibly.

Within the secret realm, dangers lurk everywhere. Disciples must be constantly on guard against star-bone beasts, spatial rifts, energy outbursts, and even the unpredictable nature of human hearts.

Now we can finally see our way home.

Elder Qin stood before the stone platform, his green robe fluttering gently in the valley breeze.

His face was still young, but his eyes were as deep as a pool.

He didn't say much, but his gaze slowly swept over every face that had gathered around him. A steward beside him held a jade book and whispered the names. As soon as a name was called, a disciple responded.

At the same time, the corresponding name on the jade book lit up slightly.

"...Yao Mengkang."

"Here," Yao Mengkang replied calmly.

He could feel Elder Qin's gaze linger on him for a fleeting moment, so quickly that it seemed like an illusion.

A moment later, the steward closed the jade book, turned to Qin Feng, and bowed, saying:

"Elder, all 127 disciples undergoing training are here; none have been missed."

There was a slight commotion in the valley, and many disciples wore expressions of disbelief and relief.

It's a miracle that everyone returned safely after two months deep in the meteorite's secret realm!

Qin Feng's lips curled up slightly, revealing a genuine smile that dispelled the usual coldness between his brows, making him appear much gentler.

"Okay, very good."

His voice was clear and resonant, echoing throughout the valley.

"It was worthwhile for the academy to send me and twenty-five deacons to protect you all this time. Of the one hundred and twenty-seven disciples who participated in this training, none perished. Excellent!"

His satisfaction was undisguised.

Yao Mengkang, with his sharp ears, even vaguely caught a mature-looking deacon behind Elder Qin murmuring in a very low voice.

"Strange, I thought that according to past experience, it was inevitable that ten or eight would be lost, but this time all of them were intact... It's really unexpected."

It seems that even the higher-ups at the academy were surprised and delighted by the result of "no one falling."

Next comes the waiting.

The opening of the secret realm's exit is not arbitrary; it requires a specific time and space node.

The disciples either sat cross-legged to regulate their breathing and summarize their gains from the trip, or gathered in twos and threes to talk in hushed tones and share their thrilling experiences in the secret realm.

About an hour later, as the sun began to set and the light in the valley started to dim, the silent stone platform finally changed.

hum-

A deep, resonant hum, seemingly originating from the depths of the earth, resounded.

The space in the center of the stone platform began to distort, like the surface of water rippled by a stone thrown in, spreading out in circles of transparent ripples.

The originally dim runes lit up one by one, their light gradually increasing until they finally converged into a stable light gate that was three zhang high and about one zhang wide.

Inside the portal was a swirling white light, obscuring the view on the other side, but the familiar, peaceful aura unique to the Azure Deer Academy was already faintly permeating through.

"The exit is open. Enter in order, do not crowd!"

The deacon's voice rang out authoritatively.

The disciples suppressed their excitement, lined up, and stepped into the gate of light in an orderly fashion.

Yao Mengkang followed the crowd into the portal of light. A slight dizziness and a sense of spatial displacement came over him. A bright light flashed before his eyes and then disappeared. His feet were already on the familiar ground.

The familiar back mountain of the academy, the swirling energy of heaven and earth, and the tranquil atmosphere that enveloped the entire academy.

They returned, back to the back mountain of Qinglu Academy.

The period of rest after returning to the academy did not last long.

The next day, a notice jointly signed by the academy's senior officials was posted on the outer college's bulletin board, causing a huge uproar.

The core content of the announcement is about the enrollment plan of "Tiandao Academy".

Yao Mengkang was no stranger to the name Tiandao Academy.

It is a colossal structure standing on the entire continent, a sacred place in the hearts of all young cultivators, and a symbol of the path to greater strength.

This recruitment process is clearly divided into two major groups for assessment: "Pulse Opening Realm" and "Spirit Sea Realm".

This means that the competition will take place among disciples of the same level.

The announcement caused quite a stir, especially among the outer disciples, and... a secret delight.

"Separate assessments? That's great! I was worried that if we were to compete with the senior students from the inner academy, how would we, at the Meridian Opening stage, possibly have a chance?"

"That's exactly right! As long as we stabilize our cultivation level and don't break through to the Spirit Sea Realm within this month, we only need to compete with other Opening Meridian Realm cultivators. With my cultivation at the eighth level of Opening Meridian Realm, I might actually be able to give it a shot!"

"Hehe, I've already reached the ninth level of the Meridian Opening stage, and my foundation is solid. I'm looking for an opportunity to break through."

"It seems that this breakthrough will have to be postponed for a while, until we pass the Heavenly Dao Academy's assessment."

"Senior Brother Yao, don't you think so? With your strength, you must be one of the best in the Meridian Opening Realm."

Some of the familiar disciples looked at Yao Mengkang, their tone both flattering and probing.

Upon hearing this, Yao Mengkang simply smiled noncommittally and said nothing more.

He knew in his heart that since the Heavenly Dao Academy was a holy place, its admission standards would not be simple.

To place one's hopes on exploiting loopholes in the boundaries of boundaries is far too naive.

However, this arrangement does give disciples in the Qi Opening Realm a relatively fair opportunity, avoiding the absolute disadvantage of fighting beyond their level, so it's no wonder they are looking forward to it.

The academy acted swiftly. Shortly after the announcement was released, it issued a notice summoning all disciples who intended to register for the Heavenly Dao Academy's assessment to the central square the following morning for a mobilization meeting.

The central square is large enough to accommodate thousands of people.

At this moment, a temporary platform has been erected in front of the square.

The audience below was packed with disciples, numbering no less than two thousand at a rough glance.

All ten disciples of the outer academy were present.

Yao Mengkang stood at the very front, his gaze sweeping across the high platform.

Several elders of the academy sat on the stage, including a few familiar elders, among whom Elder Yao and Elder Qin Feng were prominently featured.

The central seat, however, was empty—it belonged to the dean.

Soon, an elderly man dressed in a purple robe, with a gaunt face and sharp, eagle-like eyes, stood up and walked to the front of the stage.

He is Shangguan Hong, another vice dean of Qinglu Academy.

"quiet."

The two simple words carried an invisible pressure, instantly silencing the noisy square to the point where you could hear a pin drop.

Shangguan Hong scanned the entire room and slowly began to speak.

"I presume you are all aware of the purpose for which I have summoned you today."

"The Heavenly Dao Academy's enrollment is a grand event on the continent, and also an opportunity for you to leap over the dragon gate..."

He first gave a brief explanation of the status of the Heavenly Dao Academy and the importance of this opportunity, then changed the subject and his tone became serious.

"However, the gates to the Holy Land are not easily entered. We must know ourselves and our enemy in order to find a glimmer of hope."

"First, there are the admission rules."

Shangguan Hong explained in detail.

"The assessment is divided according to realm, with the Meridian Opening Realm and the Spirit Sea Realm being assessed separately. The assessment content covers many aspects such as aptitude, comprehension, mentality, and combat experience."

"The specific format will be determined by the envoy of the Heavenly Dao Academy at that time, and it may be different each time."

"Only one thing remains unchanged—selection is based on merit, and the standards are extremely high!"

He paused, his voice rising a few decibels, carrying a heavy tone that made one's heart tighten.

"Perhaps, some of you are secretly pleased because of the realm assessment, thinking that you have accumulated a lot in the Meridian Opening Realm and can gain some advantage."

"To think that way would be a grave mistake!"

"It should be known that there are always people more capable than you, and there is always something beyond your understanding."

"Our Qinglu Academy is confined to a remote corner; the world you see is but a tiny square inch!"

Shangguan Hong's tone was solemn.

"The outside world is vast, with numerous dynasties and powerful families. The true chosen ones are far beyond your imagination."

"Those who have reached the ninth level of the Meridian Opening stage in the conventional sense will need some luck to pass this assessment; most will be geniuses at the tenth level or higher!"

A collective gasp rippled through the audience, and many outer court disciples who had initially looked pleased turned pale instantly.

Tenth level of meridian opening? Eleventh level? That's practically a legendary realm!

Shangguan Hong first glanced at Xuan Yuanpo, who was second only to Yao Mengkang among the outer disciples.

Looking at Xuan Yuanpo's stubborn face, he sighed slightly.

They did not choose to reveal Xuan Yuanpo's family affairs.

Instead, it scanned the entire room, and finally landed on Qin Feng, who was sitting to the side, eyes downcast and seemingly lost in thought.

"Perhaps you find what I'm about to say too shocking and unbelievable."

Shangguan Hong's voice suddenly took on a strange tone.

"Then, let me give another example, one that you are all very familiar with, and also a more... real example."

Qin Feng seemed to sense something; his eyelashes, which had been slightly lowered, trembled, but he still did not look up.

"That's Elder Qin Feng, sitting on the platform!"

All eyes instantly focused on Qin Feng. This youngest elder of the academy was exceptionally talented and an idol worshipped by countless disciples.

"Elder Qin's talent is beyond my need to elaborate."

"At the age of twenty, he broke through to the Spirit Sea with the ultimate foundation of opening the twelve meridians, which shocked the academy and allowed him to enter the inner courtyard."

Shangguan Hong spoke calmly, yet every word was like a hammer blow.

"Then, in just ten years, he reached the limit of the Spirit Sea Realm—the Boundless Realm!"

Five years ago, he broke through to the Yuan Dan realm. Because of his incredibly solid foundation, the quality of his Yuan Dan was extremely high. Although he is only at the early stage of the Yuan Dan realm now, his true combat strength is already comparable to that of a Divine Bridge cultivator!

The disciples below the stage listened with rapt attention; this was truly the legend of Elder Qin!

Twelve levels of meridian opening, boundless spiritual sea, and the Yuan Dan War God Bridge! How astonishing!

However, Shangguan Hong's next words instantly froze everyone's hopes.

"But do you know that this incredibly talented Elder Qin went to the Central Region nine years ago to participate in the Heavenly Dao Academy's Spirit Sea Realm disciple assessment?"

Shangguan Hong's voice suddenly turned sharp.

"At that time, he was already a top expert at the seventh level of the Spirit Sea Realm!"

Elder Qin, who is at the Spirit Sea Realm, is going to participate in the Spirit Sea Realm assessment?

All the disciples held their breath, vaguely sensing something was about to happen.

"What was the result?"

Shangguan Hong asked and answered himself, his voice carrying clearly throughout the square.

"He was defeated, utterly defeated. He couldn't even last twenty moves against a fellow seventh-level Spirit Sea Realm disciple of the Heavenly Dao Academy!"

"Whoosh—!"

The square erupted in an uproar. All the disciples stared wide-eyed at the calm, green-robed elder on the platform, their eyes wide with disbelief.

Elder Qin, a seventh-level Spirit Sea cultivator, was defeated in ten moves by someone of the same level? This... how is this possible?!

Yao Mengkang was also deeply shocked.

He knew Qin Feng's strength all too well; it was a feeling that was unfathomable.

How could such a powerful Elder Qin have suffered such a crushing defeat back then?

Just how strong must the disciples of the Heavenly Dao Academy be?

Just then, Yao Mengkang noticed something.

Elder Qin Feng, who was sitting upright, slightly curled his right hand, which was resting on his knee, and his fingertips dug slightly into the fabric.

He still didn't look up, but the taut lines on his profile and his slightly pursed thin lips betrayed the turmoil in his heart.

On the high platform, Qin Feng's mind was racing with excitement.

Shangguan, you old bastard! Why do you preach your grand principles and boost your morale, but instead reopen my wounds?

Not even 20 moves? It's clearly 11 moves!

I was beaten so badly that I vomited blood and collapsed to the ground after eleven moves, losing all face!

After all these years, is this old man doing this on purpose?

In front of all the disciples... I, Qin Feng, am also an elder! Don't I have any dignity?

A surge of frustration welled up in his chest, making him want to storm off immediately.

But reason told him he couldn't.

Although the vice dean's actions embarrassed him, what he said was true; the Heavenly Dao Academy was indeed so powerful that it was despair-inducing.

The crushing defeat of that year was certainly a disgrace, but it also tempered his will and allowed him to see the true vastness of the world.

Later, the former dean personally intervened and managed to secure him an opportunity to be an exchange student at the Heavenly Dao Academy.

Those years of experience truly transformed him, allowing him to glimpse the profound mysteries of the Great Dao and ultimately achieve boundless spiritual enlightenment.

But... understanding is one thing, but another is another.

The feeling of being publicly executed is absolutely unbearable!

Qin Feng felt his face burning.

Fortunately, he had profound cultivation and was able to control his qi and blood.

On the surface, it still maintained that calm and composed demeanor.

However, she had already mentally "greeted" Shangguan Hong countless times.

Shangguan Hong seemed oblivious to Qin Feng's almost tangible resentment, or rather, he simply didn't care.

He looked at his disciples below the stage, who were already somewhat distraught from the series of news, and said in a deep voice.

"Now, do you understand what it means to have a heaven beyond heaven? If you can't even withstand this little setback, if you don't dare to face this gap, then you might as well not walk this path to heaven!"

He paused for a moment, allowing his disciples to process this shocking information, before finally announcing the academy's arrangements.

"Given that the assessment is conducted in stages and that the inner court disciples have already made other arrangements, the academy has decided that they will not travel with the inner court disciples to the Great Xia Royal City this time."

"Elder Qin and I will lead everyone there."

"The academy is far from the capital of the Great Xia Dynasty."

"This time, the 'Mysterious Yellow Boat' will be used to transport outer court disciples and elders."

"The trip is expected to take about twenty days."

"All outer court disciples who have registered for the assessment have three days to prepare. Gather at the academy square at Chenshi (7-9 AM) three days later. Latecomers will not be accepted!"

"By the way, you can go to the Spirit Affairs Pavilion to exchange what you have obtained in the secret realm for pills, weapons, talismans, or protective magic items suitable for your current realm."

"The stronger you are, the greater your chances of passing the assessment will be."

Shangguan Hong added in conclusion

The mobilization meeting ended in such an extremely shocking, complex, and even somewhat oppressive atmosphere.

The disciples dispersed amidst their chatter, each with a solemn and thoughtful expression on their face.

The Heavenly Dao Academy, that gate leading to the highest institution of learning, seemed even more imposing and distant than they had imagined.

Yao Mengkang left the square with the crowd, glancing back at the high platform.

Elder Qin Feng had already stood up and was talking to Vice Dean Shangguan. From the side, his expression seemed a bit colder than usual.

The vice president who had exposed Qin Feng's wounds remained calm and even patted him on the shoulder.

"A twenty-day journey... time is running out."

He muttered to himself, quickened his pace, and walked towards his small courtyard.

The road ahead is fraught with difficulties, but it is also full of endless possibilities.