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

The atmosphere was heavy in the largest council hall in the outer courtyard of Qinglu Academy.

Key figures such as Yao Mengkang, Xuanyuanpo, Su Xiaoman, and Shi Potian gathered together.

The top ten disciples of the outer academy, such as Zhou Tiancan, Mu Qingqing, Wang Le, Huo Ling'er, and Li Han, were also present.

The shockwaves from Elder Li Xun's announcement of the change in the assessment location during the day were now spreading among these young people.

"The Abyss of Silent Souls...that's one of the Ten Forbidden Zones!"

Wang Le spoke first, his face devoid of its usual liveliness, filled with worry.

"I've inquired about it. Although everyone says that the hellish place is 'friendly' to the weak and the danger adjusts according to strength, the survival rate of cultivators at the Qi Refining and Spirit Sea Realms who have mistakenly entered it over the years is still quite low..."

"It's said... less than 30%!"

"Thirty percent?!"

Zhou Tiancan's eyes widened, and he gasped.

"Does that mean that out of ten people who go in, at most only three will come out alive?"

Mu Qingqing's pretty face paled slightly as she replied.

"And this is just the case when it happens by accident."

"Whether our influx of nearly 10,000 people will trigger unforeseen changes is anyone's guess."

"Even if the Heavenly Dao Academy will definitely have some backup plans, such as setting up safe zones and providing rescue."

"However, based on past experience with similar dangerous training sites, the final mortality rate will likely still be more than half."

More than half of the deaths!

This cold, hard data felt like a boulder pressing down on everyone's heart.

Although they were geniuses and had experienced many battles, this was the first time they had faced such a large-scale, high-mortality collective operation.

Shi Potian crossed his arms, his massive frame like an iron tower. His brows were furrowed, and he spoke in a deep, muffled voice:

"Given the immense danger, and considering the elders leading the teams aren't fools, how could they possibly agree?"

"I think this deal is probably going to fall through!"

"The elders certainly won't just stand by and watch so many of us go to our deaths."

His words resonated with some people.

"Brother Shi is right."

One of the top-ranked students from the outer academy nodded.

"All the geniuses are here. If there are too many casualties, no one can bear the responsibility. The elders will definitely argue their case."

"That's right, the Heavenly Dao Academy also needs to consider the impact."

However, Yao Mengkang shook his head, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, his gaze calm.

"Not necessarily. Senior Brother Shi, think about it, since the Heavenly Dao Academy dared to openly announce the change of location under the spotlight, it must have weighed the options and even had a certain degree of confidence."

"If it is so easily rejected by the elders of various families, what face will the Heavenly Dao Academy have left?"

"Elder Li Xun, would you do something so self-contradictory?"

Xuanyuan Po, holding the Frostmark Sword, spoke in a cool and aloof tone.

"Senior Brother Yao is right. Since the Heavenly Dao Academy has made this proposal, it must have something to rely on."

"Perhaps they can offer reasons that will force the elders to agree."

Su Xiaoman sat on the table, swinging her legs, and said nonchalantly.

"Oh, what's there to be afraid of! Danger is what makes it fun!"

"Sparring back and forth in the academy is utterly pointless!"

"The Abyss of Silent Souls, just hearing about it sounds exciting!"

"Besides, with me and Junior Brother Yao protecting you! Don't be so scared!"

Her words, though forceful, eased the tense atmosphere somewhat.

But the debate did not stop.

Zhou Tiancan scratched his head, looking somewhat conflicted:

"I think Senior Brother Shi and Senior Brother Yao both have a point, but a 50% mortality rate is too high."

Mu Qingqing, however, was more inclined to agree with Yao Mengkang's assessment.

"The academy elders are not fools; they would not risk the wrath of the world if they were not absolutely certain."

"I suspect they might come up with some safeguards that will reassure the elders of each family."

Wang Le's eyes darted around.

"Safeguards? Could it be that they'll give us some powerful life-saving talismans? Or send experts to protect us secretly?"

Huo Ling'er said worriedly.

"Even so, in a place like the Silent Soul Abyss, if something happens, will rescue be timely?"

Li Han, as always, remained hidden in the shadows of the corner, but this time he spoke in a hoarse voice, hitting the nail on the head.

"Interests. The elders will not easily compromise unless there are enough incentives to entice all parties."

Everyone had their own opinion, and the debate raged on.

Some, like Shi Potian and Zhou Tiancan, tended to believe that the elders would object.

Some, like Yao Mengkang, Xuanyuanpo, and Mu Qingqing, believed that the academy must have a backup plan, and that changing the examination location was inevitable.

There are also people like Wang Le and Huo Ling'er who are more concerned about specific security measures.

Su Xiaoman, on the other hand, simply found it exciting and fun.

Just as the debate was getting more intense, the door to the council chamber was pushed open, and Vice Dean Shangguan Hong walked in looking exhausted.

The hall fell silent instantly, and everyone turned their gaze to him with curiosity and anticipation.

Looking at the young, worried faces before him, Shangguan Hong sighed inwardly, but forced a relieved smile and said loudly:

"Stop arguing. The assessment location has been decided: Silent Soul Abyss. There's no going back."

Everyone felt a chill in their hearts.

Shangguan Hong continued.

"However, you need not worry too much."

"This change was indeed influenced by high-ranking members of the Heavenly Dao Sect."

"As compensation and as a guarantee, all disciples who participate in the assessment will receive a specially made 'protective talisman' from the Heavenly Dao Sect, which can withstand an attack from a cultivator at the Divine Bridge Realm."

"The Sword Master Mingxin has sworn an oath with his sword heart to closely monitor the assessment area and do his best to ensure your safety."

A protective charm! A vow made with the heart of a sword!

These two pieces of news acted as a reassurance, putting everyone's minds at ease.

The protective talisman of the Heavenly Dao Sect is of self-evident value; in critical moments, it is equivalent to having an extra life.

The oath made by the Sword Master Mingxin, a figure of immense significance, carries even greater weight.

"I see..." Shi Potian murmured, then said no more.

Su Xiaoman proudly raised her little face.

"See? I told you it was nothing!"

The worry on everyone's faces gradually faded, replaced by a mixture of tension and anticipation.

The danger still exists, but with these safeguards, it doesn't seem so unacceptable.

"Alright, everyone go back and get some rest and recharge. We'll meet at the square tomorrow at 7:00 AM to announce the specific rules."

Shangguan Hong waved his hand, signaling everyone to disperse.

The disciples bowed and took their leave.

Yao Mengkang returned to his room, but did not fall asleep immediately.

He sat cross-legged on the bed, Shangguan Hong's words echoing in his mind.

"High-ranking members of the Heavenly Dao Sect have intervened. Sword Master Mingxin is personally overseeing the situation."

A thought flashed through his mind like lightning!

The unfathomable figure of Li Hanshan, the Lord of the Underworld, and the earth-shattering phenomenon of the saint's fall two days ago.

And today, the Heavenly Dao Sect is so unusually and forcefully intervening in the assessment, even going so far as to offer protective tokens and swear an oath with their sword hearts.

These clues seem to be connected by an invisible thread!

"Could it be that the fallen saint was a member of the Heavenly Dao Sect? And the one who made the move... was it the Netherworld Prison?"

Yao Mengkang was startled by his own guess.

"So, why is the Heavenly Dao Sect in such a hurry, even going so far as to use us students to enter the Silent Soul Abyss? What important thing is it for?"

The more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed.

Otherwise, it would be difficult to explain why the Heavenly Dao Sect would go to such lengths.

"Too high a level"

Yao Mengkang let out a soft breath and rubbed his temples.

The battle of sages, the covert clashes between the Underworld and the Heavenly Dao Sect—these are all too far removed from his current reality.

Even if he guessed part of the truth, he was powerless to change anything.

What's meant to be will be. Tomorrow, we'll see.

He calmed his mind, ceasing to ponder the intricate secrets behind the scenes, and slowly entered a state of meditation, accumulating every bit of strength for the unknown test of tomorrow.

Outside the window, the moonlight was cold and clear.