Time flows like a song, composing an epic melody that evokes longing. History has buried too many truths, yet it has also forged countless legends.
In front of the Fallen God Territory, Zuo Dao and his companions stood, gazing at the desolation before them. The dense thickets of the jungle wrapped around the remnants of crumbling walls, stretching endlessly beyond their sight. Even before entering, they felt a mysterious pressure bearing down on them, as if a ferocious beast lay in wait, ready to strike. Occasionally, the sounds of beastly roars echoed through the air.
This place had unknowingly devoured countless human elites, where young heroes had met their end, all in pursuit of the god that had fallen here.
At this moment, most of the participants had gathered at the forefront. The leaders were all young individuals in their twenties, exuding vigor and inner strength; they were likely the elite rookies from various factions. Each one was filled with passion and determination to become one of the hundred.
Muzhu Yao had been clinging to Yan Zhen since they met. Now, she and Yan Zi flanked him on either side like his "flower guardians."
The others could only helplessly watch this unfold, while Purple Dragon merely smiled wryly as he observed Yan Zi's figure. He felt no jealousy towards Yan Zhen; perhaps only a man like him could deeply attract a woman like Yan Zi.
As more people arrived, the atmosphere remained orderly; the ranks were clearly defined. Among the Loose Cultivators, there was a slight tension, with occasional shouts and curses breaking out. However, no one paid much attention to it; after all, their backgrounds dictated everything.
Zuo Dao was currently observing those around him; they would all be opponents soon enough, so gathering some information was never a bad idea.
The members from the Seventy-Two Peaks were manageable. Zuo Dao had detailed information from Muzhu Yao about notable figures from that faction and their characteristics. Truly impressive for someone who navigated through the world’s intrigues; there were even some hidden secrets included. He couldn't help but wonder how she obtained such intel.
Most threats came from elite figures among their ranks. Disciples below Meridian Refinement could largely be disregarded.
Among the Loose Cultivators, Zuo Dao identified several dangerous characters: three men and one woman.
One was an ordinary-looking man dressed in tight-fitting clothes with a tall stature. He stood alone with two long swords crossed on his back, seemingly oblivious to those around him. Zuo Dao sensed he was in a state of cultivation while also remaining vigilant.
Another was entirely different—a scholar clad in traditional robes who mingled among various factions. His words were perfectly timed and his demeanor balanced; however, Zuo Dao felt something off about him. He trusted his instincts as women trust their intuition.
Then there was a burly man over two meters tall wielding a massive club as thick as a bowl's rim. He occasionally twirled it around, causing those nearby to scatter in fear. Yet what caught Zuo Dao's attention was the soft sword wrapped around his waist; although well-concealed, Zuo Dao noticed it and made a mental note to be cautious should they cross paths again.
Lastly, a figure in black robes drew Zuo Dao's attention—also standing alone but completely shrouded in dark fabric. Despite its size, occasional gusts of wind hinted at the presence of a woman beneath it. What truly intrigued Zuo Dao was that within a certain range, this person could trigger his True Martial Body.
A threat—a significant threat—Zuo Dao quickly concluded. Until he could discern friend from foe, anyone who could influence him would be considered an enemy.
The worldview of Zuo Dao is quite simple: friends and enemies.
However, soon he cast all that aside and got into a dispute with Muzhu Yao.
After a while, most people had arrived, and everyone was preparing to enter the arena. At that moment, several figures appeared in the sky.
"Cultivators."
"Those are the experts from the Elder Council..."
"The Proctor has arrived."
"When will I be able to fly through the air?"
The crowd murmured among themselves. The main figures had appeared; Zuo Dao squinted his eyes, surveying the people above, lost in his thoughts.
As the newcomers descended and stood before the crowd, an elderly man stepped forward, casting a casual glance that sent chills down the spines of all the rookies present. Each one felt as if he was looking directly at them.
"I am Chen Song from the Seventy-Two Peaks Elder Council, and I will be the Examiner for this Summit. This Summit is different from previous ones; I will not explain why. I will make one thing clear: in this Summit, life and death are irrelevant; only the top hundred will be taken."
Elder Chen Song declared:
"I now announce: the Summit begins."
His voice was not loud, yet it resonated throughout the venue.
As his words fell, everyone began to enter in an orderly fashion, thousands silently stepping into the Fallen God Territory. Soon after, cries of despair echoed out.
Chen Song sighed as he watched the last person's figure disappear.
"I wonder how many rookies will emerge a month from now!"
"Elder Chen, there's no need for you to sigh. If it were you, would you choose not to participate?"
One of the women in palace attire spoke up.
"These children may not all surpass us once they emerge, but those selected for the Top Hundred will undoubtedly rise above us in the future if they do not fall."
"Don't doubt it. You may not know, but this competition will be held in the Fallen God Territory."
"Indeed, it's both their blessing and their curse. If they succeed, the sky's the limit; if they fail, then it's all over."
A middle-aged man clad in Armor took over the conversation but was interrupted by someone nearby.
"Some things are meant to be said, while others should remain unspoken. We just need to focus on our own responsibilities."
The speaker was an old man, unkempt with a long beard.
Lin Sen, the armored man, paused at these words. He opened his mouth to speak but then closed it again.
The crowd fell into a moment of silence, and the atmosphere suddenly became extremely oppressive.
"Alright, alright. Did anyone notice any promising candidates just now?"
The woman in palace attire stepped forward to break the silence.
"I saw a girl at Sunu Peak who seems quite good. If she makes it into the Top Hundred, how about she comes to my Huashan Academy? Just don’t fight me for her later!"
"I have my eye on a few as well. If they come out, I’ll take them for Taishan Academy."
"Lin Sen, what do you mean by 'a few'? You seem so honest usually; I didn't expect you to be so sly! If Taishan Academy can take them, why can't Hengshan Academy?"
The crowd erupted into chatter. Fortunately, all present were examiners. If the rookies returning from the Summit had known about this, their jaws would have dropped in shock.
Except for Examiner Chen Song, among the twelve people present, six were from the Six Academies. Since it was the first time the Six Academies were recruiting, they naturally sent representatives to observe.
Taishan Academy - Lin Sen;
Hengshan Academy - Zuo Xingfeng;
Huashan Academy - Lu Feng;
Hengshan Academy - Zhu Ting;
Songshan Academy - Blade Battle;
First Academy - Any.
Even before the competition had ended, they were already vying for talent. The elders of Chen Song stood by, hesitant to speak. The Six Academies were a formidable presence; a practical analogy would be that they were like a royal palace compared to a county office. The Seventy-Two Peaks stood at the pinnacle of the cultivation world, while the Six Academies represented its beginning.
"Go ahead, grab as many as you can," Chen Song thought to himself.
However, as he gazed at the entrance to the Fallen God Territory, a hint of worry flickered in his eyes.
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