“It seems quite a few people want to take down Heaven Gate!” At that moment, a mocking voice rang out, followed by two tall, straight figures stepping slowly from the crowd.
The appearance of these two sparked a small commotion, as they were members of the Sword Alliance, one of the top three Inner Court factions.
After this training, they were almost certain to enter the Inner Court.
“Heh, I’m not interested in Heaven Gate’s little girls, but if we come across some fresh genius, we might take an interest,” a giggling voice followed. Two stunning figures gradually emerged into view.
Moon Gate’s Phantom Butterfly and Yun Lian.
Everyone knew Heaven Gate had risen quickly, but with so many monstrous talents and major factions offended, establishing a foothold would be tough unless they avoided these figures during the training.
After their appearance, heavy footsteps echoed in the crowd’s ears. Though soft, they carried a silencing, almost magical force.
All chatter stopped in that instant, including from the Sword Alliance’s Dao Yi and Moon Gate’s Phantom Butterfly.
Every gaze turned toward the man making those footsteps. His face bore a scar, his features grim and fearsome, an aura of killing intent seeming to seep from him.
This was none other than Shura Butcher, the most terrifying figure in Shengyuan Academy’s Outer Court.
As Shura Butcher passed Heaven Gate, he glanced at Ling Hu and the others. Not seeing Lin Xiao, he looked away, ignoring everyone else as if they didn’t exist, and continued his heavy steps until he stopped at the front of the crowd.
Phantom Butterfly and Dao Yi exchanged a look but said nothing, quietly moving forward as well.
With the training gathering underway, academy rules forbade fighting, so further words were pointless.
After Shura Butcher’s arrival, two more figures with extraordinary auras appeared. Spotting Shura Butcher, they didn’t speak either, simply walking calmly to the front of the crowd.
Though these two didn’t inspire the same dread as Shura Butcher, everyone knew they were untouchable existences in the academy.
Duan Cangsheng, ranked first in the Outer Court, and another super genius from the Martial Alliance.
As he settled into place, Duan Cangsheng’s gaze drifted toward Heaven Gate’s group. Not seeing Lin Xiao, a deep disappointment flashed in his eyes.
The scene fell still for a while. Nearly all the Outer Court disciples had arrived, but attention lingered on Heaven Gate’s direction, where one key figure was still absent.
That was Lin Xiao, who had shaken the Outer Court three months ago.
“Is he scared? He still hasn’t shown up?”
“With so many monsters after him, I wouldn’t come either. Staying alive matters more.”
“It’s a shame to miss the chance to enter the Inner Court, but with so many terrifying enemies, he’d likely fall if he met them. Skipping the training might be a smart move.”
“Right, he’s still a newbie. Waiting two or three more years to enter the Inner Court wouldn’t be too late.”
The crowd buzzed with speculation, making Heaven Gate’s disciples’ faces darken. They didn’t believe Lin Xiao would deliberately dodge the slaughter training, though it was possible he’d lost track of time in seclusion.
If so, Heaven Gate’s reputation would take a hit.
“Sorry, I’m late!” Just as the crowd speculated Lin Xiao wouldn’t dare show, a faint laugh rang out. A clean-cut, relaxed young man strolled unhurriedly toward them.
It was none other than Lin Xiao.
His gaze swept the scene. The plaza now held over a thousand disciples, all young, nearly all above the Heavenly Martial Realm.
Outside the academy, this would be a terrifying super faction.
In his line of sight, Lin Xiao caught countless icy stares fixed on him.
Mo Alliance’s Mo Yi, Dao Yi, Phantom Butterfly, Duan Cangsheng, and others—but he ignored them all.
Reaching Heaven Gate’s position, Lin Xiao’s surprised gaze settled on Ling Hu, “Ninth level of Heavenly Martial? That fast…”
“Suppressed for too long, so breaking through was easier, heh…” Ling Hu scratched his head with a goofy grin.
Lin Xiao couldn’t help but marvel inwardly. Three levels in three months—his own speed couldn’t compare. Ling Hu’s cultivation now outstripped his by a level.
“Boss, your cultivation must’ve jumped a lot too, right?” Ling Hu asked eagerly.
Lin Xiao smiled, “Nothing like your freakish pace. Just one level for me.”
Ling Hu didn’t buy it. Lin Xiao’s strength couldn’t be judged by realm alone—who knew how much power that one level had added?
“I’ll catch up to you lot soon!” Hu Yue piped up beside them, puffing out her cheeks and baring her little tiger teeth, clearly unconvinced.
“Sixth level of Heavenly Martial, four levels in three months,” Lin Xiao glanced at her, startled. This girl’s speed was even more terrifying. At this rate, she’d surpass him in no time.
He also noted Wang Long and Ba Hu’s progress nearby, nodding with satisfaction. These two were now warrior-tier experts in Heaven Gate.
“Not bad at all! By the way, Heaven Gate seems bigger?” Lin Xiao said, scanning the group.
“Heh, we’re in the top ten now, though there are still plenty of fools who don’t know their place,” Ling Hu chuckled, his gaze turning cold as it shifted forward.
Lin Xiao followed his look toward Ji Qingshan, Dao Yi, Duan Cangsheng, and the others. Even he felt a thick sense of danger from them.
“Those guys are trouble. Everyone, stay sharp during this slaughter training!” Lin Xiao warned, a chill in his eyes.
Ling Hu, Hu Yue, Wang Long, and the others nodded.
“Whoosh!” …
Just then, a grey-haired elder’s figure soared through the air toward the plaza, streaking over their heads before landing at the front.
“That’s the Library Guardian Elder—a Martial Lord powerhouse!”
Someone recognised the flying elder and gasped. Flying without vital energy wings meant he was a Martial Lord.
Nearly every disciple knew this grey-haired elder as the Library Pavilion’s guardian. He rarely acted, but all understood his strength was formidable.
No one had expected him to be a Martial Lord—a level that could dominate the entire southeast continent.
“Shengyuan Academy really is full of hidden tigers and dragons!” Lin Xiao mused inwardly. A Martial Lord was a peak existence in this region, yet at Shengyuan Academy, even a library guardian held such power. The academy’s depth was staggering.
As the elder appeared, a vast pressure enveloped everyone, silencing the scene instantly.
When he turned to face the thousand-plus disciples, the pressure lifted.
“Heh…” Gazing at the hopeful crowd, the elder gave a faint smile, “Everyone, my surname is Xu. You can also call me Vice-Dean.”
