Chapter 975
Reward
It opened the spatial ring, glanced at the dazzling array of treasures inside, and couldn't help but let out a cheerful "purr" before comfortably lying down on the ground, clutching the ring.
Looking at the scorching sun in the sky, his eyes were lifeless.
Unconsciously, a sense of sadness welled up. Although all the treasures she had painstakingly accumulated over the years were still there, she was now bound by a curse and forced into hard labor, never to return to those carefree days.
"Master, they all bully me when you're not around..."
After a long while, it sprang up from the ground, dusted itself off, and said angrily, "It's just finding a broken piece of metal. It's not a problem for you, Rat Lord. If you don't lift the seal for Rat Lord, I'll dig up your ancestral graves!"
……
"Ah"
While speeding through the air, Song Changsheng couldn't help but sneeze. He made some calculations under his sleeves but found nothing unusual.
"Could it be that the Treasure-Hunting Rat is making fun of me in its mind?"
"Alright, the entrance exam for Zhulu Academy is almost over. Let's let him off this time. This level of exam shouldn't be a problem for Li'er, right?"
Thinking of this, Song Changsheng used his spatial powers to accelerate his departure from the Eastern Heaven Cultivation World...
The trials at Zhulu Academy can be difficult, but they can also be quite simple.
In essence, it is a large-scale "heart-questioning formation".
Among the top academies in the Southwest, Zhulu Academy has the longest history, but its foundation is the weakest, and it is the only one without a Nascent Soul Supreme presiding over it.
To be able to join the ranks of top universities under such circumstances naturally requires exceptional qualities.
This trial of conscience is one of them.
The Mind-Asking Formation is quite common; any formation master with a little skill in formations can set it up. It's not a particularly sophisticated formation, and its final effect is directly proportional to the mindset and formation mastery of the person setting it up.
The strength of the Trial of the Heart at Zhulu Academy lies precisely in this aspect.
This formation was created by a top scholar during the Immortal Dynasty. Although his cultivation level was only Nascent Soul, he was hailed as the person closest to the Heavenly Dao. He spent his entire life comprehending the operating rules of the Heavenly Dao and was only one step away from the legendary state of merging with the Dao.
Unfortunately, fate is cruel to the talented. On an ordinary afternoon, this scholar passed away quietly in his own academy.
The only legacy he left behind was a mind-testing formation.
It is said that this Heart-Testing Formation contains the rules of the Heavenly Dao, and those who can pass the test are all chosen ones of Heaven who possess the heart of the Great Dao.
Whether it's true or not, nobody knows, but Zhulu Academy has cultivated generation after generation of strong individuals thanks to this Heart-Questioning Formation.
It doesn't care about your bloodline, your spiritual roots, or your family background. As long as you can pass the trial, the academy's doors will open to you.
This academy has produced not only Nascent Soul True Monarchs but also Divine Transformation Supremes, serving as a crucial cornerstone for maintaining the powerful rule of the human race.
After the establishment of the four branch academies of Wanxiang, Tianshui, Baiding, and Yushou, the influence of Zhulu Academy has reached a new level, with a constant stream of cultivators coming to participate in the trials every quarter.
With such a large number of applicants, the elimination rate is also terrifyingly high; even "one in a hundred" doesn't fully describe its cruelty.
Chi Li's talent is absolutely no less than that of any student in the academy, but the Trial of the Heart never asks about talent, but about the heart, the firm and fearless heart that yearns for the Dao.
Upon returning to Zhulu Academy, where the first round of trials had just ended, he immediately sought out Shuqi to confirm the results.
"Fellow Daoist has finally returned. I have good news for you. Your junior, Chi Li, has successfully passed the Trial of the Heart and his speed ranks among the top three in the first round. Even the Imperial Preceptor praised him."
He only needs to study diligently at the academy, and he will surely achieve great things in the future.
Upon hearing this, Song Changsheng felt a sense of relief and returned the greeting with a cupped hand, saying, "I'm sorry to have troubled you during this time. This small gift is nothing but a token of my respect."
He magically produced a small bottle of [Thunder Law] essence and handed it to Shu Qi.
At their level, the role of spirit stones is constantly weakening and gradually being replaced by [Essence of Laws].
Above the Golden Core stage, spirit stones are practically just a number; only [Law Essence] is the real currency.
The [Essence of Laws] also has different qualities, and the [Essence of Thunder Laws] in Song Changsheng's hands is undoubtedly top-grade.
Offering such a generous gift was not only to thank Shu Qi for his help during this period, but also to show goodwill to the carefree True Lord behind him.
At first, Shu Qi really thought it was an ordinary item, but after taking it and glancing at it, his attitude suddenly became serious.
"Fellow Daoist, this gift is far too extravagant."
“Ah, fellow Daoist, you are mistaken. I am a junior here for the first time, and I will inevitably need your help in the future. Please accept my offer.”
Shu Qi couldn't help but laugh and said, "I will certainly not refuse matters within my authority, but I am powerless to do anything beyond my authority. Why do you need to do this, fellow Daoist?"
"Fellow Daoist, please feel free to accept it. I, Song, have no intention of seeking any special privileges, as that would go against my original intention in sending him here."
Everything is done according to the college's rules and regulations. No extra favors are needed; we simply want a fair and just environment, nothing more.
Wherever there are people, there is a world of intrigue. Chi Li is new here and has connections with him, so it's hard to guarantee that he won't be treated unfairly.
The distance between the Great Zhen Immortal Dynasty and the Great Qi Dynasty was ultimately too far, and he had no foundation here. If something happened, it would be too late.
Befriend Shu Qi; at least you'll have someone to let you know in a critical moment.
Having said all that, Shu Qi stopped refusing and readily accepted the gift, saying reassuringly, "Over the years, the academy's system has been implemented very effectively, and generally such things don't happen."
However, it is only natural for fellow Daoists to have these concerns. As an academy instructor, I will naturally do my utmost to uphold the fairness and impartiality of the system, so please rest assured.
"With your words of comfort, fellow Daoist, I can leave with peace of mind."
"Fellow Daoist, are you preparing to return now? I won't stay any longer, as I still intend to discuss the Great Dao with you."
"As the head of the clan, I have many affairs to attend to and I need to personally oversee everything. I cannot stay here any longer."
That being said, he had actually been quite free in the clan during this period. If it weren't for the Human King and the First Prince causing this commotion, he would have wanted to stay a little longer, since it was a rare opportunity to come here.
When does Fellow Daoist plan to set off?
"I came here only to confirm the results. Now that Li'er has passed the trial, I will naturally not continue. After paying my respects to the Grand Preceptor, I will prepare to return home."
"So eager?" "What, fellow Daoist, is there something else?"
"The main reason is that the Crown Prince asked someone to pass on a message to me, saying that he wants to meet with you, fellow Daoist."
"The First Prince?" Song Changsheng's lips curled into a playful smile. "Fellow Daoist, are you subordinate to the First Prince?"
"I wouldn't say I'm subordinate to you; I'm just passing on a message because I have some connection with you."
"If you wish to leave, I will now refuse. However, Chi Li is currently undergoing pre-training. Would you like to see him one last time before departing?"
"What difference does it make whether we meet now or not? We will meet again when the time is right."
"Fellow Daoist Shu Qi, farewell." Song Changsheng bowed respectfully, then transformed into a wisp of green smoke and vanished from the spot...
"This junior pays respects to the Imperial Preceptor."
"You will not return for a year. Is there anything you wish to tell me?" the old Grand Preceptor asked slowly.
"It concerns the demonic nascent soul. I recently traveled to the Eastern Heaven Cultivation Realm and discovered traces there that appear to be left by the demonic nascent soul. It is highly likely that it is connected to the Eastern Heaven Alliance. However, I do not have any conclusive evidence at the moment. After much thought, I decided to inform the Imperial Preceptor."
"The Great Zhen Immortal Dynasty and the Eastern Heaven Cultivation World are not far apart. If that demonic Nascent Soul is indeed lurking there, it might be difficult to counter it once it grows powerful," Song Changsheng said bluntly.
The old national advisor remained calm and nodded slightly, saying, "That demonic Nascent Soul cultivator is extraordinary and extremely audacious. It's not impossible that he's hiding in the Eastern Heaven cultivation world. Hiding things under the lamp has always been a common trick used by demonic cultivators. I will send people to investigate. If you find anything, you will be credited as a hero."
"This is just my guess; I just hope I don't come up empty-handed."
"It's still a clue, and it's good if we find it, but we can't force it if we don't. Whatever he wants to do, it will eventually come to light."
"You are now entangled in trouble. When you return, you need to be even more cautious when observing the stars. If you encounter any difficulties, come and seek me out again." The old national advisor waved his whisk and slowly closed his deep eyes.
Song Changsheng knew this meant to see the guest out, so he silently bowed and quietly withdrew.
After leaving the Great Zhen Immortal Dynasty, he followed the original route and took the space teleportation array to the Great Chu Cultivation World, and then changed course to the Great Qian Cultivation World.
Originally, the Wanxiang Palace was not on his itinerary, but he was very interested in the material of the two bronze fragments in his hand. The two small fragments contained such powerful Daoist charm.
He had seen many treasures in his life, but he couldn't discern their true nature. True Monarch Lei Xiang was a master of both array formations and artifacts, and was the cultivator with the highest attainment in artifact crafting in the entire border region. Perhaps he could identify the specific material of this fragment.
"Song Changsheng of the Song family, who gazes at the moon, requests an audience with the True Lord of Thunder Elephant."
His voice echoed through the mountains, and the person who came out to greet him was once again his old acquaintance, Master Kenshin.
"Fellow Daoist Zixu, have you just returned from the Great Zhen Immortal Dynasty?"
"Indeed, I gained some insights over there and would like to ask True Lord Lei Xiang for his advice in person. I wonder if True Lord Lei Xiang has any free time lately?"
"Fellow Daoist, you have come at just the right time. The Supreme Elder has just returned from the East Sea and is currently giving a sermon to the disciples in the palace. Please come inside and wait."
"Thank you." Song Changsheng was overjoyed. True Monarch experts often go into seclusion for more than ten years, not to mention experts of the level of Thunder Elephant True Monarch. It was already very good that he did not come up empty-handed.
After going up the mountain, he found that the Wanxiang Palace was much quieter than before, which did not seem to be because of the True Lord's sermon.
"Fellow Daoist Jianxin, is there any unusual activity in the East Sea?"
"The sea creatures of the East Sea have been quite restless lately, and seem to be making a comeback. The Supreme Elder went down the mountain to intimidate them, and now it's much quieter. I just don't know how long it can last."
In addition, due to the infiltration of the demon realm, the border areas have not been very peaceful for more than a year, and the palace has organized several batches of disciples to go down the mountain.
It all comes down to you. If you hadn't discovered the demon realm's conspiracy in time, they might have really turned the border region upside down once they gained power.
These alien races and heretical cultivators may seem insignificant at first glance, but when they unite, their destructive power is astonishing. "Sword Heart Master's tone was calm, but Song Changsheng could clearly sense the surging undercurrents within it.
The human and demon races have been fighting for so many years that they understand each other very well. Although they are different races, their logic in doing things is actually the same.
The various races and kingdoms of the demon race are scattered and fight each other, while the various sects and families of the human race are not under each other's command and are openly and secretly fighting for resources.
The war has lasted so long precisely because of the internal divisions on both sides.
However, the human race is a single race, unlike the demon race which is nominally a single race but is actually an alliance of many races, making the human race much more complex.
This is also the main reason why the human race has been able to firmly suppress the demon race.
But this time, the demon kingdoms along the Canglan River have clearly united and launched a massive infiltration without warning. This is extremely rare in history, and given the demon race's consistent nature, it would be very difficult for them to form such a united front.
There is only one explanation: a higher-level force has intervened.
The ruler above the demon kingdom is naturally the demon emperor.
If a powerful figure at the level of a Demon Emperor were to personally intervene, even the Myriad Manifestations Palace would not be able to withstand such pressure.
"I hope the Supreme Beings won't stand idly by," Song Changsheng sighed inwardly. At this point, all he could do was pray.
He didn't have to wait long; after Lei Xiang Zhenjun finished his sermon, he summoned him immediately.
Song Changsheng took out the fragment and vaguely recounted what had happened. Then he asked, "May I ask, True Lord, can you tell what material this fragment is made of?"
Lei Xiang Zhenjun examined the two fragments for a long time. After closing his eyes, the fragments were immediately lifted up by an invisible force and suspended in mid-air.
Fine lines appeared regularly around the fragments, eventually forming an oval-shaped mirror.
"This is……"
"This is probably what this magical artifact originally looked like. It won't be too different. It is very likely that it is a Dao artifact."
I cannot discern its main material; it is a single material, not an alloy, and it is very likely from beyond this realm.
Although they are just two fragments, if used as the main body to forge a magical artifact, it could unleash some of the original power.
Song Changsheng's eyes lit up. True Monarch Lei Xiang was definitely not just talking. Even if it was just a replica, it was still a replica of a Dao artifact.
"You did a good job with the painting, consider this a reward. It will take quite a while to refine this magic artifact, I'll send someone to inform you when it's ready," said True Monarch Lei Xiang in a calm tone.
...(End of this chapter)