Chapter 245: Testing Begins!

The massive body of the Green Wing Roc slowly descended onto the huge plaza outside Sky Dome Academy. The strong winds generated by its flapping wings kicked up dust from the ground several zhang high.

When Jiang Yun stepped off the airship platform and his feet touched the solid ground again, he truly felt the magnificent aura of the highest educational institution in the provincial city.

Plaza was no longer enough to describe this area.

This was clearly a plain!

The ground, paved with bluestone slabs, was as smooth as a mirror.

It stretched in all directions, as far as the eye could see.

At this moment, thousands of young disciples had already gathered in the plaza, yet it still appeared incredibly vast, with at least several zhang separating each person.

But what was most shocking...

Was the main gate of Sky Dome Academy at the end of the plaza!

It was a giant archway, a hundred zhang tall, carved entirely from a milky-white jade, with a faint glow flowing across its surface.

At the top of the archway, the four powerful and ancient characters for Sky Dome Academy were carved, each radiating a heart-palpitating Law fluctuation, as if these four characters themselves were some kind of powerful Seal or Formation.

Looking inward through the archway, one could see layers of pavilions and towers, with flying eaves and upturned corners, built into the mountain terrain and scattered gracefully within a cloud-shrouded mountain range.

Further away, several towering pagodas pierced the clouds, their spires hidden above the flowing sea of clouds, and occasionally a streak of light would flash across the sky, marking the flight of powerful experts within the academy.

"This... is Sky Dome Academy..."

Beside Jiang Yun.

A Su Family branch disciple couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice, his tone filled with longing and reverence.

"It's said that the academy covers an area of fifty li, with thirty-six main courtyards and seventy-two branch courtyards, each inner courtyard representing a different Beast Taming path..."

"Look over there! That's Beast Taming Peak! It's said that rare tamed beasts captured by generations of academy experts are kept at the Peak!"

"And Pill Cauldron Peak! The entire mountain Peak is a giant Pill Furnace!"

"There's also Artifact Refining Tower, Rune Pagoda, Formation Pavilion..."

The young disciples excitedly discussed.

The light of yearning burned in everyone's eyes.

To be able to study here.

Was the dream of every young Beast Tamer!

Just as everyone was immersed in their longing for the academy.

"Look! It's the Qian Family's airship!"

A cry of surprise came from another side of the crowd!

Everyone turned their heads in unison to look!

They saw an airship, entirely silver-white, streamlined in design, like a crescent moon, slowly descending from the clouds.

The surface of the airship was engraved with intricate star and moon patterns.

Reflecting a soft and noble luster in the sunlight.

One of the four top Families in the provincial city.

The Qian Family's airship!

"Qian Family... Qian Rongrong is also entering Sky Dome Academy this year, right?"

"I heard she's reporting today!"

"What?! Young Miss Qian Rongrong?!"

"My heavens! To be fortunate enough to witness this Legendary figure with my own eyes?!"

The crowd instantly erupted!

If before it was just awe at the new environment.

Then this moment was a true sensation!

The name Qian Rongrong.

Was widely known among the younger generation in the provincial city!

Not only because she was the most favored young princess of the Qian Family's current generation, but also because of her astonishing talent in the path of an Appraiser!

"I heard Qian Rongrong successfully passed the High-Grade Appraiser assessment at the Appraisers Guild not long ago!"

"An eighteen-year-old High-Grade Appraiser! This Talent... it's terrifying!"

"What a pity, our provincial city now has an even more abnormal Appraiser Prodigy, Grand Tutor Dongxuan! I heard he can even appraise Eclipsing Moon Rank and even Radiant Sun Materials!"

"Alas, compared to Grand Tutor Dongxuan, Qian Rongrong can only pale in comparison..."

"But then again, Qian Rongrong's Beast Taming Talent must not be bad either, right? Her older brother is 'Qian Juechen', a Prodigy ranked in the top three of the Heaven Rankings!"

"A Dragon brother and a tiger sister, their Aptitude is clearly there!"

Amidst the discussions of the crowd.

The silver-white airship landed steadily.

The cabin door opened, and several figures gracefully walked out.

The one leading them.

Wore a pink long dress, with exquisite star and moon patterns embroidered on the hem.

She was tall, with skin like snow.

Her dark hair was simply tied up with a jade hairpin.

A few stray strands fell by her ears.

Most striking were her eyes.

Clear as autumn water.

Yet carrying an innate coolness and nobility.

Qian Rongrong!

She stepped off the airship.

Her gaze calmly swept over the crowd in the plaza.

There was not the slightest ripple in her clear, cool eyes.

As if all the surrounding commotion had nothing to do with her.

She had experienced such scenes too many times.

Jiang Yun also noticed Qian Rongrong.

He mused to himself.

"I didn't expect to encounter this Qian Rongrong again today upon entering Sky Dome Academy."

"It seems I have quite a fate with this Young Miss of the Qian Family?"

As Jiang Yun pondered.

She led several Qian Family guards and a few equally distinguished young disciples towards the depths of the plaza.

"Let's go."

At this moment.

Su Yuntian's voice rang out.

"The testing area is in the academy's inner plaza, let's go in."

The Su Family Patriarch's expression was calm at this moment.

But deep in his eyes, there was a hint of solemnity.

Clearly.

The appearance of the Qian Family just now.

Made him realize.

The competition among the young Geniuses entering Sky Dome Academy this year.

Would likely be even more intense than in previous years.

Geniuses from the provincial city's top Families.

Prodigies from various powers.

Would all gather in this cohort.

And the Su Family... all their hopes rested on Jiang Yun.

Su Yuntian walked at the very front.

Su Qinghai, Su Qingshan, and other high-ranking Su Family members followed closely, with dozens of young Su Family disciples behind them.

The group passed through the hundred-zhang-tall jade archway, officially entering the bounds of Sky Dome Academy.

The moment they crossed the archway.

Jiang Yun felt an invisible pressure.

Enveloping his entire body like mercury.

That wasn't oppressive might.

But rather... a qualitative change in Spiritual Qi density!

The plaza outside the archway.

Already had a Spiritual Qi density several times higher than the outside world.

And inside the archway... it was at least three times higher!

The Spiritual Qi permeating the air.

Was almost condensing into mist!

With every breath.

A large amount of pure Spiritual Qi surged into his body.

Nourishing his Meridians, bones, and flesh!

"This is the foundation of a top academy..."

Jiang Yun was inwardly shocked.

"Just this Spiritual Qi density alone is enough to significantly boost the Cultivation speed of a beast!"

"No wonder everyone is scrambling to get in..."

After passing through the archway.

Was another even larger plaza.

There were more people here than outside!

A dense mass of people.

At least two to three thousand people!

Most of them were young disciples, dressed in various attires, with different temperaments, clearly from all over the provincial city, and even from outside the province.

Excitement, anticipation, and nervousness were etched on everyone's faces.

And around these young disciples.

There were also many middle-aged and elderly individuals with profound auras.

These were the leading Elders of various Family powers.

Jiang Yun quietly activated his Innate Talent Skill.

His Divine Sense swept across the entire venue.

Swish!!!

A pale blue light screen flickered rapidly in his vision.

Dense information flowed past like water.

Jiang Yun's expression gradually became solemn.

These leading Elders... the weakest were also high-grade Amethyst Rank!

Most of them were Diamond Rank!

There were even a few with obscure and unfathomable auras, likely Falling Star Rank experts!

"The provincial city's foundation... is indeed profound."

Jiang Yun mused inwardly.

"The strongest city lord in C City is only Amethyst Rank, but here, Diamond Rank experts are everywhere..."

"The patriarchs of second-rate Families have already reached Falling Star Rank, and the patriarchs of first-rate Families are even Eclipsing Moon Rank experts..."

"The gap is too big..."

"And those top-tier powers... they probably have hidden Peak experts, possibly even higher-level existences!"

At this moment.

Jiang Yun had a clearer understanding of the provincial city's power hierarchy.

And he also understood.

Why the Su Family attached such importance to him, a sixteen-year-old Gold Rank.

Because on the stage of the provincial city.

Gold Rank was truly just the starting point.

To truly gain a foothold.

At least Diamond Rank strength was required!

And to become top-tier... Falling Star Rank was just the threshold!

However, a sixteen-year-old Gold Rank had the potential to step into or even surpass this threshold... As time passed.

More and more people gathered in the plaza.

Airships from various powers continuously landed.

Batch after batch of young Geniuses poured into the plaza.

Jiang Yun saw Family disciples dressed in crimson robes.

He saw successors in platinum battle armor with stern expressions.

He saw Geniuses with gentle temperaments, their robes embroidered with ripple patterns.

In S Province.

Almost every power that could be named.

Had its elite of this generation present.

The atmosphere in the plaza.

Grew increasingly fervent, and also increasingly... oppressive.

That was the clash of auras that naturally arose.

When Geniuses gathered and competed with each other.

Just then.

"Silence!"

An old yet powerful voice.

Exploded like thunder over the plaza!

The voice contained powerful Divine Sense.

Instantly suppressing all the clamor!

Everyone looked up in unison.

Towards the high platform at the very front of the plaza.

On the high platform.

An old man in gray robes had appeared at some point.

The old man's face was thin, his hair and beard white, but his eyes were as bright as stars, as if they could see through people's hearts.

He stood with his hands behind his back; although he emitted no aura, he gave off a weighty feeling like a mountain.

"This old man is Li Chen, the welcoming Elder for students entering Sky Dome Academy."

The old man's voice clearly reached everyone's ears.

"The time has come. Next, all incoming students will undergo a comprehensive test and verification."

"The content includes Talent Aptitude, true bone age, Beast Taming Power, and identity information verification."

His gaze slowly swept across the entire venue.

His eyes were like tangible blades.

"To prevent those with ulterior motives from infiltrating my Sky Dome Academy."

"All Elders who wish to observe the tests, please proceed to the viewing area on the right."

"All students, remain in the plaza and line up for testing by your respective Family powers."

As his voice fell.

A commotion immediately arose in the plaza.

The Elders of various Family powers.

Began giving their final instructions to their disciples.

"Remember, don't be nervous during the test, just perform normally."

"If you encounter provocation, endure for a moment for calm."

"Once inside the academy, immediately find your Senior Brother and Senior Sister, and look out for each other."

"When competing for resources, do not back down, but also do not be reckless."

Instructions, encouragements, and warnings rose and fell.

Su Yuntian also turned around.

Looking at the Su Family disciples behind him.

His gaze swept over each face, finally settling on Jiang Yun.

"Remember what I said before."

Su Yuntian's voice was steady and powerful.

"The Su Family is your strongest backing."

"But once you enter the academy, you must walk your own path."

"Whether you are a Dragon or a worm, it all depends on yourselves."

His gaze met Jiang Yun's again.

A complex emotion flashed in his eyes.

"Jiang Yun, you... just do your best, don't put too much pressure on yourself."

These words.

Seemed like comfort, but Jiang Yun heard the hidden deeper meaning.

Su Yuntian knew.

If Jiang Yun displayed his Talent in today's test.

He would inevitably become a target.

The Lin Family, and other powers.

Would definitely try every means to suppress him.

Therefore.

He told Jiang Yun not to have too much pressure.

He was actually telling him.

Even if the test results were not as expected.

The Su Family would not blame him.

A warm current surged in Jiang Yun's heart.

He nodded.

Very solemnly.

"Patriarch, rest assured, Junior understands."

Su Yuntian looked at him deeply, said no more, and turned to walk with Su Qinghai, Su Qingshan, and others towards the viewing area on the right.

Elders from other powers also left one after another.

Soon.

Only thousands of young disciples remained in the plaza.

Without the suppression of their Elders.

The true nature of these young people began to gradually release.

They looked around, sized each other up, and whispered.

In their eyes, there was curiosity, scrutiny, wariness, and also... provocation.

Buzz!!!

Jiang Yun keenly felt.

Several hostile gazes locked onto him.

He slowly turned his head, looking in one direction.

He clearly noticed the Lin Family's group!

Lin Tao was staring intensely at him, his eyes filled with undisguised anger and killing intent!

Their gazes collided in the air.

Lin Tao's lips moved silently.

His mouth clearly formed the words.

"Jiang Yun... just you wait..."

"After entering Sky Dome Academy... I will definitely make you... wish you were dead!"

Jiang Yun's expression was calm.

He merely gave him a faint glance.

Then shifted his gaze.

A mere clown.

This was his evaluation of Lin Tao.

But soon, another malicious gaze came from a different direction.

Jiang Yun knew who it was without looking.

Su Mingxuan.

This Fourth Young Master of the Su Family.

Had finally broken free from his father's suppression, his eyes filled with the pleasure of revenge and venom.

He stared at Jiang Yun.

A cold sneer played on his lips.

"Useless matrilocal son-in-law... just you wait..."

"Once we enter Sky Dome Academy... I will definitely have my Eldest Brother... cripple you!"

"To let you know... the consequences of offending me, Su Mingxuan!"

The hateful gazes of the two.

Were like two invisible sharp swords.

Stabbing towards Jiang Yun from two directions.

The surrounding Su Family disciples also noticed this strange atmosphere, instinctively stepping a few paces away from Jiang Yun, fearing implication.

Only Fox Immortal remained by Jiang Yun's side, her expression calm, as if completely unaware of the surrounding hostility.

Or perhaps she simply disdained it.

"The resentment of ants... laughable."

Just then.

"Alright!"

On the high platform.

Elder Li Chen's voice rang out again.

"In front of you are thirty teachers from Sky Dome Academy."

Everyone's gaze.

Swept towards the front of the plaza in unison.

Indeed.

Thirty long tables had appeared there at some point.

Behind each long table sat an academy teacher with a profound aura, at least high-grade Amethyst Rank.

On the long tables, three items were placed.

A half-human-tall transparent crystal stone.

The Talent Aptitude Testing Stone!

An ancient bronze mirror!

The Bone Age Testing Mirror!

And a Jade Slip!

The Identity Information Verification Jade Slip!

Elder Li Chen continued:

"Each teacher is responsible for one testing channel."

"Testing procedure: First, verify identity information, then test true bone age, and finally test Talent Aptitude and Beast Taming Power purity."

"All qualified students can directly enter the Sky Dome Academy Inner Courtyard Plaza through the main gate ahead."

His voice suddenly turned cold.

"But if anyone dares to cheat in the test, or has problematic identity..."

"The Sky Dome Academy's Disciplinary Hall... will make them know what regret is!"

The chilling warning.

Made all the young disciples' hearts tighten.

"Now!!!"

Elder Li Chen scanned the entire venue.

Every word distinct.

"The tests... begin!"

Boom!!!

The atmosphere in the plaza.

Instantly reached its Peak!

Thousands of young Geniuses.

Stared intently at the thirty testing channels ahead.

In everyone's heart, tension, anticipation, and ambition surged... They were finally about to enter this longed-for academy!