89: Upcoming midterm exam

On the first day after the holiday, the large classroom was packed.

All students of Kunlun Cultivation Academy were present.

Li Heng walked into the classroom, and the slightly noisy environment instantly quieted down, with everyone's gaze fixed on him.

"It seems you all had a good holiday."

Li Heng scanned the room, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable authority.

"Some of you went to Gusu and fought with demons and evil Cultivators. You did well."

Fang Yuan, Liu Lian, and others showed a hint of self-satisfaction on their faces.

"But you must understand, behind these evil Cultivators is an organization called 'The Company'."

Li Heng tapped his finger rhythmically on the podium.

"This organization is far more extensive and ruthless than you imagine."

His words made the students, who had just experienced a fierce battle, look serious.

Li Heng then looked at another group of students.

"Some of you might not know yet, but besides demons, there's another group of practitioners in this world. They call themselves 'Qi Refiners'."

"There are good and bad among them, a mixed bag."

"Currently, I have reached a preliminary cooperation with the authorities. From now on, when you travel outside, you will receive official identification and certain privileges."

A wave of suppressed gasps and discussions erupted below the stage.

"Cooperate with the authorities?"

"Holy cow, does this mean we're officially employed?"

"So from now on, slaying demons will be a licensed job?"

Li Heng raised his hand, and the clamor ceased abruptly.

"Remember, it's cooperation, not recruitment."

His gaze suddenly sharpened.

"We treat the officials with courtesy. But if we encounter those ignorant evil Qi Refiners, or demons that harm people..."

He paused, his tone chilling.

"Then fight."

"Fight until they submit, fight until they fear, fight until they detour at the mere mention of 'Kunlun'!"

"What is our Academy's motto? It's to slay demons! That will never change!"

His words ignited the young people below, making them eager to rush out and find some ignorant foes to practice on.

However, Li Heng's next words were like a bucket of ice water, pouring over them from head to toe.

"But don't get too complacent."

"Whether it's 'The Company' or those jumping evil Cultivators, in my eyes, they are nothing more than minor ailments."

Li Heng's voice deepened, and an invisible pressure enveloped the entire classroom.

"The true catastrophe has just begun."

The classroom was dead silent.

"Headmaster, what... what do you mean?" a bolder student couldn't help but ask.

"It means a global demonic resurgence is about to happen."

Li Heng spoke each word clearly.

"By then, what you encountered during the holiday won't even count as cannon fodder."

"What?"

"A global disaster?"

"Are... are you kidding?"

The students were completely stunned, their faces filled with shock and unease.

The confidence they had just built up was shattered by Li Heng's words.

Fang Yuan frowned, subconsciously clenching his fists, his knuckles cracking softly.

"Headmaster, aren't you being a bit alarmist? We are all Cultivators in the Foundation Establishment Stage now. Sixteen of us working together can even stop a runaway high-speed train! I don't believe those demons can be that strong!"

His words echoed the sentiments of many.

The holiday training had filled them with confidence in themselves, their companions, and the Academy's Cultivation Technique.

"Stop a high-speed train?"

Li Heng suddenly laughed, but his smile was full of mockery.

"Is that so impressive?"

"I tell you, the great demons that truly survived from ancient times have strength far beyond the Foundation Establishment Stage!"

"What will you use to stop them?"

"Your Physical Body that you're so proud of? Or your pitiful amount of spiritual Qi?"

"Don't be naive!"

Li Heng slammed the podium, making a loud "bang" that made everyone's hearts tremble.

"Right now, in front of true demons, you are no different from ants!"

"A single finger can crush all of you!"

The cold and cruel reality was mercilessly revealed by Li Heng, shattering everyone's illusions.

The atmosphere in the classroom was extremely oppressive. Many students even lowered their heads, their eyes filled with unwillingness, confusion, but more so a sense of powerlessness after their self-esteem was pricked.

Looking at the dispirited students below, Li Heng's voice suddenly rose, like a great bell, booming in everyone's ears.

"But!"

"You are not ants!"

"You are students of Kunlun Cultivation Academy!"

"You are the only hope for humanity in this era!"

He slowly stood upright, his gaze like torches, sweeping over everyone's face.

"To cling to momentary ease is not the way of a Cultivator of our generation!"

"The rise and fall of the world is the responsibility of every man! Now, this responsibility falls on your shoulders!"

"Tell me, do you want to be a coward who hides in his shell for life, or a hero who stands tall and protects all living beings?!"

His words were like rolling thunder, like war drums.

The confusion and powerlessness in the students' eyes quickly faded, replaced by a rekindled flame, more fervent than ever before!

"Protect all living beings!"

Someone shouted it first, though it was unclear who.

"Fight!"

"Fight!!!"

"Fight!!!!"

The response, like a mountain tsunami, converged into a heaven-piercing Battle Intent, almost tearing off the classroom roof!

Li Heng nodded in satisfaction, raising his hand to quell the uproar.

"Very good."

"From your enrollment until now, one month. I have seen your efforts and progress."

"The upcoming courses will be ten, a hundred times more rigorous than before!"

"Because, one month from now, will be the first mid-term exam of our Kunlun Cultivation Academy!"

He changed the subject, dropping another bombshell.

"This exam is crucial."

"Because it not only determines your academic performance for this semester, but more importantly..."

A playful curve appeared at the corner of Li Heng's mouth.

"After the final exam, Kunlun Cultivation Academy will officially announce our existence to the entire world!"

"At the same time, your grades will also be displayed. You wouldn't want to be at the bottom, would you...?"

"Boom—!"

This statement was more explosive than all the previous news combined!

The entire classroom instantly erupted!

"Announce to the whole world?!"

"Holy cow! Holy cow! Holy cow! This is going to be huge!"

Han Li's face turned red with excitement. He seemed to already see the title of his [Fake-Busting Vanguard] live stream changed to [Global Exclusive! Take You Into the Real World of Immortal Cultivation!], and his popularity soaring to the sky.

"We... are going to stand before the whole world?"

Li Qingyuan murmured, her heart pounding uncontrollably.

At this moment, all the students understood.

They no longer had to hide their identities!

Li Heng looked at the agitated students below and waved his hand.

"Alright, class meeting adjourned."

"Now, all of you, get back to Cultivating!"

"Anyone who dares to fail the final exam will have to carry ten thousand loads of manure to the back mountain!"

The students dispersed in a rush, filled with passion and anticipation, heading towards the Cultivation grounds.