135: Chapter 135 Returning Home in Glory

But since the rankings had already been posted, they naturally would not change just because a few individuals were making a fuss.

Instead, the face of another Marquis-level Expert who was co-hosting the event with Marquis Qingyuan darkened, and a cold snort filled with majesty and displeasure suddenly rang out.

"Hmph!"

The sound wasn't loud, but it exploded in everyone's hearts like a thunderclap from the Nine Heavens.

A terrifying Aura, vast as an abyss and chillingly murderous, instantly pressed down.

Space seemed to freeze, and the air over the entire White Jade Plaza grew stagnant.

The few geniuses who had been clamoring felt as if their throats were being seized by an invisible giant hand. Their faces instantly turned pale, their pupils dilated, and their bodies trembled incessantly, bringing all sound to an abrupt halt.

The shadow of death enveloped them, so clear and cold.

They clearly felt that in the presence of that Marquis-level Expert, they were as insignificant as dust.

With a mere thought, the other party could annihilate them, who weren't even Super Martial Artists, a thousand times over.

That was not deliberate pressure; it was merely a slight leakage of displeasure's might.

Intense fear rendered them silent as the grave; they dared not utter another word, leaving only the sound of chattering teeth.

"This selection assessment is concluded. Everyone except those on the ranking list must descend the mountain today."

King Chu He stood up, his voice gentle yet carrying an undeniable finality. "Thank you to all the Junior Brothers and Junior Sisters for escorting the candidates back."

King Chu He directed the latter part of his speech to the Marquis-level Experts on the main platform, those responsible for escorting the geniuses from their respective provinces to Kindling University.

"Senior Brother Zhou, we shall take our leave now.", A group of Marquis-level Experts rose simultaneously, respectfully bowing to King Chu He as they took their leave.

Their movements were perfectly synchronized. Although their Aura was restrained, the invisible field of influence that momentarily radiated out still caused hearts to tremble.

Their figures flashed, and they landed before the unsuccessful geniuses below. After a brief exchange, they swept up these disheartened geniuses and transformed into streaks of light shooting toward the mountain base.

In the blink of an eye, more than half of the White Jade Plaza had dispersed. Only Li Wen and the top two hundred, along with Marquis Qingyuan, King Chu He, and a few others on the platform, remained.

Marquis Qingyuan showed a rare, gentle smile as he looked down at this generation's most dazzling stars from Blue Star and the surrounding Star Domains.

"Congratulations, you have officially become students of Kindling University."

King Chu He's voice followed. His gaze swept over everyone, finally pausing slightly on Li Wen. "May the Kindling be passed on, and the Martial Dao flourish. I hope you all never forget your initial resolve today, forge ahead diligently, and achieve the Realms of God and Demon, Marquis and King, or even glimpse that Supreme Realm in the future, so as not to have wasted this opportunity. The future of Blue Star, the hope of the Human Race, now rests on your shoulders."

The words were plain, yet they weighed a thousand pounds.

Especially upon hearing 'Marquis and King' and 'Supreme Realm,' even Li Wen, with his firm resolve, could not help but feel his heart surging, sensing the heavy responsibility.

After delivering his blessings, King Chu He's figure rippled like water and vanished from the spot, as if he had never existed.

Only Marquis Qingyuan remained standing on the main platform.

"Everyone, follow me.", Marquis Qingyuan wasted no words. With a wave of his hand, a gentle force lifted everyone, as if they were stepping onto invisible clouds. They flew swiftly and steadily away from the White Jade Plaza, heading toward the 'Star Plucking Pavilion.'

Star Plucking Pavilion, Elite Accommodation Area.

It was still a luxurious hall, but with only two hundred people present, it felt much more spacious.

In the center of the hall, Marquis Qingyuan stood with his hands behind his back, beginning to explain the specific arrangements.

"The selection is complete. You have ten days to descend the mountain to handle personal matters. Remember,", Marquis Qingyuan's voice suddenly turned serious, "these ten days are not for carefree wandering. You are all future pillars carefully nurtured by the Human Race. Your talents have been revealed to the world, and it is difficult to guarantee that you will not attract the covetous gaze of the Yao Race. After officially entering the mountain, to avoid the disaster of premature death, you are strictly forbidden from descending the mountain privately until your strength reaches a standard of self-preservation! Do you understand?"

Everyone inwardly sobered up and nodded heavily.

Teacher Fang Chengwu had also mentioned the threat of the alien Yao Race; these words were definitely not a scare tactic.

"Ten days from now, which is June 12th, you must return here punctually to attend this year's Freshman Enrollment Ceremony. There can be no delay! The specific assembly point will be notified in advance."

"The third point,", Marquis Qingyuan's tone softened, carrying a hint of anticipation, "after the enrollment ceremony, you can begin to strive for a Breakthrough to the Super Martial Artist Realm. This ten-day period off the mountain is perfect for you to clear your thoughts and consider which God and Demon Cultivation Technique you will choose to practice next."

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the hall instantly grew fervent. Even the usually steady Fang Chenghong's eyes flashed with brilliance.

Everyone had nearly reached the Peak Realm of an Advanced Martial Artist. Why had they been delaying their Breakthrough?

Was it not to enter Kindling University and choose a top-tier God and Demon Cultivation Technique that perfectly matched their potential and for which Kindling University alone could provide the ideal cultivation environment?

"God and Demon Cultivation Techniques are divided into four tiers: High, Medium, Low, and Supreme. Supreme is the highest, and Low is the lowest."

Marquis Qingyuan briefly explained, "Supreme God and Demon Cultivation Techniques are not only overwhelmingly powerful but can also lay an unparalleled Foundation, offering infinite potential. However, their cultivation requirements are also the most stringent. Everyone must carefully consider their own conditions, Bloodline characteristics, and martial aspirations to choose the path that suits them best."

After Marquis Qingyuan finished giving instructions, he transformed into a streak of light and departed.

As soon as his figure vanished, the quiet hall immediately erupted into an uproar.

"Hahaha! This day has finally come! I've held back for half a year, waiting for a Supreme God and Demon Cultivation Technique!"

"《Crimson Flame Divine Physique! I must choose this Supreme God and Demon Cultivation Technique! I heard that when cultivated to a profound level, one strike can scorch mountains and boil seas!"

"《Green Lotus Divine Physique is said to be very suitable for my Physique—"

"Alas, Supreme God and Demon Techniques are good, but the requirements are too monstrous. I estimate I can only choose a High Grade one in the end—"

Excited discussions rose one after another. Aspirations and choices regarding the God and Demon Cultivation Techniques occupied almost all the topics.

A top-tier Cultivation Technique meant the height of one's future. This excitement temporarily surpassed the joy or disappointment of the ranking results.

The night passed without incident.

Time quietly slipped away, arriving at the second morning.

Morning light streamed through the portholes into the finely decorated room.

The two hundred selected candidates were already beginning to pack their belongings.

Except for the geniuses from the other three life-bearing planets, most local Blue Star students like Li Wen chose to return home directly.

Li Wen was naturally no exception.

He carefully checked his personal belongings—mainly the jade token representing his identity at Kindling University.

He needed to return to settle down his father, whose body was recovering, and his hardworking mother. Additionally, he had an important plan: to participate in the National College Entrance Examination in a few days.

The College Entrance Examination! This thought made Li Wen's heart burn with excitement.

The Provincial Examination alone had earned him over ten thousand points of scholar experience. In a grand event covering millions of candidates nationwide, the 'experience' wool he could shear would surely be substantial.

Although he had already been accepted into Kindling University in advance, upgrading his Scholar Rank was an urgent matter, as it concerned his Comprehension Ability.

Li Wen absolutely could not bear to miss this excellent leveling opportunity.

He tidied his clothes, picked up his simple travel bag, and was just about to leave to gather in the hall to depart.

"Tok, tok, tok."

As he reached the doorway, a knock sounded.

Li Wen opened the door and saw two people standing outside.

One was Fang Chenghong, who had accompanied him yesterday, now wearing a somewhat intimate smile.

The other had a deep Aura, like an ancient well without ripples, and wore a simple cyan Daoist robe. He was one of the Marquis-level Experts who had escorted them at the end yesterday.

"Student Li Wen, pardon the intrusion.", Fang Chenghong spoke first, his attitude quite courteous. "This is my second granduncle, Marquis Jingshan, Fang Jingshan."

He introduced the Marquis-level Expert beside him. Fang Jingshan gave Li Wen a slight nod; his gaze was peaceful yet seemed capable of piercing a person's heart.

"Greetings, Marquis Jingshan.", Li Wen bowed neither subserviently nor arrogantly, already guessing seven or eight parts of the situation.

Kindling University dared to let this group of precious treasures descend the mountain, especially him, the peerless Genius 'hot commodity,' without any protective measures? A Marquis-level Expert secretly providing protection was logical and reasonable.

Fang Chenghong's visit must be because their route coincided.

Fang Chenghong smiled and said, "We learned that you are also returning to Qingshi County. My second granduncle and I are also heading to Qingshi County to handle some family matters. Would it be convenient for us to travel together? That way, only Second Granduncle needs to provide escort, ensuring both our safety, and saving other Marquises from making an extra trip."

Just as expected. Li Wen understood immediately.

When he first heard the name 'Fang Chenghong of Crimson Flame Star' on the first day, he had suspected a connection to Teacher Fang Chengwu.

Now that they were also going to Qingshi County, it solidified Li Wen's guess: Teacher Fang Chengwu must have originated from the Fang family.

"That would be excellent. I was just hoping for it. I am grateful for the care of Marquis Jingshan and Brother Chenghong.", Li Wen showed a sincere smile and readily agreed.

Traveling with a powerful Marquis-level Expert ensured greater safety, and he could also take the opportunity to learn more about Teacher Fang Chengwu and the Fang family.

"Good, then let's not delay. Let's go.", Fang Jingshan was concise and direct, without many extra words, but the intention of protection was already conveyed.

The three walked out together. In the corridor, Fang Chenghong said with a smile in a low voice, "Brother Wen guessed it, right? Brother Chengwu is my eldest brother."

Li Wen smiled and nodded, "I guessed roughly. I had some associations when I heard your name on the first day. Teacher Fang is my Martial Dao mentor, and also a noble person who granted me a second chance at life."

Mentioning Fang Chengwu, Li Wen's tone was full of gratitude and respect.

Fang Chenghong's eyes lit up, and his attitude became even warmer, "Haha, we truly have fate! Come, let's talk as we walk. Tell me about what Brother Chengwu has been up to all these years. Is his temper still that stubborn? Back then— — —"

Fang Jingshan listened from the side, and a flicker of imperceptible gentleness crossed his eyes.

Soon, due to the firm common bond of Fang Chengwu, the sense of unfamiliarity between the three quickly disappeared, and the atmosphere became familiar and close.

Led by the Marquis-level Expert Fang Jingshan, the three figures merged into the torrent of other geniuses preparing to descend the mountain, heading toward the aircraft landing area.

The destination: Qingshi County.

The Kindling Hall aircraft descended silently, stopping smoothly on the landing pad of the Qingshi County branch.