145: Chapter 145 Nine Heavens Peak, Senior Brother

On the main stage, the white-haired principal sitting in the center still maintained that calm, unruffled expression.

His deep gaze took in Li Wen, Fang Chenghong, Du Yun, and the entire bustling square; a faint, almost imperceptible curve seemed to touch the corners of his mouth.

The Peak Master of Nine Heavens Peak, who had been pushed into the spotlight, was now somewhat in disbelief.

Fang Chenghong was a long-awaited goal, Du Yun's choice was a pleasant surprise, and now even Li Wen—this year's first place, with two "Peerless" evaluations, personally met by the principal and gifted a sacred body golden vein fruit—had actually chosen his Nine Heavens Peak?!

Surprise? Unexpected? Trepidation? And—immense pressure!

Taking in all the top three would have been a supreme honor for any Peak Master.

But this happened to be Nine Heavens Peak!

Facing the choices of these three top geniuses, even someone as strong as the Peak Master of Nine Heavens Peak at the Peak of the King-Sealing level felt that the word "accept" weighed a thousand tons, concerning the fates of these three.

Almost without thinking, he cast a questioning, confirming look toward the figure in the main seat—the white-haired principal.

Under the clamor of the whole venue and the vibrating gazes from both on and off the stage, the principal finally nodded slightly in response to the Peak Master of Nine Heavens Peak's gaze.

This nod seemed to contain an affirmation and permission akin to the Laws of Heaven and Earth.

The trace of imperceptible uncertainty in the eyes of the Peak Master of Nine Heavens Peak instantly dissipated, replaced by a heavy conviction and heroic spirit born of long precipitation.

His frozen face finally thawed completely, and even a layer of uncontrollable, excited flush rose.

He stood up abruptly, no longer suppressing the surging emotions in his heart, his voice like a great bell resounded through the venue, carrying an incomparable excitement and the joy of accepting Disciples, shouting three times in a row: "Good! Good! Good!"

Each "Good" was like the clashing of metal, containing the power of a thunderbolt, actually suppressing the boiling waves of sound in the square.

As the world-shaking "Good" fell, Li Wen, under thousands of gazes that were shocked, confused, regretful,

or admiring, took steady steps and stood beside Du Yun and Fang Chenghong.

The top three of the gold rankings, three young and shining stars, stood side by side in front of the Nine Heavens Peak queue, which had been lonely and cold for a long time.

It was as if some long-dormant ancient glory was relit at this moment by these three figures!

The old Disciples of Nine Heavens Peak were completely boiling! After a brief moment of disbelief, there was indescribable wild joy and a feeling of vindication!

"The—the top three?!!"

"The top three are all at our Nine Heavens Peak! Hahahaha!"

"Hahaha! Who says my Nine Heavens Peak is sparsely populated?! All the top geniuses of this generation have entered my Peak!"

The Peak Masters and Disciples of Lietian Peak and Xingyan Peak had varied expressions—some complex, some lost, some worried, and also a hint of awakened competitive spirit.

It was as if a deep-water bomb had been dropped on the entire Kindling University.

The news of Li Wen, Du Yun, and Fang Chenghong choosing Nine Heavens Peak would surely spread through Kindling University with the speed of a storm, drawing even wider discussion and attention.

And for them, the path of the Nine Heavens Divine Body filled with thorns and glory truly began at this moment! The real challenge was about to descend.

July 12, 226 of the galactic calendar, afternoon.

The aftershocks of the Peak selection ceremony that had shaken the entire Kindling University that morning had not yet subsided.

Li Wen, Du Yun, Fang Chenghong, and Chen Xing, who had firmly chosen Nine Heavens Peak, had been personally led away from the Wudao Peak square by the Peak Master of Nine Heavens Peak.

Nine Heavens Peak, as its name suggests, was completely different from the other Peaks of the Xinhuo Ancestral Vein as soon as one approached it.

The entire massive mountain, from the foot to the summit, was almost entirely shrouded in a violent aura.

The air was permeated with a thick, peculiar scent of lightning with a burnt smell, and strands of energy stimulated the skin to feel slightly numb.

Looking up, the summit of the mountain was shrouded under an endless, thick, and oppressive dark purple thundercloud.

That thundercloud was not static but rolling and surging like a turbulent sea of lightning, with lightning flowing and flickering within like wild dragons.

The dull "rumble" of thunder was continuous, and occasionally a soul-piercing bolt of lightning would tear through the sky, letting out a deafening roar and leaving behind a long-lasting destructive aura and scorched marks on the ground.

Miraculously, in such an extremely violent, purgatory-like lightning environment, the entire Nine Heavens Peak was not dead silent.

Instead, many strangely shaped, dark-colored trees and flowers stood vibrantly.

Most of their branches and leaves were as hard as iron, even showing a metallic luster, clearly being strange species adapted to this environment.

Most eye-catching were several giant trees scattered on the mountainsides and valleys, their trunks like coiled dragons, their bark bronze-colored, and their height exceeding several hundred meters, piercing straight into the clouds.

The massive canopies were like giant umbrellas holding up the sky, with some branches even extending directly into the edges of the churning thunderclouds at the Peak.

They stood tall amidst the wild thunder and earth fire, faintly emitting a heavy and vigorous vitality and surging energy fluctuations, as if absorbing the lightning to nourish themselves.

The four followed the Peak Master and landed on a relatively open platform halfway up the mountain. The violent aura that penetrated to the bone and was almost suffocating blew against them. Even with their firm will, the four subconsciously felt a chill in their hearts.

The Peak Master looked around at the four new Disciples, his eyes showing a hint of satisfaction at finding good talent, but also carrying an indescribable solemnity and pressure.

His voice was not loud, but it reached the four's ears directly over the surrounding thunder: "This place is our Foundation, Nine Heavens Peak. The rules are simple, I will mention three points:

First, the core area of the thunderclouds at the summit and the Forbidden Ground at the bottom of the Thundercry Ravine in the back mountain; without my decree, no one is allowed to trespass. Violators will be severely punished!

Second, there are various cultivation quiet rooms, Lightning Induction Towers, and other places within the Peak. Use your identity tokens to go there yourself. Third—

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the four, "This place is not a greenhouse, but a truly dangerous Peak and a land of despair. In your daily movement and cultivation, keep your wits about you and always watch out for heavenly lightning. If you are struck dead, I will not be held responsible. Staying alive is the prerequisite for everything."

The words were concise and comprehensive, filled with the cold and hard style of the practical school.

Then, the Peak Master flipped his palm, and four ancient-looking, heavy books bound in a special beast skin appeared in his hand, handed to each of the four.

On the cover were the words 'Nine Heavens Divine Body · Foundation Chapter' outlined in deep purple and hot silver; they felt slightly numb to the touch.

"This is the Foundation of this Peak, the entry-level Foundation chapter of the Transcendent Divine Magic Arts 'Nine Heavens Divine Body'. Meditate on it well."

Looking at the four's slightly expectant eyes, the Peak Master seemed to guess what they were thinking. A very small curve seemed to pass over the corners of his mouth as he continued: "Don't expect me or the Elders to personally explain it to you word for word. The path of cultivation prioritizes self-enlightenment.

Within the Void Realm of the Xinhuo World, there is a specialized Legacy explanation module. Permissions have already been opened for you. Go and learn on your own."

After finishing his instructions, the Peak Master's figure flashed and disappeared on the spot, leaving only the rumbling thunder as a background.

"—"

The four looked at each other, all somewhat stunned. This Peak Master was too... efficient, wasn't he? It was vastly different from the scene of apprenticeship and teaching they had imagined.

Just then, a gentle and clear voice sounded: "Four Junior Brothers, follow me."

A tall young man in a green robe with a steady and warm temperament stood smiling not far away.

He had a handsome face, sword-like eyebrows, and starry eyes. He looked to be only in his twenties, but his eyes were deep, and his aura was restrained yet gave a sense of being as steady as the abyss or the sea, forming a strange harmony with the violent environment of Nine Heavens Peak.

"I am Gu Yan, humbly serving as the current Eldest Senior Brother of Nine Heavens Peak."

The young man's smile was warm, making people feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze, instantly diluting the surrounding murderous lightning aura. "The Peak Master has always been like this; you'll get used to it. From now on, I will help share the burden of daily trivialities and guidance within the Peak for you Junior Brothers."

This Eldest Senior Brother Gu Yan had an approachable temperament and no airs.

He casually picked up a few pebbles from beside the platform and threw them at several key nodes on the surrounding ground. A faint protective shield flowing with light quietly rose, temporarily isolating some of the piercing thunder and violent energy impacts, allowing everyone to talk more clearly.

Just this one move of exquisite energy control and Formation application revealed his unfathomable foundational strength.

Gu Yan led Li Wen's group of four, walking unhurriedly on Nine Heavens Peak while explaining in detail the purpose of various locations and things to watch out for.

He introduced the Peak as if he knew it like the back of his hand, his tone carrying a deep pride and sense of belonging, but he also made no secret of the dangers within.

During the conversation, Li Wen and the others learned that this Eldest Senior Brother Gu Yan was already a super powerhouse at the Peak of the Flying Star Rank. Among the Disciples still studying at Kindling University who had not yet passed the final graduation assessment, his strength was firmly ranked second.

When Fang Chenghong asked about the powerhouse ranked first, Gu Yan's eyes showed heartfelt admiration without concealment: "Junior Brother Ling Feng? His talent in techniques, especially his blade cultivation, is so sharp that he can be called the most outstanding person in Kindling University in nearly fifty years! Even those old powerhouses who have already left the school were rarely a match for him when they were at the same Realm."

He paused and looked at Li Wen with burning eyes, "And you, Junior Brother Li Wen, your terrifying spiritual sense is also something not seen in decades. One has reached the pinnacle in technique, and the other is uniquely endowed in spiritual sense. It's truly something to look forward to—I am curious, on the future path, which of you two will be able to go further?"

Facing the Eldest Senior Brother's praise, Li Wen quickly smiled modestly: "Eldest Senior Brother overpraises me. Senior Brother Ling Feng is already a legendary figure. His style of slaying a high-level Flying Star Rank Yao Beast with a single blade on New Year's Eve and turning the tide is still deeply etched in my heart. He is the goal and role model I am working hard to catch up to."

He briefly recounted the events of Qingshi County.

Hearing this, Gu Yan, Du Yun, Fang Chenghong, and Zhao Lie showed looks of realization and amazement: "So there was such a connection! It truly is a destiny ordained in the dark!"

An afternoon passed quietly under Senior Brother Gu Yan's patient and meticulous guidance.

Under his lead, the four became familiar with the main peripheral areas of Nine Heavens Peak. Their hearts felt more awe for this dangerous Peak and less of the strangeness and unease of being newcomers.