Here is the most solemn place in the Demon Emperor Silver Hall—the Elder Hall, where countless strong individuals have gathered. At the top of the bronze building stands a statue, a figure with an indistinguishable face pinned by a sword. A strong sense of oppression arises; very few students come here, not only because it is a resting place for the academy's higher-ups but also due to the chilling aura that belongs to powerful beings.
I took the elevator to the third floor with Nian, who guided me through several turns until we arrived at a door at the far left. Nian respectfully knocked on the door and said, "Elder, I have brought Xi Meng."
"Come in," a deep male voice called from inside. The presence of strong individuals is evident even in their voices.
I took a deep breath, unsure of what awaited me. Nian opened the door, and I followed her inside.
I cautiously looked up; it was quite interesting that the Three Elders before me looked exactly alike, even their expressions were the same. Although they appeared similar to elderly men from the human world, their gazes had an unsettling quality, as if they could see through everything. They sat side by side behind an office desk, watching us.
"Nian, you may leave," said the elder on the far left.
"Yes," Nian bowed and stepped out.
"Welcome, young one from the human world," said the elder on the far left again, smiling kindly, which eased my nervousness considerably.
"Hello, Elder." My eyes kept darting among the three figures; it was hard to distinguish who was who.
"I am the Grand Elder; the one in the middle is my second brother, and the one on the right is my Third Brother." The Grand Elder seemed to sense my confusion. I awkwardly smiled at him; my previous behavior felt somewhat impolite.
The Three Elders appeared to have very different personalities. The Grand Elder did most of the talking while the Second Elder merely glanced at me when I entered. Although it was just a glance, it felt as if he was searching for something within me before he indifferent returned to his tasks. The Third Elder kept staring at me with a cold gaze, completely opposite to that of the Grand Elder.
"Elders, may I ask why you summoned me?"
"You've already advanced to a high-level warrior; that's impressive. Xi Meng, how are you finding it here?" It was still the Grand Elder speaking. He made an inexplicable comment and asked about my well-being. Of course, life in the human world was better; nothing here could compare to its vibrancy—this place was all about fighting and cultivation. But could I really answer like that?
"I can basically adapt now."
"Xi Meng. Your current soul state is no different from a ghost. To be straightforward, we have high hopes for you. If you stay here, everything in your future will be guaranteed. Once you become strong, you will enjoy the highest honors here."
"I'm sorry, and thank you for your regard, Elder. The reason I came here to cultivate is for my mission, for the survival of more humans. In the human world, I am just an ordinary girl. My growth up to now is entirely due to the responsibility in my heart that I cannot abandon. I want to return to my family and friends." I spoke rather tactfully; after all, my growth truly poses a threat to them.
"You need to understand what I mean. Here, you don't need to bear any heavy responsibilities or work hard for anyone. Your future will be brilliant. So I advise you to stay here." The Grand Elder still smiled, but I felt that smile was only in his eyes. What should I do?
Seeing that I remained silent, the Grand Elder turned to the two Elders beside him. "Second Elder, Third Elder, what do you think we should do if this young girl doesn't want to stay?"
"Just handle it as you see fit." Second Elder maintained his indifferent attitude.
"Eliminate her." Third Elder coldly uttered those words.
Instantly, I stepped back in fright. Although I forced myself to remain calm, my trembling legs betrayed me. Yes, here I had no power to decide my life or death, but I would never stay. He promised me he would come back for me; I wouldn't let him down.
"Elders, I have something to say." This was my last chance.
"Speak."
"I am human. In my world, waiting for me are family and friends, along with that responsibility which has been destined since my Ancestor. I promised my grandfather. If today I give up my mission for your so-called glory, will you believe me in the future? How can you be sure that under another material temptation, I won't be deceived again? I am grateful for everything the academy has provided me. I promise that if I truly succeed in cultivation and the academy needs me for anything that doesn't harm nature or morality, I will definitely agree. So this is my answer." I looked firmly at the Three Elders before me.
"Alright, alright, you've passed, Xi Meng." Huh? What did they just say? It felt so inexplicable.
"Hahaha, little girl, we indeed did not misjudge you. Now go ahead."
"Three Elders Goodbye."
"Wait a moment, Xi Meng." I turned around as the Grand Elder called out to me.
"This time, the outdoor training has been temporarily suspended. The school has decided to select some talented Students from the remaining ones to go to another training site, which is more challenging than the Beast Forest. The list will be posted later, so prepare well; your name is on it."
As I walked out, I took a deep breath. No matter what, I would not give up. Prisoner, wait for me.
"This human is somewhat interesting, don't you think?" The Grand Elder looked at his two younger brothers.
"Her aura resembles someone else's, but it's been too long; I can't recall." Second Elder said.
"It's Xi Tianzong, her ancestor." Third Elder frowned slightly.
"It seems Third Elder you still can't forget him. Ever since him, every human that comes has been quite bothersome and dull. Finally, this one has some potential," the Grand Elder nodded and said.
"But I see the Ghost King seems to want to cause her trouble; everyone knows what's going on this time. Fortunately, Ronda is covering for her; otherwise, it would be difficult for us to intervene in the future. It seems her training here won't be easy either," Second Elder said while looking at Third Elder.
"Even without Ronda, I will not allow it." Third Elder's voice grew colder, filled with Killing Intent.
"Second brother, are you aware of his relationship with Tianzong? Alright, let's leave for now; we need to have an explanation this time." In an instant, they vanished.
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