Zuo Dao looked at the two people above him, feeling utterly speechless. Such a teacher was truly exceptional, openly flirting in front of future candidates. He had no particular aversion to Jiang Yuqi's earlier behavior.
He believed in doing what one was capable of, and he agreed with that principle. Supreme Academy accepted students, but not everyone qualified; those who did not meet the standards were merely wasting resources.
However, the strength of these two was impressive; they were already cultivators above the Void Realm. Indeed, the power of Supreme Academy was not to be underestimated.
"Do you have any opinions about this assessment?" Jiang Yuqi surveyed the crowd, not waiting for anyone to respond before continuing. "It doesn't matter if you have opinions because it won't change anything. This assessment is up to me, and, uh, also to my companion, Snow Red Swallow."
"Understood." Naturally, no one dared to voice any objections at this point; bringing up concerns now would be utterly foolish.
"Alright, don't be intimidated by him. Also, Jiang Yuqi means well. Our Supreme Academy is not what you might imagine it to be. So those who couldn't withstand Jiang Yuqi's pressure can leave now." With that, Snow Red Swallow unleashed an aura that made it difficult for anyone to look directly at her.
"I'll say this only once: if I find anyone lingering around, you will never leave."
Her words exuded undeniable dominance and authority. Despite her delicate appearance, the power she harbored within was vast and unfathomable; otherwise, she wouldn't hold a teaching position at Supreme Academy.
As the crowd watched, a significant number of people bowed their heads and left the square. Figures began to emerge from outside; these were guardians who had accompanied their disciples for the assessment. Seeing their students exit brought a sense of regret to their hearts, but they could only bow their heads in submission before the might of Supreme Academy.
This wasn't entirely fruitless; those failed cultivators had gained some benefits during their earlier trials. Departing in disappointment stirred feelings of sorrow among the remaining guardians as they speculated on how far their own disciples could go.
With more than ten thousand people in the square, over half had now left. The remaining elite cultivators from the Great Star Domain felt anxious and tense. The pair of examiners before them seemed utterly unreliable; who knew what absurdity would come next?
"Alright, there's nothing more to discuss; we will now begin the formal assessment." Jiang Yuqi's words left everyone stunned—apparently, what had just happened didn't even count.
Feeling the unusual gazes directed at him, Jiang Yuqi remained unfazed. "If you can't even handle what just happened, then entering Supreme Academy would be tantamount to seeking death." His words carried a double meaning, sending a chill through the elite cultivators present.
"Alright, don't scare these guys. It's rare for them to come out like this, so let's make the most of it. I've discovered quite a few good prospects here, Jiang Yuqi, and I warn you, don't try to steal them from me!" Snow Red Swallow glared fiercely at Jiang Yuqi.
This time, both of them had put in a tremendous effort just to secure these two positions. There were plenty of people in the mansion who were envious of them; everyone wanted a few more elite subordinates who could stand out. It would mean better performance on the battlefield in the future.
"I'm Yanzi, so please give me some face in front of these brats. Let me pick after you’re done, alright?" Jiang Yuqi's pitiful tone made everyone present feel a bit sorry for her, but then they thought about how arrogance had turned her into something to be selected.
"Fine, at least you know your place. I declare the assessment begins." Snow Red Swallow threw a flirtatious glance at Jiang Yuqi, nearly stunning her into oblivion. She then turned serious and addressed the crowd in the square.
"The first assessment is simple: break through our defenses and reach that position." Snow Red Swallow pointed behind her. A beam of light shot from her fingertip and pierced through a distant mountain peak.
"Reaching there means you've passed the first stage."
The crowd fell silent for a moment before erupting into an uproar.
"How is that even possible? I'd rather die!"
"This is Fang Ye Tan."
"Whoever can get through, I'll believe in them."
"I must be dreaming, yes, definitely dreaming. Let me sleep a little longer."
Except for a few individuals, the rest were buzzing about this seemingly impossible task.
They were indeed elites; they could dominate their peers and even fight across borders. But that was only when they had specific conditions met. Facing Jiang Yuqi and Snow Red Swallow was nothing short of being served up on a platter.
No one present was a fool. Breaking through the defenses to reach the opposite mountain peak was less desirable than simply throwing them into a fire pit.
“Shut up! I haven’t even finished speaking and you’re already causing a ruckus. If you really enter Supreme Academy, just wait and see how I’ll deal with you.” Jiang Yuqi's imposing aura filled the room, and once again, silence fell over the crowd, each test participant becoming as docile as a cat.
“After all this time training, where have you all gotten to? Did you really think it would be your turn one by one? It’s not that I look down on you, but who among you can withstand my pressure? Jiang Yuqi is just like that.”
Hearing this, everyone rolled their eyes in unison. They all knew he was strong, but there was no need to belittle others so much. However, faced with the reality before them, these once proud individuals couldn’t help but lower their heads.
Zuo Dao was mixed in among the crowd, his mind racing with calculations, a glimmer of brilliance occasionally flashing in his eyes. Those familiar with him, the Three Women, saw this expression and silently lamented, unsure who would be unfortunate this time. Every time Zuo Dao displayed such a demeanor, it meant someone was about to be schemed against.
Sure enough, before the thoughts of the Three Women could fully form, they watched as he gently pushed aside those in front of him and slowly walked forward while muttering to himself.
“Let me give it a try; after all, there’s nothing to lose. The Examiner wouldn’t hurt anyone during the assessment, right?”
The Cultivator he had pushed aside was about to explode in anger when he heard Zuo Dao’s words and quickly stepped aside. Another bold one had emerged.
Though his voice was not loud, every Cultivator present heard him clearly. A dozen or so faces broke into strange smiles.
“Well done, brother! Even if you don’t pass, I still recognize you as my brother. With your courage, if you succeed, you’ll be my boss in Supreme Academy.” One Cultivator said this while others echoed their agreement.
“Alright! A gentleman’s word is his bond; even a team of horses cannot chase it down. I, Zuo Dao, will be waiting for you in Supreme Academy.” As soon as Zuo Dao finished speaking, everyone scoffed; it turned out he wasn’t just impressive—he was a madman and an arrogant fool.
The Three Women hadn’t expected Zuo Dao to have such intentions and felt greatly concerned. Just as they were about to speak up to stop him, Zuo Dao continued.
“Two examiners, I want to give it a try, but there’s a condition.”
"What? You dare to make demands in front of such a powerful figure?"
It was rare to encounter someone so entertaining, and Jiang Yuqi and Snow Red Swallow paid no mind. They were eager for such a character to emerge, as it could greatly enhance the reputation of their faction.
"Child, you are impressive. What conditions do you have? As long as they are not too excessive, I can agree to them."
Most Cultivators were known for their integrity; unless one was indifferent to the Inner Demons, Jiang Yuqi did not want to overpromise. If this Zhen went too far and later proposed unreasonable demands, he would be left in tears.
Snow Red Swallow nodded in agreement. This only shattered the hearts of the other Cultivators present. Had they known it would turn out this way, they would have rushed forward long ago. Not only could they gain prestige, but earning a good impression from someone they had to look up to was not something to be ashamed of.
"Alright, my condition is simple: if I pass, I hope to receive three exemptions from the test." Zuo Dao raised three fingers as if striking a priceless treasure against the hearts of everyone present.
Exemption, quota, three.
Very well, very powerful. Zuo Dao's image instantly soared in the minds of these Cultivators.
Bold, ignorant, and shameless. To propose such a condition while fully aware of the inevitable defeat.
"Fine, I agree. But if you fail, then that will be on me," Jiang Yuqi said with a sly smile. "Heh heh, sometimes one must not show off too much."
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