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墨書 Inktalez
The place to handle the Identity Token is called the Promotion Hall, which is not far from where Bu and the others are currently located.
The three of them continued on their way, passing through several plazas where the number of people gradually increased. However, most of those they encountered were Outer Gate Students dressed in black robes, with only a few Inner Gate Iron Star Cadets in blue robes. They did not come across any higher-ranking students; those who saw Sean Sterling would respectfully greet him, calling him Senior Brother, their attitudes appearing very humble and hierarchical.
From the way most students addressed Sean Sterling, Bu realized that Sean Sterling's reputation within the academy was likely quite significant; otherwise, so many people wouldn't recognize him. It should be noted that Sean Sterling wasn't wearing any academy-issued attire, just a simple black outfit that looked quite similar to that of the Outer Gate Students at first glance.
"The academy covers a vast area, almost encompassing the entire southern region of the imperial capital. Although there are thirty thousand students, it seems crowded; in reality, it's like streams merging into the sea. Once distributed across various areas of the academy, what you usually see are busy Outer Gate Students. Most Inner Gate Disciples choose to retreat and cultivate in various blessed lands within the academy, with only a few occasionally going out for training, making them rare to encounter."
As they passed a steep peak resembling a wolf's tooth, Sean Sterling suddenly stopped and introduced it to Bu and Reynod. He then pointed to a completely black castle atop the steep peak and said, "That is a blessed land within the academy called Xuanfeng Fortress. Cultivating there can harness the Xuan Wind to temper the body, strengthening one's physical form. I once cultivated there for a month and raised my physical strength to the level of a Low-Level Warrior."
Bu and Reynod followed Sean Sterling's gaze and saw that the peak was shrouded in gray mist, resembling a low-hanging leaden cloud with faint lightning flickering. Against this backdrop, the Black Castle appeared as if it were a palace built by demons from hell on earth.
"Once you settle down completely, you can enter Xuanfeng Fortress for cultivation; you will gain something from it," Sean Sterling continued walking, introducing various buildings along the way.
Following Sean Sterling through winding paths and passing by numerous blessed lands and forbidden areas, Bu and Reynod transitioned from initial excitement and shock to eventual numbness. The Holy Light Academy was enormous; according to Sean Sterling's pace, they could traverse all areas of the academy in no time.
However, even after just this portion of their journey, what they saw and experienced left Bu and Reynod in awe, feeling like country bumpkins entering a city—gaining knowledge and broadening their horizons.
They heard about various blessed lands such as Gravity Training Ground, Ice Fire Cave, Dreamland Manor, and many others. Just listening to Sean Sterling's brief introductions made Bu feel as if he were still reading fantasy novels before his travels—he became dazed as if lost in a dream.
Eventually, they arrived at a massive palace complex. At the center stood a grand hall with three large characters inscribed above: Promotion Hall. Upon arriving here, the previously quiet atmosphere changed; agile figures moved swiftly within the hall. Each person possessed considerable strength; Bu even sensed some individuals among them whose power was subtly at Intermediate Level 4.
"Ah, it's Sean Sterling! You must be here to handle Identity Tokens for these two students behind you," came a sudden voice filled with laughter just as Bu felt surprised.
He raised his gaze and quickly noticed four figures approaching them.
At the forefront was a middle-aged man with slightly gray hair who walked with an imposing presence; his steps were swift and confident. Behind him were two men and one woman, all around twenty years old like Bu but displaying somewhat arrogant demeanor.
Bu could sense the powerful energy fluctuations emanating from these four individuals; they were clearly formidable. The middle-aged man leading them likely possessed strength reaching Intermediate Level 5.
"Kofit," he said with an air of authority. "It seems your trip to Delandi Kingdom was quite fruitful; these three must be the students selected from Delandi Kingdom this time."
Seeing the middle-aged man, Sean Sterling rarely adopted a friendly demeanor, his tone less cold as he smiled and spoke.
"Is he one of the selected students from the Delandi Kingdom?" Bu Mo silently observed the three individuals behind the middle-aged man, noticing that they were all at the Intermediate level. Among them, one pale-skinned, arrogant young man exuded an aura of danger.
Bu and Reynold's discreet scrutiny naturally drew the attention of the three individuals across from them. However, it was clear that these three did not regard the two with any significance. Perhaps due to their Intermediate Dynasty background, they looked down on Bu and Reynold from the principality, adopting a haughty posture indicative of their perceived superiority.
Sean Sterling engaged in brief conversation with the middle-aged man named Kofit, arranging to continue their discussion another day. Kofit then offered a faint smile towards Bu and Reynold before leading the three young men away with purposeful strides.
"The man just now is one of the older students from Holy Light Academy. When I first entered the academy, he took care of me several times, so I owe him a debt of gratitude. Unfortunately, his resources are limited; now at over a hundred years old, he has ultimately failed to advance even a single step. After returning from the Delandi Kingdom this time, the academy may revoke his student status and assign him to the Law Enforcement Hall as a Steward."
Sean Sterling expressed some regret while introducing this to Bu and Reynold, prompting deep contemplation from both.
"It seems that competition is fierce everywhere. Those who think that entering Holy Light Academy guarantees a worry-free life will likely end up disappointed. This is a chasm; far too many talents spend their entire lives unable to cross it."
"Not having taken that step by a hundred years old means one's potential is exhausted. No wonder Holy Light Academy would revoke his student status; they intend to give up on him entirely. After all, resources are limited and should be reserved for those with potential to compete. The world is harshly realistic."
The three fell silent as they slowly entered the Promotion Hall. Along the way, several students paused to pay their respects to Sean Sterling. Among these individuals were some of similar age to Sean Sterling, and some even older than him; yet without exception, they were all Outer Gate Students, their status far removed from Sean Sterling's.
Upon reaching a hall within the palace, they saw many people gathered at the entrance, buzzing with discussions like countless flies swirling about. Sean Sterling's arrival gradually parted the crowd, revealing the scene inside.
Bu glanced around and couldn't help but show an odd expression. He exchanged a look with Reynold, both surprised by what they saw.
Inside the hall was an expansive emptiness; only a single table and chair occupied the vast space. Sitting in that chair was a frail old man, while on the table lay an object resembling a Tortoise Shell—nothing else was present.
"This is ridiculous! If they just added a sign next to it saying 'Predicting Futures,' it would look like some kind of fortune-telling setup."
Bu Mianrong twitched in annoyance internally while shifting his gaze elsewhere. There stood four individuals who also turned their attention toward them. One bald, muscular man laughed heartily, his booming voice drowning out all other murmurs.
"Hahaha, Van Lao! The interesting person I just mentioned is one of those two Fellows behind Sean Sterling—can you guess who it is?"
"Balman." Bu's eyes flickered as he followed the expressionless Sean Sterling into the hall, feeling many gazes upon them throughout their entrance.
There were four people in the hall, and they were the group led by Balman, among whom was Charlie the Judge. The other two were the cold and aloof woman Mu Yan and Loret, who seemed quite fearful of the situation.
"You are the champion of this year's Crook Duchy? Brent, right?" As soon as they entered the hall, the Withered Old Man looked up, his murky eyes fixed on Bu, his voice hoarse and aged.
"Hmm?" Bu was puzzled and glanced at Balman without showing any emotion, then nodded.
Seeing this, Sean Sterling frowned slightly, feeling somewhat confused. Just as he was about to ask, he was interrupted by the Withered Old Man raising his hand: "I heard from Balman that this kid, with only Intermediate Level strength, managed to withstand a full-force strike from a peak Intermediate Level 5 powerhouse without dying. It seems his physical condition is exceptionally strong. Is this true?"
"This matter..." Sean Sterling was taken aback for a moment, then suddenly seemed to realize something. His expression turned strange as he looked at Bu with sympathy and nodded, saying, "This matter is true."
"Hahaha, very good, very good indeed." With Sean Sterling's confirmation, the Withered Old Man was extremely pleased. His eyes scanned Bu up and down, a smile blooming on his face like flowers in spring.
"What is going on?" Bu was astonished. Under the old man's smile across from him, he felt completely bewildered. A chill spread throughout his body; at that moment, he had an ominous feeling that he had been set up by Sean Sterling and Balman.
"Come here, Fellow, come closer to me." The Withered Old Man smiled ambiguously, looking friendly as he waved for Bu to approach.
This scene and the sinister words fell into Bu's ears like a déjà vu nightmare. It felt as if some peculiar uncle with special preferences was staring at a young girl with strange colors in his eyes, coaxing her with a smile: "Come here, little sister; come into Uncle's bowl."
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