Chapter 428: I Must Be A Fake Nine Sun Saint!
Seeing how everyone was excited, Elder Su nodded in satisfaction. “Alright, I’ll bring everyone into the Grotto-Heaven Small World now.
“It will be your rest area and also your accommodation and place for cultivation for the next 100 years!”
The new students were not gathered in Jixia Academy, but they were instead separated into individual Grotto-Heaven Small Worlds.
Ever since Jixia Academy had been created, many students had enrolled, including all generations of prodigies from the five regions.
Given the numerous prodigies in Jixia Academy, it would be difficult to even accommodate all of them without enough s.p.a.ce!
Thankfully, Jixia Academy had a solution. Top cultivators used their peerless powers to create a s.p.a.ce for students to cultivate.
Jixia Academy looked small, but it was filled with Grotto-Heaven Small Worlds within.
Each generation of students would be a.s.signed to an individual s.p.a.ce, which made it easier to manage.
Elder Su waved his hand, and the void surged, instantly surrounding all the students like a mist enveloping them.
Resplendent divine light could be seen on the ground as the s.p.a.ce array formation was activated, and the Divine Emblems carved on the ground were being outlined.
s.p.a.ce was distorted, and a bright light was emitted!
Everyone was blinded, and they disappeared.
When they reappeared, they were already in an extremely beautiful world.
It was boundless, the scenery beautiful with lush trees. The mountains pierced straight through the clouds, and the Spirit Spring waterfall gushed down.
There were also pavilions, wooden cottages, and water flowing beneath a little bridge. It was like a fairyland!
A hazy fog filled the place, and Spirit Qi lingered in the air!
A certain prodigy exclaimed, “The Spirit Qi here is so dense, it’d be twice the result with half the effort if we could cultivate here!
Spirit Fog permeated the whole place and made everyone feel refreshed. They were even shining with pale divine light.
The Spirit Qi here was extremely dense. It was a few times thicker than the outside world, so cultivating here could be compared to cultivating for a few days in the outside world!
The various astounded prodigies were overjoyed.
Jixia Academy was indeed powerful enough to create such a level of Grotto-Heaven Small World. The Spirit Qi in the outside world could not be compared at all. It was no wonder that countless prodigies would long to join Jixia Academy, and even those from royal families would flock here.
...
There were 36 Spirit Mountains in the center of the Small World. Those towering mountains stood tall and erect, and clouds surrounded them. The scene was ethereal as rays of sunlight shone upon those mountains.
Those 36 Spirit Mountains were all different in sizes, some tall, some short, some big, some small. They seemed to be arranged according to a certain order.
Endless Spirit Qi rose from the 36 Spirit Mountains and caused the clouds and sea to surge.
“Elder Su, what are those Spirit Mountains?”
Some were curious as they had discovered that those Spirit Mountains were covered with strange array patterns that seemed to outline heaven and earth, gathering Spirit Qi from everywhere.
The 36 Spirit Mountains shone brightly. They contained powerful array formations that were out of reach for most cultivators.
Elder Su replied calmly, “These 36 Spirit Mountains are the pillars of the Spirit Qi in this Small World and also your residence.”
He continued. “It’s not just a normal residence. There are Spirit Qi Gathering formations set up on those 36 Spirit Mountains, which can gather Spirit Qi from heaven and earth.
“The density of Spirit Qi in each Spirit Mountain is more than 10 times higher than the outside world, and the highest can even reach hundreds of times!”
The various prodigies were dumbstruck as their jaws dropped.
The effects of the Spirit Mountains were so powerful!
Sky Saint City’s Spirit Qi density was originally high, but it was even higher here!
Spirit Qi that could surpa.s.s Eastern Wilderness’ hundreds or thousands of times, just how much time for cultivation could be saved?
It was simply a dream place to cultivate!
However, Elder Su’s subsequent words startled those prodigies.
“However, each Spirit Mountain has a formation. Those without enough strength will not be able to enter.
“The higher the ranking of the Spirit Mountains, the stronger the formation and the higher the Spirit Qi density. At the same time, there are also rewards of academic credits and treasures.”
“You can choose as you wish but know your limit.
“The Spirit Mountains can also be s.n.a.t.c.hed. Those that are competent can challenge each other, and only the final winner will gain control over the Spirit Mountain.”
Elder Su smiled. It was always the most lively when new students enrolled.
This was the test that Jixia Academy had purposely set. Not only could they pick out exceptional prodigies, but their peers would also be motivated. They would only have motivation with a target. Thus, such a situation could increase the students’ strength more quickly.
Many prodigies were high-spirited and eager to start upon hearing Elder Su’s words.
Although it’s not for free, at least they would have a chance. If they could occupy a Spirit Mountain, their cultivation speed would definitely far exceed their peers, not to mention the rewards of credits and treasures!
...
The various prodigies could not help but step forward to try and break through the formation.
However, after they made a move, they realized that it was not as simple as they thought.
A Golden Core Sixth Refinement prodigy picked the last Spirit Mountain and attacked!
“How is it possible?”
That prodigy was astonished. He had used his full strength, but nothing happened!
He did not believe it, so he gnashed his teeth and attacked with all his strength once again!
All of his Golden Core Sixth Refinement power was unleashed, floating above his head and shining brightly!
Boom!
The 36th Spirit Mountain unleashed an immense aura, which directly knocked back that cultivator, and he vomited out blood. It was obvious that his strength was far from being able to break through this Spirit Mountain’s formation.
“This formation is not that simple!”
Everyone was shocked and did not dare underestimate the formations anymore.
A Golden Core Sixth Firmament prodigy had been directly defeated, so just how powerful was that formation?
It was no wonder that the Spirit Mountains have such powerful effects—good things were indeed hard to obtain!
“Hmph, let me try!”
A Golden Core Eight Refinement prodigy stepped forward. He was the true disciple of a certain sacred ground and had formidable strength.
That prodigy held a saber in his hands and charged toward that last Spirit Mountain furiously!
However, he flew back in an instant, and blood could be seen dripping from his mouth.
“What? Even a Golden Core Eight Refinement cultivator is unable to break through it?”
“It can’t be like this, Elder Su!”
“You must be kidding. There’s no one who is able to break through the formation!”
“If the last Spirit Mountain is so powerful, who can break through the formation of those higher ranked Spirit Mountains? It must be a joke!”
Numerous prodigies started doubting with their faces in disbelief.
A Golden Core Eight Refinement prodigy was already one of the top amongst them.
Jixia Academy recruited students every 100 years, so previous talented prodigies had already entered the academy. Those remaining were all new prodigies that grew stronger during those 100 years and older prodigies that barely met the enrollment conditions.
It was already rare for someone to be able to reach the Golden Core Eight Refinement Stage in 100 years. Even so, the last Spirit Mountain could not be broken through!
Then what could the remaining do?
Those Spirit Mountains were most likely not their residence but confidence crushers.
...
Elder Su had already expected such a scene. He replied calmly, “Only Late-Stage Nascent Souls that broke through when above Golden Core Eight Refinement Stage can have the chance to break through the last six Spirit Mountains.”
Those Spirit Mountains were there to motivate everyone to improve their strength as soon as possible. If anyone could break through the formations, then there would not be a need to set up those array formations!
“You must be kidding, Elder Su!”
“Those in Late-Stage Nascent Soul, and only if they had broken through when they were above Golden Core Eight Refinement Stage, would have the chance to break through the formation?”
The various prodigies instantly complained.
Breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage within 100 years was already extremely difficult.
Only the cream of the crop would be able to do so.
Meanwhile, breaking through to Nascent Soul at Golden Core Eight Refinement Stage and reaching Late-Stage Nascent Soul was almost impossible!
Even amongst the previous generations’ Saints and Saintesses, only a handful would be able to do such a thing!
They were too young—they were still children!
This time, Jixia Academy had lowered its enrollment condition, and most students were only around Golden Core Sixth Firmament Stage.
To them, such difficulty was an impossible feat.
In that instant, countless prodigies wailed.
“Who is able to do that? Are we going to sleep in the wild?”
Elder Su said calmly, “If you can’t break through the Spirit Mountain’s formation, you can build a house or a tent on the plain beside the Spirit Mountains. You have to rely on yourself in Jixia Academy. No one will pity you because you’re weak!”
Jixia Academy had been like this all along.
Students would need to fight for everything, including their cultivation resources and fortuitous opportunities!
That was to train the students so that they would not immerse in comfort. It was only through doing so that they would be able to nurture top cultivators!
The various prodigies’ mouths twitched as they sighed deeply.
Seeing how everyone was disappointed, Elder Su comforted. “Those that were able to break through the formation when they just enrolled were all the most exceptional prodigies of the five regions.
“Most students can only build houses on the plain beside, so you don’t need to be discouraged.”
Everyone’s eyes lit up.
Elder Su, if you had told us earlier, then we wouldn’t be that anxious!
So it’s not that we’re too weak.
Anyway, even our Senior Brothers and Sisters have slept outside before, so there’s no need to be embarra.s.sed!
Yeap, I feel so much better now!
...
Those exceptional prodigies became interested. They believed that they were exceptional, so they would have the strength to challenge the formation even if they were not Late-Stage Nascent Soul yet.
The Saints of the various sacred grounds all made a move and tried breaking through the last Spirit Mountain!
The various Saints had obtained miraculous pills from their seniors for Jixia Academy’s recruitment this time. They had almost broken through to Early-Stage Nascent Soul, and a small portion of them had already reached Mid-Stage Nascent Soul.
However, their previous average cultivation level was originally only Golden Core Sixth or Seventh Refinement Stage. Although they did increase their cultivation level to Golden Core Eight Refinement Stage or even broke through to the Nascent Soul stage, their foundation was still weak.
Therefore, even if they used their full strength, they were still far from opening the last Spirit Mountain.
“Let me try!”
A prodigy walked forward. This time it was the Middle Ground Sky Sword Saint. He was at Late-Stage Nascent Soul and had broken through at Golden Core Eight Refinement Stage.
His whole body shone brightly, and the avatar of countless swords appeared in the sky. He held a crimson red longsword in his hands and light overflowed from it.
The Sky Sword Saint took a step forward and swung his longsword forward. He looked elegant and nimble but also exuded crushing force and unrivaled sharpness!
At that instant, sword aura covered the whole sky, sending shivers down others’ spines!
The sword aura was vast and mighty, like it could pierce through everything as it slashed toward the last Spirit Mountain.
The divine light overflowed while s.p.a.ce shook!
Boom!
A loud explosion resounded!
The formation of the last Spirit Mountain had finally been breached.
At that instant, the whole place shone brilliantly, and the thick Spirit Qi surged out like torrential waves, shocking everyone!
“It was actually breached?”
All the prodigies absorbed the Spirit Qi that flowed out greedily and felt as if something was changing inside them. Their cultivation level had even improved slightly.
Some prodigies were overjoyed as they spoke. “What Elder Su said is correct. These Spirit Mountains are the dreamland for cultivation!”
These Spirit Mountains all had Spirit Qi Gathering Formations, so the Spirit Qi density was 10 times to even 100 times higher than other places!
If one could occupy a Spirit Mountain, then their cultivation speed would definitely increase greatly.
As such, the pa.s.sion of all the prodigies had been completely sparked!
No one could reject such an ideal land for cultivation!
...
Elder Su nodded. This was really the golden age as the talent of this generation’s top prodigies was outstanding.
Although, as compared to the previous generations, the prodigies recruited beforehand this time were younger, they were not weaker than the previous generation at all in terms of strength. Especially those few prodigies that were the most remarkable, their talents were simply extraordinary!
Of course, most of the prodigies present were all ordinary. They could only fight for the lower-ranked Spirit Mountains, and no one dared to get close to those Spirit Mountains of higher rankings.
A Saint tried challenging a Spirit Mountain of higher ranking and was directly injured heavily—that made others could not help but be struck with terror.
Elder Su explained, “Those higher-ranked Spirit Mountains are extremely powerful, don’t attempt conquering them rashly.
“If you want to break through the formation, you need to be at least Peak-Stage Nascent Soul from Golden Core Eight Refinement Stage.
“You would even need to be above Mid-Stage Soul Formation to be able to challenge the top 10 Spirit Mountains!”
Late Stage Nascent Soul from Golden Core Eight Refinement Stage was only the bottom line to be able to break through the last six Spirit Mountains.
If one wanted to challenge a higher ranked Spirit Mountain, the requirement for their strength would be even higher, and most would give up.
If they forcibly made a move, they would definitely be injured heavily from the formation’s backlash.
Of course, Shen Tian and his group were the exceptions.
The physique and cultivation levels of the top four Divine Firmament prodigies had increased to the extreme after eating the Chaotic Sky-Mending Pill, far surpa.s.sing their peers!
Qi Shaoxuan and w.a.n.g Shenxu had even broken through to the Soul Formation stage with the help of the Chaotic Sky-Mending Pills!
They could be said to be peerless prodigies that only appeared once in a millennium by achieving such a level at such an age!
Those Spirit Mountains were obstacles that others could not overcome, but it would be a piece of cake for them.
After looking for so long, they had a basic understanding of the situation, so they were eager to try too.
That was especially so for Shopkeeper Song and the others from the Divine Firmament Sacred Ground. Their eyes were burning with pa.s.sion.
Xiong Meng said in antic.i.p.ation, “I wonder when I can break through a Spirit Mountain’s formation. If I can enter such a place to cultivate, it will simply be too blissful!”
Xiong Meng was originally only an ordinary cultivator. It was because he followed Shen Tian and obtained the Mixed Divine Lightning that he had improved greatly.
Not only did the Divine Firmament Sacred Ground focus on nurturing the Divine Firnamnet disciple, but he even successfully reached Golden Core Sixth Firmament Stage and entered Jixia Academy.
However, given Xiong Meng’s talent and strength, he was destined to be unable to break through the Spirit Mountain’s formation.
As for Shopkeeper Song and Liu Taiyi, their strength was on par with Xiong Meng. Thus, if Xiong Meng could not do it, they would naturally be incapable too.
...
Shen Tian smiled. “Uncle Gui, how about you help them get a Spirit Mountain?”
Shopkeeper Liu and Liu Taiyi had followed Shen Tian for a long time, and they were both core members of the Favored Ones. They were loyal to Shen Tian and would handle matters for Shen Tian flawlessly. Naturally, Shen Tian would not forget them when there were benefits.
Eunuch Gui walked forward and said respectfully, “Yes, I understand!”
After obtaining the Golden Crow Thearch’s imperial sutra, Eunuch Gui’s strength had been increasing rapidly.
In addition, he had consumed the Chaotic Sky-Mending Pill, so he had reached Late-Stage Nascent Soul from Golden Core Tenth Firmament Stage. It could be said that Eunuch Gui’s talent and battle prowess was not weaker than those Saints and Saintesses’ from top sacred grounds!
Frankly speaking, it was not difficult for him to challenge a Spirit Mountain.
“Then, I’ll pick this one!”
Eunuch Gui had chosen the 21st Spirit Mountain.
One would need Peak-Stage Nascent Soul battle prowess from Golden Core Ninth Refinement Stage to be able to break through this Spirit Mountain.
Such a requirement could be said to be extremely demanding!
Even those Saints and Saintesses would also be unable to reach that level.
However, Eunuch Gui felt that he should be able to do it.
Although his cultivation level was only Late-Stage Nascent Soul, and in theory, there was still quite a difference in terms of cultivation level, Eunuch Gui had reached Late-Stage Nascent Soul from Golden Core Tenth Firmament Stage. Thus, he had enough foundation to challenge it!
Eunuch Gui flew through the air, and the avatar of six blazing suns was formed behind him as he headed toward the 21st Spirit Mountain!
The surrounding prodigies were all astonished as they saw such a scene and exclaimed, “Someone actually dares to challenge that Spirit Mountain!”
Even those Late-Stage Nascent Soul from Golden Core Eight Refinement Stage had vomited blood from attacking the 30th Spirit Mountain. Who would have expected that someone would still not give up and dare to challenge the 21st Spirit Mountain!?
He’s just looking for death!
...
“Just who is that person? He’s too conceited!”
The various prodigies were filled with astonishment. Even a Late-Stage Nascent Soul Saint had been unable to break through the 30th Saint Mountain, so where did that person have the confidence to say that he would challenge the 21st Saint Mountain?
Shortly after, someone thought of something and said, “That person’s cultivation technique seems to contain the mighty power of Yang. Is it possible that he’s the Nine Sun Saint this time round?”
The Nine Sun Sacred Ground was also one of the famous sacred grounds in Middle Ground and was best in using the mighty power of Yang.
If it really was the Nine Sun Saint, it would not be strange for him to be this arrogant.
However, currently, the Nine Sun Saint was dumbfounded.
What’s happening?
If he’s the Nine Sun Saint... Then who am I?
He does seem to be a Nine Sun disciple due to his technique. The problem is, why am I not aware that there’s such a person in the Nine Sun Sacred Ground!?
Although his cultivation technique is indeed similar, why do I feel... that I would face a crushing defeat with his strength!?
Is it possible that I’m a fake Nine Sun Saint, and he’s the real one?
Did those old things from the sacred ground secretly nurture another Saint, and they want to abandon me?
F*ck! It’s possible!?
At that instant, the Nine Sun Saint had a mental breakdown.