Chapter 155: The Entrance Examination (Part-1)
Within Shuangyong Square, aside from the four massive formations of candidates, many disciples of Western Mansion had also arrived to observe the ceremony.
Every year, hundreds of outer-house disciples would come to watch the entrance examination, partly out of curiosity, partly to see who might become their future junior brothers and sisters. Watching the examination was a rare diversion from monotonous cultivation.
But this year was different.
The number of Western Mansion disciples present was several times greater than usual. Thousands of outer-house disciples filled the western seating area of Shuangyong Square, occupying nearly every available seat. The atmosphere was dense and restless.
Even famous figures from the foreign government rankings had appeared.
Chu Mingyue. Chu Nan. Le Ling.
Names that were rarely seen throughout the year, figures who usually stayed in seclusion, had all come in person. It was even rumored that several inner-house disciples were also present, drawn here by a particular curiosity.
The reason was obvious.
The candidate with the temporary number 59416.
A newcomer who, in only five matches, had surged to second place on the foreign government leaderboard, just one point behind the first. Such a feat had shaken the entire Western Mansion.
Many people had come for one reason alone: to see who this mysterious candidate was, and how strong he truly might be. Some even speculated that his strength could already surpass Chu Mingyue, the long-standing first place.
Who would not be curious about someone stronger than themselves?
"Brother Chu," Le Ling said with a half-smile as he leaned back in his seat, "do you think you're stronger, or that 59416 candidate is stronger? Reaching second place in just five games… even you couldn't do that."
Chu Mingyue snorted softly, his expression calm yet proud. "The Eight Palace Battle Hall's scoring system isn't perfect. A candidate who hasn't even entered Western Mansion yet, how strong could he be? Even if he's only one point behind me, I'm confident I could defeat him easily."
"As expected of the number one," Le Ling laughed. "That confidence alone is intimidating."
Xiang Moyang, who had slipped from fourth to fifth because of the new ranking, spoke coldly. "I don't believe that candidate is that strong. From what I've heard, he defeated Xu Junfeng, who was ranked thirty-sixth. That only proves he's stronger than Xu Junfeng, not necessarily stronger than us."
Mu Yuchen, now ranked sixth, sneered at him. "His ranking is higher than yours. If you're not convinced, surpass him. Do you think the Eight Palace Battle Hall's scores are fake?"
Xiang Moyang's eyes flashed. He gripped the red longsword at his side. "If I'm not convinced, I'll fight him. Or fight you. My Red Moon Sword doesn't lie."
Mu Yuchen laughed disdainfully. "Your Red Moon Sword? I can beat that. As for losing to you back then, I was exhausted from three days of nonstop travel and fought you immediately after returning. You think that really proves you're stronger than me?"
"You!" Xiang Moyang glared, fury rising. "Fine. Then fight me here!"
"Fight if you want," Mu Yuchen replied without backing down.
"That's enough."
A cold, impatient voice cut through the tension.
The speaker was a short-haired young woman with sharp eyes and an icy demeanor. Her presence alone carried an oppressive chill.
Chu Nan.
As soon as she spoke, the argument died instantly.
Among the top disciples of the foreign government, the most terrifying was not Chu Mingyue, nor Le Ling, nor Xiang Moyang, but Chu Nan. Even Chu Mingyue himself would give her three parts of leeway when she was angry.
After all, she was his younger sister.
Chu Nan swept her gaze across them and said indifferently, "Stop arguing. The entrance examination is about to begin. The candidates haven't even entered the secret realm yet. Whether that candidate is real or fake, we'll find out soon enough. Just watch."
No one dared to refute her.
At that moment, movement stirred on the high platform before the four formations.
Senior officials from Western Mansion's inner house stepped onto the platform. The platform stood ten meters high, spanning a hundred meters in both length and width, commanding the entire square.
The palace masters and elders of each palace rose and bowed respectfully upon their arrival.
The leading senior official raised his hand slightly, signaling that formalities were unnecessary. His voice rang out clearly across Shuangyong Square.
"Sorry to keep everyone waiting," he said calmly. "Let the entrance examination begin."
The high-ranking envoy from Western Mansion's inner house was named Gong Liansheng.
His status was lofty, and his cultivation unfathomable. Even the palace masters standing behind him carried themselves with visible respect, their attitudes far more restrained than usual.
At this moment, Gong Liansheng stood at the forefront of the high platform, with the masters of the various palaces lined up behind him. His gaze swept calmly across the four great formations of candidates, and then he began to speak.
"Candidates from the various cities of the Western Region," his voice was not loud, yet it resonated clearly across the entire Shuangyong Square, "welcome to Western Mansion to participate in the entrance examination."
The moment his words fell, the square quieted completely.
"To be able to stand out among countless peers and arrive here today," Gong Liansheng continued, "means that each of you is considered a leader of the younger generation in your respective cities. You are all talents. Western Mansion welcomes your arrival."
Hearing this, many candidates subconsciously straightened their backs. Their chests lifted, their expressions filled with pride, as if every word was spoken solely for them.
Then Gong Liansheng's tone shifted.
"But," he said calmly, "do not blame me for speaking harshly. Your strength may be outstanding in your hometowns, but once you arrive at Western Mansion, you will find people stronger than you everywhere."
"There are tens of thousands of candidates present today," he went on. "They are all your competitors. Do not underestimate this examination."
"I have also heard that a certain candidate rushed to second place on the foreign government ranking," Gong Liansheng said with a faint smile. "This person is mysterious, even wearing a mask. Though I do not know who he is, I am curious about him as well. His strength is indeed impressive, but I still hope he does not disappoint me."
He paused briefly, his eyes sharp.
"Because the entrance examination is a battle. It is a competition. No one knows what will happen inside. Strength does not guarantee entry into Western Mansion."
"I am not trying to frighten you," Gong Liansheng said indifferently. "People die every year during the entrance examination. The mortality rate is not low. This is not a game. For all of you, this is a true challenge."
"These words are not only meant for the candidate ranked second," he added. "They are meant for everyone. Do not take this lightly. Your future lies in your own hands."
With that, Gong Liansheng waved his hand gently.
"I will say no more. Now, let the Master of Dui Palace, Murong Liu, explain the details of this entrance examination."
He turned and nodded toward Murong Liu.
Receiving the signal, Murong Liu stepped forward and spoke in a solemn voice.
"Everyone, first, thank Special Envoy Gong Liansheng," Murong Liu said. "Next, I will explain the content of this entrance examination. Listen carefully. If you fail to understand the rules and miss the requirements because of carelessness, then I am sorry. The gates of Western Mansion will not open for you."
His words caused many hearts to tighten.
At once, the entire square fell silent. Other than Murong Liu's voice echoing through the air, there was no sound at all. Even breathing seemed restrained.
This was the moment that would determine their fate. No one dared to be careless.
Murong Liu nodded slightly, satisfied with the atmosphere, and continued.
"The location of this entrance examination is one of Western Mansion's secret realms, the Holy Land. It will be opened personally by Special Envoy Gong Liansheng."
"Now, listen carefully to the examination content."
"You will have two tasks."
"The first task," Murong Liu said, "is survival. After entering the Holy Land, you must remain inside for seven days."
"Later, each of you will receive an SOS Stone. If you encounter mortal danger, you may crush it. Doing so will teleport you out of the Holy Land and preserve your life. However, once you crush it, your entrance examination will immediately be considered a failure."
"Death inside the Holy Land, or failure to remain for seven days, will both be counted as failure."
He paused briefly, then continued.
"The second task involves hunting monsters. Inside the Holy Land, there are countless beasts. Some are equivalent to third-rank and fourth-rank warriors, and some even possess strength comparable to an Upper Exalt."
"Your mission is to kill ten fourth-rank monsters and obtain their monster crystals. The method does not matter. As long as you obtain ten monster crystals within seven days, the task is considered complete."