Divine Wilderness Dragon Emperor

Ling Fei and the others took their seats.

But the field was in an uproar, already buzzing with discussion.

Everyone had been speculating for a while, but no one could figure out what was going on.

It only made them all the more curious about Elder Ling's identity.

"What's happening? Even Lord Shangguan is so respectful to this Elder Ling."

"What's this old man's background?" In the crowd, some members of the Qin Mansion wore grim expressions.

According to the information they had gathered, the Inspection Envoy who came to Longtan Town this time was no ordinary person, but a descendant of a major clan.

How could such a figure be afraid of anyone?

"It seems we can't count on Lord Shangguan to deal with that Ling Clan father and son," some from the Qin Mansion said, shaking their heads.

"What a shame." They all sighed.

Faced with an expert like Elder Ling, they didn't dare to harbor the slightest thought of resistance.

But the hatred in their hearts remained.

After all, the Qin Mansion had once been a behemoth, but several of its experts had fallen because of Elder Ling's actions.

Many clansmen had even fled the Qin Mansion and left Longtan Town out of fear of Elder Ling.

What they didn't know, however, was that Elder Ling didn't spare a single thought for the people of the Qin Mansion.

On the high platform, Shangguan Hong stood up, looking down at the crowd below like a King.

The Martial Arts Testing Ground was now packed with tens of thousands of people.

"Everyone, I am Shangguan Hong, Inspection Envoy of the Divine Guard Bureau. I have come to Longtan Town to investigate the death of Divine Guard Qin Gang." Shangguan Hong's voice was grave. "According to my investigation, the fault lies with the Qin Mansion. Qin Gang, as a Divine Guard, brought disaster upon this region. It is a heartbreaking matter. Fortunately, Elder Ling took action and eliminated this scourge. On behalf of the Divine Guard Bureau, I would like to express my gratitude to Elder Ling."

As his words fell, Shangguan Hong turned and bowed to Elder Ling.

"As Divine Guards, you should uphold justice for the people. I hope your bureau will take this as a lesson," Elder Ling said with a wave of his hand.

"This junior will certainly remember your teachings, sir," Shangguan Hong said with extreme politeness.

"This..."

Staring at the two on the high platform, everyone below was stunned.

"So, the Divine Guard Bureau isn't going to hold Elder Ling accountable?" Zhao Fa was taken aback.

"Lord Shangguan is praising Elder Ling's meritorious deed. What is there to hold him accountable for?" Wu Dapang's face was alight with excitement as he looked at Zhao Fa as if he were an idiot.

"Sigh," Zhao Fa lamented. "In that case, Ling Fei won't get into any trouble either."

He found this regrettable.

He had been hoping the Divine Guard Bureau would punish Ling Fei.

That might have ruined Ling Fei's future.

But now, it seemed he would never be able to catch up to Ling Fei.

"I deeply apologize for the impact the Qin Mansion has had on Longtan Town. However, something like this will not happen again," Shangguan Hong declared. "From now on, the Divine Guard Bureau will increase its efforts to clean up its own ranks. You all may also supervise the Divine Guard Bureau and see if anyone is derelict in their duty."

"Your Lordship is wise!" As soon as he said this, the crowd below erupted.

For years, the people of Longtan Town had been oppressed by the Qin Mansion for far too long.

Now that the Divine Guard had demonstrated its perceptiveness and refused to shield one of its own, the crowd felt a renewed sense of hope.

"Alright, today I will host the Divine Academy selection competition." Then, Shangguan Hong's gaze sharpened and he announced in a solemn tone, "As you all know, those who distinguish themselves in this selection can enter the Divine Academy. Within the academy, you will receive resources unavailable to ordinary people, including Essence Qi, Martial Arts, and guidance from powerful experts. If you distinguish yourself further within the academy, you can even become a Divine Guard and receive His Majesty's protection under the Dragon's Might."

"A Divine Guard!" Hearing this, the people of Longtan Town felt their blood boil with excitement.

'Being a Divine Guard is good, but it's not my ultimate goal,' Ling Fei thought to himself.

Ever since he learned that a Celestial Essence Pill couldn't cure his adoptive father, his ambition had grown.

Above the Divine Guards, beyond the Empire, there were the Major Sects.

Those Sects were filled with numerous experts, all possessing Heaven-Reaching abilities.

That was Ling Fei's true goal.

However, the Major Sects only accepted geniuses of the highest caliber. If he wanted to stand out, he would have to work hard.

"The Divine Academy has eight slots for Longtan Town, but to join, one must have reached the Nine Layers of Body Tempering," Shangguan Hong said gravely.

The Ninth Layer of Body Tempering was the Divine Academy's standard.

Then, he glanced at Huang Xiaoman beside him.

At that moment, Huang Xiaoman stepped forward, holding a list in her hand.

"According to our count, a total of five Martial Artists from Longtan Town who have just turned sixteen have reached the Nine Layers of Body Tempering."

Huang Xiaoman announced in a deep voice.

"They are: Ling Fei, Huang Liang, Wu Bi'an, Zhao Fa, and Zhang Feng!"

Everyone else would lose their eligibility to enter the Divine Academy.

Originally, the Qin Mansion had three other youths who had reached the Nine Layers of Body Tempering, but they had all left Longtan Town, fearing retribution from Elder Ling.

"Because there are not enough people who meet the standard, all five will enter the Divine Academy," Huang Xiaoman said.

"My Dapang got a spot in the Divine Academy! The heavens are truly blessing my son!"

"Congratulations, Third Auntie! Your family is going to soar from now on!"

"Third Auntie, your Dapang and my little girl were childhood sweethearts. Don't forget about my girl in the future!"

"I think we should get them engaged right now!"

...

The moment the news was announced, congratulations immediately broke out.

Wu Dapang's parents were surrounded by many of their neighbors in a joyous celebration.

The relatives of Zhao Fa, Huang Liang, and Zhang Feng were also cheering.

At this moment, Huang Liang, Zhao Fa, Wu Dapang, and Zhang Feng were also beaming with joy.

"The time for Wu Dapang to rise has come!" Wu Dapang was very excited.

"The four of you, come up to the platform. We will first test your strength to determine your rankings," Huang Xiaoman said.

Their student profiles had to be recorded before entering the academy.

The four of them walked toward the Martial Arts Testing Platform.

"Why doesn't Ling Fei have to compete?" Zhao Fa muttered, looking quite indignant.

It seemed today's Ling Fei had truly surpassed their level.

"You want to compete with Brother Fei?" Hearing this, Wu Dapang raised an eyebrow and grinned. "If you really want to, I can suggest it for you."

He wore a mischievous smile.

That smile sent a shiver down Zhao Fa's spine.

"Zhao Fa, stop being so disgruntled. The Ling Fei of today is not someone we can compare ourselves to. Aren't you just asking for death by competing against him? Be careful or you'll end up an ice sculpture."

Huang Liang said.

He had accepted his fate by now.

'An ice sculpture!' At that thought, Zhao Fa couldn't help but shudder.

Qin Hong was the one Ling Fei had turned into an ice sculpture!

After that, the four of them went to be tested.

First was the strength test, to determine what realm they had reached.

"Wu Bi'an, strength of two thousand catties!"

"Huang Liang, strength of one thousand catties!"

"Zhao Fa, strength of one thousand catties!"

"Zhang Feng, strength of two thousand catties!"

Currently, Wu Dapang was only at the Mid Stage of Body Tempering Ninth Layer.

Generating True Qi required a massive amount of Heaven and Earth Essence Qi.

The Essence Qi in Longtan Town was thin, making it extremely difficult for them to advance.

Next, they began to compete in practical combat skills.

Finally, the rankings were decided.

First, Zhang Feng!

Second, Wu Dapang!

Third, Huang Liang!

Fourth, Zhao Fa!

For the past twenty days, Huang Xiaoman had been personally instructing Huang Liang, which had led to an improvement in his strength.

"Not bad. All of you, make your preparations. In three days, you will accompany me to Celestial River Academy."

Shangguan Hong stood up and said in a solemn voice.

"Yes!" everyone nodded.

"Congratulations!" The people in the field cheered, happy for these youths.

However, Ling Fei remained calm and composed.

Since generating his Cold Chi True Qi, he was already standing on a different level.

His targets were the geniuses of the outside world.

Shangguan Qingmu wore an indifferent expression, paying no attention to this competition.

It seemed these "geniuses" were simply not worth his notice.

"What a pity I didn't get to see this Ling Fei in action," Shangguan Qingmu said, his face full of regret.

Amidst the joyous atmosphere, the crowd began to disperse.

Ling Fei congratulated Wu Dapang, and then they went their separate ways.

"Young Master Ling, I'll see you in three days." Shangguan Yurou bid farewell to Ling Fei with a smile.

"See you in three days," Ling Fei smiled back.

Afterward, he and his adoptive father returned to the medical hall.

'I'll be leaving for the academy in three days!' Back in his room, the impending departure filled Ling Fei with a strange sense of melancholy.

"Haha, a man must eventually venture out into the world. Otherwise, how can he soar through the nine heavens?" Elder Ling chuckled, seeming to know what Ling Fei was thinking.

"But, if I leave, Adoptive Father, you...!" Ling Fei was still worried.

After all, his adoptive father was truly injured, and there was no telling if his condition would worsen in the future.

"Don't you worry. Your adoptive father's abilities are greater than you think," Elder Ling smiled. "Of course, if you don't want to leave, I can also keep you by my side."

"No, Adoptive Father! I will become strong! I will distinguish myself at the academy, join one of those Major Sects, and become the most outstanding Alchemist! I will refine a Miracle Elixir to heal your injuries!" Ling Fei's eyes flashed with resolve as he spoke, his words firm and resonant.

"Now that's a good man!" Elder Ling laughed, stroking his long beard.

After composing himself, Ling Fei returned to his normal mood.

For the next three days, he didn't focus solely on his Martial Arts, but spent time with Elder Ling and Xue Xi instead.

Only at night would he go to comprehend the "True Dragon Visualization Image".

Just like that, three days passed in the blink of an eye.

SCREECH!

The long cry of a Profound Eagle rang out.

Shangguan Hong, Shangguan Yurou, and Shangguan Qingmu personally came to pay a visit.

"Elder Ling, this junior will never forget your great kindness. You can rest assured about Young Master Ling's entry into Celestial River Academy," Shangguan Hong said, bidding farewell to Elder Ling.

"Haha, in that case, I will have to trouble Lord Shangguan with Fei'Er," Elder Ling laughed.

"You are too kind, Elder Ling. But your injuries..." Then, Shangguan Hong's eyes flickered as he added, "If there is anything you need, you can also inform this junior."

After interacting with him these past few days, he had learned that the old man was injured.

So he wanted to help in any way he could.

"My injuries!" Elder Ling let out a long sigh. "It's all too difficult. If Fei'Er makes a name for himself in the future, there might be a chance."

"Young Master Ling? In that case, this junior will certainly support Young Master Ling." Hearing this, Shangguan Hong understood that he was unable to help this old man.

Everything depended on this young genius rising to power for there to be even a sliver of a chance.

To repay his debt of gratitude, he would have to help this young man.

"Xue Xi, I'm counting on you to take care of Adoptive Father." In the outer room, Ling Fei was saying his goodbyes to Xue Xi.

He was reluctant to leave so suddenly.

"Don't worry, Big Brother. Xue Xi will definitely take good care of Adoptive Father," Xue Xi nodded obediently.

"Mm." Seeing the girl's well-behaved appearance, Ling Fei took a deep breath and said, "Don't worry. I will definitely train hard, become an expert, and heal Adoptive Father's injuries." He knew that she was also worried about their adoptive father's condition and wanted to help, but was powerless to do so.

"Then Xue Xi will be waiting for Big Brother to become an expert," Xue Xi said, her face full of anticipation.

"Definitely!" Ling Fei's gaze was firm.

For his adoptive father's sake, he had to become an expert.