Chapter 232: Cultivation Surges, Three Trials of the Academy

"Tree Demons are rarely seen in a thousand years!"

"Furthermore, the Cultivation Method I practice is a complete high-grade Wood-Element Cultivation Method that allows one to cultivate to the Nascent Soul stage. It happens to record this kind of Secret Art."

Xu Chuan explained with a smile, "This Secret Art is extremely difficult to master, but it just so happens that I have also comprehended the Life Force Extraction Art, so it did not take long to cultivate it successfully.

Ordinary trees, and even Spirit Wood, are of little use. They can restore my life force, but they cannot raise my cultivation realm.

Only the vitality of a Tree Demon that has developed sentience perfectly matches this Secret Art."

"Your luck is quite good, Father!" Xu Mingwei praised with a laugh, before falling into thought. "However, even if it cannot move easily, if it truly is a Tier 2 Peak Tree Demon, I am afraid none of us can harm its main body."

"Indeed, even if a Peak Foundation Establishment Cultivator used a Top-Grade Magical Artifact, who knows how long they would have to hack at it to kill it.

Not to mention, Tree Demons are inherently difficult to deal with.

This will be a tough battle. We can only rely on Moyue to strike while we assist from the sidelines."

"I have long been prepared for that."

As he spoke, Xu Chuan patted his Storage Pouch. Six Formation Flags flew out, swirling around him. The surface of each flag rippled with a faint silver shimmer.

"After trading a considerable amount of second-rank array formation materials from the Taiyuan Li Clan, Mingxian crafted this Six Harmonies Absolute Sealing Formation.

This is a high-grade second-rank trapping formation.

Once deployed, the area inside becomes an absolute cage. Virtually no sound or shockwave will leak out."

"I was wondering what he was tinkering with lately. So he was crafting Formation Flags for Father to use conveniently while traveling," Xu Mingshu said, flashing a grin.

"Not just that," Xu Chuan said. "By the time we return, his Starry Sky Great Formation will likely be fully set up.

When that happens, starlight will cascade down and be converted into Spiritual Qi.

Over time, the density of Spiritual Qi in our Dongxi will grow increasingly rich."

"Wasn't he studying the Dao of Tier 3 Formations?" Xu Mingwei asked in surprise.

"How could Tier 3 Formations be so easily comprehended? The deeper one's understanding of second-rank array formations, the greater the hope of grasping the third rank.

He ran into a bottleneck while studying Tier 3 Formations a while ago, so he decided to master as many second-rank array formations as possible to draw analogies and break through."

"No wonder you traded with the Taiyuan Li Clan for their Formation Inheritance," Xu Mingwei nodded. "Father is truly Taking Great Pains with Good Intentions."

Xu Chuan cracked a smile. "Enough flattery. Get ready, everyone."

"Inside the grand array, there is no need to hold anything back. Just use every method at your disposal."

"Yes, Father," the two replied, cupping their fists.

Xu Chuan nodded.

Tapping the ground with his toes, he retreated about three meters. His palms fluttered like butterflies, forming over ten hand seals in an instant. The overlapping shadows of his fingers looked like flowing rainbows, yet they produced not a single sound of piercing the air.

Shortly after.

Azure light surged. The Six Formation Flags shot out, landing in the six absolute directions before vanishing into the surroundings.

The moment the Six Harmonies Absolute Sealing Formation was established, the chirping of insects and rustling of leaves could still be heard outside. Inside, however, the energy signatures were completely sealed. Even a booming thunderstorm within would not leak out in the slightest.

"The grand array is complete, covering roughly a half-kilometer radius."

Saying so, he tapped his Spirit Beast Pouch and casually called out, "Old Flood Dragon, come out and get to work!"

A streak of blue light shot high into the sky, instantly expanding into a thirty-meter-long flood dragon.

Frost condensed on its dragon horns, and its scales reflected the moonlight. The Pressure of a Tier 2 Peak water-element beast flooded the area.

The Ancient Willow Tree Demon, which had been completely unresponsive, suddenly felt the intense oppression bearing down. Its hundreds and thousands of dark green willow branches whipped about frantically like a chaotic dance of demons.

Fierce gales swept outward like sharp blades, plowing deep trenches into the earth.

Some of the attacks lashed up into the sky and struck Moyue's body, but they failed to produce even a single spark.

Moyue bared his sharp, pristine dragon fangs in a menacing grin. Strands of Cold Qi poured down, causing the ambient temperature to plummet.

"A mere Tree Demon!"

As he opened his maw, countless motes of blue light gathered in front of him, instantly condensing into hundreds of ice spikes that shot toward the Ancient Willow Tree Demon!

The Ancient Willow Tree Demon's branches met the assault in the sky, thrashing continuously like countless cracking whips. They moved so fast that Xu Chuan and the others could only see blurry afterimages.

Only Xu Mingwei, with his sharp eyesight and pale golden pupils, could clearly distinguish the Ancient Willow Tree Demon's attacks.

Countless ice spikes were shattered into dust.

The Ancient Willow Tree Demon's defense was virtually flawless.

"Let's move," Xu Chuan said calmly. He dashed toward the Ancient Willow Tree Demon, stopping about two to three hundred meters away, and lightly patted his waist-high Pill Furnace.

The Pill Furnace rose into the air, and its lid flipped open. Boundless waves of Departing Fire Flame surged out, transforming into a sea of fire that swept toward the Ancient Willow Tree Demon.

To a Tree Demon, a Fire-Element Arcane Art possessed terrifying destructive power.

The Ancient Willow Tree Demon was forced to split off branches just to swat out the roaring flames.

Locating the culprit, a single willow branch abruptly elongated, transforming into a spear as it thrust straight toward Xu Chuan's head.

"And here I thought I was far enough away."

Xu Chuan immediately flipped his palm. The True Yang Treasure Orb materialized in his right hand. A warm, circulating light sprang up, blocking the incoming branch about a meter away.

He then formed another seal, causing the Pill Furnace to glow with brilliant crimson light.

Immediately after, a ten-meter-wide Departing Fire Phoenix emerged, spewing flames directly at the branch attacking Xu Chuan.

The flames morphed into scorching blades, cleaving the branch away.

The intense heat scorched the wood.

Yet, a green glow swirled across the branch's surface, granting it incredible restorative power. It healed almost instantly.

"What robust vitality!"

Xu Chuan gasped in awe. He had a feeling that this Ancient Willow Tree Demon would cross into the Tier 3 realm in less than seven or eight years.

Meanwhile.

To the west of the ancient willow.

Xu Mingwei drew his bow like a full moon, pouring his Early-Stage Second Layer Foundation Establishment Mana into the Top-Grade Treasure Bow. The bowstring hummed as an Arrow tore through the air, completely cloaked in sharp Golden Radiance as it shot straight for the Tree Demon's trunk.

Metal Overcomes Wood.

Xu Mingwei's exceptionally sharp metal-element attack made the Ancient Willow Tree Demon sense a real threat. It split off another portion of branches, tangling them together to form a solid wooden shield.

Boom!

The Arrow collided with the wooden shield, erupting into a violent explosion.

The shield was pierced, but the Arrow was tightly bound by several inner twigs and halted in its tracks.

"Let's see how many Arrows you can block!"

Xu Mingwei fired three more shots in quick succession!

The Ancient Willow Tree Demon instantly hurled away the initial black Arrow to intercept these three.

But Xu Mingwei simply formed a single-handed seal and tapped his Treasured Bow. The deflected Arrow spun twice in the air before flying straight back to Xu Mingwei's quiver.

To the south.

Xu Mingshu released her Purple Lightning Azure Flame Eagle and the White Tiger. She instructed them, "Ah Ying, Xiao Bai, be careful. That Tree Demon's branches are dangerous. Do not let yourselves get entangled.

Ah Ying, attack from high up and strike it with your Purple Thunder and Green Fire. Xiao Bai, stay by my side. If any willow branches attack us, sever them for me."

"Yes, Master!" Xu Ying and Xu Bai replied simultaneously.

"Screech!"

Xu Ying flapped his wings. With a flash of purple light, he soared high into the sky. Arcs of purple lightning danced endlessly across his body, and the azure flames above his head flared wildly.

Following that.

Bolts of purple lightning intertwined with azure fire rained down.

The combination of lightning and fire generated a truly terrifying might.

Currently, both Xu Ying and Xu Bai were at the peak of the initial stage of Tier 2, comparable to a Third-Layer Foundation Establishment Cultivator, but their actual combat strength was no inferior to a Fifth or Sixth Layer Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

Meanwhile, Xu Mingshu raised her delicate hand and waved the Black Fiend Flag. A massive cloud of black fog billowed from the banner, condensing into a Black Fiend Flood Dragon that charged out to harass the Ancient Willow Tree Demon.

Several willow branches lunged toward her. The White Tiger's sharp claws abruptly expanded to nearly a meter long, unleashing streaks of Golden Radiance that sliced the branches clean off.

Besieged from all four sides.

The Ancient Willow Tree Demon was forced to divide many of its branches to defend itself.

Moyue seized the opportunity, instantly multiplying the barrage of ice spikes.

Unable to deflect them all, the Ancient Willow Tree Demon suffered numerous direct hits to its main trunk. Cold Qi spread rapidly, freezing the wood.

Waves of green light pulsed outwards, constantly fighting back the freezing chill.

This Tree Demon was incredibly formidable. If Moyue had been fighting alone in close combat, he most likely would have been tightly bound by countless willow branches. If he was careless, they would pierce his flesh and drain his life force.

Even under such a coordinated assault, the Ancient Willow Tree Demon was merely at a disadvantage.

Moyue was almost tempted to unleash a Golden Core level strike.

"Be patient," Xu Chuan advised. "No matter how tight the Ancient Willow Tree Demon's defense is, there will always be gaps. We all have pills to restore our stamina; it doesn't matter even if we have to besiege it for a day or two."

Half a day passed in the blink of an eye.

Seeing the Ancient Willow Tree Demon finally expose a flaw, Xu Chuan immediately unleashed his strongest attack simultaneously with Xu Mingwei, Xu Mingshu, and Xu Ying, creating the perfect opening for Moyue.

In an instant, Moyue condensed a Frigid Ice Spear. Its terrifying might felt potent enough to freeze a Peak Foundation Establishment Cultivator solid in a single breath.

Because the vast majority of the Ancient Willow Tree Demon's branches were distracted by Xu Chuan and the others.

Very few were left to intercept the Frigid Ice Spear.

The spear tore through layers of branches and pierced straight through its main trunk.

The Ancient Willow Tree Demon instantly let out series of low, pained shrieks. Every single one of its branches whipped about in chaotic frenzy.

Xu Mingwei notched three Arrows together, his pale golden eyes narrowing in deep focus. Moments later, he seized a fleeting gap.

An intense arrow intent erupted, merging flawlessly with the projectiles.

The combined shot buried itself deep into the main trunk—and even punched straight through to the other side!

Even Moyue was astonished. Although the Ancient Willow Tree Demon had been wounded by him and lost its rhythm, the defense of its trunk remained tremendously tough.

While metal-element power inherently countered wood-element power, the vast difference in their raw strength should have made that elemental advantage far less pronounced.

"Keep going!" Xu Chuan shouted. "Don't give it any time to recover!"

A few hours later.

The Ancient Willow Tree Demon's trunk was forcefully snapped apart by their relentless bombardment.

Its sentience completely dissipated.

This was the fatal weakness of such Tree Demons; beneath Tier 3, they could not move their roots.

Once their trunk was severed, they were essentially beyond saving.

Xu Chuan and the others approached. Faced with the hardened timber, they ultimately had to rely on Moyue's Dragon Claws to carve out the Demonic Core.

After storing it away, Xu Chuan turned to the others. "I will use its corpse to enter secluded cultivation for at least half a month. Mingwei, you will temporarily control the Six Harmonies Absolute Sealing Formation. Here are the hand seals."

After passing on the control seals, Xu Chuan sat cross-legged atop the ancient willow and activated the Secret Art from the Wood Sovereign Scripture, frantically extracting the life force contained within.

Though it was dead, only its sentience had faded. The boundless vitality within its wooden husk would not dissipate so easily.

After mastering the seals, Xu Mingwei manipulated the Six Harmonies Absolute Sealing Formation, shrinking the grand array's scope down to a hundred-meter radius.

Half a month flew by.

Waves of vibrant life force continuously radiated around Xu Chuan, causing the nearby wild grass to grow rampantly.

This was merely the slight overflow; the energy gathered within Xu Chuan's own body was exponentially richer.

His cultivation realm advanced from the Late-Stage Fifth Layer Foundation Establishment to the peak, before cleanly breaking through to the Sixth-Layer Foundation Establishment. It continued to rise steadily until it finally settled at the Peak Sixth-Layer Foundation Establishment.

Xu Chuan had originally estimated it to be an ordinary Tier 2 Peak Tree Demon, but its foundation had been a hair's breadth away from breaking through to Tier 3.

Because of that, Xu Chuan's initial prediction fell short.

However, several more days passed.

Xu Chuan still did not awaken.

"Eldest Brother, didn't Father say he would be in seclusion for half a month? It's been several days over that," Xu Mingshu said, a trace of anxiety in her eyes.

"Don't worry, Father's aura is perfectly stable. If my guess is right, he probably wants to use this opportunity to push for the Seventh-Layer Foundation Establishment. After all, Father has the Void Rushing Pill in hand."

"Ah, you're right! Why didn't I think of that?" Xu Mingshu's worry turned into relief, and even a hint of anticipation.

Two to three hours later.

Xu Chuan slapped his Storage Pouch. A Pill flew out and popped directly into his mouth.

An incense stick's time later.

"Break!"

A shockwave of Spirit Power abruptly erupted from Xu Chuan's body, rippling outward in all directions.

As his eyes snapped open, two sharp beams of jade-green light shot from his pupils.

A moment later, he let out a long breath. A faint smile lifted the corners of his lips as he muttered to himself, "Late Foundation Establishment... I finally broke through!"

"Congratulations, Father, on successfully breaking through to the Late Foundation Establishment!"

Xu Mingwei and Xu Mingshu cupped their hands and congratulated him in unison.

Advancing from the Early Foundation Establishment to the Late Foundation Establishment in just over a decade—even someone with Heavenly Spirit Root Aptitude couldn't achieve such speed without a massive amount of auxiliary pills.

As for Ren Xiaoyao, based on his current cultivation pace, it would still take him another five or six years to reach the Late Foundation Establishment.

Xu Chuan glanced at the Ancient Willow Tree Demon's husk. It had been completely drained of all vibrant vitality.

Moyue flew out of the Spirit Beast Pouch, shrinking down to about a meter in length. He slithered up to Xu Chuan and said, "Check if it has a Wood Heart. If my guess is right, its Wood Heart should be enough to forge a wood-element Magic Treasure."

Xu Chuan searched for a moment and, sure enough, found the Wood Heart.

"Its luster is a bit dull." Moyue leaned in for a closer look. "It's likely because you drained away too much of its life force. What a pity. Now, it can only be used to forge a Dharma Tool."

"Perfect timing, then. I will bring it back for Ling'er to craft the Hundred Grass Needles."

"What kind of Dharma Tool is that?" Xu Mingshu asked curiously.

"It is a Top-Grade Magical Artifact set recorded in my Cultivation Method. It is a concealed weapon type consisting of thirty-six needles, each as fine as a hair.

Once they embed into a target's body, they travel through the bloodstream, wreaking absolute havoc on the meridians.

If they reach the internal organs, all five vital organs will be perforated.

Finally, if they enter the brain, death is guaranteed.

Beyond that, they also continuously siphon away the target's life force."

"What an insidious Dharma Tool!" Xu Mingshu blurted out.

Xu Chuan chuckled and scolded playfully, "Who cares if it's insidious? Any weapon that can subdue an enemy and secure the kill is a good Dharma Tool!"

The next day.

Xu Chuan and the others packed up the Formation Flags and resumed their hunt for top-tier Demonic Beasts.

In the blink of an eye, it was the second day of the second lunar month.

Today was the exact date when Under the Moon Academy widely recruited new students.

Enrollment opportunities opened every half a year.

Thus, although many people had gathered, quite a few were merely here to observe.

"Look quickly! That's a Foundation Establishment elder from the Lei family. I heard they were sending their juniors to Under the Moon Academy, but I never expected a Foundation Establishment cultivator to escort them personally."

Someone countered, "The journey is so long. If a Foundation Establishment expert doesn't come, should they just send a Qi Refining cultivator? Aren't they afraid of accidents on the road?"

"The ones they sent probably just have poor aptitude. It's no great loss."

"Over there is the Feng family, and that's the Liu clan. There's also the Taiyuan Li Clan and the Langya Wang Clan..."

One aristocratic family after another was identified by the onlookers.

"The testing will now begin. Everyone, please be quiet. Those participating in the examination, please line up and proceed in an orderly fashion," an Academy instructor announced.

Xu Mingxuan was also watching from the sidelines.

Lei Hekong walked over and asked, "Daoist Friend Mingxuan, where is your eldest brother and your father? To think they didn't even show up for the Academy enrollment. Aren't you afraid the Cao Clan might come to cause trouble?"

"Cause trouble? Am I not right here?" Xu Mingxuan smiled faintly.

Lei Hekong's mouth twitched.

Well, the young man certainly had a point.

"Where did they go?" Lei Hekong asked again.

"They are in secluded cultivation at Dongxi. Although my Xu Family has a flood dragon as our trump card, the rest of our Foundation Establishment strength is still far too weak. Naturally, we must seize every moment to cultivate."

"Fair enough," Lei Hekong nodded slightly.

On the other side.

The examination had already begun.

"What is your name? How old are you, and where are you from?"

"Lei Shihao, nine years old. From the Imperial City Lei Clan."

"Head over there for the testing. If you pass everything, you will become a Junior Academy Student."

Lei Shihao cupped his hands and walked toward the testing grounds.

"Next!"

"Daoist Friend Mingxuan, what do you think of my Lei family's junior?"

"With an imposing bearing and outstanding talent, he will surely be a pillar of the Lei family in the future."

"Hahaha, you are too polite, Daoist Friend Mingxuan. That is one of my grandsons. Although he possesses a Pseudo Spiritual Root, your Academy had better nurture him well."

Xu Mingxuan replied, "Daoist Friend Lei jests. The Academy's nurturing is only one aspect. The main factor still depends on the students' own perseverance and Dao Heart.

As for the rest, my Xu Family can guarantee that the Academy will treat all students equally without prejudice.

My father once said: in the Academy's training, what should be fought for, must be fought for.

However, those who start first may not necessarily have the last laugh. Perseverance and Dao Heart are the true standards by which we cultivators must be measured.

If one possesses both, their future prospects will be utterly limitless."

Lei Hekong pondered these words repeatedly before giving a carefree laugh. "As expected of Daoist Friend Xu Chuan. His foresight is already far beyond that of ordinary men."

Xu Mingxuan offered a mild smile and cupped his hands in acknowledgment.

The two turned their attention back to the Academy's examinations.

The examination consisted of three trials. The first tested innate talent: bone structure for Martial artists, and spirit roots for Immortal cultivators.

The second tested perseverance. Martial artists had to endure gravitational pressure, while Immortal cultivators faced Psychic Suppression. Both were accomplished via Formations.

The third was the Trial of the Heart.

Within the Questioning Heart array, three questions would be asked.

The first asked their true name, the second their purpose, and the third their true heart.

As long as they posed no threat to the Xu Family or the Academy, they would generally pass.

Originally, Xu Chuan wanted to add a test for comprehension ability, but finding no effective way to measure it, he could only give up the idea.

"Lei Shihao. First Trial: Pseudo Spiritual Root aptitude. Grade: Low."

Every student's test results would be recorded, filed, and archived within the Academy.

Next was the second trial.

"Lei Shihao, please step into the center of the left formation."

Lei Shihao complied.

"Are you ready? This is the Intimidation Array. The longer you endure, the more outstanding your perseverance. If you cannot hold on any longer, simply kneel," the instructor by the formation said amiably.

Lei Shihao nodded. "I am ready."

Following that, the instructor channeled Mana into the array to activate it.

The next moment.

Lei Shihao instantly felt an invisible pressure manifest from the void and crash into his mind, mimicking the Psychic Suppression of a late-stage Qi Refining Immortal Cultivator.

Every three breaths, the intensity increased by a level.

After nine breaths, the power suddenly doubled, causing Lei Shihao's frail body to tremble slightly.

By the sixteenth breath.

Lei Shihao could no longer bear it. He fell to one knee.

In an instant, all the pressure vanished without a trace.

"This second trial is quite interesting. I wonder how my grandson's score compares?" Lei Hekong remarked mildly.

Just then, the instructor called out, "Lei Shihao, Second Trial: Perseverance. Grade: Upper-Medium."

"Hmm, only Upper-Medium? Could it be that the grading is based on nine-breath intervals?"

Xu Mingxuan smiled faintly. "Under nine breaths is Low perseverance. Nine to eighteen breaths is Medium. Above eighteen breaths is High, and above thirty-six breaths is Transcendent."

"I see."

"The Third Trial is the Questioning Heart. Lei Shihao, please stand in the center of this formation."

"Yes."

Lei Shihao complied.

When the formation lit up, a layer of faint green mist rose, enveloping him.

A mere three breaths later, the light vanished.

"Lei Shihao, you may step out. You have passed the Third Trial. Dao Heart: Medium," the instructor stroked his beard and smiled gently. "As long as you are willing, you are a member of the Academy starting today."

"However, don't forget to pay your tuition. You may pay either semi-annually or annually. Once the fee is settled, you will receive your corresponding Academy Token and standard robes."

"Thank you, Instructor."

Xu Mingxuan pointed to the payment counter not far away. "Daoist Friend Lei, if you wish to pay the fees, please head over there."

"There is no rush. My Lei family has three more disciples. Once they all pass, I will pay the fees together."

Xu Mingxuan smiled amiably.

This side was for the Junior Academy testing.

On the other side, the Senior Academy testing was proceeding simultaneously. The contents of the trials were identical, but the grading standards were significantly higher.

Furthermore, there was also a test for cultivation level.

The Academy had set up a formation designed to nullify breath-concealing spells and artifacts, known as the Aura-Breaking Formation.

Over a dozen people were tested in the blink of an eye, yet not a single person managed to earn a High grade.

More than an hour later.

A Magic Skiff was suddenly seen streaking across the sky.

"It's people from the Cao Clan!"

"Are they here to cause trouble again?"

"No, look. There are eight or nine-year-old children beside them. Perhaps they want to enroll as well."

"Has the Cao Clan changed their tune?"

Many people from the aristocratic families watched in shocked suspicion.

As the Cao Clan group approached, the people in line parted to make way for them.

Over a dozen Cao Clan children cut straight to the very front of the line. Seeing this, the recording instructor felt his heart tremble in fear.

This was the Great Wei Imperial Clan—the Cao Clan!

In name, the entirety of Great Wei was the territory of the Cao Clan.

The instructor gulped hard before slowly speaking, "What is your name? How old are you, and where are you from?"

"Cao Zhenlin, ten years old. From the Imperial Cao Family."

"Go in for your testing. Next."

The Cao Clan disciples entered the testing area one after another. Only after they were all registered did the disciples of the other aristocratic families resume lining up.

Lei Hekong murmured, "The Cao Clan does not come with good intentions."

"As long as they pass the examination, our Academy refuses no one," Xu Mingxuan said, his face completely composed, seeming entirely unbothered.

"Cao Zhenlin, failed the Third Trial!"

"Cao Zhenming, failed the Third Trial!"

"Failed!"

"Failed!"

"Cao Zhenyan, passed the Third Trial. Dao Heart: Low."

"Failed!"

"Failed!"

The Cao Clan deacon's face turned as dark as murky water. Out of the thirteen Cao Clan disciples who took the test, only one had passed, and he couldn't even manage a Medium grade.

Smiles tugged at the corners of the lips of the aristocratic family members watching from the sidelines.

"The Cao Clan has made a massive fool of themselves this time."

The Cao Clan deacon glared furiously and barked, "Is your Moon Tomb Alliance trying to provoke my Great Wei Imperial Clan?!"

The instructors responsible for testing instantly broke out in cold sweats, Silent as a Cicada in Winter.

Xu Mingxuan walked over with a smile. "Deacon Cao, those words are entirely unreasonable!"

"Could it be that you simply refuse to accept the results?"

"Why don't you look at the results of those tested before you? There were plenty who also received Low grades. As for why your disciples failed... you should ask yourself what you instructed them to do before they came here."

"What do you mean by that?" the Cao Clan deacon frowned.

"Our Academy has three trials. The first tests innate aptitude—something decided by heaven, almost impossible to alter, and utterly incapable of being faked.

The second trial tests perseverance, relying entirely on one's own willpower.

The third is the Trial of the Heart. We ask their true name to prevent forgery. We ask their purpose; if they harbor malicious intentions, they are immediately disqualified. Then, we ask their true heart.

As long as they pass the first two questions, almost anyone can pass the question of their true heart, though their final grades will vary."

Xu Mingxuan continued with a smile, "If they came purely to learn, they would have generally all passed. My Academy turns no genuine student away.

So, Deacon Cao, do you wish to enroll the sole disciple who passed into our Academy?"

They had come with the sole intention of disrupting the Academy's order. If only one person managed to get in, what use would that be?

"Since Under the Moon Academy does not welcome us, we'll leave it at that!"

"Let's go!"

In the blink of an eye, Deacon Cao led his people away.

"This is Under the Moon Academy's very first enrollment."

"We have recruited a total of thirty-six Junior Academy Students and thirteen Senior Academy Students."

Xu Mingxuan announced, "Today's recruitment has come to an end. The first half of the academic year will last until the end of the seventh lunar month, and the eighth month will be a Rest Day period.

Any families who wish to do so may bring their children back to their clan estates until the new term begins on the first day of the ninth month.

The second half of the year will run until the twenty-first day of the twelfth month.

The next enrollment examination will be held on the second day of the ninth month.

If anyone is interested, you are highly encouraged to send your clan disciples to participate. Even if they pass the tests, they are not obligated to enroll in Under the Moon Academy.

At the very least, you can treat it as a free evaluation of your clan members' Cultivation Talent.

Our alliance's First Elder once said that the path of cultivation is absolutely not based solely on one's bone structure or spirit root aptitude. The Great Dao is boundless; there is always destiny and chance at play."

"Alright, everyone is dismissed."

The crowd dispersed, returning to their respective counties.

The Cao Clan's malicious scheme—and the fact that only one of their disciples managed to pass Under the Moon Academy's examination—instantly became a massive joke across the counties.

Additionally, the Academy's Three Trials became a popular topic of enthusiastic discussion.

The more people analyzed the trials, the more perfectly reasonable they seemed. Many people were moved to send their disciples to the Academy, just to test their mettle.

As of now, not a single student had received a High grade in any category.

If an acknowledged genius within a clan could earn High grades across all three of Under the Moon Academy's trials, they would undoubtedly be a true, peerless prodigy.

Even if they couldn't, the trials would highlight their flaws, allowing their clan to focus on strengthening their weak points.

————————————

Time flashed by.

Soon, it was the sixth lunar month.

Somewhere deep within the Hundred Thousand Mountains.

"Xu Chuan, we have already gathered over two sets of materials. Hurry and execute the Five Spirits Reverse Pill Method! It might just be enough to let me fully recover."

Xu Chuan shook his head and declined with a smile. "No rush. We've already secured the water and wood Tier 2 Peak Demonic Cores for the third set. It won't be too late to help you once we locate the fire, earth, and metal cores.

After all, the effects of a single, complete success are always superior to multiple partial attempts. Who knows if the efficacy will diminish on the second try?

If it truly does drop, we might have to gather a fourth set."

Moyue slithered in mid-air, pondering the words for a long time before heaving a soft sigh. "Fine. We will do it your way."

Over these past days.

Xu Chuan and his group spent their days exploring and their nights cultivating.

Several Tier 2 Demonic Beast inner cores had been fed to the Black Tiger, White Tiger, and the Purple Lightning Azure Flame Eagle.

Their progress had been exceptionally swift.

Both the White Tiger and the Purple Lightning Azure Flame Eagle had broken through to the mid-stage of Tier 2, and they had yet to fully digest the demonic cores. Once they did, they might very well approach the peak of the mid-stage.

The Black Tiger was also closing in on the peak of the initial stage of Tier 2.

In terms of sheer cultivation realm, it had already surpassed its master, Xu Mingwei.

"No wonder the Spirit Beast Taming Families in Great Liang are so powerful. As long as they possess Demonic Beasts with formidable Bloodlines and supply them with enough demonic cores and beast resources, they can raise a Tier 2 beast in just a little over a decade."

A campfire burned brightly. The three of them sat in a circle, the crimson flames illuminating their faces.

The White Tiger, having shrunk its body down considerably, rested comfortably beside Xu Mingshu. She continuously stroked his fur, which he seemed to immensely enjoy.

Hearing this, Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "That's not exactly true."

"A Demonic Beast with a truly powerful Bloodline might only appear once every few decades. Of course, the more beasts the Zhao family breeds and the larger their scale, the higher the probability of one being born.

It's much like the birth of an Immortal Cultivator with Earth Spiritual Root Aptitude among us humans."

"However, Demonic Beasts boast incredibly long lifespans. Once a Tier 2 beast is born, it can easily live for three to four hundred years. If a clan is willing to invest massive resources, they might even raise a Tier 3 Demonic Beast.

That's probably far easier than a human successfully forming a Golden Core," Xu Mingwei added.

A while later, Xu Mingshu asked again, "Father, we've been out here for half a year already. Are we really going to wait until we've gathered all three sets of materials before heading back?"

Xu Chuan nodded. "Rest assured, everything at home is perfectly fine."

"Unless something extraordinary happens, the Cao Clan will not make a move against our Xu Family before the 'Demon Tribulation'. After all, we are no longer a target they can easily swallow."

Xu Chuan regularly performed divinations regarding the clan's situation, and the results had consistently shown peaceful hexagrams.

For now, the Xu Family only needed to steadily elevate its strength.

As for the "Demon Tribulation" and the "Blood Food Feast," how exactly to handle those catastrophes was something they still needed to carefully plan out over time.

Seven or eight days later.

As Xu Chuan's group was walking through the forest.

Suddenly, Xu Mingshu halted and looked at Xu Chuan in surprise. "Father, about a kilometer or two ahead, there are Immortal Cultivators fighting Demonic Beasts."

"Which faction are they from?"

"They all have Spirit Beasts fighting alongside them. They should be from the Beast-Taming Zhao family. There are six of them in total: one Peak Foundation Establishment Cultivator, two at the Late Foundation Establishment, and three at the Mid Foundation Establishment.

As for their opponents, the leader appears to be a wood-element Tier 2 Peak Demonic Beast. There are also over a dozen Tier 2 beasts and more than twenty late-stage Tier 1 beasts backing it up.

Several members of the Beast-Taming Zhao family are already injured. They are tangled up with the Tier 2 beasts, while the Tier 1 beasts launch ranged attacks or try to ambush them."

Xu Chuan rubbed his chin, analyzing the situation calmly. "They probably intended to surround and kill the Tier 2 Peak Demonic Beast, but couldn't finish it off fast enough, thus drawing in all the nearby beasts."

"Should we intervene?"

"The Zhao family's goal aligns with ours. However, we are trying to help Moyue recover, while they are likely trying to cultivate a Tier 3 Demonic Beast."

Xu Chuan paused before continuing, "The world is too chaotic right now. If another Golden Core Aristocratic Family were to emerge, it would be beneficial for resisting the upcoming great tribulation.

Not to mention, the Zhao family is an Ally of our Xu Family."

With that said, the group immediately headed in that direction.

"Ancestor, what should we do now? If this drags on, more and more Tier 2 Demonic Beasts will be drawn here."

An Eighth-Layer Foundation Establishment elder of the Zhao family asked, his face etched with worry.

This person was none other than the Fifth Elder of the Zhao Family, whom Xu Chuan had met during the trip to Profound Moon Peak.

Not far away, the Zhao Clan Ancestor was locked in fierce combat with the wood-element Tier 2 Peak Demonic Beast. They seemed evenly matched, but upon closer inspection, the Ancestor was actually on the defensive.

The other five Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Zhao clan were forced to simultaneously handle the remaining dozen Tier 2 beasts while fending off sneak attacks from the Qi Refining-level creatures.

Fortunately, each of the Late Foundation Establishment elders managed to pin down three Tier 2 beasts.

Their accompanying Spirit Beasts also tied down one opponent each.

Otherwise, the situation would be far more dire than just a few injuries.

"Damnable beasts! If my hands weren't full, a mere twenty-something Tier 1 beasts could be slaughtered in an instant!" a Mid Foundation Establishment elder cursed under his breath.

The Zhao Clan Ancestor found a split second to scan the others' situations. He sighed inwardly, 'It seems destiny does not favor the Zhao clan. Otherwise, our previous encirclement wouldn't have failed, and this attempt wouldn't have gone awry either.

And to think we are only missing one final Tier 2 Peak Wood-Element Demonic Core!'

Just as he opened his mouth, preparing to order a full retreat.

A brilliant curtain of light suddenly rose around them.

The shimmering barrier swirled, instantly snapping into place above them like an enormous, inverted bowl.