Chapter 34

As the sun's shadow slanted westward, the vast area saw a significant decrease in people. The initial assessment had concluded, and the nine great academies and martial houses had stopped recruiting. Many people left in disappointment, while those who remained gradually moved toward the Central Imperial Star Academy and the Royal Academy from the nine directions.

At this moment, a figure in white, carrying a long sword, approached Qin Wentian and his group. Qin Wentian recognized this young man; he was the swordsman from Tianyong City who had dual star souls, both of which were sword star souls.

"Ruhan, Dashi, the teacher wants you to come over," Yu Fei walked over and called out to Ruhan and the others.

"Alright, did the teacher mention which two people from our side will enter the Dark Forest?" Ruhan asked. According to Jiang Zhen's words, Jiang Zhen and Mo Shang could each bring two old students with them.

"You and one other, the teacher didn't say who," Yu Fei replied. "We'll know when we get there."

"Alright." Ruhan nodded and then the group headed toward the direction where people were gathering. The nine great academies and martial houses had a total of five thousand people qualified to participate in the Dark Forest trial, a terrifying number. But considering the number of people who had registered in recent days, this ratio was already one in a hundred.

The nine great academies and martial houses of the imperial city gathered the elite youths of the entire Chu Kingdom.

"To become a strong person, you must face all kinds of dangers. This will be your first lesson, so enjoy it," someone from the direction of the Royal Academy shouted to the crowd in front of him. The young men and women all had solemn expressions; they understood that a trial without bloodshed could not be called a true martial artist.

"Buzz!" In the sky not far away, a strong wind suddenly arose, and two demonic beasts flew over. When people saw the figure on one of the demonic beasts, many of their gazes froze.

"So beautiful, it's Mo Qincheng, she actually came."

In this area, people below the Yuanfu realm were not allowed to ride demonic beasts in the air, but Mo Qincheng could, and no one would question her.

Jiang Zhen and Ou Chen were somewhat surprised to see Mo Qincheng and Mo Shang together, but they soon looked at the crowds in various directions and said, "Since everyone is here, let's set off. Everyone, run at full speed and enter the Dark Forest before sunset."

"Little junior brother, take care of yourself," Ruhan smiled at Qin Wentian and then walked to the front to lead the group. The lecherous snow dog actually lay in her arms, refusing to move.

"Junior brother Qin, I'll wait for you at the academy," Dashi patted Qin Wentian's shoulder. The people from the various academies and martial houses lined up and set off one after another. Demonic beasts soared into the sky, with the leading teachers standing on them, while the students ran on the ground, heading in their respective directions.

The Dark Forest enveloped half of the imperial city, and they clearly could not move forward, or they would have to cross the imperial palace area.

Five thousand people, nine camps, the Imperial Star Academy had the fewest people, only five hundred, while the Royal Academy had more than eight hundred.

When they all ran at full speed, the earth trembled, as if a thousand horses were galloping. The wind they stirred up as they passed by made many passersby smile at these vibrant figures, who would be the future pillars of the Chu Kingdom.

"Hey," in the Imperial Star Academy camp, a chubby young man with a smile on his face called out to Qin Wentian. Although they were running at high speed, it did not take much effort for them, and they could chat easily.

"What's your name?" the chubby young man asked.

"Qin Wentian, and you?"

"Fan Le, ordinary Fan, happy Le," the chubby young man smiled.

Qin Wentian glanced at him. He was wearing ordinary clothes, his hair was a bit messy, and he had a smile on his face.

"That name suits you," Qin Wentian smiled.

"Hehe." Fan Le grinned and then looked at the girl on the flying crane in front, whispering, "The first beauty of Chu Kingdom, so beautiful, my little heart is pounding."

Seeing Fan Le's intoxicated gaze, Qin Wentian rolled his eyes but had to admit Mo Qincheng's beauty.

"But, Senior Sister Ruhan is more to my taste, that figure, those full parts, tsk tsk..." Fan Le had a lecherous look, almost drooling.

"Do you know Senior Sister Ruhan?" Qin Wentian asked.

"How could I know her? I've just heard about her. The first demoness of our Imperial Star Academy, who doesn't know her? But I can only dream, hehe." Fan Le chuckled, then turned to Qin Wentian, "You, so serious, are you thinking about her too?"

Seeing Fan Le's lecherous eyes, Qin Wentian rolled his eyes and muttered, "Get lost!"

This guy is definitely a talent.

"Don't pretend, hehe." Fan Le gave him a knowing look, and Qin Wentian could only be speechless.

"But the imperial city of Chu Kingdom is indeed full of geniuses and beauties. Over there, Bai Qiuxue from the Royal Academy is very beautiful, and it's said she has communicated with three layers of Wu Ming stars," Fan Le pointed to the crowd of the Royal Academy and said to Qin Wentian.

"And in our Imperial Star Academy, there are also many geniuses. The white-faced guy at the front is Ou Feng, very strong, at the second level of the Wheel Pulse realm, with dual star souls," Fan Le pointed to a young man in front, who was standing next to Ou Chen, apparently brothers.

"Look over there, that beautiful black-clothed girl, at the first level of the Wheel Pulse realm, with dual star souls, and a good figure, just some parts are a bit imperfect," Fan Le savored it alone.

"But, do you know who the top genius of our Imperial Star Academy this year is?"

"Who?" Qin Wentian asked curiously.

"Right in front of you," Fan Le's face was all smiles, as lecherous as could be.

"Fan Le, you're boasting again," someone ran over and laughed at Fan Le, clearly he had also been 'talking big' in front of Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian smiled. Although Fan Le liked to boast, he was quite amusing and made people feel entertained.

At sunset, the nine large groups crossed the East Heavenly Gate of the imperial city.

The imperial city was surrounded by the Dark Forest. In the three thousand-year history of the Chu Kingdom, the Dark Forest had experienced many demonic beast uprisings. Therefore, the city gates near the demonic beast forest were towering and magnificent, like a natural barrier.

After crossing the East Heavenly Gate, there was still a town connecting the imperial city and the Dark Forest, serving as a buffer zone. When the people in this town saw the nine groups rush by like a hurricane, they were stunned.

"Could these be the students of the nine great academies and martial houses? They are indeed full of vitality."

"So many handsome men and beautiful women, hahaha." The passing adventurers laughed and commented.

"Continue forward, set up camp in the Dark Forest on your own," a clear voice echoed from the sky, making everyone feel a chill. They would spend many nights in the Dark Forest over the next month, and they would have to provide their own food by hunting.

As night fell, the people from the nine camps finally reached the edge of the Dark Forest. Looking ahead, all they could see were lush ancient trees stretching endlessly, emitting a wild and demonic aura.

When everyone stopped, the space suddenly became unusually quiet. Everyone realized that they would soon face real danger.

Beside the Dark Forest, the strong figures from the nine great academies and martial houses stood on demonic beasts in the sky and said to the crowd, "You will now enter the Dark Forest. By tomorrow morning, you must penetrate ten miles into the Dark Forest. This ten-mile area is considered the outer region. Over the next month, if anyone is found in the outer region, they will be considered to have failed the assessment. Now, go in."

The ten-mile area is the outer region, where humans often move, with no powerful demonic beasts and low danger.

"Qin Wentian, let's go together," Fan Le said.

"Alright." Qin Wentian nodded, and then the people from the nine camps entered the Dark Forest one after another. The massive group of five thousand people began to spread out in all directions, moving in pairs or small groups.

Under the faint starlight, Qin Wentian and Fan Le walked in the Dark Forest. Some people who were skilled in fire abilities directly produced flames to light up the surroundings, while others used night pearls and other treasures for illumination.

"Let's go about eight or nine miles in, then find an open area to rest for the night. We'll go deeper early the next morning, so we won't be considered in violation," Fan Le whispered. Everyone was feeling their way forward, and along the way, Qin Wentian and Fan Le also used stones to produce flames, holding torches as they moved forward.

"It feels like someone is watching us," Fan Le whispered as they moved forward. Qin Wentian's heart tightened; he also felt it. His perception had always been very sharp.

In Tianyong City, he had killed Ye Mo and Ye Lang and displayed extraordinary talent. Clearly, the Ye family would not let him off easily.

This trial was partly prepared for Qin Wentian, while also honing the disciples of the various academies and martial houses. It was beneficial, so the various academies and martial houses would not refuse such a proposal.