To deliver a devastating blow to Ye Qing?

"Hmm? Die'er, what's with that look?"

Luo Die's father felt that his daughter's gaze was very off, quite strange.

How should he describe it... He pondered for a moment and realized that look was somewhat like looking at a complete fool.

Luo Die sighed softly and then spoke faintly:

"Father, you are mistaken."

"Young Master Ye... he wasn't eliminated."

"Nor is he dead."

"Not only that..."

Luo Die paused and said word by word:

"He also crushed Chun Ziliu, Qin Mingyue, and the others, becoming the... first place of this assessment!"

"What?!"

Hearing this, Luo Die's father's eyes widened so much they almost fell out.

His whole body was as if struck by lightning, completely frozen in place!

"First place?!"

"That Ye Qing?! How is that possible?!"

Had she known earlier, if only... Seeing this, Luo Die sighed inwardly. She hadn't even mentioned that Ye Qing wasn't just first.

He had also killed Qin Mingyue and Chun Ziliu.

He had counter-killed hundreds of Prodigies who besieged him, and even killed a Void Return Great Demon... Meanwhile.

Outside the gates of the Sacred Academy, on the other side.

Within a cleared area.

The Family Head of the Primeval Qin Clan and the Family Head of the Divine Mountain Chun Clan were sitting on chairs.

Although they maintained a dignified expression, they couldn't hide the anxiety in their eyes.

They were waiting.

Waiting for their own Supreme Prodigies, Qin Mingyue and Chun Ziliu, to come out.

"Why haven't they come out yet?"

The Qin Family Head's brow was locked in a frown:

"Logically, with Mingyue's strength, passing the assessment should be as easy as taking something from a pocket. Now that it's over, he should have sent a message to report the good news long ago."

"Hehe, Fellow Daoist, don't be anxious, don't be anxious."

The Chun Family Head chuckled; he seemed calm, but in reality, he was also somewhat restless.

He thought to himself:

"Ziliu is the same. He's usually the most reliable. Why is he so slow this time?"

Both Family Heads were secretly speculating.

Could it be... they were delayed while fighting for that qingyun token?

Then, whose hands did the qingyun token eventually fall into?

Just as the two were waiting anxiously.

At the gates of the Sacred Academy, a figure walked out.

It was the Prodigy of the Myriad Spirits Langya Clan—Langya Xuan!

However, at this moment, Langya Xuan's face was pale, and his expression was dazed.

He didn't have even a hint of a Supreme Prodigy's demeanor.

"Oh! The Prodigy of my Langya Clan has come out!"

The Langya Family Head, who had been waiting nearby, brightened up at the sight. He stood up with a smile to greet him and asked, "How was it? Did you get the qingyun token?"

Langya Xuan shook his head and said bitterly:

"I did not get it."

"You didn't get it?"

The Langya Family Head's brow furrowed.

Then he narrowed his eyes and turned to look at the two Family Heads nearby, guessing:

"Could it be... it fell into the hands of Qin Mingyue or Chun Ziliu?"

"It seems that today, perhaps, we'll have to have a showdown!"

Hearing this, a glint flashed in the eyes of the Qin Family Head and the Chun Family Head, and they were secretly delighted!

Since the Langya Clan didn't get it, then the qingyun token must have fallen to either the Qin Clan or the Chun Clan!

Thinking this way, the fact that their Prodigies hadn't appeared for so long might be because they were studying the qingyun token... The two Family Heads were about to step forward to ask.

But they heard Langya Xuan sigh, his voice low as he said:

"Father, two Uncles..."

"You don't need to wait anymore."

"Fellow Daoists Qin Mingyue and Chun Ziliu... they are dead!"

"What?!"

As soon as these words were spoken.

All three Family Heads shuddered simultaneously!

"Dead?!"

"Bullshit!"

The Qin Family Head and the Chun Family Head's expressions changed drastically. They took a step forward and instantly arrived in front of Langya Xuan.

A terrifying aura erupted from them as they shouted sternly:

"What did you say? Say it again if you have the guts! Who did you say is dead?!"

"My son Chun Ziliu is a Supreme Prodigy of this era! It was just an assessment; who could possibly kill them?!"

Langya Xuan faced the two enraged Family Heads.

He appeared nervous on the outside, but in reality, he was secretly pleased. He then spoke urgently:

"It's Ye Qing!"

"During the Nether Abyss trial, Ye Qing's combat power was Heaven-Defying. He not only killed the half-step Void Return Evil Nether and the Void Return Great Demon..."

"But he also killed Chun Ziliu and Qin Mingyue one after another!"

"Even I... almost died at his hands, only escaping by using a Clone!"

Next.

Langya Xuan organized his thoughts and gave a rough account of what happened in the Nether Abyss.

He described how miserably Chun Ziliu and Qin Mingyue had died!

After listening.

"Ye Qing!!!"

"What audacity! To dare kill my clan's Qilin son!"

The Qin Family Head and the Chun Family Head roared at the sky, their killing intent soaring. It shook the surrounding ground and crushed ancient trees one by one with a creaking sound!

They never expected that a kid from such a humble background.

Would have such strength and dare to strike such a ruthless blow!

"Seeking death!"

"He's simply seeking death!"

"This boy must die!"

"If there's a chance, in the future, as long as he dares to step half a foot out of the Sacred Academy..."

"I will certainly tear him into ten thousand pieces and scatter his ashes!"

The two Family Heads' eyes were filled with malice. If this weren't the Sacred Academy.

They would have wanted to rush into the Sacred Academy right now to kill him.

But looking at the towering gates of the Sacred Academy and the faintly visible, terrifying Formations.

They ultimately held back.

This was the Jixia Sacred Academy, one of the top powers in the Central Region. A Supreme Aristocratic Family was not enough to challenge a top power.

Therefore, it was not their place to act wildly here.

But they would remember this grudge!

And they planned to send people to watch outside the Sacred Academy day and night. Once they saw Ye Qing leave the Sacred Academy!

They would receive the news and then execute Ye Qing!

...Meanwhile, Langya Xuan looked at the two enraged Family Heads and sneered inwardly.

Although he hadn't obtained the qingyun token, he had at least kept his life.

Moreover... "Ye Qing, the more people you offend, the happier I am."

Then, Langya Xuan returned to the Sacred Academy.

As he walked, he calculated in his mind, and gradually, a new plan had formed.

"Within the Sacred Academy, the Disciple Ranks are strictly hierarchical."

"Divided into Outer Court, Inner Court, Elite, True Disciple... each step is a world of difference."

"Especially those True Disciples; their status is incredibly noble. Within the Sacred Academy, they are second only to the Dean and the Grand Elders. Each one has many Mentors investing in and supporting them behind the scenes."

Because the position of the First True Disciple of the Sacred Academy was still vacant.

This First True Disciple position was incredibly noble, with terrifying power!

As long as the Mentors chose to support a True Disciple who could crush other True Disciples and become the First True Disciple of the Sacred Academy.

These investing Mentors would receive substantial rewards!

From then on, they would have a greater say within the Sacred Academy!

"I heard that the position of 'First True Disciple' of the Sacred Academy is currently vacant."

"As long as the True Disciple I support can overpower the rest and seize the throne of the First True Disciple..."

"Then as one of his earliest followers, my status in the Sacred Academy will naturally rise as well!"

Langya Xuan's mind raced.

After a period of careful selection and analysis, he finally locked onto a target.

"True Disciple Xiao Chen!"

"This person's talent is outstanding, steadily ranking in the top three among all True Disciples. He is a strong competitor for the First True Disciple throne!"

"Most importantly..."

A ruthless look flashed in Langya Xuan's eyes.

"This person is extremely protective of his own, possesses great strength, and acts overbearingly, brooking no defiance from others."

"Against Ye Qing, I clearly can't win alone."

"But if I can find a way to use Xiao Chen's power to target Ye Qing within the Sacred Academy..."

"Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

...Having made up his mind.

Langya Xuan did not delay and immediately set off for a spiritual peak deep within the Inner Court of the Sacred Academy—Lingchen Peak.

That was the cultivation ground of the True Disciple Xiao Chen.

After reporting his arrival and waiting for a moment.

Langya Xuan successfully met Xiao Chen.

In the grand hall.

A handsome young man wearing a purple-gold python robe was sitting in the main seat.

He was unhurriedly brewing tea.

It was the True Disciple, Xiao Chen!

"Langya Xuan?"

Xiao Chen put down the teacup in his hand and glanced at Langya Xuan, who was bowing below, a playful smile curling at the corners of his mouth.

"I've heard your name."

"Second place in this year's Entrance Trial assessment."

"The number one Prodigy of the Myriad Spirits Langya Clan."

"I heard... you before contacted Mentor Yun Zaishui, trying to suppress that Ye Qing, but you failed?"

"Even Mentor Yun Zaishui had her cultivation stripped and was banished to the Cold Prison?"

Hearing these words, Langya Xuan's face turned slightly red, a bit embarrassed.

But he quickly adjusted his mindset and cupped his hands:

"I've made a fool of myself before Senior Brother Xiao."

"That Ye Qing indeed has some tricks, and he has the Dean backing him..."

"However, Langya Xuan has come today because I wish to follow Senior Brother Xiao and help you seize the position of First True Disciple!"

"Oh?"

Xiao Chen smiled slightly upon hearing this.

"Interesting."

"Actually... I've been waiting for Ye Qing to come visit me."

"Unfortunately, I haven't seen him yet; instead, you came first."

Speaking to this point, Xiao Chen looked at Langya Xuan with a half-smile:

"Presumably... you've come to follow me because you want to use my hand to help you deal with Ye Qing, right?"

!!!

Having his thoughts pierced through to his face, Langya Xuan's expression changed drastically, and his heart skipped a beat.

He quickly lowered his head and said:

"I wouldn't dare! Langya Xuan wouldn't dare to use Senior Brother!"

"Hehe, it's actually fine."

Xiao Chen waved his hand, his smile easygoing.

"Since I agreed to see you and am willing to accept you as my follower, you are my person from now on."

"Since you're my person, your business is naturally my business."

"I can help you vent your anger regarding this matter!"

"Just as well..."

A cold light flashed in Xiao Chen's eyes, and his tone turned grim:

"I also want to see just how much weight this so-called assessment champion, this 'epoch-defining Prodigy' who even killed a Void Return Great Demon, actually carries!"

Hearing this, Langya Xuan was suddenly overjoyed!

He hadn't expected things to go so smoothly!

He quickly stood up and bowed in thanks:

"Thank you, Senior Brother Xiao! From now on, I, Langya Xuan, am willing to go through fire and water for you!"

Afterwards.

He hesitated a bit and reminded:

"But... Senior Brother Xiao, that Ye Qing seems to have the Dean backing him; he won't be that easy to deal with..."

Yun Zaishui's cautionary tale was right there; he was afraid Xiao Chen would underestimate the enemy.

However.

Xiao Chen just smiled slightly upon hearing this, completely unconcerned.

"The Dean?"

"You're overthinking it. The Dean is busy with a myriad of affairs; how would he have time to keep an eye on a junior every day?"

"Besides..."

Xiao Chen pulled out a purple-gold glowing identity jade plate from his waist.

It was the symbol of a True Disciple!

He tapped it a few times, and while operating it, he said casually:

"In the Sacred Academy, there are certain rules that even the Dean cannot easily break."

"For example... the privileges of a True Disciple!"

Saying this, he spoke directly, issuing a command to the identity token:

"Summon Ye Qing! Tell him to come see me immediately! As his Senior, I shall 'guide' him properly!"

Beside him.

A maid with a slender figure and a proud expression.

Timely spoke up to explain to Langya Xuan:

"Let Young Master Langya be informed."

"This is one of the privileges of a True Disciple—Mandatory Summon!"

"A True Disciple can forcibly summon any Disciple below the Rank of True Disciple to come for an audience!"

"This is an ironclad rule written in the Sacred Academy's regulations!"

"Since that Ye Qing is so tactless as to not take the initiative to visit True Disciple Xiao, then we'll just forcibly summon him over!"

"When that time comes, whether he's rounded or flattened, won't he be at our True Disciple's mercy?"

After speaking, she glanced at Langya Xuan.

Thinking of how Langya Xuan had cautiously come with his schemes to request an audience earlier.

She couldn't help but smile slightly.

Then she said indifferently:

"Some things you find difficult to handle because your status hasn't reached that level yet."

"But at Lord True Disciple's level... dealing with a junior is just a matter of a single sentence!"

"And even the Lord Dean cannot interfere with a normal summon within the rules!"

"Do you understand now?"

Langya Xuan was suddenly filled with admiration!

"So that's how it is! Thank you, Fairy, for enlightening me. Senior Brother Xiao is mighty!"

"This time, that Ye Qing will finally know the height of the heavens and the depth of the earth!"

Langya Xuan couldn't help but sigh deeply in his heart. Choosing to visit Xiao Chen and follow him was indeed a correct decision.

That Ye Qing was clearly difficult to deal with on his own!

But how many Prodigies are there in the world?

True Disciple Xiao Chen was the undisputed top figure of his year!

He was an existence among Prodigies who had already paved the way ahead!

Since Prodigies of the same generation could no longer bridge the gap with Ye Qing.

Then his choice to directly contact True Disciple Xiao Chen.

Was equivalent to launching against Ye Qing.

A dimensional strike!

Xiao Chen picked up his teacup, took a small sip of spiritual tea, and smiled slightly upon hearing this.

He looked completely at ease.

He said casually:

"Ye Qing..."

"Although he is the number one of this year's trial, to me, he is just a junior with a bit of talent."

"You don't need to take him too seriously. Just follow me well, and you won't regret it."

"Now, just wait."

"The summon command has been issued."

"Within fifteen minutes, he will obediently come over, and then I..."

However.

Before his voice had even faded and the tea in his cup had been swallowed.

"Buzz—!"

The identity jade plate in his hand suddenly flashed with a faint light.

Immediately following.

A crisp but cold notification sound popped out from the jade plate, echoing through the hall:

"Notification!"

"Summon failed!"

"Reason for failure: Character: Ye Qing. This character's status is within the Sacred Academy's [True Disciple] sequence!"

"Note: Summon commands cannot be issued between fellow True Disciples!"

Xiao Chen, who originally had a comfortable smile and a relaxed posture.

At this moment, his expression changed drastically!