C97 The Entrance Test

A month felt like an eternity to Qin Buyi.

With time of the essence, Qin Buyi knew he had to utilize every moment to its fullest.

Qin Buyi declared, "Mr. Zhi, it's merely three rounds of testing, right? I'm in."

Ying Zhi cautioned, "Mr. Qin, those stubborn old men won't let you pass. They might even plot to kill you underhandedly."

"I'd advise waiting out the month. It's the perfect opportunity for me to show you around the Imperial City, get you acquainted with its culture and people."

Unfazed, Qin Buyi responded, "My mind's made up, Mr. Zhi. No more persuading, please."

Ying Zhi, resigned, said, "Very well, as Mr. Qin wishes. But at the first sign of danger during the test, you must stop it immediately."

"What exactly are these three rounds of tests?" Qin Buyi inquired.

Ying Zhi explained, "The academy will dispatch three senior mentors for a consecutive challenge."

"Should you emerge victorious against the academy's trio of senior mentors, you'll be deemed to have passed."

After a brief pause, Ying Zhi added, "The academy has only eight senior mentors in total, each at the Tribulation Crossing Stage."

"The academy's curmudgeons are targeting you because your cultivation is at the Combination Stage. They're looking to give you a hard time."

"The risks are high. In such duels, accidental deaths are all too common."

"So, Mr. Qin, please reconsider."

A glint of lethal intent shone in Qin Buyi's eyes as he retorted, "If they think they can kill me, they'd better be sure they're up to the task."

While Ying Zhi and Qin Buyi were conversing, Nan Tianlong entered and reported, "Young Master, the situation has been handled."

Ying Zhi acknowledged with a nod.

Nan Tianlong stood to the side, eyeing Qin Buyi with curiosity.

He was well-informed about Qin Buyi's current level of cultivation and combat prowess, including the incident of Qin Buyi obliterating the Falling Star Mountain Range with a single strike.

Yet, upon meeting Qin Buyi face-to-face, Nan Tianlong couldn't help but feel a surge of astonishment.

"It's been a while. Congratulations, Young Master Qin, on the significant advancement of your cultivation," Nan Tianlong greeted Qin Buyi with a respectful bow.

Qin Buyi regarded the former lord of the Falling Star Mountain Range and responded with equal courtesy, "You flatter me, City Lord Nan."

"Please enjoy a chat with Young Master Zhi. I'll see to the preparations for the banquet," Nan Tianlong suggested, noticing that Ying Zhi and Qin Buyi had matters to discuss. With a discreet excuse, he excused himself.

As night fell, the Third Prince's estate was awash with light.

At the banquet, the Third Prince and Qin Buyi engaged in light conversation, toasting each other frequently. The Third Prince did most of the talking, with Qin Buyi listening intently. Through their dialogue, Qin Buyi gained a clearer picture of the world.

The Heavenly Desolate Realm was vast beyond comprehension, a place so immense that even Mahayana Stage experts would need decades to traverse it. Legend held that immortals resided at its heart, and not just a solitary few.

The Ming Dynasty's territory within the Heavenly Desolate Realm was somewhat secluded. Yet, the dynasty's power, if unleashed upon Blue Star, could obliterate it in mere moments, a testament to the formidable level of cultivation within the Heavenly Desolate Realm.

The banquet concluded with everyone in high spirits. Qin Buyi was escorted by a maid to the courtyard prepared for him by Ying Zhi.

Come dawn, Qin Buyi rose early. After freshening up, he waited in the courtyard. It wasn't long before Nan Tianlong arrived with an invitation, "Young Master Qin, Young Master Zhi requests your presence."

Following Nan Tianlong, Qin Buyi arrived at Ying Zhi's abode.

"Mr. Qin, I dispatched someone to the College of Ming Dynasty yesterday to inform those stubborn elders that we've accepted the challenge of the three tests," Ying Zhi began. "I assumed they'd schedule it for three days hence, but to my surprise, we received word from the college's students this morning."

"They proposed that there's no day like today for the tests, suggesting we proceed immediately."

Upon saying this, Ying Zhi's face contorted with rage. "I can't believe they're so eager to strike at you. Clearly, they've made up their minds to side with my older brother."

Qin Buyi responded calmly, "Mr. Zhi, when does the test begin?"

"In another hour," Ying Zhi replied.

"Then we should set out," said Qin Buyi.

Ying Zhi looked at him, taken aback. "Mr. Qin, aren't you going to prepare?"

Qin Buyi shook his head dismissively. "They're nothing but riffraff. No preparation necessary."

Ying Zhi's anxiety eased slightly, seeing Qin Buyi's unwavering confidence. He stepped forward, clapping Qin Buyi on the shoulder. "You're absolutely right, Mr. Qin. They're just a bunch of nobodies, haha."

"Let's get going."

Nan Tianlong watched them with a mix of disbelief and admiration, thinking to himself, "In all of the Ming Dynasty, only these two would dare to label those at the Tribulation Crossing Stage as nobodies..."

As they departed, Nan Tianlong hurried to catch up.

Meanwhile, at the First Prince's residence, Ying Ye was examining two reports. The first, from Huang Yan, the new Lord of Azure Sun City, detailed Qin Buyi's annihilation of the Falling Star Mountain Range with a single strike and his tight alliance with the Third Prince, Ying Zhi.

Setting aside Huang Yan's report, he picked up the second document from the College of Ming Dynasty, which noted the scheduled duel between a college tutor and Qin Buyi, along with some sycophantic remarks urging the First Prince to attend.

A smirk crossed Ying Ye's face upon reading a particular line: "Rest assured, Your Highness, we will ensure that the Third Prince's nominee meets an unmarked grave."

Summoning the guards, Ying Ye commanded, "Prepare my carriage. We're heading to the College of Ming Dynasty."

The guard bowed, responding, "At once."

Though not yet emperor, the First Prince, Ying Ye, already wielded words as if he wore the crown.

College of Ming Dynasty.

Ying Zhi, accompanied by a grand entourage, made their way into the College of Ming Dynasty.

At the forefront were Ying Zhi and Qin Buyi, with Nan Tianlong and the guards trailing behind.

Upon entering the College's martial arts arena, the group took their seats.

Just then, an elderly man descended from the heavens.

He approached Ying Zhi, offered a slight bow, and said, "Your Highness, the Third Prince, your presence graces us immensely."

Ying Zhi replied with irritation, "Dean Wang, cut the flattery. If you hadn't backed me into a corner, would I have bothered coming here?"

Unfazed by Ying Zhi's blunt call-out, Dean Wang simply chuckled and responded,

"Your Highness, please, no offense was meant. We must adhere to the protocols, after all."

Ying Zhi scoffed, "Protocols? What protocols? I'm unaware of any such rules."

"When the First Prince made his recommendations, I don't recall you invoking these 'protocols,' Dean Wang."

Caught in an awkward position, Dean Wang swiftly shifted the conversation towards Qin Buyi.

"I take it this is the promising young talent you've endorsed, Third Prince. Indeed, a hero in his youth. To have advanced to the Combination Stage at such a tender age, his potential knows no bounds."

With that, Dean Wang extended his hand, ready to shake hands with Qin Buyi.

"Snap!"

A sharp sound echoed as Ying Zhi withdrew his hand.