Cultivation Simulator: Shocking the Academy

There was a slight blush on Luo Chen's cheeks, his palms sweating uncontrollably, and the hand held by Su Lan Aiyu trembled slightly. He tried to catch Carefree Meng Lan's reaction from the corner of his eye, only to find she was completely focused on Su Lan Aiyu, her breathing a bit uneven, obviously filled with both tension and anticipation for the coming trial.

Su Lan Aiyu's voice echoed in the spacious hall like a resounding bell: "Since you're willing to accept the trial, then let's begin now!" He suddenly stood up, excitement written across his face. As he looked around, his gaze swept over each person's face, as if he could see through their hearts.

"A hundred miles southwest of our Mengyifei City, there stands a mountain known as the Dark Mountain." Su Lan Aiyu's voice gradually grew stronger, filled with authority and challenge, "On that mountain, a group of about a thousand bandits has resided for years. They have ample provisions, are armed to the teeth, have committed countless atrocities, and have brought endless suffering to the local people. The empire has sent troops several times to wipe them out but has returned defeated, suffering heavy losses."

His words stirred a wave of discussions among the people below.

"This trial is too difficult! Facing a thousand bandits alone?"

"Yeah, how could anyone complete such a task in half a day?"

"Sigh, looks like this young man will back down in face of this daunting challenge..."

This chatter pierced into Carefree Meng Lan's ears like needles, her previously calm face now showing a hint of paleness. She was well aware of the notorious "Ice Emperor of Dark Mountain," a bandit leader with Soul King prowess, rumored to not only have profound cultivation but also wield a lower-tier Spiritual Treasure. Every imperial expedition to annihilate him ended in great losses and repeated deaths of generals, with a fearsome reputation.

Luo Chen was also battling waves of emotion within, but he knew he could not retreat at this moment. He took a deep breath, looking firmly at Su Lan Aiyu, as if telling him: I accept this challenge.

Su Lan Aiyu's eyes showed a trace of admiration, as he spoke slowly: "Luo Chen, this trial is indeed arduous, but only through such challenges can you truly prove your capability. Are you ready?"

Luo Chen nodded, his voice steadfast: "I'm ready."

"Good!" Su Lan Aiyu shouted, "Then set off immediately, the bandits on Dark Mountain await your arrival. Remember, you only have half a day."

With Su Lan Aiyu's words falling, the whole hall fell into brief silence. Everyone watched Luo Chen with complex expressions, some with admiration, some with worry, and some simply for entertainment.

Luo Chen turned and walked towards the door, each step firm and strong. He knew this trial was not just about his personal honor and life and death, but also whether he could win Carefree Meng Lan's recognition and respect. And he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Behind him, Carefree Meng Lan clenched her fist tightly, her eyes flashing with complex emotions. As Luo Chen's figure disappeared outside the door, the hall's discussions resumed, but this time, there was a touch of admiration and anticipation in their tone. They knew this young man was about to embark on an extraordinary journey, and his future would thus become more exciting and full of possibilities.

"Grandfather, your trial is too harsh!" Carefree Meng Lan's voice echoed in the hall, carrying a hint of urgency and dissatisfaction. She bit her lip, seemingly wanting to say more, but ultimately remained silent.

The air seemed to freeze, everyone held their breath, waiting for Su Lan Aiyu's response. Su Lan Aiyu stood above, his expression solemn, his gaze deep. He was not swayed by Carefree Meng Lan's words, just quietly observing below.

"This is not only a test from our Ling Yue Family but also a test from the empire." Su Lan Aiyu spoke slowly, each word ringingly powerful, "Naxue, if you're worried he won't complete the task, Grandfather can lower the difficulty slightly. However, the title of Chief Guardian..."

Before he finished speaking, a scornful laugh suddenly sounded. Thunderstorm stood there, looking at Su Lan Aiyu with indifference, a hint of disdain on his face.

"There's no need for you to waste your breath." Thunderstorm's voice was cold and firm, "Give me one hour, and I'll complete the task and return."

With that, he ignored the shocked gazes of everyone in the hall and slowly turned to leave. His back seemed even more aloof and resolute under the sunlight.

Luo Chen stood aside, watching Thunderstorm's departing figure, his mouth uncontrollably twitching. He thought to himself: This guy, turns out he can show off even more than me. However, he was also shocked by Thunderstorm's strength and determination.

Su Lan Aiyu and Carefree Meng Lan exchanged glances, each seeing deep shock in the other's eyes. One hour to complete a task tantamount to an A-class death mission?