Cultivation Simulator: Shocking the Academy

Zhao Dongfang, this name stirred up waves in Luo Chen's heart. They had crossed paths several times, yet Luo Chen had never truly understood this man. He seemed like an enigma, always elusive to Luo Chen. And now, he appeared here as a Five-star Soul Master, which was undoubtedly a huge blow to Luo Chen.

The noise in the square gradually subsided, and everyone's gaze focused on Zhao Dongfang. He stood there, smiling, as if indifferent to everything around him. But Luo Chen could feel the powerful aura emanating from him, a force that was truly unsettling.

"Luo Chen, long time no see." Zhao Dongfang finally spoke, his voice calm and gentle, as if they were just old friends reunited after a long time.

Yet Luo Chen knew that this man was far from simple as he appeared on the surface. His appearance would certainly trigger a storm. And at the center of this storm was himself.

"You... how are you here?" Luo Chen barely steadied himself, trying to find some clue on Zhao Dongfang's face.

"Why can't I be here?" Zhao Dongfang retorted, "It is you, Luo Chen, your growth is truly astonishing. However, it seems our rivalry is far from over."

Saying this, he turned and bowed slightly to the three Fighting Masters, thanking them for their appraisal. Then, he strode off the square, leaving behind a bewildered crowd and a deeply puzzled Luo Chen.

This sudden encounter left Luo Chen's heart unable to calm for a long time. He knew Zhao Dongfang's appearance was not by chance; this man always managed to deliver an unexpected impact at crucial moments. And the result of his Five-star Soul Master appraisal made him realize that Zhao Dongfang's strength had far exceeded his imagination.

"Zhao Dongfang? Is that the young man we met at the Golden Soul Coin Shili Inn?" Carefree Meng Lan's voice carried a hint of disbelief; she almost covered her mouth to keep from gasping. Luo Chen, with a heavy expression, nodded, confirming her doubts. This name held too many complex emotions for them.

Not far away, a young man shrugged nonchalantly and then turned around with a pretentious casualness. With a confident smile, he called out to a stunning woman in a black tight-fitting outfit not far away, "Miss Loulan, see? I, tall and handsome, didn't disappoint you, right?" His voice was loud and confident, as if the whole world was under his control.

For a moment, the crowd fell silent, watching this young man with a mix of complex emotions. Carefree Meng Lan whispered, "It really is him..." Her voice held a trace of helplessness and regret. Luo Chen remained silent for a long while, then turned slowly away. His back was no longer as upright as before, as if burdened with too much weight.

Zhao Dongfang seemed to sense the crowd's gaze; his eyes inadvertently glanced over, but quickly looked away. The Loulan Immortal in the black tight-fitting outfit, smiling at him, had a look full of admiration. Her gaze seemed to say, "You truly didn't let me down."

As time passed, everyone began to gear up for departure. They knew the upcoming task would not be easy and required full commitment. Over an hour later, they finally awaited the opening of the entrance. Everyone lined up in two rows, following the lead of two commanders, filed one by one into the mysterious region known as the Forest of Death.

Upon stepping into the Forest of Death, everyone truly sensed the vastness and profundity of this forest. The towering trees were everywhere; their dense foliage blocked most of the sunlight, giving the interior a somewhat dim appearance. What was even more astonishing were the crisscrossed, intricate vines weaving across, covering the sky above the Forest of Death like an impenetrable net. These vines seemed to be the forest's Guardians, ever watchful against intruders.

In this mysterious forest grew a myriad of mystical flora. They varied in shape and color, emitting waves of peculiar fragrance. These plants seemed like spirits of the forest, adding endless vitality and vibrancy to the land. From time to time, peculiar-looking animals would dash past, further astonishing everyone. Some of these animals were huge, others tiny and exquisite, their presence added an aura of mystery and fantasy to the forest.

Luo Chen and Carefree Meng Lan walked side by side, both maintaining high vigilance. They knew that within this mysterious forest, danger and opportunity coexisted. Only by staying alert and keenly observant could they handle the various situations that might arise.

"What do you think Zhao Dongfang's purpose here is?" Carefree Meng Lan suddenly asked softly.

Luo Chen frowned, "Not sure, but since he dares to come here, he must have some motive. We must be cautiously on guard."