Soul Emperor Martial God

"Stop."

Xiao Yi turned to leave, but a cold shout from the Vice Dean came from behind.

Xiao Yi's steps paused slightly.

"Give me a reason," the Vice Dean said coldly.

Xiao Yi shook his head, "No..."

He wanted to say, "There is no reason."

But the Vice Dean interrupted, "Never mind, I'll discuss this matter with you in detail later."

"Now, turn around and stand to the side first."

Xiao Yi turned around and shook his head again, "But I..."

He wanted to say, "But I won't change my mind."

But the Vice Dean cut him off again, "I said, stand to the side now."

The Vice Dean's aged face was already showing anger, with severe and authoritative brows coldly confronting him.

Simple words, but they were filled with an inexplicable authority without anger.

Xiao Yi frowned but still nodded and stood to the side.

The Vice Dean put away his cold eyes but still stood with hands behind his back, his expression stern.

Compared to his usual playful smile and easy-going manner, he now truly resembled a Vice Dean of an Academy.

The Vice Dean's gaze returned to the other Heavenly Talents.

"First of all, congratulations to you all for passing the examination perfectly. You are now official disciples of Black Cloud Academy."

"At Black Cloud Academy, there aren't many disciples, and there are no divisions between inner and outer sects or core disciples."

"Among you disciples, address each other as senior or junior based on your time of entry."

"Yes," the Heavenly Talents responded in unison.

The Vice Dean's hand flashed with light, and streams of flowing light appeared out of thin air, flying rapidly in front of each Heavenly Talent.

Each of the Heavenly Talents was initially startled, but once they saw clearly the objects in front of them, they immediately revealed joyful expressions.

Poof... The flowing light dissipated, revealing the item inside.

It was a jade pendant, entirely black, yet crystalline, flawless.

On the surface, mysterious, micro-sized cloud patterns were carved.

The cloud patterns stood still within, but to the naked eye, they seemed to float continuously.

Looking closer, within the cloud patterns, there were sizzling sounds, like thunder flashes.

"Hiss..." Several Heavenly Talents suddenly gasped, "Is this a Holy Device?"

"Indeed," the Vice Dean nodded, "This is a defensive type Low Grade Holy Device."

"At the same time, it's a symbol of identity for Black Cloud Academy disciples."

"A defensive type Low Grade Holy Device?" The Heavenly Talents' faces showed surprise.

It was known that defensive type Low Grade Holy Devices were much more valuable than offensive ones.

And now, each person had one, Black Cloud Academy was indeed generous.

The Vice Dean looked at everyone, "Wear the jade pendant, and then you may leave."

"Half a month from now, you will have an entrance ceremony."

"Yes," everyone nodded.

After speaking, the Vice Dean no longer paid attention to the Heavenly Talents but walked towards Tong Ye and others.

"As for you..."

Earlier, the flowing light did not fly towards Tong Ye and the others.

"Your assessment is not yet complete, so you temporarily will not have the Black Cloud Jade Pendant."

Tong Ye and the other two looked at the Low Grade Holy Devices in the hands of the Heavenly Talents, swallowing with envy.

Of course, that was all it was.

"At worst, we'll go back to Floral Spirit Sect to complete the mission," Tong Ye said dissatisfied.

"No need," the Vice Dean said coldly, "Floral Spirit Sect was exterminated shortly after you left."

"What?" The three of Tong Ye were shocked.

"Hmph," the Vice Dean snorted coldly, "The warrant is out, and the task cannot be delayed."

"A Deacon in the Academy personally handled it, tidying up after you."

Tong Ye and the other two curled their lips at the words.

"However, you still have a chance," the Vice Dean said in a deep voice.

"Within the Academy, there are still plenty of assessment tasks."

"And there are still half a month before the entrance ceremony."

"You can take this time to continue completing assessment tasks."

"You too," the Vice Dean glanced at the other Heavenly Talents.

"During this time, you can continue completing assessment tasks, and the more you complete, the richer the rewards will be."

"Half a month later, the rewards for this assessment task, along with the future task rewards, will be distributed at the entrance ceremony."

"Oh?" Faces lit up with joy among the Heavenly Talents.

As an Academy, whether Black Cloud Academy or others, the entrance examination has its uniqueness and significance.

It represents the most important test the Academy gives to new disciples.

Meanwhile, this entrance test also comes with exceptionally generous rewards, as a gift and hope the Academy extends to new disciples.

This means if they continue completing tasks, in half a month, the accumulated rewards will reach a very impressive, even frenzied state.

"Alright, you may leave now," the Vice Dean said.

"Tong Ye, you three as well; make use of the time to complete tasks."

"You, come with me," the Vice Dean glanced at Xiao Yi.

Xiao Yi nodded and followed up.

The Vice Dean did not lead Xiao Yi to any particular place.

He merely found a spot nearby where the breeze was blowing gently.

Under the big tree, on a stone seat, the Vice Dean sat down casually.

"Sit," the Vice Dean said casually.

Xiao Yi glanced around and found a random stone seat to sit on.

Whoosh... A cool breeze swept by, making one feel very comfortable.

Inside Black Cloud Academy, just like the first time Xiao Yi came, it was very tranquil, so quiet it was frightening, quiet enough to make one apprehensive.

But somehow, every tree and plant here was full of life, making one feel very comfortable.

Those dark buildings looked sinister, yet oddly provided a sense of peace.

Perhaps, within the dark buildings resided a calm and steady aura.

"Speak," the Vice Dean, seeing Xiao Yi remain silent, had to open his mouth first.

"Why do you want to leave without hesitation, and why must you act independently?"

"Don't tell me you are inherently like this, or that you are arrogant enough, confident enough to disregard anyone's reprimands."

"Or even disregard any rules."

"Maybe it's just that way," Xiao Yi smiled faintly.

"But I don't believe it," the Vice Dean shook his head.

"In Heavenly Hidden Academy, I observed you for several days."

"You seem cold, indifferent everywhere, but you're not an autocratic person."

"You seem reckless, with the arrogance and pride unique to Heavenly Talents, yet you always handle things with a certain degree."

"To many, you are seen as a prodigious monster."

"Yet that hint of indifference in your eyes represents your complete disregard for others' surprise and admiration."

"It means you have other thoughts, you are carrying other burdens."

"They make you have to walk alone, make you have to rely on yourself, even making you accustomed to handling everything by yourself."

"Tell me, what's going on."

"Burdens?" Xiao Yi chuckled lightly.

"I have no burdens, just two things I must do."

"Before that, I can only walk alone."

Amidst his calm smile, there was no bitterness, only an air of matter-of-factness.

...

First update.