Demon Slaying, Gaining 60 Years of Cultivation From the Start
Chapter 995 - 77: The Gathering of Monsters from the Ten Domains

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After arriving in the East Profound Region, Gu Jiuge could no longer use his identity from the Gray Domain. He had to adopt a new name and identity.

Thus, this time, Gu Chen changed his name to "Gu Bai," preparing to join Qingyun Academy under this identity to find out where the second fragment of the jade was located.

"Gu Bai, cultivated in the mountains with a Taoist master, and after the 'Master's' passing, chose to descend the mountain to join Qingyun Academy," Gu Chen murmured to himself as he crafted his new backstory.

As for whether anyone would investigate, Gu Chen wasn't worried. After all, the Upper Realms were vast beyond measure. Unearthing someone's true origins wasn't easy.

Not to mention, now that Qingyun Academy was opening, talents and eccentrics from the surrounding ten realms would be gathering there—a grand assembly like no other. With so many converging in one place, tracing Gu Chen's true history would be even more difficult.

Besides, Gu Chen didn't plan on causing trouble, which lowered the likelihood of his exposure even further.

"The Heavenly Mysterious Imperial Dynasty's warrant for my arrest has already spread to the East Profound Region, which means they have clues that I've come here. The matter of the Devil Cloud Thirty-Six Knights must be well concealed, at least I shouldn't be exposed in the short term."

The Devil Cloud Thirty-Six Knights had committed numerous evils. Their notoriety was widespread in the East Profound Region, sought after by many forces. Gu Chen had slain Chen Yan, the twelfth ranked knight, and displaying his token would yield a substantial reward.

But at present, Gu Chen wasn't lacking in resources. To keep a low profile and avoid attracting the Devil Cloud Thirty-Six Knights, he wouldn't redeem the token anytime soon.

"In another month, Qingyun Academy will open its doors," Gu Chen said, his eyes deep and contemplative as he peered through the cave at the sky outside.

Qingyun Academy opened once every ten thousand years, imparting knowledge to all, regardless of lineage. Even those with a master could join Qingyun Academy to study, as long as they passed the trials.

Its Dean was a formidable Great Power, terrifyingly strong and perpetually stationed within the Academy.

Even more, the Dean, a Great Power himself, would make an appearance at each enrollment period. It was an extremely rare opportunity to see such a Great Power up close. This fact alone drew countless people whenever Qingyun Academy was open in the past.

Of course, not everyone was qualified to join Qingyun Academy. Although it accepted students from all backgrounds, those without sufficient talent found the tests difficult to pass and entry into the Academy all but impossible.

It was said that the methods of assessment for each opening of Qingyun Academy were different, but always highly challenging, only true geniuses stood a chance of joining.

"I'm very much looking forward to that day," said Gu Chen, eager to know how far he could go in facing the challenges of Qingyun Academy now that his strength had experienced a breakthrough.

...

Time passed swiftly, and for cultivators of the Cave Heaven Realm, a month flew by in the blink of an eye.

Jitian City was an exceedingly famous and expansive stronghold in the East Profound Region, vast like an enormous, boundless mountain range with no discernible end, a city of considerable ancient heritage.

The renowned Qingyun Academy of the ten realms was located at the center of Jitian City.

On this day, Qingyun Academy, which had remained closed for a full ten thousand years, finally reopened!

And with the reopening of Qingyun Academy, the entirety of Jitian City became a place where heroes and legends converged, bustling more than ever before.

"The Beauties of the Spiritual Realm Chart, depicting the most renowned ten women of the Spiritual Realm, is anyone interested?"

"A top-tier cultivation method from the previous eon, promising a direct ascent to the heavens and attainment of a position amongst the Great Powers!"

"A treasure map of a hermit's Cave Heaven, take a look, a fortune lies within. To the highest bidder, to the highest bidder!"

"Secrets to the Qingyun Academy test, get your hands on this and you'll have a 70% chance to be admitted. Young man, would you like to buy it to increase your odds?"

Having left seclusion, Gu Chen had just arrived in Jitian City when he was met with an array of different cries from the vendors, each unique.

The city was a colossal stronghold, ungoverned and without boundaries. Famous for its standing and ancientness, the city was filled with formidable characters, and with Qingyun Academy situated there, naturally nobody dared to act recklessly.

Right as he entered the city, a peddler grabbed hold of him, grinning ear to ear as he tried to sell Gu Chen what he claimed to be "exclusive insider secrets" to passing the Qingyun Academy tests.

Gu Chen was puzzled and with a furrow of his brow, he said, "Isn't it said that Qingyun Academy's tests are different at each opening, and this session's challenges haven't even started. How come you already have this so-called insider's guide?"

The peddler chuckled and whispered in Gu Chen's ear, "Young man, nothing's ever so absolute. I've gone to great lengths to gather this information. Today, seeing how you've caught my eye, I'll sell it to you for cheap. Don't hesitate. If you want to join Qingyun Academy, a price must be paid. Otherwise, with so many brilliant prodigies gathered, with your abilities, it might be a tough bet."

"Did you see that? Old Zhao's conning someone again!"

"That scoundrel! He always thinks of ways to swindle people at big events, especially those young ones who seem to have no background. Despicable!"

A few stall owners nearby discussed in low voices, watching the scene unfold, as one or two shot looks of disdain at Old Zhao.

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