After bidding farewell to Qian Wanxiang, Chu Jiang and his group followed a broad bluestone avenue wide enough for dozens of beast carriages to travel side by side, heading toward the depths of Hundred Saints City.
The closer they drew, the more they could sense the invisible pressure emanating from that supreme institution renowned throughout the Barren Domain.
In but a moment, a vast and magnificent cluster of buildings stretching beyond sight appeared before them.
Rather than an academy, it was more like a kingdom within a city.
Its towering walls were not made of brick or stone, but some kind of energy barrier inscribed with countless profound runes. Seven-colored streams of light flowed across them, radiating a heart-palpitating aura.
At the main gate stood two unknown divine beast statues, each a hundred zhang tall. Lifelike and sharp-eyed, they overlooked Hundred Saints City.
The plaza before the gate was spacious and crowded with people.
Young prodigies from all corners of the Barren Domain had gathered here. The air buzzed with voices, and though they came from different factions, every one of them carried an extraordinary aura.
Some older academy students dressed in standardized uniforms embroidered with "Heavenly God" cloud patterns on their cuffs were receiving newcomers and maintaining order.
Following the directions, Chu Jiang's group arrived at a registration station marked "Southern Wasteland Region."
Inside the tent, several young students were busily sorting jade-slip records.
A slightly plump student responsible for checking the list froze for a moment, then lowered his head and quickly flipped through the jade slip in his hand.
"Nine Nations Alliance... Chu Jiang, accompanying members... Hm?" He raised his head, a trace of surprise appearing on his face. He then turned to a tall, thin youth beside him and said teasingly, "Senior Brother Wang, look. Why