Night had fallen, and stars dotted the sky.
Jia Nan Academy's Tian Fen Plaza was ablaze with lights and buzzing with voices. On the towering viewing platform sat Inner Academy leaders such as Great Elder Su Qian, Vice Principal Hu Gan, Elder Wu Tianlang, along with numerous Inner Academy mentors and elders. The plaza below was packed with people: Inner Academy disciples, outstanding Outer Academy students, and even experts drawn here by reputation from across the Black-Corner Region, all gathered in anticipation.
At the center of the plaza stood an enormous stage. The ceremony officially began after Great Elder Su Qian's brief opening remarks. The first performance was a carefully prepared song and dance by the Inner Academy's most gifted disciples. Strings played in harmony and dancers moved gracefully. Though somewhat youthful and inexperienced, they brimmed with vigor, drawing wave after wave of applause.
Mo Lin, his eighteen wives, Little Lingxi, and the others had been seated in the front-row VIP section. Their very presence was the greatest attraction. Whenever a performance reached a splendid moment, the women would whisper their comments, cover their lips as they laughed, or cheer for the students onstage. Each possessed her own distinct charm, becoming another breathtaking sight beside the stage and holding countless gazes captive.
After the song and dance came a segment reviewing Jia Nan Academy's glorious history. Great Elder Su Qian personally took the stage and, in a deep, emotional voice, recounted the academy's trials since its founding, the brilliant deeds of its successive generations of experts, and Jia Nan Academy's belief in "passing down the flame and protecting the continent." The teachers and students below listened with surging emotions, pride rising naturally within them.
"...And in the past century, Jia Nan Academy has produced countless outstanding talents, shining like a