Before the mountain gate of Martial Suppression Academy lay a vast, level plaza.
At this very moment.
Prefectural Lord Qin Cangying and the ten elders sat atop the high platform, watching the many martial examination candidates who had gathered below with nodding smiles.
Behind each of them stood a true disciple, their gazes sweeping over the disciples below with scrutiny.
"Three years ago, we accepted only one true disciple, Tantai Xiasang. I wonder how many promising seedlings there will be this year..."
Seated at the head of the platform, Qin Cangying looked below and spoke with some emotion.
Liu Hengshan, the Grand Elder in black seated to the left, glanced sideways.
"There should be a few promising seedlings this year. I heard that youth named Ruan Tianjing is quite impressive—he has heaven-grade bones, and his cultivation has already broken through to the initial stage of the Five Elements Realm."
Sun Shihai, the bearded Second Elder seated to the right, stroked his beard with a genial smile.
"Three years ago, Tantai Xiasang entered under Junior Sister Qian's tutelage. This year, this Ruan Tianjing should be mine, shouldn't he?"
"Oh?"
Liu Hengshan smiled without warmth. "What an unfortunate coincidence. I happen to be short one disciple as well. Since Elder Sun wants him, I suppose we must contend for him."
At those words, the bearded elder narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at Liu Hengshan with a smiling expression. "Since Senior Brother Liu wishes to contend, then let us contend!"
Their gazes collided, both carrying a trace of chill.
"Enough, enough. Stop fighting!"
Qin Cangying said with a headache, "The examination has not even begun yet. You two old fellows, settle down."
The other elders beside them watched the scene with meaningful looks in their eyes.
At that moment.
Qian Moran, the