At that point, all the disciples paused, their eyes turning toward Xuan Zi.
Xuan Zi fell briefly silent. His pupils trembled, and he said nothing more. Beside him, Yan Shaozhe could not help sighing inwardly. After taking a deep breath, he said gravely:
"On that occasion, twelve Inner Court disciples faced a hundred-thousand-year soul beast after becoming separated from their teachers. Eight of those twelve died in battle. But the four who ultimately survived have all become some of the Inner Court's finest.
"One of them even obtained that hundred-thousand-year soul beast's soul ring and soul bone. Everything the academy does is for your own good. Do not think that studying here means everything will be smooth sailing. If you truly want to become powerful, even within the academy, you must be prepared to face a life-or-death crisis at any moment!"
Gu Qingnian wholeheartedly agreed. After all, something like that had happened at a certain No. 3 Middle School. They really ought to remain alert to mortal danger-who knew whether someone might deliver a little art while they were asleep in the middle of the night?
Yan Shaozhe's voice was no longer as gentle as usual, but stern and heavy. Every word seemed to contain tremendous spiritual power, striking the core disciples' hearts like repeated blows from a heavy hammer.
At that moment, Xuan Zi continued, "Do not assume that becoming a core disciple guarantees you a place in the Inner Court. And even if you become an Inner Court disciple, that is not an honor. It merely means you have just stepped through a doorway.
"A doorway between life and death. Do you know the first thing students must do after becoming Inner Court disciples? Sign a life-and-death waiver. To pursue the ultimate heights of a soul master, only