The pilgrimage to the mountain at the Shiguang Academy has always been an extremely solemn event.
Once started, there are essentially two scenarios:
Either those virtuous Gentleman who have accumulated knowledge and experience suddenly attain enlightenment, their realm and combat power skyrocketing simultaneously, and their Vast Righteous Qi also entering their inner sanctum!
Otherwise, relying solely on improved cultivation to defeat the top three guardians of the mountain is simply a pipe dream!
The second type is like Ye Li, who possessed extremely high combat power and background upon entering the academy, but unfortunately missed the academy's grand competition.
They then wrote to the dean and openly conducted a "mountain worship" ceremony.
But neither of them has anything to do with fairness.
The reason is simple.
They fought their way through the academy's grand competition, meticulously preparing for it for who knows how long, and putting in tremendous effort during the competition, all to secure a place in the top three.
Is it for the purpose of ensuring fair competition with challengers who missed their turn?
This is ridiculous; this isn't how you set up a scheme.
If the academy's cultivators didn't have such a unique and random promotion method, a challenge ceremony like the [Mountain Worship] wouldn't have arisen. Logically and emotionally, the mountain guardians should enjoy advantages in every aspect!
Ye Li was fully aware of this, so he was not surprised.
He nodded calmly and said, "It's alright, just follow your rules."
"It seems you've made up your mind. Then please come with me to the hospital."
Chen Yuangu said no more and immediately led the two into the academy.
Along the way, the guide introduced the scenery and historical anecdotes of the academy, revealing the profound cultural heritage accumulated over tens of thousands of years.
Passing through layers of dormitories and libraries filled with the scent of ink, the group gradually approached a viewing platform with a wide view overlooking most of the academy.
Guanlan Platform.
It is an excellent place for the academy to entertain distinguished guests and watch the mountain worship ceremony.
There are now three people on the stage.
The Eldest Princess, who was at the head of the group, had a calm expression. Dressed in black palace attire, her demeanor was as aloof and dignified as ever.
She stood with her hands behind her back, gazing at the Sea of Clouds below, her gaze piercing through the mist to land on the three famous mountains.
That is the mountain where the top three teams belong, and it is also the battlefield that Ye Li will be heading to later.
The Eldest Princess knew very well that Li Yingluo's purpose in inviting her was simply to flaunt Ye Li's worth.
But she had known that thing for a long time, and knew it better than anyone else!
The reason I agreed to the invitation was simply because I didn't want to miss any opportunity to get in touch with him, and also... to see firsthand the actual combat strength of this Martial Dao prodigy!
Her pale fingers tapped lightly on the railing, revealing her inner anxiety.
"Your Highness." Gu Baihong, who stood respectfully half a step behind her with her hair tied up in a jade crown, asked in a respectful tone:
"The Phantom Eye Orchid in the academy are in bloom again, and the scenery is especially elegant. Would you be interested in taking a look?"
"No." The Eldest Princess frowned slightly, unable to help but say:
"Mr. Gu, I should have advised you that you needed to take this visit to the mountain temple seriously. How could you still be thinking about admiring flowers and scenery?"
"Your Highness is right." Gu Baihong gave an awkward smile and immediately fell silent.
My heart was still pounding with excitement.
Since receiving the invitation from His Highness's confidant, he had never been so close to him before, let alone come all the way to watch him perform martial arts!
On the other side, closer to the railing beside the Eldest Princess, stood a figure that stood out from the crowd.
That was also a woman.
Compared to the Eldest Princess, she was not tall, and even somewhat thin. She wore a plain white scholar's robe that had been washed to a faded color, and her long hair was loosely tied up with a wooden hairpin, revealing her slender but well-defined profile.
She stood there quietly, her aura almost blending into the surrounding spiritual mist, easily overlooked unless one consciously perceived it.
However, upon closer inspection, one can discover that the almost inhuman rationality emanating from the slender woman is even more unsettling than Great Scholar's righteous spirit.
She was Su Mingyue, Gu Baihong's mentor and one of the most revered Great Scholar at the Shiguang Academy.
No matter how much Gu Baihong flattered the Eldest Princess, she never glanced at her, remaining standing in the corner, flipping through the ancient scroll in her hands.
Not long after, Gu Baihong's feigned curiosity rang out again from the other end:
"Your Highness, I've heard that you often travel to the sacred mountain of my Great Sheng to temper your skills. May I ask what specific benefits it holds?"
"Royal secret." The Eldest Princess practically forced out these emotionless words.
She was genuinely too lazy to deal with this incessantly chattering and tactless confidant. If he weren't ultimately a useful person, she probably would have already stormed off.
Just then, a buzzing sound from the Array Formation suddenly came from behind.
The Eldest Princess immediately turned around to look.
Upon seeing that familiar figure in black, a clear smile immediately flashed in her eyes, "Mr. Ye! Long time no see!"
"Didn't we just see each other yesterday?" Ye Li, somewhat surprised.
"Sir, you jest. You left in such a hurry yesterday that I didn't have a chance to speak with you, so it doesn't count."
As she spoke, the Eldest Princess had already approached, her eyes filled with fervor as she looked at Ye Li, and asked, "I wonder if you have any free time after your visit to the mountain?"
"The merits earned in the battles of the Xianjing Continent have not yet been realized, and since a new round of trials is about to begin at Shenshan, why don't you come with me to take a look..."
Li Yingluo stepped in front of Ye Li, abruptly interrupting the conversation, her face grim as she looked at him:
"Zhaoyang, haven't you gone too far?!"
If she had known it would turn out like this, she shouldn't have invited this woman over!
They didn't even care about the slightest bit of the demeanor of Eldest Princess! They were as eager as starving ghosts when they saw Ye Li. I've never seen such an unruly way of snatching someone away!
Ye Li ignored her blushing face and looked directly at the Eldest Princess, casually replying:
"Since it's a matter of military merit, let's discuss it after the mountain worship ceremony."
"..." Li Yingluo's breathing immediately became rapid.
Although she knew that both sides were acting in a purely business-related manner, a tremendous sense of crisis suddenly rose from the bottom of her heart!
That damned woman, we really can't let our guard down for even a second!
"No problem!"
The Eldest Princess's smile widened; any invitation she extended was valid.
It is equally clear that for a prodigy like the young man, perhaps a single trial at the sacred mountain cannot change anything.
But in the long run, he will definitely find that he is many times better than his silly little sister Ling'an!
A few ripples stirred in the Eldest Princess's heart, and her mind raced with thoughts.
Faced with an unprecedented genius, she lost her composure for the first time, failing to notice her mistake.
He didn't even notice Gu Baihong's eyes behind him gradually turning blood red!
At this moment, Gu Baihong's eyes were as fierce as scythes as she stared intently at Ye Li, her body trembling uncontrollably!
His heart was already churning with turmoil!
Dasheng Mountain!
It just so happens that this is the very thing I cautiously asked about, only to be told it was a secret!
Your Highness actually... actually opened the door so easily and so proactively to Ye Li, who had just rejected her invitation yesterday?!
Even if one has some minor military achievements, it's still too hurtful!
He was even rejected just now for trying to see the flowers!
At this moment, a hatred and Killing Intent a hundred or a thousand times stronger than before erupted in Gu Baihong's chest like a volcanic eruption!
At that moment, he felt like a complete joke!
Extreme anger fueled Gu Baihong's already strong Killing Intent!
There's no other way!
Only by publicly disgracing and killing this attention-seeking freshman can he re-establish his position before His Highness!