Chu Su followed behind Lu Chen, her heart racing with a quiet joy she couldn't hide. Her gaze rested on his tall, composed figure. Mid Fifth-Level Warrior, and not just any warrior—Lu Chen, the young master of the Lu family. Not only was he a genius in cultivation, but his background was unmatched. He was a dragon among men, and she… she was his woman now.
As they stepped onto the massive platform in the academy's grand arena, Chu Su's thoughts were interrupted by the booming voice of the academy's president.
"All students, hear me!" The president, an elderly man with a long silver beard and sharp, penetrating eyes, stood at the center of the stage. Around him, the elders and master instructors of the academy stood in solemn silence, their gazes sweeping over the crowd of eager young cultivators.
"This competition will test your strength, courage, and wisdom," the president began. "Your battleground will be the Deep Spirit Forest. You will survive there for three days. During this time, you will hunt spirit beasts. Your performance will be recorded through the bracelets on your wrists."
Lu Chen glanced down at the silver bracelet now wrapped around his wrist. A faint blue gem in its center glowed softly, a clear indicator of the points they would accumulate.
The president continued. "The points are distributed as follows:
First-Level Beasts: 1 point each.
Second-Level Beasts: 10 points each.
Third-Level Beasts: 50 points each.
Fourth-Level Beasts: 100 points each.
Fifth-Level Beasts: 500 points each.
Sixth-Level Beasts: 1,000 points each.
Seventh-Level Beasts: 10,000 points each."
A murmur swept through the students.
"Seventh-Level Beasts… who would dare?"
"Only a madman would hunt one!"
Lu Chen's lips curved into a faint smile. Only a madman? Or someone with the strength and confidence to take them on.
The president's voice grew serious. "But be warned! You are not to harm each other. Any attempt to injure, maim, or kill a fellow student will be immediately punished. Your masters will be observing the entire competition from the monitoring arrays surrounding the forest. If any of you wish to withdraw at any time, simply crush the emergency jade in your bracelet. Our instructors will come to your rescue."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, stern and unyielding. "This is not just a test of strength but also of character. Honor the academy's rules, and do not bring shame upon yourselves."
Lu Chen listened, his expression calm, but a cold light flickered in his eyes. These rules were meant to protect the weak. But in the real world, strength was the only rule.
Next to him, Chu Su whispered, "Young Master Lu Chen, with your strength, we are sure to secure first place." Her voice was full of admiration, and Yun Li and Yun Mu, standing at his sides, nodded in silent agreement.
But Lu Chen's gaze never wavered from the forest's shadowy depths in the distance. His voice was low, almost a whisper, but the confidence in it was unmistakable.
"First place?" he said. "I'm not here for a mere title. I'm here… to make my mark."
Chu Su's heart skipped a beat. The fierce, unstoppable aura around him seemed to radiate even stronger. No doubt existed in her heart—this man was destined for greatness.
From the opposite side of the platform, Chen Fan stood with his team, his eyes fixed on Lu Chen's back. A trace of envy and anger burned in his chest, but he quickly forced it down.
"Chu Ming," he whispered to the girl beside him, "stay close to me in the forest. We will show everyone who the true champions are."
Chu Ming nodded, but her gaze lingered on Lu Chen. A storm of emotions churned in her heart—anger, jealousy, and a faint sense of regret she refused to acknowledge.
The president raised his hand, and the sky seemed to brighten as his powerful voice echoed once more.
"Let the competition… begin!"
A brilliant golden light enveloped the platform, and in a flash, the students were transported to the edge of the Deep Spirit Forest. The dark, towering trees loomed like ancient giants, and the faint growls of hidden beasts echoed in the distance.
Lu Chen's sharp gaze scanned the dense forest. His team stood ready behind him, their auras steady.
"Stay close. Follow my lead," he said calmly.
"Yes, young master!" Yun Li, Yun Mu, and Chu Su replied in unison, their confidence bolstered by his presence.
As the wind rustled the leaves above and the faint scent of spiritual herbs filled the air, Lu Chen's lips curled into a cold smile.
"Time to hunt."