Chapter 65: Tianwu Academy Recruitment

People from all over flocked to Xuanwu City, and the sight before them was truly spectacular—a scene that made everyone stop and stare in awe.

After quietly cultivating for a long stretch, Nangong Lin broke through to the Sword Sea Realm the moment she arrived in Xuanwu City.

She couldn’t be bothered with the shocked looks all around.

Gu Qingyi and his younger sister Gu Qingxiao were swept up in inspiration as well.

After surviving multiple life-and-death trials, Gu Qingyi managed to break through to the ninth level of the Sword King Realm in one leap.

Gu Qingxiao, who’d suppressed her cultivation for quite some time, finally couldn’t hold herself back and also stepped right into the fifth level of the Sword King Realm.

Once everyone stabilized their new cultivations,

they headed out to explore Xuanwu City together.

It was their first time here and every corner was full of surprises, the novel scenes drawing their attention at every turn.

Vendors filled the streets, stalls packed side by side, every kind of good imaginable on display, and buyers came and went in an endless flow. The bustling energy spilled into the air.

Looking into the distance, Tianwu Academy towered over the city, already a hive of activity packed with people from all directions.

At the front gate of Tianwu Academy stood a massive Talent Testing Stone.

[The monument displayed five colors—black, white, blue, purple, and red—each representing a different talent: Trash, Low, Mid, High, and Supreme.]

[If the stone shows black, it does not light up.]

It was already surrounded, shoulder-to-shoulder, by a sea of young men and women eager to make their mark.

Naturally, the group squeezed through the crowd to get a closer look.

………………

At the Academy admissions office, Teacher Rong Yue glanced sharply across the throng and spotted Nangong Lin and the others.

“Everyone, quiet down!” Sizing up the time—figuring it was about right—and catching the restless crowd at the gate, he raised his voice, “Welcome, all of you who have come from afar. I’m truly grateful for your passion and support.”

“Let me explain what you need to know.” Rong Yue cleared his throat and looked around. “Today’s entry requirements for Tianwu Academy.”

“Here at Tianwu Academy, anyone with any talent is welcome.” He pointed at the nearby monument. “Please take a close look at this stone.”

[The monument displayed five colors—black, white, blue, purple, and red—each representing a different talent: Trash, Low, Mid, High, and Supreme.]

[If the stone shows black, it does not light up.]

Low talent: Outer disciple.

Mid talent: Inner disciple.

High talent: Core disciple.

Supreme talent: Personal disciple.

“Don’t worry, even if you have trash-level talent.” Rong Yue glanced at the rising murmur from the crowd and coughed lightly. “Tianwu Academy will still accept you. You’re welcome to join as a service disciple if you wish!”

“What? That’s incredible!” The crowd broke into smiles, eager to give it a shot.

………………..

“Now, let’s talk age requirements.” Rong Yue then dropped a bombshell.

[Ages fourteen to twenty-one] “All are eligible to take the entrance test!”

“Now, the issue I’m sure everyone is most interested in—your monthly stipend!” Rong Yue grinned as he spoke, his voice booming.

“Service disciples receive three low-grade spirit stones per month.”

“Outer disciples get two mid-grade spirit stones per month.”

“Inner disciples earn five mid-grade spirit stones per month.”

“Core disciples receive three high-grade spirit stones per month.”

“Personal disciples enjoy a generous ten high-grade spirit stones each month.”

“My word, these rewards are incredible. Absolutely worth coming here—let’s hurry up and get started already!” The excitement in the crowd grew even higher, everyone itching for their chance at the test.

“Enlightenment Tower, Spirit Spring Lake, Technique Tower, Armory Pavilion,” Rong Yue narrowed his eyes at the overzealous crowd, cleared his throat, and raised his hand high, signaling for them to wait a moment. “With enough contribution points, you can choose freely among these places.”

“I officially announce,” Rong Yue swept his arm wide, “the first Tianwu Academy admissions event is officially open! All of you are welcome to give it your best shot!”

More and more handsome men and beautiful women gathered, lining up for the talent test, each hoping to earn a spot in the hallowed halls of cultivation.

…………..

“I’ll go first!” A burly man packed with muscle, blades slung over each shoulder, strode forward and cupped his fists to everyone around.

“Let me put on a little show for you!” Under everyone’s gaze, Ah Da confidently dashed up.

“Good luck, brother!” Cheers erupted from those nearby, full of spirit.

The strong man called Ah Da nodded, set aside his weapons, and charged toward the Talent Testing Stone.

Following the teachers’ instructions, he placed his hand on the stone slowly and steadily.

[Mid talent—passed!] A beam of blue light shot into the sky.

“Here’s your inner disciple identity token—don’t lose it.”

“Thank you, everyone! I’ll go on ahead.” Beaming with excitement, Ah Da waved the token, bursting with happiness as the crowd congratulated him.

Time flew by.

……………..

But this land bore witness not only to triumph but also disappointment. Some fulfilled their ambitions here while others walked away with regret.

Among the crowd was a young man named Lin Bufan who yearned to carve out a future on this very ground.

Though he came from humble beginnings, Lin Bufan was bright and had been deeply passionate about martial arts since childhood.

When he heard that Tianwu Academy in Xuanwu City was recruiting from across the continent, welcoming all who aspired to martial mastery,

he left the remote mountain with his older sister, stepping onto new soil, determined to chase his dreams.

Arriving in Xuanwu City, Lin Bufan was dazzled by the city’s thriving energy.

After passing the talent test and entering Tianwu Academy, he explored the big city wide-eyed with excitement, setting clear goals for himself.

By day he asked around to learn the Academy’s top selection criteria; by night he trained hard, getting ready for the upcoming challenge.

Eventually, the testing day arrived.

Lin Bufan and his sister Lin Buyu arrived early at Tianwu Academy, greeted by a sea of people and non-stop excitement.

He steeled himself, determined to stand out among the crowd and make his heroic dreams come true.

During the test, Lin Bufan’s outstanding talent and unshakable resolve made him shine bright.

He was found to have high-level talent.

His sister Lin Buyu also tested as high-level talent.

The Lin siblings, both scoring high,

after fierce competition, finally got their wish and became members of Tianwu Academy.

Life at the Academy saw Lin Bufan pouring himself into cultivation, breaking through his limits again and again.

He knew the Academy was full of hidden talents, and he’d have to work twice as hard to make his mark here.

He secretly swore to catch up to Gu Qingyi and Nangong Lin’s group.

That scene from testing day was an unforgettable memory for everyone.

Gu Qingyi, starting from black, lit up the red square one by one until he reached the Supreme tier.

News exploded in everyone’s heads:

[Gu Qingyi, eighteen years old, Supreme talent, ninth level Sword King Realm]

[Nangong Lin, eighteen years old, high-level talent, first level Sword Sea Realm]

[Gu Qingxiao, seventeen years old, high-level talent, fifth level Sword King Realm]

Lin Bufan and Lin Buyu took this scene deeply to heart, looking up to them as role models.

After joining, the siblings threw themselves into cultivation, bordering on obsession.

Their efforts eventually paid off handsomely.

A year later, Lin Bufan and Lin Buyu’s reputations soared in the Academy—they had become respected Sword King Realm experts.

Their legendary journey inspired everyone at the Academy.

In the end, with Gu Qingyi, Gu Qingxiao, and Nangong Lin leading the way, Tianwu Academy became the place all cultivators dreamed of attending, drawing ever greater crowds from distant lands.

The struggle here never stopped. For every person who achieved their dream, countless more continued to fight with everything they had.

Whether they found success or walked away in defeat, they all left a story behind, making the land itself feel alive.

Xuanwu City has watched generations of prodigies rise, nurturing countless legends.

But the most inspiring tales are always about young people who refuse to give up on their dreams.

With grit and tireless hard work, each wrote their own shining chapter.

And this land would remember their sacrifices and perseverance for ages to come, keeping alive that unyielding spirit.

Thanks to everyone’s combined effort, Tianwu Academy just keeps growing—stronger and more vibrant with each passing day!

[Sword Qi Continent cultivation realms: Ordinary Person, Sword Practitioner Realm, Sword Qi Realm, Sword Sea Realm, Sword King Realm, Sword Emperor Realm, Sword Saint Realm, (Demi-God Realm), Sword God Realm]

[No one has ever reached the Demi-God Realm, so it’s been largely forgotten. Also called the False God Realm, this level is detailed in the Ancient Inheritance Scrolls.]