In the Heavenly Illusion Sacred Realm, nothing ever came easy.
However, Shen Fei could never have imagined that during this time, Xiao Ning'er, who had been practicing the Wind-Thunder Wyvern Technique, had already transformed into someone far beyond her former self! After reaching the stage where her soul power could take form, Xiao Ning'er’s cultivation soared rapidly, bolstered by the full support of the entire Wyvern Family.
Today’s Xiao Ning'er was a different person.
"First, you should worry about earning the qualification to enter the Heavenly Illusion Sacred Realm!" Shen Fei sneered, believing that only exceptional disciples who were outstanding enough would be allowed entry.
The Heavenly Illusion Sacred Realm! Nie Li smiled faintly; this was the very place he aimed to go.
In his past life, he had returned to the already fallen Glory City and entered the Heavenly Illusion Sacred Realm, where treasures lay hidden that ordinary people could hardly fathom!
Thus, Nie Li also needed to gain the qualification to enter the Sacred Realm!
"Don't worry, Ning'er will pass the test for entering the Heavenly Illusion Sacred Realm. Just wait and see; now leave!" Nie Li said coldly.
Someone like Shen Fei wasn't fit to be his opponent.
Nie Li's targets weren't just the younger generation of these Divine Sacred Families; he aimed for all of them!
Shen Fei’s gaze landed on Nie Li, and a malicious thought suddenly appeared in his mind.
He sneered, "Nie Li, do you dare? The Divine Sacred Family will host a Genius Martial Arts Competition and invite the Heavenly Mark Family as well. We shall compete on the arena, and anything that happens will be without regrets! What do you say? Are you brave enough?"
Despicable! The surrounding students couldn't help but curse quietly.
Shen Fei was a genius class disciple, already seventeen years old, with strength at the Silver Level.
Meanwhile, Nie Li was still unsure if he had even reached Bronze One Star.
Shen Fei openly challenged Nie Li to a duel, clearly intending to ruin him!
Even if Nie Li were to refuse, no one would say anything against it.
"What do you say? Are you scared? If you are, you're just a coward!" Shen Fei coldly mocked, disregarding the discontented murmurs of those around him.
Ning'er felt nervous and looked at Nie Li, who smiled gently.
He squeezed her delicate hand, giving her a reassuring look.
"Since you've challenged me, why should I be scared?" Nie Li laughed heartily, exuding a confident aura.
The other students were in disbelief; Nie Li had actually agreed without hesitation to Shen Fei’s challenge! Shen Fei was a Silver Level genius class disciple! Was Nie Li out of his mind?
Seeing Nie Li’s confidence, Ning'er’s worried heart quickly calmed down.
Watching Nie Li radiate confidence, she couldn't help but feel admiration.
She had a feeling that no matter what happened, Nie Li would handle it! Nie Li possessed a magical ability to resolve all matters.
"This is what you said. Don't go back on your word. I’ll be waiting for you at the Genius Martial Arts Arena organized by the Divine Sacred Family!" Shen Fei said with a huff, his gaze slicing like a knife as he glared at Nie Li and Ning'er.
Let them enjoy their time together a little longer; soon, they would see how much they would lament!
Shen Fei turned and left, and in the distance, Shen Yue shot a fierce glance at Nie Li before following Shen Fei away.
After a long while, Ye Ziyun returned.
Glancing at Nie Li, she asked with concern, "I heard you accepted Shen Fei's challenge?"
"It's fine. I know what I’m doing. I’m touched to see you so concerned about me!" Nie Li chuckled.
Ye Ziyun rolled her eyes, annoyed, and stamped her foot, saying, "Who said I was concerned? You’re just being too full of yourself! Shen Fei has reached Silver Level long ago, at least Silver Two Star. Are you confident?" Despite her words, she cared a lot.
"We’ll just have to wait and see!" Nie Li shrugged.
"You’re willing to take Shen Fei’s challenge for Ning'er. It seems you truly care for her. You better treat her well; otherwise, I won’t spare you!" Ye Ziyun snorted.
Strangely, as she spoke, she sighed in disappointment.
If you like Ning'er so much, why did you provoke me? Remembering what happened in the past, she felt a tide of dissatisfaction; Nie Li had seen too much that he shouldn't have.
"Shen Fei is a vile person, and I can’t bear to let a kind girl like Ning'er fall into his hands, so I stepped in to help!" Nie Li quickly explained.
He had a fondness for Ning'er, but that feeling couldn’t compare to the bond he shared with Ye Ziyun in their past life.
"You’re not that great either!" Ye Ziyun pouted.
Hearing her words, Nie Li forced a smile.
In his previous life, he had experienced a lot and had blood on his hands.
He had done many things that went against his principles, but it was all out of necessity.
No matter what, he was not like Shen Fei, a despicable lowlife.
"You don’t need to explain that to me; it has nothing to do with me!" Ye Ziyun raised her brows slightly, snorting.
In front of others, Ye Ziyun always appeared calm and elegant, maintaining distance.
A little sulkiness showed that she was indeed concerned about herself! Nie Li rested his hands behind his head, taking a deep breath.
This world was too wonderful.
He was truly enjoying this feeling now.
Compared to his past life filled with wandering and slaughter, this student life was peaceful and harmonious.
Teasing those despicable lowlifes like Shen Yue and Shen Fei, having fun with beauties like Ye Ziyun and Ning'er—it was such a pleasant life!
Seeing Nie Li’s smug demeanor, Ye Ziyun felt inexplicably angry, "What are you laughing at?"
"Am I laughing? No, not at all!" Nie Li pursed his lips, grinning.
Ye Ziyun was exasperated.
Nie Li was simply too annoying, too irritating! She wished she could give him a good beating! Yet, for some unknown reason, despite being so frustrated with him, she still enjoyed spending time with him.
Perhaps it had been too long since she had friends, and being with Nie Li felt so comfortable and free.
As Nie Li joked and laughed with Ye Ziyun, it seemed the goddess was throwing a little tantrum at him.
Her charming demeanor captivated everyone around, leaving the male students gaping in envy.
Just moments ago he had been with the goddess Ning'er, and now he was teasing the goddess Ye Ziyun.
Why did all the fruits of good fortune belong to Nie Li alone? Was heaven being too unfair?
Du Ze, Lu Piao, and the others couldn’t help but feel a bit envious, but they harbored no jealousy.
Nie Li was their brother, a lifelong friend! Du Ze and Lu Piao chatted with their classmates, and Du Ze displayed a unique leader's charisma, with many ordinary students expressing their willingness to follow him.
After a moment, Instructor Shen Xiu approached, swaying her waist, her gaze scanning the crowd before landing sharply on Nie Li’s face.
"It’s almost time for our class's test! Everyone, follow me!"
"Instructor Shen Xiu," Nie Li suddenly spoke, smiling, "You said if I reach Bronze One Star, you would resign. Is that still valid?" He continued, "If you apologize and plead with me to terminate this agreement, I might consider it!"
"You think you can trick me? It won’t be that easy!" Shen Xiu snorted, "I, Shen Xiu, keep my word. If you reach Bronze One Star, I’ll resign!"
Nie Li shrugged, "Then you better prepare your resignation letter!"
"Only after you pass the test and reach Bronze One Star!" Shen Xiu huffed, leading all the students toward the testing hall.
There were thousands of students at Saint Orchid Academy, and the process of testing each class moved slowly.
Along the way, many students discussed among themselves.
"I heard the Demon Spirit Master Beginners' Class tested two students whose soul power reached Bronze Three Stars! The Demon Spirit Master Beginners' Class really is impressive!"
"Of course! Many of them have trained one or two years longer than us!"
"I also heard that the Inscriptionist Beginners' Class tested one martial artist with strength reaching Bronze Two Stars!" A group of students dressed in various styles chatted animatedly.
...
Saint Orchid Academy had a total of six beginner classes.
Though their names varied and their talents differed, children were highly malleable.
Often, someone would adjust their cultivation direction.
Among all the classes, the Demon Spirit Master Beginners' Class was the most eye-catching, as it had the most geniuses.
According to the trajectory of his past life, both Xiao Ning'er and Ye Ziyun would enter the Demon Spirit Master Beginners' Class and complete a year of training, while Nie Li would be stuck in the Beginner Martial Artist Class.
Despite his hard work, his progress was slow, fading into obscurity.
However, the trajectory of this life would certainly be different from the last.
Not only would Xiao Ning'er and Ye Ziyun shine, even Du Ze, Lu Piao, and others would have their fates drastically altered!
"The Martial Artist Apprentice Beginners' Class is coming!"
"Is that the rumored worst class? They say many of them have Red Level Soul Sea!"
"Can they even cultivate with a Red Level Soul Sea?"
"But I heard there are a few with decent talent, soon to reach Bronze! Like Ye Ziyun and Xiao Ning'er!"
Hearing these names, several male students brightened up.
No matter where they were, beautiful girls always received the most attention.
Despite their young age, having practiced for years, they were already quite aware of many things.
Among the several beginner classes, the two most beautiful girls were undoubtedly Ye Ziyun and Xiao Ning'er.
The boys from the Demon Spirit Master Beginners' Class revealed eager expressions upon seeing Ye Ziyun and Xiao Ning'er.
If nothing unexpected happened, both of them would likely enter the Demon Spirit Master Genius Class, where they would have the chance to get close!
Seeing the eager gazes from the boys in the Demonic Spirit Master Class, Nie Li couldn't help but smile faintly.
This time, they were bound to be disappointed! Because either Ye Ziyun or Xiao Ning'er would enter the genius class!
Under Shen Xiu's guidance, the students from the Martial Artist Apprentice Beginners' Class filed into the testing hall, where the academy leaders were gazing down from the high platform.
"The first step is the strength test. Who will go first?" One of the instructors glanced at Shen Xiu and asked.
Shen Xiu looked at the students from the Martial Artist Apprentice Beginners' Class.
Shen Yue stepped forward proudly, saying, "I will go first!" With that, he walked over to the towering strength-testing stone.
(End of Chapter)