Volume 1, Chapter 35: The Dragon Gate Battlefield, Open!

They had known for a long time. Two months ago, at the Shenyin Academy square, Mu Yi had displayed immense power, not only defeating a dozen disciples from the Daqian Academy who had come to provoke him, but also forcing them to kneel straight on the ground.

This was a humiliation unprecedented in the thousand-year history of the Daqian Academy!

It had also left the Daqian Academy seething with rage.

Everyone from the Shenyin Academy participating in this Dragon Gate Battlefield knew they would certainly face the Daqian Academy’s frenzied retaliation.

Now, hearing the threats from Sima Xiangru, the hearts of the group grew even more fearful. Some disciples, before even entering the battlefield, were already trembling at the knees.

Others were already cursing Mu Yi in their hearts. If not for him, how would they be facing such desperate retaliation from the Daqian Academy?

"The time for the current Dragon Gate Tournament has arrived. Elders of the four great academies, open the seal."

At this moment, the elders of the Daqian Academy, Chunqiu Academy, Yaochi Academy, and Shenyin Academy gathered in one place. Behind them lay the sealed land, the battlefield for the Dragon Gate War.

The four elders joined forces to break the seal. Everyone heard a series of cracking sounds as a light curtain, which had been shrouding the vast, desolate land, rapidly dissipated.

An ancient, bleak aura from the primordial past rushed toward them, making it feel as if they had traveled back tens of thousands of years.

"This year’s Dragon Gate Battlefield will last fifteen days, just as in previous years. On the final day, all participating factions must reach the Dragon Gate Heavenly Island and occupy the twelve islands there for the final peak showdown."

"Furthermore, once any disciple from the participating factions steps into the Dragon Gate Battlefield, they may fight freely. Life or death is immaterial, and after the competition, no sect shall hold others accountable."

After the elders of the four academies reiterated the rules, they waved their hands. A massive gate appeared upon the desolate earth.

"Everyone, set off. Good luck! We will wait at the Heavenly Gate for your triumphant return!"

As these words were spoken, the entire crowd burst into cheers. This marked the official opening of this year’s Dragon Gate Battlefield.

"Let's move!"

On the side of Shenyin Academy, Li Wan, Qi Chao, Gu Yunfei, and Mo Feng were clearly the leaders. All inner-court disciples looked to them for guidance. They led over three hundred disciples into the portal.

Whoosh!

As soon as the disciples of each faction entered the gate, they were enveloped by a massive white light and vanished in a flash. They were scattered to different parts of the battlefield. This was a long-standing rule of the Dragon Gate Battlefield, intended to separate the disciples of major factions at the start so they wouldn't all gather in one place, preventing smaller factions from being wiped out immediately upon entry.

***

A short while later, the light vanished. The three hundred-plus disciples of Shenyin Academy were transported to an unknown location. It was desolate, ancient, and filled with a chilling wind.

"Everyone, the Dragon Gate Battlefield has officially begun, and since we have stepped into it, there is only the path forward; there is no possibility of retreat."

Qi Chao and Mo Feng stepped forward, their gazes high and aloof, as if they were born leaders.

"According to the academy’s rules from previous years, after entering the Dragon Gate Battlefield, every disciple is free to form teams to explore together."

"You may also act as a lone wolf and explore by yourself."

"Of course, regardless of your choice, as disciples of Shenyin Academy, we must strive for the academy’s glory. We all must enter the final Dragon Gate Heavenly Island after thirteen days. This is mandatory for everyone."

Qi Chao and Mo Feng scanned the crowd. "From here on, Mo Feng and I will form a team. Those who wish to follow us may stand behind us."

"We are willing to follow Senior Brother Qi and Senior Brother Mo and serve you."

No sooner had they finished speaking than a large number of disciples immediately stood behind them. Now that disciples from all major factions had entered the battlefield, the entire area had become a slaughterhouse. The three hundred disciples of Shenyin Academy present needed a backer.

"Li Wan and I will form a team. Those who wish to act with us, stand behind us."

At this point, Li Wan and Gu Yunfei also spoke up. They moved to the other side, and immediately, many disciples stood behind them as well. After all, Li Wan and Gu Yunfei were also among the four great prodigies of the inner court; their fame was no less than that of Qi Chao and Mo Feng.

"We choose to explore alone."

Of course, there were others who formed their own small groups or acted independently, leaving one by one.

The Dragon Gate Battlefield was not only a battleground for major sects but also the greatest opportunity of a lifetime for any disciple who entered. Usually, this place was sealed by the four academies and inaccessible. Only when the Dragon Gate Battlefield opened could they enter to seek their own destinies.

Everyone wanted to leap over the Dragon Gate like a carp, and no one wanted to live a life of mediocrity. Therefore, some Shenyin Academy disciples chose to form their own teams or act alone rather than follow the four leaders. The larger the team, the more mouths to feed, and the smaller the individual share of the spoils.

If one were alone, any great opportunity discovered could be claimed entirely for oneself.

Soon, the three hundred-plus disciples of Shenyin Academy had all chosen their sides. Only Mu Yi seemed to stand aloof from the world, as if he were in another dimension entirely.

"Mu Yi, it seems no one is willing to walk with you?"

At this moment, Qi Chao finally turned his gaze toward Mu Yi. His mouth was filled with mockery.

"Whether you walk with me or not is unimportant. What matters is that even if you wanted to leave now, you wouldn't be able to."

Mu Yi had been standing with his back to Qi Chao’s group, but now he finally turned around and uttered these baffling words.

"What do you mean?" Qi Chao frowned slightly. "Playing mystery? What exactly are you trying to do?"

"Hahaha! Truly worthy of being the one who suppressed the core disciples of my Daqian Academy. Your perception is indeed not to be underestimated; you actually managed to detect our presence."

Just then, a large number of figures appeared from the east, west, south, and north. They had been hiding behind the surrounding rocks. Their sudden appearance immediately caused the Shenyin Academy disciples to panic.

"Daqian Academy, Ju Tianyuan! Duan Canghai!"

Upon seeing these two, Qi Chao’s expression changed drastically!

"How can this be? Why were we targeted by the Daqian Academy the moment we appeared here?"

He was not alone; Li Wan, Gu Yunfei, and Mo Feng were equally shocked. The Daqian Academy disciples, who had been scattering, suddenly gathered together, appearing as if facing a grave threat.

"Ju Tianyuan and Duan Canghai, ranked ninth and tenth on the Daqian Academy’s Mountain and River Ranking. Their strength far exceeds that of Qing Shan, who defeated me earlier!"

When Li Wan saw the two, his eyes were filled with terror. That day at Shenyin Academy, he had been defeated by Qing Shan in a single move, and the other party was only ranked around thirtieth on the Daqian Academy’s Mountain and River Ranking. Now, with the ninth and tenth-ranked Ju Tianyuan and Duan Canghai appearing, it was a crushing blow from a higher dimension.

No one here could be their match.

"Today, everyone from your Shenyin Academy must die!"

Ju Tianyuan and Duan Canghai had brought only about a hundred people. In terms of numbers, they were at a great disadvantage against the three hundred-plus disciples of Shenyin Academy.

However, the outcome of a battle does not always depend on numbers.