Arriving at the Eternal Academy, Challenging a Sovereign Incarnation!

"A guiding quest?" Lu Changsheng was filled with confusion. "That's right, a guiding quest. It's specifically meant to guide newcomers who have just entered the Eternal Academy as outer disciples, introducing everything about the academy to help you gain a basic understanding of it." "Once the guiding quest is complete, I'll receive a reward." The other party didn't conceal anything, laying it out plainly. "How did you know I'm new to the Eternal Academy?" Lu Changsheng asked. "Very simple. Any disciple of the Eternal Academy—even an outer disciple—is issued an identity token." "As long as it's worn, other disciples can sense it." "Of course, one can intentionally hide it, but usually here in the Eternal Academy, no one bothers hiding their identity token unless necessary, as doing so only invites petty annoyances." "And there's no aura of an identity token on you..." Lu Changsheng came to an understanding. He indeed lacked an identity token for an outer disciple of the Eternal Academy. It was only natural that other outer disciples could sense that. "Very well, I'll trouble Fellow Daoist to guide me then. May I ask how I should address you?" "Just call me Jiubao." "Ah, Fellow Daoist Jiubao. I am Lu Changsheng. Please guide me on how to obtain an identity token of the Eternal Academy." Thus, led by Jiubao, Lu Changsheng learned about the situation in the Eternal Academy. He also went to receive his identity token, formally joining the Eternal Academy. Of course, merely as an outer disciple. According to Supreme Jiubao's description, the universe they were in was called the Eternal Universe. At the center of this universe was the Eternal Academy. However, there was only one Eternal Academy building. They could see the Eternal Academy, but sadly could not enter it. In truth, being a so-called outer disciple of the Eternal Academy merely meant entering the Eternal Universe to cultivate. Enter the Eternal Academy itself? Impossible for an outer disciple. Only by becoming a true disciple could one enter the Eternal Academy. Only true disciples were considered real disciples of the Eternal Academy. Without becoming a "true disciple," one hardly counted as a disciple of the academy at all. As for why the status of "outer disciple" had been established, the reason was simple: It was to grant a glimmer of hope to the countless ordinary universes under the Universe Alliance. Advancing from an outer disciple to a true disciple was extraordinarily difficult. How could they not offer at least a sliver of hope? Yet that hope was exceedingly slim. Supreme Jiubao was conscientious and dutiful—perhaps finding common ground with Lu Changsheng as well—and introduced the Eternal Academy's circumstances in meticulous detail. For example, how to interact with others, or how to acquire cultivation resources. In truth, it was all mutual exchanges among outer disciples. The Eternal Academy itself? Outer disciples were not qualified to receive anything from it directly. The only benefit was the "advancement path." Outer disciples truly had a chance to become true disciples. That was an outer disciple's sole hope! "Dare I ask, Fellow Daoist Jiubao, how does one become a true disciple of the Eternal Academy?" Lu Changsheng asked in a deep voice. This was the most crucial question. Countless cosmic mighty figures had exhausted every means and endured untold hardships to reach the Eternal Universe. Wasn't their goal precisely to join the Eternal Academy and become true disciples? No matter what, Lu Changsheng had to know how to become a genuine disciple of the Eternal Academy. "Actually, becoming a true disciple of the Eternal Academy is both simple and difficult." "It's simple because all you need to do is defeat a true disciple of the Eternal Academy. It's difficult because you might not even get a turn in line..." Lu Changsheng frowned. He did not understand. What did he mean by not getting a turn in line? "Among the Eternal Academy's true disciples, only the lowest-ranked accepts challenges from outer disciples, and he only needs to accept one challenge every hundred years." "Yet there are so many outer disciples in the Eternal Academy. Who gets to challenge first, and who challenges later? The answer is simple: wait in line. You queue up, and only when your turn comes can you challenge the academy's true disciple." "Why don't you go check the queue first, Fellow Daoist Lu?" Lu Changsheng nodded. Regardless, his purpose in coming to the Eternal Academy was naturally to become a true disciple. To achieve that, he had to challenge a true disciple. Thus, guided by Supreme Jiubao, Lu Changsheng went to join the queue. There, he learned the name of the true disciple currently accepting challenges: Supreme Luokong! Lu Changsheng promptly entered the queue. Then, he received his number in line: "1,389,613th!" Lu Changsheng froze. He almost thought his eyes were playing tricks on him. How many was that? Over 1.38 million! Ahead of him, more than 1.38 million cosmic mighty figures were waiting to challenge Supreme Luokong. In other words, calculated at one challenge every hundred years, it would take over one hundred and thirty-eight million years before it was his turn to challenge Supreme Luokong? Over a hundred million years just to earn the qualification to challenge a true disciple of the Eternal Academy? Lu Changsheng finally understood why Supreme Jiubao had said it was both simple and difficult. Furthermore, that was merely getting the chance to challenge. Whether one could defeat the opponent was another matter entirely. After all, who among those who could become true disciples of the Eternal Academy was weak? "Is there a second method?" Lu Changsheng asked. "There is a second method. As long as you have birthed immortal true intent, you can challenge other true disciples—and you can pick whichever true disciple you wish." "Defeat your opponent, and you become a true disciple." "This second method is practically moot, though. What is the hardest part for a cosmic mighty figure advancing to become a Third Realm Sovereign? Birthing immortal true intent. Once you have birthed immortal true intent, the hope of reaching the Third Realm increases dramatically." "If someone like that joins the Eternal Academy, the academy hardly needs to nurture them before they swiftly advance to a Third Realm Sovereign." "Now do you understand why the true disciples of the Eternal Academy have such a high probability of advancing to the Third Realm? When candidates already have immortal true intent before joining the academy, they are guaranteed Third Realm seeds. How could the academy's rate of producing Third Realm Sovereigns not be immense?" Hearing this, Lu Changsheng's heart sank. It really seemed to be the case. So that was why the Eternal Academy had such a high success rate for advancing to the Third Realm. Of course, that certainly wasn't the only reason, but it was undoubtedly a major factor. Birth immortal true intent... Lu Changsheng shook his head. If he had already birthed immortal true intent, what need would he have to come to the Eternal Academy? Therefore, while this second method indeed offered an entry, it was completely pointless for Lu Changsheng. Lu Changsheng fell silent. The first method required waiting in line for over a hundred million years. How long would that take? Given over a hundred million years, Lu Changsheng would have long since advanced to the Third Realm. He had absolute confidence in that. After all, he had already seen hope for the transformation of his Golden-Nature Soul. He had seen the hope of birthing immortal true intent. As for the second method, it required already possessing immortal true intent, making it thoroughly redundant. "Is there no third method?" Lu Changsheng couldn't help asking. "Right, only these two ways lead into the Eternal Academy." Supreme Jiubao paused. Seeming to recall something, he then spoke up: "Wait, I just remembered. In theory, there actually is a third method to become a true disciple of the Eternal Academy. However, it works only in theory." "What method?" "The Eternal Academy has a rule: if you can pass the academy's trial, you can directly become a true disciple. Only, this trial is no ordinary trial. You must, with the body of a Second Realm cultivator, defeat an incarnation of a Third Realm Sovereign!" "What did you say? Defeat an incarnation of a Third Realm Sovereign?" "Indeed. Why else would I say it only works in theory? The only reason this third method exists is for show. Who could possibly defeat a Third Realm Sovereign's incarnation while in the Second Realm? Even though it's merely an incarnation, it still wields the Third Realm's power of decomposition. And that power of decomposition is practically an insurmountable force capable of decomposing all things. Defeating an incarnation of a Third Realm Sovereign is outright impossible..." Supreme Jiubao shook his head. In his view, this third method was entirely decorative. However, Lu Changsheng fell quiet. Defeating a Third Realm Sovereign in the flesh was indeed impossible. No matter how confident Lu Changsheng was, he would never believe he could defeat a true Third Realm Sovereign. Yet if it was merely an incarnation of a Third Realm Sovereign, that was a different story. An incarnation had limits. The power of decomposition it contained also had limits. Therefore, one did not strictly need to overpower the Sovereign's incarnation in direct combat; simply exhausting all of its power of decomposition would naturally result in victory. In reality, that was no different from defeating the incarnation. Exhausting a Sovereign incarnation's power of decomposition? Even the supreme powerhouses on the Hundred Supremes Ranking wouldn't dare claim they could exhaust the power of decomposition of a Sovereign's incarnation. A Sovereign's power of decomposition was simply too formidable—it decomposed all things, nearly insurmountable. Yet Lu Changsheng was different. Lu Changsheng possessed a True Realm Plane with six hundred times the standard volume. In terms of quality, it was certainly far inferior to a Sovereign's power of decomposition. However, in terms of quantity, it was colossal. Colossal enough to far surpass other cosmic mighty figures. Colossal enough to endure a portion of a Sovereign's power of decomposition. It merely depended on how much power of decomposition it could withstand. On this point, Lu Changsheng felt some confidence. Still, Lu Changsheng did not act immediately. Instead, he said to Supreme Jiubao, "Thank you for your guidance, Fellow Daoist Jiubao." Supreme Jiubao departed. Lu Changsheng found himself a cave dwelling. Over the next few months, Lu Changsheng inquired extensively. He indeed confirmed the existence of this third method to become a true disciple of the Eternal Academy. Yet no one had ever succeeded. Becoming a true disciple through this path was simply too difficult. "A Sovereign incarnation... perhaps I really can give it a try!" Lu Changsheng muttered under his breath. He had made his decision. He had no desire to waste time outside the Eternal Academy. His purpose in coming was to become a true disciple. If he couldn't become a true disciple, he would be better off heading to alternate universes to continue devouring dead planes. Or doing everything he could to spread his renown, reap cosmic fortune, and strive for the swift transformation of his Golden-Nature Soul. Anything was better than idling away his time in the Eternal Universe. Now that Lu Changsheng had made his choice, he had to attempt it. He needed to become a true disciple of the Eternal Academy as soon as possible. Thus, Lu Changsheng walked straight toward the Eternal Academy. At this moment, a sea of people had gathered before the Eternal Academy. A vast crowd was congregated together, seemingly waiting for something. Having stayed in his cave dwelling recently, Lu Changsheng hadn't paid much attention to the academy's happenings. He had no idea what was going on. "What happened?" Lu Changsheng asked a cosmic mighty figure nearby. "Today is the day Supreme Luokong accepts challenges. Just a moment ago, Supreme Luokong actually lost—to Supreme Tianxiu!" "Supreme Tianxiu is renowned far and wide! Word is, he already has the strength to enter the Hundred Supremes Ranking. At the next release of the ranking, Supreme Tianxiu will surely make the list and become a supreme powerhouse!" "Supreme Luokong's defeat at the hands of Supreme Tianxiu was not unfair." "Who would have thought Supreme Luokong would be defeated so quickly? Having lost his status as a true disciple without yet birthing immortal true intent, advancing to the Third Realm will be exceedingly difficult for him in the future..." Many cultivators were discussing the matter. Some even sighed with emotion. What if one became a true disciple? At the very bottom of the true disciples in strength, one was forced to accept a challenge once every hundred years. Once defeated, one fell into a near-irreversible abyss. After all, burdened by inner demons, how could one birth immortal true intent? Advancing to the Third Realm would become almost impossible. Naturally, Lu Changsheng also learned that Supreme Tianxiu had not had it easy. He had waited many years before finally getting this chance. Now that he had become a true disciple of the Eternal Academy, as long as he could secure his footing, receive the academy's tilted resources, and enjoy the privileges of a true disciple, he would have hope of reaching the Third Realm once he birthed immortal true intent. It could truly be called reaching heaven in a single step! That was why queueing to enter the Eternal Academy was necessary. Though the wait was agonizingly long, it was the only opportunity for nearly every cosmic mighty figure to become a true disciple. Lu Changsheng did not inquire further about Supreme Tianxiu. There was no need. He had come with his own objective. Thus, Lu Changsheng made his way through the clamorous crowd to the area where one registered to challenge. A long line stretched out here as well. Many people were waiting in queue. Lu Changsheng was in no hurry. He queued up properly and waited quietly. Finally, an hour later, it was his turn. An Eternal Academy attendant was about to say out of habit, "If you're queueing, the current position is—" Lu Changsheng immediately cut him off. "I am not here to queue." "Hm? Not queueing? Could it be you've birthed immortal true intent?" The attendant looked surprised. In fact, as soon as those words left his mouth, the surroundings fell silent. Everyone had overheard the attendant. Birthed immortal true intent? Wouldn't that mean he could challenge whichever true disciple he wanted? Once successful, he would become a new true disciple of the Eternal Academy. Could two new true disciples emerge today? In an instant, all eyes converged on Lu Changsheng. Many even began inquiring into his identity. "Who is he? How come I've never seen him before?" "He really looks unfamiliar. Is he a newly arrived cosmic mighty figure?" "Wait, if a newly arrived mighty figure had already birthed immortal true intent, why would he join the Eternal Academy as a true disciple? There would be no need at all." "If he were a senior disciple, someone would definitely recognize him..." Yet, look as they might, no one recognized him. No—not entirely no one. One cosmic mighty figure in the crowd recognized him: Supreme Jiubao. Supreme Jiubao stared in astonishment. Of course he recognized Lu Changsheng. He had been the one to complete the guiding quest for Lu Changsheng, helping him learn about the Eternal Academy. Could Lu Changsheng have birthed immortal true intent back then? Supreme Jiubao wouldn't believe it for a second. He was certain Lu Changsheng had definitely not birthed immortal true intent. Yet if he hadn't, what did Lu Changsheng intend to do? Faced with the attendant's inquiry, Lu Changsheng shook his head. "I have not birthed immortal true intent." Hearing this, the Eternal Academy attendant's face sank. "If you haven't birthed immortal true intent, then queue up properly. There is no other path." "Is that so?" "Yet I've heard that to become a true disciple of the Eternal Academy, there is a third method." "A third method?" Not only was the attendant caught off guard, but the surrounding outer disciples were all taken aback as well. Many racked their memories. Indeed, a third method existed. It was just that the third method was merely for show. Could someone really be choosing the third method? "Are you certain you wish to take the third method?" "I am." "Then you must defeat an incarnation of a Third Realm Sovereign—and life or death is of no concern!" "Agreed." Lu Changsheng appeared exceedingly calm. He had seemingly made up his mind long ago. Sure enough, as soon as his words fell, an uproar broke out. "He wants to challenge the incarnation of a Third Realm Sovereign?" "Even if it's only an incarnation, it still possesses the Third Realm's power of decomposition. How could any cosmic mighty figure defeat a Sovereign's incarnation?" "Is he just seeking attention to show off? But doing so this way is utterly pointless—the price is too high! Once a Sovereign's incarnation takes action, it will certainly decompose everything; he could lose this entire body!" "Exactly. Even if he has an avatar or other means of resurrection, there's no reason to throw his life away. He doesn't genuinely believe he can defeat a Sovereign's incarnation, does he?" With that, no one around cared about Supreme Tianxiu anymore. Originally, Supreme Tianxiu had drawn everyone's attention. He had even defeated Supreme Luokong to become the Eternal Academy's new true disciple. He ought to have been basking in the envious, astonished, and admiring gazes of the crowd. Yet now, all of that was gone. No one paid attention to Supreme Tianxiu; everyone had fixed their eyes on Lu Changsheng. "Hmph, a clown chasing clout." Supreme Tianxiu felt displeased as well. Though he cared little for vain glory, he didn't want his thunder stolen either. After all, today was the most momentous day of his life, only for him to be reduced to a background prop. Even as a cosmic mighty figure with an iron will, he couldn't help feeling irked. Lu Changsheng paid no heed to the surrounding chatter. He waited quietly. The Eternal Academy attendants glanced at one another. They had never encountered such a situation. However, this was indeed a rule of the Eternal Academy. They had to report it upward. And so, they immediately sent word up. Inside the Eternal Academy, a message stirred Sovereign Yongye. Sovereign Yongye was one of the Sovereigns within the Eternal Academy. He retrieved the message, and his expression instantly turned peculiar upon reading it. "Someone is challenging a Sovereign incarnation to become a true disciple of the Eternal Academy?" It had been a very long time since Sovereign Yongye had felt curious about anything. He was intrigued. Who had the audacity to challenge a Sovereign's incarnation? Was it an attention-seeker, or did this person truly possess strength? Regardless, it was certainly entertaining. After a brief thought, Sovereign Yongye promptly replied: "This Sovereign shall send down an incarnation. Direct the challenger, Lu Changsheng, to the arena." With that, Sovereign Yongye immediately condensed an incarnation. Soon, the Eternal Academy attendants relayed the response. "Lu Changsheng, His Great Majesty Sovereign Yongye will personally send down an incarnation to test your strength." "Step onto the arena now." Lu Changsheng nodded and walked directly onto the arena stage. This arena was virtually identical to those used for challenging true disciples. It was forged entirely from immortal substance. Damaging it was practically impossible. Even a Sovereign's power of decomposition could not destroy the arena. Yet as Lu Changsheng stepped onto the arena, the countless outer disciples erupted into an uproar. What had they just heard? Sovereign Yongye! It was actually Sovereign Yongye who was sending down an incarnation? "It's real! It's actually happening! Lu Changsheng is truly going to challenge a Sovereign's incarnation?" "Incredible! Not only did the Eternal Academy grant it, but His Majesty Sovereign Yongye is personally descending in an incarnation!" "Regardless of the outcome, the name Lu Changsheng will likely spread throughout the entire Eternal Academy." "Just an attention seeker. Facing His Majesty Sovereign Yongye's incarnation, Lu Changsheng is doomed to lose, and this body of his might even be utterly destroyed." "Whether Lu Changsheng truly has the strength or is merely seeking attention, we'll find out shortly." "I bet Lu Changsheng won't last three rounds..." Hearing that it was Sovereign Yongye, many were stunned. Sovereign Yongye was not just any ordinary Sovereign. Within the Eternal Academy, he was among the ancient and formidable Sovereigns. For such a powerful Sovereign to descend as an incarnation, how could it be simple? As for Lu Changsheng's chances of winning? No one believed Lu Changsheng stood any chance. Time ticked by. Boom! Suddenly, a terrifying aura descended. A man robed in crimson descended directly onto the arena stage. Sovereign Yongye! This was Sovereign Yongye! A faint shroud of black mist hovered around him. At a glance, it seemed as if even one's line of sight was warped by it, obscuring Sovereign Yongye's facial features. Lu Changsheng was no exception. He, too, could not make out Sovereign Yongye's features. It was likely his immortal true intent. Every cultivator's immortal true intent was unique, serving as the manifestation of their personal Dao. And Sovereign Yongye's Dao was evidently extraordinary. Even as a mere incarnation, it exerted immense pressure. This was Lu Changsheng's first time facing an unfamiliar Sovereign directly. In the past, when interacting with his master, Sovereign Feilong, he had never felt such pressure. After all, Sovereign Feilong was his master and would never unleash suppressing might upon him. Now, however, was different. Lu Changsheng was facing Sovereign Yongye. Since he was challenging Sovereign Yongye's incarnation, he naturally had to withstand Sovereign Yongye's oppressive pressure head-on. If he couldn't even endure the pressure, any talk of a challenge was out of the question. Buzz. Above Lu Changsheng's head, the phantom of an enormous world materialized, blocking Sovereign Yongye's oppressive aura. Although Lu Changsheng had not birthed immortal true intent, he had his True Realm. Faced with Sovereign Yongye's aura suppression, it had little effect against the immense True Realm Plane. "You are the one who wishes to challenge this Sovereign?" Sovereign Yongye spoke. "This disciple, Lu Changsheng, greets Your Majesty Sovereign Yongye." "Good. You have courage to challenge a Sovereign incarnation. However, this Sovereign will show no mercy. Whether you can destroy this incarnation depends on your own methods. If you cannot withstand it, you may speak to concede, and your life will be spared." "My thanks to Your Majesty Sovereign Yongye." Sovereign Yongye appeared to be even-tempered. That could be considered fortunate. Had he encountered an ill-tempered Sovereign, Lu Changsheng wouldn't have been granted the chance to concede. Regardless of temperament, however, if Lu Changsheng wished to become a true disciple of the Eternal Academy, he had to defeat this Sovereign incarnation. That fact would not change! Boom! In the next instant, Lu Changsheng hesitated no longer. His True Realm Plane unfurled in an instant. Six hundred times the standard volume of a True Realm blotted out the sky and sun, directly enveloping the entire arena and engulfing Sovereign Yongye's incarnation. It descended with overwhelming majesty, as though intent on crushing Sovereign Yongye's incarnation to dust in a single stroke!