Perfect World: Dream of the Immortal Era

The newly inducted students were shocked upon hearing this.

In their eyes, the young noble from the Imperial Tribe was considered the strongest of prodigies in the world. Once he ventured into society, no one at the same level could stand against him.

Yet, such an existence was halted at the eighth level within the War God Tower, unable to pass, which was utterly unimaginable.

Everyone couldn't help but wonder for whom the final three levels were prepared. Theoretically, was there any being capable of passing through them?

"Yes, this is the War God Tower," the Supreme Elder began, "Even passing the fifth level merely means stepping onto the threshold of a war god.

As for the sixth and seventh levels that follow, they are not your immediate concern; your primary goal should be to break through the fifth level, then talk about the rest.

Throughout history, those who could pass the fifth level and become war gods were mostly the offspring of mighty royal families, a rare few indeed.

Some should not assume that just because they hail from royal lineage, they are destined to become war gods. Only by being outstanding among the royals can one have a slim hope.

And for those whose bloodline power may not match the royals, do not despair. There have been those who rose stunningly against all odds, for after all, the royal clans were not born royal; their ancestors carved this path step by step, just like you."

The Supreme Elder's words served as both a warning to the prideful royal beings and an encouragement to those born of humble origins.

Though the world beyond was one of strict hierarchies, power and talent would always be valued. Those with such qualities could attract attention, obtain resources, and rapidly ascend.

After finishing, the Supreme Elder cast a significant glance at Gencun.

"Among the new academy students this year is the kind of being I just spoke of. With proper cultivation, founding a new royal clan is not beyond possibility."

Hearing this, some beings couldn't help but look at Gencun. They had already heard of Gencun's feats, how he single-handedly caused the tragic demise of four royal prodigies, a testament to his awe-inspiring strength.

Afterward, the Supreme Elder led the group away from the Tower of War God, to the foot of a towering, majestic mountain.

This mountain was magnificently grand, its terrain formidable, resembling a true dragon in repose.

Looking up, spiritual energy gathered in clouds, transforming into waterfalls, and even the void was filled with the force of creation. A gentle breath was enough to fill one's mouth with spiritual essence.

Undoubtedly, this was a sacred place for cultivation. Even sitting motionless on the mountain would subtly make one stronger.

"This is where you will practice and meditate daily.

On the mountain, there are a total of one thousand caves for cultivation—no more, no less.

The academy has already allocated cave numbers according to the students' cultivation levels for this entry.

Among these caves, some are closer to the dragon vein center, making them excellent cultivation spots, while others are farther and somewhat inferior."

"Which cave residence you choose is entirely up to you. The academy will not interfere. Each cave has its own arena. If there's a dispute, settle it among yourselves, but remember, no one should die. Otherwise, you will be expelled from the academy."

The Supreme Elder outlined the rules for selecting a cave residence, leaving them with one final light remark: "In two hours, a powerful figure from the academy will be giving a lecture at the Grand Palace. Don't miss it."

With that, he departed, leaving a thousand talented individuals staring at one another in silence.

Uncertain who initiated it, one person flew straight towards the mighty mountain ahead, eager to choose a cave with better conditions first.

Of course, others were unwilling to settle for leftovers and swiftly ascended towards the mountain peak.

A few newcomers, wary of competing against royal descendants, proceeded slowly along the path, mindful not to provoke others.

After all, with a thousand caves aligned with the dragon veins, even the least favorable one would provide a cultivation environment thousands of times better than the outside world. Therefore, there was no need to offend anyone over it.

With this mindset, hundreds of people advanced together, forming a dense group.

Yet, some individuals with strong auras mingled within, commanding respect and awe from those around them.

These individuals were the outstanding figures amongst their peers in the academy, already renowned for their feats. None dared to challenge their priority in choosing a cave.

Gencun, likewise, did not rush to choose a cave. That wasn't the style of a king.

No matter who claimed the best cave for breathing energy, he would simply take it by force if needed.

Several geniuses at the energy-breathing stage noticed Gencun's presence and vaguely understood his intentions. They refrained from approaching, feeling a chill down their spines.

Even the royal heirs had been slain by this human youth, leaving these aristocratic beings no match for him. Previously, they had spoken with disdain, but now, not even a hundred acts of bravery would compel them to utter a word.

Soon, students following behind also reached the mountainous area, arriving before the caves.

By this time, the royal descendants who had moved first had already chosen their ideal caves, engraving their names on the stone plaques by the entrances.

Disputes occasionally arose, with glowing arena symbols indicating two academy students were dueling for ownership.

At this moment, the standouts amongst equal peers emerged, confidently striding towards the caves deliberately left behind by others.

They understood that the true powerhouses came later, and contesting for the best caves was meaningless. It was better to settle for a second choice.

Witnessing the calm approach of these academy elites, those in the back couldn't help but hold their breath.

This blatant survival of the fittest incited one's nerves; everyone longed to be strong, to enjoy such privileges.

Just like those powerful beings, Gencun casually made his way towards the best cave for the energy-breathing stage, situated near the center of the dragon vein, promising a supreme cultivation environment.

He already saw from afar that the cave residence was vacant, with no one trying to contest for it.

It seems these prodigies are sensible enough to recognize who the true powerhouses at this level are.

As he passed by the second-best cave, a youth from the Eight-Armed Tribe stood there, smiling and waving at Gencun to greet him.

“Brother Gen, you’ve arrived.”

“Were you waiting for me, fellow cultivator?”

Gencun nodded, then asked. All the others were busy arranging their respective cave dwellings, yet this scion from the Eight-Armed Tribe stood waiting as if expecting him.

“Indeed, henceforth, we shall cultivate together as friends. I hope we can become true allies,” the Eight-Armed Youth said with a smile.

Not one to reject a friendly face, Gencun nodded slightly, replying, "I was hoping for the same.”

He then pointed to the cave nearest to the center of the dragon vein and inquired, “This is the prime cave for those in the Qi Absorption Stage, closest to the heart of the dragon vein. Its environment is unparalleled. Cultivating there yields twice the result with half the effort. Are you not interested in competing for it?”

Upon hearing this, the Eight-Armed Youth just shook his head with a wry smile.

“With you here, the rest of us can only vie for second place.

Previously, someone overestimated themselves and tried to claim it, but one glare from me sent them running to the back without argument.”

Gencun was uncertain if what the youth said was entirely true, yet knowing he could secure the best cave without a fight had much to do with the efforts of this Eight-Armed Youth, who possessed a quarter of the Luo Mo Clan’s bloodline.

The Eight-Armed Youth nodded.

“Brother Gen, it's only fitting that you claim the best cave.”

Gencun offered no further words, stepping into his new abode.

The interior was plainly decorated, cleaned by previous occupants long ago, featuring several chambers for resting, meditation, and solitary retreats.

He made no considerable changes, choosing simply to sit cross-legged on the ground.

He began to circulate his modified cultivation methods unique to the Four-Armed Clan, adjusting his breath and sensing the practice environment.

Truly, this was close to the heart of the dragon vein; the vitality was exceptionally rich, materializing into mist in the air, nearly condensing into beads of dew.

Even without additional resources, merely cultivating in this cave surpassed the speed of cultivating with ordinary energy crystals.

Naturally, Gencun is eager for rapid advancement. During the upcoming academy training, he intends to procure as many resources for himself as possible.

Time flew by, and two hours quickly passed.

Having calculated his timing perfectly, Gencun left his cave dwelling early and made his way toward the Grand Dao Palace.

The grand palace, majestically suspended over towering mountains, was shrouded in chaotic mists, sometimes visible, sometimes hidden, obstructing the light and casting massive shadows.

Looking up from below, it was truly a spectacle of grandeur that compelled awe.

Gencun arrived, stood on the teleportation array, and with a flash of light, his figure vanished from the spot, reappearing inside the Grand Dao Palace.

The place was vast, an expansive plaza. The mist of the Dao filled every corner, like walls enclosing the lecture grounds at its center.

Not far ahead, a thousand mats were neatly arranged, no more, no less. Already, many academy students had arrived, sitting quietly, waiting for the lecture to begin.

Directly in front of the mats, there was a slightly elevated Dao platform on which sat a tall, indistinct figure. Completely enshrouded in chaotic energy, it appeared humanoid from the outside, yet its true nature remained unknown to all.

Saying nothing, Gencun silently took an empty spot at the very front, sat on a mat, and closed his eyes to meditate.

The later-arriving prodigies all aimed for the front spots, but front-row seats were limited, and the beings already seated weren't to be trifled with. Nobody dared challenge them casually.

Even though Gencun was merely at the Qi Absorption stage, no high-level entity dared to oppress him with their cultivation level, knowing that given Gencun's vigor, it was only a matter of time before he caught up with them.

Once all thousand mats were occupied, the being on the elevated Dao platform slowly opened its eyes.

His Taoist cultivation was extraordinary, standing at the Supreme realm, having already touched upon immortality. Such an attainment was more than sufficient to instruct a group of young cultivators.

Seeing everyone assembled, this Supreme realm being spoke, and with his first words arose Dao phenomena.

A Dao transformed into a golden dragon, circling above the plaza. Order formed into golden lotuses, blooming from the voids, further shone myriad auspicious rays and vivid splendor. The Dao resounded thunderously, as if opening the heavens and the earth, permeating vast expanses with symbols.

This essence was fundamental, crucial for newcomers to the path of cultivation.

An extraordinary power swept through the entire Grand Dao Palace.

The thousand academy students sitting on the mats, without exception, all entered a state of enlightenment, immersed in the Supreme realm being's ocean of Dao, comprehending the profound truth, engrossed beyond measure.

Gencun maintained steady breaths, with golden lotuses blooming around him. His harvest was immense, gaining insight into the essence of the foreign cultivation system from the Supreme's teachings about the Dao.

Previously, only an elder of the Four-Armed Clan could be consulted, and their scriptures were exclusive to their race, unsuitable for humanoids with two arms. If not for Gencun's extraordinary talent and his ability to modify the scriptures, he wouldn't have been able to embark on the path of cultivation at all.

But now, with the Supreme personally imparting the Dao, it is like a fish in water for beings like Gencun.

“Hmm, this child is remarkable. His innate talent is unparalleled, coupled with astonishing comprehension. I seem to see the future of the War God Academy in him,” a voice sighed within the mist of the Great Dao. The speaker was an elder, full of admiration for Gencun.

“There’s no need to worry. Regardless of where he goes in the future, he will always carry the title of 'War God' from our academy,” another elder spoke.

“Indeed. Right now, what we must do is ensure he becomes as powerful as possible by providing all available resources,” a third elder nodded.

Soon, the Supreme's voice began to slow, indicating that the lecture was reaching its conclusion.

A group of uninvited guests arrived at the Grand Dao Palace, shackled by iron chains and appearing like prisoners. Each entity was frail, with disheveled hair, being escorted forward step by step.

Finally, as the Supreme uttered the last word, all visions faded away.

A thousand academy disciples awoke from their state of enlightenment. The lecture had strengthened the aura of many, with several experiencing breakthroughs. Gencun was among them.

As the students opened their eyes, the Supreme on the Dao platform was already gone, replaced by three elders. They stood around the platform and gazed down at the students seated on the mats, asking if they had any remaining questions.

Although these three were not as powerful as the Supreme, only being half-step Supremes, they were more than capable of answering the students' queries.

Students immediately rose and approached the three elders, dividing themselves into three groups, eagerly voicing their questions and confusions.

The three half-step Supremes answered with patience, never showing the slightest hint of impatience.

Sometimes their explanations required practical demonstrations, prompting them to summon a warrior to present a live showcase for the students.

The fortunate warriors merely suffered severe injuries, clinging to life. The unfortunate ones, however, met explosive deaths or were slain by the students, leaving no trace behind.

Here, their lives were utterly insignificant, even less than that of ants.

Gencun felt that this practice was somewhat cruel. It’s basic not to kill wantonly unless there is deep-seated enmity, he thought.

However, living in an unfamiliar land means you have to get accustomed to its brutal laws.

Just as Gencun was deep in thought, a half-step Supreme approached him with a kind demeanor and asked, "Gencun, do you have any questions about today's lecture?"