She recalled that when Albert left Newhurst, he had only been a Junior Soul Master. Yet in just one short year, he had directly reached the Astral Realm?!A full major realm advanced in a single year.Such a pace of cultivation was utterly terrifying. Ilia clearly remembered that even Emily, when she first entered the Three-Star Courtyard, had only stood at the Soul Physique Realm. Though Emily’s later feats made it clear she had deliberately suppressed her progress with secret arts to accumulate power for a massive breakthrough later,even so, Albert’s status as a Five-Star Astral Realm cultivator upon first entering the Three-Star Courtyard had undoubtedly shattered all records in Newhurst Academy’s history.No—this milestone was far more extraordinary than that. A Three-Star Courtyard disciple wielding such overwhelming strength would be a rare sight even among the mighty Ancient Academies.Ilia slowly snapped out of her stupor and could not help but sigh. Your cultivation speed is

The Four-Star Courtyard representative of Holy Bright King Academy was named Fink, a cultivator of the Seven-Star Astral Realm. Albert remembered him well, for he had once competed with Emily for the title of the strongest Three-Star Courtyard disciple in the Holy Grail War.Staring at the two names, Albert pondered for a moment before continuing to flip through the documents, and soon he spotted two more familiar names.Blazing Sky High-Grade Academy – Nicholas, bearer of a Seven-Star Illusory Lightning Dual Soul, Prismatic Soul Physique Realm.Holy Mountain Academy – Mario, bearer of an Upper Eight-Star Stone Ape Soul, Prismatic Soul Physique Realm.Recalling the clashes of the Holy Grail War, Albert could not help but sigh with emotion. More than a year had passed, and now he would cross paths once again with his old rivals.Yet this reunion felt bittersweet, as many things had changed since then.Albert reined in his wandering thoughts and smiled at Therman and Sweetie before him.

Vice Dean Ackerman let out a faint smile. The competition had been moved forward quite a bit. It was clear that though Theodore claimed he cared nothing for Albert, he had no desire to lose the wager. More importantly, if he lost, he would have to pay double the resources out of his own pocket.Given Theodore’s status and standing, he would not grieve over the resources themselves. Valuable as the cultivation supplies were, his vast personal wealth could easily cover the cost. However… if those resources ended up in the hands of Newhurst High-Grade Academy, it would amount to indirectly aiding Lane—and that was something Theodore could not abide.She said nothing more and turned to leave without another word.After Ackerman departed, Theodore waved a hand. Elder Xavier stepped into the council chamber, walked to his side, and bowed deeply.Theodore issued his order in an offhand tone. Spread the word: Albert intends to represent Newhurst High-Grade Academy alone in the Academy Tier As

Furthermore, every academy is granted three elimination chances. In other words, any side that gets eliminated three times will be forced to withdraw from the competition entirely.Albert had a moment of realization. This rule was somewhat unexpected. Matches with multiple academies were far more complicated—with more teams involved, countless variables came into play, and alliances and schemes would carry great weight here.By contrast, one-on-one matches were straightforward and brutal, decided purely by raw strength.Personally, Albert preferred the one-on-one format. He was fighting alone, and being thrown into a multi-academy battle would undoubtedly bring him extra trouble.Tutor, I will seclude myself in cultivation these next two days to prepare for the Academy Tier Assessment. Albert rose to his feet. He did not dare underestimate the Titled Disciples from the other High-Grade Academies, especially those at the Intermediate Heavenly Spirit Realm. Even with his current power,

He clearly dared not let his lingering gaze trigger the Supreme Token’s protective mechanism again. If their auras clashed, the entire Academy Tier Assessment might well be delayed for the day.Vice Dean Ackerman, standing beside him, caught sight of this and could not help the faint tug of a smile at her lips.Theodore finally pulled his gaze away. His emotionless voice reverberated through the void, carrying an intangible pressure that instantly silenced the bustling venue.Everyone, the hour has come. I shall spare you lengthy speeches. This Academy Tier Assessment shall proceed per custom. Draw your lots now.He flicked his wide sleeve, and a colossal green wood tree sprouted forth in the central arena, sending countless branches stretching out to every delegation of the High-Grade Academies.At the tip of each branch sat a lot tube swirling with profound dark radiance, blocking all attempts to peer inside.Each academy sent forth a disciple to draw their lot.Albert stepped forwa