The golden light radiating from the formation pillars instantly enveloped the entire surface of the Heavy Stone Platform. The atmosphere around the Main Square fell completely silent, replaced by a dense hum of energy that made the very air seem to tremble.BARRR!The fourth level—the highest level of the Heavy Stone Platform Examination—was officially activated.In that instant, the gravitational force surged far beyond the previous levels.A burden equivalent to twelve times normal gravity slammed down upon the platform with tremendous force. At the same time, the aura pressure released by the Academy Elders merged with the power of the formation, transforming into an oppressive wave that struck the bodies and consciousness of every participant.THUD! THUD!Dozens of disciples who had stubbornly endured the third level collapsed at once. Some did not even have time to make a sound before their knees and chests slammed against the stone surface.Several disciples fainted under pressu

After the participants who had failed the first stage left the Main Square, the atmosphere grew lively once again. The remaining disciples gathered around the arena, discussing the examination results while waiting for the second round to begin.Of the hundreds of participants who had taken the examination, only around eighty had managed to endure until the end.Of those eighty remaining participants, only the top ten would earn the opportunity to enter the academy’s inner courtyard. The higher their ranking, the greater the benefits and resources they could obtain from the academy.They were given one hour to rest before proceeding to the next stage.Xiao Chen sat cross-legged at the edge of the arena. He closed his eyes and regulated his breathing, making use of the available time to calm himself before facing the upcoming battles.Around him, several participants took out recovery pills from their storage pouches. Others chose to meditate, attempting to replenish their strength aft

Meanwhile, Guan Yu immediately folded her arms across her chest. “Hmph! Teach that arrogant fellow a lesson, Junior Brother Xiao Chen. Don’t let him leave the arena with his head held high after daring to look down on you!” Xiao Chen turned toward her. “As you wish, Senior Sister Guan.” Hearing his answer, Guan Yu nodded in satisfaction. Meanwhile, the opening matches began. The participants fought atop a hundred-square-meter stone arena, displaying the various martial techniques they had mastered. The clash of weapons, waves of True Qi, and the howling of fist winds filled the grounds in succession. Some matches ended in a short time, while others lasted longer because the two participants possessed comparable abilities. There were also disciples who were forced to surrender after sustaining injuries or exhausting their strength. Xiao Chen observed several matches while waiting for his turn. He did not rush to judge an opponent’s strength based solely on appearance. Ev

The murmurs among the disciples continued. They were discussing Xiao Chen’s victory over Mo Fan, but the lively atmosphere did not last long.The academy elders soon called the next participants forward to continue the matches.Several fierce battles followed. The remaining disciples gave their best to compete for the ten places in the inner courtyard.Some won through superior techniques, while others had to fight desperately to survive before finding an opportunity to turn the tide.After completing his match, Xiao Chen had returned to where Guan Yu and Sima Ruoxi were waiting. He sat calmly, observing the examination and occasionally studying the techniques used by the participants on the arena.Eventually, the academy supervisor’s voice rang out once again.“Match Eighteen! Sima Ruoxi versus Lu Tian!”Hearing her name called, Sima Ruoxi tensed slightly. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the pounding in her chest before rising from her seat.Beside her, Guan Yu gently patted h

Shortly after Sima Ruoxi returned to Xiao Chen’s side to recover her strength and savor her first victory, the atmosphere around the Outer Courtyard Main Square grew heated once more.The academy elders wasted little time calling the next participants to the combat arena.Several fierce matches followed one after another. However, the spectators’ attention was immediately drawn when the academy supervisor announced a match involving one of the most conspicuous figures among the outer-courtyard disciples.“Match Twenty-Three! Guan Yu versus Bai Shan!”Hearing her name called, Guan Yu snorted softly as she straightened her academy robe. She glanced briefly at Xiao Chen and Sima Ruoxi before lifting her chin with an expression full of confidence.“Watch closely,” Guan Yu said. “Your Senior Sister is going to show you how to finish a fight without wasting too much time.”Without waiting for a reply, the girl stepped forward. Her chin held high, she radiated the pride of the daughter of th