Chapter 286: People from the Holy Academy Arrive

"What dense spiritual energy... where exactly is it coming from?"

A cultivator at the Path Union realm stared at the oasis ahead, now surrounded by rich spiritual energy, with a puzzled expression on his face.

"It seems to be emerging from underground. Could the treasure be buried down there?"

Someone in the crowd immediately identified the key point.

"Dig it up! Bring out the treasure beneath the ground for me!"

A Nirvana realm expert shouted loudly. Just as the cultivators behind him were about to land, a discordant voice rang out from the surroundings.

"King Han Dao, you’re not the only one who gets to call the shots here."

King Han Dao of the Great Desert instinctively turned toward the voice, and saw a man in white robes riding an eagle toward them.

"King Bai Yu, are you planning to challenge me?"

King Bai Yu smiled and said, "That won’t be necessary. The treasure hasn’t emerged yet. I suggest we each mark a section to search first. Once the treasure is found, then we can fight over it. No need to let someone else reap the rewards."

"Fine, as you say."

Although King Han Dao was confident he could defeat King Bai Yu, there were still many powerful cultivators lurking nearby. It was indeed wiser for the two of them to join forces to seek the treasure.

Before long, the entire oasis was packed with people.

At the same time, atop Miao Miao Mountain of Wendao Academy—

A celestial crane landed in Chu Feng’s private courtyard, with a sealed envelope clutched in its beak.

Chu Feng saw the crane and, without saying a word, pulled out a jar of wine from his storage ring and tossed it over.

The crane swiftly caught the wine jar with its wings, then respectfully presented the envelope to Chu Feng.

It used to request pills whenever it visited other Chiefs. But after tasting a sip of wine from Great Sage Jinchi once, it became addicted to Chu Feng’s fine liquor.

However, its relationship with Chu Feng wasn’t very close. This rare opportunity to deliver a letter on behalf of the Dean was a chance to earn some wine.

After downing the jar, the crane wobbled for a moment and then collapsed with a thud onto the ground.

Chu Feng simply chuckled without comment and shifted his attention to the envelope.

Opening the letter and glancing over its contents, he saw the message: The nine new Chiefs dispatched by the Holy Academy have arrived. In three days, their appointments will be announced, and Chu Feng is invited to attend the assembly.

"Those people really didn’t waste any time. But come to think of it, didn’t that old man Xiaoyao already pass the Heavenly Spirit Academy Chief’s position to Yan’er?"

Elder Bing, who stood nearby, showed no change in expression. She calmly replied, "I was never interested in being Chief. If someone wants the position, they’re welcome to it. It’s the perfect excuse for me to leave Heavenly Spirit Academy."

Hearing that, Chu Feng instinctively wrapped an arm around Elder Bing’s waist. "That’s fine. If any of your former disciples ever need guidance, you can spare a few days each month to instruct them."

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

That morning, the plaza of Wendao Academy—

The elders, stewards, and core disciples of each division had gathered early.

They had all received word three days prior that the Chiefs sent by the Holy Academy would be attending this event.

Some cultivators with stronger connections already knew who would be heading their respective Dao Academies and had even reached out in advance.

After all, the simultaneous replacement of all nine Chiefs was something that hadn’t happened in ten thousand years at Wendao Academy.

The crowd broke into small groups, chatting idly.

Suddenly, an exclamation erupted from within the gathering.

"Look! Chief Chu has arrived!"

Everyone instinctively looked up toward the sky. A colossal eagle descended from the heavens, its wings casting a vast shadow.

Before the giant eagle had even landed, the crowd bowed in unison.

"We greet Chief Chu, Great Sage Jinchi."

There are no secrets in this world. Although the nine former Chiefs were reluctant to share why they were so eager to enter the Holy Academy for cultivation—

There were still insiders who leaked bits and pieces.

All nine former Chiefs had once been thoroughly beaten by the former King of the Golden-Winged Eagles—now known as Great Sage Jinchi.

And that beating had forced them to recall the humiliating memories of centuries past.

Now, whenever people saw Great Sage Jinchi, not a single person dared show even the slightest disrespect.

After all, this man was not only a Great Sage—he was also the adopted son of the Dean.

"No need for formalities."

Chu Feng’s warm, springlike voice drifted down from the sky.

"Thank you, Chief Chu."

Once Great Sage Jinchi landed, Chu Feng stepped onto the high platform with Elder Bing, and Jinchi transformed into his human form.

"Who would’ve thought we’d arrive early? Didn’t those guys say it would start at the sixth quarter of the hour? It’s almost time, and there’s not a single shadow in sight."

Seeing that the platform was still empty, Great Sage Jinchi was visibly annoyed.

He was a Great Sage, after all. Logically speaking, it should have been the juniors waiting on him. Yet now he had to wait on them? That naturally left him feeling out of sorts.

Chu Feng chuckled, "I told you we should come right on time. You just wouldn’t believe me."

Great Sage Jinchi: "…"

Time ticked by, second by second.

Just as the hour struck, nine figures descended from the sky.

They each wore robes of different colors, and every one of them radiated an air of supreme authority.

Before their feet even touched the ground, an immense pressure spread out over the entire plaza.

Chu Feng felt the pressure and the corner of his mouth lifted slightly. These people really were something—putting on a show of dominance the moment they arrived.

He was curious to see what kind of performance they would put on next.

The nine landed all at once. Chu Feng narrowed his eyes to get a clear look.

Seven men, two women—all appearing to be in their thirties, though their true age couldn’t be discerned.

At the front stood a man in luxurious robes, his expression proud, his gaze piercing.

He swept his eyes over the crowd and said coldly,

"I’ve long heard that the Secular Division of Wendao Academy grows weaker with each generation. Seeing it today, I must say the rumors were right.

"You see us arrive and don’t even bow. I really wonder what you people have been learning here all these years."

The atmosphere across the plaza changed instantly.

Everyone turned to look at the nine figures on the platform with unusual expressions.

Especially the Nirvana realm elders of the academies—many of them had something to say.

You’re not even officially appointed yet, and we’re all Nirvana cultivators. Why exactly should we bow to you?

Just as the air grew tense, a hearty voice rang out from the horizon.

"Hahaha… Nephew Lin, where’s all that fire coming from so early in the morning? The elders and disciples here don’t even know your names. If they bow and shout the wrong name, wouldn’t that be a joke?"

As soon as they heard this voice—including Chu Feng—everyone respectfully bowed and greeted in unison:

"We greet the Dean."

"No need for formalities."

As the Dean’s voice fell, his figure appeared atop the high platform.

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