At the grand competition arena, filled with three thousand cultivators who’d clawed their way through countless battles to reach this point.

They stood in perfect formation—representatives from all five continents, each wearing different robes and carrying themselves with varying degrees of arrogance or quiet determination. But their eyes all held the same razor-sharp focus.

I scanned the crowd with curiosity. “Wow, there’s a lot of people in white robes.”

Seraphine hummed thoughtfully. “Those would be disciples from the Insight Academy Palace. White seems to be their standard uniform.” She’d noticed this pattern from observing Lanzhi and other academy students—always pristine white robes cut in identical styles.

I gave her shoulder a comforting pat and whispered, “You’d look good in white too, Seraphine.”

See? No need to worry about wearing unflattering school uniforms if you get accepted.

Seraphine swatted Echo’s hand away with a soft “hmph.”

“I bet half these people changed into white specifically for the exam.” I observed, watching the sea of hopeful candidates. “Humans always find ways to inject superstition into test-taking.”

A mischievous thought struck me. Before Seraphine could react, I reached up and plucked one of my own silver-white hairs.

“Ow!” The pain was sharper than expected.

Seraphine frowned. “What are you doing, you silly thing?”

I grinned and grabbed her hand, carefully wrapping my hair around her ring finger twice before tying it into a perfect little bow.

I’m exceptionally good at making bows.

“There! Now you have some white too.” I announced proudly.

Seraphine stared at her hand, watching the delicate silver strand catch the light like the most precious ring. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth involuntarily as she muttered, “Idiot. You actually believe in these superstitions?”

I shrugged with my favorite phrase: “Well, we’re already here.”

Seraphine gave Echo a look that clearly said what kind of nonsense logic is that while continuing to admire the makeshift ring, turning her hand this way and that.

She keeps looking at it. Success. I mentally gave myself a thumbs up.

The spectator stands buzzed with excited chatter. One particularly prideful cultivator near them complained loudly, “I feel like a performing monkey with everyone staring and pointing.”

“Relax, man.” his companion laughed.

Someone else spotted the young master of Sunset Glow City in our group and called out, “Hey, Junior Brother Zhao! Are all those sect elders up on the high platform paying admission too?”

Both Seraphine and Echo perked up their ears—this sounded like it could be interesting gossip.

Zhao Hangyi snapped open his paper fan with theatrical flair and laughed heartily. “My mother organized this whole second round, so honestly, I have no idea. But if I were running it? I’d definitely charge a symbolic fee.”

He fanned himself faster, eyes twinkling with mischief. “Think about it—this is the closest anyone will ever get to the Ink-Trace Venerable. For just a few spirit stones, you could share the same platform as the most powerful cultivator under heaven itself. Wouldn’t you want that opportunity?”

Seraphine’s eye twitched as she protectively cradled her be-ribboned hand, shooting a cold glance at his golden-robed back.

A few spirit stones? ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ N0v3l.Fiɾe.net

The disciple he’d been talking to actually started nodding thoughtfully. “You know what, I’m grateful to the heavens for letting me stand here through my own merit. Otherwise, I’d have to buy a ticket like everyone else!”

Zhao Hangyi suddenly snapped his fan shut and waved it dramatically. “Actually, let me clarify something important! The cultivators in those stands didn’t buy tickets like the street crowds did. They’re the top ten thousand customers of our Immortal Ascension Commerce Association—they got complimentary admission!”

He emphasized the word ‘complimentary’ like it was made of gold.

“Wow!” I breathed, genuinely impressed.

Should I include this business model in my work logs?

The surrounding cultivators fell into stunned silent. Seraphine turned to Siyi, who smiled and said, “I’m no match for Lord Zhao’s realm.”

Reading ten thousand books is nothing compared to traveling ten thousand miles.

But Zhao Hangyi wasn’t done sharing his entrepreneurial wisdom. “If I were really thinking ahead, once the Ink-Trace Venerable appears, I’d serve him the finest tea and delicacies. Then after the competition ends, I’d auction off every cup, plate, and bowl that absorbed his immortal aura! Imagine owning dishware used by the greatest cultivator under heaven—wouldn’t you want to buy it and experience what it feels like to be him?”

The crowd: “……”

In the deathly silence that followed, Echo’s “wow” stood out like a beacon.

Zhao Hangyi immediately spun around, eyes lighting up as he spotted his one appreciative audience member. He cupped his hands in a grateful salute toward Echo.

Seraphine quickly pulled Echo closer with her left hand.

Stay away from him. He’ll drain your wallet dry.

Remember how you blew through all your points before?

The memory made me shudder. I turned to whisper urgently to Seraphine, “If I ever become as powerful as the Ink-Trace Venerable, wouldn’t that make me the richest cultivator in this world?”

I could sell candied hawthorn that Lingshan Sword Venerable ate from!

“Don’t listen to him. Don’t learn from him.” Seraphine said firmly.

I nodded obediently.

I understood the principle that rarity makes things valuable. But as a little system who loved human food, had no job in this world, and relied on Seraphine’s rewards to get by, I wanted to earn spirit stones independently.

I clenched my hidden fist with determination.

Seraphine noticed Echo fidgeting sleeves and raised an eyebrow. She couldn’t read Echo’s thoughts, but somehow her little gestures always seemed to amuse rather than annoy her. A small smile tugged at her lips.

So much so that even when she saw the person following behind Qiu Shuangshuang, her mood remained calm.

Qiu Shuangshuang bounced over, dragging Wei Yutong behind her, followed by Xue Bufan and several other Autumn Water Pavilion disciples. The whole group squeezed through the crowd with infectious energy.

“Senior Sister Velka!” Xue Bufan, dressed in white robes, bowed deeply along with the other Autumn Water Pavilion disciples who wore their brown uniforms.

Perhaps because he genuinely considered Seraphine his senior sister in his heart, his bow was far more respectful than the others—his waist bent exceptionally low.

“You’re all too kind.” Seraphine replied lazily.

They have to be polite, the other disciples thought. Ever since that trip to Chongshan Secret Realm, the whole seniority structure got flipped upside down.

Qiu Shuangshuang practically bounced as she called out, “Master!”

She turned toward Echo with a bright grin. “And Master’s good friend, Senior Xi!”

“Hello.” I smiled back. “Good to see you too, Water Dragon’s Hymn.”

The Water Dragon’s Hymn in Qiu Shuangshuang’s hands remained perfectly still. She huffed indignantly. “Who was it that got so excited before that they jumped off our boat just to say hi? Now you’re playing hard to get!”

Wei Yutong gently tapped her junior sister. “Don’t talk to Water Dragon’s Hymn like that.”

I nodded sagely.

Exactly. Qiu Shuangshuang is way too weak—Water Dragon’s Hymn could swallow her in one bite. Better to stay polite.

My gaze drifted to Xue Bufan, thinking: So even the male protagonist brings a pen inscribed with “Top Scholar” to exams.

After brief greetings, they all fell into focused silence. This wasn’t the place for casual conversation.

Another quarter hour passed before a tiger’s roar echoed around the arena. A golden tiger leaped onto the spectator platform, threw back its head in another earth-shaking roar, then dissolved into thousands of glittering fragments that rained down on the contestants.

I caught one of the paper scraps and examined it. One side read “Harmony Brings Prosperity” while the other declared “Immortal Ascension Commerce Association—Fair Prices for All!” In tiny print at the bottom: “Present this voucher for 1,000 spirit stones back on any purchase of 10,000 or more in Sunset Glow City.”

Behind Seraphine, Siyi muttered, “Tsk.”

Xue Mengtao turned around to hide her laughter.

Once every contestant held a voucher, streams of spiritual light descended from the sky to land on the high platform.

At the front stood Sunset Glow City’s Lord Zhao Qingcheng, flanked by five Insight Academy Palace students supervising the competition.

But the figure in the center, surrounded by the others like stars around the moon—

Every cultivator in the stands rose to their feet, while we contestants bowed low in unison. “Greetings, Ink-Trace Venerable!”

In that sea of bowed heads, I stood out awkwardly, frozen in confusion. I started to lift my hand to bow properly when a gentle voice from the platform said, “Please, there’s no need for such formality.”

Everyone straightened up. I used the moment of movement to clap my right hand against my left with a nervous laugh.

Seraphine glanced at Echo and delivered a sharp pat to her rear.

Behave yourself.

Shock! Scandal!

I rubbed my backside, gaze moving from Seraphine’s amused face to the legendary figure on the platform.

The Ink-Trace Venerable looked surprisingly young, wearing a formal scholar’s cap and flowing robes that gave him an ethereal, otherworldly presence.

His bearing matched his clothing perfectly—like a refined, scholarly gentleman. Appropriately, he held an actual book in his hands.

“The Ink-Trace Venerable likes reading novels too.” I whispered to Seraphine.

Seraphine nearly choked, quickly grabbing Echo’s finger. “Say something that stupid again and see what happens.”

Haha, just a little joke.

I grinned and laced our fingers together properly, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

Seraphine’s eyes flicked down to check that the silver hair bow was still secure around her finger.

Wei Yutong’s voice reached us, filled with deep reverence: “A gentleman is like jade, refined through constant polishing. I heard from my master that the Ink-Trace Venerable was born with average talent and entered the Dao through scholarly pursuits. But his dedication was extraordinary—he endured what others couldn’t endure, dared what others wouldn’t dare.”

“The previous Academy Headmaster personally recruited him, and he became a distinguished professor. During the great war against the Nine Heavens Sect, he fought alongside Senior Velka and other righteous cultivators.”

Her tone carried the same respect as everyone else in the arena. “Now the Ink-Trace Venerable stands just one step away from ascension. He’s truly a role model for our generation!”

Seraphine nodded approvingly. Every year on her birthday, she received gifts from the Ink-Trace Venerable—always accompanied by encouraging letters about the importance of diligent study.

His persistence in motivating others definitely embodied the spirit of an Academy Headmaster.

I did some quick mental calculations about the points I’d need to reach the Tribulation Stage myself and—

Holy system crash!

My entire interface briefly turned black from the shock.

I clenched my fists with renewed determination.

On the high platform, the Ink-Trace Venerable’s warm voice carried clearly to every corner of the arena: “The great battle against the Nine Heavens Sect centuries ago cost the righteous path dearly. Countless heroes fell and entered the cycle of reincarnation, leaving all five continents struggling with a shortage of talent.”

“Today’s Continental Grand Competition aims to address that ancient loss. Though we’ve selected disciples with exceptional talent and cultivation, remember—there are no fixed ranks in learning the Dao. Latecomers often surpass their predecessors. Those not chosen today shouldn’t lose heart.”

After this encouraging speech, he smiled gently and announced the second round rules, his voice reaching every contestant simultaneously.

“Three thousand cultivators have come seeking knowledge. In this second round, only five hundred will advance.”

“This round will not be fought in arena combat.”

Not arena battles?

Every cultivator, including Seraphine, looked up with curiosity.

The Ink-Trace Venerable raised the book in his hands, speaking with measured authority: “This book is the Twin Dragon Secret Manual—an ancient tome that serves as the key to the Twin Dragon Secret Realm.”

“When the secret realm opens, the Twin Dragon Secret Manual will fragment and scatter throughout the realm. Your task is to enter the realm and collect as many fragments as possible. The realm will remain accessible for one full year. After that time, the five hundred contestants with the most fragments will gain admission to the Insight Academy Palace!”

Only the Ink-Trace Venerable knew the second round’s content in advance. Behind him, Zhao Qingcheng was frantically pulling items from her storage ring, setting up what looked like a complete feast.

When she heard the announcement, she hissed softly, thinking about all the business opportunities she’d miss with everyone trapped in a secret realm.

She couldn’t help asking, “Honored Ink-Trace Venerable, when does the second round begin?”

The Ink-Trace Venerable smiled. “Now.”

He tossed the book toward the sky. It unfolded into a golden gate crackling with spiritual energy. The gate remained sealed, with two golden dragons coiled around its pillars, eyes closed as if sleeping.

From the platform, the Ink-Trace Venerable’s voice resonated with ancient wisdom: “The path to immortality requires four elements: talent, opportunity, effort, and fortune—none can be lacking. Whatever items you carry in your storage rings will be your only resources within the realm!”

“The realm contains opportunities for those destined to find them. Whatever you discover there belongs to you permanently after leaving. However, since your cultivation levels vary greatly, deliberate harm is forbidden—taking lives is absolutely prohibited.” His smile remained gentle, but his next words carried steel. “Violators will be permanently barred from the Academy.”

A collective shiver ran through the contestants. Being banned from the Academy was one thing—facing punishment from a Tribulation Stage powerhouse was genuinely terrifying! Plus, nobody had expected the test to be a secret realm expedition starting immediately!

“I’m doomed! My ordered spirit medicines don’t arrive until tonight!” one cultivator wailed.

Similar worried murmurs rippled through the crowd. Among all the anxious faces, only Echo was pouting.

What am I supposed to do about Nie Xiu from the Jade Cauldron Sect now? I need to figure something out!

Seraphine reached toward Echo’s face—wanting to poke her cheek—but restrained herself with so many people watching. Instead, she hooked her finger around Echo’s.

On the platform, the Ink-Trace Venerable raised his hand for silence, then made a pushing gesture toward the gate.

The golden dragons opened their eyes and roared to life, spiraling upward as the massive gate slowly creaked open to reveal the world beyond. The twin dragons shot into the realm with thunderous cries.

“May you all achieve success.” the Ink-Trace Venerable declared.

Since this was about collecting fragments, clearly the early bird got the worm. Immediately, some contestants launched themselves toward the gate like shooting stars.

Seraphine glanced at Echo, and they clasped hands tightly.

The arena erupted in countless streams of light as three thousand cultivators surged toward the gateway like a meteor shower.

I gripped Seraphine’s hand desperately as we plunged through.

The world spun dizzyingly around us, and I managed to gasp out “Dizzy—” before realizing the grass beneath me felt different from our usual resting spots.

I opened my eyes and immediately noticed our hands were still linked. Then I looked down and met the gaze of Seraphine, who was currently pinned beneath me.

When our gazes locked, Seraphine’s eyes narrowed.

I laughed and mimicked her usual gesture, gently tapping her nose with one finger.

“Little Seraphine, you’re so wonderfully soft.”

[Author’s Note]:

Work Log……

Main System, compared to humans, you are an exemplary system. I commend you.

Main System Response: ?

Echo Reply: Something happened that you don’t need to know about. You never need to know.