Chapter 972: Chapter 972: Heavenly Talent Selection Competition

    Upon hearing Mr. Gao’s words, Qin Hao pondered, Southern Continent Heavenly Earth Academy?

    Mr. Gao continued, “It seems Mr. Qin doesn’t know about the Southern Continent Heavenly Earth Academy. To put it plainly: this academy is the most prestigious institution in the entire Southern State. Countless princes, princesses, and young talents from various dynasties and empires yearn to join. It offers countless cultivation resources, powerful cultivation techniques, divine skills, magic treasures, and more.

    As long as you pass the assessment and join the Southern Continent Heavenly Earth Academy, the mentors there will wholeheartedly teach you. In the future, you will definitely become a top master. And by top master, I don’t mean someone like me, but a leading master of the Southern Continent, whom emperors of dynasties and empires would greet with utmost respect.”

    Qin Hao nodded, “It seems like a pretty good place.”

    It was somewhat similar to the institutions in Qin Hao’s world, cultivating various talents into form.

    Gao Yuan: “The Southern Continent Heavenly Earth Academy is one of the five major academies on the Hidden Dragon Continent. It has stood for millions of years, with profound foundations and incredible power. Mr. Qin, you possess extraordinary talent and astonishing combat power. If you register, there’s a good chance you could enter the academy.”

    Qin Hao chuckled dryly, “The Southern Continent is vast and endless, with countless dynasties and empires and innumerable young prodigies. Mr. Gao overestimates me.”

    Gao Yuan’s expression turned serious, “I’m not joking, Mr. Qin. With your strength, there is great hope. I am telling you all this because I want to know if you are interested in participating in this major competition?”

    Qin Hao answered straightforwardly, “Of course, I’m interested.”

    Currently, his most urgent desire was not to go to Xingyue Palace, but to enhance his strength. Without strength, he probably wouldn’t even make it to Xingyue Palace.

    Only when he was strong enough would he venture to Xingyue Palace. If Xingyue Palace still disagreed, he could even use force if necessary.

    Upon hearing this, Gao Yuan smiled and said, “To participate in the genius selection competition of the entire Southern State, you must first pass the selection of the Skyfire Dynasty. The Skyfire Dynasty only has five slots available, so the dynasty selects the top five strongest warriors. As the Commandery Prince of Yuxing County, I have three guaranteed slots at my disposal to let you bypass the Yuxing County selection and directly enter the capital for the final selection.”

    Qin Hao thought for a moment and said, “How about giving me two of those slots, Mr. Gao?”

    Hearing this, Gao Yuan was taken aback, “Is Mr. Qin trying to secure a slot for Miss Xian Yin?”

    Qin Hao nodded, “Exactly!”

    Gao Yuan, “Alright, Mr. Qin, since you are straightforward, I, Gao Yuan, will also fulfill your wish and agree to Mr. Qin’s request. However, I do have a condition.”

    Qin Hao knew he wouldn’t help him for no reason, “Mr. Gao, go ahead and say it.”

    Gao Yuan glanced at his daughter Linglong and sighed, “Among my children, only Linglong has some talents. If Linglong is fortunate enough to make it into the top five of the dynasty, I hope Mr. Qin can lend my daughter a hand during the academy’s grand competition.”

    Qin Hao asked in confusion, “How can I help? Wouldn’t that be cheating?”

    Gao Yuan smiled and said, “Mr. Qin still doesn’t quite understand the rules. The preliminary chaotic grand competition is conducted simultaneously for everyone. As long as you pass that selection, you can enter the academy as an ordinary student. The better the results in the subsequent competitions, the better the treatment you receive.”

    Qin Hao, “Alright, I will definitely do my best to help Princess Gao at that time.”

    “With Mr. Qin’s assurance, I’m relieved. If this girl can’t even make it into the top five of the dynasty, she can only blame herself,” said Gao Yuan.

    Qin Hao nodded slightly, “When does Mr. Gao plan to set off?”

    “Tomorrow, the royal announcement should come down, and then Yuxing County will have one month for martial arts selection. Once the top ten in the county are selected, we will set off for the capital together. During this time, Mr. Qin can stay in the Commandery Prince’s mansion, as I’ve already arranged for accommodations. Additionally, I have an opportunity to present to Mr. Qin.”

    Qin Hao was taken aback, an opportunity?

    “Let me keep it a surprise for now, and you will know when the time comes. Come, let’s go sit and talk in the palace,” said Gao Yuan.

    The group went to the hall of the Commandery Prince’s mansion, where they chatted for a while. Gao Yuan then left Gao Linglong and the others to keep Qin Hao company while he dealt with some confidential matters.

    After having a midday feast at the Commandery Prince’s mansion, Qin Hao asked Gao Linglong and the others to take him to the Scripture Pavilion of the mansion. He planned to browse the ancient texts there, assuming that as this was the Commandery Prince’s mansion, the collection would be rich, and he might even find information about the Butian Sect.

    However, after half an afternoon of browsing, Qin Hao still hadn’t found anything useful.

    He returned to the room arranged for them by Gao Yuan, a palace with several rooms within.

    In the main hall of the palace, Xian Yin saw him return and asked, “Any news, sir?”

    Qin Hao shook his head, “No, but I did see some information about the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion.”

    “Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion?” Xian Yin was taken aback.

    Qin Hao, “Yes, this Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion seems very powerful, with intelligence networks covering the entire Hidden Dragon Continent. Even they haven’t found any information about the Butian Sect, so it’s unlikely we’ll find anything in the royal library either.”

    “Master, don’t be disheartened. Since we now have the news about Xingyue Palace, we’ll definitely come across information about the Butian Sect in the future,” Ling’er comforted him.

    Xian Yin agreed, “Yes, sir, we will definitely find it.”

    Looking at them, Qin Hao smiled warmly. Having them by his side felt good; if he were alone, he wasn’t sure how he would be faring now.

    “Master, try some of the snacks from the Commandery Prince’s mansion. They’re delicious,” Ling’er said, placing a piece of snack near his mouth.

    Qin Hao opened his mouth and ate it, “Indeed, it’s quite delicious. The cook at the Commandery Prince’s mansion must be top-notch. If it wasn’t good, they’d have been dismissed long ago.”

    “Mr. Qin, Miss Xian Yin.” At that moment, Gao Linglong entered from outside.

    The three looked up at her, “What’s the matter, Princess Gao?”

    Gao Linglong smiled slightly, “Mr. Qin, please don’t call me Princess. Just call me Linglong. My father has prepared the dinner and invited you all to join.”

    “Alright, Miss Linglong, lead the way then.”

    Soon, they arrived at a palace where a variety of delicious dishes were already set on the table, and the smell of meat wafted through the air the moment they entered.

    Seeing them arrive, Gao Yuan stood up with a smile, “Mr. Qin, Miss Xian Yin, Miss Ling’er, please have a seat.”

    Qin Hao and the others sat down, “Mr. Gao, you’re too kind; I’m afraid I can’t properly express my gratitude.”

    “Mr. Qin, please make yourself at home. Treat this place as your own. Come, pour wine for Mr. Qin and the two ladies,” Gao Yuan instructed the maids behind him.

    Immediately, young and beautiful maids came over, skillfully and deftly pouring wine for Qin Hao and the two ladies.

    Gao Yuan, “Mr. Qin, this is the Fire Spirit Wine I’ve treasured for years, a royal offering. Please try it, it’s beneficial for cultivation.”