Witnessing Ye Chen step forward and shatter the palm formed by his dharma manifestation, the Commander showed a flicker of surprise, knowing this man before him was no ordinary figure. Yet, upon hearing Ye Chen's words, he sneered coldly. "Disappointed?"
The group of armored guards beside him burst into mocking laughter, filled with contempt and disdain.
That Commander-like figure stood with his hands clasped behind his back, arrogantly sneering, "So what if it is? I am this arrogant. What can you possibly do about it? This is the Dragon Phoenix Academy. No matter how great your background, when you come here, even a dragon must coil and a tiger must crouch." His faint words brimmed with haughtiness.
"The Dragon Phoenix Academy? Nothing more than this. It seems my choice was also a mistake. Such a cultivation academy is not worth entering."
Ye Chen shook his head with disappointment, then grabbed the Corpse Devouring Insect Emperor and turned to leave, covering ten miles in an instant with astonishing speed.
However, upon reaching that point, he suddenly paused for some unknown reason, turning back to look at the main gate of the Dragon Phoenix Academy.
Seeing this, the guard Commander, hands still behind his back, sneered, "Why stop halfway? Do you want to come back and beg us? Hahaha—come and beg us properly. Perhaps we'll show mercy and grant you the qualification to enter the academy."
A group of guards followed with raucous laughter, filled with scorn and disdain.
"Ah, right. I forgot there's one more thing to return to your Dragon Phoenix Academy."
"What else could you possibly have to return to the Dragon Phoenix Academy?" the Commander scoffed.
"This!"
Suddenly, a gilded invitation letter appeared between Ye Chen's fingers, shimmering with resplendent golden light. The illusion of a dragon and phoenix dancing together manifested around it, marking it as extraordinary.
The guards stationed at the main gate of the Dragon Phoenix Academy were all cultivators of no small skill. They could clearly see the invitation in Ye Chen's hand was precisely the kind sent out by the academy's higher-ups.
At this moment, everyone was utterly stunned, filled with shock and disbelief.
Invitation letters from the Dragon Phoenix Academy had always been reserved only for the most supreme prodigies across the myriad realms—extremely rare True King-level geniuses like the Sun God or Yuan Yao Divine King—who were qualified to be invited to cultivate within the academy. Moreover, such invitations were delivered personally by elders, demonstrating the utmost sincerity. Otherwise, not even a King would be eligible to receive one.
Yet, this man before them actually possessed one. Who in the world was he?
"I know who he is! It's the Battle Saint King! No wonder he looked so familiar," someone exclaimed in astonishment. It was the guard who had earlier felt Ye Chen's face was familiar.
He had already thought Ye Chen looked somewhat familiar. Now, seeing the gilded invitation letter clearly, how could he not understand everything? He couldn't help but suck in a sharp breath of cold air.
Not just him. Upon hearing that name, even the others couldn't help but jump in fright. Even the guard Commander's face paled with horror.
Of all people to offend, they had to provoke the legendary Battle Saint King. Good heavens.
Who didn't know that the current Battle Saint King was at the peak of his power, terrifyingly and outrageously strong? He had slaughtered overlords at the Heavenly Pass Starry Land, confronted ancient Great Sages, become the Lord of the Ancient Lan World, obtained the legacy of the September Great Power, earned the appreciation of two ancient Great Sages, and was also a member of the Heavenly Gate... Each of his deeds was earth-shattering. He was also the peerless figure who, before the trial day, had single-handedly fought against three Immortal True Kings without defeat.
All of this further highlighted the Battle Saint King's invincible reputation. One must know that even the higher-ups of the Dragon Phoenix Academy had extended a warm invitation to the Battle Saint King. Yet today, not only was he turned away at the gate, but he was also met with cold sneers, disdain, and contempt from their entire group.
If the higher-ups learned of today's events, they would surely punish them severely. Just thinking about the consequences made their hearts tremble.
Everyone felt bitter. Why, of all people, did they have to offend the Battle Saint King?
"Since we've severed ties, this invitation letter shall also be returned to you."
Boom—
Ye Chen flicked the gilded invitation letter from between his two fingers. With a whoosh, the letter instantly transformed into a sharp golden light that pierced through the sky, shooting toward the group of guard experts.
"How dare you!"
Even though it was the Battle Saint King before him, the Commander was filled with rage. He roared, a war halberd appearing in his hand as he soared into the air. Dao techniques surged, laws billowed forth as he charged forward to block it.
Boom—
The gilded invitation letter possessed boundless power. The powerful Commander was struck as if by lightning, sent flying backward while coughing up large mouthfuls of blood.
The invitation letter slammed into the main gate of the Dragon Phoenix Academy, erupting with infinite golden light that flooded the entire entrance. Strands of primordial Chaos Qi accompanied the blast, causing the void itself to collapse and shatter.
The entire ancient main gate of the Dragon Phoenix Academy was shaken, resonating with a long, thunderous hum as it trembled incessantly.
Even the True Dragon and Phoenix depicted on it let out dragon's roars and phoenix cries, their colors flowing brilliantly.
The guards had long been trembling with fear, all of them prostrating themselves, not daring to speak or move, filled with terror.
Not long after, powerful figures flew out from the depths of the Dragon Phoenix Academy—the higher-ups, all stirred by the commotion.
Even many young geniuses within the entire Dragon Phoenix Academy were alerted, all rushing toward the main gate to find out what had happened.
"How terrifying. It actually contains such potent blood energy and Chaos Qi. Isn't this the Battle Saint King's invitation letter?"
An elder stepped forward. Seeing the gilded invitation letter embedded in the main gate, from which potent golden blood energy and wisps of primordial Chaos Qi seeped forth, shaking heaven and earth with its extraordinary nature, even a Saint Lord would wear a grave expression, for it was imbued with supreme Dao laws.
Finally, an ancient recluse appeared. Using extraordinary means, he retrieved the letter, his expression solemn. "It is indeed the Battle Saint King's invitation letter. But why is it here? Where is he?"
Many were puzzled. The Battle Saint King had suddenly left half a month ago. Yet today, only an invitation letter was found embedded in the main gate. This was the greatest disrespect toward the Dragon Phoenix Academy, causing many of the higher-ups to look displeased.
"Tell us, where is the Battle Saint King?"
A red-robed elder inquired.
The guards watching the main gate all trembled, not daring to speak.
"What's the matter? Is no one willing to speak?"
The elder's expression was stern as he coldly stared at them, imposing immense pressure.
Finally, that Commander stepped forward, clasping his fists. "Reporting to Uncle—reporting to Elder, this is all the Battle Saint King's fault. He intended to provoke the Dragon Phoenix Academy, showing contempt and disdain. He embedded the invitation letter in the main gate, unwilling to enter the academy."
In just a few words, the guard Commander shifted all the blame onto the Battle Saint King.