At that moment.
Suddenly.
“Report to the Mission Hall immediately.”
The identity token on Ye Yunfei’s person trembled slightly, receiving a voice transmission.
“There might be a mission,” Ye Yunfei muttered to himself.
Now that Ye Yunfei was a Seed Student, according to Dean Shangguan’s words, the academy would often send Seed Students out to carry out missions or participate in training expeditions. This was one method of cultivating Seed Students. The most important philosophy in Hudao Academy’s training of disciples was that they must grow through trials and real combat. The academy absolutely did not want hothouse flowers!
Ye Yunfei walked out of the secret chamber, took to the air, and soon arrived at the Mission Hall.
Inside the Mission Hall, a large group of disciples was already standing, discussing in hushed voices. There were several hundred of them. Moreover, all of these were veteran disciples. Dean Shangguan was also present.
“Ye Yunfei!”
As soon as Ye Yunfei stepped into the Mission Hall, Wen Zi ran over and stood by his side.
Sweeping his gaze around, Ye Yunfei noticed Feng Yun’ao had also come.
“Good. Everyone is here now. Please be quiet and listen,” Dean Shangguan began.
Immediately, all disciples fell silent. That Dean Shangguan himself was overseeing the arrangement of this mission indicated the importance the academy placed on it.
“Three days ago, a Small World was discovered in the Central Continent. It’s a Small World previously undiscovered. According to martial artists who have entered it, the interior is rich in crystal mineral veins! At the same time, the Small World is inhabited by a large number of demonic beasts. Furthermore, this Small World seems to possess self-preservation laws that repel strong outsiders. Only martial artists at the Yuan Foundation Realm or below can enter. Those with strength at the Mystic Liquid Realm or above, if they attempt to enter, will be repelled by the Small World’s heavenly laws and will be unable to do so,” Dean Shangguan explained.
“After the news spread, major forces from the Central Continent have dispatched groups to enter this Small World to mine the crystal mineral veins within. Our academy takes it very seriously as well. Therefore, we are preparing to send you into that Small World to mine the crystal mineral veins,” Dean Shangguan continued.
“Now, do you all understand the situation?” Dean Shangguan asked, his gaze sweeping over the disciples standing in the Mission Hall.
“We understand,” the disciples replied in unison.
“Very good. This operation will be led by Pang Yuyang. After entering the Small World, your actions will be under Pang Yuyang’s command,” Dean Shangguan said, pointing at a yellow-shirted youth with a face of polished jade, eyes like suspended stars, and an outstanding demeanor.
“Dean Shangguan, please be at ease. I will definitely lead all my junior brothers and sisters to successfully complete the mission the academy has entrusted to us!” the yellow-shirted youth answered. Though he appeared humble on the surface, a proud and complacent expression unintentionally seeped out.
“That’s Senior Brother Pang Yuyang, ranked first on the Hidden Dragon Earth Ranking!”
“Senior Brother Pang Yuyang is also one of our academy’s Seed Students!”
Immediately, many disciples began whispering among themselves. Each disciple looked at Pang Yuyang with admiration.
Feeling the gaze of the crowd, Pang Yuyang felt immensely proud.
“With Senior Brother Pang leading us, we are certain to complete this training mission!”
“Senior Brother Pang possesses extraordinary strength, a monstrous talent ranked first on the Hidden Dragon Earth Ranking. With his leadership, our confidence is full!”
...
Very soon, disciples fond of flattery chimed in one after another with effusive praise. Ranked first on the Hidden Dragon Earth Ranking meant that among all Yuan Foundation Realm disciples in Hudao Academy, Pang Yuyang was the most powerful!
“You must not be overly complacent. That Small World is inhabited by many demonic beasts. It is said that many Yuan Foundation Realm martial artists have already been killed by those demonic beasts. Furthermore, besides our Hudao Academy, some other top forces will also dispatch groups to enter. With the forces of so many sects pouring into that Small World, conflicts will surely arise in the competition for the crystal veins. Of course, no force should dare to openly provoke our Hudao Academy. But regardless, you must not lower your guard,” Dean Shangguan cautioned.
“Right, Pang Yuyang, these three are the new Seed Students. This time, take good care of them,” Dean Shangguan added, pointing at Ye Yunfei, Feng Yun’ao, and Wen Zi.
Immediately, the gazes of all other disciples fell upon Ye Yunfei and the other two.
“Oh? So he is Ye Yunfei?”
Immediately, many disciples scrutinized Ye Yunfei. Currently, Ye Yunfei was somewhat famous within Hudao Academy. The news that Ye Yunfei, Feng Yun’ao, and Wen Zi had become Seed Students had also spread within the academy.
“Is this kid really as powerful as the rumors say?”
“He’s only at the early True Essence Realm. That’s far too weak. Perhaps the rumors are mistaken?”
“Maybe, you can’t judge by appearances.”
...
Quite a few disciples quietly discussed.
Pang Yuyang’s gaze also sized up Ye Yunfei briefly. Then, a trace of disdain flashed in his eyes. In his view, Ye Yunfei’s cultivation level was simply too low.
“And one more point. I know that among you disciples, some are from other major forces of the Central Continent. However, you are now students of Hudao Academy, representing the interests of Hudao Academy. Therefore, after entering the Small World, you absolutely must not act against the academy’s interests. If discovered, you will be dealt with severely,” Dean Shangguan declared sternly.
“Alright. Return and prepare yourselves. In half a day, gather back here at the Mission Hall, and we will depart together!” Dean Shangguan finished, then turned and left the Mission Hall.
The moment Dean Shangguan departed, a large group of disciples surrounded Pang Yuyang, fawning over and trying to curry favor with him. Some female disciples even proactively drew near, swaying their figures and batting their eyelashes seductively. Never mind that Pang Yuyang was the leader of this mission; just his status as the number one on the Hidden Dragon Earth Ranking was enough reason for these disciples to grovel.
“Greetings, Senior Brother Pang,” Feng Yun’ao strode over and said to Pang Yuyang.
“Hm, you must be Feng Yun’ao of the Fengyun Family. Very good. So young, yet already at the Yuan Foundation Realm. Such aptitude truly qualifies you to become a Seed Student of our academy,” Pang Yuyang looked at Feng Yun’ao, smiled, and nodded. Since the Fengyun Family was a top force in the Central Continent, Pang Yuyang was very amiable towards Feng Yun’ao.
“Senior Brother Pang flatters me. I hope for Senior Brother Pang’s guidance in the future,” Feng Yun’ao said.
“Easy, easy,” Pang Yuyang nodded repeatedly.
At this time, Ye Yunfei turned, preparing to leave the Mission Hall. He had noticed Pang Yuyang’s earlier disdainful look, so naturally, he wasn’t going over to strike up a conversation.
“Ye Yunfei, wait for me!” Wen Zi trotted after him.
“Ye Yunfei, Wen Zi! You two have such poor manners! Senior Brother Pang is our leader this time and a veteran Seed Student, yet you two actually refuse to come over and pay your respects to Senior Brother Pang! Do you truly disregard Senior Brother Pang?!” Suddenly, Feng Yun’ao shouted at Ye Yunfei and Wen Zi.
Hearing Feng Yun’ao’s shout, Ye Yunfei’s eyes turned icy. However, without turning his head, Ye Yunfei took a few steps and exited the Mission Hall.
“Not paying attention to you.” Wen Zi turned back, made a face, then hurried to catch up with Ye Yunfei.
“Hmph!” Seeing this, Pang Yuyang’s face couldn’t help but turn extremely gloomy as he snorted coldly.