In the depths of the dense forest, a terrifying force surged forth like a mist of Chaos. It was an incessant torrent, forming a destructive hurricane that seemed capable of destroying heaven and earth.

Wherever it passed, the mountains and forests swayed violently. Ancient trees turned to ash, and boulders weighing tens of thousands of pounds shattered into dust. Countless wild beasts, with no time to escape, were dragged into the vortex. They were instantly reduced to pulp, their flesh and bones separated, leaving only the purest essence of blood and spirit to be devoured by faint glimmers of light.

The scene was utterly horrifying.

"People! So many people!" a prodigy from the Southern Extreme Heavenly Cave exclaimed in shock as they drew closer. He could see figures moving within the Chaos-colored mist—at least a hundred of them.

Each person radiated a powerful aura. Some were wreathed in Sword Intent, some were cloaked in fierce flames, some summoned divine blue-and-purple lightning beneath their feet, and some projected a Blade Intent that pierced the heavens. They charged forward as one, like an endless swarm of locusts, quashing any thought of resistance.

"Dammit! Dammit! Is this an alliance of several factions? No, it would take dozens to form a group this large!"

A disciple of the Southern Extreme Heavenly Cave shrieked. Runes flared to life at his feet, emanating a frosty white air that froze the ground he touched. He began gliding away on a sheet of ice, his speed multiplying several times as he fled.

The last disciple from the Southern Extreme Heavenly Cave, realizing escape was impossible, dove headfirst into the dense thicket nearby. He blundered through the undergrowth, startling birds and beasts, which scattered in a panic.

However, no one from the chaotic mist gave chase. Their targets were clear.

Their speed kept increasing until, suddenly, several streaks of Sword Qi tore through the air. They pierced the void at astonishing speed, striking the Golden Dragon Hawk that had already flown a great distance away.

SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!

More than twenty streaks of Sword Qi rained down relentlessly, riddling the Golden Dragon Hawk's wings with dozens of bloody holes.

The Dragon Hawk let out a wretched screech. Its speed dropped dramatically, and it plummeted from the sky, crashing through countless Azure Sky Giant Woods.

Immediately after, over a hundred figures swarmed forward, unleashing a terrifying storm of mana. Within a few breaths, the Golden Dragon Hawk was slain.

Afterward, a few people stepped forward. They used Flying Swords to pluck the feathers, a great blade to skin the beast, and a Yin-Yang Treasure Gourd to collect its blood.

Soon, the Golden Dragon Hawk was completely butchered. Nothing was left behind.

The group of prodigies hiding in the shadows trembled.

Who in the world are these people? they wondered. How many times have they done this to be so proficient? Did they work at some slaughterhouse before entering the Holy Academy?

A rich aroma suddenly wafted through the forest. After dismembering the Dragon Hawk, the group didn't leave. Instead, they stayed right where they were, set up a bonfire, skewered the beast on a Great Halberd, and began roasting it.

"Are they really going to roast and eat the Dragon Hawk right now?" one of the hiding disciples whispered.

So barbaric! another thought. That Dragon Hawk is a treasure trove! It would have much greater uses if preserved. For them to eat it right away... it's too extravagant, too wasteful!

GULP.

A prodigy stared at the scene, unable to stop himself from swallowing.

It smells so good!

The Golden Dragon Hawk truly lived up to its ancient Divine Beast lineage. The aroma from the roast was so rich and tempting it made one's mouth water.

"This is too much! Way too much!" Sima Yulong had appeared behind his fellow prodigies at some point. He poked his head out from the dense shrubs, crouching with his silver spear in hand. His whole body trembled as he stared at the scene in the distance.

A junior disciple quickly advised, "Senior Brother, there are a lot of them! Don't be rash!"

Sima Yulong's eyes were filled with frost. "They stole our prize and are now brazenly cooking it right in front of us! This is the height of arrogance! It's absolutely intolerable! These people are domineering and crass, completely devoid of grace. I wonder what godforsaken corner they crawled out of!"

"But I have to say, that smell is incredible! I really want to try some..." another disciple mumbled, swallowing hard.

The others nodded in agreement.

Sima Yulong's face darkened. "Nonsense! Eating so crudely—how is that any different from being a wild beast? What I, Sima Yulong, despise most in this life is such self-degrading behavior!"

"I think it's actually quite nice," a voice suddenly remarked from behind them.

"What's nice about it?" Sima Yulong retorted instinctively. He suddenly realized the voice was unfamiliar, not belonging to one of his peers, and he spun around.

A youth dressed in snow-white robes stood there. He had an extraordinary air about him, like a banished immortal, and he was watching them with a gentle smile. He had appeared behind them without anyone noticing.

All the disciples of the Southern Extreme Heavenly Cave tensed up. The youth seemed harmless, even inspiring a natural sense of affinity, but the silent, ghost-like manner in which he had approached filled them with a deep-seated wariness.

Sima Yulong stared at the youth's face and breathed, "Wang Xiu?"

Wang Xiu smiled warmly. "The very same. I have long heard of Sima Yulong of the Southern Extreme Heavenly Cave and his Frost Snow Divine Spear. They say when your spear falls, it startles the wind and rain—a style no less impressive than the Cave Mysterious Spear Sage of old! Seeing you today, you are indeed as elegant as a jade tree, with the makings of a sage. Your reputation is well-deserved!"

Sima Yulong's eyes narrowed slightly as he savored the praise. He had personally witnessed Wang Xiu suppress the thunderstorm in Vermilion Bird City; this was a prodigy who could call the Saint Heir of Longhu his brother. To be held in such high regard by someone so remarkable... it seemed his usual assessment of himself had been far too modest.

A rare smile touched his icy face. "You flatter me, Junior Brother Wang. I'm not worthy of such praise! You are the truly exceptional one, a rare talent in this world, a true Chosen of Heaven!"

He glanced toward the group from Sanqing, who were busy roasting their meal, and a look of realization dawned on his face. "So, you are the renowned prodigies of Sanqing. No wonder..."

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