Seeing that the massive bear’s imposing body was charging toward Brian Brooks, seemingly about to tear him apart in the next instant, at this moment, inside the main cabin of the airship, Dr. Carter let out a cold laugh.

“See that? There’s excitement in this kid’s eyes. Have any of you ever seen someone look like that right before dying, as if he’s afraid he won’t die?”

Looking at Brian Brooks on the screen, the other teachers all wore strange expressions. If viewed with a normal perspective, Brian Brooks looked heroic, but if observed with suspicion, his flaws became rather obvious.

“This kid is just shameless!”

“Cheating is one thing, but to act so over the top!” The teachers in the main cabin couldn’t stand it anymore. As for Goatee, he was gritting his teeth, full of regret, his heart bleeding, just short of pounding his chest in frustration.

“Heavens, my authority!!”

In the end, Dr. Carter waved his right hand again, and all the images in the crystal immediately shattered and disappeared.

“That’s enough, we’re about to land at the Dao Academy. The assessment is over!”

As the dream maze collapsed, the last thing Brian Brooks saw was the giant bear blocking out the sky, then, together with the world, turning into a murky darkness.

When his consciousness returned, he felt his whole body jolt, as if pushed by a great force. Opening his eyes, he found himself back in the airship’s spirit cultivation room, with the sound of the crowd’s astonished exclamations still ringing in his ears.

“Weren’t we just in the Chiyun Rainforest? How did this happen!”

“Was I dreaming, or was everyone dreaming?”

Brian Brooks blinked, quickly putting on a bewildered look, and shouted loudly.

“Go, all of you, don’t worry about me! Old bear, I’ll fight you to the end!”

His voice was so loud, and because of his heroic display in the maze, it was hard not to attract attention. As soon as he shouted, countless eyes immediately fell on Brian Brooks, especially his classmates nearby, who were all excited.

“It’s Brian Brooks, brother!”

“Good brother!!”

“Brian Brooks, from now on, you’re my big bro!”

Among the gazes were Megan Foster and Little Lily. Having survived the ordeal, their looks toward Brian Brooks were different now, especially Little Lily, whose eyes were brimming with tears. If not for the magnetic spirit suit and the distance, she would have rushed over to him.

All of this made Brian Brooks feel extremely pleased inside. Just as he was thinking about how to bask in everyone’s admiration, a dignified voice echoed through the spirit cultivation room.

“Students, below you is the Dao Academy. What just happened was the entrance assessment for our Misty Dao Academy. Your results will be counted toward your credits… Finally, welcome to Misty Dao Academy!”

Perhaps it was the dignified voice that calmed everyone, or maybe it was hearing that they were near the academy, but the students in the spirit cultivation room all snapped out of their dreamlike state, perked up, and turned to look out the windows.

Although Brian Brooks felt a bit regretful, he couldn’t hide his anticipation. Looking outside, he immediately saw a huge lake below, like a mirror laid upon the earth, reflecting the color of the sky—truly beautiful.

There were three islands in the lake, arranged in a straight line. Boats could be seen traveling between the islands, and as they got closer, ancient-style buildings and countless figures became visible on the islands.

Especially on the outermost island, there seemed to be tens of thousands of people, like a small city.

“Our Misty Dao Academy, formerly known as the Academy, was founded in the year 2348 AD. It has survived the Federation era, participated in the Beast War, entered the Lingyuan Era, and transformed from an academy to a Dao institution. To this day, it has over seven hundred years of history, producing countless prodigies and heroes, making significant contributions to the progress of civilization. The previous president of the Federation was a graduate of Misty Dao Academy.”

“The lake you see is called Qingmu Lake. The phrase ‘Qingmu Years, Gentle Shepherding’ means joy and youthfulness, just like young people!”

“As for the three islands, they are the core Tianxing Island, the Upper Academy Island for true Dao disciples, and the Lower Academy Island for you students. Each upholds our Misty Dao Academy’s mission: to change the sun and moon for the heavens above, and to bring peace to the people below!”

The dignified voice echoed in the spirit cultivation room, filled with pride, which spread to everyone’s hearts. From this moment, everyone, including Brian Brooks, was awed by the grandeur and heritage of Misty Dao Academy.

As the Lower Academy Island rapidly grew larger in their view, they could see that on this largest island stood more than a dozen towering peaks, like swords thrusting toward the sky.

On each peak were countless buildings, and large characters could be seen, clear even from the sky.

Weaponry Department, Alchemy Department, Martial Department, Array Department…

There was no time to see them all. With a loud boom, everyone’s bodies shook as the airship, which had traveled thousands of miles from Phoenix City, landed directly on the Lower Academy Island of Misty Dao Academy!

Misty Dao Academy, we’ve arrived!

Chapter 5: Specially Recruited Students