“They say that when Heaven is about to bestow a great responsibility upon someone, it must first distress their mind, tire their muscles and bones, and starve their body... Is this a test from above for me?” Brian Brooks comforted himself. He felt that this time, his troubles were truly overwhelming—just a small wave could capsize his boat. After a brief moment of tension, his mind immediately began working, searching for a solution.

A few days later, as the various departments of the Lower Academy Island at the Ethereal Dao College gradually got on track and began their first classes for new students, Brian Brooks walked out of his cave dwelling early that morning, carrying a small bundle, his expression grave.

“What’s the big deal? What’s there to be afraid of?” Looking up at the sword-shaped sun in the sky, Brian Brooks took a deep breath, determination flashing in his eyes. Wearing the special recruitment student’s robe, he headed toward the Spirit Stone Hall, one of the three main classrooms of the Department of Magical Arms.

Along the way, many students were heading to class in small groups, each filled with anticipation, their steps light as they chatted from time to time. But when they saw Brian Brooks in his red Daoist robe, they all paused in surprise, instantly recognizing who he was. Their expressions changed, and the topics of their hushed discussions inevitably shifted to Brian Brooks.

“That’s Brian Brooks!”

“He actually showed up!”

“How much longer do you think he’ll last in the Dao College? I heard some teachers have suggested expelling him as a warning to others.”

Although the discussions were quiet, Brian Brooks encountered so many classmates along the way that some of the talk still reached his ears. If it were anyone else, they would surely be unable to hide their panic and anxiety at this moment. But as someone who had studied the autobiographies of high officials since childhood, Brian Brooks’s thick skin was second nature. His expression remained unchanged as he strode confidently toward the classroom.

From a distance, the stone platform where the classroom was located was vast, large enough to accommodate ten thousand people. The architecture was simple, yet full of ancient grandeur, with seven or eight massive stone pillars supporting a huge flying phoenix pavilion roof.

Beneath the pavilion, the place was abuzz with voices. Except for the empty lectern in the center, the countless tiered seats surrounding it were already packed with people. The most eye-catching feature in the hall was the enormous stone wall to the right of the lectern.

The stone wall was a bluish color, and on it appeared one hundred names. After each name was a number, ranging from 90 for the first place down to 82 for the hundredth, with decimal points further distinguishing the rankings.

Outside the classroom, at the entrance, stood a large stone slab engraved with the motto of the Department of Magical Arms.

“In this world, all paths are subdued by magical artifacts, controlled by spiritual treasures. If all else fails, divine weapons shall cut them down!”

As Brian Brooks approached, despite the mix of old and new students and the even greater number of classmates and discussions, he remained calm, gazing at the motto on the stone.

The words exuded supreme dominance, carrying the momentum of one law suppressing all others. The aura leapt off the stone, and even though Brian Brooks had worries in his heart, his steps faltered for a moment, his spirit shaken.

If, before, Brian Brooks was merely interested in the Department of Magical Arms, then at this moment, after seeing these words, he felt a much deeper longing for it.

“Want to expel me? What a joke! I, Brian Brooks, have studied the autobiographies of high officials for ten years—what storms haven’t I weathered?” Steeling himself, Brian Brooks stepped through the classroom doors and walked straight in.

The moment his conspicuous red Daoist robe appeared inside the classroom, he immediately drew the attention of the surrounding students. No one knows who was the first, but a sharp voice suddenly called out Brian Brooks’s name.

As soon as the voice rang out, countless gazes shot over from all directions, all landing on Brian Brooks. There were at least ten thousand people here, and with all their eyes focused on one person, the pressure was enough to make anyone’s legs go weak—especially as boos began to rise from the crowd.

“Brian Brooks, you still have the nerve to come to class?”

“What special recruitment student? He only got in by cheating! If people like him aren’t dealt with, where’s the justice?”

“Brian Brooks, you’re not welcome here!”

In any other setting, perhaps no one would speak so bluntly, since there was no deep-seated hatred. But here in the classroom, with so many people, the atmosphere was easily stirred up, and for a moment, the voices of condemnation buzzed throughout the hall.

David Clark was also in the crowd, feeling conflicted. As he looked at Brian Brooks, he sighed inwardly. He found it strange—he clearly knew this guy had cheated, yet the bloody image of him in his mind was something he couldn’t forget.

“If it were me, I’d probably have turned and left by now.” As David Clark shook his head in resignation, his eyes suddenly widened. He saw Brian Brooks, standing at the classroom entrance, naturally take a large loudspeaker from his bag, hold it to his mouth, glare, and suddenly roar.

“Everyone shut up!”

His voice was already a wild shout, and with the help of the specially modified loudspeaker, it was like thunder crashing down, echoing through the entire classroom. Even the discussions of ten thousand people couldn’t compare and were instantly drowned out.

Those who were closest and booing the loudest nearly staggered and fell from the shock of the roar. In an instant, everyone’s ears were ringing, and the hall fell utterly silent. Some were left dazed, never having imagined that a student would actually carry such an obviously modified loudspeaker in their bag.