In a refined pavilion, wisps of fragrant smoke rose from a stove in the corner. The room was filled with exquisite items, including purple wooden tables and chairs, and ancient paintings adorned with Dao Marks.

Yu Chenran lay on a rocking chair, his eyes half-closed, looking particularly at ease.

“Master, you called me back in such a hurry. Is there something important?”

Chen Qingyuan pushed the door open, walked up to Yu Chenran, and bowed in greeting.

“Yes,” Yu Chenran slowly got up, took a sip of the tea beside him, and said, “Do you know the true intention of the Ten Heroes of the Northern Wilderness?”

“Intention?” Chen Qingyuan speculated, “To let the Heaven’s Pride of the Northern Wilderness compete under the name of the Ten Heroes, honing their Dao Hearts and promoting their cultivation.”

“That’s one part, but there’s something even more important,” Yu Chenran said.

“Please enlighten me, Master,” Chen Qingyuan asked, his eyes filled with confusion.

“The world is divided into five provinces: Imperial Province, Northern Wilderness, Western Border, Southern Region, and Eastern Land,” Yu Chenran began to explain slowly, “Each province encompasses countless Star Domains and billions of stars. The Imperial Province is the core of the world, rich in resources and home to powerful figures far surpassing those of other regions. About three hundred thousand years ago, an ancient secret realm appeared in the Imperial Province…”

Three hundred thousand years ago, around the time the demon abyss was born.

What connection does this ancient secret realm have with the demon abyss? And what is the name of the Red-Dressed Girl in the Sky Abyss? Are these events related?

Many questions arose in Chen Qingyuan’s mind.

The ancient secret realm opens once every ten thousand years. It is said to contain countless fortunes, benefiting many forces in the Imperial Province.

Initially, the ancient secret realm was occupied by the forces of the Imperial Province, with no share for other provinces. Later, under pressure from various powerful figures, even the Sacred Grounds and ancient sects of the Imperial Province had to make concessions.

Thus, the Hundred Veins Banquet was formed.

Heaven’s Pride under five hundred years old can enter the ancient secret realm, while those over the age limit, no matter how strong, are not eligible.

According to those who have entered, the secret realm is vast, comparable to a massive Star Domain, surrounded by millions of stars, with fortunes hidden everywhere.

In various corners of the secret realm, purple Dao Light often emerges.

If one can obtain it and surpass their peers in quantity, they may receive the favor of the Great Dao, either undergoing a transformation and enhancing their talents or obtaining a divine treasure with unfathomable power.

“The Hundred Veins Banquet occurs once every ten thousand years. Anyone eligible to participate has the opportunity to advance further.”

For many years, the Academy has maintained a transcendent position, not involving itself in worldly disputes.

Those who are fortunate enough to take the entrance examination of the Academy cannot be evaluated as one of the Ten Heroes of the Northern Wilderness.

Because the list of the Ten Heroes is a pathway prepared by the Academy for Heaven’s Pride with less background, ensuring that talented young people are not overlooked.

“Master, I’ve always been puzzled. Why am I an exception?”

Chen Qingyuan finally voiced his doubt, seeking clarity.

“The Academy has remained hidden for too long. It’s time to step into the world again,” Yu Chenran said, staring deeply at Chen Qingyuan.

“So, I’m a pawn for the Academy to enter the world?” Chen Qingyuan seemed to understand, his expression unchanged.

“What, feeling uncomfortable?” Yu Chenran raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth, teasing intentionally.

“How could that be? Even if I’m a pawn, not just anyone can be one,” Chen Qingyuan replied, unfazed.

In this world, who can guarantee they are not someone else’s pawn?

Moreover, who else can be as comfortable as Chen Qingyuan while being a pawn?

“You brat, you’re really carefree,” Yu Chenran laughed and scolded, “Don’t overthink it. You’re not a pawn of the Academy; you’re a student.”

“Yes, Master,” Chen Qingyuan said, cupping his fists.

Because of you, the Academy decided to enter the world.

If we must say, you’re not the pawn; the Academy is.

So, who is the player of this game?

Is it the one in the Sky Abyss? Or the dean who disappeared five thousand years ago? Or is there someone else?

These mysteries can only be revealed in the future.

“Do you know the origin of the ancient tower?” Yu Chenran decided to tell Chen Qingyuan more.

“It’s said to have been brought back by the first dean.”

Chen Qingyuan wasn’t very clear about this ancient history, only knowing a rough outline.

“That’s right,” Yu Chenran said solemnly, “Can you guess where it was obtained?”

Chen Qingyuan wasn’t a fool. With such an obvious hint, he instantly guessed, “Could it be from the ancient secret realm of the Hundred Veins Banquet?”

“Exactly,” Yu Chenran said proudly, “Back then, the forces of the Imperial Province controlled the secret realm, but the young first dean found an opportunity to enter it.”

“Afterward, he suppressed all the evildoers of the Imperial Province, obtaining many treasures. When the time came, everyone was forced to leave the secret realm, and the ancestor was besieged by various forces.”

“Fortunately, the ancestor’s methods were extraordinary. After surviving countless life-and-death situations, he escaped to the Northern Wilderness. According to the Academy’s records, the ancestor’s Dao Techniques reached perfection, and his cultivation peaked. He then returned to the Imperial Province.”

“In that battle, the ancestor oppressed countless forces, forcing them to swear an oath on their Dao Hearts, allowing Heaven’s Pride from other provinces to enter the secret realm, which evolved into the current Hundred Veins Banquet.”

Yu Chenran longed to witness the first dean’s grandeur firsthand, but he could only imagine it in his mind, feeling a deep sense of regret.

The nine top-grade sacred swords at the peak of Sword Mountain, the ancient tower, and the top-tier alchemy furnace and treasure cauldron were all crafted by the first dean using materials obtained from the ancient secret realm.

“Wasn’t it said that the Imperial Province made concessions under the pressure of other provinces?” Chen Qingyuan felt a deep sense of reverence just from Yu Chenran’s brief description of the first dean’s deeds.

“If it weren’t for the ancestor, the forces of the other provinces would have been like scattered sand, not daring to challenge the ancient sects and Sacred Grounds entrenched in the Imperial Province for countless years.”

The first ancestor of the Academy was indeed a world-shaking evildoer. That era belonged solely to him, with no one able to compete.

One person suppressed all the evildoers of the world, making them unable to lift their heads.

Chen Qingyuan’s mouth slightly opened, his eyes flashing with amazement.

A brief sentence in an ancient book could represent a brilliant history, indescribable by any words.

“You must participate in the Hundred Veins Banquet,” Yu Chenran said seriously after explaining everything.

“Yes,” Chen Qingyuan nodded heavily.

“You can rest well during this time or go to the ancient tower to hone yourself,” Yu Chenran said.

“Understood, Master.”

Afterward, Chen Qingyuan left and returned to his residence to rest, preparing to go to the ancient tower later.