172 A Celebrity? (1/2)

The Eternal Smoke Signal rose for more than thirty meters, appearing spectacular from afar and breathtaking up close.

One could not see its source or fathom how it came to be; what was clear in one's eyes were the rings that rose steadily and endlessly heavenward, expanded across the blue skies, and transformed into spirals in the skies. It was like a giant eye hung upon the heavens.

An earth-shattering spirit force could be felt within the smoke signal, the potency of which felt so strong it seemed as if it could, upon triggering, level mountains. Even True Breath realm cultivators like Wang Baole and Chen Yutong would be instantly disintegrated.

”Ninth-grade Dharmic Armament! The most powerful Dharmic Armament that the Federation is capable of crafting at present!” Chen Yutong sucked in a deep breath. Beside him, Wang Baole's breathing hastened as well.

The smoke signal was indeed a staggering sight. However, it was incomparable to the majestic imperial gate, the spike-ridden moat surrounding the metal walls… and beyond the imperial gate, the expanse of scorched lands and the vastly different spirit energy that spoke of a world that was drastically different from the Federation.

It was a world that seemed full of primordiality, of madness, and of violence!

”The seventh primary stronghold…” Wang Baole murmured to himself. Their cruiser approached the towering stronghold walls and, drawn by the array formation, lost all power suddenly. It was akin to being picked by an invisible hand and then placed within the walls among the countless camps.

As they descended, a dozen or so cruisers in the distance approached rapidly. They were disciples, like Wang Baole and the rest, from the various colleges. The cruisers were similarly drawn by the array and landed after another.

The camp site was vast and could accommodate a hundred thousand warriors. Upon their cruiser's landing, Wang Baole and the rest disembarked; a warrior approached immediately, saluted, and led them away.

Wang Baole turned serious as he sensed the solemn atmosphere. Alongside Chen Yutong and the others, he went through a series of examinations and was led by the same warrior to the front of another tent.

”After you've registered here, you'll receive your respective missions. Thank you all for your invaluable help!” The warrior who had led them there was a young man; he finished speaking then saluted them again.

”For mankind!”

Chen Yutong, Wang Baole, and the rest of the team cupped their fists and returned the salute respectfully. The young warrior turned away and went on to receive other newcomers.

Outside the tent, a hundred people stood waiting. Every one of them was in the True Breath realm. They wore different attire, coming from different Dao colleges. Some were excited, some were nervous, and others were silent. Some gazed repeatedly at the distant untamed wilderness, a cold light in their eyes.

”We have quite a number of people from the four Dao Colleges this around,” Chen Yutong whispered to Wang Baole. Wang Baole nodded. He noticed more people who had arrived after going through the examinations.

Time passed steadily as they waited. Chen Yutong was obviously well-known around there; people standing in front or behind them in the queue soon recognized him and came forward to say hello.

Some were from Upper Academy Island of Ethereal Dao College, but there were also quite a few from the other three Dao colleges. Chen Yutong greeted all of them with a smile. He was well-mannered and charming, laughing and chatting with them. During the conversations, he would bring Wang Baole in and introduce the latter.

Zhou Penghai and Sun Fang could only look on in envy at Chen Yutong, surrounded by friends, as well as Wang Baole, who was showered by constant attention from Chen Yutong. They were not in the same league, unable to compete against Chen Yutong and his wide social network across the four Dao Colleges.

However, they were soon surprised to find out that Wang Baole seemed equally capable in his ability to make friends.

”Wang Baole!”

”It's Wang Baole!” Wang Baole was all smiles and friendliness to the people to whom Chen Yutong introduced him. Gradually, many of the new disciples from the four Dao Colleges started taking notice. When they caught his face, an odd look fell over their faces.

These were the people who had participated in the examination at Spirit Breath Village and had all advanced to become disciples in their respective colleges' Upper Academies. They knew Wang Baole all too well. They smiled wryly, and some approached him to say hello.

As this went on, Chen Yutong's curiosity grew. He tugged at Chen Yutong and asked in hushed tones.

”Junior Brother Baole, these people are giving you strange looks. What's up with them?”

”It's nothing. Basically, they all think I robbed them of their fortunes at Spirit Breath Village,” Wang Baole said, almost smugly. He briefly explained what had happened in Spirit Breath Village. Zhou Penghai and Sun Fang widened their eyes in amazement and fear, as if gazing at a godly figure before them.

A look fell over Chen Yutong's face after he heard the story as well. He felt as if he had gained a whole new understanding of this junior brother of his. He patted Wang Baole on the shoulder and was about to say something when suddenly, a newcomer in the new batch of arrivals—a girl—saw Wang Baole and narrowed her eyes.