Void Cultivation

"Eh!" Ange said with surprise in her voice. Grey tilted his head a bit while Tyler just gave the captain a glance before she averted her gaze. Her expression was unfazed.

"Yes, the shadow sect was founded by the ghost emperor before he became an emperor that is. Now you can see why Sky mist city is still standing till now after how many millennia." The captain paused to let the information sink in before he continued.

"You don't have to be so surprised! Everyone living here already knows. And if you're going to be students here, you need all the information you can get."

The Ghost emperor created the Sky mist academy when he was still in the Nirvana realm because he wanted to teach the younger generation. But he went ahead to become an emperor, an existence that mortals could call a god.

The Sky mist academy was one of the first academics of it's generation. They were also more like the Sea spirit academy, or the Stellar Luna academy which also started out in the early days of humanity rule in the second continent.

"Normally getting into Sky mist academy is so hard that they only accept students once every five years. And even then, the number of people who gain admission can be counted on one hand." It was Tyler that spoke.

"So hard!" Ange exclaimed.

"Yes, it is so hard. The Sky mist academy us totally different from the city we are in. You will understand what I am saying eventually. First let's get you two registered. You're in luck because the entrance exam will be holding three days from now." Tyler said as she led them deeper into Sky mist city. This chapter is from the collection at M-VL-EM-PYR.

Without an admission slip, they couldn't enter inside Sky mist academy so they had to stay in an inn.

Because for the first day they did not have to pay rent, they went out for food. It was then Grey started to see the expensiveness of Sky mist city.

An ordinary plate of food cost seventy to one hundred spirit coins. Ange's face was also twisted into a frown when she saw the heavy price of common food.

This was almost all of Grey's savings! If he spent it, he would have less than ten coins left. Unlike Grey and Ange, Tyler and the captain did not seem to bothered about the price and ate nonchalantly. Well the captain ate nonchalantly while Tyler took glances at him from time to time. Each time, her face turning a bit flushed.

So, with a heavy heart and lighter pockets, Grey began to dig into his meal. As the food entered his mouth, he suddenly felt a warm energy burst within him. He felt his cultivation base increase a little. The food had an effect on his cultivation base!

With surprise, Grey ate more until he cleared the whole plate. Surprisingly, he felt content after eating just that meal. His stomach was full in satisfaction.

'Ah, well, at least it was money well spent!' He consoled his pockets and they went back to the inn.

"Tomorrow, we will go to register you guys for the entrance exam. I suggest you give your all in you cultivation. I can only give a forewarning, it is very tough." With that, the captain went into his room, leaving Grey and Ange in a daze.

"Don't worry about him, he was not always like that." She said when she saw their expressions and sighed with nostalgia.

"Its not a secret that the Sky mist academy examinations are very tough. Even geniuses will struggle for each test. But am not saying this to discourage you, am only telling you this to prepare you guys.

Normally, the exams are grouped into three parts. Firstly; there's the raw combat prowess. This one has many stages and it changes almost every time so I can't divulge any more than that. Then there's the test for talent. The Sky mist academy seriously takes talent into consideration. After all we cultivate geniuses and monsters who will go out to become strong cultivators. Talent will tell us how much resources to pour into you. Then there's the comprehension test and finally, your profession. Although this one is optional, without a second profession other than cultivation, your chances of entering the inner court are low. But am sure you kids already have one.

Each of these tests are to test your overall strength. If you perform outstandingly well, the amount if worth that will be placed on you will be high as well. Same as if you perform low. That's why the captain said you should be prepared and at your peak conditions.

Not many have the opportunity to show their true strengths in these exams because they have pride or feel unworthy. Don't be arrogant, and show everything you've got. Even if you don't get into the Sky mist academy, this will be a good learning experience for you." With that, Tyler turned tail and disappeared into her room which was opposite from the captain's.

Ange had a pensive expression on her face as she also went into her room to brood over Tyler's words. From her words, he deduced that she came from the Sky mist academy or is still a student there. He couldn't think of another reason why her explanation was so detailed and vague at the same time.

But hearing her words made Grey steel his resolve to work harder. She herself had even said that most geniuses don't pass the exams due to pride or feeling like they are unworthy. But Grey also found another meaning hidden in her words.

'Even geniuses can't make it if they don't give their all!'

As a academy that was founded by one of humanity's first emperor, it would surely have many people applying for entrance exams. Tyler also did not say that there was a particular age that limited one from participating, which meant that he might see people much older than him with much higher cultivation.

'I am too weak! I have to get stronger!' Grey groaned inwardly and when the image of the captain's domain and battle entered into his mind, his thoughts were filled with how he could get that power.

A sharp glint could be seen flashing in his eyes. A purple light could be seen in their depths. Faint purple lines appeared on his forehead.

'I have to break through tonight!'