Registration was one of the examinations held in various regions, occurring every six months. Participants were all disciples of the Zhou Kingdom's royal family!
The Zhou Kingdom's Academy was founded by the Zhou imperial family and was recognized as the highest-tier academy in the entire Bei Ming Dynasty, gathering geniuses and serving as the core of the Zhou Dynasty!
Moreover, the Zhou Kingdom's Academy was the only organization that could provide cultivation resources.
Its influence far surpassed that of any kingdom!
"Let's go register." Zhou Yan took a deep breath, suppressed his excitement, and quickly went to the registration area, producing his registration token.
"Zhou Yan?"
The registration official, upon seeing the writing on the token, couldn't help but pause. "This name sounds so familiar?"
Zhou Yan was startled, a guess forming in his mind.
"Could it be… he's that good-for-nothing from yesterday?"
He remained hidden in the crowd, discreetly observing the registration official.
This registrar was about forty years old, with a stern face, sharp eyes, and an aura of intense killing intent that seemed to stem from countless battles and skirmishes.
"Huh?"
Suddenly, the registrar glanced at Zhou Yan, his gaze narrowing slightly. "I didn't expect to meet you here."
Zhou Yan's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this.
Judging by the registrar's attitude, did he know him?
He quickly cupped his fists respectfully and bowed. "May I ask for your esteemed name, senior?"
"Heh heh…" the registrar chuckled. "My surname is Zhao, you can call me Old Zhao."
"Old Zhao?"
Zhou Yan's mind raced.
This registrar's surname was quite similar to Zhao Ling'er's, but he had never heard of this person. He shouldn't be an elder from a prominent family in the royal city, otherwise, given his status, Zhou Yan would have heard of him.
"Could it be…" Zhou Yan's pupils constricted, and his heart gave a violent lurch. "He… he's that mysterious person who saved my grandfather in the Black Wind Mountain Range back then?"
Zhou Yan couldn't help but scrutinize Old Zhao. He was burly and muscular, with a healthy bronze complexion. His skin was covered in patterned totems.
These totems exuded a sacred aura.
Zhou Yan felt a connection between himself and Old Zhao, but he couldn't quite articulate what it was.
"Your cultivation… how has it changed so much?"
Old Zhao stared at Zhou Yan, a look of confusion on his face.
Back then, Zhou Yan's talent was decent, but he was merely in the Mortal Blood Realm. Today, Old Zhao sensed that Zhou Yan's aura was profound and ethereal, like a deep abyss, making him feel a sense of awe, as if gazing up at a towering mountain.
"Uh…"
Zhou Yan awkwardly scratched his head, forcing a wry smile. "Old Zhao, as you know, the Nine Heavens Thunderous Art I cultivate is an extraordinary technique with astonishing power. Therefore, every time I advance, it's accompanied by immense pain."
"Is that so?"
Hearing Zhou Yan's explanation, Old Zhao nodded thoughtfully, then shook his head. "Never mind, I can't interfere with this. Just remember to cultivate diligently and don't bring shame to our Zhou Kingdom."
Zhou Yan nodded silently.
"Buzz~"
The next instant, Zhou Yan felt a tremor run through his body, and then his consciousness plunged into darkness.
"Swish!"
Zhou Yan's eyes snapped open, a sharp glint flashing out.
Before him stood a resplendent golden gate, inscribed with three majestic, gilded characters: "Registration Office."
"Zhou Kingdom's Academy?"
Gazing at the brilliant golden characters before him, Zhou Yan's expression was complex.
In his memory, his father, the King of Zhou, had graduated from this very academy!
This academy was not only the pinnacle institution of Zhou Kingdom but also its most important educational establishment!
However, with the death of the King of Zhou and the assassination of the former Emperor, the Zhou Kingdom had gradually declined. Many talented students left Zhou Kingdom to pledge allegiance to other royal courts, causing the Zhou Kingdom's Academy to gradually wane.
But even a starving camel is bigger than a horse. Despite its decline, the Zhou Kingdom's Academy still held significant sway within the kingdom!
"Will my fate… change?"
Taking a deep breath, Zhou Yan slowly walked through the gates of the Zhou Kingdom's Academy.
Upon entering, the first thing that greeted his eyes was a magnificent and grand campus, surrounded by lush trees, verdant vegetation, and fragrant flowers, enchanting the senses and making one feel as if they had entered a celestial realm.
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, Zhou Yan's eyes narrowed, his keen senses picking up something. A playful smile curved his lips.
In the center of the Zhou Kingdom's Academy stood a majestic and imposing statue, over two Zhang tall, entirely black, emitting a cold metallic sheen. Under the sunlight, it radiated a faint blue aura.
The statue's appearance bore an uncanny resemblance to Zhou Yan.
This statue was named 'Zhou Wu'!
Zhou Yan's father, King Zhou, had once been the guardian of this statue!
"Zhou Wu?"
"This statue looks so much like me."
"Could it be… I am truly a descendant of the Zhou royal family?"
Zhou Yan frowned, deep in thought. "That doesn't seem right. If I were truly a descendant of the Zhou royal family, why was I missing since childhood? Could it be that I'm not of Zhou royal blood?"
"Never mind, I should find Grandpa first."
After a moment, Zhou Yan collected his thoughts and strode across the training grounds.
Outside the training grounds, crowds of people surged, all residents of Zhou Kingdom, bustling about and chattering incessantly, creating a lively scene.
Under the gaze of the multitude, Zhou Yan crossed the training grounds and proceeded along the street towards the Zhou Royal Palace.
As he walked, scenes from his childhood flashed through Zhou Yan's mind: "I remember, when I was six years old…"
Zhou Yan's memories slowed his pace, his steps gradually halting. His face contorted in pain.
"What's wrong, child?"
Noticing Zhou Yan's unusual behavior, Old Zhao asked with a frown.
"No…" Zhou Yan forced a smile. "It's nothing."
"If it's nothing, let's hurry, or we'll be late," Old Zhao urged.
"Okay." Zhou Yan nodded and continued walking towards the palace.
Shortly, Zhou Yan arrived before the grand hall of the royal palace.
"Please present your Academy card."
Two royal guards blocked Zhou Yan, their expressions devoid of emotion.
Zhou Yan took out his waist token and handed it to the guards. "Please check it, sirs."
"Swish!"
The guards took Zhou Yan's waist token, examined it carefully, and then returned it to him. "The Academy token is correct, you may enter."
"Thank you." Zhou Yan cupped his fists.
"Halt!"
Just as Zhou Yan was about to step into the royal palace, a loud voice suddenly rang out.
A young man in white robes, leading several attendants, strode forward and blocked Zhou Yan. "This is the Zhou Royal Palace. Who are you? How do you possess an Academy token?"
As he spoke, he scrutinized Zhou Yan from head to toe.