Bai Han looked at the shocked and excited look of the participants and continued to explain:
"For this generation's trial, we have decided to focus on strength and power above everything else, so all the teachers have voted that the last four spots that were previously guaranteed to these champions would be added to four other Heaven Chosens instead."
"Although we are sorry for the four champions of this year's Professional Competition, the Academy will do its best to repay all of you."
Many people became excited after hearing this as this new rule increased the chance of them acquiring a spot. As for the alchemist and array master, they were all shocked and angered.
They were always considered the most respected professions of this world. Everywhere they went, people always received them with the utmost respects. Rules were always modified to be in their favors, but now…
The ones that were the most surprised by this new change in rules were the Alchemists--as they hold the most power in this world. With the ability to create pills that can save people's lives, increased cultivation level, and even increased talents, they have received the utmost respect and adoration in society.
However, now, the Emperor Enlightening Academy is telling them that their expertise was not needed in this generation, only strength and power is valued by them.
So, they became angry out of shame, but they did not know what to do; it's not like they could challenge the Academy.
Meanwhile, back in the floating booth that Wang Wei was in, he instantly pulverized the cup of tea that was in his hand after hearing what Bai Han said, then he looked deeply at the headmaster.
Even so far away, Bai Han felt a powerful gaze locking on his position; it was like a desolate beast was staring at its prey, and he could guess who that gaze belonged to, but he ignored it.
Meanwhile, Wang Wei took a deep breath to calm himself down, as he took a talisman from his space ring as he received a communication invite.
"Big brother, what should I do now?" The voice at the end of the talisman was actually Yan Liling.
Wang Wei's mind quickly moved at a rapid speed as he thought of a possible plan, then he said: "I need you to make a public scene, then fly away and return to your residence."
"That's it?"
"That's it."
After cutting off the communication, Yan Liling took a while for a brief moment to gather her thoughts, then she snorted out loud.
However, this was not just a regular snort, but one where she used her origin essence with. So, all the millions of people in the arena and the ones that were watching from formations heard her.
To be precise, the majority of cultivators in the world heard her.
More importantly, Yan Liling's snort actually interrupted Bai Han's speech, bringing everyone's attention to the person who interrupted the headmaster of the Enlightening Emperor Academy from speaking.
When everyone's gaze was on Yan Liling, she did not show any panic or change of expression--well at least not on the surface. She secretly regulated her breath before saying:
"Since the Academy does not respect us professionals, then that means we are not welcome here, so I'll take my leave."
Her voice was as loud if not louder than her previous snort. After expressing her opinions, Yan Liling flew away in front of countless cultivators watching her; she did not look back for even a moment.
All the people were first baffled by her actions, but soon all the professional's eyes lit up, and they followed her. One by one, they flew away and left the venue.
All the cultivators attending the event watched as all the alchemists, talisman makers, array masters and refiners flew away one by one. Of course not all of them left; the ones who stayed were the ones from a low background and needed the resources of this event to further their study.
Meanwhile Bai Hai tried very hard to control his facial expression as he knew that he was in public. However, the bulging vein on his forehead that was constantly throbbing proved that he was not as calm as he looked.
He realized that he might have made a mistake to target the Dao Opening Sect by changing the rules, and he had a feeling that things were not going to end so easily.
And he was right. After Yan Liling and all the other professionals left, Wang Wei looked at Bai Han that was floating in the air with a sneer on his mouth. Then, he took out another talisman and contacted someone:
"Father, I need you to use all the power of the Shadow and spread a rumor throughout the entire Myriad Emperor World that the Enlightening Academy does not respect and value Professionals, that they secretly looked down on them.
"After that, try to use this event to unite the Alchemy Association, the Talisman Association and all the other Professional Association in the Southern Continent to boycott the Academy and cut off their resources.
"Also, you can also try to contact the Herd Raising Valley; they have always complained about the fact that beast taming was not a more respectable profession. Tell them that this might be their chance to raise their positions in front of the world."
"No problem" replied Wang Tian with an obvious joyous mood in his voice.
After cutting off the communication, Wang Wei looked at the people of the Academy that had an ugly look on their faces, then he sneered before muttering to himself:
"The only reason your Academy can hold the [Heaven Chosen Selection Trial] every generation is because of that damn book, the tablets, and your reputation. Although I cannot do anything to the previous two, I can still ruin your reputation."
After muttering these words, he took a deep and long breath, then removed the gloomy look on his face before putting a bright and sunny smile. He looked at the quiet Wu Hong next to him.
"I apologize for my previous behavior. As you can see, I let my emotions get the base of me."
"There is no need to act so formal around me, that's not like you. However, aren't you afraid that your actions will start a war?" replied Wu Hong with her usual calm demeanor.
"To be precise, I'm trying to prevent a war from happening," replied Wang Wei calmly.
"What do you mean?"
"Ever since the Emperor Enlightening Academy cultivated their eight Great Emperors, the Dao Opening Sect has been pondering whether to start an Emperor Dao War.
"Many of the sleeping Dao Ancestors and Immortal Venerables are in favor of starting a fight, and just need the perfect time and excuse. With me showing them hope of breaking the Nine Emperor Curse and the recent events, it is the perfect opportunity to start a war to the death."
Wu Hong nodded as she understood the reason behind such a decision. With only one less Emperor before reaching their level, the Dao Opening Sect will not let anyone easily challenge their status.
Having Nine Emperors is not just a symbol of being the most powerful sect of the world, but also brings a great deal of Qi Luck to the Sect. This is the reason that every generation, a powerful genius will be born in the Dao Opening Sect; it is a manifestation of their sect's Luck or Destiny.
"That's very noble of you and all," replied Wu Hong. "But should you be telling me these kinds of secrets of your sect?"
Wang Wei looked her straight in the eyes after hearing her question. "Look me in the eyes and tell me you did not already know such a thing!"
Wu Hong did not flinch or budge due to his intent gaze, nor did she evade it.
"I did not know. Although I know many secrets, secrets that no one should know, but it does not mean that I am all knowing."
After gazing deep into her black eyes for a few seconds, Wang Wei nodded as he believed her. In the past few days, he also learned a few things about Wu Hong.
For example, she does not seem to lie to him. When he asked her something of the sensitive nature, she would either not respond, or answer him in a vague or cryptic manner like the mumble of the prophets from his past life, even this life.
However, she does not seem to lie to him.
Of course this could be her having the ability to even trick his powerful senses--after all, her mystery has proven that she may have such capability.
Nevertheless, Wang Wei decided to trust her. Since he has decided to one day make her his Dao Companion, he needs to have a certain level of faith, a certain level of trust.
After all, love requires a certain level of blind trust.
And if he is proven to be wrong about her, then Wang Wei will consider the experience a learning one. He will acknowledge that he judged the wrong person, and try to learn by experience, or maybe just shut his heart for the rest of his life.
While he was lost in his thought, a powerful voice ringed throughout the entire arena:
"WANG WEI, YOU COWARD!"