"Just an incense stick worth of time to reach the third floor… isn't that a new record?" the outer-court disciples sucked in breaths of cold air as they mumbled. [TN: It generally takes 20-30 minutes for an incense stick to burn completely.]

This third floor that now shined brightly was their benchmark. Many elites among the outer-court disciples who tried their best and reached this point often died a painful illusionary death at the jaws of a stronger opponent, there were actually some among them who managed to reach the fourth floor— they were then allowed to duel the inner-court disciples at the arena, if they were to succeed, they will automatically take the spot of the inner-court disciple they dueled.

From afar, the blue luminous light on the third floor shined as brightly as ever, an unknown fear descended upon the disciples outside the pagoda as they watched with uncertainty. Mysteriously the sound of numerous heartbeats could be heard among the group, making them wonder if nature was playing a prank on them at this very moment.

An ominous silence wafted the air…

There was a reason for the heavy atmosphere, it was because the moment was about to arrive, that moment that will decide the fate of those aspiring to become inner-court disciples.

As it had always been, not all inner-court disciples could make it to the fourth floor every year, some of them suffered some injuries and died on the third floor, this actually increased the chances of the elites among the outer-court disciples who were aiming for the top rankings; the higher the number of inner-court disciples that were kicked out from the third floor, the better for them.

Becoming an inner-court disciple came with a lot of benefits, was it the increase in cultivation materials or cultivation techniques? Just the special privileges and treatment they were entitled to could make these outer-court disciples swallow their tongues out of envy. Compared to the noble treatment these inner-court disciples received, the outer-court disciples were treated like they were peasants.

Time flew by quickly but the disciples attention didn't seem to wane by any bit, one incense stick burned down rapidly and another was lit. All eyes were fixed on the third floor of the pagoda, it was unknown what will happen next, then suddenly…

*Vroom…*

The eyes of the disciples brightened as if expecting something to happen, but what came next dwindled their expectations — a single light appeared on the fourth floor.

They immediately wore a calm expression, it wasn't a surprise that someone had reached the fourth floor; they all knew who it was. Just as everyone anticipated, after a few minutes passed by, two additional lights emerged on the fourth floor— these were the jewels of the Academy.

The first three in the rankings, who can take their place? It's just that the disciples watching didn't anticipate that they would reach the fourth floor this quick, but despite that, nothing changed, it was still within their expectations.

The outer-court disciples didn't lose faith and continued to wait patiently, it wasn't until after three incense sticks burned down completely that different lights began appearing on the fourth floor of the pagoda.

"As expected, it seems they are catching up quite well " The elders outside the pagoda brimmed with smiles as they congratulated themselves.

Even as these lights appeared randomly, there were huge time intervals in between them, showing the disparity in the strength of each disciple, but even after numerous platforms on the fourth floor were glimmering there still remained some which showed no signs of lighting up.

The eyes of every outer-court disciple were now focused on these platforms.

*Ckark…*

As if the heavens had answered their prayers, there was a sudden cracking sound which was conveyed by the figure of a person being flung out of the third floor.

There was an outburst of heavy jubilation as every outer-court disciple roared at the top of their lungs; it was as if they had won a battle that lasted a thousand years.

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"Hurry, catch him!"

The several test officials stationed at every corner were immediately alerted, giving signals to one another, they hurriedly leaped into the air and caught the falling disciple before his figure touched the water— this was something they would never have done to an outer-court disciple.

The face of the disciple caught by the officials was as pale as paper, although he had experienced an illusionary death, the mental shock of being chopped to pieces wasn't what he could shake off within a short period.

The several elites among the outer-court disciples took glances at the person who was just kicked out from the pagoda, after confirming his identity, they shortly became excited, and immediately started weighing up their chances of success if they were to challenge him at the arena for his spot as an inner-court disciple.

'More to come!' They happily thought within themselves.

After the incident of the disciple who was flung out of the third floor of the pagoda, there was no new addition to the fourth floor, time passed by quickly, and soon after, another incense stick was sacrificed.

*Ckark…*

A second cracking sound resounded in the air, right then a female disciple flew out of the pagoda. This time, this person was shot out of the fourth floor, and her figure plunged towards the waters like a broken doll.

The outer-court disciples didn't celebrate as they did before, because no one could guarantee that they could win a duel against someone who reached the fourth floor.

The test officials quickly shot for her figure and prevented her from falling into the water.

After examining her condition, it was discovered that she had passed out, obviously from shock. She was quickly rushed to the health facility where she will restore her health over the next few days.

Still in the waiting process, it didn't take long before two figures were shot out simultaneously from the third floor; these were the remaining disciples who had failed to reach the fourth floor. The outer-court disciples were jubilant once more as their chances of becoming inner-court disciples had been upped by a bit.

The third floor that was once shimmering all around with blue lights was now deadly dim. The only lights that could be seen illuminating the distant sky were now located on the fourth floor of the pagoda.

The difference in the level of difficulty from the third floor to the fourth floor was like heaven and earth; the higher the floor, the greater the difficulty, and according to the calculations of the disciples watching from outside, it wouldn't take long before the fourth floor would lose its brilliance.

They were right!

Just then, cracking sounds resounded round about the grand pagoda, these sounds were escorted by figures flying out of the fourth floor. It happened almost at the same time, the test officials instantly felt thankful that they had prepared in advance by bringing a huge workforce, they then acted swiftly in their multitude to stop these disciples from falling into the water.

From time to time, different disciples were shot out of the pagoda and were caught by the test officials, soon there were now five lights remaining that shined brightly on the fourth floor. These were elites among elites, the strongest five in the rankings.

"The competition this year is very fierce, it's a new record yet again" several elders spoke to themselves as they glanced at the incense stick on the burner.

Six incense sticks had completely burned since the disciples broke into the fourth floor, now that there were five of them remaining, it meant that these five had survived in the fourth floor for six incense sticks worth of time; which was about two to three hours in real-time, it was indeed tremendous!

last year, the highest record holder was Reymon Kensa, who survived for one incense stick worth of time on the fourth floor. There is a significant improvement every year, if things should continue like this, maybe these disciples will be able to bring back the lost glory of Florin Valley, the elders all silently thought to themselves.

Just at this moment, a figure was shot out from the fourth floor with a cracking sound, a few breaths later, another figure followed, the test officials didn't fail to perform their duties on both occasions.

Three disciples now remained in the grand pagoda, everyone stared with fixed gazes, although they knew who will turn out with the highest ranking, they couldn't wait to see the new record for the year.

After the seventh incense stick was burnt halfway, a cracking sound was heard and Marianna Fraiman was shot out of the pagoda.

Without further ado, these expertly trained officials didn't let a single moment go by, as their figures shot for the falling princess—like a damsel in distress, they caught her into their warm embrace.

After being caught by the officials, she didn't seem to have suffered any major trauma, except her face was a little pale, she had managed to survive on the fourth floor for seven incense sticks worth of time.

'As expected from one of the top three' Both the elders and the disciples had a look of admiration as they stared at her graceful figure, their impression of her rose greatly.

All they had to do now was to wait for the last two to be kicked out of the pagoda, but much to their surprise, two incense sticks burned away into the wind, and yet still, there were no movements in the pagoda; this caused the elders to have worried expressions.

How is it that they haven't come out even after nine incense sticks? When did they grow to such height to be able to survive this long in the pagoda? Or…did something go wrong?

These disciples were extreme nobles, they were also the jewels of the Academy, and if something bad was to happen to them…

Just as the elders contemplated on what to do next, a cracking sound was heard, Feng Shei figure shot out fiercely from the pagoda, the stand-by officials immediately responded and greeted him in the air—preventing him from falling into the water.

Feng Shei's figure looked extremely disheveled, his eyes were bloodshot; this made people wonder if the battle he experienced in the pagoda wasn't illusionary but real.

Although his state looked very pitiful, Feng Shei still had a look of happiness on his face as he cackled excitedly into the air making him look like someone possessed by a demon from hell. The reason for his happiness was because he had just survived on the fourth floor of the pagoda for nine incense sticks worth of time, he didn't bother checking the pagoda because naturally, no one would have survived that long; officially making him the first ranked disciple.

Feng Shei's heart seethed with various emotions, this was the position he longed for ever since becoming a disciple of the Academy, but he always remained second in the rankings because of that dammed Reymon Kensa, but now… he had finally succeeded!

Just as he enjoyed this joyous moment…

*Vroom…*

A vibrating sound emanated from the pagoda, everyone's gazes were immediately shifted to a light that now shined brightly on the pagoda. Seeing this dazzling light, Feng Shei nearly jumped out of his skin,

"Fifth floor!"