Luther was lounging on the rattan chair, basking in the warm sunlight and enjoying the moment while reading a book

  This had been Luther’s daily life for the last three years since his transmigration to this civilization. Every day, he would tend his garden, feed the chickens he was rearing in the back courtyard, and read books on his rattan chair.

  If he were feeling fancier, he would concoct some pills and potions, mess with array formations, and tinker with some materials.

  In the first year, the Boundless System would occasionally plead for his help to save the universe. But every time, he rejected it, and in return, the system would summon countless thunderbolts at him, like a child throwing a tantrum.

  But Luther would just store those thunderbolts in some glass bottles. As of right now, he had at least a hundred bottles of those thunderbolts sitting somewhere in his manor.

  Eventually, the Boundless System stopped nagging him. However, it would still send occasional quests his way. For example:

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  Quest - Awakening of the Sea Emperor

  An ancient sea creature is awakening from its slumber. If it awakens, a calamity will follow wherever it goes. As a chosen user, it is your task to prevent such a calamity from occurring. Will you accept?

  Objective:

  - Defeat the Sea Emperor

  Reward:

  - Abyssal Fang (Supreme-Grade Spear)

  - Eternal Depths Arts (Supreme-Grade Cultivation Arts)

  Penalty:

  - Death

  <>

  Every time such a quest popped up, Luther would selectively ignore it. After some time, the so-called death penalty would arrive. As always, it was just some sparkles and pops, which he stuffed into the bottles.

  Occasionally, Nazrin Rufus, the Chancellor, would come and share some news with him. The Sea Emperor was one of the topics. Apparently, someone from the northern area had managed to slay the giant monster.

  Since there were people capable of handling the calamity, Luther opted to stay in his cozy house.

  CLANG!

  A loud bell rang across the mountain.

  Luther looked in the direction of the sound and muttered, “Today’s the day of the academy’s triannual intake, right? Uncle Naz did say the intake was coming soon… Wait, was that three years ago or three days ago?”

  After some thought, Luther decided he might as well go for a walk and take a look, just for a change of pace. With that, he placed the book in his hands down and vanished from his rattan chair.

  If anyone had been there to see the book Luther was reading, countless question marks would have formed on their face. They wouldn’t even have been able to read the title of the book, let alone understand its contents. The cover, however, showed a model of an atom.

  ***

  Southern Mystic Sanctum

  Countless experts were born from this academy. It was widely acknowledged as the top institution for cultivators in the southern region. Detached from worldly affairs, it refrained from participating in sect or noble family conflicts.

  Anyone who joined the academy, regardless of their background, lineage, or heritage, would be treated equally in the Mystic Sanctum. Only strength mattered here.

  It was because of this policy that the Mystic Sanctum stood above all others.

  At this moment, at the main gate of the academy.

  Dozens of youths stood waiting. They were the ones who had passed the academy’s assessment and were now finally being admitted. Right now, they were preparing for the most important session of their admission process, the Elder’s Selection.

  This session was where the elders of the academy would choose seedlings they found promising and groom them as disciples. Those selected would have unchained futures.

  Every youth on the scene was having butterflies in their stomach, praying to be chosen by one of the elders. Being chosen was considered the pinnacle of achievement, as those selected were deemed geniuses desired by every sect, family, and even the kingdom itself.

  On a raised stage where the elders were seated, the elders were chatting amongst themselves.

  “We’ve got a lot of candidates this year.”

  “It’s at least double than before.”

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

  “There are quite a few good candidates.”

  “Yes, I’ve heard that the descendants of the Four Great Families from Redfall City are among them.”

  “Hmm, we’ll have to choose carefully. Perhaps one of them will become our successor.”

  “It’s not that simple. We must also take their character into account.”

  “You’re right about that.”

  As the elders chatted, a young man dressed in black approached the stage.

  One of the elders frowned at the sight of the young man. “Why is he here?”

  Some of the younger elders appeared confused, clearly not recognizing the newcomer. One of them turned to a senior elder and asked, “Sir, is he from the academy too?”

  The senior elder replied with a complicated expression, “Well, yes and no. He’s from the Continental.”

  “The Continental?” Some of the elders were shocked. Others scratched their heads, unfamiliar with the term.

  A senior elder nudged the junior elder next to him and whispered, “That’s where Heaven’s Wrath is triggered.”

  “WHAT?!” the junior elder exclaimed out loud, drawing everyone’s attention. “He’s the one who summoned those Heaven’s Wraths?!”

  This caused an uproar among the elders. Although they didn’t know the identity of the person responsible, all of them had heard of and witnessed the countless Heaven’s Wraths striking over a mountain south of the academy.

  “So that’s where the Continental is?” someone murmured among the elders.

  The Southern Mystic Sanctum was divided into three main departments, the Martial Department, the Confucian Department, and the Refinement Department, all of which were under the academy’s jurisdiction. However, the Continental was a special case.

  No one knew the exact purpose of the Continental. It wasn’t under the academy’s control, yet it still enjoyed access to its resources. Every year, a portion of the academy’s finances was allocated to the Continental.

  This baffled everyone. However, no one dared to protest, as the Chancellor, Nazrin Rufus, personally defended the Continental.

  At present, the dean of the Continental was a young man named Luther Adnan, the very man now standing before the elders.

  Luther, or more accurately, the original Luther Adnan, had been the only person ever accepted into the Continental. A few years later, when the previous dean went missing, Luther Adnan had been promoted to the position. However, Luther was known to be a social recluse, rarely appearing in public.

  Over time, people had forgotten the Continental even existed, let alone that it had a dean.

  However, in recent years, people had been reminded of its existence due to Luther’s actions and his triggering of numerous Heaven’s Wraths.

  Triggering a Heaven’s Wrath was regarded as solid proof of extraordinary talent. But to trigger that many? It was unheard of. It was also the reason why this year’s intake had drawn so many youths.

  All of them had heard the rumors of a hidden master who had summoned countless Heaven’s Wraths.

  Luther walked to the elders, bowed politely, and greeted them with a smile. “Greetings, elders.”

  An elder stroked his mustache, sizing up Luther, and asked, “Elder Adnan, what brings you here today? I’ve never seen you on admission day before.”

  Luther shook his head and smiled, “I was just bored and figured I might as well come and take a look. I have no intention of accepting disciples, so elders, please don’t worry about me.”

  Bored.

  Hearing this word, the elders shook their heads in disappointment. Luther had access to the academy’s resources yet rarely used them, and he was unwilling to accept new members into the Continental.

  The academy took pride in nurturing disciples and spreading the Path. Seeing Luther’s nonchalant attitude about this left them dissatisfied.

  Another elder snorted, “As a member of the academy, you must spread the teachings of the Path to the world. That is your duty. Why don’t you take in some new blood for your Continental?”

  Luther just shrugged and answered, “Sir, I’m just a brat in his early twenties. I don’t think I’m old enough to be preaching the Path to others. Unguided is better than misguided.”

  “As the dean of the Continental, it is your duty to spread the teachings of the Path. Even if you’re not doing this for yourself, consider it your duty to uphold the Reputation of the Continental,” the elder retorted.

  When Luther heard this, he could feel his headache popping up. ‘This boomer is just using the same phrase, without even paraphrasing.’

  Just as he was about to respond, a chime rang in his head.

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  Quest - Accepting a Disciple.

  A seedling with immense aptitude is hiding among the youths before you. He is someone with the potential to reach the pinnacle of swordsmanship. Choose carefully, as he will be a great aid to you in defending the universe. However, you must discern him with your own eyes.

  Objective:

  - Choose the correct disciple to take into the Continental

  Reward:

  - Eternal Swordsoul (Supreme Grade Physique)

  - Verdant Jewel (Supreme Grade Sword)

  Penalty:

  - None

  <>

  ‘Hmm, a disciple, huh?’ Luther muttered to himself as he read the quest window.

  Looking at the crowd below, Luther instantly spotted the individual the system hinted at. Among the group, one figure stood out like a crane among chickens.

  The youth exuded an aura of determination, an intense yet warming glow like sunlight breaking through the clouds. It was a combination of confidence, courage, and an unyielding will to overcome any obstacle.

  He stood with a posture that was both relaxed and commanding, as though the admission process was of no concern to him.

  Furthermore, he had the unmistakable look of a protagonist. A handsome face that would shine no matter how much dirt or grime covered it. His hair seemed to flow gently, despite the lack of wind.

  This was someone destined to stand out.

  Sizing up the youth, Luther nodded to himself, ‘That’s a protagonist, alright.’

  Turning back to the elders, Luther smiled, “You know what, sir? Your words have moved my heart. After some consideration, I’ve decided that taking in a disciple is the best course of action.”

  “Oho!” the elder exclaimed in surprise. “It’s good that you’re willing to listen. So, tell me, which youngster has caught your eye?”

  Glancing across the crowd of youths, Luther’s gaze settled on the one who had caught his attention earlier. His figure vanished from the stage, reappearing in front of the youth.

  “I’m interested in you. I’m here to take you in as my disciple. Are you willing?”