The comments said I was deeply affectionate, I just added points by using an alternate account.

Although the entire Tian Shu class was invited, only Chen Guan, An Changqing, Long Ao, Su Yuehe, and Liu Feiyu ultimately decided to go.

Liu Feiyu's decision to go was unexpected by everyone, including Situ Ming. However, after some discussion, Situ Ming eventually agreed.

The day of parting came quickly. The college made special arrangements for the five of them, simplifying all procedures.

The day before their departure, a figure appeared downstairs in the dormitory that neither An Changqing nor Long Ao expected.

"Teacher Li?"

An Changqing looked at the burly figure and exclaimed in surprise.

The mere presence of the other person exuded a mountain-like sense of oppression.

His aura was more restrained and profound than ever before. That near-death experience had allowed him to undergo an unknown transformation, and the 280,000 gold in the coffin was also subtly enhancing his strength.

He walked over and patted An Changqing on the shoulder: "I know everything. Thank you for your concern."

Perhaps because of his brush with death, or perhaps because it was now his private time, Li Yan's face no longer looked as cold and stern as usual, but rather much gentler.

He then turned to Long Ao and slapped him on the back with a dull thud: "You too, stop acting recklessly all day long and use your brain more."

Finally, he walked up to the coffin.

A hand twice the size of an ordinary person's landed heavily on Chen Guan's shoulder.

Li Yan's voice was deep and powerful: "The first-tier class is not like the academy, so you must also protect yourselves."

Chen Guan nodded: "Don't worry, teacher."

He was about to say something more when he heard Li Yan change his tone.

His tone became hesitant, and confusion showed in his large, bell-like eyes.

He scratched his head, as if talking to himself, or perhaps asking him a question.

"It's strange, but after a serious illness, my memory has gotten worse."

Li Yan frowned. "That day at the hospital, after the principal came to see me... I always feel like I've forgotten something particularly important, and every time I think about it, my head hurts."

He raised his eyes and stared intently at Chen Guan: "It feels like... someone doesn't want me to remember."

The air downstairs in the dormitory building was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Chen Guan's mind was filled with alarm bells, but he remained outwardly calm.

His tone was full of concern: "Teacher, you've just recovered from a serious illness, so don't think about too many complicated things. The doctor said you need to rest, and overthinking is not good for your recovery."

Li Yan stared at him for a few seconds, his probing gaze so sharp it seemed to pierce through his skin.

Finally, he smiled, a rare occurrence for him, and the confusion on his face dissipated.

"That's true, I don't want to think about it anymore."

"For some reason, I will be leaving the school in a while. When that happens, you will have new teachers. Don't forget me."

Chen Guan watched Li Yan turn and leave.

He only breathed a sigh of relief after the figure disappeared around the corner.

They've been suspected.

The impact of the near-death experience may have left an indelible mark deep within Li Yan's subconscious.

It seems I need to be more cautious in my actions from now on.

We should at least play it safe before we sweep everything away.

……

The following day, an airship hovered above Huaqing College.

There were no other people besides the five of them.

A young man stood expressionless in front of them, dressed in a black combat uniform, and introduced himself first.

"I am the person in charge of guiding you this time, codename Black Crow."

"Before we arrive at our destination, I need to explain a few basic principles of this training camp to you."

He held up one finger.

"First, this training camp is codenamed The Crucible, and it will be located at the First Academy behind the Northern Wall."

He then extended a second finger.

"Secondly, this training camp recruits eighteen-year-old geniuses from across the country. The training period is three months, and it is estimated that no more than ten will ultimately remain."

Black Crow extended his third finger, and the temperature in his voice dropped even further.

"Third, and most importantly, in the furnace, there are no simulations, no half-hearted attempts. You will face real monsters, a real battlefield, and..."

He paused, then forced a smile, but there was no warmth in that smile.

"...The deaths are real, but I want to remind you that this year's are far more dangerous than in previous years."

His gaze swept over the five faces one by one, and finally he said, "Last time, of the three sent from Tsinghua University, one graduated smoothly, one died, and one was persuaded to quit halfway. The Great Wall doesn't need hothouse flowers, but sharp blades that can fight bloody battles. If anyone wants to quit now, I can send you back immediately. There's nothing shameful about that."

He chuckled softly: "At least, we won't laugh at you to your faces."

The cabin was deathly silent.

Neither An Changqing nor Long Ao showed the slightest sign of backing down.

Su Yuehe didn't say anything. Her mother didn't support her coming, but she still chose to come in order to resolve some of her own troubles.

Hopefully, I won't let her down.

Liu Feiyu remained the same. The first tier was his opportunity. Whether he stuck his neck out or not, he would still be killed, so why should he be cowardly?

"Very good." Black Crow nodded, satisfied with their reaction: "It seems you've all prepared yourselves."

After saying that, he stopped talking and turned to walk towards the cockpit.

The airship shuddered slightly and began to accelerate.

The sea of ​​clouds outside the window rushed past.

As the altitude increased, the temperature dropped sharply, and fine snowflakes began to fall outside the window.

The earth was covered in an endless expanse of white.

The continuous snow-capped mountains outline the spine of a giant dragon, stretching all the way to the horizon.

After an unknown amount of time, the airship's speed began to decrease.

Through the porthole, a magnificent building that left one speechless came into view.

It is nestled within a massive mountain range, half of it embedded in the mountain and the other half a menacing fortress forged from steel and alloys.

Countless streaks of pale blue light flowed between the buildings, becoming the lifeblood of this steel city, emitting a deep hum.

"Look at that holographic projection at the very top," An Changqing said with awe. "Those are the heroes who sacrificed their lives on the Great Wall. Every face represents a legend."

On that giant holographic projection, which is a kilometer high, the faces of heroes are playing in a loop.

They either drew their swords to the sky or stood tall amidst mountains of corpses and seas of blood.

Magnificent, somber, iron-blooded, the future.

These distinct styles blend perfectly here.

The airship slowly landed on the helipad.

The hatch opened, and a gust of cold wind, mixed with the smell of snow and gunpowder, rushed in.

Chen Guan carried the black coffin down the gangway.

Dozens of teenagers from all over the country were already standing on the tarmac.

They gathered in twos and threes, clearly separated by distinct groups.

Each person exuded a powerful aura, radiating the sharpness of a drawn sword.

These are his future classmates.

Chen Guan's gaze swept across the entire scene, finally lingering briefly on two of the most conspicuous people in the crowd.

One was a red-haired girl with her eyes closed, holding a giant battle axe. The battle axe was disproportionate to her size, and she had an unruly expression.

The other was a well-dressed silver-haired youth who glanced flippantly at each newcomer.