Chapter 1444: Four Knights and Eighteen Heroes

Over the next three days, Li Luo didn't step out. He remained within the tower to cultivate, to prepare as best he could for the battles ahead. During that period of time, Celestial Mirror City's atmosphere became much more boisterous as more and more squads arrived, pushing things to a crescendo.

All of the different powers' peak prodigies from the ten divine continents were present. It was an extremely rare event. Whoever could stand out in this pack would undoubtedly become famous throughout the world. It was an incredible opportunity to gain fame. Some began to discuss just how many Celestial Mirror Knight titles would be earned this time. Only those who stood out exceptionally during the Celestial Mirror Martial Exchange would be given the title.

This was the highest honor that could be earned in the Academic Federation.

There were many Kings in the Academic Federation, and the majority of them were once Celestial Mirror Knights themselves. Thus, many treated those who earned this title as potential Kings. And amongst that ranking, there was a particular group that attracted everyone's attention.

They were known as the Four Knights and Eighteen Heroes. The Four Knights were special because if nothing out of the ordinary happened, these four individuals would become Celestial Mirror Knights.

This was because they were all eighth-grade Dukes.

𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

They were the strongest individuals who had entered the Celestial Mirror Pagoda, and each came from an ancient college. They were all veteran mentors who had reached the limit of being able to attend this event. Meanwhile, the Eighteen Heroes represented the most exceptional geniuses beneath the four eighth-grade Dukes.

The one leading the pack was the Duke of Light, Diwu Mingxuan. Although he was a fifth-grade Duke, he had two Ten-Pillar Golden Duke Bergfrieds and was invincible against anyone beneath the eighth-grade. Adding on the fact that he had multiple trump cards, it was said that he would not be at a disadvantage even if he were to challenge the Four Knights. Another individual worthy of mention was Jiang Qing'e. She had entered the ranks of the Eighteen Heroes. Furthermore, she was the youngest one in the group.

She was currently a third-grade Duke but had three Ten-Pillar Golden Duke Bergfrieds. This sort of foundation and potential had captivated the crowd's attention.

Many had said that if Jiang Qing'e was able to advance yet another step in the Celestial Mirror Pagoda and obtain a fourth Ten-Pillar Golden Duke Bergfried, she might very well have the ability to contest the Four Knights.

Even Diwu Mingxuan's title of the Duke of Light could end up being taken away. Of course, although most people agreed with this ranking, it didn't represent everyone. There were still some hidden prodigies that had chosen to bide their time, and unless they found themselves in a critical situation, no one would truly know just how strong they were.

In the previous opening of the Celestial Mirror Pagoda, there were many such figures who had emerged. However, looking at it from the bigger picture, the Four Knights and Eighteen Heroes represented the most well-known individuals who had entered the Celestial Mirror Pagoda this time around.

The atmosphere within Celestial Mirror City seemed to be boiling over on this day, and the desire for battle could be felt in every inch of the city.

This was because the battles of the Celestial Mirror Pagoda were about to start.

......

Celestial Mirror City, East Divine Continent's Territory

The squad from the Astral Sage College had congregated beneath the tower. This was the first time Li Luo had seen Lu Qing'er since their previous conversation, as she hadn't left her room since.

He glanced at her beautiful face, which was covered with a cold aura. She looked utterly calm and didn't seem depressed in any way.

Her lake-like, blue eyes were especially still.

That said, he felt a little awkward and didn't know what to say. Lu Qing'er was the one who took the initiative to ask, "Are we about to leave? I've secluded myself to cultivate for the last three days."

Li Luo nodded and replied a little uncomfortably, "Oh, that must have been hard work..."

Lu Qing'er then gave him a smile. "Li Luo, has your silver tongue ever been at a loss for words before?"

He bitterly smiled. "I’m just worried you'll break up with me."

Her eyes flickered momentarily and she gave a shallow smile. "That's not the case. We can still be normal friends. Let's go."

After which, she followed behind Chi Chan and Cao Sheng as the group made their way towards the sage college gathering spot. Li Luo was left behind, looking at her exquisite figure, and he sighed helplessly.

Li Hongyou, on the other hand, laughed lightly. "Her attitude does resemble that of a normal friend."

Alas, Li Luo felt a little melancholic over this. It was clear that when they were together in the Spiritual Resonance Cave, they had a deep trust in each other, even willing to put their lives in each other's hands. Yet things had now chilled over and their relationship had become a little strange.

"Well, if we're just going to be normal friends, then so be it. So long as we are still friends," Li Luo replied powerlessly. He began to stride forward and eventually caught up with the people in front.

When the Astral Sage College's squad arrived at the gathering point, they encountered the squads led by Guo Jiufeng, Chen Chi, Wang Xu, and the rest of the sage colleges from the East Divine Continent.

"Everyone, the Celestial Mirror Pagoda's battles will start today. I hope that our continent will be able to achieve a result even better than the previous time. This way, we can go back to our respective colleges with our heads held high," Guo Jiufeng announced as he looked at the assembled groups.

All the squads smiled and nodded in agreement.

After which, with Guo Jiufeng at the lead, the majority of the squads ascended into the air and soared towards the inner city.

Countless streams of light were shooting across the horizon without rest. An hour later, Li Luo and the rest reached the innermost part of Celestial Mirror City. The space here was a little mysterious, with huge green wooden platforms floating in the sky in a distinctive, layered fashion.

In the center of the platforms stood a giant tower of light. The void constantly twisted around the tower, reflecting the heavens and the earth.

Countless people descended from the skies, landing atop the platforms.

The East Divine Continent's squad under Guo Jiufeng's lead similarly landed on a platform, one in the outer perimeter.

"The Heavenly Domains in the outer area belong to the six outer divine continents," Guo Jiufeng explained to Li Luo and the other newcomers.

"When the Academic Federation's people come to preside, we'll draw lots and officially begin the battle."

"Where's the battlefield? How do the Domain Traversal Battles occur?" Li Luo asked.

"Do you see the tower of light in the center? When the battle officially begins, we'll all be sucked into it and fight. The five main seats will naturally be the focus of the battles, with the other squads serving as auxiliary backup," Guo Jiufeng answered.

If everyone was going to be on the battlefield together, didn't that mean that the scale would be massive?

As this thought went through Li Luo's mind, he suddenly felt a hint of cold air beside him. Turning his head, he saw Lu Qing'er's pretty face turning frosty.

Her frigid gaze seemed to be focused on something not far away.

Following her gaze, he saw a group of people stepping through the air and then landing on their platform.

He then focused on the one at the lead.

It was a tall young woman with skin as smooth as silk. She was well proportioned with enchanting curves, and her every step seemed to tug on people's heartstrings.

Her sharp, white chin was slightly raised, revealing a pride that could not be concealed.

This was an alluring but proud lady.

At the same time, her eyebrows resembled Lu Qing'er's.

Li Luo instantly identified her.

This seemed to be none other than Lu Qing'er's older sister, Lu Ruyan. She was obviously quite well-known, as numerous gazes followed her as she walked.

Guo Jiufeng, Wang Xu, and the rest had shifting expressions upon seeing her walk towards them. They could all distinctly feel a strong sense of oppression emanating from this woman.

Lu Ruyan was strong!

Before everyone's fearful eyes, Lu Ruyan stopped right before Lu Qing'er. Her peach blossom-like eyes, which overflowed with arrogance and charm, indifferently swept past the entire group before landing on Lu Qing'er.

"My little sister Qing'er, did you join a squad from an outer divine continent because you've abandoned yourself to despair?"