Chapter 825

Chapter 825: The Human Tide (Part 2)

Inside a chamber of White Deer Academy,

Wang Chen sat cross-legged on a cushion, toying with the golden bell in his hand.

The Ten Thousand Beasts Bell.

This small artifact enabled a practitioner at the innate level to command thousands of fierce beasts.

Among them were even a few seventh-tier beast kings.

Though under Wang Chen’s Thousand Thunder Great Formation, even seventh-tier fierce beasts would fall, the Ten Thousand Beasts Bell was undoubtedly a rare treasure.

Unfortunately, it had clearly exhausted its energy, its surface dull and lifeless, making it appear little different from an ordinary copper bell.

“Lord…”

Suddenly, an urgent voice called from beyond the door: “A multitude has gathered outside the academy, clamoring to enroll their children. The guarding martial masters are struggling to hold them back!”

Haha!

Wang Chen chuckled, stowed the Ten Thousand Beasts Bell, and rose, saying, “No matter, I shall see to it.”

At that moment, outside the gates of White Deer Academy, a vast throng of common people, numbering in the thousands, had assembled.

And their numbers continued to swell.

Most had brought their children, ranging from mere toddlers to teenagers.

The sheer volume of people placed immense pressure on the martial masters guarding the courtyard gate.

Fortunately, these common folk were not seeking trouble and respected the academy’s dignity, so none dared to breach the gates.

“Honored martial master, might we have an audience with Lord Wang?”

A bold man stepped forward, leading his child, and bowed, saying, “My child is naturally gifted, a fine prospect for the study of Martial Arts, but has hitherto lacked a master of renown, squandering his potential.”

“I wish for him to become a disciple of Lord Wang; I beseech you to grant us this favor.”

Emboldened by his initiative, others surged forward, each clamoring for attention.

“My child is also bright and capable!”

“Immortal Master, please accept my Xiaohu; he is diligent and obedient.”

“And mine as well…”

The few guarding martial masters found themselves encircled, overwhelmed and at a loss.

Never before had they faced such a scene; they could neither rebuke nor retaliate, only retreat step by step against the gate.

The crowd pressed forward, and as the rear pushed against the front, the situation teetered on the brink of chaos when a serene voice suddenly commanded: “Step back!”

Those two simple words resounded like thunder in every ear, plunging the heated crowd into a chasm of fear.

Instinctive dread caused them to stagger backward.

At that moment, the gates of White Deer Academy swung open.

Clad in a white robe, Wang Chen emerged, his commanding gaze sweeping over every face.

Though his visage was youthful, his presence was formidable, compelling the common folk to bow their heads in reverence.

Wang Chen stood at the door, his deep voice resonating, “Your intentions are known to us at the academy, but at present, we have no plans or preparations to enroll new students…”

Upon hearing Wang Chen’s words, a wave of disappointment and frustration swept over the crowd.

“However, the path of knowledge is boundless and open to all. Our academy has decided to expand soon to admit more disciples. Please return for now and await further notice!”

The crowd exchanged uncertain glances until a voice rang out, “Thank you, Lord! A thousand thanks to you, Lord!”

Suddenly, as if waking from a dream, everyone joined in a chorus of gratitude.

Wang Chen remained composed, yet he could feel a surge of human benevolence washing over him, fortifying his resolve.

In the following days, Wang Chen spared no expense, embarking on a grand construction project.

With over a year of experience and preparation, the expansion of White Deer Academy proceeded without a hitch.

The entire courtyard wall was torn down, and a new training ground capable of accommodating ten thousand people was swiftly erected. Soon, multi-storied buildings sprang up, expanding the academy’s scale at least tenfold!

Wang Chen spread the word throughout Taiwu City, recruiting more martial masters and scholars to bolster the academy’s faculty.

As a result, a multitude of martial artists, including some of innate-level, flocked to the academy.

Eventually, even practitioners came seeking positions.

Wang Chen accepted them all, entrusting Hu Jiao Jiao with the task of screening to weed out those with ulterior motives, retaining many elites.

Many of these applicants were spies dispatched by powerful organizations in Taiwu City, eager to glean information about White Deer Academy, some with intentions to learn techniques, and others plotting to cause disruption.

After all, White Deer Academy and Ci Shi Pharmacy had encroached upon the interests of many, making it impossible for them to remain passive.

Yet, none could slip past Hu Jiao Jiao’s discerning eye.

Three months later, the expansion of White Deer Academy was nearly complete, with only a few finishing touches remaining.

Wang Chen promptly issued an announcement, declaring the academy would select and enroll ten thousand new students, irrespective of family background. Both common people and powerful families were welcome to apply for admission.

As always, White Deer Academy charged no tuition and provided two free meals daily.

The announcement caused a sensation both within and beyond Taiwu City.

By now, the reputation of White Deer Academy in the Taiwu City region had soared to unprecedented heights, even reaching other cities.

Apart from the awe-inspiring strength of Lord Wang Chen, the remarkable progress of the first batch of three thousand disciples also turned heads.

Many children from common families had entered the academy looking frail and undernourished, but after a year, they had transformed into robust individuals. Numerous disciples had achieved the Flesh Refinement Stage, and some prodigies had even advanced to the third-level Bone Refinement Stage!

Such impressive teaching results naturally drew people like moths to a flame.

Everyone had been eagerly anticipating this day!

On the day of enrollment, White Deer Academy was once again besieged by a massive crowd, with people packed in layers, making it impossible to estimate their numbers.

Fortunately, the academy’s newly recruited martial masters and enhanced security ensured the scene remained orderly.

The martial masters maintained order while the scholars handled registration in a systematic and efficient manner.

Although White Deer Academy had opened its doors wide, not just anyone could gain entry; age, intelligence, and physical fitness all had to meet the basic requirements.

Selections were then made based on the available spots.

While there were many martial arts schools and academies in Taiwu City, none matched the ambition of White Deer Academy. This recruitment inevitably drew the attention of countless individuals.

Some were envious and jealous, some harbored resentment and hostility, while others remained vigilant and wary…

Yet, none of this deterred the batches of young boys and girls who passed the assessments and became new students at White Deer Academy.

Ten thousand new students—ignoring tuition, the daily cost of two meals alone was staggering.

This raised the question: what was Wang Chen truly aiming to achieve with all this?

Some could no longer remain idle.

Then, Wang Chen received a visitor from Qinyun Palace.