It must have wavered—that despondent heart, surely. No, I must persevere! I cannot bring disgrace to my teacher. I must believe in the steadfast will of the leader in the world of darkness.

In the remaining three days, Lin Shuo's thoughts were completely chaotic. Lin Shuo reflected that if he could sort things out within these three days, he might be able to develop a new Dark Skill and match the scale of the top three cases.

The mixed solution was highly complicated, with almost no advancement in Lin's progress. This was chapter one, brimming with instructions, authored by Master Yuan Gong, Xie Miao, and Miao Lingmantou. They suggested that one could create chaotic new techniques. A new Dark Skill begins foremost with understanding Miao, a solution to training in practice, and enhancing Spiritual Power. Yet how does one train Miao? Is it really that difficult? Lin Shuo murmured to himself.

As mentioned in the book, Yang Ling embodied immense energy, integrating his meridians with Yuan Gong's force and restoring the seedlings! Why could the Qi not fill the connections between the bones?

In truth, three days slipped away unnoticed. During these three days, Lin Shuo didn't eat but focused mainly on controlling his chaos. Despite his efforts, he failed to succeed; his mastery of the Magic Blood Blade skill remained unclear. Could he truly manage to pass the test?

"Uncle Yun Shi, get up, I'm going for my test." As the sun rose, Xiao Yu and the registrar shouted from outside. Lin Shuo had been consumed by thoughts all night, and now he felt dizzy. He only regained awareness when the two began knocking on his door.

"Stop fighting. I'll go with you!" Lin Shuo muttered helplessly after slapping himself awake for a few moments. He opened the door and left with resignation.

"Uncle Yun Shi, the exams at the Inner Mongolia venue are no joke. If you arrive late, you won't even be allowed entry. Hurry!" Xiao Yu urged him, grabbing his hand and leading him to run down the mountain.

"Hello… is the gate open?"

"No, it wasn't stolen by this individual!"

Tea Girl Peak was located north of the Star Soul Hall, where the climate was perpetually snowy and warm. Ascending required traversing at the peak's speed. Tea Girl Peak suspended high above the mountain ridge, hovering five kilometers in the air. Without flight, transmission was impossible. Yet many who attempted failed. Those were at least fourth-level Dark Scholars, with some reaching the fifth-level threshold.

Thus, on the day of the exam, participants with similar levels of authority typically possessed strong Dark Skills. Yet personal disparities manifested in unique strengths and weaknesses among them. Within Level 1, individual abilities varied greatly compared to Level 3, where uniformity among participants was more apparent. The standards among Level 4 Dark Scholars allowed fewer than ten newcomers to break through yearly.

"I heard this year's exam includes master's degree candidates."

"Good heavens! Isn't the battlefield devoid of Xin Atu recruits? Who spread this rumor? It sounds so implausible!"

"I only picked it up as hearsay, unsure if it's factual. If true, sigh… this year, the Elder Master ranking first would make us vie for second and third at best."

"Don't get fooled. Who has seen master's disciples over the past century? Such rumors are always frivolous."

Before the internal exam commenced, people speculated about taking on students and voiced their opinions.

Lin Shuo remarked that three individuals had arrived at the crowded venue, gathering around Chen. The throng swarmed the area, leaving no space. Everyone hoped for Chen to be acknowledged individually, but nobody seemed to relent in allowing others to do so.

"Who knows the school's exam questions in advance?"

"Home exams are strictly confidential to the Elder Council unless you're privileged, a family member, or a retired soldier. You don't discover the questions beforehand."

Chen waited patiently, anticipating the announcement of the initial question, knowing they'd need to step into the Chanu Peak quarantine zone immediately afterward!

"I am Dean Yang. Now, allow me to reveal today's exam tasks. Please listen carefully."

The course details displayed on the Transmission Array were now visible. Many approached the Array carrying their names. The number of participants reached as many as 1,200. The venue turned lively and agitated. Every time candidates arrived, heads turned in intrigue to discern information about the test.

"Due to the class's popularity and heightened competition, after extensive discussions and decisions by the Elder Council, it has been agreed that the Triple Border topic fits perfectly with today's exam."

As soon as the Triple Border topic was announced, a surge of commotion erupted amid the crowd. Nearby, Lin Daoyu and the registrar were visibly distressed and deeply unsettled.

"Surely everyone has heard of the Triple Exam. My father ranked in the top three during his attempt, earning numerous accolades. Those rankings proved instrumental for many students nationwide, providing financial opportunities during their era!"

Despite this, Lin Shuo observed people repeatedly shaking their heads, sighing and muttering. Concerning the spirits tied to the Three Realms, Lin Shuo believed he scarcely retained faith.

The so-called Triple Border involved testing the school on three differentiated levels. These differences were distinct yet encompassed challenging trials in each location. Even participants who successfully passed the exams often fainted on-site from duress. Death and abandonment were frequent outcomes within the Triple Border.

"Fine. If the front exams within the realms injure participants, the lessons taught are severe and grueling. While brutal, no matter the hardship or cruelty, nobody withdraws—such is the immensity of ambition," someone said.

"Exactly. After all, the Triple Border test is critical, marking the absence of strength and space. Its significance is undeniable."

Many discussed the lingering shadows left by the Triple Border and the notable challenges faced by elders. Conversely, Lin Shuo found himself unexpectedly refreshed despite the daunting stories. The monthly trials felt stimulating and surreal to him. Even ignorance carried joy due to the novelty—Lin Shuo admitted a sense of contentment at this moment.

"Now is the time. Anyone wishing to withdraw from this test, do not include your name in the registration list. Otherwise, you may regret it," Dean Yang repeated the sentiment on stage.

Nevertheless, very few participants withdrew; most boldly recorded their names in the registry. Winter stretched into winter as countless names crossed the list. After the stamps were confirmed, sealed marks were passed on for further consideration. Lin Yun followed the crowd, stamping his name similarly, blending into the anonymity of participants ahead of him.

Lin Shuyi had completed her registration for the transmission platform. The platform itself was columnar, soaring nearly ten meters high with a diameter of ten meters. Each day, thousands traversed it for transport. When the space became overcrowded, golden sparks from the Transmission Array lit up brilliantly. Between blinks, the crowd was escorted toward the elevated peak of the second-tier Tea Girl Peak.

This Transmission Array relied upon theoretical array methodology, which Chen Ji could only learn upon arriving in Yin Da. The techniques of transmission extended far beyond simple light replication. Even in warfare, its applications were profound.

The suspension peaks of East Wei's top ten ranked by beauty and spiritual strength—the Jungfrau Temple on the female peak formed striking sights. From its vantage, distant mountain ranges and rivers reduced to the size of ants could be seen, with Chanu Peak rising grandly in the horizon and underscoring the temple's prominence.

"Unclear, isn't it? Everyone hopes to approach the Triple Border, carving successes distinctively. Bear in mind, upon entering this country and its three designated locations, a one-semester residential attempt is granted, but failure means expulsion. Ensure adherence to protocols before moving forward," instructed a Deacon specializing in Third Realm studies.

"Understood," came the resolute assurance from the crowd. Despite the solemnity hanging in the air, feelings of participation ran high. Such evaluations, held only biweekly, were opportunities fewer and far between. Numerous individuals competed yearly with diminished strength and tested willpower.