Early in the morning shortly after sunrise, Long Yijun summoned all of the Core Disciples within the Dragon Essence Temple.
Once they received this summoning, regardless of what they were doing, even if they were in closed cultivation at the Immortal Caves, the Core Disciples gathered at the location of the gathering within an hour.
"I was wondering when they’ll announce this year’s participants for the Mystic Realm."
"Right? They usually announce it a month before the Mystic Realm, but this year they waited until the very last minute."
The Core Disciples there mumbled to each other while they waited for Long Yijun to show up.
"I was getting worried that they might’ve forgotten about it for a second."
"Forget about the Mystic Realm that will determine a sect’s ranking? Nobody would forget such an important event!"
"Who do you think will get the spots for the Mystic Realm?"
"I think we all know who’ll be occupying the first and second spot."
"It’ll probably be Gao Dongya and Xue Jiye, right?"
"Probably? You mean most likely? Out of all of us, they’re the most prominent in terms of potential. The only question is who’ll get the third spot."
"What about Liang Qichao? He’s always mentioned when one talks about Gao Dongya and Xue Jiye."
"It’s possible, but who knows, really. Everyone here has a chance to obtain that third spot."
While the Core Disciples there made their guesses on who’ll occupy the third spot, Fei Yuyan stood at the back of the crowd like a bystander with a nonchalant look on her face.
’Even though he’s not a Core Disciple, it’s already obvious that they’ll pick him for the third spot...’ The image of Yuan’s handsome face appeared in Fei Yuyan’s head as she thought about him.
Suddenly, someone tapped her on the shoulder, causing her to turn around.
"What do you want?" Fei Yuyan immediately frowned after seeing Xuan Wuhan standing behind her with an innocent-looking smile on her face.
"Who do you think will get the third spot for the Mystic Realm?" Xuan Wuhan suddenly asked her.
Fei Yuyan silently looked at her for a moment before speaking, "You should already know the answer to that question. Are you making fun of me?"
"You’re no fun at all." Xuan Wuhan shrugged, and then she continued, "Are you disappointed?"
"Why would I be? I never hoped to be picked for the Mystic Realm in the first place." Fei Yuyan said.
"Haaa..." Xuan Wuhan sighed and said, "Sometimes I wonder why you’re even in the Dragon Essence Temple. You would fit more with the Heavenly Melody Academy instead."
"..."
Fei Yuyan remained silent at her remarks.
A few moments later, someone there suddenly said, "Look! It’s Gao Dongya! He’s managed to break through to the 7th level of the Spirit Warrior realm during his closed cultivation!"
"Heavens! Another breakthrough? When was his last breakthrough? Four months ago? I swear, it feels like he’s always one level higher every time I see him. At this rate, he’ll reach Spirit Master before he turns 30! What monstrous talents!"
A handsome young man with long black hair, eyes, and wearing a black disciple uniform could be seen slowly walking towards the disciples with a nonchalant look on his face, causing the disciples there to swallow nervously when they were met by his gaze.
Once Gao Dongya arrived at the gathering area, the place grew significantly quieter.
Though, a couple of female disciples there approached him and began trying to start a conversation with him.
"Senior Brother Gao, congratulations on getting a spot. Although it hasn’t been announced yet, we’re confident that you’ll definitely be picked."
"Congratulations on your breakthrough, Senior Brother Gao. We should have a celebration or something at my living quarters later."
The other Core Disciples acted as though they couldn’t hear their obvious flirting as it was a common sight for the top disciples to have admirers.
"Che. What a bunch of sluts. Just wait until they learn about Yuan. I won’t be surprised even if they removed their clothes on the spot for him. Don’t you think so, Disciple Fei?" Xuan Wuhan asked her in a low voice.
"..."
Fei Yuyan looked at Xuan Wuhan with disbelief on her face, but she managed to resist herself from responding to that claim in the end.
A few minutes later, the disciples began talking again as a pretty young lady approached the crowd.
"Looks like Xue Jiye also experienced a breakthrough. Third level Spirit Warrior at 20 years old. Her talents are definitely on par with Gao Dongya if not slightly behind."
And just like how the female disciples surrounded Gao Dongya, some of the male disciples there approached Xue Jiye and began trying to strike a conversation with her.
"Congratulations on your breakthrough, Fairy Xue. Just a glance and I can already tell that you’ve become prettier."
"Fairy Xue, how about we have breakfast at the Dragon Pavilion after this gathering? It’ll be my treat."
Sometime later, Long Yijun and a few of the higher ranking sect elders such as Elder Xuan and Elder Shan arrived at the gathering area.
"Greetings, Sect Master! Greetings, Grand Elders!"
Every disciple there lowered their heads and greeted them the moment they got close enough.
After standing still, Long Yijun spoke in a loud voice, "I’m sure you all know why I gathered all of you here today. The Mystic Realm is in four days, and we will be announcing the disciples that were chosen to represent the Dragon Essence Temple and participate in the Mystic Realm right now!"
Long Yijun cleared his throat before going straight into the subject without any speeches like usual, "The disciples that will be participating in the Mystic Realm will be Disciple Gao Dongya and Disciple Xue Jiye!"
The Core Disciples didn’t react much to the announcement since they had already expected this result, and they all patiently waited for the third name.
However, to the disciples’ surprise, Long Yijun said in a calm voice, "That’s all."
"What?"
The disciples’ eyes widened with shock and disbelief. What about the third spot? There should be three disciples in total participating in the Mystic Realm! Where’s the third name?! What happened to the third spot?!