Chapter 329 Why Are You Butting In

Three days passed quickly, and in these three days, Zhang Pingfan had a general understanding of the academy's situation.

The enrollment, held once every 50 years, was usually led by an Immortal-level powerhouse. In special cases, a peak Realm Lord powerhouse might serve as a mentor.

Currently, the academy had a substantial number of students. According to the academy's introduction, Black Dragon Academy always maintained around 50,000 students.

The majority of them were at the Domain Lord level!

While Star-level powerhouses could enter Black Dragon Academy, they would be immediately dismissed if they failed the assessment.

The same applied to Domain Lord-level powerhouses, but Domain Lords had three chances, whereas Star-level powerhouses only had one.

This explained why the academy could maintain around 50,000 students; they were actively controlling the numbers.

There was another regulation: students dismissed from the academy were not allowed to re-enter Black Dragon Academy.

Generally, students leaving the academy would join the Universe Mercenaries or return to their hometowns.

The Universe Mercenaries were the largest organization in the entire universe. Regardless of one's level, anyone could become a Universe Mercenary. Major powers, organizations, and sects across the universe could post missions to the Universe Mercenaries.

These missions ranged from difficult to simple, some even being life-threatening. Of course, the rewards were commensurate.

It was precisely because of this organization that powerhouses of various races continuously emerged in the universe.

Within Black Dragon Academy, many students were members of the Universe Mercenaries. Every year, countless students went out on missions. Those with good luck would obtain ample resources and successfully advance, while those with bad luck would never return.

The academy also encouraged students to become Universe Mercenaries, as it was their best opportunity for experience and the fastest path to improving their strength, albeit with the highest mortality rate.

Mobart, holding a fruit and munching on it, stood beside Zhang Pingfan.

"Brother, have you considered it? Are you following An Miaoxian or me? My elder brother said he'd be very happy to welcome you and insisted I bring you to meet him. But you've been cultivating in your room these past few days, so I didn't dare to disturb you!"

Zhang Pingfan shook his head and said, "For now, I still don't want to join any group. Thank you for your kindness!"

Mobart wasn't angry. After all, a peak Universe-level powerhouse like Zhang Pingfan would surely receive many invitations.

"It's fine, we're all brothers. If you encounter any trouble in the future, come find us, and we'll help you solve it. Of course, if you run into any Immortal-level powerhouses, we won't be able to help. As you know, our group leader is only at the Realm Lord level!"

Zhang Pingfan smiled and nodded. He wasn't foolish enough to seek trouble with Immortal-level powerhouses. If he encountered one, he'd likely be crushed into a bloody mist before he could even escape.

"I'm not that foolish, but I still thank you!"

"No problem, no problem. Didn't our teacher say we'd assemble today? Why is there no news yet? Could they have overslept!"

Zhang Pingfan's face darkened. That was an Immortal-level powerhouse; did they still need to sleep? They already possessed eternal life.

"Perhaps some matters caused a delay. By the way, are you joining the Black Dragon Empire?"

Mobart nodded and said, "Do I need to say? We are residents within the Black Dragon Empire's sphere of influence. Joining the Black Dragon Empire only has benefits for us, no drawbacks. Of course, not everyone has the ability to join the Black Dragon Empire, as the standard for joining is Universe-level strength!"

Zhang Pingfan breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, he had Universe-level strength; otherwise, he wouldn't receive the Black Dragon Empire's protection.

"I see!"

As they were chatting, a voice reached their ears.

"Everyone, quickly assemble in front of the training base!"

The training base was the place where Zhang Pingfan and An Miaoxian had sparred on the first day.

The two exchanged glances and turned into streaks of light, flying directly towards the training base.

Soon, more and more people arrived at the training base.

Zhang Pingfan and Mobart stood at the forefront of the formation. Others stood silently behind them; with their strength, no one dared to stand in front of them.

An Miaoxian, like a celestial being descending from the heavens, landed gracefully beside Zhang Pingfan.

She gave Zhang Pingfan a slight smile and then stood still without moving.

In less than a minute, everyone stood quietly before Seleste.

"Ahem!"

Seleste cleared his throat.

Then, fifteen tokens floated before him.

"You fifteen Universe-level individuals, are you willing to join the Black Dragon Empire and serve it? If you are willing, please take one step forward. If not, remain where you are!"

Zhang Pingfan did not hesitate. He had come here precisely to gain the Black Dragon Empire's protection, so he had to take this step.

As the strongest individual present, Zhang Pingfan stepping out first was not surprising, as everyone knew he would be specially nurtured, making his joining the Black Dragon Empire a natural progression.

However, An Miaoxian stepping forward caused many to be confused.

An Miaoxian was from the Ziwei Star Domain, which had its own mature system. Generally, they rarely joined the Black Dragon Empire.

Moreover, she was the princess of the Taihang Dynasty within the Ziwei Star Domain. This truly baffled others.

Even Seleste, the Immortal-level powerhouse present, was somewhat bewildered.

"An Miaoxian, are you sure?"

An Miaoxian nodded.

"Teacher, don't worry, I am genuinely willing!"

"No, why are you joining the commotion? I was just asking symbolically. If you truly joined the Black Dragon Empire, it would be a significant matter. Those who don't know would think the eldest princess of your Taihang Dynasty was coerced here!"

Seleste's face turned dark. He had only asked symbolically, and she had actually agreed.

The strongest individual in your Taihang Dynasty could crush him with a raise of his hand and was a top-tier expert even within the Black Dragon Empire.

An Miaoxian smiled, knowing that her agreement to join the Black Dragon Empire would definitely attract the questioning of others.

"Teacher, please don't worry. This is my great-grandfather's will. He said joining the Black Dragon Empire would be more beneficial for my growth!"

"...Alright, may I ask how Senior An is doing recently!"

"Great-grandfather is very well, but he's been stuck at the peak of Universe Lord and unable to break through!"

"Alright, since it's Senior An's wish, I will proceed accordingly!"

All fifteen Universe-level powerhouses stepped forward without exception.

Seleste waved his hand, and the tokens floated to each of them.

"Drip a drop of your vital blood onto the token. From this moment onward, you are people of the Black Dragon Empire. After returning, you can study this token. You can input information about your hometown into it. From now on, they will enjoy the protection of the Black Dragon Empire!"

"Yes, teacher!"