Ye Luo nodded: "Yes, senior, Ye Luo is Ye Luo of the Great Tang Empire. My people need me, I cannot be so selfish as to abandon them for my own sake!"

...

"Your Highness the Ninth Prince..."

"Your Highness the Ninth Prince actually gave up going to the Eighth Region for us."

"Slap!" A loud slap resounded: "I actually doubted His Highness the Ninth Prince. I actually questioned his words. I truly deserve to die!"

At this moment, whether they were the strong of the Great Tang Empire or the academy students, everyone was dumbfounded, staring at Ye Luo. Some even had tears brimming in their eyes.

Ye Luo stood tall, slaying three members of the Demon Clan. When the Emissary from the Eighth Region extended his invitation, Ye Luo resolutely refused. And the reason? It was actually for them, for his people.

Even the Emperor of Great Tang, observing this scene from afar, wore a peculiar expression.

"Did I misunderstand him? He truly dedicates himself to the Great Tang. Sigh, my imperial brother, how could you doubt such a loyal and brave individual? Never mind, henceforth, I will treat him as one of my sons."

Speculations? Discussions?

Such matters were of no concern to Ye Luo. At this moment, he simply waited silently for the Emissary’s response. Ye Luo didn’t want to go to the Eighth Region; his true reason was the hope of finding a way back to Earth in the Ninth Region.

Indeed, Ye Luo sought strength, but above all, Ye Luo longed for his family!

Ye Luo had painstakingly established rapport in the Great Tang Empire. Now leaving for the Eighth Region? It wasn’t worth it!

"Good, good, good!"

Suddenly, the Emissary uttered three "good" words in succession.

"Haha, who would have thought that in such a modest Great Tang Empire of the Ninth Region, there would be a prince like you? It seems I underestimated you. You are quite remarkable and suit my taste. Young man, catch this!"

With a casual flick of his hand, a token landed in Ye Luo’s palm.

Ye Luo looked up in confusion, only to hear the Emissary continue: "The token in your hand is a passage permit. With it, you may cross the regional boundary. Remember, this item is priceless—even in the Eighth Region, it holds great value. Keep it safe. Rest assured, I have bound it with Divine Sense. This token can only be used by you; if anyone else dares carry it into the Eighth Region, they will be executed without mercy!"

An overwhelming aura filled the air, but Ye Luo showed no sign of gratitude.

To Ye Luo, this "gift" from the Emissary was both a treasure and a curse.

Did the Emissary truly think his threats alone could prevent others from coveting the passage permit?

No, the allure of the Eighth Region was powerful enough to drive countless people to act recklessly!

The Emissary’s warning would certainly not deter everyone.

Still, Ye Luo could not refuse—or perhaps, would not let it go.

Now that Ye Luo understood the restriction imposed between regions, he knew he could not pretend he didn’t want to enter the Eighth Region. Thus, there was no way he could relinquish the passage permit.

"Thank you, senior!"

Ye Luo solemnly received the passage permit and placed it directly into his Qiankun Ring.

Even knowing it might bring harm, Ye Luo would never abandon it.

"Good young man. After fulfilling your mission, I hope you will come to the Eighth Region. Remember my name—I am Jiu Hua Venerate of Jiu Hua City. As long as you cross the regional boundary, you will see Jiu Hua City."

With these words, the Emissary’s figure vanished, returning to his original place.

Perhaps to him, bestowing the passage permit upon Ye Luo was already favorable treatment, and there was no need for further words.

Ye Luo had no intention of lingering here either. Let others fight over it; Ye Luo’s focus was preparation for tomorrow’s journey to Yunkai Sacred Temple.

As Ye Luo departed, Yun Liancheng and Princess Ling Xue naturally followed suit.

Meanwhile, the duels at the arena continued.

What results they yielded, Ye Luo did not know, nor did he care.

But what Ye Luo did not anticipate was that his actions today would once again spread throughout the Great Tang Empire.

After all, the Royal Academy students came from various parts of the Great Tang, and their backgrounds were anything but simple.

Ye Luo had long heard of Yunkai Sacred Temple. Ever since entering the Martial Realm, he knew of its existence. Moreover, it was set to be Ye Luo’s first Secret Realm experience in the Martial Realm, making it doubly significant.

Early the next morning, like many others, Ye Luo rose before the sunrise.

Today was the day for the collective teleportation to Yunkai City.

The opening of Yunkai Sacred Temple was never precise; the reason Yun Liancheng and the others had purchased a manor in Yunkai City was precisely to gain a strategic advantage and enter early.

In previous years, there was no collective teleportation. Instead, after a briefing, participants would set out independently.

The timing of Yunkai Sacred Temple’s opening was at best an approximation, never exact.

Yet this time, the Royal Academy had decided to spend a large sum to collectively teleport everyone—quite unusual.

Perhaps it was to make an impression in front of the Emissary from the Eighth Region, or for some other reason.

Soon, everyone began gathering.

Though the opening of Yunkai Sacred Temple had limited spots available, neither Ye Luo, nor Yun Liancheng, nor Princess Ling Xue needed to worry; their places had long been secured.

This time, the opening of Yunkai Sacred Temple came with revised rules. As for Ye Luo and Princess Ling Xue’s special statuses?

Privileges still applied, while Yun Liancheng, by virtue of Ye Luo’s influence, naturally enjoyed special treatment as well.

When the group arrived at the assembly point, there were noticeably fewer people. While many came to spectate, the majority could only watch with envy.

"Silence!"

Suddenly, a voice rang out. Ye Luo didn’t recognize the speaker, likely one of the academy’s tutors.

Still, when he spoke, the crowd naturally fell silent.

"For this journey to Yunkai Sacred Temple, I must emphasize a few important points. First, this time is different from previous years. Due to the weakened mist around Yunkai Sacred Temple, many previously inaccessible areas are now open. As such, there will be a significant increase in participants, leading inevitably to clashes. But I hope our Royal Academy participants will demonstrate unity; internal conflict within the Academy will not be tolerated."

"Second, the Demon Clan has infiltrated the Great Tang Empire. Though His Highness the Ninth Prince has repeatedly foiled their major plans, there may still be demons among us. Therefore, you must remain cautious upon entering—be wary of even those around you. Do not act alone; do not fall into their traps. This time, His Highness the Ninth Prince will also be accompanying you. However, due to the unique nature of Yunkai Sacred Temple, you may start in different locations upon entry. To address this, the Academy will provide you with special communication devices. Once inside, follow His Highness’s commands at all times. Remember, treasures are worth little if they cost your life!"

"Alright, I know you are eager, so I won’t waste words. Keep in mind, this journey to Yunkai Sacred Temple is unlike any past expedition—do not let down your guard! Transmission Array, activate! Proceed inside!"

The tutor mentioned Ye Luo several times, yet this time, no one dared utter a single dissenting word.

It seemed that every individual who had previously questioned Ye Luo had been thoroughly humiliated—sounds of resounding "slaps" still echoing in their minds!