The moment Alex stepped out from the ancient library hall, the atmosphere throughout Heavenly Origin Academy changed completely.

The lively discussions that normally filled the academy grounds rapidly disappeared as silence spread across the central plaza like an invisible wave. Hundreds of students had already gathered beneath the enormous Heavenly Spirit Monument located at the center of the academy. Towering stone pillars surrounded the plaza while countless academy banners fluttered beneath the evening sky.

Today was no ordinary gathering.

Everyone present understood exactly what this selection represented.

The mysterious teacher personally acknowledged by the academy leadership was finally choosing disciples.

Not ordinary students.

Personal disciples.

The difference between those two identities was vast enough to determine the future of an entire clan.

Even the instructors standing around the plaza maintained unusually solemn expressions. Several elders from powerful families had secretly arrived earlier and hidden themselves within the surrounding observation towers. None of them dared to openly interfere with the selection process, yet every single one watched with tense anticipation.

Lucien walked half a step behind Alex while quietly suppressing the pressure building inside his chest.

The closer they moved toward the plaza, the heavier the surrounding atmosphere became.

The moment Alex fully entered the open square, complete silence descended.

Whispers vanished instantly.

Countless eyes focused entirely upon him.

Many students had imagined what this mysterious teacher might look like after hearing endless rumors over the past few days. Some expected an ancient expert overflowing with terrifying pressure. Others imagined a cold and arrogant monster hidden beneath layers of mystery.

Yet the real Alex appeared strangely calm.

His expression remained indifferent while his eyes quietly swept across the gathered crowd.

However, the moment his gaze passed over them, countless students felt their breathing become heavier. It felt as though every secret hidden inside their hearts had been completely exposed beneath those calm eyes.

Alex slowly observed the students standing before him.

Some revealed excitement.

Some attempted to hide nervousness behind composed expressions.

Others tried to appear confident despite the trembling visible within their eyes.

He examined every face carefully.

Cultivation talent was not his first priority.

Temperament mattered more.

A young noble standing near the front deliberately released spirit pressure toward the surrounding students while maintaining a proud expression. Several weaker disciples nearby instinctively stepped away from him under the pressure.

Alex merely glanced at him once before calmly shifting his gaze elsewhere.

Instant elimination.

A girl possessing exceptional spiritual fluctuations stood nearby with admiration burning openly inside her eyes. However, beneath that admiration existed greed, ambition, and desire for status powerful enough to distort her emotions.

Another elimination.

At the same time, he was examining their fate lines as well.

Inside the distant observation towers, several supreme elders carefully watched every movement occurring below.

Their expressions carried both excitement and nervousness.

This was their final opportunity.

If one of their descendants could become Alex’s disciple, the future of their entire family might completely transform overnight. However, despite their desire, not a single person dared to directly recommend their juniors.

Nobody wished to offend someone whose depth remained completely immeasurable.

Therefore, they could only watch silently and hope fate favored them.

Meanwhile, Alex had already found several students that matched his standards.

Some possessed steady hearts.

Some carried unusual destinies.

Others possessed extraordinary comprehension hidden beneath ordinary appearances.

Then his gaze suddenly stopped on the boy he chose earlier.

His heart was astonishingly stable even after meeting that girl he created. So he was pleased.

Alex quietly studied him for several seconds before finally speaking.

"You. Step forward."

The sudden command caused many students to immediately turn toward the boy in surprise.

The young man himself froze briefly before quickly stepping out from the crowd. Despite his confusion, he still maintained proper composure as he respectfully bowed.

"Greetings, Teacher."

Alex looked directly at him.

"Are you a descendant of the Heavenly Sword Clan?"

The boy’s face instantly turned pale. His pupils contracted violently. Shock exploded inside his mind like thunder.

Nobody knew about his true background.

Nobody.

Even within the academy, he had carefully hidden his second martial soul from everyone. Yet this man had exposed his greatest secret with a single sentence.

For the first time since arriving at the plaza, genuine fear appeared inside the boy’s eyes.

Alex remained calm.

"There is no need to fear," he said evenly. "Release both of your martial souls."

The surrounding students immediately became restless.

Both martial souls?

Dual martial souls were already extremely rare throughout the continent. Most cultivators would never encounter such a genius during their entire lifetime.

The boy hesitated visibly.

His hands trembled slightly at his sides while conflicting emotions filled his mind. He understood the consequences of exposing his true identity before so many people.

However, standing before Alex felt like standing beneath an endless abyss.

Nothing could remain hidden from those eyes.

After several moments of silence, the boy slowly raised his hands.

A green thorned vine appeared first.

Spirit rings slowly emerged around it while wood attribute energy spread outward across the plaza.

Many students immediately relaxed after seeing it.

Although the martial soul was decent, it was not extraordinary enough to justify such tension.

Then the second martial soul appeared.

Boom.

The instant the sword manifested, an overwhelming sword intent erupted into the sky.

A sharp pressure swept across the entire plaza like a storm.

The surrounding students staggered backward in alarm while countless weapons throughout the academy began trembling violently.

Even the clouds above seemed to split beneath the terrifying sword intent.

Inside the observation towers, several hidden supreme elders abruptly stood up.

Their expressions changed drastically.

"It really is that clan."

"The Demonic Sword bloodline."

"What should we do?"

Their voices carried visible tension.

One elder’s face became particularly ugly as he spoke in a low voice.

"The Light God Temple specifically instructed all major factions to immediately report any surviving descendants."

"If we conceal this matter and they discover it later, our clans will become enemies of the temple."

The surrounding elders fell silent afterward.

The Light God Temple possessed terrifying influence throughout the continent. Offending such an organization could easily bring disaster upon an entire family.

Alex naturally heard every word clearly.

He slowly turned toward Lucien beside him.

"Headmaster Lucien," he said calmly, "care to explain?"

Lucien’s expression had already darkened considerably.

He stared at the young boy before releasing a quiet sigh.

"The Demonic Sword Clan was once among the strongest clans in recorded history," he explained slowly. "Their sword lineage possessed terrifying offensive power capable of challenging even divine inheritances."

"However, centuries ago, conflict erupted between them and the Light God Temple."

"The war nearly destroyed half the continent."

"The Demonic Sword Clan ultimately suffered devastating losses before disappearing into seclusion somewhere unknown. Since then, the Light God Temple has continuously searched for surviving descendants in hopes of locating the hidden main clan."

The plaza became deathly quiet.

Many students stared at the boy with shock and fear.

Some even instinctively stepped backward.

Alex simply nodded.

"So that is the situation."

Then he looked toward the boy again.

"What is your name?"

The young man hesitated briefly before answering.

"My name is Leon Astor."

Even now, Leon could not understand Alex’s reaction.

After hearing the name of the Light God Temple, this mysterious teacher remained completely calm. There was not even the slightest trace of concern visible within his expression.

It felt unreal.

Alex observed him quietly for a moment.

"Would you like to join my class?"

Leon froze completely.

He had prepared himself for rejection the moment his martial soul was exposed. No major faction wished to provoke the Light God Temple for the sake of a single disciple.

Yet Alex still asked him that question without hesitation.

Leon lowered his head slightly.

"Teacher... are you truly willing to accept me even after learning the truth?" he asked softly. "The temple will eventually come for me. I do not wish to bring disaster upon others because of my existence."

A faint smile finally appeared at the corner of Alex’s mouth.

"Just answer yes or no," he said calmly. "I did not ask for an explanation."

Leon stared at him silently for several long seconds.

Then he suddenly bowed deeply.

His fists trembled tightly while emotion filled his voice.

"I want to join," he said. "I truly do."

Alex nodded once.

"Good. Stand behind me."

Leon immediately moved aside while suppressing the overwhelming emotions inside his chest.

Meanwhile, countless students stared at Alex in disbelief.

Accepting a descendant of the Demonic Sword Clan was equivalent to openly challenging the authority of the Light God Temple itself.

Yet Alex appeared completely unconcerned.

Then his calm voice echoed across the silent plaza once more.

"Headmaster."

Lucien immediately straightened.

"If the temple asks questions," Alex said casually, "you may inform them that this boy is under my protection."

His eyes slowly narrowed afterward.

"And if they wish to take him by force..."

A cold chuckle escaped his lips.