Inside Tony’s room, the atmosphere had turned unusually heavy.

Lily, Julie, and Leo still stood there, none of them willing to leave. The silence stretched longer than expected, filled with unspoken questions and rising tension. It was clear—they weren’t going anywhere until Tony gave them answers.

The wash-room door finally opened.

Tony stepped out, wearing a fresh set of clothes, his hair neatly tied back. His expression was calm, almost indifferent, as if nothing serious had happened at all. He glanced at the three of them, his eyes clearly asking—

"Why are you still here?"

Before anyone could speak—

A servant wearing Punishment Hall robes rushed inside and bowed slightly.

"Tony Clark, disciple of the Healing Tower, is summoned to the Punishment Hall... immediately!!!"

The words struck the room like thunder.

Julie’s face paled... Leo clenched his fists... Lily’s brows furrowed sharply.

But Tony— Tony smiled. "As expected..."

The previous night, Fatty Lin had already delivered the news. Mark Smith had approached Vice Academy master Rutherford, pushing for an academy trial to decide Tony’s place. It wasn’t just a test— it was a public humiliation planned carefully.

And now— It had arrived.

"Let’s go," Tony said casually.

Without waiting, he stepped out and mounted his snow leopard.

The beast roared softly and leapt forward.

Behind him, Lily, Julie, and Leo followed in a hurry, their expressions tense and confused.

By the time Tony reached the Punishment Hall the place was already crowded. Thirteen disciples stood outside, waiting.

All of them wore an Elite badge on their chest. And they stared at Tony with a bit of fear and nervousness.

Tony didn’t even slow down. He stepped inside as if he owned the place. The Punishment hall was grand and oppressive.

At the top seat sat Academy Master Da Vinci, calm yet authoritative. Before him sat the four Peak Masters, including Natasha. On the side, Vice Academy master Rutherford watched with a faint smile.

As Tony entered, the thirteen disciples followed in.

Da Vinci slowly raised his hand toward Mark Smith who led these disciples with a confident smile.

The Imperial Prince stepped forward gracefully and bowed. "Academy Master Da Vinci, I am not the one who came to complain, actually. It was my fellow brothers and sisters."

He gestured behind him. "These twelve people are the leaders of the inner disciples of the Nine Lotus Academy. All of them are at the Grandmaster stage and are contributing greatly to the academy."

He paused slightly, letting his words sink in. "But for the past few days, they have been restless. Our Nine Lotus Academy is losing its name and fame... just because of one person."

His gaze turned toward Tony. "It was Tony Clark. His actions are tarnishing the reputation of the academy, and we are facing ridicule from outsiders."

Murmurs spread. "People are saying the academy allows rich people inside without testing their talent... and bends its rules."

Tony stared at Mark silently... But his attention wasn’t entirely on him.

A faint system screen flickered before his eyes.

’Mark Smith— Five-star Heaven Blessed.’

Tony’s jaw tightened slightly.

"Of course... Lily Frost—five stars. Emma— five stars. Now this bastard Also five stars. So heaven really has favorites, huh?!"

Inside, he cursed the heavens endlessly.

Mark continued, smiling politely. "Young Master Tony, please don’t look at me with such anger. I am not the one complaining. I am merely representing the top disciples. As the No.1 Core Disciple... it is my duty."

"Stop all this nonsense." Tony said directly. "Just come straight to the point. I don’t like people who beat around the bush like street dogs," The hall went silent.

Even Da Vinci’s brows twitched slightly.

Mark laughed lightly. "You are really impatient... Tony Clark. These twelve disciples request that Tony take the academy entrance test properly and become an official disciple... by passing it." 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Silence... All eyes turned toward Da Vinci.

Rutherford smirked faintly.

Before speaking, Da Vinci turned toward Natasha. "What is your opinion, Peak Master Natasha?"

Natasha stood still. "Even though Tony is a doctor... I will not accept him as a disciple of the Healing Tower. There are things I cannot speak right now, but I will say this clearly— Tony will not step into my Healing Tower as long as I am its master."

Shock spread through the hall. Tony’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Then—

Da Vinci turned toward Tony. "Are you willing to take the academy test?"

Tony didn’t answer immediately... He stood there.

Then slowly spoke—

"Seems like the Nine Lotus Academy has no rules and regulations... I never expected it to be such a wild place."

A ripple passed through the hall... He continued without hesitation.

"Academy Master Da Vinci, you are the one who sent me the invitation letter. You clearly mentioned I have one month before taking the entrance test. There are still days left. Why are you asking me now?"

Da Vinci nodded slightly.

"Yes, I won’t deny that... but your actions have disturbed the academy’s reputation."

Tony laughed faintly. "Really?! I hope you won’t say the same after knowing how many SSS-rank patients I treated in just two days... and how much wealth the academy earned from it."

His voice turned colder. "I’m really feeling stupid for joining this academy."

Gasps spread.

"Speak carefully, Young Master Tony!" Mark stepped forward. "If you are afraid of taking the trial, you can leave— but you have no right to insult the Nine Lotus Academy!!!"

Tony turned his head slowly. His gaze locked onto Mark.

"Stop acting so righteous, Mark Smith. Nobody is afraid of this useless entrance test. But if you really want to test me... let me propose something interesting."

Tony stared at all the 12 disciples who came to complain. "I will fight these twelve people... on my own."

The hall exploded.

"What?!"

"Is he insane?!"

"Does he want to die?!"

Even Lily, Julie, and Leo were stunned.

"These are top disciples...!!!"

Tony’s voice cut through the noise. "If even one of you defeats me, I will accept defeat and leave the academy."

Silence!~

Rutherford stood up immediately, eyes shining. "Tony Clark! Don’t go back on your words. If you defeat all twelve, we will grant you Core Disciple status. I will personally reward you with an earth-rank weapon!"

Tony laughed.

"Who wants your bullshit earth-rank weapon?! I already have sky-rank weapons."

He stepped forward slightly. "Do you think I am some imperial family dog without status?! Don’t forget... I am the Clark family prince!!!"

Rutherford’s face turned red. "You—!!!" He raised his hand in anger— But Da Vinci stopped him.

The hall fell silent again.

"Very well," Da Vinci said calmly. "Tony Clark will face all twelve disciples... one by one... in the Academy Arena."

He paused. "It will be a public match. Everyone will witness whether you are worthy or not."

Tony smiled. "I’m more than okay with it."

Da Vinci nodded. "If you win... you will be granted Core Disciple rank... and rewards suitable for your strength."

He stood up. "Prepare the arena. Spread the news. All disciples must gather within one hour!!!"

The command echoed like thunder.

Outside, the academy began to shake. Because within an hour— A battle would begin.

One man— Against twelve elites.

-

Get ready!