Once all preparations were complete, Zhao Kongcheng set out for the teaching area to complete the procedures required for the assessment.
He was confident that when the elves encountered their first alien invasion, their latent war potential would erupt.
"Too bad the elves aren't naturally a militarily strong race. They need external stimuli to reshape their civilization."
Unlike Chu Hao's environment in the unforgiving Endless Abyss, Zhao Kongcheng's natural world was a complete paradise.
The elves were born under the protection of the World Tree Di Lu Ha Gang. From birth, they had never sensed the world's malice.
Not only did they never lack food, but disputes between elf empires were minimal.
They were born as the world's chosen children.
This also made the elves inherently averse to war.
Although many of them were powerful—the golden elf templates nearly reached legendary status—their abilities were like those of an adult in a baby's body: strong, but instinct-driven and unrefined.
Combined with their extraordinarily long lifespans, most elves in their civilization spent their lives pursuing art and beauty, showing little interest in swords or armor.
Zhao Kongcheng muttered to himself:
"What I need most is to reshape their minds, to make them truly understand the world's cruelty."
"The greater the fear, the more devoted they become!"
"The more devotion they give, the more divine flames I receive!"
"This is the true path to ascendancy!"
Filled with confidence, he left his dormitory for the assessment area.
But just a few steps later, he saw Chu Hao.
Today was also an assessment day for Chu Hao.
However, as the first student to apply for an early assessment, Chu Hao had already reached the final stage—the third assessment.
Many students had noticed Chu Hao's fame.
Even if Chu Hao didn't want attention, it was impossible, as his divine flame count had remained firmly in first place.
Many graduates sought his feedback on their own worlds, or just wished to glimpse the mysterious Endless Abyss. Chu Hao, however, rejected all such requests, maintaining his calm as he walked toward the assessment area, showing no interest in his peers.
Zhao Kongcheng smirked.
"As I thought, this guy's personality won't be swayed by these mundane people."
He followed Chu Hao to the assessment area.
The assessment instructor was surprised. He had expected that, like yesterday, only Chu Hao would arrive for the assessment.
Unexpectedly, Zhao Kongcheng—the second-ranked divine flame holder—was also here for early assessment.
"A genius attracts competition, does he not?" the instructor mused silently, though it didn't delay his work.
After filling out two forms, he led the two students to the assessment area.
At this moment, Chu Hao realized someone had followed him.
Chu Hao's attention was entirely on building the Endless Abyss; he had little interest in others.
Yet Zhao Kongcheng politely smiled at Chu Hao, half in provocation, half in challenge:
"Hello, Chu Hao. I'm Zhao Kongcheng. Finally, we meet!"
"This time, I'll surpass you with more divine flames and claim first place at Tianding University!"
A fierce battle intent blazed in Zhao Kongcheng's eyes.
During the graduation project, students were forbidden from linking their divine worlds or initiating wars between worlds.
Thus, ambitious graduates had to compete using divine flame count, world scale, or vassal strength.
Among these, divine flame count was the most valuable metric—it was the path to a true godhood, naturally drawing attention.
Unexpectedly, Chu Hao only looked at him with a kind, almost indifferent gaze and said:
"You are?"
"...You are? You… are…?"
This response went far beyond Zhao Kongcheng's expectations.
How dare Chu Hao, the former first and current second divine flame holder, barely acknowledge him!
Confused and flustered, Zhao Kongcheng's thoughts scattered.
Before he could respond, Chu Hao seated himself in the designated spot and began preparing for the assessment.
"Wait, I—what the hell?!" Zhao Kongcheng started, but froze as Chu Hao manifested the Endless Abyss within the assessment area.
"What is this?!"
The appearance of the Endless Abyss immediately instilled Zhao Kongcheng with a nearly suffocating sense of pressure.
The structure of the Endless Abyss had changed dramatically:
What had once spiraled downward now floated as a slowly rotating black-and-red vortex, covered in countless black divine flames.
Behind Chu Hao appeared a monstrous, world-like projection.
As the vortex slowly rotated, everyone present could vaguely hear whispers from the depths… the demons.
These indistinct yet chilling voices carried an indescribable malice—
A terrifying demonic whisper!
A deadly temptation leading toward corruption!
A declaration of the abyss itself!
As the Endless Abyss materialized, everyone felt their beliefs shift.
Once-positive emotions gradually corroded, transforming into increasingly extreme negative emotions.
Deep within their hearts, the darkest and most extreme impulses expanded, overtaking their consciousness.
Greed, sloth, rage… envy!
Every deep-seated desire within their souls grew rampant upon interacting with the Endless Abyss projection.
At that moment, a teacher reacted swiftly.
With a wave, he enveloped Chu Hao's projection, isolating it to prevent influencing other students.
Simultaneously, a thread of golden light was drawn into Chu Hao's world—the Endless Abyss.
"Do not look! Do not think!"
With Chu Hao's world contained, Zhao Kongcheng finally exhaled in relief, pale-faced.
"Maintain… composure…"
Just then, the teacher spoke to Chu Hao:
"Prepare yourself, Chu Hao!
Your third assessment… is about to begin!"