A few days later, at Tianding University.
There were still two days before the final submission of the graduation projects.
All the graduates had now completed their respective assessments.
As with previous years, among these graduates, some were joyous, some sorrowful.
Only about half had, before their world cores were completely destroyed, buried the alien armies led by legendary figures within their divine worlds!
Whether it was a technological world, a steampunk realm, or a world of magic and swordsmanship, all had demonstrated their resilience and determination across the three increasingly difficult assessments!
The inhabitants of these divine worlds, whether they suffered great casualties or survived, had ensured the continuation and perfection of their worlds.
Elves, humans, or beasts alike, their sacrifices secured the hope for their world's survival!
Among them, the strongest divine worlds stood out as rare, extraordinary realms—one in a hundred!
These worlds, capable of nurturing extraordinary beings, were destined to become leaders among other divine worlds.
Their creators, the owners of these worlds, would each leave their mark within Tianding University!
They were the pride of Tianding University's cultivation!
"This is truly the most joyful day of the year!"
Wang Zhi, rarely showing a good mood, revealed a relatively gentle expression in front of the other instructors.
"This year, the number of extraordinary worlds created is far higher than in previous years!"
"Thirty-five in total!"
The other instructors shared the joy.
"I don't know why, but this year, the graduation rate and the appearance of extraordinary worlds both surpassed previous years!"
"Yes, yes, every student here seems to have a promising future in my eyes!"
"I heard many have already planned their paths. I think my teaching has been quite effective!"
"Indeed, indeed, all thanks to your instruction!"
"Hey, mutual credit, mutual credit!"
While the instructors chattered and praised each other, Wang Zhi suddenly sighed.
Though faint amid the noise, all the instructors felt a pang of unease.
"Not every… student among them has a predictable future…"
All paused.
Indeed. There was one.
The undisputed strongest among the graduates.
"It seems today is…"
"The day Chu Hao attempts the fourth exam!"
Wang Zhi lifted his head and looked in a certain direction.
"The mountain…"
"…is there."
"Hope you can climb it!"
---
Chu Hao retracted his consciousness from the Endless Abyss.
He then left his dormitory, heading toward the exam area.
Inside the dorm, graduates were celebrating their successful assessments.
Laughter and cheer echoed everywhere, mingled with occasional sighs and lamentations.
At that moment, someone noticed Chu Hao.
Soon, more eyes were upon him.
Word of Chu Hao challenging the fourth exam had spread silently through Tianding University.
Many were baffled and incredulous.
After all, the terrifying legends of the fourth exam were deeply ingrained in their minds.
No graduate believed Chu Hao could accomplish such a feat.
The fourth exam's difficulty was comparable to ascending heaven itself.
Thus, the gazes ranged from envy, disdain, jealousy, hostility, regret… to a rare few of timid encouragement.
Chu Hao ignored them all, walking calmly toward the assessment area.
Soon, even non-graduates learned about the upcoming fourth exam through word of mouth.
Walking alone outside, Chu Hao was recognized.
Unlike previous exams, this fourth one differed.
Though they could not see Chu Hao's world, the exam observers could understand the situation through the images prepared by their instructors, at least regarding the battlefield's layout.
Chu Hao arrived at the exam area and manifested the Endless Abyss.
This time, unlike its usual flamboyant and terrifying display, the Endless Abyss took the form of a calm, black-red vortex, quiet as still water.
Then, a staff member in charge of the exam nervously pushed a massive golden-glowing world from the center of the exam area.
This artificially created world now diffused golden mist endlessly, filling the space like radiant fog.
---
"It's about to begin…"
Wang Zhi sighed, like many instructors, activating his prepared image-transmission ability.
"Good luck, Chu Hao!"
In the principal's office, Bai Chen sat at her desk.
She opened her eyes.
This time, her eyes had returned to their original forms: one star, one black hole.
"Finally, it begins?"
A smile appeared on her lips.
"Though I'm truly curious why you're doing this, I must admit…"
"Your graduation project is very interesting!"
"So, rather than dying silently, let me witness the low-dimensional world's…"
"Roar!"
---
"Chu Hao…"
"The fourth exam begins!"
Click.
A golden passage appeared at the outskirts of the Endless Abyss!
This golden passage, like a glowing mist, pressed a sword against the throat of the Endless Abyss.
Everyone held their breath, staring at the scene!
The true strength of the exam world was about to reveal its terrifying nature!
"Wait… what's happening?"
"What's going on?!"
At that moment, something unexpected occurred!
As the golden passage emerged at the periphery of the Endless Abyss, the black-red vortex itself began to churn!
Unlike the single, sturdy light pillar, countless twisted, black tentacles surged from the depths of the vortex, placing their claws upon the massive exam world!
The Endless Abyss, like a starved beast roused from forced slumber, had finally encountered prey after a long wait.
It was putting all its strength into anchoring itself to this colossal target!
It sought not defense!
It sought…
Unrestrained offense!
Within the exam world, the warriors designed to invade divine worlds and shatter cores felt a whisper from the low-dimensional space just as they were about to attack the Endless Abyss.
The whisper cast a shadow over their steadfast minds.
It was the voice of the will that controlled this dark, twisted, chaotic world, speaking from the abyssal core with a smile.
"Who…
…has awakened the demon?"