A faint sense of weightlessness told Gu You that they were continuously descending deep underground. As for how deep, it was impossible to determine.
The Spirit Pagoda truly deserved its reputation as the number one organization on the continent, possessing unparalleled strength and financial resources. The cost of such an underground construction must be astronomical.
There were no floor indicators inside the elevator, but it took a full three minutes before finally stopping.
As they stepped out, they found themselves in a spacious hall where over a dozen staff members were stationed. Beyond the hall stretched several metal-structured corridors.
Long Hengxu took out five uniquely designed cards and handed them to one of the staff members. The staff member remained silent, simply making a gesture of invitation before leading them down one of the passageways.
After walking for dozens of meters, they entered another elevator and descended again. This time, it only took about ten seconds before stopping. When the doors opened, they found themselves inside a circular chamber.
The chamber was entirely made of metal, and on the surrounding walls hung large soul-guided screens, displaying various images. The images showed lush, green landscapes resembling dense jungles.
The staff member turned around and said, "The primary Ascension Platform has a total of five available slots. There is no time limit. If you encounter danger beyond your ability to handle, simply press your emergency signal device, and you will be transported back here. Now, let me explain the precautions."
"Only five slots?" Long Hengxu was stunned. Why had the academy only been given five spots? He turned to look at Gu You.
Gu You had naturally heard the conversation as well. So I just got here, and they didn't even prepare a spot for me, huh?
The atmosphere became awkward as everyone looked at Gu You. Six people, but only five slots—how would they decide?
At that moment, a staff member suddenly pointed at Gu You in shock. The man wore a white uniform and a mask, but his eyes widened in recognition. "You're that 'Model Youth' from the news!!" His mask trembled as he spoke, unable to hide his astonishment.
"Huh?"
The other staff members were equally stunned. They scrutinized Gu You carefully, with some even pulling out their phones to compare his image with the one in the news. It was a perfect match.
Xie Xie and Wu Zhangkong were both dumbfounded. They spent most of their time at the academy, only going out for meals, strolls, or important matters, so they rarely kept up with news reports. However, Long Hengxu was well aware of it. A friend had once told him about a young man who, despite his age, had worked with the military to eliminate two Soul Douluo-level dark soul masters.
Now, Long Hengxu finally understood why the headmaster had refused to let Gu You sign the zero-class agreement. So the academy is the one that's actually climbing up the social ladder here! He had been tricked into believing Gu You was just a prodigy from the Eastsea Blacksmith Association.
What Long Hengxu didn't know was that even Yu Zhen (the headmaster) was unaware of Gu You's media presence. The Blacksmith Association had done a thorough job of keeping his information confidential—there were no photos, only his soul power level and martial soul details.
Gu You grinned. "Well, in that case, can you spare me an extra slot? If not, give me a few hours, and I'll go borrow an entry permit for the Primary Ascension Platform. How about that?"
One of the staff members hesitated before replying, "Apologies, but you must have a Primary Ascension Platform entry card to participate."
Gu You said no more, but at that moment, Wu Zhangkong stepped forward. "I have an extra card. Let him enter."
Long Hengxu stared at Wu Zhangkong in disbelief. How does he have an extra one?
"A true genius must be nurtured properly. This was the academy's mistake. No matter what, Gu You must be included," Wu Zhangkong stated coldly. "I acquired this card a long time ago at a small auction. At the time, I was surprised that such a minor auction had anything valuable—most items there weren't even worth ten thousand federal coins. Since I had enough money, I bought it for ten thousand."
Although his voice remained as emotionless as ever, his image in everyone's minds had suddenly grown tenfold in stature.
Even Long Hengxu felt ashamed of himself. "The academy indeed made an error, Zhangkong. I will report this to the headmaster. It won't happen again. We will also compensate you for your loss soon."
Wu Zhangkong ignored him and simply handed the Primary Ascension Platform entry card to the staff member. "Thank you."
"Understood. Follow me." The staff member nodded.
Gu You remained silent. He wouldn't say he was particularly moved, but there was an undeniable warmth in his heart.
Xie Xie suddenly came up to Gu You and asked curiously, "Gu You, what's this 'Model Youth' thing? It sounds like a big deal, and it's related to you?"
Gu You glanced at Xie Xie, unimpressed. "It's better if you don't know. If you really want to, go ask someone on the street. I don't feel like bringing it up."
Seeing Gu You's reluctance, Xie Xie had no choice but to drop the subject.
…
"Wulin."
Gu Yue glanced around cautiously to make sure no one was watching before whispering to Tang Wulin.
"What is it, Gu Yue?" For some reason, Tang Wulin felt a bit nervous.
"There's something strange about Gu You's aura. I think we should stay away from him—"
"Why?"
"Ah!"
Gu You had somehow appeared right behind them, smiling.
Startled, Gu Yue instinctively took two steps back and nearly stumbled into Gu You's arms. She steadied herself, placing a hand on her chest, before angrily saying, "You... Don't sneak up on people like that!"
"Heh! Someone who badmouths me behind my back shouldn't expect me to be nice in return," Gu You retorted.
"You—" Gu Yue wanted to argue but found herself at a loss for words.
"You're Tang Wulin, right?" Gu You turned to him with a friendly smile. "Nice to meet you. I'm Gu You. Don't listen to that two-faced turtle over there—I'm a great guy."
Tang Wulin, who was shorter, had to look up at Gu You.
"Nice to meet you too!" He felt that the young man in front of him seemed quite friendly—contrary to what Gu Yue had said. There was no eerie aura at all. Instead, Gu You gave off an optimistic and warm energy, making him feel oddly comfortable.
Gu Yue felt like she was about to explode. How did this backfire on me?
"Silence!"
A staff member's warning snapped everyone back to attention, and they obediently followed.
…
"The Ascension Platform is a world created by the Spirit Pagoda over the course of a thousand years, using immense resources and technological expertise. It is essentially an alternate world, crafted through extensive spatial technology. You must remember that the Ascension Platform is not a fully virtual environment—it is part virtual, part real. Many of its digital aspects rely on real-world feedback. The Primary Ascension Platform is one of its purely virtual components, so your lives will not be at risk inside."
(End of Chapter)