I walk sideways in the game world

Chapter 260: New Test Coming, Faith Frustrated and Will Shaken

The old voice echoed like a mighty bell, resonating throughout the academy for a long time. Ren Xiaoyao and Xia Lin exchanged glances, each seeing a solemn expression in the other's eyes. They were both familiar with the voice; it belonged to the academy's dean, an unfathomable and powerful figure.

"It seems we have to go to the Sutra Library." Ren Xiaoyao took a deep breath, suppressed the uneasiness in his heart, and said to Xia Lin.

Xia Lin nodded gently, and without further delay, the two of them headed towards the Sutra Library. Along the way, many students were in a hurry, talking among themselves.

"Have you heard? The dean personally summoned Ren Xiaoyao!"

"It must be because of the previous competition. Ren Xiaoyao stole the show this time!"

"I heard there's going to be a new academic test, and it's going to be more difficult than before!"

The surrounding discussions reached Ren Xiaoyao's ears, and his originally relaxed mood gradually became heavy. He had a vague feeling that this test was unusual.

After arriving at the top floor of the Sutra Library, Ren Xiaoyao found that Master Mo, Senior Brother Yun and several other seniors were there, and everyone had a solemn look on their faces.

"Dean." Ren Xiaoyao and Xia Lin saluted respectfully.

The dean was an old man with a kind face. He smiled slightly and gestured for the two to stand up.

"Xiaoyao, you performed very well today. I'm very pleased." The dean's voice was amiable, yet carried an undeniable authority. "However, your test has only just begun."

Hearing this, Ren Xiaoyao's heart trembled. He knew that the real test was coming.

The dean paused and continued, "This academic test is about the study of an ancient formation called the 'Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams Formation.' This formation is profound and unpredictable, a treasure passed down from ancient times."

As he spoke, the dean took out an ancient book from his sleeve and slowly opened it.

"This 'Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams Formation Diagram' is the academy's treasure. It contains detailed information about the 'Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams Formation'. You must comprehend its mysteries and successfully deploy it within one month."

As soon as the words fell, everyone present gasped.

"Nine Palaces and Eight Diagrams Formation?! This is a legendary ancient formation. It is said that even Saint-level powerhouses find it difficult to comprehend. Why would the dean let us study this?"

"How is it possible to comprehend this level of formation in just one month?"

The seniors were talking among themselves, their faces filled with disbelief. Even the usually composed Senior Brother Yun couldn't help but frown.

Ren Xiaoyao had little knowledge of this formation before, and upon seeing the title, his brow furrowed. Master Mo noticed the change in Ren Xiaoyao's expression and sighed inwardly. He was about to say something when a look from the dean stopped him. "Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams Formation..." Ren Xiaoyao repeated softly, his mind blank. He had only heard of this formation before, never thoroughly understanding it, let alone mastering and deploying it in a month. To him, this was simply a fantasy.

The seniors around them also looked troubled and whispered among themselves. Many of them were extremely talented, but faced with a difficult problem like the "Nine Palaces and Eight Diagrams Formation," they could hardly hide their uneasiness.

"How is it possible to comprehend this level of formation in just one month? Does the dean have too high expectations of us?" A senior student couldn't help but complain in a low voice.

"Who says it's not true? Even if we study day and night, it might still be difficult to get started!" Another senior also echoed.

Although Senior Brother Yun stood aside and said nothing, the barely perceptible smile at the corner of his mouth revealed his true thoughts at the moment. His previous defeat to Ren Xiaoyao in the competition had always been a source of resentment for him, and now that he saw that Ren Xiaoyao was also in trouble, he couldn't help but feel a bit of gloating.

Master Mo saw all of this. He was well aware of the difficulty of the "Nine Palaces and Eight Diagrams Formation" and knew that it was a huge challenge for Ren Xiaoyao. But he believed that with Ren Xiaoyao's talent and perseverance, as long as he was willing to work hard, he would be able to overcome the difficulties.

"Xiaoyao," Master Mo was about to offer a few words of encouragement, but a look from the dean stopped him. The dean slowly glanced at the group and said calmly, "I know this mission is arduous, but you are all elite disciples of the academy. I believe you are capable of completing it. Remember, opportunities come to those who are prepared."

The dean's words, though brief, were full of power, rekindling the fighting spirit of the somewhat discouraged seniors. They all expressed their determination to give their all and live up to the dean's expectations.

Yet, Ren Xiaoyao's heart remained restless. He clutched the "Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams Diagram" tightly in his hand, feeling it weigh incredibly heavy. It wasn't just a book; it felt like a mountain, weighing him down, making him breathless.

"Xiaoyao, let's go." Xia Lin's voice pulled Ren Xiaoyao out of his thoughts. Noticing that Ren Xiaoyao's face was a little pale, she softly comforted him, "Don't worry, we will work together and we will definitely succeed."

Ren Xiaoyao forced a smile and nodded. However, deep down, he was still filled with anxiety. He knew that this test would be far more difficult than he had imagined.

The two men walked out of the Sutra Library side by side. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on them, casting two long shadows.

After leaving the Sutra Library, Xia Lin accompanied Ren Xiaoyao all the way. She could sense the low mood of the people around her. The setting sun stretched their shadows very long, but it could not dispel the haze that enveloped Ren Xiaoyao's heart.

"Xiaoyao, don't put too much pressure on yourself," Xia Lin said softly, "Since the dean chose us, he must believe that we have the ability."

Ren Xiaoyao forced a smile and said nothing. He knew the dean's good intentions, but the difficulty of the "Nine Palaces and Eight Diagrams Formation" was beyond his comprehension. Was a month really enough for him?

After returning to his residence, Ren Xiaoyao dove headfirst into the vast sea of ancient texts. He searched through various ancient texts for clues regarding the "Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams Formation," hoping to find some breakthrough. However, the deeper he delved, the more lost he became. The obscure texts and complex graphic symbols trapped him like a vast maze, with no way out.

As time passed, Ren Xiaoyao's frown grew tighter and tighter. He studied day and night, forgetting to eat or sleep, but still had no clue. Every time he thought he was about to grasp something, reality would always ruthlessly bring him back to square one.

"Am I really not capable of this?" Late at night, Ren Xiaoyao put down the book in his hand, rubbed his sore eyes, and felt bitterness in his heart. He looked at the bright moonlight outside the window, but he could not feel the slightest warmth. Instead, he felt a chill in his heart.

"Xiaoyao, don't give up. I believe in you!" Xia Lin's voice rang in his ears, firm and powerful. She walked over to Ren Xiaoyao with a bowl of steaming hot medicine and gently placed it on the table. "You haven't had much rest these days. Take care of yourself."

Ren Xiaoyao glanced at Xia Lin with gratitude, then picked up the medicine bowl and drank it all in one gulp. The bitter liquid flowed down his throat and into his stomach, but it couldn't warm his cold heart. He looked at Xia Lin's worried eyes, feeling filled with guilt and self-blame.

"I will definitely succeed," Ren Xiaoyao took a deep breath and said firmly, "I can't let you down, and I can't let down the dean's trust."

He picked up the scroll again, his gaze once again fixed on the complex diagram. However, this time, his eyes were no longer confused, but instead, a glimmer of determination. He knew that no matter how many difficulties lay ahead, he would not give up, because he had no way out.

"Knock, knock, knock..." Suddenly, a rapid knock on the door interrupted Ren Xiaoyao's thoughts. Before he could react, the door was pushed open and a familiar figure appeared at the door.

"Xiaoyao, something bad has happened..." The man spoke in a hurried tone, sweating profusely and looking panicked.