The group headed deeper into the orchard. After crossing several more peaks, they saw fruits of the eighth rank and up.

　　Zhou Qius.h.i.+ and the others had no chance but they still tried to test their luck. What if an eighth or ninth-ranked fruit were to drop for them?

　　Just a single ninth-ranked fruit would surpa.s.s everything they have gotten so far, the entire group combined. That’s why trying despite being aware of the futility was warranted.

　　Every student here shared this thought, not just Zhou Quis.h.i.+’s group. Coming here was a rare opportunity so they needed to cherish every moment.

　　Unfortunately, the probability of success was pitiful to the point of being negligible.

　　After all, the higher the rank, the more light power the fruit contained. One needed either overwhelming strength or a firm dao heart in order to knock a ninth-ranked fruit down.

　　According to previous research, knocking down a ninth-ranked fruit required a starting point at the realm of True Emperor or Eternal. These masters could do so with near certainty. Of course, a slightly weaker expert had a chance too, albeit minuscule.

　　The group overheard a few students talking about successful fruit knockings.

　　“I saw Goldpython True Emperor take down an eight-petal Sacred Lotus Fruit, the really good stuff. Just one bite and the light turns into delicious fruit juice.” One person swallowed their saliva during the description.

　　“Goldpython True Emperor is here too? Looks like several big shots from Lightless are here then.” People shuddered after hearing this t.i.tle.

　　A young emperor with three palaces always incited respect and admiration.

　　“Stonecarver True Emperor is here as well. He took down a ninth-ranked Rocking Vermillion Fruit then went to the top, I believe.” A person from Sacred Bank added.

　　The four great academies were part of the system but their students have always been contentious with each other. Everyone believed that their academy was the best one.

　　“Please, our Dawn has a magnificent being here too, Goldtypha True Emperor.” A student from Dawn noticed those other students acting smug and reminded them. [1]

　　“Goldtypha True Emperor is present too?” All eyes turned towards this student from Dawn.

　　“Oh… at least that’s what I’ve heard so far…” This student became embarra.s.sed due to the spotlight and spoke without confidence: “My seniors said that they saw him during their departure. He might already be in the Beast Garden now instead of the orchard.”

　　“Anyone else besides him?” Everyone had a serious expression now.

　　Goldtypha was an eight-palace True Emperor from Dawn, far stronger than Goldpython and Stonecarver True Emperor.

　　Most importantly, he was the disciple of Orchid Sage, an existence that everyone looked up to. [2]

　　In the contemporary young generation, only Orchid Sage was comparable to Luminous Master.

　　“Hmph, so what? Our lady, the marvel of heaven, is here too.” A student from Sacred Bank snorted.

　　“Who? Flying Sword Marvel?” A student from a different academy asked.

　　“Who else is worthy of this t.i.tle besides her.” The student proudly laughed: “She’s already a half-step Everlasting!”

　　“The younger sister of the king of Purification Creek.” People became serious after hearing this.

　　She wasn’t only one of the youngest half-step Everlastings. Her background was very frightening too.

　　“Yes, she’s amazing and all, but don’t forget about our Spiritheart True Emperor!” A student from Lightless said.

　　The students from Lightless, Sacred Bank, and Dawn didn’t relent in their conversations. However, Northern Academy seemed relatively quiet.