Kael led the way, with Gu Pingchuan and the others following closely behind as they entered the Combat Simulation Room.

  Ling Xiao and Ying Xue exchanged a look before joining the group. One of Ling Xiao’s primary goals was to secure a foothold in this training facility. During his last visit, he had been so overwhelmed by the quality of the equipment and pills that he only stayed a day before rushing back to the Imperial Capital.

  He had brought those items back to be analyzed by the Royal Blacksmiths and Master Alchemists, hoping they could be replicated. The results, of course, were predictable. If they could be copied so easily, Kael wouldn’t be charging such exorbitant prices. This time, Ling Xiao intended to pay close attention to the nuances of the Arena itself.

  Shier, having been sent over earlier by Kael, was already inside. Since she wasn’t yet well-acquainted with Blood Wolf or Tiger Hunt, she was currently occupied with Single-player Mode.

  "Seven slots left. You guys... fit perfectly." Kael turned around and did a quick head count.

  Gu Pingchuan, Meng Xiangyu, Wu Zuozhou. Instructor Zhong Lingyun, Ying Feng, Ying Xue, and Ling Xiao. Exactly seven people.

  The Spirit Crystals had already been paid for back at the general store.

  "Take a seat. There are currently two modes available in the Arena. You’ll understand once you place your hands on the crystal ball pedestals," Kael said, leading them to the booths.

  The best part about the Combat Simulation Arena was that it required very little explanation. Once the crystal ball was activated, a comprehensive set of information was transmitted directly into the user’s mind. First-timers received a full tutorial, while returning customers were only notified of new updates.

  Gu Pingchuan and the others didn't hesitate. All seven took their seats in the booths. As they activated the devices, a flood of data entered their consciousness, projecting their minds into the virtual space within the crystals.

  "Remarkable. This alchemical creation is of inestimable value for this function alone," Gu Pingchuan praised. With his vast experience, he understood exactly how precious Consciousness Projection was.

  Developing a new combat technique or magic spell usually required a massive investment of resources. Even the strongest experts had to refine their creations through endless trial and error to ensure there were no flaws or accidental casting failures.

  "Manager, what is the difference between these two modes?" Gu Pingchuan asked after observing the interface for a moment.

  "One is a duel; the other is a team brawl. You’ll understand once you try them," Kael explained simply.

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  None of the seven newcomers had experienced Online Mode yet. Describing it would only leave them confused; firsthand experience was the only way to learn.

  "Everyone, since we are all here, why don't we try this 'Online Mode' together?" Gu Pingchuan suggested. While individual strength was vital, team coordination was equally important.

  With the Dean’s word, no one objected. Kael stood by the side, watching the booths.

  This room is still too small, Kael thought, looking at the row of occupied seats. I need to find a way to add more slots.

  Following the system prompts, Gu Pingchuan created a lobby and pulled the other six into the room.

  "Wait, why is there an eighth person?" Gu Pingchuan was about to start when he noticed another player in the lobby.

  "Because you didn't set a password," Kael remarked from the sidelines.

  In the Arena, appearances could not be hidden. Kael immediately recognized the interloper: it was Tiger Hunt. In Online Mode, if a room wasn't password-protected, anyone currently in the Arena could join the lobby.

  "You guys must be new. A lot of fresh faces in here," Tiger Hunt said casually.

  "It is indeed our first time. Might I ask who you are?" Gu Pingchuan asked.

  "The name’s Tiger Hunt. I’m a regular here. Old man, if you don't mind, let me join in. I’m pretty damn good," Tiger Hunt grinned.

  "Tiger Hunt! Where’s Blood Wolf?" Ying Feng recognized him.

  "Blood Wolf is too much of a noob. His squad got wiped so many times he gave up for the day. I didn't want to carry them anymore," Tiger Hunt said, squinting at Ying Feng. It took him a moment to remember who the kid was. "So, what do you say, Elder? I think you could use a veteran player as a guide."

  "Since you are a friend of Student Ying, I see no harm in it," Wu Zuozhou interjected.

  "Agreed. We could use someone to show us the ropes. We shall trouble you then, young friend," Gu Pingchuan nodded. Despite his status, Gu Pingchuan was always composed and polite, never looking down on someone just because their cultivation was lower.

  "If you're as strong as you say, then come along," Meng Xiangyu added, though he didn't seem particularly bothered either way.

  As for Ying Feng, Ying Xue, and Ling Xiao, they were just there to learn. Even Instructor Zhong remained silent. In the presence of the three Deans, they had no right to speak—save for Ying Feng’s initial exclamation of surprise.

  [Combat Preparation Initiated.] [Please select the number of opponents.]

  The crystal ball displayed the difficulty settings.

  "We have eight people, so the maximum number of opponents we can face is... also eight?" Gu Pingchuan looked at the selection.

  Upon hearing this, Tiger Hunt’s face went pale with terror.

  "Wait! Elder! CHOOSE THREE!"

  But the warning came too late. Gu Pingchuan had already selected eight opponents. In the Arena, every single class currently updated by the system appeared on the opposing side, standing by for battle.

  "It's over. Might as well wait for the next round," Tiger Hunt muttered, covering his eyes in despair. Are all these newcomers this arrogant? Selecting an 8-man AI squad right off the bat? Do they enjoy being stomped that much?

  "Young friend, why the long face?" Gu Pingchuan asked with genuine concern. He couldn't understand why Tiger Hunt had suddenly spiraled into gloom.

  "Is it because the opponents are too strong? You said you were strong yourself," Meng Xiangyu chuckled. On the surface, he was comforting the man, but there was a subtle hint of mockery underneath.

  Wu Zuozhou tried to mediate. "Now, now. This young friend is just being cautious. He probably wanted us to start with the easiest difficulty to get a feel for it."

  It was another hollow attempt at mediation. After all, the Deans had reached their current heights through blood, sweat, and decades of cultivation. They didn't believe a "simulation" could possibly offer a challenge they couldn't handle.