Chapter 28
A Small Test, Dazzlingly Proud
Two stones shot out from the magical artifact.
Gu Lin vs. Li Rui.
Tianxuan Guardian Qilin Robe Points to Platform No. 8.
Gu Lin slowly stepped forward.
The students of Shiyang Academy cheered loudly.
Zhao Yao stared coldly at Gu Lin, a sinister smile on his face, and said:
"Can you make it past the first round?"
"Don't die on the dueling ring..."
The words stopped abruptly, the second half of the sentence left unsaid.
Once I join the Holy Land, you'll die by my hand!
His failure in the willpower test was the biggest setback of his life so far, and even his older brother was extremely disappointed in him.
The Zhao family took the initiative to win him over, yet he dared to refuse on the spot. This man surnamed Gu had long ago known how to get himself killed!
Wei Xuan said in a low voice:
"Gu Jingming, if you are no match for them, don't be stubborn, admit defeat in time."
Three died and two were crippled in the first round. She didn't want Young Master Gu to die, so she absolutely couldn't risk her life.
Gu Lin stepped off the high platform and entered Platform 8.
In an instant, all the spectators in Shiyang were staring intently at Channel 8.
If we were to name the most likely hero of Shiyang Academy to meet a tragic end, it would be Gu Lin.
It's not that he's weak, but rather that he has a strong personality during the academy selection competition. He probably won't easily admit defeat on stage eight. If he encounters a strong competitor, he might really perish.
Gu Changchuan clenched his fists, his whole body trembling.
Zhou Man had already closed her eyes, not daring to look at Channel 8 anymore. She had no cultivation and couldn't see Channel 8, so she could only pray frantically in her heart.
In the far distance, Li Qingwu, wearing a veil, slumped in a wooden chair, her whole being filled with resentment and malice. She couldn't wait any longer; she wanted to see this beast die instantly!
Amidst countless gazes, a young man in a black outfit stepped onto platform number eight.
The two stood ten steps apart.
Li Rui unleashed all his internal energy, reaching the peak of the sixth level of the Qi Condensation Realm!
He stared coldly at his opponent and said in a chilling voice:
"I've heard of you. You topped the willpower test at Shiyang Academy, suppressed the Qilin Prince, and your Qi Condensation Realm Level 3 is comparable to Qi Condensation Realm Level 6."
"But I'm different."
"Now it's either surrender or die!"
Li Rui, with his imposing presence and authoritative voice, attempted to break down Gu Lin's defenses and let his fear spread.
"Thump—"
The drums suddenly sounded.
Li Rui was like a taut bowstring, about to burst forth, but his pupils suddenly contracted.
A figure was right in front of them, moving with unpredictable and elusive movements, and a punch came crashing down like a thunderclap.
boom--
Li Rui was unable to dodge in time; the right side of his head collapsed, and his brain matter and blood splattered everywhere.
Gu Lin turned and left station number eight.
Li Rui collapsed and died on the spot.
The Heavenly Guard in his Qilin robes remained expressionless, but he gave Gu Lin a deep look.
Such lightness skill is truly exquisite.
With his cultivation at the fifth level of the Qi Condensation Realm, his lightness skill was so powerful that even a peak sixth level cultivator couldn't react in time.
Gu Lin advances, Li Rui is eliminated!
After making the announcement, he casually waved his hand, and a ghostwriter cleaned up the body on platform number eight.
Not only the onlookers from Shiyang County, but also many others, all turned their attention to Stage No. 8. The crowd whispered among themselves, their eyes filled with undisguised shock.
Sixteen arenas, with arena number eight ending the fastest!
Only one punch!
"We won! Lin'er won!" Gu Changchuan breathed a sigh of relief, his facial muscles twitching with excitement.
The nobles of Shiyang were full of admiration. This was Gu Tianjiao from Shiyang, who still showed his prowess in the Holy Land selection competition!
Gu Lin returned to the high platform.
"You've broken through to the fifth level of the Qi Condensation Realm?" Yan Shouxu, Wei Xuan, and the others were shocked and incredulous.
Gu Lin remained silent.
He only revealed the strength of the fifth level of the Qi Condensation Realm.
The group looked at each other, their eyes filled with disbelief.
In just one month, he broke through from the third level of the Qi Condensation Realm to the fifth level?
Or did Gu Lin suppress his cultivation level during the academy's selection competition?
Zhao Yao's face grew even colder.
He certainly didn't care about the cultivation level of an ant.
But this ant holds too many secrets.
The secret is an opportunity. If I offer it willingly, I now have the chance to compete in the Holy Land Selection Tournament and become the ruler above all the geniuses!
After advancing to the next level, Gu Lin sat cross-legged in meditation.
The reason he killed her was simply because of Li Rui's threat to die.
Then die!
Apart from Gu Lin, none of the other students from Shiyang Academy were drawn in the second round of the lottery.
The second round ended 15 minutes later.
Three more people have died, and three more have been crippled!
Two assistants brought over a tray with a precious elixir on it.
Only those who advance in the ranks can take it.
Within half an hour, one can recover their internal energy. Although they won't reach their peak condition, they can still fight at 90% of their potential in the next battle.
Gu Lin put it in his sleeve but did not take it.
Next came the third draw.
Three people from Shiyang County were selected.
Wu Tong.
Willows sway in the wind.
And Zhao Yao!
When Zhao Yao's opponent was revealed, the atmosphere in the audience was electric, with a deafening roar that seemed to shake the heavens and earth!
This was because his opponent was Cao Wuji, the leader of Anfu Academy!
Cao Wuji is at the peak of the ninth level of the Qi Condensation Realm!
The odds from the Chuwei County casino ranked it thirteenth, while Prince Qilin Zhao Yao was fifth!
These two actually met in the top 256!
At this moment, no one paid attention to the other fifteen arenas.
Only the sixth arena became the focus of everyone's attention.
This is the cruelty of the Holy Land selection. Luck is also part of cultivation. Even the most outstanding talents in the county, who are at the ninth level of Qi Condensation, will be stopped in the first round!
Any one of them could have secured a spot in the top 16, but now they've clashed together!
Facing the gazes of many, Zhao Yao showed no fear and walked towards Platform Six with the Qilin Step.
Cao Wuji sighed, dismissing his superfluous thoughts, and continued with the same vigorous stride.
No one is inferior to anyone else!
The two men faced each other ten paces apart.
Members of the four holy lands turned to look at them.
Zhao Can, dressed in a black three-legged golden crow official robe, looked relaxed and showed no signs of worry.
The middle-aged man in the snow-white official robe in front of him turned around and asked with a smile:
"Zhao Can, what do you think your brother's chances of winning are?"
Zhao Can respectfully clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute:
"Reporting back to Commander Baihu, Zhao Yao is certain to win!"
The commander of the Martial Peak Hall nodded and said no more.
On platform number six.
Cao Wuji closed his eyes to meditate, gathering his energy. His internal energy circulated in a small cycle, and a light blue light shone in front of him.
Zhao Yao stood with his hands behind his back, unleashing his full inner energy.
He was only at the ninth level of the Qi Condensation Realm.
His imposing presence overshadowed Cao Wuji!
The world was deathly silent, and nearly 100,000 onlookers held their breath.
"Thump—"
The drums suddenly sounded.
A golden vortex appeared above Zhao Yao's head, his black hair danced wildly, and amidst the flashing golden light, his body shot out, every part of his body, from his hair to his boots, surging with the power of fists.
Cao Wuji felt a prickling sensation on his back. He raised his left hand, his five fingers grasping, and in the blink of an eye, his internal energy seemed to dart about like a serpent, transforming into six palms in succession.
As he struck, his right hand covered the area, and a black line emerged from the acupoint on the back of his hand, heading straight for the body that was so close at hand.
bang dong——
Zhao Yao withstood six blows with his bare hands, while Cao Wuji was pressed down by the force of the punches and quickly retreated more than ten steps.
"Is this all you're relying on?" Zhao Yao landed and flicked his finger, the blood and qi at his fingertip forcefully severing the black line.
This scene left countless people speechless.
Both were at the ninth level of the Qi Condensation Realm, and Cao Wuji was even at the peak of the Qi Condensation Realm, but after a single probing move, Cao Wuji retreated ten steps and suffered greatly.
Why is there such a large gap between them?
Only the members of the four holy lands could see it most clearly.
The resource gap is too obvious. Zhao Yao's physique, flesh, blood, and acupoints have all been carefully honed, his internal energy cultivation techniques are top-notch, and he even regularly takes holy land pills to condense his qi and blood. Not to mention the difference in martial arts skills.
Zhao Yao's moves were simple and swift, and young people of the same level could not find any flaws in him.
It appears to be riddled with flaws, like a brute throwing punches with his body, yet every part of his body is a trap.
A gap in every aspect!
On the dueling platform, Cao Wuji regained his footing and proactively blocked the three Yang meridians of his hands and feet, leaving only the Ren meridian in the center of his chest and abdomen.
In just a moment, blood began to seep from his seven orifices, and his entire face turned purple and blue.
"Qi and blood flowing backwards?" Many onlookers felt their scalps tingle. After just one move, Cao Tianjiao was forced to exert all his strength.
The next instant, Cao Wuji leaped up from the ground and pounced on Zhao Yao like a roc spreading its wings. His chest and abdomen roared, his arms were as hard as a rock, and his legs were as swift and sharp as two swords. The aftershocks of his move even cracked the granite of the dueling platform.
"You're not qualified!" Zhao Yao roared, clenched his fist to meet the attack, and his legs drew a terrifying circle of internal energy in the air.
boom--
With a loud crash, the disc entangled Cao Wuji's arms. Zhao Yao withstood the two internal energy swords with his palms, and the stalemate lasted only three breaths. Blood gushed from the disc, and Cao Wuji's body was covered in wounds.
"I....."
click-
Cao Wuji unleashed a powerful attack, targeting the most vulnerable acupoints on his neck.
Zhao Yao's internal energy disc gathered precisely at Cao Wuji's neck.
Die!
Zhao Yao suddenly reversed his internal energy and forcefully snapped Cao Wuji's neck.
boom--
Cao Wuji fell to the ground, his eyes wide open, his death a tragic sight.
The entire venue was deathly silent; nearly 100,000 people were terrified.
Cao Wuji didn't lose; he died!
The Prince of Qilin is so powerful and ruthless!!
Despite having the upper hand and even uttering the word "I," Cao Wuji still lost his life.
Everyone knew that Cao Wuji wanted to say, "I admit defeat."
Wen Daoyuan, dressed in lotus robes, remained composed and proclaimed in a clear voice:
"Zhao Yao advances!"
Zhao Yao surveyed the entire training ground, seeing the 100,000 people silent. He smiled and walked away with his head held high.
There are six spots available, and Zhao Yao must have one of them; no one can stop him!
With his elder brother paving the way, if he fails, it would be a disgrace to his brother!
The training ground remained eerily silent.
Cao Wuji, such a powerful prodigy, is the leader of the younger generation in Anfu County. His combat experience is also very skilled. He attacked the vital points of the Qilin Prince almost simultaneously. Any casual strike was enough to make a martial artist who had just entered the Dongxuan Realm extremely embarrassed.
But the Prince of Qilin blocked his way.
It wasn't just a block, it was a thunderous counterattack!
How absurd! Cao Tianjiao actually stopped in the first round and didn't even make it into the top 128.
Cao Tianjiao forged the dazzling stride of the Kirin Prince with his blood and bones!
When Zhao Yao returned to the high platform, the other contestants were filled with fear, and even the geniuses of the Cave Profound Realm were wary of him.
Zhao Yaozhi is strong, but he is actually even stronger than Lord Zhao Can of the Martial Peak Hall!
From laying the foundation to every step taken, Lord Zhao meticulously planned everything. Although Zhao Yao's talent was slightly inferior to Zhao Can's, he was able to stand on Zhao Can's laurels.
In the other matches, Liu Suifeng and Wu Tong of Shiyang Academy were defeated one after another. Wu Tong almost died. Although he survived, he ended up with broken meridians.
Gu Lin vs. Li Rui.
Tianxuan Guardian Qilin Robe Points to Platform No. 8.
Gu Lin slowly stepped forward.
The students of Shiyang Academy cheered loudly.
Zhao Yao stared coldly at Gu Lin, a sinister smile on his face, and said:
"Can you make it past the first round?"
"Don't die on the dueling ring..."
The words stopped abruptly, the second half of the sentence left unsaid.
Once I join the Holy Land, you'll die by my hand!
His failure in the willpower test was the biggest setback of his life so far, and even his older brother was extremely disappointed in him.
The Zhao family took the initiative to win him over, yet he dared to refuse on the spot. This man surnamed Gu had long ago known how to get himself killed!
Wei Xuan said in a low voice:
"Gu Jingming, if you are no match for them, don't be stubborn, admit defeat in time."
Three died and two were crippled in the first round. She didn't want Young Master Gu to die, so she absolutely couldn't risk her life.
Gu Lin stepped off the high platform and entered Platform 8.
In an instant, all the spectators in Shiyang were staring intently at Channel 8.
If we were to name the most likely hero of Shiyang Academy to meet a tragic end, it would be Gu Lin.
It's not that he's weak, but rather that he has a strong personality during the academy selection competition. He probably won't easily admit defeat on stage eight. If he encounters a strong competitor, he might really perish.
Gu Changchuan clenched his fists, his whole body trembling.
Zhou Man had already closed her eyes, not daring to look at Channel 8 anymore. She had no cultivation and couldn't see Channel 8, so she could only pray frantically in her heart.
In the far distance, Li Qingwu, wearing a veil, slumped in a wooden chair, her whole being filled with resentment and malice. She couldn't wait any longer; she wanted to see this beast die instantly!
Amidst countless gazes, a young man in a black outfit stepped onto platform number eight.
The two stood ten steps apart.
Li Rui unleashed all his internal energy, reaching the peak of the sixth level of the Qi Condensation Realm!
He stared coldly at his opponent and said in a chilling voice:
"I've heard of you. You topped the willpower test at Shiyang Academy, suppressed the Qilin Prince, and your Qi Condensation Realm Level 3 is comparable to Qi Condensation Realm Level 6."
"But I'm different."
"Now it's either surrender or die!"
Li Rui, with his imposing presence and authoritative voice, attempted to break down Gu Lin's defenses and let his fear spread.
"Thump—"
The drums suddenly sounded.
Li Rui was like a taut bowstring, about to burst forth, but his pupils suddenly contracted.
A figure was right in front of them, moving with unpredictable and elusive movements, and a punch came crashing down like a thunderclap.
boom--
Li Rui was unable to dodge in time; the right side of his head collapsed, and his brain matter and blood splattered everywhere.
Gu Lin turned and left station number eight.
Li Rui collapsed and died on the spot.
The Heavenly Guard in his Qilin robes remained expressionless, but he gave Gu Lin a deep look.
Such lightness skill is truly exquisite.
With his cultivation at the fifth level of the Qi Condensation Realm, his lightness skill was so powerful that even a peak sixth level cultivator couldn't react in time.
Gu Lin advances, Li Rui is eliminated!
After making the announcement, he casually waved his hand, and a ghostwriter cleaned up the body on platform number eight.
Not only the onlookers from Shiyang County, but also many others, all turned their attention to Stage No. 8. The crowd whispered among themselves, their eyes filled with undisguised shock.
Sixteen arenas, with arena number eight ending the fastest!
Only one punch!
"We won! Lin'er won!" Gu Changchuan breathed a sigh of relief, his facial muscles twitching with excitement.
The nobles of Shiyang were full of admiration. This was Gu Tianjiao from Shiyang, who still showed his prowess in the Holy Land selection competition!
Gu Lin returned to the high platform.
"You've broken through to the fifth level of the Qi Condensation Realm?" Yan Shouxu, Wei Xuan, and the others were shocked and incredulous.
Gu Lin remained silent.
He only revealed the strength of the fifth level of the Qi Condensation Realm.
The group looked at each other, their eyes filled with disbelief.
In just one month, he broke through from the third level of the Qi Condensation Realm to the fifth level?
Or did Gu Lin suppress his cultivation level during the academy's selection competition?
Zhao Yao's face grew even colder.
He certainly didn't care about the cultivation level of an ant.
But this ant holds too many secrets.
The secret is an opportunity. If I offer it willingly, I now have the chance to compete in the Holy Land Selection Tournament and become the ruler above all the geniuses!
After advancing to the next level, Gu Lin sat cross-legged in meditation.
The reason he killed her was simply because of Li Rui's threat to die.
Then die!
Apart from Gu Lin, none of the other students from Shiyang Academy were drawn in the second round of the lottery.
The second round ended 15 minutes later.
Three more people have died, and three more have been crippled!
Two assistants brought over a tray with a precious elixir on it.
Only those who advance in the ranks can take it.
Within half an hour, one can recover their internal energy. Although they won't reach their peak condition, they can still fight at 90% of their potential in the next battle.
Gu Lin put it in his sleeve but did not take it.
Next came the third draw.
Three people from Shiyang County were selected.
Wu Tong.
Willows sway in the wind.
And Zhao Yao!
When Zhao Yao's opponent was revealed, the atmosphere in the audience was electric, with a deafening roar that seemed to shake the heavens and earth!
This was because his opponent was Cao Wuji, the leader of Anfu Academy!
Cao Wuji is at the peak of the ninth level of the Qi Condensation Realm!
The odds from the Chuwei County casino ranked it thirteenth, while Prince Qilin Zhao Yao was fifth!
These two actually met in the top 256!
At this moment, no one paid attention to the other fifteen arenas.
Only the sixth arena became the focus of everyone's attention.
This is the cruelty of the Holy Land selection. Luck is also part of cultivation. Even the most outstanding talents in the county, who are at the ninth level of Qi Condensation, will be stopped in the first round!
Any one of them could have secured a spot in the top 16, but now they've clashed together!
Facing the gazes of many, Zhao Yao showed no fear and walked towards Platform Six with the Qilin Step.
Cao Wuji sighed, dismissing his superfluous thoughts, and continued with the same vigorous stride.
No one is inferior to anyone else!
The two men faced each other ten paces apart.
Members of the four holy lands turned to look at them.
Zhao Can, dressed in a black three-legged golden crow official robe, looked relaxed and showed no signs of worry.
The middle-aged man in the snow-white official robe in front of him turned around and asked with a smile:
"Zhao Can, what do you think your brother's chances of winning are?"
Zhao Can respectfully clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute:
"Reporting back to Commander Baihu, Zhao Yao is certain to win!"
The commander of the Martial Peak Hall nodded and said no more.
On platform number six.
Cao Wuji closed his eyes to meditate, gathering his energy. His internal energy circulated in a small cycle, and a light blue light shone in front of him.
Zhao Yao stood with his hands behind his back, unleashing his full inner energy.
He was only at the ninth level of the Qi Condensation Realm.
His imposing presence overshadowed Cao Wuji!
The world was deathly silent, and nearly 100,000 onlookers held their breath.
"Thump—"
The drums suddenly sounded.
A golden vortex appeared above Zhao Yao's head, his black hair danced wildly, and amidst the flashing golden light, his body shot out, every part of his body, from his hair to his boots, surging with the power of fists.
Cao Wuji felt a prickling sensation on his back. He raised his left hand, his five fingers grasping, and in the blink of an eye, his internal energy seemed to dart about like a serpent, transforming into six palms in succession.
As he struck, his right hand covered the area, and a black line emerged from the acupoint on the back of his hand, heading straight for the body that was so close at hand.
bang dong——
Zhao Yao withstood six blows with his bare hands, while Cao Wuji was pressed down by the force of the punches and quickly retreated more than ten steps.
"Is this all you're relying on?" Zhao Yao landed and flicked his finger, the blood and qi at his fingertip forcefully severing the black line.
This scene left countless people speechless.
Both were at the ninth level of the Qi Condensation Realm, and Cao Wuji was even at the peak of the Qi Condensation Realm, but after a single probing move, Cao Wuji retreated ten steps and suffered greatly.
Why is there such a large gap between them?
Only the members of the four holy lands could see it most clearly.
The resource gap is too obvious. Zhao Yao's physique, flesh, blood, and acupoints have all been carefully honed, his internal energy cultivation techniques are top-notch, and he even regularly takes holy land pills to condense his qi and blood. Not to mention the difference in martial arts skills.
Zhao Yao's moves were simple and swift, and young people of the same level could not find any flaws in him.
It appears to be riddled with flaws, like a brute throwing punches with his body, yet every part of his body is a trap.
A gap in every aspect!
On the dueling platform, Cao Wuji regained his footing and proactively blocked the three Yang meridians of his hands and feet, leaving only the Ren meridian in the center of his chest and abdomen.
In just a moment, blood began to seep from his seven orifices, and his entire face turned purple and blue.
"Qi and blood flowing backwards?" Many onlookers felt their scalps tingle. After just one move, Cao Tianjiao was forced to exert all his strength.
The next instant, Cao Wuji leaped up from the ground and pounced on Zhao Yao like a roc spreading its wings. His chest and abdomen roared, his arms were as hard as a rock, and his legs were as swift and sharp as two swords. The aftershocks of his move even cracked the granite of the dueling platform.
"You're not qualified!" Zhao Yao roared, clenched his fist to meet the attack, and his legs drew a terrifying circle of internal energy in the air.
boom--
With a loud crash, the disc entangled Cao Wuji's arms. Zhao Yao withstood the two internal energy swords with his palms, and the stalemate lasted only three breaths. Blood gushed from the disc, and Cao Wuji's body was covered in wounds.
"I....."
click-
Cao Wuji unleashed a powerful attack, targeting the most vulnerable acupoints on his neck.
Zhao Yao's internal energy disc gathered precisely at Cao Wuji's neck.
Die!
Zhao Yao suddenly reversed his internal energy and forcefully snapped Cao Wuji's neck.
boom--
Cao Wuji fell to the ground, his eyes wide open, his death a tragic sight.
The entire venue was deathly silent; nearly 100,000 people were terrified.
Cao Wuji didn't lose; he died!
The Prince of Qilin is so powerful and ruthless!!
Despite having the upper hand and even uttering the word "I," Cao Wuji still lost his life.
Everyone knew that Cao Wuji wanted to say, "I admit defeat."
Wen Daoyuan, dressed in lotus robes, remained composed and proclaimed in a clear voice:
"Zhao Yao advances!"
Zhao Yao surveyed the entire training ground, seeing the 100,000 people silent. He smiled and walked away with his head held high.
There are six spots available, and Zhao Yao must have one of them; no one can stop him!
With his elder brother paving the way, if he fails, it would be a disgrace to his brother!
The training ground remained eerily silent.
Cao Wuji, such a powerful prodigy, is the leader of the younger generation in Anfu County. His combat experience is also very skilled. He attacked the vital points of the Qilin Prince almost simultaneously. Any casual strike was enough to make a martial artist who had just entered the Dongxuan Realm extremely embarrassed.
But the Prince of Qilin blocked his way.
It wasn't just a block, it was a thunderous counterattack!
How absurd! Cao Tianjiao actually stopped in the first round and didn't even make it into the top 128.
Cao Tianjiao forged the dazzling stride of the Kirin Prince with his blood and bones!
When Zhao Yao returned to the high platform, the other contestants were filled with fear, and even the geniuses of the Cave Profound Realm were wary of him.
Zhao Yaozhi is strong, but he is actually even stronger than Lord Zhao Can of the Martial Peak Hall!
From laying the foundation to every step taken, Lord Zhao meticulously planned everything. Although Zhao Yao's talent was slightly inferior to Zhao Can's, he was able to stand on Zhao Can's laurels.
In the other matches, Liu Suifeng and Wu Tong of Shiyang Academy were defeated one after another. Wu Tong almost died. Although he survived, he ended up with broken meridians.