Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
In the Chu King's Secret Realm, battles were occurring everywhere. Today was the last day, and if they could not obtain the Jade Tablet, they would be eliminated. This made many people anxious, and they turned their attention to those who had acquired the Jade Tablets, resulting in fierce conflicts.
Even some powerful disciples fell victim to ambushes. Many weaker disciples sought familiar faces to collaborate with. For the sake of the Jade Tablet, many had cast aside all reservations. Even friends with good relationships had fallen out over a single Jade Tablet. Various ugly schemes were unfolding here.
Some weaker disciples who had obtained the Jade Tablets became targets for many. Even if they hid, they were quickly found. Those who obediently handed over their Jade Tablets fared better, while those who resisted suffered serious injuries, and some even lost their lives.
Of course, there were some individuals who could still train or rest quietly amidst the fierce fighting. These were the top-ranked disciples on the Bronze List. Their strength was already formidable, and with the benefits afforded to Bronze List disciples, they far surpassed many other disciples in the Outer Court. Naturally, no one dared to disturb them.
After battling Xue Chao, Ren Pingsheng and Chu Xiao found a secluded spot to cultivate. The recent battle had given him some insights that he was eager to ponder.
In a valley, a figure constantly shifted positions, wielding a long sword that danced up and down. Sword energy split into two, then four, then eight, quickly filling the entire valley. Yet everything appeared eerily quiet; the swirling sword energy did not stir a speck of dust as it flew gracefully.
Eventually, the divided sword energies fused back together into complete sword energies. The entire process looked incredibly magical. It is known that once sword energy is unleashed, it is difficult to control again. However, what unfolded before him—where divided sword energy re-fused—was truly astonishing.
"What a pity," Ren Pingsheng murmured regretfully to himself. "I can only manipulate some simple true energy; whether in excessive quantity or rapid speed, I cannot control it properly. Most importantly, it consumes too much mental energy. I can only wait until my cultivation advances further before I can hope to achieve more."
This was an idea that had suddenly occurred to him; although it showed some effect, it was practically useless in battle. Of course, this was only temporary; if his mental strength grew stronger and he could manipulate his unleashed true energy at will, it would be terrifying.
"Let's go; with just one more hour left in the assessment, it will likely end soon. We should head to the exit and wait." After sheathing his sword, he called out to Chu Xiao, who was training in the distance.
The two left the valley and made their way leisurely toward the exit. Along the way, they occasionally encountered some robbers but easily dispatched them with a few moves from Ren Pingsheng. They soon arrived safely at the exit.
Here gathered several hundred people; most of them radiated a blue glow from having obtained Jade Tablets. Their cultivation levels were mostly high-level warriors, with some reaching perfection in their realms. Occasionally there were one or two lower-level cultivators among them, but they all had significant backgrounds.
It was clear that they were confident in themselves; otherwise, they would not dare come here so early. Most of those who had obtained Jade Tablets were still hiding elsewhere, waiting for the assessment time to end! Once time was up, they could no longer snatch each other's Jade Tablets; that would be when true safety began.
The arrival of Ren Pingsheng and Chu Xiao immediately attracted many disciples lurking here who had not obtained Jade Tablets. One was a mid-level warrior while the other was a beginner warrior; they were akin to children wandering into town with gold bricks in hand—immediately becoming targets for hunting.
Several high-level warrior disciples approached with ill intentions and looked down at Ren Pingsheng arrogantly as one said, "Kid, hand over your Jade Tablet; you'll benefit from it when you go out."
"Sorry, I'm not interested," Ren Pingsheng replied with a smile and shook his head. He knew exactly what these people were after; their sweet words now would mean nothing later on when no one recognized anyone else.
"What did you say? Looking for death." The leading High-Level Warrior immediately showed a face of anger and took action, perhaps just looking for an excuse to strike.
Ren Pingsheng frowned; this situation was not good. Many people here were paying attention to this matter. Only by quickly defeating him could he establish deterrence. With this in mind, he flicked his right hand, and the sword immediately unsheathed. In an instant, thirteen sword shadows appeared. The first sword missed the opponent's Longsword, but the remaining twelve swords all struck him.
This time, he had integrated into the Wind Realm. Although its power might be slightly less than that of the Golden Realm, the speed of his strikes was significantly faster. The High-Level Warrior who attacked didn't even have time to react before being sent flying. The Mid-Level Xuan Class Sword Technique combined with the Wind Realm had power comparable to an ordinary High-Level Sword Technique.
"Poof..." That High-Level Warrior landed and spat out a few mouthfuls of blood before finally feeling some relief in his chest. Just as he was about to give Ren Pingsheng a piece of his mind, he suddenly felt that he couldn't muster any strength at all. It seemed something in his Meridian was continuously causing damage, which terrified him. He immediately dared not make any moves.
"Hiss..." Many high-level warriors with similar intentions changed their expressions. They realized they were not a match for him in one move. No one cared about being careless or not; everyone only knew that Ren Pingsheng's strength was terrifying. They all abandoned their thoughts and prepared to observe further.
"Oh, you are here too." A figure landed from a distance and greeted Ren Pingsheng. It was Xue Chao, whom he had fought earlier.
"Yes, just now," Ren Pingsheng nodded and found a place to sit down.
"Hehe, a bunch of fools, can't even see clearly with your eyes. With your strength, you think you can take notice of him? Don't break your teeth," Xue Chao sneered and also sat down with his eyes closed.
Although it was just a small action, it sparked endless speculation among many people. Xue Chao was a Bronze Ranking Sixth; anyone recognized by him would at least have considerable strength. Thinking this way, their gazes toward Ren Pingsheng became somewhat astonished, and they no longer dared to entertain any ideas.
As time passed slowly, some disciples who relied on their cultivation level to come forward with Jade Tablets were knocked off their horses. Not only did they lose their Jade Tablets, but they also sustained serious injuries. Those who acted here were quite restrained; no one lost their life.
The closer it got to the end, the more frantic it became; no one wanted to miss the opportunity. Battles occurred every moment. Some who did not believe in evil attempted to attack Ren Pingsheng again; unfortunately, at most they could only last three strikes before being defeated.
"The assessment for the top hundred in the Bronze Ranking has concluded." An elderly voice echoed throughout the secret realm and reached all disciples' ears. For some, it was good news; for many others, it was bad news. One thousand Jade Tablets were being fought over by more than thirteen thousand disciples, meaning only a few would obtain them.
An hour later, all participating disciples left Chu King's Secret Realm. Some were dejected while others were joyful. After the final statistics were tallied, a total of nine hundred twenty disciples obtained Jade Tablets. The remaining eighty Jade Tablets also fell into these people's hands but were not counted again; for example, Ren Pingsheng had two in his possession.
"Very well, the nine hundred twenty disciples who passed the assessment will begin the second assessment tomorrow," announced the Elder on stage before leaving.
After struggling in the secret realm for three days, they needed a good rest.
Early the next morning, the nine hundred twenty disciples who passed the assessment arrived early at the central square; the surroundings appeared empty. Those eliminated disciples—except for some idly curious about the next assessment—did not come over.
"The second round is an assessment on the Illusion Platform. You will enter the Illusion Platform and navigate through challenges within a specified time limit. Finally, we will select the top hundred disciples based on rankings. You must work hard," said the Elder as he explained the situation.
The Illusion Platform is a place for disciples to cultivate at the Great Chu Academy. There are a total of ninety-nine stone steps, each representing a different illusion. It is primarily used to train willpower and temper one's character. A person's determination ultimately decides how far they can go in the future. Those who are restless and lack resolve will always achieve limited success.
There are three Illusion Platforms arranged in a triangular formation. Nine hundred and twenty disciples are divided into three groups. Once everything is ready, they step onto the first stone step, beginning the second round of assessment.
Ren Pingsheng stands on the first stone step with his eyes closed, and in an instant, he enters a scene. Before him lies a dazzling array of golden jewels that dazzles the mind. This wealth is boundless; possessing it means having anything one desires, even if future generations could never exhaust it.
Gently brushing against the gold and silver ornaments on his body, Ren Pingsheng's expression remains calm as he softly says, "No matter how much wealth there is, it is not what I seek. Disperse!"
He then takes a step forward, and the scene shifts. This time he becomes an emperor clad in a golden dragon robe, with countless people kneeling before him, shouting "Long live!" and "Blessings!" There are also innumerable soldiers conquering cities and defeating powerful enemies, establishing an immortal empire.
"Power may be great, and territory vast, but unfortunately, it is not what I pursue. Disperse!" Ren Pingsheng remains indifferent. Perhaps before leaving Huangshi Village, he would have fantasized about expanding territories and being granted titles. But now, these thoughts have long since faded away; to him, they are trivial matters.
Taking another step forward, he enters yet another new scene. Surrounding him are numerous beauties—stunning as fish that sink and geese that fall, moon-like shy flowers, plump and slender figures that could topple nations. Some frown or smile like flowers waiting to bloom, exuding an astonishing charm that captivates anyone who gazes upon them.
Some are dressed provocatively, with skin as smooth as cream and beauty like peach blossoms. Their figures are tall and slender. A glance reveals an overwhelming beauty. Others speak softly with alluring voices that stir deep-seated desires within.
Ren Pingsheng's expression wavers slightly; these sights do provoke some reaction in him. Suppressing his inner turmoil, he turns to leave, completely ignoring the tearful pleas behind him.
"Disperse! These things cannot tempt me." As the scene fades away, he finds himself standing on the third stone step. Nearby, many others remain lost in their illusions, wearing ambiguous silly smiles.
"Continue; this assessment is also a form of cultivation!" Seeing that more than ten people have already advanced on the stone steps ahead of him, Ren Pingsheng takes a deep breath and steps onto the fourth stone step.
Comment 0 Comment Count