As the massive, golden Law Net overhead emitted another low thrum, the multicolored Spiritual Light on the Martial Arts Arena suddenly extinguished. Immediately after, a new wave of Spiritual Light surged forth like a tide, once again blanketing the hundred Spirit Nurturing Platforms.
The second round of attribute changes had begun.
This time, the crowd no longer had their previous composure.
Many were forced to stop before they could fully emerge from their cultivation state from the previous round. Some even suffered a Spiritual Qi backlash for failing to withdraw their power in time, a trace of blood trickling from the corners of their mouths.
"Quick! Find a suitable spot!"
The crowd instantly erupted into a commotion. With the experience from the first round, everyone understood the importance of getting a head start.
Chu Bai was also forced to stop his cultivation. He quickly opened his eyes, and the keen perception granted by his [Rapid Thinking] ability instantly spread out, scanning the surrounding Spirit Nurturing Platforms.
This time, however, his luck was clearly not as good.
’Fire, Wood, Earth... Why are all the attributes either conflicting or unrelated?’
Chu Bai’s brow furrowed.
He primarily cultivated a Water Technique. If he forcefully absorbed Fire Spiritual Qi, his meridians would surely be injured, as water and fire are incompatible. If he absorbed Earth Spiritual Qi, efficiency would be greatly reduced, as earth suppresses water. As for Wood Spiritual Qi, he could absorb it since Water Generating Wood is a principle, but that would mean consuming his own Magical Power to nourish the Wood Qi—a complete net loss.
Looking farther away, at the other end of the Martial Arts Arena, there were a few stone platforms emitting a faint blue glow, indicating the Water Attribute.
But they were too far away, and the area was already crowded with people.
In the moment he hesitated, those few platforms were snatched up by several quick-eyed and nimble-handed examinees. On one platform, two people were even on the verge of fighting over the spot. If not for the deterring presence of the Black Armor Guards, a brawl would have likely broken out.
’I can’t get over there.’
Chu Bai judged calmly in his heart.
Time was of the essence. Every breath of hesitation meant lost points and was a prelude to elimination. In an assessment where every second counted, there was simply no time to pick the perfect answer.
’Since I can’t get the best, I’ll choose the most suitable alternative.’
Chu Bai’s gaze shifted, finally locking onto a Spirit Nurturing Platform a dozen or so steps to his right.
That stone platform wasn’t emitting the familiar aura of water. Instead, it shimmered with a stark white light, exuding an aura of sharpness that made one’s skin prickle.
It was Metal Attribute Spiritual Energy.
’Among the Five Elements, metal generates water.’
The principles of the Five Elements’ generation and suppression cycles, which his master had taught him, flashed through Chu Bai’s mind. ’Metal Qi is sharp and feels like being cut by knives upon entering the body, but if I can tame it, metal can transform into a ceaseless supply of water. Although the absorption and conversion efficiency is lower than pure water, it has the advantage of tempering the edge of my Magical Power. Plus, its compatibility is acceptable, unlike the conflict that would arise from fire and earth.’
’It’s not my first choice, but it’s not a bad one either.’
Having made up his mind, Chu Bai shot forward like an arrow loosed from a bow, rushing toward the Metal Attribute Spirit Nurturing Platform.
Several others nearby had also noticed this platform, but perhaps they were intimidated by the sharp Metal Qi, or maybe they were just a bit too slow. In the end, Chu Bai was a step ahead, claiming the platform and sitting cross-legged.
’Begin!’
Without a moment’s delay, Chu Bai began circulating his Cultivation Technique the instant he sat down.
"Hsss..."
As the first wisp of Metal Qi entered his body, Chu Bai couldn’t help but suck in a sharp breath.
This wasn’t absorbing Spiritual Qi; it was like swallowing a handful of steel needles! The exceedingly sharp energy rampaged through his meridians, threatening to tear them apart inch by inch.
’Convert!’
Chu Bai gritted his teeth and forcefully mobilized the wisp of azure Spiritual Power within his Dantian.
The pliable stream of water met the sharp Metal Qi. It was a classic case of using softness to overcome hardness, water to temper metal.
Washed over and enveloped by his Magical Power, the rampaging Metal Qi gradually had its sharp edges worn down. It transformed into a stream of water carrying a faint hint of sharpness and flowed slowly into the Jade Ring.
Although the conversion speed was much slower than in the previous round, the quality of this Spiritual Qi was extremely high, every wisp of it incredibly refined.
Having stabilized his position, Chu Bai once again entered a state of single-minded cultivation.
「On the high platform.」
The three examiners looked down from their high vantage point, taking in the performance of everyone in the arena.
Seated in the main position was Zhang Cheng, his expression stern. To his left was an elegant, middle-aged Scholar named Li Wenyuan, an Instructor from the Prefecture Daoist School responsible for scripture and theory. To his right was a burly, bearded man named Zhao Wu, who was in charge of the Daoist School’s practical combat training.
"This lad is quite remarkable."
Li Wenyuan gently fanned himself, pointing at Chu Bai in the arena with eyes full of admiration. "His Qi Absorption in the first round was like a whale swallowing the sea, a clear sign of an excellent foundation. In the second round, he was unfazed by the sudden change, didn’t blindly follow the crowd, understood the principle of Five Elements Mutual Generation, and was decisive in his trade-offs. For this first stage, regardless of his final score, his mentality and adaptability alone have already secured him a top position."
Zhang Tiemian nodded slightly, and a barely perceptible glint of appreciation flashed in his seemingly emotionless eyes. "A promising talent. Much better than those Noble Sons who only know how to bury their heads in books or rely on being propped up by Pills."
"A promising talent, yes, but what a pity..."
Zhao Wu, at the side, sighed, his tone tinged with a mix of helplessness and resentment. "A pity he was born at the wrong time. In any other year, with a performance like this, his entry into the Daoist School would be a sure thing. But this year..."
At this point, Zhao Wu paused, holding up two thick fingers. "Our Anping County Daoist School only has two official spots left."
"Two?" Zhang Cheng’s brow twitched. "Hasn’t it always been three?"
"That’s old news," Zhao Wu said with a bitter smile. "Just a few days ago, the Qingzhou Prefecture issued an iron-clad order. They said the tide of Evil Qi on the border is growing more severe. In order to concentrate resources on cultivating top geniuses with a better chance of reaching Foundation Establishment or even the Purple Mansion, the State Mansion has decided to cut the number of spots for its Thirty-Six Prefectures and their hundreds of subordinate county towns."
"Anping County is actually one of the lucky ones. Some of the more remote, smaller counties didn’t even get a single spot—their quotas were just merged with others."
Hearing this, the atmosphere on the platform grew somber.
With resources being concentrated, it was survival of the fittest. The competition would naturally be unprecedentedly fierce.
"Two spots..." Zhang Tiemian’s gaze swept across the entire arena, finally settling on three figures.
"The one on the Water Attribute platform, making steady progress—that’s Wang Teng, the County Magistrate’s son, isn’t it? He comes from a family with a strong cultivation heritage, so his foundation is the most solid. He’s currently ranked second."
"And that one..." Zhao Wu pointed to a platform in the corner flashing with lightning. "That kid named Li Han. His methods are ruthless. He actually dares to directly devour Thunder Spiritual Qi, and he’s incredibly fast. He’s temporarily ranked first."
"Add to them this Chu Bai, who is temporarily third."
Zhang Tiemian said in a low voice, "As for the others... their foundations are still a bit lacking. I’m afraid they don’t stand a chance."
"Three people, vying for two spots."
Li Wenyuan closed his fan and sighed. "One of them will have to be eliminated. No matter who it is, it will be a great pity."
「On the Martial Arts Arena, time trickled by.」
The second round was about to end.
At that moment, he was immersed in the painful yet blissful process of tempering his meridians with Metal Qi.
As wisps of Water Spiritual Qi, each carrying a hint of sharpness, flowed into his Jade Ring, he could feel that his Magical Power also seemed to have become tinged with a trace of that same sharpness.
’Time is tight, so there’s no time to completely purge it. Fortunately, it’s not a negative side effect and seems to be compatible.’
Although he was unaware of the examiners’ discussion, having come this far, Chu Bai knew only one thing.
’No matter how cruel the rules are, no matter who the opponents are, only by being strong enough can I break through all barriers.’
’Even if there is only one spot, I will fight for it!’

Comments

Loading...