Is That A Wisp?

by Srtyi

What if a wisp, with zero EQ about human culture and habits, gains the opportunity to cultivate and finally achieve human form? Now he can enter cities, experience technology, and fight his way to the top, right? In this universe where wisps are seen as nothing more than cultivation resources, a wisp stands up to challenge the wisps destiny! Not without causing a lot of misundersta

6. 121

Read Is that a Wisp? Chapter 121 No lazy life for Ruik. online for free - AllNovelFull

After Krune's group left, Mile looked at Bary and asked him.

"What if the seers try to use divination to find them?"

Bary pondered a bit and said.

"I asked for the seers to use divination to find the location of those who escaped from the Mohie Sect, but do you know what they told me?"

Mile shook her head.

"They can't use divination on them. For some reason, every time the seers try, no answer appears. It is as if everything about Krune is covered by a blanket of darkness, that's what they said."

Mile then asked.

"So how did they find the Mohie Sect entrance?"

Bary nodded his head.

"According to the seers, there is a difference between using divination to find a place and find a person. The way that both affect the destiny energy is different. That means, the Mohie Sect didn't have anything covering its existence, so its opening affected the destiny energy greatly. But Krune is an individual, trying to use divination to find the place of a single cultivator or demon beast is much harder. And like I said, the seers felt that something is intervening when they try to use divination to find him."

Mile pondered a bit and then asked.

"Then what about Krune's companions?"

Bary also thought about that.

"I guess it is because they are too close to Krune. That made them be covered by the same blanket of darkness. I can't think about anything else since the seers also can't find anything about them."

Mile was really surprised, just what could be protecting Krune? Or better, is there something protecting him at all? Maybe it is Krune himself?

Both Bary and Mile couldn't tell.

"But that's a good thing, who would want to be seen if they had the choice? So I hope this continues like this. Once everyone in the Mohie Sect at the moment notices that they don't have enough time to become legacy disciples, they would try to find Krune and his group. But it now became a hopeless act."

Mile nodded and admitted that it was really a good thing.

Krune's group had just left Bary's office when they saw Tasier and Lofa walking towards them. Only now, after all the tumult, did they remember that those two would come here.

Lofa came first and complimented Krune first of all. She seemed especially happy. Krune wondered if something good happened to her.

"Good to see you again. How's your training going along?"

Lofa nodded and said.

"It's okay, I have to ask Shinja and Yusa to see my progress, though. After that, I will try to adjust whatever I need. Oh, right! I brought the spirit stones that I promised."

Lofa then gave Krune a spatial ring, but Krune didn't even look inside. He turned to Shinja and Yusa and tossed it to them.

"You were the ones who have been training her for real until now, so this is for you. I only gave her a few pointers here and there."

But then he turned to Tasier, who was behind and said.

"As for you, I want my payment indeed. Hahaha!"

Tasier couldn't care less though, that amount of spirit stones really isn't much for him. On his neck, there was a necklace with some spatial rings that he used to carry his things. He used his spiritual energy to take one out and gave it to Krune.

"There are over ten thousand Rank Five low-quality spirit stones inside, it should cover for all my apprenticeship. If you are free, I want you to take a look at my progress at the moment."

Krune nodded and said.

"I have something to resolve today, so I won't be able to accompany you. But tomorrow I'm free all day, with this many spirit stones I will give you a full course."

Tasier eyes lit up and nodded. Krune had just come back from that 'Secret Mission' that he heard about, so it was understandable that he had some things to fix after that.

Shinja and Yusa left with Lofa while Ao went to look for Arlan. It's been over a month and a half already, so Arlan should have arrived as well. Krune then went back to his room and brought out Lakin, Cassy, Dier, and Ruik. He then explained what he heard from Bary and what he was planning to do.

Ruik was the first one to talk.

"Haha! So I will really leave this planet! I always thought that I would live and die here but look at me now. I'm going to the Divine Path Sect! So what if I become a menial disciple? That would be a dream for anyone that I know back in the katiu Forest! This grandfather will rise up in the ranks!"

Krune shook his head and sighed. Ruik probably thinks that he will be able to sleep a lot after that. Too bad, though. Krune wasn't planning to leave this guy living a lazy life at all!

Lakin smiled a bit and said.

"It would be nice if the other wisps were here too."

Cassy looked at him and held his hand. She knew just how important Lakin thinks about all wisps. Krune, on the other hand, showed a serious face and then asked.

"You aren't showing this disgraceful face of yours in front of the young ones, right?"

Lakin was taken aback and immediately shook his head.

"No! Definitely not! I'm trying to cheer them up all the time."

Krune then looked at Cassy, and she immediately understood his meaning.

"It's true, he isn't lying. He really is making his best to comfort the wisps."

Krune then nodded and told Lakin.

"That better be the case, I won't accept such a weak disciple that can't even hide his emotions when the time asks for it."

Lakin nodded vigorously, he knew that his master was thinking the best for him.

"Very well. Ruik, I'll give you two thousand Rank Five spirit stones. Bring it back and distribute them between the wisps and demon beasts for them to cultivate. There are also another thousand that you should use in the equipment, training facilities, and life-support formations. Also, I can see that you are already at the 6th stage of the Foundation Establishment. It's good to see that you aren't lagging behind."

Ruik just laughed and said.

"I'm older than Lakin. If I can't even show my prowess to the young, then what face will I still have left then?"

Ruik then took the spirit stones and went back to the pocket dimension. Krune then looked at Lakin and Cassy. He could also see that Lakin is at the fifth stage, but that is to be expected since the Myriad Energies Technique is a lot more suitable for wisps.

"You two are free to walk around but don't leave the headquarters. For now, the spatial box will be with me if you want to go back inside. If you can't find me, just send a message in the communicator, I already prepared a few of them for everyone."

Lakin and Cassy nodded and left.

Krune then looked at the young man who remained in the room. He was obviously Dier, who had succeeded in his Foundation Establishment breakthrough. Only now that things calmed down did Krune have time to take a good look at him.

"Very good, I can't feel any instability in your cultivation. What kind of foundation did you use for your breakthrough?"

Dier was feeling a little nervous. Krune is considered the Ancestor for all wisps, so being assessed by him made him sweat a bit.

"I used a tree."

Krune was surprised by that, that was a very simple and straightforward foundation. It was also the first time he heard about someone using it.

"Why did you chose that?"

Dier looked a little afraid when he heard that question. But Krune immediately understood why.

"Oh! Don't misunderstand my question. The best foundation is the one that suits you the best. There are indeed strong ones like the universe as the same as weak ones like the island in the lake. But I believe that nothing is better than a foundation that you feel the most comfortable with."

Dier let out a sigh of relief. For a second, he thought that Krune would rebuke him for choosing something so simple. But he did have a reason for that.

"Before Lakin found me, I have always used the cover of the trees to keep myself safe. After so long, I came to take the trees as friends, and I like them very much. I spent a very long time thinking about a strong foundation to create, but only when I thought about trees, I felt peaceful. There is really nothing I understand better in this world than trees."

Krune nodded, and he was very satisfied with that answer. A strong foundation can indeed give you some advantages, but that doesn't mean that you can't accomplish anything with common ones. Krune still remembers Elder Loni's words back in the Garmon Planet. 'The majority of our protectors and ancestors were all ordinary cultivators back in their time.' So it was evident that a lot of them had standard foundations themselves.

"That is very good. I'm happy that you succeeded in your breakthrough and even happier that your foundation is something that you like."

Dier was feeling embarrassed now. This time it was because he didn't expect to gain Krune's praise. Krune saw that and just laughed.

"You also have a human form now, so you can go out and take a look around the mercenary headquarters. Just be sure to not return to your wisp form while you are out."

Dier was delighted that he could go explore and immediately bid his farewell. After that, Krune brought out a few of the demon beasts from the pocket dimension as well and told them to do whatever they liked. They had also signed a blood contract with Lakin all the way back to Katiu Forest, so Krune isn't afraid of any of them betraying their group.

"Well then, let's go see Marcus. I promised that I would give him feedback on how the Shields worked during the first phase, after all."

Finally, Krune also left his room and went to the Blacksmith Hall.

Report chapter

Back in the Blacksmith Hall, Marcus had already received the news that Krune returned. So he was expecting him to drop by sooner or later. Soon, an attendant contacted him to tell that Krune had arrived. Marcus then dropped what he was doing and went out to receive him.

"So you finally came, you made me wait a lot, no?"

Krune just laughed and gave some excuse.

"It was a sudden mission of the guild, sorry for that.

Marcus just brushed this information aside, though.

"Alright, forget that. Come in and show me the Hexagonal Shields. I want you to tell me how they did during the gathering and if there was any problem."

Krune nodded and went inside with Marcus. He then took all the shields out and gave them for him to check.

"I see, it seems like they received a lot of attacks. There are even five of them with a few cracks inside. But it isn't anything serious, and I can fix them in no time. You also did an excellent maintenance job on them. Otherwise, some of them might even have broken by now. So tell me, how did you use them during your time there?"

Krune then explained the battles he had gone through and how he used the elements to fill the shields. He also told that he used them as conductors for Tribulation Lightning, which surprised Marcus very much.

"I see, no wonder you got one of the slots for the Divine Path Sect Entrance. Very well, I will do a full check on the shields, and you can come back later to take them."

Krune nodded.

"How much will it be to fix the Shields?"

Marcus refused any payment, though.

"There is no need for payment, just the fact that you are using the Flying Shields that I made on the Divine Path Sect Exam is already enough. You might not know this, but having a name is extremely important for us blacksmiths. It will help bring a lot of jobs for us."

Krune didn't refuse the offer since he knows that Marcus wouldn't lie about this.

"Alright, then. I will be back tomorrow."

Krune then returned to his room and spent his night reinforcing his foundation as always. He still planned to keep doing it until before his group goes to the Divine Path Sect Entrance.

The next day, Krune sent a message to Tasier and went to the training room. Tasier appeared there just a minute after. Krune was on the arena, waiting for him.

"Okay, show me what you've got during this month and a half."

Tasier eyes lit up and he flew above the arena as well. Tasier really wanted to see the difference between him and Krune during a battle.

The protection formation of the arena activated, and Tasier immediately took flight. He wanted first to try Krune out and see how he deals with long-range attacks. Too bad though, long-range is Krune's specialty. It only took Krune a few seconds to utterly suppress Tasier. Noticing that he made a mistake, Tasier immediately changed his tactic and dashed at Krune. He can now activate his lightning skills several times faster than before, so he doesn't need all that space anymore.

Krune saw that and smiled. He can see that Tasier put a lot of effort during the time they didn't meet. But that was all. He was still not Krune's match. He wasn't even able to get close to him to start with. Krune's forte is long-range combat, so his lightning movement skills are obviously top-notch. Krune doesn't even need to use Tribulation Lightning anymore. Of course, that is considering that his opponent isn't too strong.

Krune purposely delayed the battle so that Tasier could show his skills. After he saw everything he wanted, Krune defeated Tasier straight away.

"Very good, you didn't let my efforts in teaching you down. I reckon that if you did the Elemental Test again, you should get around six thousand points. That is an amazing progress considering the time that you had to practice."

Tasier was obviously very proud of himself too.

"I had some of the Core Formation Elders in the Thunder Hawk Territory to practice with me. Only they could fight against me, so it helped to sharpen my numb feelings for the external lightning element a lot."

Krune agreed that it was an excellent idea. The battle is still the best way to bring out one's potential. Krune then spent the rest of the day guiding Tasier as he had promised. Still, without Spiritual Energy Meridians, it was evident that Tasier already has some difficulty to improve any further. Fortunately for him, his race has an amazing lightning affinity. He should be able to increase his proficiency up to eight thousand points while still in the Foundation Establishment.

Tasier had paid enough spirit stones for ten sessions, and today was just the first one. He was planning to have Krune help him as much as possible. He even has a lot of spirit stones on him at the moment, just in the case that he needs more.

Krune then thought about another thing.

"Did your elders from the Thunder Hawk territory not bother you about your new lightning control?"

Tasier immediately nodded.

"They did, but then I said that I signed a blood contract not to spread this knowledge around. At first, they became worried. But I also explained that secrecy was the only rule, so they let me be after that. As demon beasts, we are very straight forward with our thoughts. So they asked me to thank you for the help you gave me so far. As for the supposed secret, they believe that once I become a Divine Soul Realm Thunder Hawk, I will be able to get rid of the blood contract and spread the teachings."

Krune nodded, and they finished Tasier's training for the day.

Krune then returned to his room that night and spent his time reinforcing his foundation again. The next morning, he walked around for a bit when he finally bumped into Arlan.

"Oh! It's good that you are here."

Before Krune could even say anything, Arlan had already stuffed a spatial ring on his hand.

"This is for all the help you gave me and also a payment for the Myriad Energies Technique."

Krune looked inside and could see another ten some thousand Rank FIve spirit stones, there was even a little amount of middle-quality ones. Krune was surprised when he saw that and asked.

"Could it be that you were successful in making your first Spiritual Energy Meridian?"

Arlan laughed and shook his head.

"Not yet, but I already completed the nine pseudo ones. I'm now trying to form the first. But it is exactly as you said, this thing is really difficult to create. But I'm very close now, I believe that in at most a week, I should be able to finish it."

Krune then asked the same thing to Arlan.

"And what about the Makiu Continent Mercenary Guild and Divine Swords Sect? Did they ask anything about the fact that you can control elements much better now?"

Arlan shook his head.

"Although they think that you gave me some help. The Sect and Guild Head believe that my achievements with fire elements are due to my Pure Yang Body and also my superior talent. I was already considered powerful for the Makui Planet standards to start with, so they took it as a matter of course."

Krune then asked.

"Didn't they say anything about the wind and lightning element?"

Arlan just laughed again.

"They didn't. That is because I haven't shown the higher-ups my improvement with any of the two. They think that I'm only good like that with fire."

Krune finally let out a sigh of relief. One of the things that he was afraid of is that the Makui Continent Mercenary Guild and Divine Swords Sect would come to find trouble with him. He will make sure to ask Lofa later as well.

"By the way, you took longer than I expected to come to the Yule Continent. Didn't you say it would take at most a month?"

Arlan seemed a little embarrassed after hearing that question.

"Well, you see-"

Just as Arlan was about to give an excuse, they heard a female shout coming from the other side of the corridor.

"Arlan Rosier, you better not let me catch you!"

Arlan's face immediately went pale.

"Sh*t!"

Before Krune could even ask what was happening, Arlan had already disappeared from his sight. Not long after, a Core Formation Realm female cultivator passed by him like a tornado. She only gave Krune a side glance and kept pursuing Arlan. Krune was as puzzled as he could be.

Not long after, Krune found Ao in the training room practicing his swordplay as always. He then used this chance to ask what was happening with Arlan.

Ao immediately burst in laugh.

"That is his fiancé, Mina Gleen. She is the daughter of the Divine Swords Sect Leader, Kaio Gleen. In the past, it seems like Arlan and Kaio struck a deal, and he got that engagement."

Krune was taken aback.

"Does it mean that he is being now forced to marry because of that?"

Ao laughed even harder after that.

"Believe it or not, the one who asked for that engagement was Arlan himself."

Krune was even more puzzled now.

"Then why is he even running? Doesn't that mean that he likes her?"

Ao nodded.

"He does like her, and she likes him back, but the thing is that he doesn't want to marry so soon. As a cultivator and a talented one on top of that, he has a long life ahead. So he thinks it is still too early to think about settling down and start a family or whatever. The girl, of course, thinks the opposite. She wants to marry as soon as possible, so people will know that Arlan already has an owner. She is afraid that after he goes to the Divine Path Sect, someone will try to steal him from her."

Krune finally got to understand the situation. Ao then continued to explain.

"She wasn't like that. Before, when the two of them came to love each other, they both felt that marriage was something for much later. But at that time, Arlan's talent wasn't very apparent, so she wasn't afraid of anyone trying to take him away from her. She is the daughter of the Divine Swords Sect Head, after all. Who would try to steal him from her? But the story is totally different now that he is going to the Divine Path Sect Entrance Exam. If he fails, then it's all good. But if he passes, then she doesn't know what will happen if girls from much more powerful powers from other planets try to catch his heart. "

Krune finally understood Arlan plight.

"Weird, Arlan doesn't strike me as someone who would betray his lover, though."

Ao nodded.

"I also think so, but can you really understand women's hearts?"

Krune immediately started to sweat.

"I... I guess I should stay out of this."

Ao laughed again after noticing Krune's face.

"In your case, that is indeed an excellent idea."

It was exactly at that moment that a hand appeared on Krune's shoulder. He turned around to see whose hand it was and almost started to cry. It was none other than Mina herself.

"You are Krune, right? The one who made a group with Arlan during the first phase of the Martial Gathering."

Krune then turned to Ao once more, trying to ask for help. Or at least, that was the plan. Unfortunately, Ao disappeared without a trace.

'Shouldn't friends help each other?'

Report chapter

Mina asked once again.

"You are Krune, right?"

Krune really didn't want to get involved in it. It was then that he had an idea.

'If Ao can escape, then so can I!'

"Tribulation Lightning Movement, 50%!"

Brummm!

Mina didn't even have enough time to react. In just a second, Krune had already disappeared from her vision. She didn't even know how to think about that, she just wanted to make a few questions and ask for help, but the guy disappeared like a ghost.

'No, first of all, is that the speed that a Foundation Establishment should have? Even I, as a Core Formation cultivator, can't get even close to that!'

While in his human form, using more than 30% of Tribulation Lightning to move causes damage to the body. But Krune could only think one thing.

'Worth it!'

Krune only used it for a few seconds anyway, so he didn't get injured too much. After returning to his room, It only took him around 30 minutes to heal himself. Krune then pondered about what to do and decided to keep stabilizing and reinforcing his foundation for the day.

The next day, Krune was walking in the alchemist hall direction when he bumped on Mina again. Still, just as he was about to escape once more, he noticed that she had already caught Arlan. Mina noticed Krune and decided to try to talk to him this time too. She didn't let Arlan escape her grasp, though.

Noticing that Arlan was together this time, Krune decided to wait and see what happens. Especially because of his pleading eyes. Krune didn't want to disappear suddenly like a certain someone. Mina then came close with Arlan and asked.

"Why did you run yesterday? Am I some scary monster?"

Krune looked at the pitful Arlan and then said.

"Cough, cough. I was just a little scared that a Core Formation cultivator suddenly grabbed my shoulder. I thought something bad was going to happen, so I ran. Sorry about that."

Mina, of course, didn't believe for even a second. But they don't know each other to start with, so she didn't point it out.

"Anyway, this idiot over here is my fiance. Can you help me convince him to accept the marriage?"

Arlan immediately retorted.

"I told you hundreds of times, it's too early! We had both agreed about it back then, so why do you keep insisting on this?"

Mina just repeated the same answer again.

"I'm just protecting what is mine, what if other girls try to take you there? I can't let it happen."

Arlan then said once more.

"You don't believe me at all!"

Mina shook her head.

"What if they have a way to seduce you with some charming technique or whatever? Considering the scope of the Divine Path Sect and the powers behind those girls, it is totally possible to happen."

Arlan didn't give up, though.

"But you are going there with me anyway! So why are you so afraid?"

Mina just snorted.

"This is this, that is that."

Krune felt like he was watching some show. After they started talking, his presence had been completely forgotten. He didn't know if he should leave or stay. First of all, would they even notice if he left? Only after a few minutes of arguing did they finally remember that Krune was still in front of them. It was then that they asked.

"What do you think?"

Krune looked at both of them weirdly.

"Isn't this something extremely easy to resolve?"

Arlan and Mina immediately paid attention, and Krune then said.

"Have Arlan sign a blood contract not to betray you. Any skill of charming technique will be useless since anyone below Divine Soul Realm can't go against it."

Arlan and Mina didn't know what to say, but Krune still continued.

"It does resolve both your issues at the same time. While Arlan wouldn't need to marry for the time being. He also would be impeded from betraying."

But Krune completely forgot the main issue, a relationship was supposed to be based on trust. Wouldn't it be against this logic if they had to use a blood contract to ensure their views?

Arlan then said.

"This... doesn't seem like a good idea."

Mina also nodded.

"Real couples shouldn't need a blood contract to be loyal."

Krune once again got confused and looked at Mina.

"That doesn't make sense. Isn't this trouble precisely because Mina doesn't 'really' trust Arlan? If she did as she says, then you wouldn't be going through this problem. Fortunately, the blood contract can resolve it. But if you think that a couple that really trusts each other doesn't need it, then what exactly is all this marriage thing about?"

What Krune said made Mina feel like she was being pierced by hundreds of swords. Those words hit the place where it hurt the most. Arlan just gave her a side glance. Deep inside, he was cheering for Krune already.

Krune then just sighed and said.

"Alright, you should think about it. See you later."

Krune immediately left after that, he already said a lot more than he wanted. He really didn't want to get involved in their problems. First of all, why did they even ask him? It's not like he had any experience in this type of topic, right?

Later on, Mina finally let Arlan go. Impressively, Krune's cluelessness about relationships was what got their issue resolved.

Krune finally arrived at the Alchemist Hall. After showing his Four Stars Alchemist badge, the attendant got an alchemist room for him only. Krune then took all the materials necessary to create the Soul Healing Pill except for the Dragon Essence Liquid. He then started to practice the pill concoction.

'As expected of a pill of this level, even without using the Dragon Essence Liquid, it is still harder than other pills from the same level.'

Krune had tried twice already but still failed to make the pill. Still, he wasn't sad. With his All-Encompassing Soul Technique and the Elemental Meridians, he could see where he had gone wrong. All he needed was practice. Krune wanted to finish making the real pills before the Divine Path Sect Entrance Exam. Like that, he can give one pill for Yusa to consume during her Breakthrough.

As for Yusa, she was spending her time between sparring with Ao or Shinja and stabilizing her foundation. As mentioned before, she had bought quite a few cultivation resources capable of help with the foundation reinforcement, so she was very close to the peak of the 9th stage.

In Shinja's case, she spent most of her time with Lofa and Cassy or cultivating and reinforcing her foundation. It was just recently that she entered the 2nd stage of the Core Formation Realm, it will still take a long time before she attempts the next stage breakthrough.

Krune spent his next two months between cultivating, Alchemy, and teaching Tasier. Also, for some reason, Lofa came to pay him a visit a lot too. Krune didn't mind, though.

In alchemy's case, Krune was already able to create five to six Soul Healings pills without using the Dragon Soul Essence. Of course, he used a lot of materials in the tries. The majority of the items used for the pill that he got from the old Rainbow Sect were almost gone. In the end, he decided that it was enough practice.

'Considering the level of my pills at the moment, I should be very close to the five stars. Still, after all this practice, I don't have enough materials to make the Soul Healing Pill anymore. I will ask Guild Head Bary tomorrow and then try to make the real ones this time.'

As for Tasier, he even got a lot of extra spirit stones from the Thunder Hawk. It seemed like Tasier's supply of spirit stones was unlimited. But Tasier didn't care, thanks to Krune, he should now be able to achieve around seven thousand points or more during the elemental talent test. Although the Divine Path Sect Entrance Exam won't be easy, he now had the confidence to try.

That same day, Yusa sent a message to everyone that she was finally ready. She could try to Breakthrough into the Core Formation Realm anytime now. Krune then answered her asking to wait until he finishes the Soul Healing pills. Yusa, that money-grubber, had still given all her spirit stones during the Rainbow Sect incident. So this could also be said to be a way to pay for her help back then.

Yusa didn't mind, there was still over a month before they leave for the Divine Path Sect.

Krune then went to talk with Guild Head Bary to see if he could arrange the medicinal herbs he needs for them. Fortunately, he had the necessary ones. But he then told Krune.

"Those herbs you asked are very expensive, and we don't have much of them. If you fail, we won't be able to give any more of them. Are you sure you don't want us to call a six or seven stars alchemist to concoct it for you?"

Krune shook his head.

"This is very important for me, and I think I can make a breakthrough in my alchemy skills to five stars with it. This is a very rare pill and hard to make, but even four stars alchemists can still do it with enough luck. But I plan to achieve over 60% of element synch, that would make the pill a Five Stars one."

Bary nodded and didn't say anything else.

Report chapter

The next day, Krune was back at the Alchemist Hall in the Headquarters. He first prepared everything and made sure that nothing was out of place, then he took out materials and started concocting. All his efforts paid off in the end, Krune could already get to the point where he needs the Dragon Essence Liquid without any mistake.

Finally, the time to put in the liquid came. This is where Krune can't predict the outcome anymore. But without trying, there is no way to know the results. Krune took out the bottle with the Dragon Essence Liquid and used one of his six drops.

As soon as it came in contact with the medicinal liquid inside, the entire process changed straight away. The elements and properties inside started to go chaotic with the nourishment of the liquid. But Krune was long since waiting for that. With his All-Encompassing Soul Technique and Miryad Energy Meridians, Krune could tell where to intervene to take back the control.

Krune worked hard for an entire hour. Unfortunately, he still failed. The first drop of the Dragon Essence Liquid was lost, just like that. But he wasn't sad, if anything, he was delighted. Krune knows exactly where he missed. So he cleaned everything and started again.

Krune failed again. This time, it was during the synching that he missed, the elements didn't move as he predicted and another burnt cauldron was gone.

'So that's how it is, the Dragon Essence Liquid can even affect how the elements usually behave. No wonder I missed twice. But now, I want to see just how you are going to burn in front of me.'

Krune was brimming with confidence. After cleaning everything again, he started to concoct the pill. Everything went as expected, and the synching time finally came. At first, everything was going fine when suddenly, the elements started to behave differently once more.

'It's here!'

Krune's eyes lit up and use used all his skills to the max! He wasn't predicting how the elements would move anymore, but reacting to their changes. For some alchemists, the cauldron might look like to be in chaos. But for Krune, it couldn't be more harmonious. Finally, after another two hours, the final synching process was over. He only had to transform the medicinal liquid into pills now.

'Let's see how many pills I can make using a reactionary method.'

It had been the first time that Krune reacted to the elements instead of predicting how they would behave. It had both its advantages and disadvantages, but Krune was confident that he definitely achieved over 60% of synch. The medicinal liquid started to take the form of a pill, and a few minutes later, the lid of the cauldron opened with a boom!

Soon, the entire room was filled with a medicinal smell. Krune didn't fail, it's just that the completed pill with Dragon Essence Liquid had soo much spiritual energy that the cauldron couldn't hold it inside. Krune reacted fast and immediately caught all the pills before they could hit the ground. He looked at the results and let out a sigh of relief. There were now three pills in his hands.

'Almost 70% synch Soul Healing Pill, this is definitely at the Five Starts Level.'

Suddenly, Krune felt a ripple coming from his chest. He looked at it and took the thing that caught his attention. It was the Alchemist Badge, which was now glowing with a golden light. Krune looked at it, confused, but decided to not pay attention to it now. He wants to grasp this feeling of concoction while it is still fresh, and Krune still had another three drops of Dragon Essence Liquid to use.

After spending his entire day in the alchemy room, Krune finally finished all the pills. In the end, he got a total of fifteen Soul Healing Pills. With his proficiency increased, making more pills in a single try was a must, after all. So in the next three attempts, he made precisely four pills each.

Krune was feeling very tired, but at the same time, very satisfied. He finally opened his alchemy room and was about to leave. But he then remembered the golden glow in his alchemist badge, so he went to ask the attendant about it. At the counter, Krune took his badge out, which was still glowing and explained what happened to the alchemy hall employee in front of him.

The look on the employee's eyes changed immediately after seeing the Four Stars badge glow. He was looking at Krune with a hint of respect now.

"Wait a moment here, sir. I'm going to call the hall master."

Krune nodded his head and started to wait. He looked at his badge, which was glowing, and pondered a bit. Krune was a formations master as well, so he had an idea already as to what was happening.

'It probably can detect if an alchemist was able to create a pill above the rank of the badge itself. So it should be able to be used as proof of success.'

Krune was right. The alchemist guild couldn't simply wait for an alchemist to make a better pill. There are way too many factors that could be involved, even the alchemist's mood could determine failure or success. So the guild had long since used formations inside the Four Stars Badges and above that would check the quality of the pills of the alchemist. So as long as the alchemist makes a pill above his rank, the badge will start to glow, and it can be used to apply for a higher rank badge.

Not long after, the hall master came out to see Krune. He was very calm since it wasn't the first time he saw a new Five Stars alchemist. But when he looked at Krune's cultivation while he was holding the badge, his heart almost froze on the spot. That's because he could totally feel that Krune is still in the foundation establishment realm.

At first, he thought that Krune might have got that badge from someone else. But then he remembered that the badges only glows if the owner has it. The badge doesn't recognize anyone else, which means that Krune really is the owner of that glowing four stars badge.

"Hello, my name it Keny Malaga. You are Krune, right?"

Krune looked at the man and nodded.

"I'm him indeed. You should be the Hall Master here in the Mercenary Headquarters. I'm also a Four Stars Formations Master. If I'm not wrong, this glow in my badge has something to do with the fact that I concocted a Five Stars Level Pill, right?"

Keny was taken aback.

"So you really did concoct a Five Stars Level Pill. You are right, the badge will glow if the owner concocts a pill above his badge level at least once. But I can't understand how you did it at the Foundation Establishment."

Krune just smiled and said.

"That's a little secret of mine, and I doubt anyone would be able to copy me anyway. So, what should I do now? Just exchange the badges? Personally, I don't mind keeping the four stars badge either."

Keny then said.

"Normally, I wouldn't believe that you were able to concoct a Five Stars Level Pill. But your badge is a Four Stars One, so it is also able to record the process in which the pills were made. If you don't mind, I wish to take a look at it."

Krune pondered a bit and then nodded. He doesn't have any alchemy secrets to start with. Everything he learned about alchemy was through the alchemist guild on their database. As for his Elemental Meridians and Soul Technique, those aren't things that can be perceived even while in the presence of others, let alone through a video.

"I see, so you are one of those who are going to the Divine Path Sect Entrance Exam. No wonder you have so much talent. I just checked the recording of the pill concoction, and I'm really impressed that you can synch the elements at your level. Very well, I will send the request to the alchemist headquarters together with your badge recordings. Come back tomorrow, and the new one should be ready for you."

Krune nodded and then left. He isn't afraid about people seeing his Soul Healing Pills since it's not a secret to anyone that he had Dragon Essence Liquid to start with. Everyone who participated in the Martial Gathering knows that his group got those drops.

Krune then sent a message to Yusa and told her that the pill was ready. He also sent a message to Arlan and Ao for them to come and take their pills. Not long after, everyone was gathered with Yusa to discuss where she would go through the Core Formation Realm Tribulation.

In the end, Ao and Arlan only took one pill each from Krune and left the rest with him. Krune didn't mind since he will need more of them. Lakin, Cassy, Dier, Lizards Dragons, and the rest would sooner or later arrive at the Core Formation Door as well. So he was planning to keep those pills for that day.

Mile was also present there and said.

"I already prepared a place close to our headquarters. It's just five hundred kilometers away from here. But what are you going to do, Krune? Are you planning to watch it closely like last time?"

Krune was just about to say no when suddenly, Little Light contacted him.

"What is it, Little Light?"

Little Light immediately got angry, though.

"Little Light your head! What happened to our agreement?"

Only then did Krune remember that he was supposed to change Little Light's name.

"I see, you are right about that. What name should I choose?"

Little Light immediately replied.

"Tribulation Lightning God!"

Krune immediately rejected the idea.

"It's too long, Little Spark will do for now."

Little Spark almost fainted.

"I will never help you ever again!"

Krune laughed and said.

"It's just a joke, a joke! But seriously, can't you think about something shorter and not soo 'grandiose'?"

Little Spark started to ponder.

"What about Light Spirit? At first, I thought about Lightning Spirit, but the name would be too long, so I shortened it."

Krune heard that and nodded, that was easy to say and remember.

"I didn't think you would stick with the Light part, though. Anyway, this is a perfect name, much better than supreme something or whatever god."

Krune then went back to the main topic.

"So, Light Spirit, why did you call me?"

Light Spirit then explained.

"You should try to absorb the first and second lightning from her tribulation. The power you have at the moment isn't as pure as the real thing, so you should use this chance to clean it further."

Krune started to sweat all over.

"You need me to absorb Tribulation Lightning again?"

Light Spirit confirmed.

"You are right, it will be extremely beneficial to your future. Not to mention, it's much better to absorb Tribulation Lightning separately than wait for your own tribulation and get all at once. That would be too dangerous."

Krune couldn't help but ask.

"What if I don't do that?"

Light Spirit answered.

"In fact, not much. Your Tribulation Lightning will go out of control, and even I won't be able to stop it from destroying your Elemental Core."

Krune almost vomited blood. 'Not Much...' Your Head!

Report chapter

Everyone noticed that Krune had suddenly gone silent. He then took a deep breath and said.

"In fact, I can help Yusa getting the first two Tribulation Lightning Bolts. At that time with Shinja, I wasn't strong enough, and I didn't know what was going to happen. But now I'm confident that I can take even more than two."

Yusa immediately asked.

"Are you sure? If you are doing it just because you are worried, I will say that you are overthinking. I'm very confident in my chances."

Krune shook his head.

"I'm doing it not only to help you but to help myself too. The Tribulation Lightning can help purify the one that I have. It will be of immense help to me in the future. Not to mention that I can take it as practice for my own Tribulation."

Everyone couldn't help but nod. Krune's case is different from someone else helping. He is not directly intervening in the process, the Tribulation Lightning itself is the one going out of its way to strike him. So there is no risk of it getting stronger because someone is trying to help Yusa.

Krune also said that it can be used as a practice, which is a valid reason. If it is only two Lightning Bolts, considering Krune's power, it should be extremely easy for him to fend it off. Even though Krune's realm is lower than Yusa's, no one doubts that he is much stronger than her.

"Very well, Yusa and Krune should rest for today. We will depart tomorrow morning. Because we are close to the Mercenary Headquarters, no one will try anything funny. So you only need to care about your Tribulation."

Yusa and Krune nodded. In fact, because they are in a certain way sharing the burden, it is bound to be much easier for Yusa than anyone else before. Except for Shinja, of course.

Krune was still quite tired of the whole day of alchemy concoction, so he returned to his room and rested for the day. There, he took the chance to ask Light Spirit about the details.

"Should I use my Elemental Meridians to guide the Lightning inside my universe foundation like the last time?"

Light Spirit replied

"That is basically it. I have recovered quite a bit too. So as long as you guide it to strike your planet foundation, I will be able to guide the energy directly into your Elemental Core. Besides, there is a little good surprise waiting for you as well."

Krune interest was picked.

"What kind of surprise?"

Light Spirit only laughed and said.

"If I tell you, it won't be a surprise anymore."

Krune felt the situation somewhat fishy, but he couldn't do anything anyway. So he just ignored it for now and went back to rest.

The next day, everyone had gathered again. Mile checked if everyone was ready, and they departed right after. The place that Yusa was going to take the Heavenly Tribulation was quite close, so it only took them one hour to arrive. Not to mention that they didn't move at full speed as well.

After arriving there, Krune passed the Soul healing Pill to Yusa for her to consume after the soul gets hurt. Krune then left and went far away. He couldn't stay close to Yusa since he would need to leave the range of the Heavenly Tribulation after he absorbs two bolts.

Yusa took out several spirit stones and received Krune's message that he was ready too. She then immediately pushed for the Breakthrough. Just like everyone else, she used her soul to feed the core inside her foundation, and it only took a few seconds for the process to start. Yusa's soul was immediately absorbed by her core. Even though she was ready, she couldn't help but grunt after the process began.

Fortunately, Yusa had also gone through the soul tempering back in the old Rainbow Sect. So she was still leagues ahead of the majority of the cultivators who tried to Breakthrough into the Core Formation Realm before. Her core kept grinding her soul away until it was finally satisfied. After that, her dantian started to change into the Core Formation Realm, and she could feel the connection with her own core now.

She then looked above and could see the tribulation clouds starting to gather in the sky. Yusa then took the Soul Healing Pill out and consumed it straight away. In less than a minute, her soul became whole again, even the pain disappeared completely.

'It's just as Krune said, the pill can really heal my soul entirely before the Tribulation even finishes charging the first bolt. As expected of the Dragon Essence Liquid that even the elder of the Divine Path Sect drooled over.'

Yusa could feel that she could control her strength without any problems again. She then took out a spiritual weapon that she asked for the Blacksmith Hall to forge. Yusa's weapon looked like a pearl, and it basically had the same use as Shinja's frozen hairpin. It could enhance her control over the water element. Everything was ready. She only had to wait for the lightning bolt now.

Far away close to the border of the Heavenly Tribulation clouds, Krune was also waiting for the bolt to come.

"Light Spirit, don't you think that I'm a little too far? Will the Tribulation Lightning really feel my presence at this distance?"

Light Spirit immediately replied.

"Don't worry, I can tell that the Tribulation Lightning already felt my presence. It is definitely coming after you."

Krune nodded and then waited as well.

It didn't take long, though. The Tribulation Lightning finalized charging and immediately struck down. But just like the last time, it made a curve and rushed directly at Krune in the distance. Krune, of course, was already expecting that, and he controlled his Elemental Meridians to take it straight away.

As soon as the Tribulation hit, the meridians guided it directly inside his Universe Foundation. Krune then used the same method as before and separated that power in several parts. After that, he immediately guided each one to his planet foundation as well.

The bolts struck it, and Krune could feel the power of the Tribulation Lightning running all over. But just a second after, that power rushed inside and entered his Elemental Core. Suddenly, some rainbow-colored smoke started to come out of it. Light Spirit then said.

"Don't worry, this is the impurities I talked about. I'm refining the power of the Tribulation Lightning inside your core now. I need you to send more bolts faster. If you continue at this speed, I won't be ready for when the next one comes."

Krune nodded and guided one Lightning bolt after another to his planet. Although he could feel the pain in his soul every time it struck, it was only for a second every time. Compared to when he was tempering his soul with Tribulation Lightning, this is nothing!

It all took some time to explain, but in the outside world, just a few seconds had passed. Krune and Light Spirit's coordination was impeccable, as soon as one Lightning Bolt was absorbed, the next one arrived right after. In less than a minute, Krune and Light Spirit had dealt with all the Tribulation Lightning power.

It was also good that they finished it fast because the second bolt was already coming. Krune then showed a smile and received it too. He was impressed with his improvement, he didn't expect that it would be this easy to control the Tribulation Lightning of a Core Formation Realm. After receiving this second lightning bolt, Krune immediately rushed far away from the Tribulation. To be safe, he didn't stop running until he heard the third lightning coming down. Light Spirit also confirmed that it wasn't coming for them anymore.

Krune then took his time to separated and send it to his planet foundation. Light Spirit and Krune kept their coordination, which proved to be very effective until the very end. Light Spirit saw that there was no more Tribulation Lightning and then said.

"Alright, everything went just as we expected."

Krune nodded and then asked.

"It was easier than I thought. Shouldn't we have absorbed more in this case?"

Light Spirit immediately refused that idea.

"No can do, your Elemental Core isn't really finished yet. If we overdo it, it might get damaged. We should play it safe."

Krune heard that and nodded. He felt that he was too overconfident for his own good. Light Spirit then told him another thing.

"Besides, if you take too much of Yusa's Tribulation Lightning, her body and dantian will not be tempered by it. That would instead affect her future accomplishments."

Krune got alarmed.

"Doesn't that mean that we already affected it?"

Light Spirit just laughed.

"Don't worry, she wouldn't be able to use all nine bolts even if she wanted to. I reckon that she will able to use five or at most six. More than that, and Yusa will probably die instead."

Krune let out a sigh of relief, he was afraid that because of him, her future cultivation would be affected. But then, Krune noticed another issue.

"Light Spirit, what about all this rainbow smoke inside my planet foundation? Should I use my Elemental Meridians and send it out?"

Light Spirit heard that and laughed out loud.

"First of all, this is not smoke, this is a kind of energy. Didn't I say that a little surprise was waiting for you? Well, this is the one I was talking about."

Krune was confused with that.

"What is so good about it?"

Light Spirit then said.

"Let me explain. Tribulation Lightning only uses its own power. It has no need for other elements. But because it has been residing inside your Elemental Core, it couldn't help but absorb some of the multi-elemental power that it has. The purpose of our Tribulation Lightning absorption today was to get rid of these unnecessary elements. But it doesn't mean that they are harmful. Instead, this rainbow energy is extremely beneficial to your foundation."

Light Spirit then continued.

"But that's not the main issue, that's because this is not simple elements anymore. The rainbow energy elements had been purified for a long time by the Tribulation Lightning, so it has become something entirely different. It is much better than even Elemental Source Energy. You will also hear about its name in the future when you get stronger. Cultivators and Demon Beasts above the Void Breaking Realm call it 'Chaos Energy.'"

"This energy will be more than sufficient for you to finish reinforcing your foundation and even Breakthrough directly into the 9th stage. So make sure that you use this change right."

Krune's eyes immediately lit up. He was expecting to keep reinforcing his foundation for at least two or three more months. But now he can finish it in one go and even Breakthrough directly. How could he not be happy?

As for Yusa? He already took two Tribulation Lightning Bolts for her. She also had the Soul Healing Pill to start with. If she can't succeed with such an advantage, then she was bound to die in her Core Formation Breakthrough from the very start.

Krune was just about to start absorbing it when Light Spirit advised him.

"Oh, right! You shouldn't need more than 50% to 60% of it to finish your Breakthrough. After that, you should use the rest for something else."

Krune then got curious once more.

"What else can we use it for?"

Light Spirit answered with another question, though.

"The Universe Foundation has this name for a reason. In that case, what is it that you think that your planet foundation needs the most at the moment?"

Krune's eyes opened wide! If he could, there was indeed one thing that he always wanted but couldn't make before.

Report chapter

"Can I use it to make a Sun?"

Light Spirit agreed.

"You can."

Light Spirit then explained.

"The whole universe, as we know today, was only Chaos at first. From Chaos, everything was born. So, of course, the was Sun too."

Krune then asked.

"But isn't our foundation something we make at the Foundation Establishment Breakthrough process only?"

Light Spirit immediately denied.

"Wrong! Foundation is something that the cultivators always have to improve. If you ask that Elder of the Divine Path Sect, he probably will tell you that he already changed his foundation once or twice. Of course, the amount that you can improve depends on what type of foundation you built at first."

Light Spirit continued.

"The condition is that you must have Chaos energy available. Only Chaos energy, which is the one that gave birth to everything, can be used as the same material as the core or dantian."

Krune finally understood this issue.

"Anyway, the longer we take, the less effective the chaos energy will be. Use it to finish your Breakthrough first, and I will help you make the Sun."

Krune then sent a message to everyone that he will need to spend some time cultivating and immediately started to absorb that rainbow energy. It was like Light Spirit said, his foundation began to reinforce at breakneck speed. It only took Krune a little more than one hour for his planet foundation to be as sturdy as it could be. Krune then continued to absorb that energy and used it to Breakthrough.

Boom!

Krune felt that familiar explosion of spiritual energy inside his foundation and swiftly advanced into the 9th Stage. But that wasn't all, his foundation was still as sturdy as ever. Krune couldn't feel the least bit of instability in his foundation after this Breakthrough. He even wondered if he shouldn't use the rest of the Chaos Energy to cultivate to the peak of the 9th Stage. But he immediately gave up that idea.

'I would be exchanging better prospects for short term strength, it is not worth it.'

Light Spirit noticed that Krune finished his Breakthrough and was delighted to see that there was still over 50% of Chaos Energy remaining.

"Good, your Breakthrough used less energy than I thought. Now you only need to create the Sun. Of course, this amount of energy will only allow you to create a tiny one. But that isn't a problem, you can feed spiritual energy for some time, and it will grow sooner or later."

Krune then asked.

"But how do I create this Sun?"

Light Spirit then said.

"That is simple, but you will need a lot of spirit stones. Fortunately, you got quite a few from that Thunder Hawk. Take them out and start absorbing the energy, then gather the Chaos Energy somewhere in your Universe Foundation. We are going to use spiritual energy to transform the chaos energy into the Sun."

Krune did as Light Spirit told him and started to gather Chaos and Spiritual energy together into a single point.

"Now press everything together. Usually, you would need to be at the Void Breaking Realm to be able to force the chaos energy to turn into a Sun. But you don't have that power now, so I will use the Tribulation Lightning to give it a good kick, just like the Space Compression Formation from back then."

Krune didn't know if it was going to work, but since it was happening inside his universe foundation, he wasn't worried. Krune can control everything inside his foundation. If something goes wrong, he is confident in stopping it or at least sending the threat out.

"Good, brace yourself because I'm going all out here."

Krune concentrated in keep both energies in the same place, while Light Spirit gathered all the available Tribulation Lightning together, Light Spirit immediately shot all the Lightning at the mix of Chaos and Spiritual energy, compressing it as much as possible.

Boom!

An explosion of energy and heat came forth, and all the remaining Chaos and Spiritual energy around the blast started to move to the center of its own accord. That was when Light Spirit noticed that they were successful! Because the Sun had enormous gravitational power, it was capable of sucking all the energy around it.

"Good! Your Sun is formed now! It might be this small at the moment. But with enough time, it will definitely get bigger, and this is just the first one. I'm happy to see that I wasn't wrong about you. I doubt that anyone else would be able to control the Spiritual Energy and Chaos Energy well enough for it to work."

He was right. It was thanks to Krune Myriad Energies Technique, powerful Soul, and Divine Sense that Krune could control those energies good enough for Light Spirit to do his part.

Krune was delighted in seeing that, even though it was several times smaller than even his planet, he could still feel the extreme heat coming from it.

"Chaos energy is so magical!"

Light Spirt agreed with that statement.

Krune then asked something else.

"I can feel it sucking all the spiritual energy around without stop. What if I run out of spiritual energy?"

Light Spirit just said.

"It will probably collapse. This Sun of yours is who knows how many times smaller than a real one. Theoretically speaking, it shouldn't be able to keep its form with this size. It is your spiritual energy that keeps it running. So make sure to keep the flow of spiritual energy until it gets big enough to stay whole without your help."

Krune immediately started sweating. Just how much spiritual energy will be necessary to make it grow to the size of the real Sun? No, first of all, his Universe Foundation is far from being big enough even to hold one!

Light Spirit could tell what Krune was thinking and then explained.

"Don't worry, the higher your cultivation realm, the bigger your Universe Foundation will become. I reckon that it should be big enough by the time you reach the Soul Forging Realm. As for the Spiritual Energy, your rate of absorption will also increase several times the higher your realm is."

Soul Forging Realm! Krune felt like crying but had no tears. Just how far is he from that?

"Will something bad happen if it collapses?"

Light Spirit answered.

"Not really, it is way too small to turn into anything dangerous, and it will keep like this as long as you advance realms."

Krune suddenly noticed something.

"Wait! Doesn't it mean that it will keep growing without stop? What if I don't Breakthrough fast enough?"

Light Spirit burst in laugh after hearing that.

"If you were part of some other race, then you would be right in worrying about it. But you are a wisp, trust me when I say that your life span will be over way before your Sun reaches a size big enough to threaten your foundation. Also, you better let it grow on its own. the Sun is just like your foundation, it needs a steady rate of growth to keep its foundation stable."

Krune let out a sigh of relief.

"How much spiritual energy will I need to keep the flow?"

Light Spirit looked at the little Sun and the Spiritual Energy running into it and then said.

"I guess that at this moment, your own natural recovery should be enough to feed it. But the consumption will increase as time passes."

Krune nodded, that made sense since it was going to get bigger, after all. Krune then checked how strong the gravitational power of the Sun was and concluded that it was far from enough to keep his Planet Foundation orbiting it.

'I will have to wait for quite some time before I can make my Planet act like a real one.'

Krune then asked Light Spirit.

"Now that I have a Sun, what advantages did I get from it?"

Light Spirit immediately replied.

"The power of the Universe Foundation is directly connected to how close it is to a real Universe. Although the change won't be significant, you should be able to feel the difference while circulating your spiritual energy now."

Krune did as Light Spirit told him, and sure enough, he could feel that it became easier to control. But Krune could also say that the difference wasn't that noticeable.

Light Spirit then said.

"You are fortunate! Before the Void Breaking Realm, you shouldn't be able to get access to Chaos Energy. Of course, the amount that we used now is far from what a real Void Breaking Realm cultivator could control. But still, how many cultivators or demon beasts out there could change their foundation at the Foundation Establishment Realm?"

Krune agreed that it was really a good thing. He then asked another question.

"If I absorb more tribulation lightning in the future, will I get more Chaos Energy?"

Light Spirit answered immediately.

"You can get a little more, but not as much as you did now."

Before Krune could even ask why Light Spirit already started to explain.

"The first time was when your Tribulation Lightning was in its impurest form, so there were a lot of elements to be refined into the Chaos Energy. But now that it has received the first 'cleaning,' the number of impurities inside it has been reduced by the highest margin. Next time you do it, there won't be even one-third of how much you got this time. So you won't be able to create anything else for the time being. Of course, you can still use it to reinforce your foundation or to Breakthrough if you are at a bottleneck."

Krune nodded. But he wasn't sad. By the time he gets into the Void Breaking Realm, his Sun should already be completed. That will be of immense help to him. Krune then made another question that was puzzling him.

"You said that a Void Breaking Realm cultivator can use Chaos Energy. Does it mean that the energy they use to cultivate isn't elemental source energy?"

Light Spirit Started to laugh.

"Smart! You are right. The cultivation realms go like this:

Qi Condensation and Foundation Establishment use Spiritual Energy.

Core Formation, Divine Soul, and Soul Forging use Elemental Source Energy, which they can convert from Spiritual Energy.

Finally, Void Breaking Realm and above use Chaos Energy, which they can convert from Elemental Source Energy."

Light Spirit then continued to explain.

"That is also why they take so much longer to Breakthrough between the stages than the previous Realms. They need to make the conversion twice, after all. I mentioned it to you before, it makes no sense that higher realm cultivators keep using the same type of energy as a Qi Condensation ants."

It was then that Krune thought about something else.

"Wait! First, my Spiritual Energy Meridians could only absorb spiritual energy. After that transformation, they became able to create Elemental Source Energy from Spiritual Energy. Doesn't that mean that they can evolve even further and create Chaos Energy as well?"

Light Spirit was taken aback with that question. He couldn't help but agree with that possibility. Light Spirit had never heard about the Spiritual Energy Meridians before, so he can't deny that Krune has a point.

"This... Although I'm not sure, I think that your theory is quite plausible. I wonder who was the one to create such a magical cultivation technique."

Krune couldn't help but nod. He also wanted to meet the cultivator or demon beast that created the Myriad Energies Technique. Krune had tried to search for it online and in the Mercenary Guild Database. But none of them said anything about where the Myriad Energy Techniques had come from.

Report chapter

There was no point in thinking about the Myriad Energies Technique creator at the moment. So Krune spent the rest of his time checking his foundation and the new Sun. After confirming that he was okay, he moved back to where Yusa had gone through the Heavenly Tribulation. Sure enough, she was able to overcome the trial without much difficulty.

"How is it? Is your Core Formation okay?"

Yusa nodded and then said.

"There was no problem. I was able even to use five bolts of lightning to temper my body and Core. It was only one less than Shinja. Both the Core in the foundation and my dantian as a whole are a lot bigger now. And I can finally understand what Shinja meant by feeling the connection with the soul inside your Golden Core. It's like there are two of me now, and it's quite weird."

Ao then asked Krune how things were on his side.

"Pretty good, it went like this..."

Krune then explained everything that happened, leaving only Light Spirits existence out. He talked about his Sun and the 'mysterious energy.' that he got from that refinement. Krune couldn't tell them that it was Chaos Energy since someone at his level shouldn't know it to start with.

Shinja was quite impressed with that. She also has a Universe Foundation, but she doesn't know much about it, just like Krune in the past. She paid special attention to the whole explanation.

Ao looked at Krune and couldn't help but comment.

"So you finally caught up to me, I wonder if you are going to become a Core Formation Realm before me."

Krune just laughed. He knows that Ao's cultivation was progressing pretty good as well. Besides, Krune wouldn't be able to get a lot of Chaos Energy anytime soon, so their cultivation will probably progress at the same pace from now on.

Mile looked at them and said.

"Alright. Now that Yusa's trial is over and Krune was able to finish his work, we should go back to the headquarters."

Everyone agreed with her and went back. After they arrived, Mile went to report to Bary how things had gone, while the rest went back to their own things. Yusa had just broken through, so she would need some time to stabilize her cultivation now. Meanwhile, Ao went back to the training room to continue his sword training. Shinja immediately hugged Cassy like a toy and left with Lofa, who had stayed behind. As for Krune, he had to go to the Alchemist Hall to get his new badge.

Just as he arrived at the Hall, the attendant immediately recognized him. Krune was then guided to another room to wait for the Hall Master. It didn't take long, though. Keny arrived a few minutes later, and one could see the new Five Stars Alchemist Badge on his hand.

"Sorry for making you wait. Here is your new badge. We have already registered you in the Divine Alchemist Alliance as well, so your badge should be recognized at the Divine Path Sect and any other planet if you require it."

Krune was surprised.

"The badges issued by the Alchemist Alliance of our Makui Planet can be used in other planets?"

Keny nodded and then said.

"It's the same for all planets controlled by the big four. They all have alchemist guilds and alliances. So a bigger existence like the Divine Path Sect must regulate and keep them connected. It would be too inconvenient if you had to go through an Alchemist Test every time you arrive at a new planet, so that's where the Divine Alchemist Alliance takes part."

Krune nodded, it made sense after all. Keny also commented.

"Our Makui Planet Alchemist Guild isn't the only one. The same can be said to the other side occupations, and they all work the same way as us. So it would be best if you register your other side occupation badges just in case."

Krune agreed with his idea and bid his farewell to Keny. After that, he had some time to spare, so he paid a visit to the Formations Hall and Blacksmith Hall. They also know about Krune and applied for a register in their own alliances for Krune. He then left his two badges behind and was told to come back the next day, just like the Alchemist Hall.

The next day, Krune received a message from Arlan telling him that he finished creating his first Spiritual Energy Meridian. He then went to the training room and found that Ao was there too. But that was good, he could have the both of them spar a bit for him to check Arlan's Elemental Control Condition. After hearing Krune's request, Ao's eyes immediately lit up.

"Haha! Great! I've been bored to death in the last few days. The previous Core Formation Instructor had already left, so I didn't have anyone to practice with."

Arlan also laughed.

"You were not the only one. Even though I knew that focusing on the Spiritual Energy Meridians was for my own good, I couldn't help but feel itchy all over. Now that I have one, I guess I can trash you quite easily."

Ao, of course, immediately invited Arlan to the arena for him to try that. Krune just observed by the side, it is good that they are both excited. The mood of a cultivator can also affect their performance, after all. It is just that Krue had to wait a lot for them to finish their fight. Every time that he wanted to say something, they would start another spar straight away. In the end, Krune had to enter the arena himself and beat down the two idiots for them to finally pay attention to him.

"Alright. Arlan needs to get used to his Spiritual Energy Meridians, Ao obviously had the advantage during all the spars, so take some time to understand it thoroughly. You have a Pure Yang Body, so it should give you an advantage in combat that Ao doesn't have. As for Ao, you are doing pretty much okay, it is evident that you got quite used to your meridians."

Krune then spent some time with Arlan and Ao talking about the Elemental Control. It's just that it was a lot less than the past. The further you go, the harder it is to improve. So there wasn't much that Krune could say to start with.

Krune left the two with their own training and went back to the Blacksmith Hall to take his badge back. On the way, he bumped on Lakin. He had quite a gloomy face, which made Krune quite helpless.

"Are you still thinking about the wisps back in the Rainbow Sect?"

Lakin was surprised to hear his master's voice, as he wasn't paying attention to his surroundings. He then immediately replied.

"That's not it. I'm indeed sad about what happened, but I already overcame it."

That answer only made Krune puzzled, though.

"Then why the I-wish-to-die face?"

Lakin's face suddenly went red.

"This..."

Before he could even say something, someone laughed behind Krune and replied for that question in Lakin's place.

"Oh, it is just that Shinja had been monopolizing Cassy recently, so he isn't able to spend more time with her."

The one who talked was none other than Ruik. He had already arranged everything inside the Pocket Dimension, so he also started to come out to check the Mercenary Headquarters.

Lakin's red face now was even redder, just like a tomato.

Krune heard and started to laugh as well.

"So that's the case! No wonder, no wonder."

Krune then looked at Lakin and asked.

"Do you want me to ask Shinja to give you some time with her?"

Lakin immediately shook his head. He couldn't possibly accept such a disgraceful idea.

Ruik and Krune were laughing even more.

"That's good then. If you needed me for something like that, then would you even be worthy of Cassy?"

Ruik nodded.

"Wisps are also considered part of the demon beasts, and we demon beasts are always straight with our feelings. Put yourself together and go after Cassy. It is that simple."

Lakin heard their opinions and showed a determined face, he then bid Krune and Ruik a farewell and left straight away.

Krune couldn't help but remember Feifei. In the end, he still had a long way to go to repay her for that life-saving favor..

Krune then looked at Ruik and asked.

"How has your cultivation been going? Need me to take a look?"

Ruik shook his heads.

"No need, I'm not participating in the Divine Path Sect Entrance Exam anyway. So I'm not too much in a hurry like you guys. I will take it steady so that I can get a good grasp of my own abilities."

Krune nodded and didn't say anything else, they exchanged a few more words and then parted ways.

Krune finally arrived at the Blacksmith Hall, and Marcus came out with his new badge.

"Here, it's already registered in the Divine Blacksmith Alliance. It can also be accepted in the Divine Path Sect, and other planets in that are part of the alliance, just like your Alchemist one."

Krune took the badge and thanked him. After that, he went to the Formations Guild and received his Formations Master Badge as well.

Krune then returned to his room to cultivate. Thanks to the Chaos Energy, Krune's foundation was already stabilized in the 9th stage, so he only needed to accumulate Spiritual Energy now. He also kept his Elemental Source Energy that his Elemental Meridians could convert aside. He plans to use it during the Core Formation breakthrough.

Time passed, and the day to leave the Makui Planet finally arrived. Everyone who was participating in the Divine Path Sect Entrance Exam was already in front of Elder Loni's spaceship. There were also the representatives of each power that had a member participating. On the Mercenary Guild from Yule Continent side, surprisingly, Kassius Ruli was the one coming with them. (chapter 27 for those who can't remember)

"Bary asked me to keep one eye on you three. So I'm going with you during this Divine Path Sect Entrance Exam. I'm looking forward to your performance."

Although Kassius knows Krune, Shinja, Yusa, and Ao quite well, the same can't be said for the three of them. The only thing Krune knows is that this was the man who gave him a Four Stars Badge back then, which reminded him of some pretty unfortunate events. Ao and Yusa also knew Kassiu's identity only, but since it was Bary who sent him, it should be okay.

It turns out that he is at the Divine Soul Realm, just like Bary Casfiu, not to mention that Bary trusts him entirely. Bary and Kassius had been friends for over a hundred years, and they met each other even before Bary found Mile back then.

"As for Arlan, Tasier, and Lofa, the Mercenary Guilds of their continents are sending someone to take care of them."

Krune's group nodded and waited for elder Loni to open the spaceship.

Report chapter

Krune's group soon found Arlan, Tasier, and Lofa as well. Since they were all part of the Mercenary Guild Alliance, they gathered together once more.

The comport of the Spaceship opened, and one could see elder Loni coming out, beside him, was his disciple, Lena. He looked at all fifteen participants in front of him and nodded.

"It seems like everyone is here, so you can enter and use the same room as you used before when we went to Garmon Planet. Now, everyone can go inside. We are leaving in a few minutes."

The participants, their guardians, and their subordinates immediately boarded the ship, and the comports closed right after. Everyone outside watched as the Spaceship took off. It only took a few minutes for it to disappear in the sky.

After that, Elder Loni gathered everyone on the ship to say a few words.

"As always, the training facilities are available for everyone to use. The travel will take around a month since the Divine Path Sect is much further away than the Garmon Planet. I don't mind if you decide to spar with each other, but make sure that you are in peak condition by the time we arrive."

Everyone nodded and waited for him to talk.

"Good! I can't tell you what the exam will be, but I can't tell you the rules of the sect for the exam. First, there is no rule to protect the life of the participants. As you can imagine, the sect wants the best, so stopping people from giving their all during the test won't happen. But I'm sure you all were expecting it already."

"Second, the sect knows that a lot of demon beasts don't want to show their form. But to make sure that everyone gives their all, every demon beast will have to use their true form. This rule is only not applied if the demon beast can prove that he or she can fight better in their human form."

Krune's heart skipped a bit, but he soon regained his calm. As long as he passes the sect entrance exam, he won't need to be afraid of the people from Makui Planet knowing his real form.

"Third, once the exam starts, you won't be able to leave until you fail or die. There will be no such thing as giving up. But you can, for example, not try to pass it anymore. Eventually, the test will be over, so you will fail at that point."

"That's pretty much everything necessary, as for the rules of the test, you will know before it starts. Now you can go back to do whatever you want, and I will send a message to the entire ship when we start to get close."

Everyone separated and went back to do their own things. Arlan and Ao immediately left for a training room, and Mina was together with them. Want it or not, Mina was also a lady under the age of 40 in the Core Formation Realm, so she had the right to participate. Arlan didn't mind, though. As long as she doesn't bother him during this critical period, he is more than happy to have his fiance close by.

Shinja left with Lofa and Yusa. Lofa can still improve a little before the exam, so Shinja decided to help her a little more. Yusa had also stabilized her cultivation during the last month, so she tagged along. In the end, Krune was left alone.

He sent his Divine Sense into the Pocket Dimension and asked if Ruik and the others wanted to see the ship. There were no rules about how many people you could bring with you since everyone that fails will be sent back anyway. Of course, you couldn't bring thousands of them. But Krune has the Spatial Box nevertheless, so he isn't using any space on the ship to start with.

Lakin, Cassy, Ruik, and everyone else got excited about the idea of seeing the space and immediately came out. Krune has a huge room for himself, so he also brought out the other wisps to take a look. Other than Elder Loni, no one can enter the contestants' rooms without permission, so he wasn't afraid of the wisps being found. All the rooms also had Formations to prevent Divine Sense from looking inside.

After he brought them out, he noticed that two more wisps had achieved the 9th stage of the Qi Condensation. He then called the two over to talk a bit. Lakin and Cassy also came together to introduce the two guys.

"Master, the wisp on your right is Liam, while on the left is Hana. Temporary names, of course. They entered the 9th stage of the Qi Condensation in the last month thanks to all the spirit stones you sent inside."

Krune nodded, satisfied.

"Hello, you two. I don't have time to talk and take care of all the wisps, as Lakin does. So other than your names, I didn't know much about you before. But now that you arrived in the 9th stage, I will share a little of my experiences so that it can help you in the future. Lakin and Cassy probably did it already, but just in case."

The two wisps immediately got excited, it is not every day that the Ancestor wisp would guide them, after all.

Krune then spent a few hours talking and teaching them, he also looked in their abilities and helped them to understand the Myriad Energies Technique better. All the other wisps were also watching and taking notes of what krune was saying and showing. Krune, of course, didn't mind that at all. At some point, Ruik and the other demon beasts had left to look around the Spaceship, the only ones that should remain in his room were the wisps.

Krune was feeling very relaxed during the next few days. He would cultivate at some times and teach the wisp during another. Sometimes he would spar with Shinja, Yusa, and the others too. He couldn't help but think about how good it is. The only thing that puzzled him is how many times Lofa came to pay a visit, not that he minded, of course.

He also received requests from Tasier to train with him another three times, which gave him a lot of Rank Five spirit stones. But Tasier was already getting to the limit that his Lightning Element could achieve. Tasier's last elemental test gave him a total of 7862 points for Lightning Element. So instead, Krune helped him with his other two elements, Wind and Metal, which proved to be the right decision. Tasier's combat prowess increased by leaps and bounds. He could even spar for a little time against Ao and Arlan now.

And just like that, the time passed.

It had been almost one month since the Spaceship departed. Today, Krune was teaching the wisps a little more when suddenly, he heard a voice coming from everywhere in the ship.

"Everyone, we are close to the Divine Path Sect. We should be able to see it in the next few hours, so take your time to rest and refrain from doing anything dangerous. We are arriving almost at the right time, so you will only have one day to prepare before the exam starts."

Not only Krune, but everyone got excited as well. Krune then brought the wisps close to the monitor in the room and turned it on. It had the option to show everything around the ship. Even though they were still a few hours away, they could already see the sect in the distance. They couldn't help but be amazed. The sect occupied, in fact, an entire planet!

The closer they got, the bigger they noticed that the planet was. Krune's Makui Planet could only be considered an Ant in front of this place. In fact, the Divine path Sect doesn't have that many people, the biggest majority of those living on the planet just work for them. But they still had hundreds of thousands of members.

Krune could also see Spaceships bigger and smaller than his coming and going. As the power controlling their territory, it goes without saying that a lot of deals and decisions happen in this place. While everyone was taking a look, Elder Loni sent them another message.

"We are taking the test in the main sect."

The monitor that showed the planet then zoomed the camera somewhere close to the middle of the planet. Even from this distance, it was possible to see a huge amount of buildings. Everyone single one was bound to be gigantic. The closer you looked at the center of those buildings, the bigger they got. The main sector definitely had over a kilometer radius.

"As you can see, the sector is quite big. But I might tell you as well that the Spiritas Kingdom's main sector expands even further than our sect. Anyway, the buildings are separated into Core, Inner, and Outer parts. There are a few more things, but it won't matter for you at the moment. The test will happen in the outer parts."

The camera then zoomed even further and showed a place where one could see tens of thousands of Spaceships.

"This is the place where we are going to dock. As you can see, there is a lot of contestants who arrived already. But in the end, just how many will be able to enter the sect? I doubt that even 1% at most 2% will join it, So make sure to go all out! Every time the Entrance Exam stars, no less than a thousand dies, and even more get seriously injured or crippled for life. If you want to give up, the time is now. Just send me a message through the link I gave you, and I will have someone bring you back to the Makui Planet."

Elder Loni then waited for a minute, but no message arrived.

"Good, it seems like I didn't bring any gutless ant. Take your time to rest and be ready by the time I tell you to exit the ship."

Krune was brimming with confidence. He couldn't help but wonder how the exam would be. But suddenly, he felt a ripple coming from his Elemental Core. In fact, it wasn't only one, but three ripples! All of them coming from the place where the Spaceships were docked with the contestants from other planets.

"Light Spirit, did you feel that?"

Light Spirit immediately answered.

"Yes."

Krune felt that there was some kind of connection between him and those places.

"Then what is it?"

Light Spirit then said.

"Major Cores Resonance!"

Krune was surprised to hear that. He didn't know that Major Cores could resonate.

"Isn't it bad? If this happens, then it might get things dangerous, depending on the situation."

Light Spirit answered.

"That's because your cultivation is too low, at the Core Formation Realm, you will be able to conceal the aura of a Major Core. A part of your soul will be inside the core, after all. So you will have control over it."

Krune let out a sigh of relief.

"Wait! I can already feel three Major Cores, doesn't that mean that the Divine Path sect should have even more?"

Light Spirit agreed with him.

"Isn't that obvious? The ten Major Cores are extremely rare, but the Divine Path Sect controls a planetary region with thousands, if not tens of thousands of planets. The total number of cultivators and demon beasts are probably inside of the quadrillions. It's bound to have a major Core owner once in a while."

Krune couldn't help but nod, that indeed makes sense.

"So, in this test alone, I will be against Three Major Core owners."

Krune was thinking about how to deal with it since they could feel each other's presence.

At the same time, the other three contestants with Major Cores also felt Krune's presence.

In a Spaceship of the Feyi Planet, a woman was meditating in her room when she suddenly felt that ripple. She looked in the direction of Krune's spaceship even though she was inside a closed room.

"Four Major Cores. It seems like this exam will be interesting."

She was Nala Glorel, a Peak Foundation Establishment cultivator, and a Life Core owner.

In a room inside one of the buildings already on the Divine Path Sect Planet, a Fire Dragon was sleeping comfortably. Suddenly, it opened its eyes and looked at Krune's spaceship direction too.

"Another one? So annoying."

His name was Gonat, a Yang Core Owner. He is part of the Palui delegation. Palui is an out of the norm planet, the majority there are demon beasts with just a few humans.

As for the last one, it is a youth with silver eyes called Colen Fecit. At that moment, he was inside a pocket dimension receiving training from a Void Breaking Realm elder of his clan. Suddenly, he lost focus on his training and looked in a particular direction. His elder noticed it and asked.

"What is it?"

Colen immediately answered with a smile.

"Another Major Core has just arrived."

The elder felt no surprise. He and Colen are both from the Nakai Planet, one of the biggest and most well-developed planets in the Divine Path Sect territory. This elder has seen Major Core owners before.

"Forget it, just focus on your training."

Colen nodded and resumed his practice.

Krune's spaceship finally docked somewhere in the outer sector, and everyone inside came out. There was no one that didn't look around curiously, this is the place that almost every cultivator and demon beast dreamed to join, after all.

Elder Loni then guided his contestants to a residential area where all the contestants from all planets were staying. The place was enormous and had everything one could imagine. Not to mention that all the training facilities were top-notch. On the way, Elder Loni bumped into another Outer Sect elder called Masfiu Halen.

"Hey Loni, are those your kids this time?"

Elder Loni noticed Masfiu and immediately smiled.

"Haha! Yeap, those are the ones. I'm very confident in some of them too."

Masfiu and Loni were friends in the Sect, so there was no hostility between them.

"I heard that Kirian paid you a visit during your test. Knowing her, she definitely went there to find a problem with you."

Elder Loni heard that and laughed even more.

"She did appear there, indeed. And she left behind a full bottle of Dragon Essence Liquid after losing a bet to me."

Masfiu's jaw immediately dropped.

"A full bottle?! No wonder you seem to be in such a good mood. Haha!"

Elder Loni then looked behind Masfiu and could see the contestants that he was encharged of.

"It seems like those are your kids too, which planet did you this time?"

Masfiu then showed an excited look.

"Yamole Planet."

It was Elder Loni's time to drop his jaw.

"Yamole? Isn't that a planet that is usually encharged to Inner Elders?"

Masfiu laughed there.

"You are right. But because there was a lot of inner elders in seclusion this time, they had to send an outer core elder to this one, and I was the lucky guy."

Elder Loni understood. But he didn't feel jealous. First, Masfiu is his friend, so he was happy for him. And second, Loni is pretty sure that at the very least, Krune will definitely succeed in the sect entrance exam.

"That's good for you, and it seems like we are both lucky this time. I'm very confident in the chance of these kids here. I reckon that at least one will enter the Sect."

Masfiu was surprised to hear that, it was then that he got an idea.

"Hey, in that case, what about we check our kids' elemental proficiency? There is a lot of kids from other planets in the Measurement Hall. It will also be good for them to know what is expecting for them."

Elder Loni pondered a bit and nodded.

"That's indeed good, let's go there."

He then looked behind and told Krune and everyone else.

"The Measurement Hall has hundreds of the same equipment that I used in the Garmon Planet to check your elemental talent. You will find a lot of contestants from other planets there too. Every time that a new Entrance Exam happens, it is common for them to compare their abilities there."

Both Loni and Mafiu's contestants got excited, they had just arrived, so they wanted to know how good they would fare against the other planets. But on the way there, Krune's group could see the disdain on the face of the Yamole contestants. They obviously didn't put the Makui Planet on their eyes.

But none of them got angry, if anything, they felt that funny. If it was in the past, they might really not have a chance against a much better-developed planet like Yamole, but now...

On their way there, Krune noticed one thing.

"Light Spirit, I can feel that we are moving in the direction of one of the Ten Major Core."

Light Spirit nodded.

"You would get to know them sooner or later anyway, just take this chance to check the difference between you and them."

Krune nodded and kept walking. He still hasn't told anyone that he could feel the presence of the other Major Cores.

By using the transportation available in the place, they only took around twenty minutes to arrive there. The area was filled to the brim with cultivators and demon beasts. It's not that the place was small, in fact, it was enormous. But there were just too many of them there.

Thanks to Elder Loni and Masfiu, they passed through the crowd without being barred. After entering the facility, they told their contestants.

"There, in the middle, you can see two enormous monitors. The left one shows the best scores of all times. As for the right one, it is reset every time the Entrance Exam happens. You can go and take a look. Masfiu and I are going to talk with the other elders, you can go ahead and test yourselves. See if you can get a good score."

But then, Loni remembered something.

"Oh, right! There are participants at the Core Formation stage and Foundation Establishment. So if you look at both monitors, you will see that they are separated by realms. The points given to both of them are different, too. So don't try to compare the score since the measurement used between them is different."

Masfiu and Loni then went to a corner where some of the outer elders were talking and left their contestants behind. But in fact, they are paying attention to see how good they will do in this test.

Krune didn't pay attention to anything there, though. All he could do at the moment was to look in the direction of the Major Core cultivator in the distance. It was Nala Glorel who came this time. She had been dragged out by her sister, Nadia Glorel, who was also taking the exam.

At this moment, both Nala and Nadia were the center of attention. Except for Krune's friends, no one knows that Krune has a Major Core. But Nala is different, it is public knowledge that she has a Life Core. So a lot of cultivators from big and well-developed planets were swarming all around her.

Fortunately, she had her elders to play the bodyguard role, so only really influential and strong contestants were allowed to talk with her and her sister. Although the Feyi Planet isn't as bad as the Makui Planet, it wasn't considered a strong one either. So they had to give some face to those from such planets.

Krune ignored all of that and started to move in her direction, which puzzled Yusa and the others. But they know that Krune would never do anything reckless, so he must have a reason for that.

The cultivators and demon beasts noticed Krune moving in Nala's direction and snorted.

"Hey brother, she isn't someone you can talk to."

"If you look too much, you might get blind."

"You can't blame him, who wouldn't want to get along with a Life Core Owner?"

"Just look how he gets beaten by those guys from the strong planets."

Nala had long since noticed Krune too, but she couldn't move because of those around here. She can't be impolite with them since their planet might suffer due to their wrath. Only when everyone noticed Krune approaching did they stop talking to her and looked in his direction. They were just about to rebuke Krune when Nala suddenly said.

"So, we finally met."

Krune nodded.

"This is really a magical feeling when I see you."

Some people felt that Krune was trying to court Nala, and they were expecting him to receive a harsh reply anytime soon. Except for Krune's group, of course. They know that Krune has no talent in the art of courting females, which puzzled them even more.

"I agree, I also felt the same when I saw you."

Contrary to everyone's expectations, Nala really answered the same way as Krune. Nala then came forward and extended her hand.

"I'm Nala Glorel, Feyi Planet."

Krune smiled and did the same.

"Krune, Makui Planet."

No one understood what kind of relationship they had. It was evident that it was Krune and Nala's first meeting, but they seemed to be expecting the other's arrival. The only one who showed an understanding face was Nadia. Her sister, Nala, had told her that she could feel the presence of other Major Cores. She then smiled and thought.

'So, he is one of them.'

Report chapter

Boen Saviu is a member of the Hasvau Planet, another planet at the top of the food chain. Ever since he arrived, he had been trying to court Nala. She is beautiful, has a Major Core, and is free. But other than exchanging polite words, she hasn't shown any interest to him so far. In fact, not only him, but no one else either.

But out of nowhere, someone from a planet he had never heard before immediately caught his girl's interest. If it was one of those from planets like his own, then he could accept it. But it was a punny planet which his clan could probably wipe out alone. He simply couldn't accept that.

Of course, Boen didn't let it show on his face. He came forward and complimented Krune too. He was planning to humiliate Krune in the elemental test so that he would know his place.

"Hello, it seems like you two were expecting each other."

Krune and Nala looked at Boen and noticed that they were really catching a lot of attention. Krune then came forward and grabbed his hand too.

"Hello, Krune from Makui Planet. Nice to meet you too."

Krune wasn't pretending, he isn't the type that would notice someone bad intentions to start with. So he sincerely complimented Boen. As long as you are polite to him, he will be polite back. Boen's mouth twitched, though. He really didn't want to know this ant from whatever planet. But he had to show his good side to Nala, after all.

Nala, different from Krune, isn't as clueless. So she noticed that something is fishy, it was easy to see due to the smile on the face of Boen's subordinates. But she didn't say anything. She isn't Krune's friend or anything like that to start with. Her only interest was the fact that he also has a Major Core.

Boen continued to smile and then said.

"Did you come here to make the elemental test too? What about we do it together? It will be a lot funnier."

Krune was taken aback with that idea and immediately refused.

"It is not necessary. My elemental control is nothing worth mention."

Krune's habit of trying not to catch attention started again. Too bad that everyone's focus was on him from the moment that he talked to Nala. But he still thinks that it is better not to show too much of his elemental powers. This isn't totally wrong since it could also be said to be his trump card during the exam.

Boen, of course, wasn't going to give up so easily.

"Come on, brother. What if we do it like this? We will bet some spirit stones just to make things interesting. You won't reject it in that case, right?"

Krune's eyes immediately lit up. If there is one thing that he is always lacking, that is spirit stones.

"How much spirit stones are we betting?"

Boen's smile got even bigger now.

"Nothing much. What about ten thousand Rank Six High-Quality spirit stones? There is no need for us to make things big, this little amount should do."

Krune was taken aback. He wouldn't be able to fork out even a thousand of spirit stones of that rank, let alone ten thousand. The fact is that Boen wasn't lying, considering the planet and the clan he came from, that was indeed a small amount. In the end, Krune could only apologize.

"I'm sorry, the planet I came from isn't that big or prosperous. I don't have that number of spirit stones."

Although Krune apologized, he didn't feel embarrassed at all. In his eyes, there was nothing wrong with admitting that you can't do something. If you can't, then you can't, that's all. It was then that everyone heard a girl's voice.

"Oh, let me lend him those spirit stones, then."

Everyone looked at her and noticed that it was none other than Nala's blood sister, Nadia. She came forward and took out the spirit stones from her spatial ring.

"Boen had given such a nice and funny idea, it would be a pity if we couldn't see it happening."

Krune was puzzled. Why would she lend him spirit stones? But he didn't refuse since he really needs them, after all. Boen also smiled at this development. In his eyes, he thinks that Nadia wants to help him deal with Krune once for all. The only one who really understood Nadia's thoughts was Nala. But she didn't say anything either. She was also curious to know how well Krune would perform.

Krune then received the spirit stones.

"Thank you. I will give the spirit stones back to you after the bet is over."

Everyone's jaws dropped. Isn't that the same as saying that Boen isn't his match? Shinja, Yusa, and Ao were certain about one thing. Krune definitely didn't notice the hidden meaning in his own words. They are absolutely sure that Krune really meant that he just wanted to pay the spirit stones back.

Boen smiled disappeared at that moment.

"You seem very confident, no?"

Krune looked at him puzzled, but nodded nonetheless. Now that spirit stones are involved, he really is confident. Boen browns frowned, though.

"Hmph! Then let's see just how good you are, come to the testing machines."

Krune followed Boen while everyone else was looking. After arriving at the equipment, Boen put a condition.

"We have to use our best element, I don't want you to hold back."

Krune didn't mind, though. For the sake of the spirit stones, he was going all out to start with. The only thing that he wouldn't use is his Tribulation Lightning. He didn't want the machine to show another XXXXX result. But he still chose lightning Element nonetheless.

Boen went first to test his elemental control. He also wanted to show how good he is to Nala, so this was an excellent opportunity. Boen is a three elements specialized Foundation Establishment cultivator. He uses Wind, Metal, and Water. It is quite a weird combination, but for someone of a top-notch planet, there is definitely a reason behind that. And his best one between the three is Metal.

Boen then took out a spear and concentrated in his Metal Element Control. The spear seemed like it came to life, and one could hear a humming sound from it. It was evident that his Metal Element Control had reached a frighteningly high level. Soon, the equipment showed his score.

"Metal Element, 8942 points."

Everyone went into an uproar. That was an extremely high score for a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Even Ao and Arlan were surprised. They know that Boen doesn't have the Spiritual Energy Meridians, but he still got a score that is almost the same as theirs. Krune's group immediately reviewed their thoughts of the Divine Path Sect Entrance Exam, the top contestants from strong planets can't be underestimated at all!

Krune had always told them, the Myriad Energies Technique isn't omnipotent. Now they had seen the proof right in front of them, and that is just one cultivator from those top planets. Elements control has a lot to do with the level of the Divine Sense, which is connected with a good soul cultivation technique. It seems like the Saviu Clan isn't much behind in this in this field.

Boen then looked at krune with a proud face and said.

"I did my best, you better not disappoint me."

Krune noticed that Boen seemed somewhat angry. Although he didn't know the reason, he agreed to his request. His opponent had given his all in the elemental test just now. If he holds back, it would be disrespectful with him. At least, Krune definitely wouldn't want someone holding back if he was the challenger, doesn't matter the result.

Krune then concentrated his Lightning Element around his body and also did his best over its control. He could feel that his control over the normal Lightning Element had improved once more in the past five to six months. It was all thanks to the Tribulation Lightning that helps him to understand it more and more. Not to mention his elemental core, which makes it even easier. Soon, the Elemental Test Equipment showed Krune's result.

"Lightning Element, 32589 points."

Silence!

The entire Hall that had been so noisy all this time became so silent that one could hear a needle falling on the ground. It didn't last long, though. Soon, the entire Hall went into another uproar! This time, it was several times higher than when Boen's result appeared.

"This is crazy! It has entered the top 10 of all times!"

"How could a shit planet like that give birth to such a monster?"

"The old saying is really true, you never know from where a real genius could appear."

Nala and Nadia also looked at that with their mouths open. That score is something that far exceeds their imagination. That was way too high, even for a Major Core!

Krune then stopped using the testing equipment and went to talk with Boen.

"It seems like I won. But your Metal element control is very good too. My friends over there all have around the same scores with their element as you. So it really surprised me."

Krune wasn't lying, he too knows that Boen doesn't haven the Spiritual Energy Meridians. That served to show him how strong the top planets are. Of course, Boen didn't like that comparison, though. But he had to keep his face and the face of his planet, so he took out the spirit stones and passed it to Krune.

"Brother, you are good."

Krune smiled and received the spirit stones. After that, he passed the spirit stone he received from Nadia back to her. As for Nala, she came forward and said.

"It was even higher than I expected, your Lightning Element control is really frightening. Let me introduce myself again, but this time, in a different way."

She then took a deep breath and said.

"Nala Glorel, Ten Major Core's Life Core."

Krune understood what she meant. Suddenly, Krune's eyes started to change color and returned to the rainbow-like state. Now that his Major Core is known, there is no point in hiding his irises anymore.

"Krune, Ten Major Core's Elemental Core."

Krune knew that hiding it now would be of no use, be it cultivators or demon beasts, they would come to understand this fact after seeing his score. Not to mention that the Major Core users could feel his presence anyway.

Not only Boen, everyone else finally understood what was happening here. Krune had one of the Ten Major Cores, and it was the Elemental Core on top of that! No wonder his elemental control reached such a frightening level!

Boen finally understood why Nala and Krune seemed to expect each other's arrival. As a member of a strong clan in a top-ranked planet, he had some extra information about the Major Cores that others didn't. His elders had told him before that Major Core Owners can feel each other before entering the Core Formation Realm.

He knew that krune and Nala had never met before, but they still seemed to know that the other was coming. The clues were all there to see, but his pride made him neglect this fact. He could only blame himself for being soo blind. He sighed deeply, someone like that is bound to ascend in the ranks.

Nadia eyes lit up when she heard that, though.

"Brother Krune, you are so strong! Do you have a girlfriend already?"

Several female cultivators and demon beasts also looked at him like he was prey.

"I don't have a girlfriend, but I do have a fiance."

Krune couldn't help but think.

'Or at least, I think I have.'

Report chapter

---

Read Is that a Wisp? Chapter 131 Results online for free - AllNovelFull

The fire in several girls' eyes extinguished as fast as they lit up, and Nadia was no exception.

"I guess that was to be expected."

Krune just laughed after that.

On the corner with the elders, Loni had a beaming face. He already had an idea that Krune had a Major Core, there is no way he could have such a result in the Martial Gathering without it.

"Loni, did you save the universe in your previous life? How did you find such a gem in that shit planet?"

The other outer elders nodded vigorously! Loni just took that as a joke, though. Bringing back talents that can enroll the sect is also rewarded by the sect. He is probably going to get something very good for bringing back a Major Core.

"You haven't seen all yet, wait for the rest to take the test. Although they aren't as good as Krune, they are not shabby."

All the elders were taken aback! Could it be that there are even more talents from that planet? But it was then that they remember the special ability of the Elemental Core.

"Right, the Elemental Eye Irises! If this guy used it to guide his companions for a long time, there is no doubt that they have improved their elemental control by leaps and bounds too."

The other elders' eyes lit up after hearing that! Now they are even more interested in looking at the results of Krune's friend. But there is one thing that Elder Loni hasn't told them. Krune can also use Tribulation Lightning! But he will keep quiet about that, Krune is probably keeping it hidden as his trump card.

Nala then went to take the test herself. Since Krune showed his abilities, she had to do the same. She has her pride, after all. They just need to see which element she would use in the test.

Nala got close to one of the equipment and started to focus on her wood element, not long after, the equipment showed her result.

"Wood Element, 21065 points."

Another uproar came out. Although Nala's result wasn't as good as Krune's Lightning Element, it was still several times higher than the majority of the cultivators and demon beasts around. In fact, Krune's element control was supposed to be lower than her. The Elemental Core is an element balanced Major Core. The proof is that Krune can't achieve over 20000 points with any other element other than Lightning. But because he has both the Myriad Energies Technique and the Tribulation Lightning, he was able to show such an absurd number.

"Impressive"

Nala came back and shook her head.

"Not as your Lightning Element, though."

Krune then asked something that as puzzling him.

"Aren't Life Core owners supposed to be able to control Light Element even in earlier stages of cultivation?"

Nala nodded.

"I can, indeed."

She then extended her hand and focused on the Light Element. Suddenly, specs of light started to spin around her hand, and it was very beautiful.

"But it is exactly because I can do it in such an earlier stage of cultivation that my control over it is poor. If I tested it now, I reckon that I would barely surpass the 10000 points with it. Of course, if we are talking about plain healing ability, then my light element would be better for it than wood. Also, after I get to the Divine Soul Realm, this barrier that impedes me from using Light Element will disappear. So it will get a super boost at that point."

Krune nodded, each Major Core had their advantages and disadvantages. If he were to think about one for his Elemental Core, that would be the fact that he doesn't have any main strong element. Once again, his Lightning Element only got to this level because of the Tribulation Lightning and Myriad Energies Technique. Not to mention his All-Encompassing Soul Technique.

If Krune removes his Elemental Energy Meridians and his Tribulation Lightning, he would have around 12000 to 13000 points in every single element at the moment.

In the last six months, Krune's cultivation had also reached the 9th stage. Thanks to his Elemental Meridians, he should now be able to achieve around 16000 points for each element other than Lightning.

Krune exchanged a few more words with her and returned to his group, all he wanted to do was to see who had a Major Core like him. Yusa, Shinja, and Ao knew about it already, so they were calm. As for Tasier, Arlan, Lofa, and the rest of the Makui Planet contestants, that was the first time hearing about it. In the end, Arlan couldn't help but comment.

"We have been friends for so long, but you couldn't even tell me about it."

Krune laughed at that comment, though.

"That would be no fun at all."

Arlan also laughed. He knows what the real reason is anyway. An Elemental Core shouldn't be something that you go around telling others about. But now that they are in the Divine Path Sect, Krune will have to go all out. His Elemental Core would appear sooner or later.

Krune's group was curious about another thing, though.

"Did you know she had a Major Core from the start?"

Krune nodded.

"I could feel it resonating with my own. There is also another two Major Cores participating in the Exam, it's just that they aren't nearby at the moment."

Everyone was taken aback, counting with Krune, there are four Major Cores! The Exam is getting harder by the minute. Not to mention those like Boen, who don't have Major Cores but still have outstanding elemental control. One can only imagine how good their techniques and combat prowess is.

Krune then turned to Ao and the others and said through Divine Sense.

"You know the reason for my Lightning Element control to be this high, but my other elements aren't the same. Shinja's water element isn't worse than mine either, and Arlan will probably come to have a fire element just as good. So don't bother with the results of the others, I refuse to believe that you can't fight them head-on!"

Ao and the others nodded. If the Divine Path Sect Entrance Exam was easy, their Makui Planet wouldn't have failed for thousands of years. They should have expected that only monsters would appear around. Ao then took a step forward and went to one of the testing equipment. Because he was also part of Krune's group, quite a few people paid attention to him.

It has been half a year since the end of the Martial Gathering. During this time, Ao has broken through into the 9th stage of the Foundation Establishment and is close to the peak of it. So he got a good boost on his Divine Sense and, consequently, his Elemental Control too.

He got close to one of that testing equipment and concentrated on his Wind Element. Soon, his result appeared on the monitor.

"Wind Element, 10264 points."

That was more or less what Ao expected. But he also knows that it is most likely the limit of what he can get in the Foundation Establishment. In the end, he only has six Spiritual Energy Meridians, and he doesn't have any special traits Like Arlan or Shinja. Of course, he wasn't sad about that result. When would he ever be able to get to this point if not for Krune?

At that moment, the only ones that looked composed were Ao's friends and the other qualified members from Makui Planet. The rest of the Cultivators and Demon Beasts went in another wave of discussion. Since when that little planet started to give birth to so many geniuses?

Arlan decided to try right after, and of course, he chose Fire Element. In the last six months, he was able to open Six Meridians just like Ao. The reason for that is quite simple, he doesn't lack spirit stones! The main reason as to why Krune and the others took so long to get that many meridians were basically the lack of spirit stones. But Arlan, as the only contestant of the Makui Mercenary Guild, obviously didn't have that problem.

"Fire Element, 12645 points."

Arlan looked at that and sighed. He is still quite far away from Krune's level in Fire Element. As for everyone else, their mouths couldn't be more open at the moment. Just what is happening to this Makui Planet?

Tasier and Lofa came right after.

"Lighting Element, 9150 points."

"Water Element, 8061 points."

They don't have the Spiritual Energy Meridians, nor do they even know that they exist. So it was already very impressive that in the least six months of guidance gave by Shinja and Krune, they achieved this level. Tasier having a bigger score than Lofa Harcken was pretty obvious. He is a Thunder Hawk, and Lightning Element is his race innate ability after all.

Boen also looked at that like he had seen a ghost. Every single one had a control better or at the same level as him. But he wasn't feeling insecure. He still believes that his clan techniques are much better and that his combat prowess is definitely higher than them.

Shinja and Yusa decided to take the test too, but their scores were pretty standard. There are two reasons for that. First, the score measure for Core Formation participants is different from Foundation Establishment, so they can't compare it with Krune and the others.

And second, the scores that are shown at the moment are taking everyone under the age of 40 in the Core Formation Stage. There are definitely some geniuses from top-ranked planets in the middle or even late stages of the Core Formation Realm. It would be of no use for Yusa and Shinja to compare their elemental control with them. The difference in cultivation was just too big.

Of course, some felt threatened by the two girls. And they were none other than those High Cultivation Stage Core Formation participants. They could sense Yusa and Shinja's cultivator at the 1st and 2nd stages. But they still had such a high score comparable with even some of the 5th and 6th stages of the same realm.

As for the other outer sect elders, they looked at Loni with envy. Why weren't they the ones who were assigned to Makui Planet this time? Although this kind of situation wasn't unheard of, it is still quite rare to happen. They are sure that Loni is bound to get a very handsome reward from the sect, and even a promotion to become an inner sect elder isn't out of the question.

Krune looked at all the results and nodded, he was pretty much satisfied with their progress during this time. As for the other two Major Core participants, it seems like he will need to wait until the Entrance Exam to meet them.

Report chapter

After all the participants finished their tests, elder Loni came to take them back to their rooms. He already told them that the Exam will start tomorrow, so he prohibited any dangerous activity before it happens. Krune and the others nodded, they also know that they need to be at peak state for that.

Everyone spent that night relaxing. Krune, once again, invited everyone to eat. As always, he was the one cooking. There was no training or teaching, just chatting and food. Of course, Arlan and Ao still found a way to challenge each other, but Krune simply ignored the two idiots. Even Mina, Arlan's fiance, was helpless at that sight.

While the night passed uneventfully for Krune's group, the same couldn't be said for the outside. The news that a fourth Major Core appeared started to spread like wildfire. In just a few hours, no contestant didn't have Krune's picture on their communicators. They all knew the other three Major Core participants. After all, they were known even before the Divine Path Sect Exam arrived. But Krune really appeared out of nowhere, and there was way too little information about him.

Gomat and Colen also got the information about him, but they didn't care. Everyone who came to the Exam at least has confidence in their own abilities, let alone Major Core owners. Besides, this is not an exam to find a single cultivator or demon beast, but to find those who qualify to enter the Sect. In that case, it is almost certain that all for Major Core Owners this time will join the Sect.

There is a reason why the Divine Path Sect doesn't let the Major Core Owners enter straight away. First, they want to check their strength. And second, not only the major Core Owners but all the successful contestants' position inside the Sect will be determined through this test. Depending on your results, directly entering the inner Sect isn't impossible. Of course, it will be extremely hard.

The next day, Makui Planet's participants were gathered in front of Elder Loni, who was going to guide them to the test.

"I hope you are all ready. Remember that once the test starts, you can only leave if you fail or die. But as long as you succeed, you will be able to join the DivinePath Sect, so I hope you won't disappoint me. Let's go!"

Everyone agreed with Loni started to follow him. On the way, they could see several other elders guiding their Planet participants.

After more or less one hour, Makui Planet's contestant could see an enormous open field ahead, which was packed with cultivators and demon beasts. A lot of the demon beasts there are of rare or strong races, so they couldn't change into their human form yet. Because of that, they occupied a lot of space. But even so, there was more than enough for everyone.

Still, Makui Planet's contestants were amazed by that sight, there is definitely over a hundred thousand here, maybe even over two or three hundred! But that was to be expected, each planet had at least ten slots to come, and there are thousands if not tens of thousands of worlds in the Divine Path Sect territory. Not to mention that strong planets have more than just ten contestants with good chances of passing the test, so they had even more slots opened for them.

As the Makui Planet's contestants got close, the other planets opened the way. This time, it wasn't because of elder Loni, but Krune instead. Everyone could recognize him, which made him feel quite gloomy. But Krune didn't regret his past day decision, he got ten thousand Rank Six High-Quality spirit stones, it was definitely worth it!

The field was also full of monitors. In the distance, one could see a giant stage where several outer and inner elders were staying. The monitors were obviously there to show what will happen on the stage.

More and more contestants from other worlds arrived on the field, after just one hour, the previous enormous area was now almost full. Fortunately, everyone was already there. There were several places in the middle where everyone wouldn't get too close. Those were the top-ranked planets contestant areas and the four Major Cores participants area. So, thanks to Krune, Makui Planet had quite some space around.

Finally, all the monitors turned on, and they could see the stage in the distance. The field became silent as everyone paid attention to the elders of the Sect. One of them came forward and talked to everyone.

"Welcome to the Divine Path Sect Entrance Exam, I'm the Core Elder Tiago Galey. I will be overseeing this Exam together with the other two Core Elders of the Sect. As everyone knows, we only accept the best! Race, Clan, Planet, Territory, Wealthy, here in the Divine Path Sect, they are worth even less than a copper coin. All that matters is one thing. Strength!"

Tiago looked at everyone with a serious face.

"Of course, there are those that are more talented with something else other than combat. But for that purpose, there are the side occupations alliances that are maintained by our Divine Path Sect as well. And the best place to learn the techniques from those alliances is no other than our Divine Path Sect too."

Some cultivators and demon beasts immediately understood what the elder meant, Krune included.

"I can see that a few already understood what I'm saying. That's right, the best side occupation professionals of those alliances have also joined our Divine Path Sect. That means that not only are they the best in their fields, but they are also strong! What use is there if you can't even protect yourself?"

Tiago then looked at the demon beasts.

"I believe that the elders that were overseeing each planet had told you that the beasts will need to use their true form. The only exception is those who have a higher fighting strength in their human forms. Once the test starts, the formation inside will activate, and only those with a seal will not revert to their real form.!

Krune and all the other demon beasts in the human form already knew about that too. Tiago then started to explain the Exam. The exceptions that Tiago mentioned usually are given to sea demon beasts. After all, a fish moving on the earth in its true form would be very disadvantageous.

"There are several contestants at the Core Formation Stage under the age of forty, but there are even more Foundation Establishment ones. For the first test to be a little fairer, it will happen inside the Sects illusory realm. There, you will all have a cultivation at the peak of the Foundation Establishment. But do not relax just because it is an illusory realm. If you die there, your soul will die outside too. We said before, we want everyone to give their best, and only life and death situations can bring out one's real potential."

No one seemed to be surprised by that. Their elders had told them time and time again that the death rate during the Exam was extremely high. So they were already prepared for something like this to happen.

"Now then, let's talk about the first test itself. It is called the hundred floors tower! Your objective is to reach the hundredth floor in the time of one month. But the higher you go, the lesser the number of contestants are accepted inside that floor. That means that you have to fight for the right to go up. Each level has a certain amount of doors that lead to the next floor, and all entries have a max number of contestants allowed to enter."

Tiago then continued.

"After entering the second floor, the third one will only open after the former is full. But you don't need to worry about running out of time or not having enough contestants to fill up that floor, everything is accounted for. There is a time limit for you to enter the next level, if you don't find a door or if you are too weak to fight for the right to enter, then you will fail. Of course, if you die, you fail too."

It was then that Tiago smiled.

"Another thing, you can't enter a door straight away. All doors have several slots around them, you need to enter inside and stay there protect it for at least ten minutes. As you can imagine, if someone wants to take away your slot during it, they can do it. Of course, you can also give up if you see that you are not someone's match and come back later. As long as the total number for that door hasn't filled, you can try again."

Some people got puzzled, what if they can defend their slot once and someone comes right after you finished a battle? Wouldn't they be feeling weak to fight once more? Tiago immediately noticed their doubts and said.

"Haha! You think it is unfair to force someone to battle several times? Then I tell you that the Sect is already being very merciful for keeping everyone at the same cultivation level. Do you think that on a battlefield, you would be able to complain about the enemy ganging up or that that enemy has higher cultivation? Keep dreaming!"

There was something that Tiago didn't mention, though. All he said was that you must defend your slot for at least ten minutes. In that case, you can basically delay a battle for that duration and defeat your adversary after that. Of course, he didn't say it on purpose. The Divine Path Sect Disciples also need brains, after all.

"Alright! This is all, you can form teams if you want, but slot battle can only happen in a one vs. one. In the end, your individual strength is what matters! Good luck to you all!"

Before anyone could say or ask anything, the entire field started to shine! It turns out that they were already inside the illusory formation, and no one had noticed. When everyone opened their eyes again, they were already inside the illusory realm.

But that wasn't all, immediately after they were sent inside, all demon beasts in human form, started to revert to their original appearance. Krune, of course, was no exception!

Report chapter

All demon beasts in the human form returned to their original form. But there was only one that really caught everyone's attention. Quite a lot of cultivators and demon beasts were curious about which race Krune came from. After all, he has an Elemental Core. Tasier, Arlan, and Lofa could be said to be the most curious of all. They have known Krune for some time, but even they didn't know that.

Krune was feeling helpless, though. He was already expecting to use his original form from the start. That's because he is indeed stronger in his wisp form, so he wanted to make sure to pass the test while using it. Still, he never expected that it would be so soon and in the middle of so many contestants. But there was nothing he could do, the situation happened too suddenly.

Sure enough, just a few seconds later, Krune came back to his true form, and as expected, everyone had only one thought after seeing that.

'Is that a wisp?'

Shinja, Ao, and Yusa shook their heads. There was nothing they could do about it at the moment. Not that there is a need to do something anyway. So they just treated it as an unfortunate event for Krune.

Tasier, Lofa, and Arlan had their jaws open wide! A wisp! Krune had always been a wisp! Neither of them had ever thought much about wisps. In fact, no one of those seeing him ever felt anything other than disdain either. But here he is, a wisp with one of the Ten Major Cores, the Elemental Core.

Suddenly, a nearby cultivator burst in laugh.

"A wisp! A Major Core appeared in a wisp! That's the greatest joke ever! So what if he has a Major Core? A wisp is just a wisp, I can beat him with a finger."

He wasn't the only one finding this situation hilarious, quite a few cultivators and demon beasts around were laughing as well. Suddenly, a demon beast from one of the strong planets came forward.

"I've never tasted a wisp since they aren't good for the foundation, but this is an illusion realm, so I guess I can finally try how good their energy is. Not to mention that this one has a Major Core."

This one was a Fanged Blood Bat. Different from the other beasts that were in human form before, this Bat couldn't transform before the core formation due to its race. It then was looking at Krune as if he was already the meal of the day. Everyone around looked at that and just snorted, now that they found that Krune is a wisp, they couldn't care less about his Major Core. It's just a wisp, there is nothing to worry about.

Lofa, Arlan, and Tasier were also taken aback. However, Krune had helped them a lot, so they still decided to step forward to defend him. But just as they were about to do so, Shinja, Ao, and Yusa stopped them.

"No need, that Bat has just dug its own grave, stay here and keep looking."

Others might not know, but how could Shinja's group not? There is only one thing that can make Krune go mad, and that is to look down on his wisp race. Hunt, Eat, Absorb, Disdain, Sell, all of that is included in Krune's unforgivable looking-down list.

Everyone noticed that the contestants from Krune planet didn't make a move to protect him. That made them think that they were afraid of the Bat and its companion from the same world. Since no one was in front of the Bat anymore, it immediately attacked intending to eat Krune whole. Shinja, Ao, and Yusa just shook their heads, that Bat really wants to die.

No one could notice it because Krune was in his true form, but a certain wisp was really irritated at the moment. He intends to keep his Tribulation Lightning hidden as a trump card, but that doesn't mean that Krune is weak with regular lightning and other elements. Before the Bat could even get close to Krune, the wisp in front of it disappeared!

When everyone found him, Krune was already above the Bat. Around him, one could see several skills used all at once! Blazing Winds Blades, Myriad Water Thunder Dragons, Thunder Lines, Wind Ice Icicles, so on, and so forth! Every single one of them emanated a power several times higher than what any one of them could cast!

But they could only see that for a second. That's because that was all the time that Krune needed to prepare and shoot them! The Bat also noticed all of that with his Divine Sense, and it could only think one thing.

'Is that really a wisp?'

All of Krune's skills were shot at the same time, but they weren't all aimed at the Bat, just ten Blazing Wind Blades, and three Wind Ice Icicle came for it. Still, they were too fast! The Bat obviously tried to dodge, but not only were those attacks much faster than it, they even followed every change of position that it made. They can follow the target! A second later, the Bats head was sent flying by the Blazing Wind Blades while the Wind Ice Icicles pierced through its heart. It couldn't be more dead after that!

As for the rest of the skills? One could only hear screams all around! Krune didn't only target the Bat, but some of those close by who were laughing at him too. The only difference is that they didn't attack Krune at first, so Krune didn't kill them either. Still, every single one of them had been crippled for good in this illusionary realm. Although they still have their cultivations and bodies outside, the Entrance Exam is simply over for them now.

Krune was already being merciful, though. Only the Bat died in his hands, the others still can live a normal cultivation life after they fail in the test. If they are under the age of 30, they even have one more chance next time the Sect Entrance Exam happens. Krune then returned to his Planet's group side and looked at everyone around. Although the contestants from other planets couldn't tell where Krune was looking at, they all had the feeling that he was looking at them. Suddenly, everyone heard the wisp talk.

"Is there anyone else still curious about how good wisp energy taste like? I don't ming give the rest of you a taste of it as I did with those who were laughing just a second ago. In fact, I'm very eager to do so. I'm sure they the likely it very much too."

Let alone laughing sound, no one could hear a single word. The majority even looked away, afraid to get this god of death attention. Especially those who also laughed but were lucky enough to be far at that time. Still, they noticed that except for the Bat, the other ten or so cultivators and demon beasts just had their Cores and Dantians destroyed. They are still alive. But that didn't make them relived at all! Just how good must one's element control be to precisely hit all those cultivators and demon beasts Dantians and Cores at the same time?

As for the Bats companions, none of them said a single word. Some of them were in the batch that had just been crippled a moment ago, and they definitely don't want their Exam to end right now.

Krune looked around and noticed that no one showed a single look of disdain or laughed anymore. If anything, the majority was afraid to even look at him. Krune just snorted and turned back to his Makui Planet's contestants.

"Let's go! There are too many participants here, and I believe that a lot of them had already departed to look for doors to use."

This wasn't the time to talk about his real form. At the moment, everyone is afraid of pissing Krune. Still, if they decide to gang up on him, even his Tribulation Lightning won't be enough to keep everyone safe. The enemies also knew that very well, but there is also the fact that if they gang up on him, the first ones to attack are going to die without a doubt! No one wanted to be the sacrifice for the others, so no one made a move in the end.

In the distance, Colen, Gomat, and Nala had also noticed everything that happened. But they were basically between the few who did, and that's because they were focusing their Divine Senses on all the Major Core Owners. There are just too many contestants, and fights had broken everywhere already, not only on Krune's side. So it could be said that Krune only caught the attention of those close to him.

Colen, Gomat, and Nala made a mental note not to provoke Krune without reason. Of course, they are very confident in their abilities and aren't afraid of Krune at all. If anything, they are confident that they can win. But they also admitted that he is powerful, so there was no need to look for a fight with nothing to gain from it.

This isn't related only to Krune. Nala, Gomat, and Colen also have no intention of challenging each other, either. At least, not until they find a reason for it. This is just the first test, after all.

Everyone then spread in several directions. It is evident that this illusory realm is enormous, so they would need to find the next level doors as soon as possible. They still remember Tiago saying that there is a time limit for everyone to stay on each floor. Considering that there are one hundred levels and one month to conclude the test, each floor would probably have around seven hours to be passed. Of course, they can't exclude the possibility of the time limit being different for each level.

Lofa, Arlan, and Tasier couldn't help but look at Krune, the wisp. But Krune himself hadn't said anything yet, so they decided to wait. Once Krune thinks that is a good time, he will naturally speak about the fact that he is a wisp with them.

Krune's group had a big advantage in this realm, though. It can reproduce one's ability perfect, so his heaven-defying Divine Sense was still there for him to use. It didn't take long for Krune to spot a door.

There was one thing that was puzzling Krune, though. He can understand why Lofa, Arlan, Tasier, and Mina were following his group. They are friends, and Mina is Arlan's fiance. But why is the rest of the contestants of his Planet, including those Core Formation ones, following him? Krune then stopped and looked at them.

"Errr... Do you guys need something?"

He didn't come to the Divine Path Sect Entrance Exam to do charity after all.

Report chapter

Those guys looked at Krune with an embarrassed expression.

"Well, we just thought that it would be safer to travel together."

Although they said that, they couldn't tell what Krune was thinking. In his wisp form, there is no such thing as facial expression.

"I see, you are not wrong in thinking like that. There is no doubt that the other planets contestants are moving together too. This way, they would even be able to stop the enemies from trying to take the gate from them and even let weaker friends go ahead first. Some might even decide to simply attack other teams to get rid of the competition straight away."

Everyone nodded, they really thought about that before. So the best option was really to keep together, there is strength in numbers, after all.

Krune then continued.

"But the most we can do is help you until you get to the next level door. Once you enter a slot, you can only protect yourself. Also, if you fail to protect yourselves in the slot, no one here will give up our slots to come out and help you fight for the chance of getting another slot."

Suddenly, Krune received a Divine Sense message from Yusa that made his eyes lit up! So he immediately let her talk.

"Krune isn't wrong, but I guess there is still a way to help you with that. We can let you enter the slot first and stay there alone for the necessary ten minutes. During that time, we can simply stop anyone from entering it and challenging you. Of course, as long as the ones attacking weren't too strong. What do you say?"

Krune still remembers those guys' scores during the elemental test. Although they can be considered the top of the Makui Planet, they are indeed quite weak when put together with the Geniuses of all other planets. Without help, they won't be able to secure slots for too long.

But there was one thing that they thought about.

"Why would you protect it outside? Can't you just enter the slot with us and wait inside for those ten minutes? After that, you just need to leave it."

This time, it was Arlan who talked, and he even laughed at that.

"We are talking about the Divine Path Sect Entrance Exam, do you think they would permit something like that? Chances are that both contestants will be sent out since no battle occurred. Remember, this is a test, not a walk in the park."

Everyone nodded their heads, it would be way too easy otherwise. Still, having Krune's group defending outside would be very good already.

For a second, their eyes lit up! But soon after, they noticed that something was fishy. Why would Krune's group go that far to help them? They looked at Yusa and then asked.

"What are your conditions?"

Yusa smiled and then said.

"Every time we stay guard for you guys outside, you will pay us one five thousand Rank Five High-Quality spirit stones. Of course, this is the price for the entire batch, which means you all together. There are thirteen of you here, if you share the costs, it shouldn't be too hard with the powers backing you up back in the Makui Planet."

Yusa then continued.

"There is also an individual price. If the majority decides that they will not need help protecting themselves, but one or two of you still wish for it, the cost is one thousand for that person or demon beast. What about it, not a bad deal, right?"

Krune nodded at every word said by Yusa! Sprit stones! They make the world go round! Arlan, Lofa, and Tasier might not lack spirit stones, but Krune's group absolutely does! Krune then looked at them and said.

"Don't think that we are robbing you. Arlan, Lofa, and Tasier already paid a lot of spirit stones to receive our teachings. Now they are strong enough to defend their own slots. Otherwise, they would have to pay too!"

Lofa, Arlan, and Tasier nodded their heads, they have definitely paid over ten thousand already, especially Tasier. He spent no less than twenty thousand with Krune's teachings. Although it wasn't all high quality, the spirit stones were all at rank five, at least. Except for Arlan, Tasier and Lofa are quite fortunate already. It is thanks to the fact that they are also part of the Mercenary Guild Alliance that they got it cheap.

Those guys then looked at someone in their group. It seemed like he was the strongest outside of Krune's group, so they more or less thought about him as a leader for the moment. Arlan knew him as well, he is a Core Formation Realm cultivator of his Divine Swords Sect. He is also like Shinja and Yusa, having achieved that realm before the age of forty. His name was Joty Marcat.

In fact, he was one of the few who still had some confidence in defending his slots against the enemies even without help. But he also has to think about the big picture and to have someone defending his slots from outside would obviously be the best option. As for the payment, it shouldn't be hard to fork it if they join forces to share the burden.

"Very well, but we will decide when we need help or not."

This is a problem of interest. Joty knows that Krune's group comes from the Yule Continent, which is indeed a lot poorer than the other continents. Not to mention that since Arlan and the others also paid before, it couldn't be considered unjust anymore. First of all, no one is obligating them to pay for anything. As far as everyone is concerned, they can very well leave right now and go parted ways.

Arlan, Lofa, and Tasier didn't say anything. They don't need the spirit stones to start with. They also know that Yusa was speaking on behalf of Ao, Krune, and Shinja. So they are free to do whatever they like during that time.

Krune then said.

"Very good, you will come to understand that this wasn't a bad decision at all. Even if you don't join the sect, you still have a huge chance of reaching the later parts of the tests."

Krune's group then moved to the previous door that Krune spotted with his Divine Sense. After arriving there, he could see that quite a few slots had been taken by other cultivators, but there are still quite a few free.

Krune's group then moved close to send those guys ahead first when suddenly, another three teams appeared in front of them. The leader of that alliance looked at Krune's wisp form amazed, he has never thought that he would see a wisp in this place. But nonetheless, that wasn't the reason why they blocked Krune's team path, so he quickly regained his composure and said.

"Those who want to use this door will have to pay a fee. One thousand Rank Five low-quality spirit stone per head. Otherwise, get the hell out!"

Let alone Krune and Yusa, even Ao and Shinja's eyes lit up at that moment. They aren't thinking about sell door slots like them. Krune's group idea was a lot more practical than wait for contestants to come. They will simply beat anyone in front of them. After that, they will ask for spirit stones. If they don't pay, they will cripple their cores and dantians. Nothing will happen to their bodies outside, but their chance to enter the sect will be gone.

"Brothers, what a great idea you just had! But let me ask you, how exactly will you collect the payment?"

That was the only thing puzzling Krune at the moment, and that is why he hasn't made a move yet too. Otherwise, he would have already crushed those guys there and then. Joty Marcat's group issue is different, they are from the same planet, so they can't simply flee from the debt. Not to mention that their Sect, Clans, or whatever reputation would also be on the line.

The guy only thought that Krune wanted a guarantee, so he said.

"In the illusory realm, everything that you possess is also replicated inside. So the blood contracts are also part of it. As you probably know, blood contracts put restrictions on the soul, and you are inside the illusory realm in soul only. That means that even an illusory blood contract is still effective against your soul."

Krune's group nodded. It really makes sense now that they thought about it. Krune then looked at the three teams in front of him, a total of thirty-four cultivators and demon beasts. He then moved forward and said.

"Very well, each one of you has to pay one thousand Rank Five high-quality spirit stones. Otherwise, we will cripple you, and that will be the end of your exam."

The guys from the other teams were taken aback. Suddenly, they burst in laugh.

"A wisp has just threatened us! Can you believe that?"

"Let alone that, look at the numbers of his group. He thinks that they can deal with all of us."

Their leader was a lot more serious, though. For him to say that in this situation, he must have some confidence or be an idiot. He refuses to believe that an idiot would be able to arrive at the Divine Path Sect entrance exam, though. He then sent a Divine Sense message to everyone.

"Pay attention, something is not right."

Immediately, all the laughs stopped, and everyone spread their Divine Senses. But other than Krune's team, there wasn't a single other team around. Krune felt their Divine Sense scanning everything and then said.

"You don't need to look, we don't have any support behind us. So, are you giving the spirit stones, or should we beat you first for you to understand."

If Krune could be in his human form now, he would definitely be showing an evil smile. But that wasn't necessary, that is because Ao and the others were doing it in Krunes instead. In Arlan and Tasier's case, they don't need spirit stones, but they welcome a fight like that with open arms. Lofa and Mina just sighed, though. But they stepped forward to help nonetheless.

The only ones a little apprehensive were the second group. But they gritted their teeth and stepped forward too, it will be of no use if they don't even have the guts to take a group battle like this. Not to mention that their deal with Krune's group was for them to stop other contestants from fighting for their slots. There was nothing there about protecting them while they are outside.

But to their surprise, Krune's group had no need for their help. Krune alone could deal with at least ten at once, even without the Tribulation Lightning. As for Ao and the others, they might not be as strong as Krune, but with their strength alone, they could still take quite a few by themselves.

Of course, the reason why they could deal with these three teams' alliance is that they aren't strong to start with. If it was an alliance of three top-ranked worlds, things definitely wouldn't be this easy. Krune's group still remembers Boen during the Elemental test, who had similar elemental control even without the Myriad Energy Meridians.

But there is very little chance of finding a group like that, especially one asking for spirit stone. Contestants from those places would never lack spirit stones to start with. In the end, Krune's group is a rare poor, and strong team at the same time.

Report chapter

After beating up all their enemies, they were forced to hand over their blood contracts and sign up themselves. One thousand Rank Five High-Quality Spirit Stones per head. These three teams' alliance was already doing this sort of scheme exactly because they wanted Spirit Stones. But now, they became even poorer. Of course, they were just unlucky to have bumped on Krune's group.

Having finished their collections, Krune's group didn't enter the door. Instead, they departed and started to beat up other teams. With Krune's Divine Sense, he could see if their targets were strong or weak ones. But Krune didn't target the weak, neither the strong, only the middle ones.

Weak teams would probably have come from weak planets like his group, so Krune didn't have the heart to take even more from them. As for the strong ones, it was better not to find a problem with them unless necessary. So they targeted the middle-ranked teams. It couldn't be said to be unfair. Most of those teams, in general, had more participants than them. After all, anyone in the Core Formation Realm and under forty years old could take part in the exam. And those worlds obviously had a lot more cultivators and demon beasts in this kind of condition than them.

By the time that two hours passed, Krune decided that they got enough on the first floor and moved to the next level. His group soon found a door with just a few slots remaining. Counting the fifteen slots for the Foundation Establishment and the slots for Core Formation under the age of forty, Makui Planet had a total of twenty-two participants. As mentioned before, there are very few that would risk going through the heavenly tribulation before their two hundred years of the life span was close to the end.

The door that Krune found had sixteen slots still free and another eleven with someone inside waiting for the ten minutes of defense to be up. Krune then asked for the guys who decide if they would want them to help defend their slots or not.

"No need, these are only the first floors, if we can't even pass it with our own abilities, there is no need to talk about the further tests."

Krune and the other didn't say anything and just nodded. Now that they found such a good way of getting rich, the spirit stones that they would get from the Makui Planet contestants don't make much of a difference anymore.

Still, he let them take the free slots while his group went for the occupied ones. Ao, Arlan, and everyone else had no problem in defeating those inside that were defending. In the end, everyone was successfully sent to the second floor. There, Krune and his group restarted their spirit stones 'work'.

They kept like that until the fifth floor, not staying more than two hours on each floor. When they arrived there, Yusa calculated how many spirit stones the other teams owned them. Her eyes then lit up with the result.

"They already own us over one hundred and fifty-two thousand Rank Five high-quality spirit stones! Sharing it between the seven already gives us over twenty-one thousand for each. When had we ever made so much spirit stones in such a little time before?"

Arlan, Lofa, and Tasier shook their heads, though. What they are more concerned at the moment is not the spirit stones, but another thing entirely.

"Although this is a nice number, we don't lack that amount. You can divide between the four of you."

Ao wasn't happy, though.

"You guys also helped greatly in each fight, that is what you deserve."

Krune and Shinja also nodded, only Yusa was struggling to give up that offer. But since Krune, Shinja, and Ao already agreed, she just let it go too.

Arlan then pondered a bit and then said.

"Let's do like this then, the three of us will take 30% of all spirit stones, and the other 70% you share between you. Our condition is better in our continents. Not to mention that I believe that the four of you would still be able to gather this amount even without our help."

Lofa and Tasier also agreed with what Arlan said. Ao just sighed and accepted that offer, and with that, they set off again. By the time they arrived at the tenth floor, the total amount of spirit stones was already two hundred and thirty thousand. But the number of teams that they are encountering is getting less and less. By now, there were very few weak teams, and middle-ranked teams were also in decline.

"I think we should finish it here, we already got a harvest several times higher than we expected. If we keep forcing, we might really get on the bad side of all other teams as well. They are even calling us the Makui Money Grubbers already."

It was Mina who said that. Krune's group then looked at each other and nodded. This amount can already last for some time for them.

This time, Krune took his chance to talk about another issue, and it was an issue that is without a doubt bothering everyone. The fact that he is a wisp! It's not like he didn't want to talk about it, just that he was more concerned about the profits that they could make at first. But now it is a good time.

"Alright, let's now discuss about my real form. So yeah, I'm a wisp. If you find it to be a problem, I will not hold you back. You have always had the choice to leave this group, and it is not different now."

Tasier was taken aback at first when he saw Krune's original form. But now he was as nonchalant as ever.

"So what? I'm a demon Beast, and as one, I only care about one thing. Strength! You already proved that you are even more of a freak in your wisp form, so that's all that matters for me."

Arlan just sighed and said.

"I told you before that I came from a poor family and made my way up with my own strength. But on the way, there had been a few times where I captured wisps to sell. Although I've never used them for cultivation, it doesn't change the fact that it happened. So I should be the one asking, are you okay with that?"

Krune just sighed too and said.

"I'll tell you the same thing as I did to Mile back then since she also knows that I'm a wisp and still told me that she used wisps for cultivation. What you did in the past is due to the wisps actual situation, whether I get angry or not will not bring them back. I only ask you to help them from now on like I do when I see something like that happening."

Arlan smiled and nodded. Unless the situation was dangerous, it wouldn't be a problem to give a helping hand.

Lofa was the only one absent-minded. Shinja and Yusa know that she likes Krune, and this situation probably affected her more than anyone else. She came from a wealthy family, so there is no doubt that until today, she only thought about wisps as nothing. It was then that she received a Divine Sense message from Shinja.

"Krune is what he is. If you really have doubts about your feelings now that you found that he is a wisp, then I can tell you that your feelings were not real to start with."

Lofa's heart jumped at that moment. But then, she looked at Shinja with gratitude. That is right, wasn't she the one who said that she didn't mind if Krune wasn't human? Does the fact that he is a wisp really change anything? Although there would be loads of issues in those questions, what matters is what she thinks. She then looked at Krune and said.

"As long as we can cook together, so what if you are a wisp?"

Krune was taken aback with that answer, he could expect anything but cooking being brought up at this moment. He then looked at her and laughed.

"Right! For food lovers, what race has to with any of that. Hahaha!"

Shinja and Yusa only sighed after hearing that. Still, for some reason, Lofa seemed very happy with that answer, so they didn't say anything. All is good as long as you are happy with it.

As for the other contestants of the Makui Planet. Well, Krune didn't have any significant relation with them, so he didn't really care about their opinion. Still, they also said that they will help wisps if it isn't dangerous to intervene. Krune doesn't know if they were telling the truth or not, but as long as one of them follow their words, it is enough.

Krune then decided to stop there for a while to rest and, of course, to eat! He then called Lofa over to help with the cooking, which she did with a beaming face, and the food was ready in no time. Unfortunately, Krune couldn't join them, the formation in the illusory help is impeding him from transforming back into his human form. Still, he always felt happy to see others eating his food.

Three groups passed by them in this hour that they were eating. They couldn't help but think that they were hallucinating. There is a group wasting their time eating, and on top of that, that group had a wisp within, could it be part of the illusion of the realm? In the end, they decided to check it out. Even if this isn't an illusion, they should be able to deal with a team that has even a wisp between them. It would also eliminate some of the competition.

One could only say that they weren't lucky. Although the teams that came were stronger than the teams that Krune's group was targeting, they were still not their match. In the end, Krune's group fortune jumped to two hundred and sixty-five thousand spirit stones. Good food and extra spirit stones, Krune's group were in an excellent mood!

Report chapter

So far, the group that Krune and the others are helping haven't asked for help yet, at least not as a group. But it wasn't without cost, two of them had their slots taken. So those two still asked for help in exchange for the spirit stones. This is only the 22nd floor, but they are already struggling. It shows how weak the Makui Planet Foundation is.

Although Krune's group haven't attacked other teams for spirt stones anymore, they still bumped in some other teams that attacked them instead. But they couldn't be blamed, Krune's team usually had fewer contestants and even had a wisp. They all thought that his group got here by luck, so they decided to eliminate the competition for the doors earlier.

Thanks to that, their total income has already surpassed 300k spirit stones. Krune even asked for Rank Six Spirit Stones instead. Krune had long since used the day that they were in the Divine Path Sect before the exam to memorize all planets ranks and their names. That's how he always knows if they can pay or not.

From the 22nd floor onwards, Joty's group asked for help as a group quite a few times. Krune and the others then protected the slots they were in and followed right after that were transferred. Still, this situation only persisted until the 53rd level.

On that floor, Krune found a strong team approaching his group. It is not that Krune couldn't perceive the enemy team coming with his Divine Sense, it was just that his group didn't want to leave the next level door that they are in.

This door had a total of 51 slots, and the enemy team had a total of 40 contestants. So there is no way that they could let all of Krune's group pass it since some of their companions would stay behind. In an even fight, Krune's group could definitely fight back. Still, with this amount, it would be somewhat tricky since they are obviously a higher-ranked team.

Krune's group looked at each other.

"Fight or retreat? If we enter the slots, I doubt we would have a problem in a one vs. one battle."

"We do have that confidence, but Joty's group isn't the same. If we do like that, they are probably going to have their slots taken. Once that happens, there is a good chance that the enemy might have left behind some forces to deal with those who come out."

Joty Marcat and his group were in the conversation as well, so Krune looked in their direction and left the decision to them. It was evident that it would be somewhat dangerous to try to protect their slots against that number. At least it would if Krune and his group didn't show their real strength. Not only Krune, but Ao and the others also don't want to show their real abilities yet.

Joty understood what Krune meant and then talked with the others.

"I will be honest with you guys, we could ask Krune and the others to retreat with us and find a safer door. But the higher we go, the fewer the doors and the slots will be. In the end, there will be no way they can protect us. First of all, I believe there will be a moment that a door won't even have enough slots for us alone."

Joty then showed a serious face and said.

"There situation will only get more dangerous from now on, if you are not confident in protecting a slot, then you should find a place to hide and wait for the time to be over. That way, you will fail but won't die."

They had to make their decision fast, Krune already told that it will only take at most a minute for that team to arrive. They have to retreat to find a new door or enter the slots as soon as possible.

Joty was telling the truth, they already got that far with Krune's group help, it is now time to use all the strength they had been keeping. Everyone showed a determined face, immediately after, someone rushed inside a slot. Krune and the others saw that and smiled.

"That's how it should be done, if you came here to enter the Divine Path Sect, you have to have this much courage at least."

Joty and Krune's group all entered their slots, and the ten minutes countdown started. A moment later, the enemies that Krune had spotted finally appeared before them. They looked at the contestant inside the slots and were taken aback. First, because this is quite a small team. And second...

"Is that a wisp?"

Krune was already numb with that question, but that is okay. The more the enemy underestimate him, the easier his life would be. But surprisingly, the leader of the group suddenly said.

"Do not let your guard down just because it is a wisp. Do you really think that someone weak would reach this far?"

His name was Jano Filorie, the leader of the Vaspo Planet's group. Vaspot Planet is one of the top-ranked worlds, and it was even inside the top one thousand.

Someone in his group couldn't help but comment, though.

"They might have been lucky not to find any strong team and bump into doors faster."

But Jano shook his head.

"Don't forget the rules, the doors for the next levels only open when everyone on the previous floor has passed it or failed. Can you imagine what the chances of something like that to happen are?"

The guy who spoke immediately became silent. In the end, Jano just sent someone out to test Krune's strength. He had noticed through his Divine Sense that Krune's group had just entered their slots, so they still have a few minutes before everyone in Krune's team is teleported.

"Fino, you go. You have the best escaping abilities here, if something goes wrong, leave the slot."

Fino was a Wind, and Lightning cultivator from their planet specialized in speed and scouting. He nodded and went forward, but he couldn't help but feel the situation awkward. He didn't believe that a wisp could pose any kind of threat at all. Fino then immediately entered Krune's slot and said.

"Do you want to leave by yourself, or should I send you out?"

Krune, of course, just thought about this guy as an idiot. It was evident that this guy didn't put his leader's advice to the heart at all. Disdain was written all over his face. Krune just snorted and attacked straight away, he didn't even want to talk with this person.

The smiling face of Fino disappeared in the next second. That's is because Krune was who knows how much faster than him. He tried to use his Divine Sense to keep track of Krune, but even so, he could barely notice Krune's movement. Suddenly, he felt that death was looking at him. Krune had appeared right above Fino with several skills ready to shot. Every single skill was purposely aimed in a way that would make Fino's escape impossible.

Fino noticed the predicament he was in and immediately focused all his spiritual energy in defense. At the same time, he chose a direction to charge out. He knows that it is now impossible to avoid all attacks, so he wanted to break through by force.

Boom, swish, crack!

All sounds of different skills came out while Fino was being eaten by the barrage of attacks. In fact, Krune could have finished it in an instant. But he purposely held back to make it appear that he was strong but not too heaven-defying. Even the power of each skill was a lot lower than usual. One must remember that Krune's skills now can follow the target, so he definitely didn't need that many.

Fino finally rushed out of the affected area, his body was full of injuries, and he could barely keep himself awake. But he didn't stop and immediately rushed out the slot space. Krune didn't stop him, although Fino was really showing little concern to his wisp form, he still gave him the option to leave the slot space. That means that Fino didn't want to kill or cripple Krune to start with. He doesn't know, but that was the reason why he still has a chance at the Divine Path Sect Entrance Exam.

At first, only Jano was looking at Krune seriously. But now, there isn't a single cultivator or demon beast in his group that wasn't doing the same. Even Janos himself isn't sure if he is Krune's match or not. Even if he can win, there is no doubt that a price will have to be paid. Not to mention that it was evident that Krune still hasn't shown his full strength. Janos then took a deep breath and talked.

"I'm Janos Filorie from Vaspo Planet, who might you be?"

Krune looked at him and simply replied.

"Krune, Makui Planet."

Immediately, everyone was taken aback! Isn't Makui Planet's Krune the new Major Core guy with an Elemental Core? Can a Major Core even appear in a wisp to start with? Although they wanted to deny such a notion, Krune's strength spoke for himself. Someone couldn't help but comment.

"What a waste of a Major Core."

Krune didn't give a damn for what that guy said, but his friends were different. Their faces became quite ugly after hearing that. Ao, Shinja, and Yusa even wished for that guy to come into their slots to get rid of him.

Janos didn't say anything and looked at the other contestants from Makui Planet. Krune is one thing, but what about the others?

"Harold, Yemy, Oskin, you guys go and test some of the other guys. If it turns out to be too difficult, we will find another door. It is still too early to put our lives in the line."

Those three nodded and selected a slot different from Krune each.

Joty, Shinja, and Mari were the selected ones. Mari was one of the winners of the Martial Gathering, she's the second princess of the Watzen Kingdom.

In Shinja's case, it was a massacre. She vented her bad mood on the guy who came. In the end, she even crippled his Dantian before kicking him outside.

Although Joty isn't as strong as Shinja, he was still one of the very few Core Formation Realm under the age of forty, so his battle was on even grounds. It was evident that if it continued, the ten minutes would be over, and Joty would pass this door.

But Mary's situation was the worst. She was totally on the losing side, and she definitely wouldn't be able to keep at that for ten minutes. She was pretty unlucky as well since the strongest of the three enemies had chosen her. Krune and the others looked at that and didn't say anything. They had already made it clear, everyone would have to rely on their own strengths. Mary knew that as well, so she couldn't blame anyone either.

In the end, she lost and was sent out of her slot. She looked at Jano's group outside and just sighed. Escaping from them wasn't an option. She used her everything in that fight just now, but even if she was at her peak, it would still be near impossible with her abilities.

In the end, Janos just asked.

"From those in the slots, which are the strongest ones other than Krune and that Pure Yin Body girl? If you tell me, I might let you leave with your life."

Mari was taken aback. She is really in a predicament now, and only death awaits her at the moment. The rest of the Makui's contestants inside the slots also narrowed their eyes, Krune included.

Mari couldn't be blamed since she still had a chance at life as long as she sells that information. But as a princess of the Watzen Kingdom, pride runs through her blood. She then just snorted and said.

"Go to hell!"

Jano's face became ugly after that. While everyone inside the slots got surprised that she didn't exchange the information for her life.

"Then you can go on your way."

Jano is a Fire, Earth, and Metal element user. Surprisingly, he uses a bow as a weapon. He then concentrated the fire element on his arrow while using the metal element to increase its sturdiness and piercing power. The earth element was mostly used for defense. He pushed the bowstring and then shot the arrow forward. But just as the arrow was about to kill Mari, everyone heard a familiar voice sent through Divine Sense.

"Sigh, why didn't you give the information? As long as you did, I wouldn't feel anything if you died."

Boom!

The arrow that was just about to pierce her heart was blocked by a flying shield filled with Water and Metal element.

Janos then looked at the direction that the shield came from. There, he could see a wisp coming forward. Around him, one could see several arcs of purple lightning running around his ethereal body and making sparking sounds.

Report chapter

On Krune's beside, one could also see Ao, Shinja, and Yusa. Ao then sighed and commented.

"Just as I thought, you really came out after that."

Yusa complemented.

"No help in that, Krune is quite predictable, you know?"

Shinja then laughed a little.

"Isn't that good? It's because he is easy to read that we can trust him."

Krune heard all those comments and felt like crying.

"Couldn't you at least say that I looked cool?"

Lofa stuttered a bit but still said it with a tomato red face.

"I-I think you were c-cool just now."

Krune looked at Lofa and felt like crying again, but this time, it was out of happiness. At least someone respects his feelings.

Ao looked at his side and saw Arlan standing there.

"Do you wanna see who can beat more of them?"

Ao snorted and immediately accepted the challenge.

Tasier also came out.

"If even some humans dare to fight, how can a member of the Thunder Hawk Clan like me stay behind?"

Krune looked at Lofa and Tasier and then said.

"This is very different from before, I might not have the time to give you any support."

Tasier and Lofa nodded. They came out for different reasons, but it was still out of their own volution.

Mari looked at that with wild eyes. Why did they come outside? Couldn't they see how many enemies are there? She even felt her eyes a little moist.

Jano didn't attack straight away since he was waiting for more of them to come out. With his planet strength in numbers, he should be able to deal with this group. If he can eliminate that Major Core wisp now, that will be even better.

Just as the fight was about to break out, Joty also came out from his slot where he was battling. It is not that he lost, but that that fight would end with no victor. Of course, if he continued inside, the one to be accepted as the victor by the door's formation would be him who defended it.

Except for Arlan and Mina, Krune and the others were surprised. He noticed Krune's group weird faces and felt offended by that.

"What? Could it be that only you guys can play cool? I'm one of the top disciples of the Divine Swords Sect back in Makui Planet, and I've never run from a fight against opponents of the same cultivation before. Since you guys can do it, why can't I do the same?"

Arlan and Mina are part of the same sect, and they knew him. They were already expecting that this guy's pride wouldn't keep him only looking.

Slowly, more contestants from Makui Planet came out as well. Some because of pride, others because of friendship, and even because they wanted to form good ties with Krune and his group. Nevertheless, the entire Makui Planet contestants came out in the end.

Krune nodded after seeing that. At least they know that advancing alone will only bring them so far.

The two sides didn't say anything, and there wasn't anything to be said anyway. Both immediately attacked.

Krune spread his Hexagonal Shield into groups of seven, leaving the remnant around himself. His Tribulation Lightning Movement activated at the same time, and he started his long-range attacks. The same could be said for Shinja and the other cultivators who also specialized in that like Tasier and Lofa. Of course, Tasier could be said to be a hybrid. If necessary, he could go on close quarters as well.

Arlan, Ao, Joty, and the other cultivators focused in close combat immediately rushed forward. They even used a battle formation that Ao had taught them in the past few days. It wasn't perfect, but with Arlan and Ao prowess, they could cover up for the flaws. That, coupled with the fact that they aren't holding back anymore, made them start a massacre in the enemy's rank.

Yusa was the only cultivator entirely focused on support. But Krune and Shinja helped her whenever she needed it. Still, most of their support was on the common participants of the Makui Planet, those like Ao and Tasier didn't need any help.

Jano's group wasn't slow and also moved into action. They also separated into close and ranged attackers. Jano himself was a ranged one, just like Krune. But unfortunately for him, the wisp had paid special attention to his movements. So anything that he used was always blocked by Krune.

Still, Jano's group had the advantage in numbers, so they were still able to hold Krune's group. The problem is, Arlan, Ao, Krune, Shinja, Lofa, and Tasier were much stronger than his common members. So it was a simple question of how long they will be able to resist.

Jano was taken aback by this development. Especially with Krune's ability to control the situation. Thanks to Krune's Tribulation Lightning Movement, he could appear almost anywhere on the battlefield to give support or attack when the chance presented itself. Krune could even do all of that while controlling all his Hexagonal Shields to protect his members. The worst of all was the nine shields that were flying around Jano, blocking his vision and arrows. They were just like maggots, doesn't matter what he does, they are always close to him.

Outside of the Grand Illusory Formation, Core Elder Tiago Galey was looking at everything happening in the illusory realm. Not only him but the other two Core Elders too. Surprisingly, one of them just so happens to be Gile Qergil, Roni Qergil's grandfather. He was paying especial attention to Krune's group, as soon as he noticed their situation, he called the other two Core Elders over.

"Take a look at those kids from Makui Planet."

Jin Limoas was the third Core Elder, also overseeing this Entrance Exam. He and Tiago came over and took a look at them, both immediately noticed the arcs of Purple Lightning around Krune. Jin then commented.

"Oh, a wisp with Tribulation Lightning? That's the first time I see one. No wonder he got this far. With him, there are only three contestants that can use Tribulation Lightning this time."

Tiago nodded, he then looked into Krune's information.

"Oh, isn't that the Elemental Major Core that outer sect elder Loni reported?"

Jin's eyes immediately opened wild.

"What? A wisp with both Tribulation Lightning and a Major Core? What are the chances of something like this to happen?"

Gile shook his head.

"Does it matter? The important part is that he came to our Divine Path Sect. The only issue is the fact that he is a wisp. His life span is too low, and he might not make the necessary breakthroughs to get into the Divinity View Realm in time."

But then, Gile showed a smile.

"However, look at this situation."

Gile then operated the formation to show what happened a few moments ago. The image played hundreds of times faster than the normal speed, but with those elders' cultivation, it was the same as a slow turtle. They looked at the moment that Krune came out just to protect his Planet member. Also, after playing it even further back, they found out that Krune barely knew this girl called Mari before.

"Just because she didn't exchange the information for her life, he came out to save her. I bet with you that he would definitely ignore her existence if she had said anything."

Gile nodded and then said.

"In fact, because of some idiotic thing that my grandson did, I've come to know him. So I had Loni keep an eye on Krune and investigate his background. He is the type that can do anything for his group, and because of that, it seems like his group became just like him. Elder Loni had followed him without anyone noticing ever since his Planet's Martial Gathering was over."

Elder Loni is at the Void Breaking Realm, in Makui Planet, there would be no one who could feel his presence. That's right, Elder Loni had been there when the Rainbow Sect was attacked. He saw the entire process from saving the wisps to the day they departed from Makui Planet. How could he not? The talent that Krune showed was too big, so Loni was afraid that something might happen to him, and consequently, his promotion.

"It seems like Krune and his close friends were quite fortunate, their group found a remnant of the Mohie Sect and a few soul cultivation techniques. But his power of the Tribulation Lightning and Major Core were things that he got even before that."

Gile then explained everything that Loni reported to him. Tiago and Jin were quite impressed by everything they heard.

"But how come a wisp have such a high speed of cultivation? Could it be that he found Ian's cultivation method?"

Jin, Gile, and Tiago pondered about that question. Ian was a wisp too, and he just so happens to have been a member of the Divine Path Sect in the past. Ian was a rarity between the wisps since he achieved the Divine Soul Realm. But his life span had long since finished, and he was dead as dead could be. As for his cultivation technique, he had left it within the sect. Unfortunately, other wisps weren't able to cultivate it due to its difficulty.

"I don't think that is the case, it is probably something he invented himself. Ian was only known in our sect to start with. Why would he leave his cultivation technique in such a desolate planet like Makui? If that was the case, he might as well have divulged it everywhere. Not to mention that although it brought Ian to the Divine Soul Realm, it wasn't any heaven-defying technique or anything like that."

Tiago heard that and nodded.

"That's true. In that case, it is even better. It shows how great Krune's talent is. Different from Ian, Krune has a Major Core and can even control Tribulation Lightning, so he might have a chance at Divine View Realm."

Tiago then asked.

"What about of that remnant of the Mohie Sect?"

Gile answered that.

"I already reported it to the sect, and they also contacted the Rasie Clan. It seems like they are negotiating the price to let go of the remnant inheritance."

Tiago nodded and didn't say anything else. Although it was very important for Krune's group, it was just a remnant in the eyes of the Divine path Sect, not worth much.

Jin then said.

"Anyway, this is all talk for the future. For now, what I'm interested the most is Krune's sense of loyalty. That's precisely the type of members that our sect needs."

Tiago nodded.

"Not only Krune, but even his companions are also extraordinarily talented and very close to each other. As expected of the Elemental Irises, its power used for teaching can really improve the allies' abilities to an extraordinary extent."

Jin also commented.

"We always said that the Divine Path Sect members should rely on their own power and strength. But quite a few forget that the sect is part of your power and that its members can become your strength."

They had been watching over the entire exam so far. Still, very few planet teams did really put their all into protecting each other. The majority only cared about passing the exam at any cost. Although they could indeed join the sect like that, they will not receive much focus from it. This is a hidden rule that only the elders know.

Of course, the top-ranked planets had their own connections, so some of them knew about it. Because of that, those planets' teams would always stick together to look good at the eyes of the elders. Too bad, though. On those elders' eyes, such plays had no meaning. It was way too easy for them to figure out if they are just pretending or not.

That was an advantage for middle and low-ranked planets. The chances of them knowing about this secret were meager, so they had the opportunity to show their good side even without noticing.

One must remember that back at the Garmon Planet, Elder Loni had commented that the majority of the strong cultivators and demon beasts of the sect weren't top geniuses at first. But if one looks back at their records, they will find out that those protectors and ancestors were all extremely loyal to the sect and the team members during their exams. Their power of today is due to the focus that the sect puts on those who are loyal and think about the big picture.

Geniuses are good, and they are indeed faster at cultivating and comprehension. But with the Divine Path Sect resources, such a thing can be overcome with effort and guidance.

Gile was looking at Krune's friends' battle and couldn't help but comment.

"Krune's elemental irises are really good for teaching. But aren't his close friends a little too strong? Can guidance really help them achieve such an elemental control at their stage?"

Tiago and Jin were taken aback, they paid more attention to Yusa and the others and had to admit, they are a little too overpowered. Of course, the main reason is that they came from Makui Planet, so Ao and the others shouldn't be that amazing. Tiago then said.

"It must be because of the Soul Techniques they got from the Mohie remnant. The stronger the soul, the stronger the Divine Sense is. Consequently, the better their Elemental Control. Not to mention that they probably had tempered their souls as well."

Gile and Jin nodded, that is probably the case.

Report chapter

The battle on Krune's side continued, and Jano's group was losing ground bit by bit. Janos knew that it wasn't good for his side and decided to go all out too. He then took a different type of arrow from his spatial ring that looked like made of silver. It was specially crafted to be able to hold his elements easier, be much sturdier, and higher piercing power.

He then concentrated both fire and wind elements inside it to the limit and decided on a target. Although Krune's shields were still flying around him, Jano is confident that this arrow would be able to pierce through it and still hit the mark. The reason for that is because he could see that although those shields could block his arrows, they couldn't do it without receiving some damage.

Krune had just eliminated another enemy when he noticed Jano's actions, and he could feel that something was different about that arrow. But Jano didn't give him time to think about it, he immediately aimed the arrow at Ao inside the battle formation and shot. Krune noticed the target and used one of his shields to stop it, but surprisingly, the arrows passed straight through it.

Ao and Arlan were working together to cover up for the flaws in the battle formation. If one of them is defeated, the formation will probably crumble. Krune could only use his Divine Sense to alert Ao.

"Arrow!"

Ao was taken aback with that sudden message and noticed the arrow coming at him with his Divine Sense. He wanted to dodge but knew that it was too late. The arrow was too fast! Ao only had the time to raise his sword to deflect it. Still, the deflected arrow pierced his right shoulder, just a few centimeters away from his heart.

Ao was sweating cold, just a split of a second later, and it would have taken his life. Jano saw that and sighed, this was a one time chance. From now on, the enemy would be warier against his attacks and be prepared to counter. He knew that his group chance of victory was very low now, so he sent a Divine Sense message to everyone.

"Retreat!"

Slowly, Jano's group started to retreat while the ranged attackers provided cover. The Vaspo Planet contestants are indeed in a different league than Makui Planet. They kept their calm while focused on defense. In the end, Krune gave to order not to pursue a cornered enemy. Each of their members was stronger than anyone outside Krune's friends except for Joty, who had similar strength to the common members of the enemy's team. It was thanks to Ao's battle formation and Shinja, Yusa, and Krune's support that they were able to hold the upper hand. Of course, if the other contestants of Makui Planet didn't join the battle, things would have been even more difficult.

From the forty contestants of the Vaspo Planet, seven had been crippled or killed by Makui Planet's team. But that wasn't without a cost, Krune's side also had two members crippled and one dead in the end. Krune wasn't delusional. He knew that such a thing was probably going to happen sooner or later, and he didn't regret his decision.

He then looked at everyone and said.

"This is already a very good outcome. The Vaspo Planet is ranked in the top thousand, but we still defeated them. Although three of us won't be able to do it anymore, this battle will be very beneficial for all of us in the long term."

Krune then went to check the two who won't be able to continue anymore. One of them was the Ferlo Clan member, Edil Ferlo. The other one was Rasma, the blazing leopard. Both of them had their dantian or core damaged and wouldn't be able to circulate spiritual energy anymore. Fortunately, this is an illusion realm. Their bodies outside are just fine, so they won't have any injuries once they fail the test.

Krune checked their conditions and shook his head. If he was the girl with a Life Major Core, he might have a way to heal them, but it obviously wasn't the case.

"You won't be able to continue like that."

Krune didn't apologize since it was a personal decision for everyone if they would come out of the slots to help or not.

Edil also shook his head.

"I know very well that if I had gone ahead alone, I would be eliminated sooner or later. There is no way I could fight for slots with the little strength I have. This battle just now showed the difference between a low and a high ranked planet."

Rasma is a demon beast, so he was even more straight.

"I was weaker, so I lost. That's all!"

Krune the looked at the place where the dead member of the Makui Planet disappeared. In the illusion realm, a body doesn't stay behind. Once someone is killed, their bodies become specs of light and disappear in just a few seconds. The unfortunate one was Kariu Rone, from the Divine Swords Sect.

Arlan, Mina, and Joty are also part of the Divine Swords Sect, but they just sighed. They know that the Divine Path Sect Entrance Exam has a high rate of deaths. So there was nothing they could do about that. Krune couldn't help but comment.

"I wonder how they resolve the grudges built during the test."

Everyone heard that and were taken aback. That's true, how many enmities are created during the exam? How exactly the sect deal with it in the end? But there was no point in thinking about it now.

"Alright, let's go to the next floor."

Krune then helped the Edil and Rasma into their slots, and they appeared on the next floor. There, they found a place to leave Edil and Rasma hidden until the time for failing comes through. After that, Krune took some time to help Ao to heal his injuries. Everything they possess has been replicated inside the illusion realm, healing pills included. It didn't take long for Ao to be on top condition again. Krune's team then immediately departed to find the next door. With Krune's Divine Sense, their group had quite an easy time during this process on every level.

After arriving at the next one, Krune's group started to wait again. The next floor hasn't opened yet, so there was no point in entering the slots for now. This wasn't the first time it happened, so Krune's group already got used to this issue. Only when every door slot from the previous floor was used or when the time was over would the next level open for them to pass.

They were challenged for the slots twice, but those teams had fewer members than the Vaspo Planet and were also weaker. So other than a few minor injuries, everyone was okay. After that, they entered the next floor as well when the door activated.

They continued like that, and after two weeks, they had finally arrived at the 84th floor. On the way here, Krune had noticed that almost no team had more than 20 contestants. But that was to be expected, the number of slots in each door has been continuously declining. Not to mention that more and more battles were taking place for those slots, which is eliminating even more of them.

His team was no different. Except for his group, the Makui Planet had already lost 7 contestants. So the initial 21 members of the Makui Planet had gone down to 14.

Surprisingly, Mari was still there too. She could be said to be one of the weakest in the group to start with, but she still struggled to reach this point. Mari looked at Krune, Ao, Yusa, and the others in Krune's group and felt somewhat ashamed. It was evident that it reached the point where she couldn't help much anymore. But still, none of them said anything.

Joty was the only one outside Krune's group with enough combat power to make some significant difference. Especially during the battle formation, he got quite proficient in it in the past two weeks and could help cover for the flaws in it too. The only problem was that with the lower number of cultivators and demon beasts, the formation had been weakened quite a lot.

Soon, Krune's group found a door, and it had a total of seventeen slots. The problem was because there was already another team there. The other team obviously noticed Krune's group approaching and immediately entered combat formation. This group had sixteen members, so they also wanted to use this door since it had enough slots for them.

Once again, they were taken aback when they saw the wisp in the middle of the group. But by now, no one would underestimate any race in the test. Unless you had been heaven defyingly lucky, only strong teams remained. So none of them showed the least bit of disdain to the wisp in front.

Krune's group was also ready to fight, they couldn't be so carefree to look for other doors anymore. With the fewer number of participants, the faster the previous floors were being cleaned. Thus, the next floor doors were activating faster and faster. If they leave to find a new one, there is a chance that everything will have been used already, and they will fail. It was then that the enemy's team leader came forward to talk.

"Our forces aren't much different from each other, if we really fight, both sides will suffer. What about we decide which team is staying in another way?"

Krune's group was taken aback. That was the first time someone proposed something like that during this exam. Still, although Krune had the confidence of winning when their numbers are similar, it would be better to avoid injuries if possible.

"What do you propose?"

The guy smiled and said.

"Leader's fight! The leader of each group will enter the slot and decide the victor there."

Suddenly, everyone from Makui Planet's team looked weirdly at this guy, which made him feel that something was not right. Krune also noticed his friends look and was alarmed.

"Alright, we accept."

Krune was afraid that the guy would notice something fishy after looking at his idiot team members who couldn't even hide their emotions. They couldn't be blamed, though. Just how many contestants in this Entrance Exam could possibly be Krune's match? Their expressions were something totally involuntary.

Krune then moved in the direction of one of the slots. The guy noticed that, and his jaw opened wide.

"Wait! Are you this group's leader?"

It was already strange that this team had a wisp within, but it was even the leader of the group. He couldn't help but think if they were making fun of him. Still, the bet was on, if they sent the wisp, then it was even better for his group.

Report chapter

Krune looked at him.

"Is that a problem?"

The guys immediately shook his head.

"As long as you keep your end of the agreement, I don't mind even if you are a fly."

Both of them entered the dimensional slot while the other observed it with their Divine Sense. Around a minute later, Krune's group was simply shooking their heads, the result was way too predictable. As for the enemy team, their eyes were almost falling off their sockets. Since when wisps are this strong?

Turns out that Krune didn't give the guy any chance to retaliate. By using his tribulation lightning from the start, he completely crushed his opponent's defense. The battle finished with several skills disappearing right in front of the enemy. If Krune hadn't stopped on purpose, the guy would be dead already.

After coming out, he finally understood that he had hit a steel wall. His name was Heino Welzut, and he was obviously another cultivator from a top-ranked planet. That's why he was confident in his own abilities. Unfortunately, he encountered Krune. He isn't weak. In fact, he is even stronger than Boen back in the Measuring Hall. Even Ao, Arlan, or the others would have a hard time to beat win.

After the two came out of the slot, Heino only let out a sigh. It can already be considered good that Krune showed mercy. He then looked at Krune and asked.

"I've never heard about a wisp this strong, what is your name?"

Krune replied.

"Makui Planet's Krune."

Only now did Heino understand what kind of steel wall he had hit.

"The Elemental Major Core, I've heard about you before the exam started. Not only you have an Elemental Core, but you can also use Tribulation Lightning... Impressive!"

Heino then looked at his teammates and said.

"We are leaving, the next floor door isn't active yet, so we still have time to find another one."

Krune heard that and felt relieved, the guy was really going to keep his promise. Just as Heino was about to leave, Krune gave him a piece of information.

"On my way here, I spotted another door south-west from here. But there were three teams fight over that one. You can decide if you want to try that or not."

Heino looked at Krune and nodded.

"Thanks for the information."

After that, they left.

Krune looked at the door slots and then back at everyone.

"As you can see, the number of slots is decreasing. What Joty said in the past turned out to be true, we probably won't have enough slots for the entire team at some point. Of course, that is considering that we don't lose anyone anymore."

Everyone nodded, they had already expected this much. Shinja looked at Krune and asked.

"What about we make two teams when that time comes?"

The others also thought that this was the only way.

"It's not a problem, the issue is, who is joining which team?"

Ao and Arlan immediately proposed.

"The two of us will build a team, our coordination is very good, and we can use battle formation. We will definitely not be the only ones who need to separate, so I refuse to believe that we are going to find any team too strong. Even if we do, we can just ignore that one and try another."

Krune agreed that it was a good idea.

"Have Yusa join your side too, she bests at support, which will be of great use for you two."

Yusa nodded. She also thought that it would be the best balance. Krune can also play the support role to start with, so his side would not need her that much.

Joty, Mari, and the other guys were amazed by that decision. At first, they thought that Krune's group would just cast them out, but instead, his group separated first.

Shinja noticed the looks on their eyes and explained.

"We don't have any intention of relying on Krune's power to pass the exam. Remember, this is a test! By separating at this point would give everyone a better chance to show their abilities."

Krune agreed with Shinja's words. That's why he didn't say anything when Ao and Arlan decided to part with him for the rest of the exam. Arlan then looked at Joty's group direction and spoke.

"You guys already got used to our battle formation, so you come with us too. You noticed that you aren't at our level, but with the battle formation, you can still give us an enormous help. As long as we keep the members of the battle formation, I'm confident that we have a good chance of passing the test."

Krune then warned everyone.

"It has already passed the point where you can stay outside defending the slots before entering it without worry. The team battles are getting close to the end too. So you all better be prepared to enter a slot and defend it alone. I know that some of you are not confident about it, but there is nothing more we can do. We kept our promise and helped you get this far, you can only rely on your own strength after that point."

Joty, Mari, and the other remaining cultivators and demon beasts nodded their heads. They also know that it wouldn't continue like this forever.

In the end, Ao's group would have Arlan, Mina, Yusa, and Joty's group. Krune's side would have less, but each one of them should be able to fight or at least defend a slot for ten minutes. So they didn't need to rely on group battle, his group could simply charge into the slots and defeat the inside opponents or defend it.

Krune's side had Shinja, Lofa, and Tasier. The only one that Krune was a little concerned about was Lofa, who could be said to be the weakest one in his group. Tasier and Lofa don't have the Spiritual Energy Meridians, so they aren't at Ao, Shinja, and the others level. But Tasier still had his innate lightning ability, which gave him a great boost. Lofa was the only one who could only rely on what she was taught.

"Are you confident?"

Lofa looked at Krune and smiled.

"At first, I didn't even have hope to participate in the Divine Path Sect Entrance Exam. But now, I've come this far. Whether I pass or not, I'm already happy enough."

Tasier looked at her and said.

"We spared several times, although you couldn't beat me in the end, your defense abilities were enough for you to drag the battle for almost thirty minutes. Remember that I'm a lightning user, which is perfect against your water element. If you can hold me that long, you can definitely do the same against the others."

Shinja heard that too and nodded.

"Tasier is right, I had taught you myself, and I know very well what you are capable of."

Lofa was happy to hear that.

"I definitely won't let you down."

While everyone was discussing the issue, another team appeared inside Krune's Divine Sense. The fact that they had appeared didn't bother Krune, but there was one guy in the middle that made Krune warier.

"There is more coming."

The door to the next floor hasn't activated yet, so there was no use to enter the slots at that point. It didn't take long for the other team to appear.

This group had a total of fifteen contestants, and surprisingly, their leader was none other than Colen. As mentioned before, Colen is the owner of the Space Major Core. Colen had also noticed Krune, and he did know who he is. He still remembers the battle that broke out as soon as the First Test started. Krune, of course, knew him too. Colen then came forward.

"Ten Major Cores, Space Core Colen Fecit."

"Ten Major Cores, Elemental Core Krune."

The area became silent after that, neither side said or did anything. Colen then smiled and turned around.

"Let's go."

His group was confused, but they didn't say anything. Just like that, Colen left.

On the way, Colen's companion couldn't help but ask.

"Why didn't we attack them? I don't believe we could lose."

Colen shook his head.

"I can feel the presence of another door nearby, and I noticed that the next level door wasn't activated yet when we met Krune back there. So we have more than enough time to conquer that one. I have no doubt that we can win, but starting a fight against a Major Core without need is idiotic."

Colen then laughed.

"Of course, if there was no other door and the next level was already open, then I would have charged at them straight away! But this won't continue for long, slot confronts will definitely happen in the last ten levels, it is just a question of time."

The door the Colen was talking about was the one Krune mentioned before to Heino. Colen felt the doors differently than Krune, he doesn't need the Divine Sense, the spatial fluctuations that the doors give is more than enough for him. His ability to find other doors could be said to be even higher than Krune. Colen's companion nodded and didn't say anything else.

Back at Krune's place, everyone was sweating cold, except for Krune, of course. Yusa took a deep breath and said.

"That scared me."

Ao, Arlan, and others also nodded. Shinja then commented.

"Only Krune would be able to contend against that guy, but his companions were obviously on another league too. I'm sure I could fight one of them head-on, but I'm not sure about the price I would need to pay to win. Not to mention that every single one seemed at the same level. In a group battle, our side would definitely lose."

Krune agreed with what she said, if it really came to that, Krune would decide for a retreat. If it was only Colen, he could take him, and he has the confidence to win. Arlan, Ao, Shinja, and Yusa probably could take one of the others each too, and Krune was confident that they could also bring back a victory. But for the rest, only Tasier and Lofa would probably have enough strength to hold one back, not win, only hold. As for Joty's group, there is no doubt that they would lose very fast.

Once Joty's group was defeated, Krune's group would be assaulted from all sides. It was a hopeless battle to start with. Of course, the other side would have to pay some price as well since Krune's group isn't weak.

Suddenly, the door behind them started to shine.

"The next level is open, let's go!"

Report chapter

Although they had decided to separate in two groups, that would be for the time that there aren't enough slots anymore. On the 85th floor, Krune's group was able to find a door with 15 slots, just one more than what they needed. They followed the same plan as before and defended it until the next floor opened.

The situation continued like that until the 90th level. There, Makui Planet's contestants finally found a door with less than 14 slots. Krune and Ao looked at each other and nodded. Krune then said.

"My group has only four members, so I can move much faster than your group. In that case, I will be leaving first to look for another door. We just arrived at the 90th level, and it will take some time before the previous floor slots are totally filled or the time is over."

Just as Krune was about to leave, he warned Ao's group.

"You have more cultivators and demon beasts, so you will probably run out of doors with enough slots soon. You better think about what you are going to do at that point."

Everyone is Ao's group nodded. Joty then told Krune.

"We have decided already. When that time comes, Ao, Arlan, and Yusa will go ahead on their own while the rest of us will form another team. Until now, thanks to the battle formation, we did indeed give some help. But once we divide again, the formation will lose its meaning. At that point, sticking together with them will only dimish their chances of passing the exam. I'm not shameless to do that."

Mari and the others also nodded. They know that it is already a miracle to have reached this far. Krune understood and didn't say anything else. After that, his group departed.

Unfortunately for Ao's team, the second team plan would not go as planned.

After running around, Krune's Divine Sense finally spotted another door that already had a team defending. With Krune's Divine Sense, he could see them, but the other way around didn't work.

"I found a door, but it is still closed. That team can't see us because their Divine Senses can't reach where we are. So we are going to wait for the door to activate and then charge into the slots they're re defending. That team has 10 participants while the door has 12 slots. Lofa and Tasier will take the two free slots while Shinja and I will beat someone of them out of their one. Of course, that is considering that the defending team won't lose to another group."

No one complained about the arrangement. Tasier might be a proud demon beast, but he knows that between the four of them, Krune and Shinja are stronger than him. It's past the point where pride can overcome overall benefits. As for Lofa, she knows her power very well, so this was indeed the best way for her.

During the time that they waited, more teams appeared. In the end, it was as Krune had mentioned. The defending team was scared away, and the doors owners changed to a stronger team. But that didn't matter. The battles for those slots had, in fact, reduced the number of contestants defending it. Now there were three available slots for them. The plan was still the same, with just Krune battling now.

The only issue was that Krune could feel the presence of more contestants in his Divine Sense, and it seemed that they were waiting for the same opportunity. Still, Krune was confident in his team speed, so they should be able to enter a slot before others. Defending is easier than attacking, there is only the need to do that for ten minutes, and the defensor will win. Shinja, Tasier, and Lofa should be more than capable enough to do that. Not to mention that they had already decided to pretend to be weaker than the opponent to buy that necessary time.

Krune kept using his Divine Sense for an instant every few seconds. That way, he didn't have to keep it activated all the time, which would use too much spiritual energy. Around three hours later, the door for the next level started to shine with silver light. The next floor was now open!

Krune, Shinja, and Tasier sped forward, the three of them used the Lightning Element Movement, so they were obviously fast. Krune used his spiritual energy to grab Lofa and push her with him since she isn't specialized with speed.

Not only them but everyone who was waiting for the door to open charged forward as well. They had the same plan as Krune, take a free slot, and defend it for the next 10 minutes. But they were amazed when they noticed Krune's group speed, that was too fast! In the end, other than the team that kept defending, Krune's group was the first one to arrive. But the defense team knew that they couldn't possibly hold everyone back, so they each took a slot as soon as the door activated.

Krune threw Lofa inside of one of the free slots while Shinja and Tasier entered the other two free ones. Krune then immediately charged inside of one of the slots occupied by the enemy. It only took a few moves for Krune to crush his opponent and send him out. The rules say that you need to defend it for ten minutes, but Krune was to the attacker, the ten minutes rule didn't apply to him until he became the defending one.

Everyone saw how a wisp trashed the guy defending that slot and was taken aback. They thought that the wisp was going to take a free slot, and they were all intending to attack Krune first. But not only did he not take an open slot, but he also attacked an occupied one. Not to mention how easily he destroyed the guy inside. Their idea of attacking Krune first had totally left their minds, it was evident that they would be courting death to enter that wisp's slots.

There is also the fact that they saw the other three who came with Krune. If a wisp is already that strong, just how stronger are his companions? Still, there were many more contestants than slots that could be challenged, so they couldn't think much. In the end, other than Krune's, all other slots had been challenged. Still, Shinja and Tasier had no problem in holding back their opponents. They can even defeat them, but they followed the plan and pretended to be at the same level.

Lofa was the only one who was really giving her all to defend. Fortunately, the opponent was at the same level as her, so it was really a stalemate that they achieved. Since Lofa is a lot better at defending, both kept battling during the entire ten minutes. Close to the end, Lofa's opponents used his strongest attack, which consumed a lot of his spiritual energy, to try to take Lofa out. But anyone with half a brain could predict that something like that would probably happen. So Lofa was still able to hold her opponent to the end.

When the ten minutes were over, Krune's group and everyone who had successfully defended for that time were sent to the next floor. From the 12 slots available before, only 8 succeed in defending while the other four had been lost to the challengers. So it will probably take some more time for those four slots winners to be sent over.

Of course, Krune's group didn't care about that. They passed, so that's all that matters. Although the 8 participants appeared in the same place, neither side tried anything with the other. Unless it is a slot competition, fighting would only increase both sides' injuries now. Not to mention that they had seen Krune's group power.

Krune then approached Lofa and helped to recover from her injuries. Fortunately, it wasn't anything serious. Shinja then came close with a serious face.

"Krune, had you notice that there were way too many contestants than the previous floors?"

Krune agreed with Shinja, he also thought it strange.

"Yes, the number competing for the slots was much higher than any of the previous 89 floors."

Tasier then said.

"I think it is quite obvious, we are now inside the 91st level, which means that the last ten floors are now going to be used. If I was the power behind this, I would also increase the difficulty at the end of the test. They probably drastically reduced the number of doors and slots from the 90th to the 91st floor."

Krune, Shinja, and Lofa agreed with Tasier's thought.

"That means that Ao and the others probably got in the same situation as we did. It's just that they were the ones defending."

Either way, Krune's wasn't much worried about Ao, Arlan, or Yusa. If things get out of hand, he was sure that at least the three of them could enter a slot and defend it by themselves.

On Ao's group side, things had turned out as Krune predicted. Although they were able to hold the place until the door activated, right after it happened, lots of contestants charged at them. Ao then immediately gave then an order to enter the slots and try to defend it. There was no way that they could hold so many enemies.

Joty's group understood that as well and didn't complain, they know that the second team plan is over even before starting. They then immediately entered a slot, they might not be able to keep it, but they were determined to try.

Arlan was feeling troubled, though. His fiance might be part of the Divine Swords Sect too, but she definitely isn't at Joty's level. She probably won't be able to hold her slot in the end, even Joty will have a hard time doing so, if he does at all. But there was no time to think, the enemy would be there in just a few seconds.

Mina noticed him looking at her and smiled. She then sent him a Divine Sense message.

"No need to worry about me, if I can't hold back, I will just give up and leave. I doubt anyone will try to fight me while I'm leaving, they need to conserve energy for their own fights, after all."

She then entered one of the slots, Arlan gave her a final look and did the same.

In the end, the situation turned out exactly as predicted as well. It's not like a miracle could happen to start with. Except for Joty, who was lucky enough not to be paired against someone too strong, all the others were defeated inside their slots, Mari included. They then gave up and left their slot voluntarily.

Their opponents could have pressed forward to try to kill then, but every single one knows that as soon as Mari, Mina, and the others leave, their own 10 minutes of defense will start. It would be idiotic to spend even a bit extra of spiritual energy just to finish them off.

Arlan, who was playing with his opponent, kept his attention focused in the direction that Mina left and let out a sigh of relief. Fortunately, the late ones couldn't waste their time and energy on them defeated ones, they need that for their own challenges. Not to mention that they also need to fight to see who will be the one entering the slot to challenge the defensors.

Except for Joty, this was the end of the test for everyone else who wasn't part of Krune's group.

Ao, Arlan, Yusa, and Joty finally kept their defenses tightly until the 10 minutes were over, and they were sent to the next level. They were the only ones on the other side, though. The other slots were still in the middle of the fight, and it would take some time for the next one to come through their door.

"Mina and the others are okay, let's leave."

Joty, Arlan, and Yusa nodded and immediately left to look for the next door. They aren't Krune, their Divine Sense can't reach that far, so they will probably need more time to find it. On the way, Arlan gave Joty a few healing pills since he didn't have an easy time like they did. The second team might have lost most of its members from the very start, but now only the ones with a real chance at passing remaining.

Ten floors are left for the first test to be over, and only monsters will appear from now on.

Report chapter

---

Read Is that a Wisp? Chapter 141 Luck is Also Part of Strength. online for free - AllNovelFull

Krune and Ao's group weren't the only ones affected by the change on door and slot numbers. As far as Krune could see with his Divine Sense, there wasn't a single team with more than seven or eight members, and that was already very rare to see. The majority had around 3 to 5 members, just like Krune.

Both Ao and Krune's group had already decided that the best way was to fight for single slots. There was no point in trying to monopolize door slots anymore.

As expected, thanks to Krune's Divine Sense, his side found a door first. After arriving there, they found out that another two small teams were waiting. The other side looked at then, and once more, they were taken aback by the wisp in the middle of that group. Krune and the others then went to a corner and started to wait as well. He then looked at the door slots and commented.

"There are 10 slots in this one, but we are a total of 11 contestants here already. Of course, there will probably have much more by the time that the door opens."

Shinja nodded.

"What do we do then? You and I should have no problem in securing a slot, but Tasier and especially Lofa might have some issues."

Before Krune could even answer, Tasier cut him.

"No need to worry about me. If I can't enter a slot or defeat someone inside, then I have no right to keep advancing. Pay attention to your slots only, I don't need your help."

Lofa came from a wealthy family, so she had her pride too.

"Tasier is right! I don't mind losing, but I do care about dragging you guys back."

Shinja and Krune looked at each and nodded.

"Very well, then I wish you good luck."

Back at Ao's side, they finally found a door after spending over an hour looking for one. Surprisingly, they were a lot luckier than Krune's group. Their door only had another 5 contestants even though it had been a lot longer since this floor was opened.

The door itself had 11 slots available, which means that even counting Ao's group, there are still two free ones. The other group was obviously a team as well, for them to have arrived here with 5 members shows that they aren't weak. Still, neither side did anything to the other.

In the end, Ao's group got to the same conclusion as Krune.

"Alright, it is up to our own abilities now. Try to enter a slot as soon as possible when the door activates, the outside will definitely become a battle zone since everyone will want to enter."

Joty, Yusa, and Arlan nodded.

But who could have thought that the door activated just after they finished talking? Be it Ao or the other group on the side, they were both taken aback. This door opened a lot faster than any previous one. Still, they were delighted! They are the only ones here, and there are enough slots for all of them. So they immediately entered a slot each, and the 10 minutes countdown started.

Ao then looked at Joty's slot.

"This guy isn't only strong for someone without the Energy Meridians, his luck is also remarkable."

Still, that was good news for his team, so he only hoped for it to continue. Luck is also part of strength after all.

During the 10 minutes that Ao and the others had to wait, another team appeared. They had a total of five members. After noticing the door already activated and the two free slots, they communicated through Divine Sense. They then decided who would take the free slots in just a second.

After that, the other three looked at everyone inside the slots and randomly selected three of them. Unless you knew the opponent beforehand, it would be useless to overthink about which one you should challenge. The illusion realm made it look like everyone was at the peak of the Foundation Establishment, after all.

This time, Arlan, Yusa, and someone from the other team were selected. Joty looked at that and let out a sigh of relief. He was lucky once more.

Arlan and Yusa, obviously, had no problem in holding back their opponents. Especially Yusa, who bested at support. She had a lot of defensive skills.

The 10 minutes soon finished and everyone was teleported to the 92nd floor.

Earlier, on Krune's side, the situation was totally different. Not only the door didn't have enough slots, the number of contestants waiting for it to open increased a lot too. By the time that the next level door activated, there were already 48 contestants from several different teams. In fact, it shouldn't have had so many contestants there, Krune's team was just unlucky for so many to have found the same door. There is no need to guess what happened, everyone charged inside the slots they were close to.

Several area attacks were sent at the slots to stop those closest to it from entering before them. In Krune's case, it was useless. He used his Tribulation Lightning Movement from the very start, so in everyone's eyes, he simply disappeared. When he reappeared again, Krune was already the first one to be inside a slot defending it.

Shinja and Tasier both had Lightning Element Specialization, so they were also fast. Shinja was okay since she has a Pure Yin Body, which she used from the very start too. Thanks to that, she also was able to enter a slot to defend it. Unfortunately, Tasier's case was different. He couldn't simply take the attacks head-on, so he had to fight for his chance to enter it. In the end, he wasn't the first one inside, but the second, which means that he was the attacker while his opponent was the defender.

Surprisingly, Lofa got inside her slot first. Lofa is quite good at defense, so she paid some price to bear the attacks to arrive there. But she wasn't dispirited, that's because she had enough time to take one of Krune's healing pill before the challenger was finally decided outside. She might have the lowest attack, but she is still very confident in her defense ability. Not to mention, a certain wisp was paying attention to her! How could she fail in front of him?

Krune's opponent entered just a few seconds after him. He then snorted and made the same thing as always, pretend that he was barely able to hold. Shinja and Lofa did the same, it's just that Lofa had a harder time doing so. As for Tasier? He could only go all out! He was the attacker. Unless he becomes the defender, the 10 minutes countdown will not start for him.

But his opponent wasn't easy either. Usually, Tasier would resort to long-range bombardment, but this time he had to use his best skills. Tasier strongest battle mode is speed focused close combat while also using long-ranged skills. It is just that those long-ranged skills were also used while he was near. His opponent was taken aback by the sudden change in Tasier's style and had a hard time holding him off. Still, the time was passing. Tasier noticed that it wasn't good enough and started to draw out his Thunder Hawk bloodline power.

Immediately, the power of his lightning increased, his speed got faster, and his attacks more potent. Finally, his opponent couldn't hold anymore. It's not like his opponent didn't know how to attack, but that he had decided to only focus on defense from the start so that he could conserve energy. In the end, Tasier's opponent had to leave the slot before he got killed.

No one paid any attention to the guy who was defeated. As soon as he left the slot, another battle between those who were left outside started again to see who would take the chance to challenge Tasier. Everyone wanted to try since Tasier had just come out of a hard battle, so they thought that the Hawk was probably feeling weak at the moment.

The surprising thing was that no one was beside Tasier's slot when the battle finished. The majority was waiting close to Krune's slot instead. They all thought that since Krune is a wisp, he will be the first one to lose. That involuntary help gave Tasier a few precious moments to take out some healing pills and focus on recovering. There was also the fact that since everyone was fighting for the right to challenge Tasier, his next opponent wouldn't be at full power either.

Sure enough, Tasier's next opponent had quite a few injuries himself. When Tasier looked at him, he was surprised. It turns out that his opponent was also a flying demon beast, it was a Horned Ice Vulture from the Tialue Planet. This planet wasn't inside of the top 1000 but was still much stronger if compared with Makui.

Tasier immediately recovered his attention. Whether it was a Demon Beast or a Cultivator, what matters here is the opponent's strength. The Vulture didn't waste time either, it immediately took flight and charged forward. It had to beat Tasier first before 10 minutes were over and still defend the slot after that. The faster Tasier is defeated, the better it is for it.

Tasier snorted and took flight as well. Before, he had to go all out and use his best close and long-range combat skills at the same time while keeping close to the opponent. But this time, he had no need to get close to the Vulture. For him who learned from Krune how to make the best use of his Lightning Element, keeping the distance from the Horned Ice Vulture wasn't anything hard.

The Vulture noticed that it wouldn't be able to approach Tasier and started to use its bloodline power as Tasier did in the last battle. Immediately, an ice fog started to cover the entire place where the battle was happening. Still, Tasier's control over his elements was much better than the Horned Ice Vulture. Although his speed was somewhat affected, he was still able to dodge the offensives.

While Tasier was in the middle of the battle, Krune, Shinja, and Lofa were teleported. Their 10 minutes countdown was over, and they were considered victorious in their defense. Tasier had taken around 4 minutes to defeat his first opponent, which means that he still has the same time to keep defending his slot. Krune and the others then decided to wait.

Fortunately, the Horned Ice Vulture didn't give up and kept chasing after Tasier until the very end. The contestants outside were angry because it was evident that the Vulture couldn't catch up with the Thunder Hawk. They wanted it to give up so that someone specialized in speed could enter and defeat Tasier. Of course, if it was any of them inside, none would have given up either, so their anger was meaningless.

Krune and Ao's group entered the 92nd level. There are eight more to go.

Report chapter

On the other side, Krune checked over Tasier, who used his bloodline power. Although he was putting a strong front, Krune could feel that he wasn't feeling as good as it seemed.

"How long until you recover from the usage of bloodline power?"

Tasier pondered a bit about the time he kept using it and said.

"If I keep using your pills, it should take half a day."

Krune nodded. It means that Tasier won't be able to rely on it for at least 4 or 5 doors, maybe more. He then helped Tasier and Lofa to recover from their injuries and once again set off to look for another entry. As for the contestants that teleported over with them, that group had long since left. On the way, Krune looked at Tasier and said.

"During the next doors, you better not draw more of your bloodline since it weakens your overall combat power."

Tasier nodded since he knows that too. At the moment, he can only fight with 60% to 70% of his full strength. And that's because he didn't use his bloodline for too long. If he had used it longer, it would be a wonder if he could fight with even 50% of his power.

Krune's group found another door around 30 minutes later, this one had 7 slots and had two contestants waiting beside it already. They looked at Krune's group warily, but Krune did nothing to them, much for their relief. The door has been opening faster and faster, so Krune thinks that this one won't take more than two hours to open as well.

Tasier looked at Krune and asked.

"There are only two of them here. Shouldn't we take this chance to eliminate them and reduce the competition?"

Instead of Krune, it was Shinja who shook her head.

"We don't know what kind of abilities they have, if one of them manages to flee and call over more contestants, the situation might get worse instead."

Krune nodded at what Shinja said.

"My Tribulation Lightning is powerful, but remember that it isn't infinite. The more I use, the less I have. I'm taking every second available to recharge it, which takes quite some time."

Over two hours passed, and the number of contestants around the door increased to 16. Krune's group could be said to be the biggest at the moment, the others were lonely cultivators or demon beast, or their group had at most two contestants. Since the door has 7 slots, there is no doubt that everyone will at least be an attacker.

Krune was totally focused on the door, it was about time for it to activate. He had discussed it with everyone, and they made a plan to try to seize the defender position from the start. But for some reason, the door didn't open until three hours were up. It didn't matter, though. The longer it was, the more Tasier could recover.

Krune's group was the strongest at the moment, and by combining their efforts, they were able to seize the defender side of the slots for everyone. Tasier has been recovering for those three hours, so he could already fight with 70 to 80% of his strength. Not to mention that this time, as the defender, he just had to hold.

One must remember that Krune's group isn't the only one battling to advance. Their opponents also passed through several trials to get here, so some of them aren't at full power either.

Without any problems, Krune's group advanced into the 93rd floor.

A little earlier on Ao's group side, the situation was basically the same, their door had 8 slots, and the number of contestants waiting for it to activate was only 15. Someone would even be alone inside without anyone attacking.

The door activated the same way, and everyone rushed inside the slots. Ao and Joty were close to each other, and each one of them rushed to a door beside them. Surprisingly, because of one attack that Ao used to scare his opponent away, Joty's opponent was also affected. Joty took that chance to rush inside and get the defender position.

Once again, the ten minutes countdown started. As mentioned before, everyone had been going trough battle to get to this place, so quite a few were injured. Arlan, Ao, and Yusa had no problem to fend their opponents back. In contrast, Joty's slot had become the lucky one without anyone attacking. The guy who intended to take Joty's slot saw that Joty didn't seem very injured and gave up the idea, he then attacked another door from someone who looked in a worse state.

Not only Ao, even Yusa and Arlan, started to notice this guy's luck. Ao thought back to the battles using the battle formation and recalled that during those times, there was rarely an opponent who decided to attack through Joty's position. They couldn't help but wonder if someone's luck could really be that great.

Still, once more, this is good news for their group, so they didn't mind it for now.

The ten minutes soon was over, and Ao's group was teleported to the 93rd floor as well.

The 93rd and 94th levels weren't too difficult for both Krune and Ao's group. Joty, somehow, still relied on his heaven-defying luck to get there, and even him was starting to feel that something isn't right.

Krune's group was once more beside the next floor door waiting for it to activate when suddenly, another group with 5 members in total entered his Divine Sense. As soon as Krune saw who was there, he got taken aback.

Not long after, a scorching heat assaulted Krune's group and the other 7 contestants who were waiting for the door to be open. It turns out that the one who appeared was Gomat, the Yang Core Fire Dragon.

Gomat looked at everyone and was surprised to see Krune there. During the opening of the first test, he had seen Krune's transformation and the power that he could use. Gomat already knows that Krune is the Elemental Core owner. Still, he is extremely proud, so he looked at everyone and said.

"Do you all wish to leave now, or should I send you on your way?"

Krune snorted and then went forward. Around his body, one could see the arcs of purple lightning going around his ethereal body.

"I wish very much to see how you will send me away."

Gomat saw that, and flames started to cover his entire dragon form. He would definitely not back out against Krune, nor would he back out against any of the other Major Core Participants. If it was back then where there was no need to enter useless fights, it would be okay to ignore Krune, but now the slots available are clearly not enough for his and Krune's group.

But just as they were about to charge at each other, Gomat received a Divine Sense message from one of his four companions. He then looked over and noticed that the other contestants had taken Krune's side. It turns out that one of them had known that the wisp was the Elemental Major Core owner.

Although they don't know Krune's power, they do know about Gomat's. Gomat, Colen, and Nala were already somewhat famous even before the Divine Path Sect Entrance Exam started. It turns out that Gomat's reputation wasn't very good, so they believe that sticking by Krune's side will give them a higher chance of advancing the levels.

Gomat saw that and narrowed his eyes. If it was Krune's group against his own, he wouldn't be afraid. But if his group is ganged up during the time that he is fighting Krune, he will probably have to retreat and find another door in the end. All the remaining contestants in the first test are top experts from high ranked planets. Even Gomat isn't arrogant enough to think that he could deal with Krune and everyone else together.

The flames around his body settled, and he went to a corner to wait for when the door is activated. In the end, Gomat could only wait with his companions to fight in individual battles. The key issue of this situation was Krune. If the Elemental Major Core's group wasn't there, Gomat was confident in dealing with the rest.

Krune saw that and was relieved. At least he doesn't need to fight that Dragon in a random situation with so many variants on his side. Once the competition for the slots starts, it will all become one vs. one. That is because this door has 7 slots, and the total number of contestants at the moment is 14. So every single one will be at least an attacker or defender. Not to mention that they have been waiting for almost two hours for this door to open, so it should open anytime now.

There was one thing Krune's group was worried about, though. Which slot will Gomat choose? Everyone here knows that both Gomat and Krune have a Major Core each, so no one wanted to fight them. Most likely, the slots that they chose would have no fights. Krune then looked at his group and said.

"It doesn't matter what you do, don't try to fight that Dragon. Neither of you is his match. Although I'm confident that I can fight him, I would not be sure to defeat him in 10 minutes if he is the defender."

Shinja, Lofa, and Tasier nodded. They didn't need Krune to tell them that. It was evident that they would be courting death to get in Gomat's way.

Krune didn't say it, but he decided to wait to see what Gomat would do first instead of rushing inside of a slot. He had the feeling that the Dragon might actually not select a slot to defend, but in fact, wait for them to be full and choose an opponent to attack. Not to mention that Krune is more than confident in defeating someone else other than Gomat, so he isn't worried about losing the next floor entrance.

Finally, the next level door activated, and immediately after that, everyone rushed inside to take a slot. Since Krune wasn't going to enter straight away, he gave timing help to Lofa and Tasier, which guaranteed their defender position.

Shinja, Tasier, and Lofa looked outside and noticed that Krune hasn't moved yet, but then they looked in Gomat's direction and found out that the Dragon had done the same.

Gomat then looked at Krune and laughed.

"Haha! Could it be that you are like me and prefer to attack?"

Krune didn't say anything and waited for Gomat's decision.

Report chapter

Gomat noticed that the wisp wasn't moving, but he couldn't say if Krune was looking at him or not. Since Krune wasn't saying anything, Gomat just snorted and looked at the slots. Soon, Krune noticed that those who didn't make it into the defender position had finally selected their opponents to attack. Not surprisingly, Lofa, Tasier, and Shinja received an attacker each, which means that Gomat couldn't challenge them anymore.

That was to be expected. For those outside Krune and Gomat's group, Krune's group definitely seemed weaker. It is just a question of who was famous before and who wasn't.

Seeing that there was no need to keep guard anymore, Krune immediately looked at the two slots still available for attack and rushed inside. But just as he was about to enter, a flame blade cut his path. Krune had kept Gomat inside his Divine Sense all the time, so he didn't have a problem to dodge that.

"What you want?"

Gomat looked at Krune and laughed.

"Neither you or I would take more than a minute to defeat the guy inside, so why don't we play a bit?"

If Krune wanted to enter now, he definitely could with the speed of his Tribulation Lightning Movement. But something was telling him that he shouldn't let this chance pass. How many times can he challenge someone at his level? This is a very good opportunity! Even if logic says that he should avoid battle as much as possible, Krune still wanted to see the difference between him and Gomat.

"Then, let's see what you are capable of."

Arcs of Purple Lightning started to flow around Krune's ethereal body, and he immediately began his assault. Gomat is a Yang Core owner and a Fire Dragon on top of that. Fire attacks would have little effect on him, so Krune started with his Myriad Water Thunder Dragons that used Tribulation Lightning. In fact, every skill that can be used with lightning will have Tribulation Lightning power since Gomat is the opponent, after all.

Gomat noticed the dragons coming in his direction and snorted, suddenly the flames around his dragon body became blue! The water dragons hit his body but were incapable of making any significant injury. Krune looked at that and was taken aback, Gomat was the very first one to take his Thunder Water Dragons with his body! Not to mention, why are the flames around Gomat's body blue?

Krune then immediately accessed his memories about the contents that he learned during cultivation. Krune didn't only spend time on other languages. He also took a look at several other subjects. He can cultivate and study at the same time. With his wisp IQ, it would have been a waste not to get more knowledge from the network available for him back in the Kaley City Mercenary Branch.

'Hydrogen generated flames!'

Krune immediately found the answer to his question after thinking a little about the elements. But how is Gomat separating Hydrogen, and from where?

Krune wasn't the only one surprised. Gomat was also taken aback when he looked at the small injuries in his body after receiving Krune's Thunder Water Dragons.

'Tribulation Lightning!'

It only took a second for Gomat to understand why Krune's Dragons were so powerful. Suddenly, Gomat started to laugh again!

"Hahaha! Great! To think that you can even use Tribulation Lightning."

Krune answered back.

"And you can use hydrogen to create blue flames, just how do you do that?"

Gomat snorted and then concentrated on his other element.

Immediately, Water Element started to dance around him, which made Krune amazed!

"Since you showed your Tribulation Lightning, I will tell you this much. There is a lot of Hydrogen in water, and it burns very well when you separate it from the Oxygen. At first, I just wanted to get rid of my weakness which was the water element, so I was bold enough to specialize myself in water element too. For that objective, I studied the water element to a deep understanding. Then I thought: Since Hydrogen burns easily, what if I use my Water Element Control to separate the Hydrogen from Oxygen and burn it? The result is that not only can I use Water Element to a high level, but my flames got even fiercer!"

Shinja, who was playing with her opponent inside the slot, was paying attention to what was happening outside. She looked at Gomat and couldn't believe what she was hearing and seeing. She has a Pure Yin Body and specializes in Water Element. Still, she had never studied it so profoundly as Gomat did. Immediately, she felt ashamed. It made her feel like she had never really tried to understand her primary element at all! Of course, Gomat wasn't even close to achieving what a Yin Major Core could.

Krune was equally amazed! A Fire Dragon with a Yang Core was now using Water Element right in front of him, and he was sure that his level of water control was only behind Shinja's, who had a Pure Yin Body. Krune wasn't underestimating Gomat to start with, but now his opinion of the dragon had changed entirely. Gomat obviously isn't just a muscle brain as he thought. There is no doubt that he is brilliant!

"Alright, enough with words, the time is passing, and we need to proceed with the test."

Gomat then focused on his third element, Wind! The blue flames that were already strong immediately grew in power by several times. He then rushed directly at Krune like a giant blue fireball! Gomat is, at the very end, a dragon! So it goes without saying that he bests at close combat.

Krune noticed that as well and didn't hold anything back. He doesn't fight close combat, so Krune immediately used his Tribulation Lightning at 50% to keep the distance from Gomat. The dragon didn't think that it was strange, nor was he angry at that development. He can see that Krune is a wisp, it would weirder instead if Krune was a close combat wisp.

Boom! Crack! Shhhh!

Gomat and Krune exchanged several attacks, everything around has sparks of purple lightning or were deeply burnt. Although Krune was keeping his distance, it wasn't like he was taking no damage. Gomat knows that Krune is a long-ranged combatant, so he had his own ways of landing his attacks on Krune.

Of course, thanks to Krune's Tribulation Lightning Movement, he could always dodge and take the least of damage even when he was caught by surprise several times. Still, his ethereal body started to become paler with time, and it was evident that Krune was using a lot of Spiritual Energy.

Gomat wasn't doing any better, it was mainly because of his Dragon Body that he could take so many hits from attacks fused with Tribulation Lightning. Still, his injuries were also accumulating.

Both sides noticed that it wasn't going well and started to use their trump cards.

Around Krune, 38 Hexagonal Shields appeared and started ho hover around him. As for Gomat, his Dragon Wings were suddenly covered by some kind of metallic equipment. Those were Gomat's trump cards. A pair of Three Silver Stars equipment. Krune looked at those and could see lightning element coming from them.

Immediately, Gomat's speed increased!

Gomat's Planet condition is who knows how many times better than Krune's, so he had access to much better blacksmiths there. Not to mention that Krune could see formations inscribed on those wings equipment. It was probably those formations that gathered lightning element to improve the Fire Dragon's speed.

In contrast, Krune's Azure Shields could be considered at most a Five Stars Shields. But Krune didn't mind, Marcus had put a lot of effort into those shields, and they could be fused with his elements, which boosted their defense several times. Not to mention that it was evident that Gomat hadn't created the Divine Imprints for those pair of wings, so his control over them was a far cry from Krune's over his shields.

Of course, the difference between normal stars equipment and silver stars ones wasn't that easily breached. It was thanks to the Tribulation Lightning that Krune could bring so much out of his shields.

Krune then kept his distance as a good long ranged fighter.

"Thunder Line!"

"Tribulation Chain Lightning!"

"Explosion Blazing Wind Blades!"

Gomat wasn't holding back as well.

"Blue Hell!"

"Myriad Azure Fire Dragons!"

"Azure Fire Twister!"

Gomat and Krune continued at that until eight minutes were gone when suddenly, both sides separated.

Gomat injuries looked quite ugly, and some purple lightning spark could be seen coming from his body. Gomat's Silver Stars wings had quite a few cracks on it too. Krune wasn't any better, his ethereal body looked quite pale, and his core had some scourging marks on it. Even his shields were not enough to hold all of Gomat's attacks after he was boosted by the silver equipment. In the end, five of Krune's shields had shattered, and ten others were severely damaged.

Gomat looked at Krune and laughed once more.

"Hahaha! Great! How long has it been since I had so much fun?! You have surpassed all my expectations!"

But then, Gomat said.

"But we better stop it here."

The blue fire around Gomat's body then extinguished, but his face showed that Gomat was in quite a good mood.

Krune's purple lightning then disappeared, and his shields came back to his side.

"Likewise! I'm not very fond of killing, in fact, I hate it, but I do like good fights. It is not every day that I can fight someone at the same cultivation level as me with similar combat power."

Gomat's smile became bigger, and then he looked at one of the two slots that had no attackers so far. The guy inside wasn't from Krune or Gomat's group. He felt a chill on his back the moment that he saw the dragon's eyes. He didn't have to fight, so he spent all his time watching Krune and Gomat. It was evident to him that he wouldn't be able to hold the slot against neither of the two.

Krune also looked at the other slot without anyone fight. It is just that the demon beast inside couldn't tell that since Krune is in his wisp form. But soon, he understood that Krune was aiming him since the wisp started to move in his direction.

Before Krune or Gomat could even start to fight the guys inside of those two slots, their opponents voluntarily left. They still have a good chance of finding another door to fight over, but it would be suicide to try to stop those two monsters.

During the time that Gomat and Krune were battling, quite a few nearby cultivators and Demon Beasts noticed the chaotic energy caused by both of them. But no one wanted to get close to the door where they were battling. If they tried to sneak around to take the two free slots, chances were that Gomat and Krune would join hands to get rid of them. So no one tried to pull their leg.

Shinja, Lofa, and Tasier were teleported first. In Shinja's case, it was easy for her to defend her slots.

As for Tasier and Lofa, they still had quite some injuries by the time the ten minutes were over. Thankfully, they had quite a few healing pills that were prepared by Krune. Tasier was even happier since he didn't need to rely on his Thunder Hawk bloodline to defend his slots.

Around 8 minutes later, Krune and Gomat appeared beside their own teams too.

Gomat then noticed Krune there and approached him, Shinja and the others were immediately put on high alert.

But to their surprise, Krune did the same.

When they were in front of each other, gomat talked first.

"Ten Major Core's Yang Core, Gomat."

Krune also did the same.

"Ten Major Core's Elemental Core, Krune."

Gomat smiled again and departed with his group after that, there was nothing more to be said.

They are now, on the 96th floor.

Report chapter

Shinja looked at Krune and asked.

"How do you think he separated the Hydrogen?"

Krune pondered a bit and said.

"The blue flames will be impossible since you don't use the fire element. But simply put, you can use Lightning Element and Salty Water to get the Hydrogen through electrolysis. Of course, you don't have the time to do such a thing in battle, not to mention that it takes too long to get enough to create any blue flame. It is far from being worthy either. There is even the part of the salt as well, will you carry salt in your spatial ring just for it? I doubt so!"

Lofa is also a Water Element user, so she asked too.

"Then how did he get so much of it to use?"

Krune was also curious about this issue.

"I know, right?! If I'm not wrong, the trick is in the Spiritual Energy. Spiritual Energy follows a different principle of any other type of common energy. It is what allows us, cultivators and demon beasts, to display such an amazing combat power. He probably found a way to use Spiritual Energy, Water Element, and Lightning Element to separate the water into Hydrogen and Oxygen for his own use in real-time."

Shinja and Lofa nodded. Krune then said.

"What is even more frightening is that he also gets Oxygen from this process. As a Fire and Wind Element user, the power of his blue flames gets even higher."

Shinja then noticed something.

"Wait, doesn't it means that Gomat can use Four Elements at the same time?"

Krune nodded.

"Of course! Did you think that just because I have the Elemental Core, I am the only one in the universe capable of using more than three elements at the same time while in the Foundation Establishment? That way of thinking is too naive! I have long since expected that such a thing was possible, and today I have witnessed it. I believe it's safe to say that Gomat isn't the only one either. Of course, his Wind and Water Elements aren't as good as mine. But his Fire Element is frightening! I'm far from being his match on that. As for the Lightning Element, it can also be considered a Yang Element of sorts, so his control over it is definitely higher than your Water Element even if you have your Pure Yin Body."

Krune then said.

"Anyway, I don't think it is hard to achieve what he did with the blue flames, we just don't know it yet. Let's try to find the next door while I try to figure it out. This is a new way of using a fire element that I very much wish to try."

Lofa then asked something else.

"What about your shields? I saw five of them shattering."

Krune heard that and only sighed.

"I can still fix the ones that aren't totally broken, but the shattered ones are gone. Of course, this is an illusion realm, so my real shields are fine outside. Still, it is obvious the difference in equipment between our Makui Planet and the top-ranked ones. Gomat's wings equipment had nothing more than a few cracks on it. Anyway, I can care about that later."

Everyone finished recovering their energy and were about to depart. But It was at that moment that the so long silent Thunder Hawk Tasier spoke.

"You said that for you to achieve the Hydrogen and Oxygen separation, there is a need to use Spiritual Energy, Water Element, and Lightning Element. Instead of trying to use Lightning Element, change it to Tribulation Lightning. I believe that the result will be very interesting."

Krune looked at Tasier and nodded.

"Indeed, that's a very good idea."

Light Spirit had been silent ever since the first test started, but when he heard Tasier's words, he remembered something that happened in the past.

'Those flames again... How many had managed to bring them to life?'

But he didn't tell Krune anything. Light Spirit wanted to see what Krune could learn by himself.

On Ao's group side, the 95th floor went without problems. Joty did not avoid confronting this time. But he was still the first one to get a slot to defend. His opponent was definitely a lot stronger than him, though. Fortunately, after Joty entered the slot, his opponent had to fight another cultivator to get the attacker position.

It turned out that Joty's opponent received a severe injury in a hasty attempt to enter Joty's slots, which affected his combat power tremendously! In the end, Joty's opponent couldn't fight well, and Joty, who was much weaker, had barely held his position until the end of the 10 minutes countdown.

When Ao's group appeared inside the 96th floor, they could see that Joty was full of injuries. Even though his opponent couldn't fight with the best of his abilities, it still wasn't someone that Joty could win against. If not for the 10 minutes rule, Joty would definitely have lost for sure. Ao noticed that Joty didn't use any healing pills this time and said.

"Take this healing pill, it was Krune who made it."

Joty accepted and thanked Ao. He then took the pill and started to recover from his injuries. Of course, Ao, Arlan, and Yusa got quite a few injuries already too. After all, the level of the contestants had increased several times compared with the start of the test. But it wasn't anything as serious as Joty.

The three of them were looking at Joty with puzzled faces. Once again, something had happened, which allowed Joty to pass into the next floor. Joty noticed their eyes and sighed.

"Don't look at me like that, I also don't know what is happening here. I'm starting to feel that I probably saved the whole universe in my previous life. Even I can't believe how my luck had been this heaven-defying until now."

Joty then looked at Arlan and said.

"Arlan can confirm that too, we have known each other for some time already from the Divine Swords Sect. He can confirm that my luck was just like anyone else and that I reached my place with my own strength."

Arlan was indeed impressed with Joty's luck. But after hearing what Joty said, he had to admit that Joty was right.

"Although I can't say that I totally believe him, I don't think he is lying either. Joty had been a member of the Divine Swords Sect for some time already, just like me. However, I've never heard anything about Joty being someone lucky. Of course, he wasn't unlucky either, just normal."

Yusa couldn't help but comment.

"Could it be that it was all coincidence? What are the chances of someone's luck to be this high at a specific time?"

Ao then asked.

"Have you gone through any surprising or peculiar experience before the test started?"

Joty understood what Ao meant and started to ponder if anything had happened before the test started. It was then that he recalled something.

"I wouldn't say surprising, but it was indeed peculiar. The night before the first test started, I was cultivating as I always do. But at some point, I felt like the Spiritual Energy around had gone through some kind of change. It only lasted a second, but I was absorbing Spiritual Energy at that point. I immediately stopped and checked the Spiritual Energy around me. However, everything was back to normal by the time I paid attention to it."

The more Joty thought, the weirder it looked.

"At first, I thought that it had something to do with the Divine Path Sect planet, so I ignored and continued to cultivate. I asked Levi and Kariu the next morning if they had noticed something, but they said that they didn't feel anything. In the end, since everything looked normal, I stopped paying attention to it."

Ao, Arlan, and Yusa also thought it to be strange. First of all, was that really the source of his luck? Second, it might have been just coincidence to start with. Third, if Joty's experience that night was really the reason, then why Joty? He came from the Makui Planet, a place which the majority of the cultivators and demon beasts in the universe had never heard about. Yusa then looked at him and laughed.

"You are not some kind of descendant of some might being, are you?"

Joty and the other two also laughed at that.

"I don't know my family to the point where I can tell the names of those more than 4 or 5 generations behind me. But, I'm sure that my grandfathers and grandmothers were pretty common. At this point, I look very much like Arlan. Although I won't say that my family was as poor as his, they definitely weren't anything grand either. I was also the first one to have achieved the Foundation Establishment in my family as far as I can remember who my ancestors were."

Arlan then said.

"Jokes apart, this is a good thing, not to mention that it might really have been just luck and nothing more. Let's keep going to find the 97th-floor door."

Everyone nodded, and they left. Ao's group took quite some time to find another door, and the one they found had quite a few contestants already. Counting with Ao and the others, there were 19 contestants and only 5 slots. That was to be expected, this is already the 96th floor, it would be weird if there was still a lot of slots in every door.

Let alone Joty, even Ao, Arlan, and Yusa had serious expressions. There were too many cultivators and demon beasts. Not to mention that the door hasn't activated yet, so there is still a big chance that more cultivators and demon beasts will appear.

Arlan then joked.

"Maybe Joty used his luck so much that it got empty, and now he will even have to fight a Major Core Owner."

It was at that moment that the contestants felt like the space around them was acting strange. Soon, Ao and the others noticed another group entering their Divine Sense range. The closer that group got, the weirder it felt. It didn't take long for everyone to see that group of four arriving. Ao, Yusa, and Joty saw who the leader was. They then turned their heads to Arlan and looked at him as if he was the culprit. It turns out that Colen's group was the newcomers!

Arlan started to sweat all over when they looked at him.

"Coincidence! It was a coincidence! I swear!"

Report chapter

Colen kept looking at everyone with as if looking for something. It was then that his eyes paused on Joty. He then smiled and approached Ao's groups.

Ao and the others were immediately put on guard, but it didn't seem like Colen wanted to fight them. Colen then stopped in front of their group and looked at Joty once more.

"So it's you. Can you tell me how did you do that?"

Let alone Ao, Alran, and Yusa, even Joty was as puzzled as he could be.

"Are you mistaking me for someone else?"

Colen's eyes narrowed after that answer, and suddenly, his irises started to get silver-colored. Those are the eyes of a Space Major Core owner, which allows them to see and understand the space better than anyone else.

Colen kept looking at Joty for a few more seconds and then sighed.

"I see, so that's how it is."

He then turned and went back to his group. But before he could move farther, he heard Joty's voice from behind.

"What do you mean? Do you know anything?"

Colen only laughed and ignored Joty. On the way back to his group, he gave his companions one order.

"Don't touch that guy, nothing good will happen if you try so."

Ao's group looked at Joty, who seemed to be lost. Joty couldn't understand what was going on or why Colen said that nothing good would happen if someone tried to stop him. Ao and the others, obviously, had no idea too.

"It probably has something to do with your recent lucky, no?"

Yusa asked.

Joty then looked at her and shook his head.

"I don't know, I've never gone through such a situation before."

Ao put on hand on Joty's shoulder and said.

"Don't mind it, if you don't know, then there is no use to keep thinking about that."

They might be all puzzled, but they also heard a good thing, Colen's group will not try to touch Joty. That was already very good. Suddenly, Colen and his group left the area, which puzzled Ao's group even more. The other contestants that were waiting for the door to activated let out a sigh of relief, though. But they still gave some side glances at Joty. For a Major Core Owner to leave willingly after saying something like that made them think twice whether to bother Joty or not.

Colen, of course, didn't mind changing doors. With his Space Major Core, it is even easier for him than Krune to find doors. Not to mention that the 97th floor had just opened, so time was definitely not a problem for him.

Ao and the others then took a position close to a door each and waited for the 98th floor to be open.

On Krune's side, everything was moving fairly well. Krune had found a door with five slots too, and the number of contestants close to it was only 7. Tasier and Lofa were finishing healing their bodies while Shinja and Krune were pondering about Gomat's Blue Flames. Krune had said that blue flames would be impossible if Shinja doesn't focus on Fire Element, but she still thinks that there would be other uses for it.

Around one hour later, Shinja, Tasier, and Lofa noticed that Krune was doing something. The Water, Lightning, and Fire Elements started to converge in his direction. Suddenly, the area around Krune began to increase in temperature. At first, it was just small blue sparks, but as time passed, those sparks turned into small blue flames. Those blue flames then started to increase in size. Ten minutes later, they couldn't see Krune anymore, just a giant Blue Fireball! But then, everything disappeared.

Shinja and the others were amazed, Krune hadn't even taken 2 hours, but he could already create blue flames to that extent! Tasier couldn't help but comment.

"Staying beside him makes one feel like an idiot sometimes, don't you think?"

Shinja and Lofa nodded their heads subconsciously. Krune's aptitude for elements control is just too heaven-defying!

Tasier then asked Krune.

"Those flames just now were made with normal Lightning Element, right?"

Krune looked at Tasier and confirmed.

"Indeed. Tribulation Lightning is harder to control, so I thought about using the normal Lightning Element first. Now that I have basic control over it, I can try to use Tribulation Lightning instead and see what happens."

Shinja then asked.

"In the end, what was the trick behind the Hydrogen and Oxygen separation? I don't think you used any kind of minerals like Salt or anything like that."

Krune agreed with what Shinja said.

"You are correct! As I said, the trick was behind the Spiritual Energy. As you know, it is the Spiritual Energy that allows the lightning element to pass through the water. A good example is your or mine Myriad Thunder Water Dragons. 100% pure water doesn't conduct Lightning, so it is the Spiritual Energy that plays the role of the mineral that conducts the energy."

Shinja nodded since she knew that little, at least. Krune then continued.

"The thing is that you need to control the Lightning Element to act like two poles, one positive and one negative. If it is done normally with a simple battery and salty water, the process would take too long and is completely impractical during battle. But the Spiritual Energy makes the whole difference here. It is it that accelerates the process hundreds if not thousands of times! It all comes to how good you are at controlling the Spiritual Energy, the Water Element, and the Lightning Element. In a single word, talent!"

Krune then added.

"There is another thing too. The normal Electricity that you use in your communicators is far from being as good as the Lightning Element used by cultivators, and that alone already accelerates the process even further! The result is that the blue flames generated by using the Elements and Spiritual Energy are not the same as the normal process that anyone can make at home with electrolysis. The azure or blue color from the flames is a lot more vivid too!"

Shinja understood the principle, but she had never paid much attention to the technical part of the elements, so she would need quite some time to get any results. As for Lofa, she is not specialized in Lightning Element, so it would be even harder for her.

Another thing is that neither Shinja or Lofa use Fire Element. So creating and controlling the blue flames with the little aptitude they have on it would be even harder. In fact, it wouldn't be practical to start with.

Tasier waited for Krune to finish talking and spoke.

"You said that thanks to the Spiritual Energy and the difference between Lightning Element and normal Electricity made thee Blue Flames acquired from it to be different. Then try using the Tribulation Lightning now! I'm even more sure that the results will be amazing!"

Tasier didn't care about the Fire or Water Elements. Still, since the process used Lightning Element, he was very curious to see what the Tribulation Lighting could bring about.

Light Spirit was also silently paying attention to Krune.

Krune agreed with Tasier and decided that it wouldn't hurt to try it now, but just as he was about to do it, the door for the 98th floor activated! Krune's group might have been discussing other issues, but neither of them had stopped paying attention to the next level door. As soon as it opened, they all rushed inside while fighting those who tried to get in their way. As expected, Krune and Shinja got inside their slots first. As for Lofa and Tasier, they had some difficulties but still managed to secure the defender position thanks to Shinja and Krune's well-timed help.

Of course, there is also the part where there were very few contestants in this door, so it was easier for both of them. The 10 minutes countdown was finished quickly, and Krune's group, together with the other lucky guy disappeared.

On Ao's group side, Ao, Shinja, and Arlan are already strong on their own. So even with the big competition, they were still able to get a defender position even though there were a few injuries. As for Joty, because of what Colen said, everyone thought that he was the most dangerous one. No one tried to stop him, but his opponents still tried to get inside the slot before Joty could do it. Everyone knows that the defender position is the best one to have.

It turned out that Joty's enemies injured each other when they tried to enter the slot, which left an aperture that Joty used to pass. In fact, Joty even trembled a little when he saw the power of the attacks of those guys. They were all killing moves that he wouldn't dare to take head-on. Still, he greeted his teeth and charged in.

This time, he was even luckier. Because of the injuries inflicted on each other, Joty's opponents weren't willing to enter his slot in their situation. They were afraid of dying to him. Of course, that was all a misconception created involuntarily by Colen and his group who had left over an hour ago.

Ao and the others had already given up thinking about it too, they can ask the Divine Path Sect after everything is over.

Suddenly, Ao, Yusa, and Arlan heard a sound that they are familiar with.

Boom!

The contestant who was inside the 5th slot available was suddenly thrown out. Ao and the others looked at his body and could see that it was completely charred! But that wasn't what they paid attention, what really caught their eyes was the sparks of Purple Lightning coming from that body. Still, that guy wasn't dead, he was just severely crippled. As long as he stays still until the illusion realm closes, his body and cultivation should be fine outside.

Ao's group knew what it was.

"Tribulation Lightning!"

Even though they are still in the middle of the battle, Ao, Yusa, and Arlan still averted some of their attention to the 5th slot. Inside, they could see a snow-white demon wolf that wasn't much bigger than a normal one. They had noticed this wolf before but hadn't paid much attention to it. Who could have thought that it could use Tribulation Lightning too?

In fact, this is a very rare demon wolf called Moon Wolf, it is just that Moon Demon Wolves look very similar to common Snow Demon Wolves. If you don't know them well enough, you won't notice the difference.

The wolf looked outside to the other contestants who were waiting for a chance to challenge someone. One could see the arcs of Purple Lightning contrasting with the snow-white fur giving it a purple hue. The opponents outside were silent, and no one wanted to charge in first. It was then that the wolf sent a Divine Sense message to everyone around.

"Anyone who gets in my path, death!"

Not only Ao's group, everyone's mouth twitched a little when they heard that.

That's because... that voice was very cute! It didn't match the words used by it at all. In the end, this is a young female Moon Wolf!

Report chapter

The Moon Wolf then showed an angry expression at everyone.

"Cute."

That was the word that left the Majorities mouths. Even Ao, Arlan, and Yusa were no exception. But they didn't have time to pay attention to the Moon Wolf since the battle in their slots was still ongoing. Yusa had even almost got hit because of that just now. Of course, the only one with enough time to spare at that moment was Joty, whose no one wanted to challenge.

In the end, before the 10 minutes even finished, some of the contestants had already left to find another door. The next level had just opened, they still have a high chance of finding another door free or with competition ongoing. There were only two slots free to attack, after all. One was the weird situation of Joty's slot. The other was the cute but deadly Moon Wolf with Tribulation Lightning. Neither slot looks like a good choice for the remaining contestants.

When the time was over, Ao's group was finally teleported to the 98th floor, where they took their time to recover from the previous battle. Around a minute later, the Moon Wolf appeared there as well. She looked at Ao's group and was just about to leave when suddenly, she stopped and looked at Ao.

For some reason, Ao felt a little embarrassed to have that cute Moon Wolf looking straight at him. The wolf then approached him carefully, which put Arlan, Yusa, and Joty on guard. That girl is very strong, and they know better than most how powerful Tribulation Lightning is.

She then said with her Divine Sense.

"I can feel a little bit of Tribulation Lightning power in you."

Ao finally understood why she stayed.

"Oh, that's because a friend of mine who also uses Tribulation Lightning."

It wasn't any big secret to start with, Krune had already shown his Tribulation Lightning quite a few times too, so Ao didn't mind saying that.

The Moon Wolf nodded, although she could feel the Tribulation Lightning power on Ao, it was very weak. Knowing that it is a friend who he spends a lot of time with made sense now.

"Where is this friend of yours? Is he someone from the Divine Path Sect already? Well, that probably is the case anyway."

Ao shook his head.

"He is in this exam with us, but I don't know where he went, just that he definitely is inside this 98th floor too."

Arlan, Yusa, and Joty nodded. They don't believe that Krune would fail, which means that he must be inside the 98th floor too.

The Moon Wolf also nodded and said.

"I see, as expected of top-ranked planets, you have a lot of strong contestants. I saw your battle in the slots before, it was obvious that you could have defeated your opponents if you wanted, but you just staled for time. Which Planet are you from, it's probably inside the top 100 like mine, right?"

Ao's group felt like a few swords passed through their hearts. Top 100? Makui's position is so low that it doesn't even have a position in the rank, let alone the top 100.

The Moon Wolf noticed that she stepped on a landmine.

"Errr... It's okay if it isn't top 100, the top 1000 is also very good. With contestants like you, it's position will definitely increase in the future."

Ao and the others' expressions turned even gloomier now! That made the Moon Wolf feel helpless already.

"I'm joking! Joking! Top 10000! The top 10000 is good too!"

Ao's group finally fell in despair, they didn't want to hear anymore. Before the Moon Wolf could hurt his group even further, Ao decided to confess first.

"Our Planet isn't ranked. It's so weak that a position hasn't been given to it. So you can stop trying to guess already."

It is one thing for others to know that you came from a weak planet, you can already guess their thoughts. But being mistaken for a strong one when you aren't, hurts a lot more.

The Moon Wolf was really taken aback now. Since when unraked planets are giving birth to so many geniuses like those four. Of course, she still has the impression that Joty is someone even more incredible when, in fact, it is already a miracle for someone with his strength to be here.

The Moon Wolf then approached Ao and started sniffing him, which made Ao feel a little helpless. He couldn't help but comment.

"This is a test where everyone is at each other's necks, you know? Aren't you afraid that I would use this chance to cut you down? Although you can use Tribulation Lightning, I'm still very confident in taking you head-on."

Ao wasn't lying. How many times has he practiced with Krune? Few have a better grasp of how to confront a Tribulation Lightning user as he has. But the Moon Wolf just said.

"You don't smell like someone who would do that. You have a very nice smell, those who smell like this aren't the evil type. So I'm not afraid. In fact, your smell is the most pleasing one I have ever felt! I wonder why that is."

Ao felt embarrassed again, she hit right at his weak spot. She was right, as long as the others don't have malice, he really wouldn't do anything to them for his own benefit. Ao then looked at the Moon Wolf and asked.

"By the way, what's your name?"

Only now did the Moon Wolf noticed that she hasn't told them her name.

"Oh! My name is Ula, and I am a Moon Wolf. I came as part of the Fajin Planet, which is ranked 77th in the Divine Path Sect territory."

Ao and the others got puzzled. Not about the Planet she came from, but from her race instead. In their eyes, it was evident that Ula was from a top-ranked Planet to start with. They had noticed that even before she commented about her Planet. Joty then couldn't help but ask.

"Moon Wolf? Not a Snow Wolf?"

Ao, Yusa, and Arlan were also curious about this.

But Ula got angry at that remark.

"Snow Wolf, your head! How can such a weak species of a wolf be mentioned on the same side as the Moon Wolves? Our bloodline difference is enormous! A Snow Wolf can already take the human form in the early stages of the Foundation Establishment. However, Moon Wolves can only achieve that in the Core Formation Realm! Only after I got to the 3rd Stage of the Core Formation did I get my human form too!"

Ao and the others were taken aback.

"You are already a 3rd Stage Core Formation Realm?"

The Moon Wolf put a smug face and said.

"Wrong! I'm at the 4th stage, and I am a very talented Moon Wolf too. Usually, Moon Wolves can already take their human form at the 1st stage, or at most the 2nd. But I could only do that in the 3rd one. That shows how pure my Moon Wolf bloodline is."

For Ao and everyone else, they simply couldn't see the difference between an ordinary Snow Demon Wolf and a Moon Demon Wolf. But Ula seemed to care a lot, so they didn't talk about it anymore. Not to mention that she is powerful, there is no point in pissing off someone like that when they aren't even fighting for a slot.

Yusa then thought about something.

"You said that Ao doesn't smell like someone bad, so how do I smell?"

Ula looked at Yusa and said.

"Shameless."

"Pfff... Hahahahaha!"

Arlan and Ao couldn't hold back after that and burst in laughter. Ao then looked at Ula and said.

"You couldn't have been more correct!"

Arlan didn't let it go either.

"I'm awed by the powerful sense of smell of the Moon Wolves, it's so precise!"

Joty didn't laugh since he hasn't been with Ao and the others for long, so he doesn't know Yusa well. As for Yusa...

"Hmph! So what? Shameless people live longer!"

She then ignored those two and focused back on healing again.

Ula had a very prideful expression now that they understood that her sense of smell is the real deal. She then asked Ao and the others.

"Can you tell me your names too?"

Ao finally noticed that he also forgot to introduce himself.

"Oh! I'm Ao Sulian. Those three are Arlan, Yusa, and Joty."

Ao had a good impression of the Moon Wolf. Although she crippled the guy fighting for the slot before, she didn't kill him. Ao is pretty confident is his character reading and couldn't feel real malice from Ula.

Ao and the others spent some time healing and recovering their strength before departing. During this time, Ula kept talking with Ao as if they were not in the middle of a deadly test. When the time to leave came, Ao and the others got up and bid Ula farewell. But before they could leave, Ula grabbed the corner of Ao's robe with her mouth.

"Errr... is there still something else?"

Ula then said.

"I go with you too."

Ao and the others got puzzled.

"Why?"

Ula looked at Ao and said.

"Because your smell is good."

"Pfff... Hahahahaha!"

This time, it was Yusa who laughed out loud, Arlan of course, didn't forgive it either and laughed too.

Ao couldn't help but exclaim.

"I'm not food!"

Ula noticed that she had expressed herself wrongly and immediately shook her head vigorously!

"No! That's not it! What I meant is that I like your smell, but not because I think about you like food! Not at all!"

Ao the others now got puzzled, is such a reason really enough to follow someone you just met? Does it even make sense?

Ula definitely didn't need their help, that's for sure. In fact, her chances of passing this test alone are definitely higher than anyone in Ao's group. Only during the first 80 floors or so a group would be a better choice. It was then that Ao thought about something else.

"What happened with your Planet's group?"

Ula heard that and immediately got angry.

"Hmph! Who cares about them?"

The answer was short, but the meaning was very obvious and easy to imagine. Ula is both a genius and a Tribulation Lightning user on top of that. It is easy to imagine that the contestants of her Planet didn't want to stay with her since it would reduce their own chances of acquiring slots. Who would want to challenge this monster for a slot?

Ao's group was indeed correct. When the test started, Fajin Planet's group relied on their group power to get away from the crowd. But as soon as they got to a safe place, they separated into three different groups. It is just that Ula was totally left out of those groups. In the end, they just said that she didn't need their help and left Ula behind.

But as shown in the past, during the first 80 or so floors, it was a lot easier to move ahead as a group than alone. Still, Ula got to this place where she can finally shine alone. But before that, even with her Tribulation Lightning, she still got into several dangerous situations that could be avoided if one was in a group.

It was at this moment that Ao, Arlan, and Yusa thought about something. That's what makes Krune so special. They have never felt like they wanted to separate from him. They only separated in the end because there weren't enough slots, and the one who left to look for a new one wasn't them, but Krune instead.

Not to mention that Krune went together with Shinja, Tasier, and Lofa. He didn't cast anyone aside, just agreed that that was the best way for all of them to pass the test. If anything, Ao, Yusa, and Arlan would definitely prefer to stay with him, not get rid of him like Ula's companions did. Krune truly wished for everyone he's close with to join the sect with him.

Ao then looked at Yusa and Arlan, and it was evident that they were thinking about the same thing. Suddenly, the three of them started to laugh. Ao then commented.

"It's all that idiot's fault!"

Yusa and Arlan nodded. They know that Ao is talking about their soft-heartedness. Arlan then commented.

"Isn't that good?"

Ao and Yusa nodded, and the three of them didn't say anything else. Both Ula and Joty were puzzled by their behavior, though. Just what are they talking about? Ao then looked at Ula and said.

"Alright, let's go then."

Ula immediately showed a smile that was very cute in her wolf form. After that, they left.

Report chapter

Krune's group was quite lucky this time since they found a door in just a few minutes. This door in specific had exactly four slots, which is the number of Krune's group. At least at the moment, Krune's group was the only only one here, and no one else appeared. Of course, the 98th level had just opened, there is still some time before the next level opens again.

Since there was nothing to do during the time being, Krune decided to try to use Tribulation lightning in the Hydrogen and Oxygen separation. He started to control it the same way as he did with his normal Lightning Element. But just as he started, the two poles lost control, and the process failed right there and then.

"As expected, Tribulation Lightning is really a lot more difficult to do such a fine control than normal Lightning Element."

Of course, Krune didn't give up with just one failure. If anything, he expects it to have a much better result once it succeeds. So he spent his time trying it out. Each fails helped him to understand the process better, not to mention that his own control over the Tribulation Lightning improved. It was the first time that Krune tried to control Tribulation Lightning so precisely, and it helped a lot.

Unfortunately or not, the next door for the 99th floor only took one hour to open, but Krune's group really hit the jackpot this time around. In the end, what was supposed to have several competitors fighting over, had only 7, and it is already counting with Krune's group of four. So it was evident that it turned quite easy for the four of them to pass over. Of course, Krune had to stop his practice to go to the next level.

Around 30 minutes earlier, Ao's group had finally found a door. But there was a problem here, this door only had three slots, which means that it is not enough for the five of them. When Ula saw that, she turned around and said.

"I guess this is it then, we did find a door, but there aren't enough slots. It was me who asked to follow you this time, so I won't make things difficult for your side. I still have time to find another door anyway, so I'm leaving."

Before Ao's group could say anything, Ula had already dashed away. Ula could have simply stayed and fought for the slots, and there was a huge chance that she would get one. But every time she thought about Ao's smell, she couldn't bring herself to do anything.

"Just what is different about him?"

In the end, Ula just shook her head and put those thoughts behind her mind. She decided to keep focusing on the test for the time being and forget about anything else. The late part of the test is very good for lonely contestants since they don't need to care about the number of allies, just the slot itself.

While Ula's mind was somewhere else, she didn't notice that someone was standing just beside her while she flew ahead. When her thoughts came back to the path ahead, she finally noticed the person who was traveling with her, which made her almost jump in fright!

Ao looked at her reaction and sighed.

"Am I that ugly? You don't need to act like that just because you saw my face, you know? That is very rude!"

Ula was lost at words.

"That's not the reason I'm surprised at all! Why did you come with me? I know that I asked to follow you guys, but that's because I was bored, that's all! Since there weren't enough slots, there is no reason for us to stick together anymore. Besides, what about your other three friends?"

Ao looked at her and laughed.

"You don't need to worry about Yusa, Arlan, and Joty. They can take care of themselves. As for me, let's just say that I'm bored too. Not to mention that the last door only has three slots, so it wouldn't be enough for them and me anyway. Who knows? You can use Tribulation Lightning like my friend, so I think it might be easier to follow you around. You can protect and help me get a slot when the time comes."

As one can imagine, Ao was talking nonsense. He has the confidence of getting a slot if he moves alone, but he just couldn't leave this Moon Wolf. It somehow reminded him of Krune when he talked about his time alone in the Katiu Forest. Of course, Ao knows that her situation is still who knows how many times better than Krune's past one.

Ula was taken aback, though. She had seen Ao's fight on the 97th floor too, so she knows he is blatantly lying! At the moment, she was conflicted. If she goes alone, her chances would definitely be better. But then again, why did she follow Ao's group to start with? It was obviously disadvantageous to her. She then looked at Ao and started to blame him internally.

'It's all because of your smell!'

Of course, she didn't say it out loud, so Ao didn't know what she was thinking.

"Shall we keep going?"

Ula finally gave up and nodded, and in fact, she was feeling internally happy even though she didn't show it on her face. Both Ao and Ula are focused more on speed. Especially Ula, who can use Tribulation Lightning, so they didn't take that long to find another door with 4 slots available. Just like that, there were now three groups. Krune's group, Arlan's group, and Ao's group.

Back at the door where Yusa, Joty, and Arlan were staying, there were also another 7 contestants, making a total of 10 contestants for only 3 slots. Arlan and Yusa, evidently, were not very worried. They can see that the majority had spent a lot of energy and had quite a few injuries. So their situation was the best between them all. Only Joty was still nervous, just how far this luck situation can bring him? He doesn't know!

The door then finally activated, and the slots were free to enter. Arlan and Yusa, as the cultivators in the best condition, didn't have a problem to secure a defender position in one slot each. As for Joty, he wasn't able to do so, but with a weird turn of events, he still became an attacker.

But there was a problem here. His opponent is definitely much stronger than him! It was a guy from a planet called Tareili, ranked 233th in the Divine Path Sect territory. Of course, the guy didn't know that Joty wasn't as strong as him, so he kept his distance and waited to see what Joty would do first. All he needs is to wait 10 minutes, after all!

Joty was also lost at the moment, not that he is a coward, but that after seeing all the battles from the 90th floor upwards, he knows he is far from being anyone's match! Still, as the attacker, there is only one way for him to advance, and that is to defeat the guy in front of him and only then start his 10 minutes of defense. This is something that Arlan and Yusa can't help him with.

Joty then greeted his teeth and charged forward, but just as he was about to use his first skill, he saw something weird. There was a small energy dot floating close to his opponent's waist. For a second, Joty wondered if this was some defense skill from his opponent. But suddenly, that small dot started to pulse and change positions according to what his opponent did.

But that wasn't what caught Joty's attention, what really surprised him was that every time that energy dot pulsed, his dantian pulsed together. It felt like both of them were connected somehow. As mentioned before, Joty is a Core Formation Realm cultivator, it's just that in the Illusion Realm, he can only show the power of a peak Foundation Establishment. However, his connection with his soul inside his core is still there, even though he can't use its power.

"Is it telling me to target that point?"

As if answering his question, the energy dot and his dantian pulsed once more as soon as he finished asking. Joty had no time to think anymore and decided that it was worth a try.

"I already have no chance of winning anyway, then so be it."

Joty gathered his energy and attacked directly at that point. Even though the dot kept moving, Joty felt like he knew where it would go, and his weapon and skill followed the path perfectly.

His opponent noticed Joty's attack and immediately used a defensive skill. But he was surprised, he could feel that Joty's attack power wasn't anything significant. Still, he didn't let his guard down. In his mind, anyone who got this far definitely isn't weak. So he put his all into defending that attack since his opponent might just be faking weakness.

What happened next made the blood of Joty's opponent go cold! His skill, which he was very confident in, suddenly crumbled like a sandcastle! It didn't put any resistance against Joty's attack at all! Joty's opponent wanted to dodge, but it was as if Joty's weapon was alive. it didn't matter what he did, the weapon followed him. It destroyed any defense he could put on that time.

"Swish!"

One slash and Joty's opponent Dantian was destroyed! Joty's opponent eyes opened wide! The other cultivators and demon beast who stayed outside also had the same reaction! But the one who was closest to have his eyes coming out of their sockets was Joty himself!

"What the hell?!!!"

Joty couldn't believe what just happened. How could he have won this fight so easily? What was the energy dot? What does it have to do with his Dantian? What is that feeling of connection between him and that dot? Joty had thousands of questions, but no one to answer!

But he also noticed something, the dot that showed him the way through the enemy's flaw disappeared! Not to mention that Joty doesn't even know how it appeared to start with! Still, everyone outside saw how Joty easily defeated his opponent in one move with such a weak attack. They all immediately lost any hope of defeating him. What if he decides to go all out? It is already good that he showed mercy and didn't kill the guy!

10 minutes passed fast, and Yusa, Arlan, and Joty also appeared inside the 99th floor.

As for Ao and Ula? Both of them are strong to start with, and with a door with four slots on top of that, they quickly got a slot and entered the next level as well.

The 99th floor! Also, the last one! Those who enter the next will have advanced into the next test.

Report chapter

On the last floor, Krune appeared with Shinja and the others, but there was one thing different this time. As soon as Krune spread his Divine Sense, he could see hundreds of contestants! He immediately spotted Colen, Nala, and Gomat in the middle of the group. In fact, there wasn't even a need for Divine Sense. One just had to look around, and they would be able to see everyone!

Krune soon found Ao, Arlan, Yusa, and...

"Wait! Is that Joty?!"

Krune then immediately sent a Divine Sense message to everyone, and they soon gathered. Krune looked at Joty as if he was seeing a ghost. Considering the difficulty of the levels after the 90th floor, he didn't have much hope of seeing Joty arriving here.

"That's surprising, you really did pass the first test."

Joty seemed a little sad with that comment since it was evident that no one expected him to be on this level. But then again, he knows that they aren't wrong either. If not for that strange Energy Dot, he would definitely have been eliminated.

"I will explain it later after we leave this place."

Krune agreed with him since the situation seemed too strange at the moment. While Krune had spread his Divine Sense to find everyone, he also noticed that it reached the end of this floor on all sides. That meant that this 99th level is very small. Another thing is that he didn't find any door in his Divine Sense either.

Krune then looked at Ao's side and saw someone that he didn't know. But after checking the Moon Wolf, he was surprised! He could feel the power of the Tribulation Lightning inside Ula.

"And this is?"

Ao then introduced Ula to everyone.

"Oh, this is the female Moon Wolf Ula, and she joined us on the 98th floor. She can also use Tribulation Lightning just like you."

Ula's eyes had been fixed on Krune from the moment they approached each other. She also could feel the presence of the Tribulation Lightning inside Krune's wisp core. But what really surprised her was obviously, Krune's race!

"Are you a wisp?"

Krune confirmed.

"Yeap, is that a problem?"

Ula then asked with a surprised face.

"Can you really use Tribulation Lightning?"

She couldn't believe that a wisp could resist the Heavenly Tribulation and even retain the Tribulation Power within himself. Ao understood what she was thinking and then said.

"Cough, cough. You are underestimating Krune way too much, he is definitely strong too."

Ula was still somewhat doubtful, though. Suddenly, Ula used her own Tribulation Lightning movement and charged at Krune!

Ao and everyone else's face immediately changed! Ao tried to stop her Ula before she made a fool of herself, but it was too late. As for Yusa and everyone else? They just sighed and shook her heads. This Moon Wolf could only blame herself now.

Ula quickly approached Krune with arcs of purple lightning around her. She was definitely faster than Arlan or Ao. Unfortunately for her, Ula just had to use Tribulation Lightning in front of Krune. Just as she was about to land an attack at him, the Tribulation Lightning around her body disappeared! But she had no time to think about it since the wisp that was supposed to be in front of her disappeared as well!

Before she could even finish spreading her Divine Sense to look for him, she noticed that she couldn't move! For some inexplicable reason, the Tribulation Lightning power inside her body was restricting her own movements! It was then that she heard a voice come from her side.

"The worst decision of your life was to use Tribulation Lightning in front of me!"

Krune used an earth element attack and knocked Ula away. In fact, it looked like a simple first made with earth and Spiritual Energy and nothing more. Ula wasn't severely injured or anything. Still, she understood that she was only alive because Krune wished so. Otherwise, he could totally kill her! She couldn't believe it, not only is Krune able to use Tribulation Lightning, he can even control the Tribulation Lightning of others too!

"How did you do that?"

Krune heard that question and just chuckled.

"That's a secret, but I can tell you that probably no one at my level has better control over Tribulation Lightning than me!"

Krune used the word 'probably' because he isn't full of himself. A universe is a gigantic place! Who knows what he could find out there? Maybe someone also had a 'Light Spirit' of their own who could be even better at controlling this power than him. Of course, if Light Spirit had heard what Krune thought, he would definitely burst in a rage, saying that there isn't anyone like him.

Ula then calmed herself and stod up, the Tribulation Lightning in her body was back to normal, and she could use it again. Still, she now had a fearful impression of Krune, this isn't someone she can afford to offend! Ula then came in front of Krune and apologized.

"It was my mistake for judging you because of your race, I'm sorry."

For Krune, almost anything can be resolved with the right words, so obviously, he didn't mind Ula's actions anymore. Not to mention that he didn't feel any killing intent coming from her to start with. It was then that he received a Divine Sense message from Ao.

"She looks like a tough girl, but she has quite a soft heart, though."

Ao then explained what he had seen from her in the last two floors. Although she destroyed her opponents, she never did enough damage to kill anyone of them. Ao then explained how he decided to move with her and why. Which made Krune's impression of the Moon Wolf to improve a little more.

But there was one thing that Krune couldn't understand. In fact, no one else could either, not even Ao. It is the fact that Ula kept glued at Ao 100% of the time. In the end, she just said that Ao smelled good, but they didn't think that this could be a good reason for such behavior, Ao included. Krune then just sent a Divine Sense message to Ao asking him to be careful. They haven't known this Moon Wolf for long, after all. Who knows if she has some ulterior motives?

Time passed, and a few more battles here and there occurred because of several different reasons. Still, the majority kept quiet together with their own groups or alone in a corner in case of those who didn't have any friends in this place. Now and then, a new cultivator or demon beast appeared, and they usually were full of injuries. It was evident that those were the slots that had gone through several battles until a winner was found.

Around one hour and a half later, one last cultivator appeared, and the whole floor appearance changed. Suddenly, one enormous door appeared on the north side of the room, but surprisingly, no slots could be seen around. The cultivators and demon beasts were puzzled at what to do when suddenly, a voice reached everyone's ears.

"Congratulations on reaching the 99th floor! You might have already noticed, but for those who didn't, you better know that at the moment, the number of contestants is almost exactly 10% of the total that started the test."

Krune and a few others who had big enough Divine Senses had noticed that indeed.

"Now then, we had said that the best 10% to reach the top would pass the first test and proceed to the next, but we lied! There had never been a second test to start with. Everything would be decided inside the hundred floors tower! Well, if you wish, you can consider that next door as the second test, I don't mind."

The voice then continued.

"The reason we didn't say it at first was so that we could check whose of you would put the best effort even though it was still the first test. Of course, it doesn't mean that you will fail if you haven't. There are even a few of you that wouldn't be able to show everything you had since there wasn't any worthy opponent, after all. This was just something for us to have a better understanding of you."

Although it wasn't everyone, the majority was indeed not expecting it. Some even cursed themselves for having hold back so much. It was a good chance to show their good traits even more, but now it was too late. Still, it seems like the chance of joining the sect hasn't changed. The sect would probably use the results of this test to assign each cultivator or demon beast to a specific elder or something like that.

The elder then continued.

"Lastly, let's talk about the new door that you can see. We already have a good grasp of the majority's power, so we have no need for battles or competitions anymore. That door is called the pressure door, and it will do exactly as the name says. Pressure!"

"But the pressure we are talking about isn't the one generated by weight, gravity or anything like that, but by cultivation level! At the end of the door, there is one elder of the sect at the peak of the Void Breaking Realm. He will then release the pressure of his realm to suppress the cultivators and demon beasts that enter."

"The further you go, the higher your chance of passing the test. There is no need to worry about the cultivation difference between your opponents. In this Illusion Realm, we can guarantee that no one can do anything above the peak of the Foundation Establishment. Even those below it had their cultivations boosted to the peak as well."

"In the end, the pressure that everyone will receive is exactly the same, what is being tested in this door is nothing more than your will! If you lack a strong will, you shall fail. Otherwise, raise above your opponents and show what you are capable of!"

"Finally, once you enter the door, any attacks are prohibited! I said it before, we don't need to check your battle prowess anymore. As for the pressure released by our elder, you have no need to worry. He won't make it easier or harder for anyone. First, because he would be courting death to do that in front of Divine View and Divine Path Realm cultivators and demon beasts overseeing the test. Second, because he is inside of a formation that makes it impossible for him to distinguish the contestants outside even with his Divine Sense."

"Alright, I have said enough. The test will start in 10 minutes, so get ready!"

Those last words made quite a few contestants curse the elder inwardly. They had just come out of big fights and are in poor condition, how is it fair?! But before anyone could complain, the ground of the 99th started to shine! A second later, every single cultivator and demon beast was fully healed and not filling the least bit tired.

Only now they remembered, they are inside of an illusion realm! If the Divine Path Sect wishes it, they can be even brought back from death here. It is all an illusion, after all!

Report chapter

After the time was over, everyone was already in front of the door. Krune's group and the other Major Cores were at the forefront. There are very few groups with more than 3 or 4 contestants remaining. And the Major Cores are one good example of those out of the norm. In Makui Planet's side, eight contestants were remaining, Krune, Ao, Arlan, Yusa, Shinja, Tasier, Joty, and Lofa. Ula is not from their Planet, so she couldn't exactly be counted in the same group.

Nala's group had a total of 9, which is already counting her and her sister. Krune and Nala haven't met each other during the previous floors. Still, now all Major Cores are together, which made it very interesting to watch.

Gomat had a total of 11, Krune's group, obviously, wasn't the only one to separate after the number of slots wasn't enough anymore.

Finally, Colen was the one with the most remaining participants. His group had a total of 14, and that was counting with him.

Even though Krune's group was the Planet with the least amount between the Major Cores, it didn't matter at this point anymore. Not to mention that the difference in their Planet's powers and the number of contestants that came was also big. If anything, Krune's group was the one to lose the least amount of participants proportionally to their initial number.

The door finally opened, and the groups and lonely ones started to enter. Immediately, the pressure of the peak of the Void Breaking Realm assaulted everyone who stepped inside. There were even some who fell on their knees as soon as they tried to move ahead. As said before, this is a test of will, physical abilities and cultivation have no meaning here.

Between the four Major Core groups, no one seemed to have any problems moving forward. It was as if there wasn't any pressure to start with. But deep inside, it was different. Take Lofa, for example. Although she did resist the wave of pressure, she still got affected by it. But because she didn't want to look bad in front of Krune, she greeted her teeth and kept walking forward. In a certain way, that is also a type of will.

Slowly, everyone moved forward. So far, no one had given up or lost consciousness yet. Not even those who were struck down at the start. They sat down and let their bodies get used to the pressure, after some time, they also stood up and moved ahead.

It wasn't before 537 meters into the door that the first cultivator passed out. The guy was someone from the Jalo Planet, ranked 1439th. Fortunately for the Jalo Planet, he wasn't their only contestant in this place at the moment. His two companions, one girl and demon beast, looked at him and tried to help, but before they could even touch his body, it disappeared in thin air.

The only thing they knew was that their companion wasn't dead. He only fainted, after all. After his body disappeared, something that looked like a flag made of energy appeared in his place. After the contestants used their Divine Sense to check, they noticed some information flowing in their minds.

"Jalo Planet, Marui Haveny, 537meters."

Everyone who saw that finally understood how they would be classified. It won't matter if you are sent out first or last. Once again, the contestants got the certainty that only the total distance mattered. Of course, if you got the far ahead faster than the others but finished around the same distance, you would still be considered better by the Sect. It would show that your will is stronger.

Marui's faint seemed to have activated a chain reaction, and more and more contestants started to pass out and their bodies disappearing. Some were worse than Marui, others were better. Still, no one knew just how many would pass. From what they heard from their elders and relatives, the Divine Path Sect usually enrolls around 1% to 2% of all contestants who came for the exam.

But that wasn't absolute either. There had been cases where not even 0.1% passed and also others where over 2% got in too. In the end, those numbers are just an average, nothing more.

On Krune's group side, things were still pretty okay. Of course, the Major Core groups aren't the only ones doing well either. Strong-willed geniuses are definitely what the Divine Path Sect Entrance Exam doesn't lack. But the contestants around Krune group were feeling like they wanted to skin Krune's group alive. Even though they were still okay, they are still putting some effort to resist the pressure.

As for Krune's group? Well...

"I'm telling you! Spiritual Brazed Pork Ribs is definitely the best choice for dinner after we leave here."

Ao shook his head.

"I disagree, cooled spiritual rice with four winged eagles eggs in the right choice! Our bodies outside haven't eaten for quite some time, we need something light."

Shinja then commented.

"We are cultivators and demon beasts, there is no way our stomachs would be that weak. Still, I also don't want Brazed Pork Ribs. We should instead make a three-legged chicken soup with spirit water mushrooms!"

Yusa looked at Shinja and complained.

"Why you like mushrooms everywhere? By the way, I don't care much about the food, but make sure to bring a lot of spirit wine!"

How could the other contestants around not be angry at that? Here are them, suffering to move forward and to be approved inside the Sect, but Krune's group minds aren't even inside the test to start with. Food? Why the hell would you care about that at this point?

Everyone had been led astray by Krune's love for food weirdness.

Of course, this is the case only for those with Spiritual Energy Meridians in his group. As mentioned a long time back, the Spiritual Energy Meridians have a strong effect on the soul. Let's not even mention the fact that Krune's little group had their soul tempered as well in the old Rainbow Sect. It helped them even more!

Tasier and Lofa were having a hard time just like the other competitors around, though. Still, there was nothing that Krune's little group of five could do for them. They don't even know the existence of the Spiritual Energy Meridians, let alone try to create them now.

As for Ula, she was doing pretty fine for herself. Tribulation Lightning is something both good and bad at the same time. That tyrannical power can also injure the user even during practice! So, just like Krune, she had her own taste of Tribulation Lightning backlashes. It helped fortify her will quite a lot too.

On the other Major Core groups side, a few of them were also starting to feel the difficulty. There would always be those who got to their positions more easily due to their own powers' help. This test just so happened to be targeted at them, too.

2km inside the last door, the number of participants had already fallen to less than half of the start. In the Major Core groups, two had already passed out, one in Colen's group and the other in Nala's group. Gomat's Planet is occupied majorly by demon beasts, and there are no things like safe and danger zones, so battle there are much more frequent. That helped to temper the will of the participants of his Planet. Between the four Major Cores groups, Gomat's group was the one that seemed to take it the easiest when you consider the entire group as a whole.

On Krune's side, he could see the Lofa was already nearing her limit. Lofa is, without a doubt, the one with the weakest will in his group. In fact, it was already very good for her to get this far. Shinja saw that and then said.

"You don't need to keep moving forward since what counts is the total distance you traversed. Sit down and let your body get used to the pressure, quite a few from the other Major Core groups already did the same. Don't forget, what matters about this last door is to pass the exam, not to show your strength."

Lofa then looked at everyone, and they nodded at her. She then let out a sigh and sat down.

"You are right, just go ahead without me, I will rest a little."

It was then that another voice appeared.

"I will also take this chance to rest then."

It was Tasier who spoke. He could have proceeded further, but he is also feeling the fatigue catching him up. So he decided to stay behind with Lofa. Ao then looked at Joty and asked if he was okay, but surprisingly, Joty was doing just fine. Joty was just about to explain when Arlan did that in his instead.

"This last door is a test of will. In this case, I can guarantee that Joty will be one of those at the top."

Joty then scratched the back of his head a little embarrassed with the compliment. But that also felt really good, ever since they started this hundred tower test, Krune's little group had always worried if he could continue ahead or not. It was the first time since then that he received a vote of trust.

Arlan then continued.

"In the Divine Swords Sect, Joty is probably one of those who fought for better benefits for himself the most. He might not be very known outside the Sect, but inside, he is quite a legend for everyone with lower cultivations. So, believe me, if it is just 'will,' he definitely won't have a problem in passing this last door. Of course, I'm also a legend myself there now. Hahahaha!"

Krune and the others nodded and then continued. Even though they could simply wait for Lofa to rest, no one knows that if there is any difference in the exam results if they get to the end faster. There is no time limit for this test, but nothing is saying that they won't get anything better for being ahead of time.

Not to mention, Krune also wants to test himself against the other Major Core owners. He wants to see who between them has the strongest will, and for that, pausing to rest would obviously show a difference in their standings.

Lofa didn't mind that at all, she was someone with no hope of passing this test to start with. But now, thanks to Krune's group, she got this far! If anything, she is more than happy with her actual accomplishments.

Tasier saw how Lofa looked at Krune, moving in the distance, and couldn't help but ask.

"Not giving up yet?"

Lofa, of course, understood his words meaning.

"Not before I see the conclusion of his matter with that Feifei girl."

Tasier then sighed and didn't say anything else.

Report chapter

The test continued, and more contestants failed. By now, not even half remained. As for the Major Core owners groups, they were still at the very forefront with a few other geniuses of other planets. Krune had already identified the third Tribulation Lightning user too. It was a cultivator called Mirrer from the Ostreli Planet, ranked 791th in the Divine Path Sect territory.

Mirrer had approached Krune and Ula by himself since he also could feel the power of the Tribulation Lightning coming from them. It turns out that Mirrer was quite an easy-going guy who was fanatic with speed. He specialized himself in Lightning Element when he was at the Qi Condensation Realm. But thanks to his foundation, he also attracted a Heavenly Tribulation during his Foundation Establishment breakthrough.

When he noticed the Heavenly Tribulation coming for him, instead of feeling afraid, he got excited instead! In his mind, Tribulation Lightning would definitely make him even faster! The rest you can already imagine, he found a way to resist the tribulation and was crazy enough to try to keep some of it inside his foundation. Most would say that it was suicide, but he being alive here together with Krune and Ula is the proof that it is still possible.

Of course, it goes without saying that Mirrer also had his own share of Tribulation Lightning backlashes and injuries during his path. Hence, it was evident that he has a strong will.

4km inside the last door, the number of contestants in the forefront has declined quite a lot, and the overall remaining were around 30% of the initial amount. Lofa and Tasier had already got used to the pressure back then and continued walking forward too. Of course, they wouldn't be able to catch up to Krune's group anymore.

Between the Four Major Cores groups, Gomat's group was still at the top in the strength of will. In his group, only two had stayed behind, and it wasn't that they failed, they just stopped to acclimate themselves with the pressure to continue walking later.

Colen's group of 14 is now only 7 in total, which is counting Colen himself. Of those seven that were still participating, three already fell behind due to not being able to take the pressure any longer. So they sat some time ago to get used to it before continuing.

Nala's group could be said to be the weakest one. Her Planet isn't a strong one to start with, so, other than her, most of her group are not that strong-willed. In fact, even Nala isn't that much stronger. It is thanks to her Life Major Core, which has a great influence on her soul that she can still keep up the pace.

As for Krune's group? They had been the same ever since Lofa and Tasier stayed behind. On the way, Joty had told them several stories during his time on the Divine Swords Sect, which Arlan confirmed to be true. After hearing all of that, they came to understand why this guy's will was so strong. The number of opponents and fights he had to overcome to get in that position was ridiculous. They even wondered how he can still keep his cool that easily.

"Haha! Once you lose your mind, you lose your path. At least, that's what I believe. The Divine Swords Sect is considered the strongest Sect in the Makui Continent. The reason for that is exactly that, inside there, dog eats dog. Of course, once you are outside of the Divine Swords Sect, they are extremely united! That is indeed a very good sect if you want to temper your will. Arlan can confirm it with you all."

Arlan nodded.

"That's true, but I haven't stayed so much inside as Joty did. As you know, I'm first a member of the Mercenary Guild, so I still spent more time on Mercenary Missions than the Divine Sword Sect's ones. Of course, don't think about the Divine Swords Sect like some hell. Killing or crippling members is forbidden, and death is the only outcome for those who break the rules."

Joty sighed and couldn't help but comment.

"If the other members of the Divine Sword Sect had reached this place, I believe that they would have got a high chance of passing this last door too."

That made Arlan remember Mina, who had to give up in the end. But what is done is done, and he can still bring her with him after.

At the 5km Mark, only the real deal cultivators and demon beasts remained. Without any surprise, between the Major Core Owners, Nala was the first one to stop to recover and get used to the pressure. As for her group, they had long since stayed behind. Nala noticed the difference between her and the other three and gritted her teeth.

"It seems like I have had too little experiences. I can't tell how Krune is since his wisp form has no expression, but it is clear that Colen and Gomat are still taking it well. Once I enter the Sect, I will immediately leave to hone myself outside."

At the 6km Mark, Colen's group only had 2 people following him. Gomat's group still had 5, while Krune kept the same number. Colen and Gomat finally started to pay attention to Yusa, Shinja, and the others. They didn't expect them to be this strong-willed too.

But in truth, only the Major Core Owners and the two Tribulation Lightning users were still somewhat fine. Be it Colen, Gomat, or Krune's group, they finally started to feel the difficulty. Joty had a strong will, no one can deny that now. Still, he doesn't have the Spiritual Energy Meridians, nor did he temper his soul in the Rainbow Sect before. So he was the first one to stop to recover between Krune's group.

Gomat's group number had declined to only 4 while Colen was now alone.

Finally, at 9km distance, Gomat became the only remaining contestant of his group too. Krune's group was the only one that still had members other than Krune himself. Still, Yusa and Arlan had also stopped to recover a while ago.

As for the Tribulation Lightning users, Ula and Mirrer started to show some discomfort but still kept the pace. Of course, you can't take that only they remained.

At the forefront, there were still a few more cultivators and demon beasts from other planets. You never know what those guys had gone through to reach this place. Some of them might have gone through real hells to get in here, so their will was also strong.

The test continued, and at the 10km Mark, a change ocurred. Suddenly, the pressure doubled!

"Argh!"

No one expected that, even Krune. Everyone in the front stopped after that. Around them, they could see quite a few contestants who immediately passed out and their bodies disappeared. In their place, there was only a flag made of energy with information about their accomplishment.

In the middle of this group, Shinja was included. Even with her Spiritual Energy Meridians, she couldn't resist the elder's pressure and passed out as well. Krune and Ao then sighed and checked her energy flag.

"Shinja Avril, Makui Planet, 10000 meters, 1 hour, 37 minutes and 16 seconds."

With this wave alone, more than half of the remaining participants at the forefront were sent out. The number now was only 9. Krune looked around and could see who they were. It included himself, Ao, Colen, Gomat, Ula, and Mirrer. Unfortunately, Krune didn't know the identity of the other 3.

Krune then looked at Ao and said.

"The pressure is too great, let's stop for a while and recover."

Ao nodded and sat down. They weren't the only ones, Gomat, Colen, and everyone else did the same. What no one noticed is that... Krune was still fine! This is another good thing about his wisp form, no one can tell if he is suffering or not in this situation. Krune being the one in the best condition, was still expected, though.

First, he has 9 Elemental Meridians, the evolved form of the Spiritual Energy Meridians!

Second, he has Tribulation Lightning, and he was crazy enough to temper his soul with it!

Third, he is also a Major Core owner. All Major Cores have an influence on the owners' souls, consequently, their will!

With all those advantages, it would be weird if Krune had the same reaction as everyone else, and that's exactly what he wants to compare with the other Major Cores. Still, Krune stayed with Ao until he felt better to continue. His habit of not trying to catch attention was here to say hi once more.

Too bad, though. Who were the ones controlling this illusion realm? The Divine Path Sect Core Elders! The moment that Krune received the double of the pressure, they immediately noticed his condition.

"What a terrifying will!"

Gile commented.

Tiago heard that and nodded.

"Although I was already expecting him to have the strongest one, I didn't expect it to be this heaven-defying! I guess that's what you get when you combine Major Core with Tribulation Lightning. Not to mention the Mohie Sect Soul Tempering that he probably had gone through."

Gile and Jin agreed with him.

"Let's see how far he can go."

After everyone had spent their own time recovering, some of them finally started to get up and continued walking forward against the pressure. But Krune didn't move, he waited for Ao and Ula to be ready. A few minutes later, Ao finally opened his eyes and got up. His face was pale, but he could at least walk again.

But before that, Krune spread his Divine Sense and found where Arlan, Yusa, and the others were. He then told them about what is going to happen in the 10km mark and that they should be prepared for that.

Ula got up on her paws a minute later and looked at Ao, his appearance was of somewhat fighting with all his strength against the pressure. For some reason, it seemed like Ao's smell got even better after she saw that. She couldn't help but feel like throwing herself into his arms and ask to be petted. But she quickly shook her head.

'What the hell am I thinking?!'

She then focused on the path ahead, and Krune's group finally started to move again.

Report chapter