Paradise of Demonic Gods

by Stayrr

“Obtaining the topmost degree of talent in sword arts in the world requires giving up 72 years of lifespan, which leaves you with only five more years of your life. At the same time, you will never be able to feel love, kinship, and friendship, and you’ll end up leading a lonely life until your death, unable to procreate, or to have any descendants. “From now onwards, everything r

7. 193

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Chapter 193 Finally Succeeded

Fang Xingjian left Kirst City, bringing along his Silver Fox, Demoness' Howl and three hundred Magic Beans. He had already tried the Magic Beans. Three a day should be sufficient to replenish the energy he had depleted after a day of cultivation. It was sufficient to last him till the Regional Selection.

Therefore, wearing an ordinary short-sleeved top and walking, he went on his way, arriving deep in the forest in a short half hour.

Far away from the human crowd, from the human world and from society, Fang Xingjian was seeking absolute peace in order to comprehend that tiny inspiration in his heart.

In the beginning, without anyone to cook and do laundry, without a clean room and bright lights, Fang Xingjian was not very used to it.

But he could only continue to walk in the forest alone, sensing the humidity in the air, the muddy ground, and the dirty forest, taking one step at a time. His body continued to automatically cultivate sword arts while his consciousness was trying to understand that hint of inspiration regarding Heaven's Perception.

Whenever he got hungry, he would eat the Magic Beans; whenever he felt thirsty, he would look for streams to drink from; whenever he was tired, he would sit down to take a rest. Sometimes, he would look up into the sky; sometimes, he would look at the mountain valley and streams; sometimes, he would looked far into the mountain range.

Gradually, the unaccustomed and uncomfortable feelings about the dirtiness started to turn into feelings of quiet, calm and revitalization.

His moustache started to grow, and his hair, which was not trimmed, became filled with dirt and split ends. His clothes became increasingly tattered and he appeared increasingly dirty. However, his soul grew increasingly purer.

All of the messed up stuff that he had encountered in the city were gradually wiped out from his heart as if they were dust.

He felt that he had become increasingly calm, as if everything in the surroundings had naturally blended together.

He listened to the sound of the wind. He could sense that there were worms crawling a few meters underground.

He could hear, in the trees over ten meters above his head, there were birds setting up their nests.

He could sense, tens of meters away, the flowers and grass were fluttering with the wind.

He could sense, hundreds of meters away, there was a stream exuding mist.

The world before him seemed to have appeared increasingly clearer. His ears could take in many more sounds, telling him the secrets in the world. However, they were very vague and he was still one step away from understanding them.

Therefore, he continued to head north. His shoes became tattered, so he went on without them. His legs were like metallic pillars, breaking off trees, crushing grass and rocks. There was nothing that could leave traces of his feet.

Eventually, he came to a large river. Looking at the great, endless river, Fang Xingjian did not stop and continued forward.

His legs formed a series of after-images above the river's surface. Although he seemed to be walking, he was, in fact, moving at an extreme speed. Because his speed was fast enough, the water's surface tension raised him up, allowing him to be able to tread on water. Following the rows of waves, he crossed the great river and headed for the opposite bank.

On a boat by the bank, countless people cried out in astonishment. The old man rowing the boat knelt down and shouted, "It's the Water God! The Water God has come!"

"We pray for the Water Lord's blessings!"

"Has the Water God appeared?"

"A bunch of idiots." Some merchants who had seen more mumbled to themselves, "It must be a Knight. But the level 19 Knight I met last time could only swim to cross the river. To think that this person can cross just by treading on the waves."

There was no way that Fang Xingjian would pay any heed to a bunch of foolish people who were revering him as if he were a god. He passed the banks and continued heading north. Neither forests, mountains, rivers, or ditches were able to stop him from moving forward.

On a mountain path, a bunch of warriors from the City Guards Institution were progressing steadily at great speed. The Knight in the lead shouted with a grim face, "Hurry, hurry, hurry! Those bandits are just right in front! We must catch up to them!"

All the City Guards bellowed and were about to accelerate on when a hysterical laughter came from overhead.

"Idiots, you guys have fallen into our trap!"

"What?!" The Knight shouted out in surprise and fury.

Countless arrows rained down on the troops.

The Knight sent out his Reduced Force Field and could naturally ignore the rain of arrows. However, ordinary soldiers could not do the same. In that short instant, a big group of them were either injured or killed.

The Knight let out a loud bellowed and charged forth, but was pushed back by the leader of the bandits. This bandit leader was also at the first transition level.

That Knight bellowed, "Flame Wolf, are you crazy?! I'm going to wipe out the entire Seven Flames Hall!"

"Haha, you Empire's dogs… Say that after you survive this ordeal. No one will know that you have been killed by me."

Just then, a black silhouette flashed by, cutting across the sky like a black line. It dashed up above where both parties were.

Then, a series of sound explosions rang out and a series of huge sounds appeared in the air as if there was a thunderstorm.

Amidst the Knight's horrified gaze, all hundred bandits were like fireworks being lit up, exploding and forming many clouds of bloody fog, one after another. The bandit leader was no exception and was turned into up to a hundred lumps of flesh.

Fang Xingjian passed by the valleys and mountain paths without stopping. His mind was filled with countless sounds, and when he regained his senses, he had already appeared on a snow-covered mountain. A month had passed since he had left Kirst.

Standing at the highest point of the snow-covered mountain, he looked down at the magnificent snow-capped peaks piercing into the skies, and at the endless mountains reaching out under his feet, all the trees covered in snow were of a unified color. A feeling of shock that he had never experienced before entered Fang Xingjian's soul.

Although the snowy mountain range was wide, everything was in silence. Amidst this silence, Fang Xingjian could finally hear the sounds in the space.

They were not actual sounds, but were information contained in the ether particles.

Warmth, humidity, sunlight, length, height, color…

As more and more information gushed into Fang Xingjian's brain from the ether particles, the information from ten meters around him gradually took form in his brain.

In the next second, he could already 'see' the scenes ten meters in his surroundings in his consciousness. In that moment, Fang Xingjian, after having gone through countless hardships and paid an endless price, he had finally taken the most crucial step and attained Heaven's Perception.

Endless information which was enough to drive ordinary people crazy gushed into Fang Xingjian's brain. However, with his unrivalled talent and extraordinary willpower, he accepted it all.

At the same time, on his Stats Window, other than strength, agility, endurance, reaction and flexibility, a sixth attribute appeared.

Ether synchronization rate: 10%

This ether synchronization rate represented how much information he could receive from the ether particles. 10% was the benchmark for entering the realm of Heaven's Perception. It represented that 10% of the information was sufficient to form a basic image in his mind.

This was similar to a photo's clarity. 10% was the most basic. The higher the synchronization rate, the clearer the photo. Eventually, he would even be able to see the world from a micro perspective and look at the various pieces of information left behind by other people. It would also include information on things that could not be exposed in public, various electromagnetic and sound waves, as well as things that could not be seen with the naked eye.

It could be said that 10% was just the beginning. In the future, the synchronization rate would keep on increasing, allowing Fang Xingjian to see the world clearer and clearer, just like how a photograph's degree of resolution would increase higher and higher.

Only then would he be able to change his job and level up to level 20.

From then onward, each additional 10% of the synchronization rate would be a barrier, just like how one must reach a synchronization rate of 20% at level 20 to be able to level up to level 21.

And with each additional 10% increase, there would be a Heavenly Barrier like a massive flow of information, like the disturbance of illusions, and like the emotions and sensory pleasures which were out of control. These were the Ten Heavenly Barriers.

There would always be Conferred Knights who fell at each barrier, and each of them would be extremely dangerous.

However, it might not be the same for Fang Xingjian. For example, he had easily received the first blast of information.

It was because his talent was unparalleled. No matter if it was his brain's memory power, reaction, willpower, or endurance, they were all topnotch.

Looking at the ether synchronization rate on his Stats Window, Fang Xingjian smiled. He only had to try a little to be able to sense over one hundred beams of micro light in his brain which were over a hundred skill seeds.

He could finally start synthesizing his skills.

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Chapter 194 Smash, Smash, Smash

Fang Xingjian sat down excitedly, preparing to synthesize his skills. Compared to an ordinary genius who could be proud of picking up over ten sets of techniques, and could spread their names far and wide by mastering tens of techniques to the maximum level, Fang Xingjian had over a hundred sets of techniques that were at the maximum level.

'First is the Nurturing techniques, combining all of the Nurturing techniques into one set.'

Thinking of this, Fang Xingjian started to consider which Nurturing sword techniques he should use as the primary technique. He looked through the sword techniques from The School of Sword Arts and then at Tresia's Nurturing sword techniques. Scanning through them one by one, his eyes finally landed on his first ever sword technique, the level 30 Basic Sword Technique.

'Basic Sword Technique…'

To Fang Xingjian, although this set of Basic Sword Technique, which was passed down in Demonic City, had a strengthening effect, it was truly deserving of its name. It had almost included all of the most basic and simplest movements of all sword techniques, and was the basis for all sword techniques.

If he wanted to synthesize his techniques and to combine over a hundred sets of Nurturing sword techniques into one, this Basic Sword Technique had the widest range and was the obvious choice.

Therefore, he picked out the skill seed that represented the Basic Sword Technique and then got another Nurturing technique. It was the first set of Nurturing technique he had learned, the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique.

The only use of this sword technique was to increase Fang Xingjian's potential by a few hundred points everyday, and there were also many Nurturing techniques whose effects overlapped with this.

The Basic Sword Techniques cultivated one's entire body. However, it did not go as in depth in targeted cultivation of each part. Regardless, it was still undeniable that this technique covered a wider range and had more potential.

Therefore, he controlled the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique's skill seed without any hesitation, pressing it down onto the Basic Sword Techniques' skill seed.

With a boom, the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique's skill seed merged together with the Basic Sword Technique's skill seed like a drop of water. In the next moment, there seemed to be a torrent of information being exchanged and merging together in his mind.

When everything calmed, the skill seed representing the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique had completely disappeared, yet when Fang Xingjian looked toward the introduction for the Basic Sword Technique, there seemed to have been no changes at all.

'Did the synthesis fail?'

He tried recalling it, only to discover that he had forgotten the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique. It was because what he had done to the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique was equivalent to deleting it.

The ether synchronization rate had reached 10%, meaning that the success rate of skills synthesis would be 10%. Therefore, after becoming one with the nature, the higher the ether synchronization rate, the higher the level of the skill, and the higher the success rate of the synthesis. Only then would the synthesized skill become increasingly powerful and terrifying.

It would eventually even reach the level at which Huang Lin, Jackson or even the First Prince were.

Upon reaching level 29 like the First Prince, with a 100% ether synchronization rate, the skills synthesis would definitely succeed. What that required was only the time to bring the cultivated skill or technique to the maximum level. It was because only when a skill was at the maximum level would a practitioner be extremely familiar with it and have sufficient information about to it ensure the success of the synthesis.

However, this was not something that worried Fang Xingjian, since he could pick up skills especially fast.

Even though the attempt with the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique had failed, he did not sigh, and turned his gaze toward the Eagle Sword Technique. Then, with a sweep of his sword fingers, streams of sword Qi shot out, slashing the rock walls and causing snow and rocks to scatter all over. He carved out over ten images of a human waving a sword and even wrote down explanatory notes next to them.

After finishing, Fang Xingjian once again sent the Eagle Sword Technique's skill seed smashing toward the Basic Sword Technique's skill seed.

A loud boom resonated in his consciousness, but there were still no changes to the Basic Sword Technique. The synthesis had failed again.

'As expected, with a synchronization rate of 10%, my understanding of the information from the ether particles is still too coarse, and my success rate of skill synthesis is also only at 10%. It's still too low.'

The ether synchronization rate represented the amount of information one could receive from the ether particles in the surroundings. 10% of the information was very little. For example, it would only be able to reflect a coarse image of the environment into one's consciousness, and similarly, one would only be able to receive 10% of the information from the ether particles about his own body. Therefore, the success rate was very, very low.

Most Knights with a synchronization rate of 50% and below tended to require a few months, or even a few years, in order to bring a set of skill or technique to the maximum level. They would have to carefully study the synthesis before making a careful and difficult decision.

However, Fang Xingjian did not have the same worry and problem because he could learn extremely fast. With the enhancements provided by his skills and specialities, as well as his number one sword arts talent in the world, his learning speed had reached an astonishing stage.

While other people carefully selected skills to combine and even held it in until they were at least at level 25 before having the confidence to start doing large-scale skill synthesis, performing each skill synthesis with great care, Fang Xingjian had already casually started to undergo the synthesis.

He looked toward the Eagle Sword Technique carved on the cliffs, glancing for about a minute, and Eagle Sword Technique reappeared on his Stats Window.

Without even drawing his sword, he just used his sword finger in place of an actual sword and started practicing the Eagle Sword Technique. When he thrust out the first sword, he was still very choppy with it, but on the second thrust, he had already started familiarizing with it, and by the third one, he was extremely fluent. When he reached the tenth, his Eagle Sword Technique was already as if he had been practicing for a few months, and he appeared to be very seasoned in this technique.

He practiced the whole set of Eagle Sword Technique from the beginning to the end, and it reached the maximum level of level 30 once again.

Fang Xingjian once again smashed the Eagle Sword Technique's skill seed toward the Basic Sword Technique's skill seed.

With a loud boom, once again, the Eagle Sword Technique disappeared, but this time, the Basic Sword Technique had an additional effect of being able to achieve a maximum of 800 potential points daily.

'I've succeeded. The Eagle Sword Technique's effects has been added onto the Basic Sword Technique.'

Fang Xingjian smiled and directly swept out with his sword Qi. He sliced off the layer of rock which had the technique carved on it, and it once again became a smooth cliff. He then carved out another set of Nurturing technique, the Tenauer-Style Body Strengthening Sword Technique.

In the days following, Fang Xingjian stayed on the snowy mountains, eating the Magic Beans when he got hungry, taking snow when he was thirsty. He began days of cultivating non-stop, from day to night, and went through skill synthesis again and again.

Compared to how other people were only able to attempt one skill synthesis every few months or even years, he was able to make one attempt every few minutes.

One week later, he had already combined all of his Nurturing techniques into the Basic Sword Technique and all of the Training techniques into the Nine-Headed Dragon Sword Technique.

The Nine-Headed Dragon Sword Technique which had undergone synthesis was nothing extraordinary. It was just a byproduct of a few sets of Training techniques, but was equipped with the ability to temper the five major attributes. Each time he practiced this new Nine-Headed Dragon Sword Technique, Fang Xingjian would be able to train any of the five attributes of his choice, and his cultivation speed was increased by 20%.

What was amazing was the Basic Sword Technique that had been synthesized together with over a hundred sets of Nurturing sword techniques. He combined all the pros of all the Nurturing techniques, and with each practice, he was able to nurture every single cell throughout his body. When he was cultivating, it was as if he was soaked in a hot spring, and each fiber and flesh were trying very hard to absorb the nutrition and energy in his body.

Its effects were also much higher than all of the Nurturing techniques added up together. Previously, Fang Xingjian could gain at most 11,000 potential points daily, but now, with his physical body automatically cultivating this new Basic Sword Technique, he could gain 20,000 potential points. The efficiency was simply terrifying.

This meant that he could increase his reaction attribute by a bit every three to four days.

This was one of the reasons why Conferred Knights grew increasingly powerful. Their Nurturing techniques had usually gone through many syntheses, were increasingly suitable for their bodies, and were better able to tap into each little bit of potential in their bodies. This thus allowed the growth of their attributes to be increasingly terrifying.

Therefore, Fang Xingjian named this set of sword technique the Rebirth Sword Technique. This sword technique was true to its name. After cultivating, it would bring about an effect of completely transforming the practitioner's body as if he were reborn.

Therefore, now, the skills Fang Xingjian was left with included one Nurturing technique and one Training technique, the Rebirth Sword Technique and the new Nine-Headed Dragon Sword Technique.

Then, there were the two sets of Killing techniques, the Supreme Mistwind Sword and the Radiant Light Sword Technique.

There was also the skill he obtained when his Reduced Force Field underwent an evolution due to the mutation of his mental cultivation method, the Ether Sword Ripples.

There was not much left for him to do with the set of Nurturing technique and the set of Training technique.

The next thing he needed to work on was his Killing technique. The Ether Sword Ripples was not something Fang Xingjian had learned, so it was impossible for him to risk experimenting with it since it would be gone forever if he forgot it.

Thus, it boiled down to how he should synthesize the Supreme Mistwind Sword and the Radiant Light Sword Technique.

Should he smash the Supreme Mistwind Sword onto the Radiant Light Sword Technique or the Ether Sword Ripples?

Or should he smash the Radiant Light Sword Technique onto the Supreme Mistwind Sword or the Ether Sword Ripples?

Fang Xingjian thought hard about it for a while before suddenly smiling.

The Supreme Mistwind Sword was a sword technique that controlled the atmosphere and was restricted by the limits of the air. To a second transition Warrior who would frequently transcend supersonic speed in the future, it would not be of much use. Therefore, it was not suitable to be a primary skill.

As for whether he should smash the Supreme Mistwind Sword onto the Radiant Light Sword Technique or onto the Ether Sword Ripples, that was somebody else's problem.

For Fang Xingjian, he just needed to smash it onto both of them.

No, he could go even further.

He planned to smash both the Radiant Light Sword Technique and the Supreme Mistwind Sword onto the Ether Sword Ripples. After succeeding with that, he would relearn the Radiant Light Sword Technique and Supreme Mistwind Sword, before smashing the Supreme Mistwind Sword onto the Radiant Light Sword Technique.

This was all due to the fact that he had the advantage of learning things quickly.

As for the Ether Divine Art and the Effulgence Weapon's special effects, they were still at level 1 and could not be used for synthesis.

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Chapter 195 Result and Great Western City

From there onward, Fang Xingjian went through multiple attempts of synthesis, one after another. He first threw both the Supreme Mistwind Sword and the Radiant Light Sword Technique onto the Ether Sword Ripples.

After succeeding, he then continued his repeated attempts to set the Supreme Mistwind Sword onto the Radiant Light Sword Technique.

However, cultivating the Supreme Mistwind Sword and Radiant Light Sword Technique was not as fast as compared to the other Nurturing techniques. It would take about one to two days for him to reach the maximum of level 30 for these sword techniques.

Therefore, during Fang Xingjian's stay on the snow mountain, in his consciousness each skill seed which represented a sword technique continued to be smashed toward the Ether Sword Ripples' skill seed. With each collision, there would be countless exchanges and information merges.

It made Fang Xingjian feel as if he was a computer in a human form, his consciousness leaking out a tremendous number of data waterfalls.

Just like that, repeating the cycle of cultivating sword arts, then going through skill synthesis, cultivating sword arts, going through skill synthesis, Fang Xingjian analyzed the situation of the skill seeds' repeated collisions in his mind. Finally, half a month before the Regional Selection, Fang Xingjian finally succeeded.

The new Radiant Light Sword Technique was not only able to emit white-colored sword light to confuse the enemies, it could also be used to control the air current to refract daylight, moonlight, and various other light sources in order to kill enemies.

Holding onto his Demoness' Howl, Fang Xingjian did not dare to use it with the risk of creating too powerful a howl in the snow mountains, and thus only moved slowly. Like that, he was able to see the currents from the atmosphere encompassing the longsword. In the next moment, a ray of sunlight shone on the sword's body, and in that instant, reflected through the vapour in the atmosphere.

With a swoosh accompanied by a sword thrust, a ray of white light shot out from the sword's tip. It was akin to a laser beam sweeping across the ground, melting a tremendous amount of snow and raising white steam all around. It was as if one had been teleported from the snow mountains to a hot spring.

'Its refractions can kill enemies?'

Fang Xingjian smiled. The speed light travelled at, coupled with the longsword's refraction effect which could create a temperature of about one thousand degrees celsius, this new set of sword technique was much stronger in comparison to the Radiant Light Sword Technique and the Supreme Mistwind Sword.

Furthermore, this sword technique had retained the Supreme Mistwind Sword's ability to control the atmosphere, which had not suffered too much of a downgrade.

Fang Xingjian named this sword technique the 'Luminous Heaven Soaring Slash'.

Once the Ether Sword Ripples was smashed and merged together with the Supreme Mistwind Sword and Radiant Light Sword Technique, it had also received a qualitative improvement.

The new Ether Sword Ripples still increased his strength by 50% with each increasing level, and still inherited the practitioner's highest attack speed. However, at the same time, the Ether Sword Ripples could also change its frequencies to be like light rays of different frequencies, showcasing two special effects, of high and low temperatures.

Looking at the snow on the ground now turned into a hot spring, with a tap of his finger, Fang Xingjian made over ten streams of Ether Sword Ripples. They swept out with a chilling aura, making the melted snow drop in temperature once again, and turning it into a puddle of icy water.

He then sent over ten streams of Ether Sword Ripples slashing through space, making the surrounding air to suddenly become scorching hot, and then once again increased the melted snow's temperature.

With the Ether Sword Ripples' special ice and fire effects, his battle prowess had increased yet again.

With that, after two and a half months' worth of cultivation, not only had Fang Xingjian completed his skill syntheses, his attributes had also increase due to his daily cultivation. Millions of potential points had been used up to increase his strength and reaction, his Waves had leveled up to level 7, and his attributes had increased as well. At the same time, due to this period of calm and peace along with the constantly increasing ether synchronization rate, his mental cultivation method had also finally reached level 5.

Therefore, his stats had now changed to:

Name Fang Xingjian

Age 17

Occupation Windshadow Sword Divinity

Level 19

Strength 685

Agility 1935

Reaction 79

Endurance 51

Flexibility 53

The attributes above come into effect once the Sonido Sword Zephyr Waves is activated.

Due to Perfect Muscles, 5 in strength and agility (10% of the endurance attribute).

Skills / Techniques: Rebirth Sword Technique,

New Nine-Headed Dragon Sword Technique,

Luminous Heaven Soaring Slash,

Level 1 Ether Divine Art

Specialties: Genius Swordsmanship,

Elementary Survival Instinct,

Internal Healing,

Internal Training,

Sword Specialist,

High Agility Motion Vision,

Heightened Reflexes,

Perfect Muscles,

Elementary Berserkness,

Level 1 Unparalleled Sword Intent

Waves Level 7 Sonido Sword Zephyr Waves

Mental Cultivation Method Level 5 Universal Sword Dominance Lunisolar

Looking at his abilities which had once again soared, Fang Xingjian exhaled.

'It's time to prepare for the participation in the Regional Selection.'

The current Fang Xingjian finally had the confidence to participate in the Regional Selection, secure the top position, and become the Regional Champion.

In the next moment, Fang Xingjian's silhouette abruptly disappeared. He had already turned into a series of afterimages, hurrying toward the south, toward the Great Western Region, the location where the Regional Selection would be held. It was the Great Western Region's focus of political powers, the city where the Regional Academy was located. It had gathered countless important characters in the Great Western Region, including the Governor who managed all the Knight Academies, the Regional Chief which managed all government boards, and the Marshal who leads tall the troops in the Great Western Region.

It was the center of the Great Western Region, the Great Western City.

A few days later, Fang Xingjian had made his way through mountains and across waters, cultivating as he rushed, finally arriving in Great Western City.

Looking at this enormous city, three times bigger than Kirst, with a population of over five hundred thousand, where countless vital departments and important characters of the Great Western Region gathered, and which had up to a hundred stationed Conferred Knights, Fang Xingjian smiled with excitement.

He would pass the Regional Selection here, becoming the Regional Champion. Here he would soar, becoming a Divine level existence. From here, he will then head back to the Divine Continent and do what he needed to.

But to participate in the Regional Selection, he would first need to register.

Worried that he would be late for the registration, the first thing Fang Xingjian did was to ask for directions, and then head toward the place in Great Western City where the registration was being held.

There was plenty of traffic in Great Western City, and it was extremely crowded. However, Fang Xingjian headed up to the tops of the buildings, leaping from roof to roof as he proceeded, and asking for directions when he was uncertain. He arrived at the registration counter not long after it had turned dark.

He went in and said to a receptionist, "I'm here to register for the Regional Selection."

"Oh?" The receptionist was a young lady in her twenties. She was wearing a uniform, her face filled with fatigue. Although she was an ordinary person, she did not appear to be shocked when she saw Fang Xingjian. It was because in a place like the Great Western City, Knights were only too common.

Moreover, the place she was stationed at was the registration counter. How many Knights had already appeared before her?

However, she merely shook her head and said, "You've come too late. The registration is over."

Fang Xingjian frowned, "Isn't there another fifteen days before the Regional Selection?"

The young lady threw him a glance and replied, annoyed, "The registration started a month ago and ended half a month before the Regional Selection. Haven't you heard this from the people in your academy?" However, seeing how tattered Fang Xingjian was, she pouted and said, "Hmph, you must have just returned from your cultivation journey and thus the academy was unable to inform you?

"But there's no other way. You'll have to wait for the next round."

How could Fang Xingjian possibly wait for the next round? He frowned and said, "Is there another solution to this? I must definitely take part in this Regional Selection."

The young lady furiously shook her head, but she also finally noticed that Fang Xingjian had been talking to her with his eyes closed all this time. She could not help but ask, "Hey, all this time you've been talking to me with your eyes shut. Aren't you being too rude?"

Fang Xingjian was stunned for a moment before he calmly replied, "I'm blind. I can't see anything."

The young lady froze for a moment, then a hint of fury flashed on her face. "Are you kidding me?! You're trying to register despite being blind? Do you know of the Pantheon Monument Observation in the Regional Selection? What the hell are you registering for?"

Fang Xingjian frowned and coldly replied, "I've already attained Heaven's Perception. Within a ten meter radius, I can see clearer than using the naked eye."

The young lady fell into a daze and in the next moment, she cried out in surprise, "You… You've attained Heaven's Perception? Then, you're able to go through the second transition at any time?"

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Chapter 196 Late Arrival and Gathering

Not long after shouting out, the young lady looked at Fang Xingjian in disbelief. She waved her hand before Fang Xingjian's eyes for a while and suddenly asked, "What color are the clothes I'm wearing today?"

Fang Xingjian's Heaven's Perception had an ether synchronization rate of 10%, which meant that it could transmit him the basic 10% worth of information. This information was mostly related to vision and hearing, and allowed one to have a clearer perception. Of course, it also allowed him to see the situation within a ten meter radius very clearly.

As for the things beyond ten meters, Fang Xingjian did as before, and sensed them through the wind and sounds, just as he did in the past.

He nonchalantly answered, "Blue-colored short-sleeved uniform and blue pants."

The young lady was surprised for a moment, then she waved her hand before Fang Xingjian once again. "Are you really blind?" Suddenly, she thought of how if Fang Xingjian had really stepped into the realm of Heaven's Perception, he would be able to clearly sense what she was doing. She immediately stuck out her tongue and said, "Please wait for a moment. I'll go ask my leader."

With that, she ran off mumbling to herself, "Heaven's Perception, to think that this year we have a Knight who has already attained Heaven's Perception. And he's of such a young age!"

Hearing the young lady's voice, the colleagues in the area all turned to look at Fang Xingjian with surprise and curiosity.

Not long later, sounds of footsteps rang out and a fat man whose head was covered in perspiration came over. When he saw Fang Xingjian, he shouted, "You said that you've attained Heaven's Perception?"

Fang Xingjian could clearly sense that although the man seemed to be very ordinary, his strong muscles and powerful heart all proved that he was very strong. This fat man was a first transition Knight.

The young lady followed behind the fat man and shouted, "It's him! It's him!"

The fat man put his hands behind his back and asked, "How many fingers did I put up?"

Fang Xingjian could sense very clearly that the other party had put his fingers to signal eleven. He said calmly, "Eleven."

"It's really Heaven's Perception." The fat man was still slightly stunned. He looked at Fang Xingjian in surprise and asked, "How old are you? Which academy are you from? Why have you come for the registration so late?"

"Seventeen year old, Kirst Royal Academy. My name is Fang Xingjian."

"Oh~ So you're that Fang Xingjian who transitioned into a Windstorm Sword Hero and killed a level 20 Garcia Destined Warrior despite being at first transition. It's a pity that you've gone blind."

Fang Xingjian had not expected that the other party had heard of him.

The fat man continued, "My name is Valen, and I'm the person in charge of handling the registration issues for the Regional Selection this year. Sigh… Why did you come for the registration only now? You're late. You've really been too careless," he said with great distress. "There's no way to participate in the Regional Selection when you're late for the registration. At the very least, I don't have the rights to approve it.

"Sigh, and the Hundred Blossom Banquet, where the details of the competition will be announced, will be held tonight. You definitely won't be able register through me.

"How about this. You can follow me to meet Governor Devitt. He's in-charge of all the Knights in the Great Western Region, as well as the selection and examination of the Conferred Knights. He's the only one who can authorize your participation now." Saying that, his eyes were filled with pity and anxiety, as if he was even more anxious than Fang Xingjian himself.

"Where is the Governor?" Fang Xingjian asked.

The fat man Valen replied, "Today, the Governor's wife will be holding the Hundred Blossom Banquet, inviting the various talents from the twelve Prefectural Academies. Both the Governor and his wife will definitely be at their residence now. Come, come, come, we'll go look for them."

While speaking, the fat man Valen had already started tugging Fang Xingjian, and headed out.

In the east of Great Western City, in a huge manor, the garden was brilliantly lighted up, and there was huge traffic at the entrance. There were beautifully dressed up young aristocratic ladies, handsome young aristocratic men, as well as some Knights whose faces were either gleaming, or who had tall, muscular or lean physiques.

This was the day when the Governor's wife, Madam Hathaway, was holding the Hundred Blossom Banquet. It was the banquet where the talents participating in the Regional Selection would be gathered before the selection itself.

"Look, that person is Lord Dren from the Regional Secretariat Department."

"Look over there! It's Lord Feng Erlun from the Regional Ministry of Finance!"

A young lady then pointed to a young man who had just got off the horse carriage and was covered with a black robe, which only revealed a single eye and said, "Look! That's Southern Mountain Academy's Anderson!"

"He is THAT Anderson? The first person in the Empire who transitioned into the first transition job Shadow Death God?"

"That's right. Who would have thought that the Southern Mountain Academy would keep him hidden for so long? Shadow Death God… That's something only someone from the previous empire has succeeded in. If not for the temptation of this Regional Selection being simply too great, they would probably have continued to keep him hidden, and would have only let Anderson come out after he's completely prepared."

"He's almost ready with his preparations. I heard that Anderson has been in the first transition for five years now. When facing Knights, he's never had to make a second attack. He's the hot favorite for the champion title this time around."

The young man, Anderson, seemed to have heard what they were saying, and coldly glared at them. The few chattering people suddenly felt shivers running through their bodies, as if they had been submerged in ice.

"Awesome, it's really awesome! Is this the power of a Shadow Death God?"

"To think that I can't move with just a single glare from him."

The few ladies looked on as Anderson left and continued chattering thereafter. The next moment, another din occurred. It seemed that another important character had appeared.

Countless petals suddenly fell from the air, as if it were raining flowers. Amidst the fragrance, the crowd dispersed as a young man with an unbelievably exquisite-looking face and figure stepped on the petals as he gradually approached. He was wearing white top and pants, as if he were a god who had descended from the heavens.

"So… So handsome!"

Another aristocratic young lady next to the other shouted out, "That must be the Astral Ancestor's third generation disciple, Hoult! I heard that he will also be participating in this Regional Selection."

A Divine level expert's third generation disciple. In other words, he was the disciple of the Astral Ancestor's disciple. It was a dazzling status to have.

And the name of this Divine level expert was also very interesting. Astral Ancestor. Everyone knew that there were no stars in the Miracle World. However, those from clans with an established history would know that very, very long ago, there had been stars in the Miracle World. No one knew why they had suddenly disappeared.

Therefore, the name Astral Ancestor held a certain ancient charm to it. It represented a legacy from very, very long ago.

The present aristocratic ladies all looked toward Hoult, as if they were wolves who had found their prey.

From the crowds, Kirst Royal Academy's Rota mumbled, "Rumor has it that all the disciples under the Astral Ancestor must be either handsome guys or pretty ladies. Those whose appearances or figures have gone out of shape supposedly need to be chased out. Seems that it's the truth."

Manny, who was next to her, laughed and said, "Is that true? To think that there's such a rule…"

Ralph and Hamil also turned around, as if it was the first time they had heard such gossip.

However, the Deputy Headmaster who led them here immediately reprimanded them, "Shut up. This is Great Western City, not a small place like Kirst. You must be aware of your image and not go off spouting rubbish, ruining Kirst's image."

He glared at the few of them, then frowned, "This time around the Regional Selection is stock full of hidden talents. To think that there are all kinds of powerful characters showing their face here!"

Just then, from the entrance's direction, another din broke out. Everyone gathered there in waves.

"What happened?"

"What is going on?"

Edger asked someone next to him to find out what was going on. A Knight replied with excitement, "It's Master Yuelun! Lord Holy Orison's chief disciple Master Yuelun is here!"

Amidst Edger's and other people's astonished gazes, an amiable looking middle-aged man wearing a white gown, slowly walked out. He looked like one of those priests in the church..

Concurrently, in the direction of the manor's hall, a silhouette quickly flew past. Governor Devitt had appeared to greet him in person.

Many long spatial gaps had suddenly been squeezed out and were now left behind him in the air. Governor Devitt had flashed and appeared before Yuelun, giving him a hug as he laughed.

"Old pal, why have you come as well? Are you thinking of participating in the Regional Selection again?" Devitt joked. But he knew well that it was impossible for this expert at the peak of second transition level 29 to be participating in the Regional Selection.

The reason he had come out to receive him was naturally not because of his status, but because the other party represented the Holy Orison, and the authority of a Divine level expert.

"Lord Devitt is as strong as ever," Yuelun softly said, with a smile. "As for me, I'm only here to look for someone."

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Chapter 197 Three Seeds and Lilia

Although Master Yuelun's voice was not loud, he had no intention of hiding what he said. Therefore, many Knights had actually heard his words.

Therefore, after Devitt led Yuelun in, the news of Master Yuelun being here to look for someone spread out very quickly.

"Looking for someone?" Edger was stunned for a moment. He suddenly recalled how, three months ago, Huang Lin had gone to the Sacred Mountain to look for the Holy Orison to get him to help treat Fang Xingjian.

Back then, none of them had felt that the Divine level expert would be willing to step forth for Fang Xingjian. But now, the Holy Orison's chief disciple had come to Great Western City and was claiming that he was looking for someone.

Next to him, Rota let out a soft surprised cry and asked, "Could it be that he's here to look for Fang Xingjian?"

Edger was the first one to rebut, "You must be kidding. What kind of character is Lord Holy Orison? He's someone whose single word would be able to affect the situation of the whole Empire. How could he really step out to help treat Fang Xingjian?

"Moreover, even if he is looking for Fang Xingjian, he would not be coming to the Great Western City. No one knows where Fang Xingjian has fled to. Do you guys still think that he'll actually come to participate in the Regional Selection?

"It's merely a coincidence. Stop making wild guesses."

Edger did not believe that Yuelun was here to look for Fang Xingjian. He led Rota, Hamil and Ralph toward the manor's hall. As for Manny, since he could not be bothered with Edger, he left by himself.

Edger looked at the three talented students alongside him and once again reminded them, "Remember, later on, don't forget the aristocratic etiquette I've taught you. Otherwise, you won't be just be losing your own reputation, but the academy's as well.

"You might not be able to encounter such a setting even once throughout your entire lives. You guys better make sure to be extra cautious."

Under Edger's lead, the three of them were extremely cautious, feeling as if they were country bumpkins entering the city as they headed toward the manor's hall. On the way, they saw that the path was layered with white-colored jade, and that there were golden-rimmed lamp posts on both sides. On the top, there were lamps, up to a hundred of them lighting up the whole path, and making it look as if it were daylight.

Some sort of medicine had also been added into the lamps. They were releasing a light relaxing fragrance, making one's vital energy and blood very warm and comfortable.

Such a highly luxurious setting made the three of them feel as if their arms and legs were tied together as they advanced. When had they ever come across such a setup before? The money spent on this pathway alone would probably be sufficient to buy their entire clan!

Even Edger who was in the lead became increasingly cautious, lowering his head, and not daring to look around randomly.

At that moment, another horse carriage stopped at the entrance. It was Kirst's City Lord, who alighted in his tuxedo. Behind him was Lilia, wearing an evening gown. It revealed a large part of her snow-white skin around her chest and back, while the lace on the ends and on the little hat she was wearing made her seem slightly cheeky and pure at the same time.

Although her four limbs were not quite thin, when matched with Lilia's sweet face, they made her seem cute and lively all the more.

It was just that she was wearing a reluctant expression.

Kirst's City Lord told her in a soft voice, "Alright, Lilia, stop throwing a tantrum. Today is the day when geniuses from countless academies are gathering in the same place. Later on, go out and make more friends."

"Not interested," Lilia replied coldly. "I'm not interested in talking to them."

Kirst's City Lord helplessly shook his head. However, his eyes suddenly lit up as he pointed to a white-haired white-bearded pale-faced man who was walking toward the hall with a gloomy expression, "Look over there! That's Wei Leng, the guy who attained Heaven's Perception at first transition!"

Wei Leng… This name was a name which had gained great reputation in Great Western City for the past half a month. It was because he had attained Heaven's Perception even before he had gone through his second transition.

His story was very simple and sad.

For the past ten or so years, Wei Leng had lived a very ordinary life, picking up martial arts and cultivating just like any ordinary Knight. And just like any ordinary Knight, he had also gotten married to a young lady from a small aristocratic clan and lived a very peaceful life.

Other than his great love for his daughter and family, there was nothing strange or unique about him. That was, until that day one month ago, when he had gone back home and had found out that his wife, daughter and parents had all died in a fire.

That night, his hair had turned white overnight, and he now looked as if had grown older by twenty years.

It was also because of that night that his heart felt dead. However, he ended up chancing upon Heaven's Perception, the realm that everyone dreamt of attaining.

Kirst's City Lord shook his head in pity, remarking, "How tragic. But to be able to attain Heaven's Perception before the second transition without the help of any resources, he's a true genius. It's just that his talent had not been uncovered before this.

"Together with that snotty brat who transitioned into a Shadow Death God and Astral Ancestor's grand disciple, the three of them are the hot favorites of this year's Regional Selection."

Lilia pouted, Fang Xingjian's image flashing in her heart. When Kirst's City Lord looked at Lilia's grieving expression, he felt truly helpless.

He had deliberately brought Lilia here in order to make her forget Fang Xingjian.

Fang Xingjian had lost his sight and had disappeared after kidnapping Kaunitz. Without the academy's support, and having no powerful background behind him, no one thought well of his future.

The father and daughter pair walked to the manor's hall without another word. Crystal lights four to five meters tall were hung up on the ceilings, and there were up to a hundred maids walking about in the hall, preparing food and drinks for each guest.

Kirst's City Lord suddenly broke into a smile and shouted, "Haha, David, long time no see! You've grown increasingly handsome."

"Uncle, you're the one looking as if you've always been only thirty years old."

What a graceful handsome man!

The one who had spoken was a young Knight with his golden-colored hair all combed back, dressed in Knight attire, and with eyes the color of the ocean.

He was the City Lord of Mongul's second son, and the relations between both families went way back.

Kirst's City Lord broke into a satisfied smile when he saw him. "Are you participating in the Regional Selection this time around as well?"

"Yes. I probably won't be able to get into the top three, but I'm still hoping to fight to get into the top five." His words sounded very humble, but the high spirits and confidence reflected on his face were overflowing. His eyes turned in Lilia's direction and he greeted, smiling, "This must be Lilia. I remember playing together when we were kids."

Seeing that Lilia was not saying anything, Kirst's City Lord smiled, picked up a glass of wine and left saying, "I'll go greet a few acquaintances. This is Lilia's first visit to Great Western City. David, help me take good care of her."

"Uncle, don't worry." David smiled and watched as Kirst's City Lord left. He then turned to Lilia and said, "Your father has the intention to bring us together, but you don't have to look so put off. Am I that ugly?"

Lilia threw an angry stare at him and said, "Don't talk to me. If not I'll shout 'molester'." She then turned to leave.

David smiled, shaking his head. But watching Lilia's backview, his gaze showed interest. He felt that this lady seemed to be very natural and did not put up a facade, being very different from those pretty and coquettish b*tches he had come across in the past. Therefore, he chased after her.

In another place, Fang Xingjian had arrived outside the manor, alongside the fat Valen.

Valen told the guard, "We have something very important to tell Governor Devitt."

The guard shook his head and said, "The Hundred Blossom Banquet is being held today. No one can enter without an invitation." As he said this, he looked toward Valen and Fang Xingjian with a disdainful expression. It was obvious that he thought they were people who wanted to sneak in.

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Chapter 198 David

Valen furiously replied, "It's something very important!"

The guard's mouth twitched in the direction of the ladies who were prettily dressed, rushing up whenever they saw an aristocrat alighting from their carriage. He smiled and said, "They also have very important matters."

Those ladies were obviously waiting at the entrance, hoping to find a way to sneak in and get a chance to marry into a rich family. The guard had obviously treated the two of them as having similar motives.

"Damn." Valen was furious. He raised his fist as if he was about to beat up the guard. But seeing that guard's disdainful gaze and fearless expression, he eventually stomped his foot and did not do anything.

Although the opponent was an ordinary person, he was a guard serving for the Governor. If he were to bash this guard up, he would probably have to pack up and leave Great Western City tonight.

At that moment, an aristocratic young man with green hair passed by them, along with a model-like young lady next to him. With an arrogant expression, he passed the invitation to the guard, while throwing a cold glance to Valen and Fang Xingjian. When he saw Fang Xingjian's tattered clothes, as if he were a savage, he chuckled and said, "Haha, these days, all kinds of people are trying to get into the Hundred Blossom Banquet."

The first thing Fang Xingjian did when he arrived at Great Western City was to head to the registration counter, and then he was brought over here by Valen. Of course he had not had the time to wash up and change his clothes.

Looking at the green-haired aristocratic young man's back, Valen gritted his teeth and told the guard, "Damn, I'm Valen from the Regional Selection Office. I really have something very important to report to the Governor."

Fatty Valen pointed to Fang Xingjian and said, "He is the seventeen-year-old Windstorm Sword Hero who has stepped into the realm of Heaven's Perception. Do you know the value of this? If, because of you guys, he cannot register and cannot participate in this Regional Selection, do you know what a huge loss this will be?"

That guard fell into shock for a while and looked in Fang Xingjian's direction. However, no matter how long he stared, he could not tell that this was a seventeen year old genius who had attained Heaven's Perception. He looked more like a savage or a beggar.

However, seeing how Valen was speaking as if that was the truth, the few guards exchanged a few glances and started to hesitate.

Valen then pushed further, "If you guys can't make the decision, then get your leader to come. You can call for the manor's steward, Setques. He knows me and knows that I won't spout rubbish."

The few guards exchanged glances again and nodded. One of them left to call for the steward.

Fang Xingjian frowned and said, "Can't we go in directly?" He then cast a glance toward the few guards and said, "If we want to enter, they won't even be able to tell."

Valen immediately covered Fang Xingjian's mouth and said, "What kind of rubbish are you spouting? This is Governor Devitt's manor and you're thinking of breaking your way in? Do you want to be beaten to death?"

Unlike Fang Xingjian fearlessness, the residents in Great Western Region had the power and authority of the number one character in the Great Western Region, the Governor, deeply rooted in their hearts. Who would dare to barge in recklessly?

Therefore, Valen and Fang Xingjian could only wait quietly at the side, putting up with the many curious and weird glances cast by the aristocrats in their direction.

"Who are these two people?"

"Haha, one is a big fatty and the other a savage. Even they're hoping to attend the Hundred Blossom Banquet."

In the hall, the atmosphere for the Hundred Blossom Banquet had become increasingly lively. Many young men and ladies from aristocratic clans as well as the geniuses from the twelve academies were having a great time chatting and having exchanges.

The young man who had transitioned into the Shadow Death God was surrounded by men and ladies who were smiling as they greeted him. They were obviously all very curious about this genius who was the only one to succeed in transitioning into this job since the founding of the Empire. However, the young man seemed to be very smug, and basically only answered one out of every ten questions asked. He was intolerably proud.

The grand disciple of the Divine level expert, Astral Ancestor, had a handsome visage as well as a slender figure. Each of his actions had an extremely elegant charm to it. The countless aristocratic ladies, young and old, along with the female students, all looked at him with loving gazes.

A mere slight move of his finger would get these ladies take turns crawling up his bed.

The only man who had attained Heaven's Perception before going through the second transition was also not short of people greeting him. However, they were mostly aristocratic men generally older than thirty, people who valued ability more than the name of a job or the support of a Divine level expert.

With the first two geniuses they could only maintain a friendly relationship. But this guy was the only one who did not come from a strong background, and was also extremely talented. He was the only one they had a chance to get to work under them.

Graceful David shuttled through the hall with great ease, greeting many young men and ladies with great proficiency. He smiled and told Lilia, "I know about you. I heard that you fell in love with a blind man? I think his name was Fang Xingjian?"

Lilia abruptly turned over and glared at David with eyes like that of an awakened fierce beast.

"Say that again?"

"It's the same no matter how many times I repeat it." David smoothed down his hair and smiled slightly, "A blind man is a blind man. Moreover, he has already left the academy. With your status, in this life, you'll never be able to…"

With a fierce punch, Lilia sent her fist toward David's face but was easily received by his palm.

White and tender, it was a dainty palm similar to a lady's palm, yet it contained terrifying powers. It received Lilia's punch with great ease, and then grabbed it forcefully.

Lilia let out a stifled snort and fiercely drew back her hand, feeling great pain.

David coldly said, "Women must learn to be obedient. If I see that you want to attack me again, I won't let it go so easily."

With that, he reached out to grab Lilia. Lilia wanted to dodge, but found out that it was as if his palm had twisted space and flashed for a moment. It then grabbed Lilia's back and lifted her like a little kitten.

Lilia wanted to struggle, but a light tremble of his hand scattered the strength throughout her body. She ended up being lifted up and brought out.

David's strength was controlled very well. The way he carried Lilia made it seem as if he had his arm around her. He channeled a slight amount of force on Lilia's spine, making her walk together with him.

David spoke in a soft voice, "Lili, your father thinks well of our future, so you better not do anything unnecessary. Sigh, you've stayed in Kirst for too long. Unlike me, who's grown up in Great Western City, you don't understand how big the world is.

"Those geniuses you have in Kirst are merely slightly outstanding ordinary people here."

Lilia wanted to speak, wanted to shout, but discovered that a force was controlling her throat, making her to be unable to speak a single word.

Just as they were talking, a lady's voice rang out, "Lilia, you've come too?"

Lilia and David both turned and saw a valiant-looking lady whom, on first impression, made one think of the word 'heroine'. It was one of the three geniuses in Kirst Academy, Rota.

Rota's long hair was draping down casually, her slender thighs covered by leather, displaying her toned and seductive figure.

David's eyes narrowed slightly and asked, "Lili, this is?"

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Chapter 199 Disciple

"I'm Kirst's Rota." Rota threw a doubtful glance toward Lilia and David. Just then, Edger had already brought Hamil and Ralph over. When he saw David, he smiled and greeted him.

"Isn't this the City Lord of Mongul's 's son? Young Master David, you've come to attend the Hundred Blossom Banquet as well?"

Looking at how Edger had a yielding attitude, David lifted his head and replied with slight arrogance, "Mmm. I'm going to greet Master Yuelun. If you guys don't have any issues, then we'll talk later."

He then left with Lilia, casting a deep glance at Rota before he did.

Edger educated Hamil and the others, "Look at him. This is the disposition of big aristocrats. I heard that this David grew up in Great Western Region and received the topmost elite education. Look at his disposition and his movements!

"Sigh, but I heard that he'll also be participating in the Regional Selection this time around. He'll probably be able to get into the top five."

He instructed Hamil, "Remember, this David is probably stronger than you. If you were to encounter him during the competition, you'll need to be careful."

Rota asked doubtfully, "Lilia seems to have been controlled by him?"

"What is it to you?" Edger then instructed, "Remember, this is the Great Western Region. Any young master here probably has a great background, with a few Conferred Knight in their clans. Be careful and don't go looking for trouble."

Hamil replied, "I know, I know. Right, he said that he's going to meet Master Yuelun. Why don't we go over as well?"

Hearing Hamil's words, excitement appeared in Edger's eyes. Master Yuelun was the chief disciple of a Divine level expert and it was said that he was an existence whose ability was comparable to Governor Devitt's.

Edger nodded furiously, "Come, come, we'll go listen to Master Yuelun's teachings as well."

On the other side of the entrance, there were no longer any aristocrats coming in. Everyone had already entered the hall where the banquet was being held.

There were still a few coquettish b*tches in revealing clothings who had wanted to sneak in together with the aristocrats, but had failed to do so. They were smiling as they looked in Fang Xingjian's and fatty Valen's direction.

All of them wanted to rely on their youth and beauty to get the attention of some aristocrats, and be brought into the gathering, so that they could get to know more upper class aristocrats.

But now that the banquet had already started, those who ought to attend had already gone in. There was no more hope for them even if they were to stay here.

One of the short-haired young ladies said, "Hey, the two of you over there, your excuse to sneak in is just too lousy."

"Haha, the two of you should go look at yourselves in the mirror. To attend the banquet, you must at the very least dress up a little."

"That's right. One of you is fat like a pig, the other dirty like some kind of savage. You're thinking of attending the Governor's banquet like that?"

After having their say, the young ladies broke into laughter. They had obviously not heard the conversation Valen had had with the guards. Since they had not gotten the chance they were hoping for, they were now taunting Valen and Fang Xingjian in order to vent their frustrations.

One of the stewards in the Governor's manor, Setques, was at the main entrance, giving instructions to the other servants. Various famous wines, desserts, and fruits were being sent into the hall, on carts.

After giving out all the instructions, Setques started heading to the hall in order to inspect the situation there, so that he could constantly give out instructions and resolve any possible accidents or troubles.

After instructing a maid to help a drunken young aristocratic lady to the guest room, Setques came to the middle of the hall and saw that Master Yuelun had countless aristocrats and geniuses clustering around him, as if he was the moon surrounded by a myriad of stars.

It was not just because of his identity as a level 29 expert, but also because of the Church of Universal Truth behind him.

As the number one religion, many of Great Western City's aristocrats were believers of the Church of Universal Truth. To them, Master Yuelun was like the person who brought the decree of the church.

Master Yuelun also looked very amiable, looking at everyone as if they were his own children. He did not say a word, but merely listened to what the other people were saying, occasionally nodding, and spreading endless warmth.

Looking at this scene, Steward Setques could not hold it in and slowed down, wanting to meet this archbishop from the Church of Universal Truth, the chief disciple of the Divine level expert, Holy Orison.

An aristocratic lady said, "Master, what matters do you have for this visit to the Great Western City?"

"That's right, Master, tell us. Let us help you."

In the crowd, David together with Lilia, as well as Edger, Rota and the others also turned to look over. All of them were also curious to know the reason why Master Yuelun had come to the Great Western Region.

Although previously he had not answered when thrown various questions, this time around, Yuelun replied. A clear voice like the sound of falling precious stones rang out.

"The reason I've come down from the mountains this time around is because I've received instructions from my Master to look for someone."

"What? Lord Holy Orison is looking for someone?"

"Who is the lord looking for? Is it an enemy?"

"Master, please do tell us who it is. With us joining forces, we'll definitely find the person you're looking for even if we have to turn the Great Western Region over."

Looking at the agitated crowd, Yuelun smiled and said, "Everyone, there's no need to be anxious. This time around, I'm not here to look for an enemy. It's just that after a prolonged period of rest, Master is thinking of looking for his final direct disciple."

"What?! Lord Holy Orison is looking for his final direct disciple?!"

"To think that Lord Holy Orison is looking for a disciple! This… this… This is definitely earth-shaking news!"

"To be able to become Lord Holy Orison's disciple… Even the Regional Selection wouldn't matter anymore!"

Hearing Master Yuelun's words, the atmosphere exploded as if fuel had been lighted up with fire.

Anderson, who had transitioned in the Shadow Death God job lifted his head, and for the first time, an excited smiled appeared on his cold face.

He had transitioned into a first transition job in which no one had succeeded for the past two hundred years. Could it be that the Holy Orison was looking for him?

David, who continued to hold onto Lilia squinted his eyes, his heart fiercely palpitating. If he could become the Holy Orison's disciple, it would not just be soaring into the skies with a single one step! He would be standing at the very top!

Ambition uncontrollably overflowed from his eyes.

Behind Edger, Rota, Hamil, and Ralph all became extremely agitated. The Holy Orison's disciple, the one to inherit the teachings of the Divine level expert… Which of them did not wish to become the candidate? On hearing Yuelun's words, each of them stood up straight, puffing their chests, as if they hoped to attract Yuelun's attention.

Even Edger, who was in his forties, had a different gaze.

Rota even shouted out directly, "May I ask what are the requirements the Holy Orison has set for the disciple he wishes to take in?"

Right, what kind of disciple was he looking for?

Everyone's burning gazes turned to Yuelun, waiting for his answer in great anticipation, as if they would be able to have chance to be selected.

Master Yuelun was just about to speak when a guard carefully squeezed his way next to Steward Setques and whispered to him, "Sir Setques, there's two men called Valen and Fang Xingjian who wish to meet the Governor. They do not have invitations, but they said…"

Steward Setques's attention had been fully focused on Yuelun, and he was waiting with great anticipation for him to share the condition for the disciple. How would he have the time to listen to the guard's report?

He waved his hand to interrupt the guard and said, "If they don't have an invitation, then scram. Why do you need to look for me for such a minor thing?"

That guard looked at Setques, slightly aggrieved, "But that Valen said that this person called Fang Xingjian has already…"

"Shut up, scram."

Chasing off the guard, Setques turned his gaze back toward Master Yuelun and saw Yuelun softly saying, "Everyone is mistaken. This time around, my reason for leaving the mountain is not to help Master look for a suitable candidate. Master has already decided on the candidate to be his final direct disciple. I'm only here to bring him back."

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Chapter 200 Astonishment and Entrance

What?!

To think that the Divine level expert, the Holy Orison, had already decided on the candidate for his disciple! Who was it? Who could it be?

The next moment, regardless if it was the Shadow Death God Anderson, David who was holding onto Lilia, or even Hamil, Rota, Ralph, Edger, or the other people, each person's breath turned heavier.

Although they knew that the chances that it would be them were low, humans were creatures who loved to indulge in illusions. Otherwise, items such as lotteries would not exist.

Although the chances were extremely low, everyone could not help but feel great anticipation, hoping for Yuelun to say their name.

A Knight asked, trembling, "I wonder who is the person the Guardian King wishes to take in as his disciple?"

Yuelun smiled, replying, "Kirst Royal Academy's Fang Xingjian."

Kirst Royal Academy's Fang Xingjian. Each of these words were like individual explosions, stuffed into Edger's brain. He shivered, as if he could not believe that the other party had actually said that name.

He shouted, "What did he say? What did Master Yuelun say?"

Rota was the only one who stayed calm, but the expression she was wearing was still very complicated. She sighed and said, "Fang Xingjian, it's Fang Xingjian. The Guardian King wants to take Fang Xingjian as his last direct disciple."

Hamil and Ralph also wore extremely complicated expressions. There was disappointment, admiration, but more than anything, there was pure jealousy. In no way could they not be jealous. How lucky and how honorable was it to be taken in by a Divine level expert as a disciple? How bright would his future become? Even a Conferred Knight would be filled with feelings of admiration and jealousy, let alone them!

David, who had been holding onto Lilia, was also stumped. 'Fang Xingjian? That blind guy Fang Xingjian? Why is it him?'

A hint of ice-cold killing intent appeared in David's eyes. A maniacal jealousy started burning in his heart.

In the back, the Shadow Death God Anderson also frowned as he started to wonder what kind of person was Fang Xingjian.

Hoult, who had been surrounded by countless young ladies as well as aristocratic ladies, being the Divine level expert Astral Ancestor's grand disciple, knew well what a Divine level expert represented.

For example, the way he, a third generation disciple, did not have to do anything and people would send endless supplies of resources, secret manuals, assets, and gold.

'Fang Xingjian? That person who transitioned into a Windstorm Sword Hero?' Hoult smiled with great ease, 'I wonder what kind of person he is.'

After all, it was impossible for him to be taken in by the Holy Orison as his disciple. Thus, there was no need for him to adopt a hostile attitude toward Fang Xingjian.

Butler Setques fell into a stun, "Fang Xingjian… Fang Xingjian?"

He immediately regained his senses. Didn't the guard who had earlier reported to him mention that there was someone by the name of Fang Xingjian waiting outside?

"Oh no!" He immediately dashed out in the direction of the main entrance.

Valen and Fang Xingjian were still waiting at the main entrance. The few young ladies there were already planning to leave. They looked at Valen and said, "Hey, aren't you guys leaving as well? You're still going to foolishly wait here?"

"Hahahaha, there won't be any latecomers for the Hundred Blossom Banquet. You guys can just go back earlier. There's no use waiting."

As the few young ladies were taking their leave while teasing Valen and Fang Xingjian, Butler Setques, together with a few guards behind him, anxiously ran out.

The moment he came out, he looked in Fang Xingjian's and fatty Valen's direction.

Fatty Valen smiled and stepped forth, saying, "Butler Setques, long time no see. Do you still remember me? I'm the Valen from the Regional Selection Office, I previously came to meet the Governor…"

However, Setques was unable to react to Valen's words at all. With a slight movement, creating a series of afterimages, he had passed by Valen and went right up to Fang Xingjian, displaying Knight-level abilities.

He looked at Fang Xingjian and said with great enthusiasm, "Are you Young Master Fang Xingjian? Kirst Royal Academy's Fang Xingjian?"

Fang Xingjian replied, "I am Fang Xingjian."

Setques immediately broke into smiles and enthusiastically grabbed Fang Xingjian's hand, pulling him toward the manor and said, "Haha, this is excellent. Please come with me. Everyone's talking about you."

Valen was stopped, but he shouted loudly, "Hey, hey, hey! What about me?"

Fang Xingjian turned back and lifted his chin slightly in Valen's direction, saying, "He's with me."

Setques snapped his fingers and fatty Valen was allowed entry as well.

The young ladies who were standing in a row outside the entrance stared at this scene with wide eyes and mouths agape. Although they had not managed to enter the upper society echelon in Great Western City, they were well aware about the many things regarding aristocrats.

The short-haired young lady who had been the first to tease Fang Xingjian and Valen said, "That person earlier is Butler Setques, right?" The three main stewards in the Governor's residence were all Knights who were not only very strong, but at the same time powerful representatives of the Governor himself.

Another young lady gulped and said, "Last time, I saw the Secretariat from the Ministry of Finance being very respectful before him, but Steward Setques was still a bit cold. What on earth was that earlier?"

"What else could it be? That guy, did you guys hear his name? Heck, he must be some important character, a very important character. Otherwise, why would Steward Setques personally come out to receive him? Did you guys see the smile on that Steward Setques' face earlier?"

"Fang Xingjian, that guy is called Fang Xingjian. I heard it clearly," another young lady said anxiously. "Oh no! We were still teasing them earlier… He wouldn't possibly bear a grudge, would he?"

Thinking of these, the few coquettish b*tches felt terrified.

Valen followed behind Setques, looking at the white jade flooring, looking at the up to a thousand lamp posts in the area as well as the variety of luxurious decors. He was astonished.

This time around, for the Hundred Blossom Banquet, the manor looked even more luxurious and beautiful than the last time he had seen it.

However, Fang Xingjian did not show much of a reaction. After all, although the individual's martial arts cultivation was very strong in the Miracle World, in the area of construction, accessories and energy sources, it was centuries back compared to the Earth's, where any of the main cities would be much prettier than this place.

So how could Fang Xingjian possibly feel overwhelmed?

As they were walking, two people suddenly dashed out from the bushes. A green-haired aristocrat and a young lady who looked like a model walked out, their clothes all messed up, still busily straightening them out. They had obviously been having fun in the bushes.

"How did you come in?!"

They were surprised seeing Fang Xingjian first thing when they came out. They were about to shout when they saw Setques next to Fang Xingjian.

Setques frowned and said, "Young Master Gable, please be aware of your identity." He was from the Governor's wife, Ms Hathaway's family, and although he was not pleased with his actions he could not be overly reproachful.

The green-haired young man scratched his head awkwardly, obviously a bit frightened of this steward. However, he immediately pointed to Fang Xingjian and said, "Steward Setques, why did you bring this guy in? He's just someone trying to sneak into the Hundred Blossom Banquet." Earlier on, he had been looking at Fang Xingjian in disdain. How could he have expected to meet him again here, and to even be caught in an awkward situation!

Setques frowned and solemnly replied, "Young Master Gable, please do not spout rubbish. Young Master Fang Xingjian is Master's honorable guest, the person Master Yuelun is looking for."

With that, he continued to lead the way for Fang Xingjian with great enthusiasm.

When Valen passed by, he intentionally threw a disdainful look at the green-haired young man.

Seeing the three of them leaving, the green-haired young man was stuck in a stupor, not understanding what had just happened.

"This cannot do, I must go and see who on earth this guy is. If he snuck in through trickery, I'll make sure he dies."

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Chapter 201 Attention

After Yuelun said that he wanted to take Fang Xingjian in as his disciple, he looked at the commotion that had broken out in the hall, then smiled and said, "I've heard that the Hundred Blossom Banquet organized by Madam Hathaway has invited all the talented students from the twelve academies in the Great Western Region.

"Given that he has transitioned into a Windstorm Sword Hero, he ought to be considered a genius in Kirst Royal Academy. Therefore, I've come here to look for him."

From a distance, a lady with a poised, dignified and mature disposition, yet with the figure of a young lady in her twenties, smiled and said, "All talented individuals and heroes have been invited to the Hundred Blossom Banquet. This is both to allow for all of the elites in our Great Western Region to gather for an exchange, as well as to announce the examination content in the upcoming Regional Selection."

Saying these, Hathaway looked toward the others and inquired, "May I ask where Fang Xingjian is?" When she spoke, her lungs trembled, as if a strong surge of energy was quivering in the air, as she easily propelled her words to everyone's ears.

Everyone quieten down, as if they wanted to see what the genius who had transitioned into a Windstorm Sword Hero, the person who was highly regarded by a Divine level expert, looked like.

Lilia also started to anxiously look around. She was both excited about Fang Xingjian being chosen as a Divine level expert's disciple, and looking forward to whether Fang Xingjian would also attend this banquet.

That was her true reason for attending the Hundred Blossom Banquet.

However, amidst the silence, no one stepped forth. Hathaway called out once again, but seeing that the situation stayed the same, she frowned and asked, "Is there anyone from Kirst Academy here today? Those from Kirst Academy, please raise your hand to confirm."

Edger could no longer pretend as if he had not heard anything. Helplessly, he slowly raised his hand, and immediately all eyes locked onto him with burning gazes.

Hathaway asked him straight away, "Who are you? Where is Headmaster Jackson? Hasn't Fang Xingjian come?"

Edger gulped. How had he managed to become the center of attention? Under the countless gazes of so many powerful, well-known characters from the Great Western City, he felt as if he was losing all his strength.

Especially so under Hathaway's gaze. She was the Governor's wife! Slightly nervous, he answered, "Headmaster Jackson is sick and is resting in Kirst. I'm the Deputy Headmaster, Edger. This time around, I'm representing Headmaster Jackson and attending the banquet in his place.

"Erm… Fang Xingjian…" At the mention of Fang Xingjian, his face turned red. He felt extremely awkward, unable to advance or retreat, and simply did not know what to say.

Was he supposed to say that Fang Xingjian had disappeared? Or that he had been pushed away?

This was simply putting negative labels on Kirst Royal Academy, such as incompetency, lack of control, and the inability to educate, right before all the aristocrats in the Great Western City.

Hathaway impatiently asked, "What on earth has happened? Can't you even talk?"

Edger was stumbling over his words, unable to reply.

Just as he was facing the predicament, Hathaway's gaze had turning increasingly colder, Setques finally brought Fang Xingjian to the hall. He smiled and said, "Madam, my apologies.There's been some misunderstandings. Young Master Fang Xingjian has just arrived."

Setques's words attracted everyone's gazes right away. They all bypassed the steward and landed on the fat Valen and on Fang Xingjian.

Fat Valen did not seem related to a Windstorm Sword Hero in the least. Moreover, he was an official of Great Western City, and many people recognized him.

Hathaway smiled, looking at Fang Xingjian, and asked, "Are you Fang Xingjian? The Windstorm Sword Hero from Kirst?"

Everyone's gazes gradually focused on Fang Xingjian, on this young man who looked like a beggar with his dishevelled hair, unkempt appearance and shabby clothing. Expressions of ridicule, sneer, envy or admiration filled the aristocrats' eyes as their gazes landed on Fang Xingjian.

"This is Fang Xingjian? Haha, he doesn't seem to be anything special…"

"Where did this guy pop up from? He looks like a savage. He's no better than me. What right does he have to become a Divine level expert's disciple?"

"What do you know? It's obvious that he has just returned from a period of tough cultivation. It's true that endless effort and hardships lie behind every successful person."

If the others' gazes were those of jealousy and hatred, then David and the Shadow Death God Anderson were looking at him with jealousy and killing intent. Becoming a Divine level expert's disciple attracted too much ill will.

But who was Fang Xingjian? He was a blind man. So he turned to look in the direction from where the lady, Hathaway had spoken, as if he had not felt a single thing.

Although he was unable to see beyond ten meters, he could still hear the direction where the voice was coming from.

He looked at Hathaway with his eyes closed and replied, "I'm Fang Xingjian."

Seeing Fang Xingjian's closed eyes, Hathaway said, "I heard that your eyes were hurt by poison during the battle with Garcia's Destined Warrior. Hasn't your sight recovered yet?

Fang Xingjian calmly replied, "No."

Hathaway smiled and said, "However, it's alright. You should remember this day. It's your lucky day."

Hearing that Fang Xingjian was blind, everyone's gazes of jealousy grew increasingly stronger. They all knew that the Holy Orison was in the top ten Divine level experts of the Empire, and the only one skilled in healing.

Not only was Fang Xingjian to be taken in as a disciple, but his eyes would be healed as well. What a great honor this was!

Everyone was looking at Fang Xingjian, wishing that they could be in his shoes.

Edger's body unconsciously trembled, as if waves of explosions had smashed into him. He felt both excited and shocked that Fang Xingjian would be taken in as a disciple by a Divine level expert.

However, he also felt unease and fear when he recalled how he had not thought well of Fang Xingjian, and had tried to push him away.

Both emotions filled up his body concurrently, making him feel as if he had been injected with chicken blood [1].

On hearing what Hathaway had just said, Fang Xingjian felt a bit puzzled. He was unaware that the Divine level expert, the Holy Orison, had planned on taking him in as a disciple.

Seeing Fang Xingjian's confused look, Hathaway turned and looked toward Master Yuelun, but started frowning. Master Yuelun was simply staring straight at Fang Xingjian, as if he had just seen something unbelievable.

It was only when Hathaway gave a slight cough that Master Yuelun regained his senses. However, the look he threw Fang Xingjian was still a bit weird.

'How could it be… How could it be so similar?

'Is this a coincidence… or…?'

He then came up with a terrifying conjecture about why his teacher had gotten him to come here on his behalf and take Fang Xingjian as his disciple.

However, he was still a level 29 expert and showed no changes of expression. He amiably looked at Fang Xingjian and said, "Fang Xingjian, my teacher is the Holy Orison. After seeing your records, he's very interested in your condition. Are you willing to follow Teacher to learn and cultivate in the Sacred Mountain?"

In that instant, all gazes were focused on Fang Xingjian. Everyone was waiting for his reply in great anticipation, waiting to witness this historical moment.

[1] For those who don't remember, please refer back to chapter 94.

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Chapter 202 Rejection

However, unlike what everyone had expected, Fang Xingjian did not agree right away. Neither was he overwhelmed by joy, nor did he replied with excitement.

He stayed calm, and amidst the silence, he calmly replied, "May I ask if there are any requirements?"

Hearing this question, everyone stared at Fang Xingjian with eyes wide-open and mouths agape.

What was he asking? He was actually asking if there were any requirements for the Divine level expert to be taking him in as a disciple? Did he think of it as the tuition fees paid to home tutors?

However, Master Yuelun maintained his amiable smile. He slowly walked up to Fang Xingjian and said, "Child, don't think too much. Teacher will not set any requirements when he takes in disciples.

"If you really must insist on listing one, it would be that you must stay in the Sacred Mountain and cultivate for five years. After the five years are up, you'll be able to leave once you've passed Teacher's test. Otherwise, you may end up ruining Teacher's reputation."

"I must stay in the mountain for five years? Must I stay for the full five years?" When Fang Xingjian heard this, his brows tightly knit together.

Yuelun was slightly stunned, as if he had never expected for Fang Xingjian to be so insistent on this problem. Normally, no matter the type of genius, upon hearing that a Divine level expert wished to take one in as a disciple, one would excitedly and wholeheartedly agree. However, this lad was still acting as if he was scared that someone would be conning him to get his money.

He shook his head and gave it some thought. Thinking that he had managed to see through Fang Xingjian's worries, he asked, "Is it because you have family or friends you'll miss? Don't worry, you can bring them along with you."

If an ordinary person were to show so much hesitation, Yuelun would no longer pay them any heed. However, once he saw Fang Xingjian's face, he could not help but simply go along with him.

When Fang Xingjian and Yuelun were having their conversation, all the people in the surroundings had their eyes popping out as they looked at the two of them in disbelief.

Master Yuelun was very polite and warm to Fang Xingjian, as if he was talking to his own son. Was this still the Holy Orison's chief disciple they knew?

David, in particular, was feeling as if his lungs were going to explode from anger when he saw Fang Xingjian and Yuelun chatting. How he wished he could replace Fang Xingjian, and wished that he was actually Fang Xingjian!

Hearing Yuelun's reply, Fang Xingjian shook his head and said, "I have things I need to do. I can't stay for five years."

After giving it some thought, he chose not to share the secret that he only had four years left to live, and his purpose of revenge. It was not something he ought to do. Once he shared it, too many things would change.

Hearing Fang Xingjian's reply, Yuelun seemed to be extremely shocked. However, this was also something with which he could not compromise on. He replied seriously, "The five years in the mountains are part of our Church of Universal Truth's regulations, to go through fasting, ablution, and prayer. It did not change even when Teacher had gone up the mountain.

"Only the traitors of the church leave before the five years are up."

Having heard this reply, Fang Xingjian turned silent. He was considering whether it would be better for him to continue on the path to participate in the Regional Selection and eventually the National Selection, or, to go under the wings of the Holy Orison and rebel once he got strong enough.

The more Fang Xingjian was silent, the more everyone's gazes toward him grew increasingly strange.

Was this Fang Xingjian an idiot? To refuse a Divine level expert?

What was he thinking? There were many people who wanted to rush up and agree on Fang Xingjian's behalf.

Edger did not care about it much, squeezing through the crowd and ran up to Fang Xingjian, judgmentally asking, "Fang Xingjian, are you an idiot? It's your good fortune accumulated for many lives to have the Guardian King take you in as his disciple. What are you still hesitating for? Quickly say that you'll agree to it!"

He very much wanted to press down on Fang Xingjian's head and to agree on his behalf. How good a thing was this? It was not just beneficial for Fang Xingjian, but for Kirst as well. A Divine level expert specially spending someone on his behalf to take in a student as his disciple would be great advertisement for Kirst Academy, and would also greatly increase the academy's reputation.

Kirst Academy would also turn famous very quickly. Countless people would take part in the Prefectural Selection in Kirst and then enrol in Kirst Academy.

Moreover, now right they were before most of the aristocrats in Great Western City. Edger felt that if he were to give Fang Xingjian directions, it would win him much respect. In the future, if news were to spread out saying that Fang Xingjian had repented and agreed to go under the wings of the Holy Orison because of his suggestion, how much respect would he gain?

It would be a legendary story of a teacher and a student!

For someone like Edger, who valued his reputation a lot, how could he not be overjoyed?

However, faced with Edger's judgemental words, before Edger even had the chance to feel happy for a second, Fang Xingjian stomped down on his chest. With a bang, Fang Xingjian's kick sent Edger flying out of the crowd.

He mumbled in annoyance, "Long-winded."

After going through tough training for the past three months, how much had his strength increased? How fast was he now? Moreover, he had stepped into the realm of Heaven's Perception and his vision of things within a ten meter radius was much clearer than if he were to see with the naked eye. With all these, combined with the Unparalleled Sword Intent, he had aimed and hit on Edger's flaw in just an instant.

Edger was not on his guard at all. Who would have thought that Fang Xingjian would attack him before so many aristocrats? Who would have thought that Fang Xingjian would be so bold?

He was stunned at the moment when he was attacked and only managed to regain his senses when he collided against a table, all sorts of food and drinks splattering on him.

But everything was too late. Even if he used his Reduced Force Field to get rid of the rubbish around him, he was already fully drenched, and there was even a large footprint on his shirt where he had been kicked in the chest.

Hundreds of aristocrats in the area looked at him as if their eyes were all lasers with filled with great damaging prowess. For a person like Edger who loved his reputation so much, to have been humiliated before majority of Great Western City's aristocrats was a great disgrace. Consumed by embarrassment and anger, his face had turned flush red. He was unwilling to stay there for even one more second.

He let out a furious bellow and dashed out of the hall, and out of the manor, not daring to look any of the aristocrats in the eye.

However, his actions had not attracted too much attention. After Fang Xingjian carefully considered it, he replied, "My limit is two years. Within two years, I must definitely leave the mountain."

Yuelun shook his head. "There's been no exceptions in the Church of Universal Truth."

Fang Xingjian shrugged, "Then I can only say that I'm sorry, and I can't go with you to learn in the Sacred Mountain."

It was then when Valen finally found the courage to interrupt, "Fang Xingjian, are you crazy? You're rejecting the Guardian King?" He quickly told Master Yuelun, "He's not in the right frame of mind. He must have gone crazy after all the training he went through. Please let him think through it carefully again."

However, Fang Xingjian was unfazed. Master Yuelun frowned as he looked at him, that familiar feeling slightly dragging him into a faint trance.

He smiled and said, "Since that's the case, I won't push it. We'll leave everything to fate."

When David saw this, he was extremely excited. He now thought that Fang Xingjian was truly beyond redemption. To think that he would reject such a good opportunity and end up offending Master Yuelun!

The banquet's host, Hathaway, also frowned slightly, feeling that this Fang Xingjian truly did not know any better, to have ruined the perfectly good atmosphere.

Astral Ancestor's grand disciple looked at Fang Xingjian with interest and smiled as if he was looking at a weirdo, 'Interesting, interesting.

'Haha, this Fang Xingjian is doomed.

'To think that a blind man would dare be so arrogant… To think that he would reject the Guardian King's invitation…

'This b*stard. If he'll also participate in this Regional Selection, I'll definitely kill him for his sin of having undermined the Church of Universal Truth.'

Just then, Fang Xingjian spoke again, "May I ask where the Governor is? I wish to participate in the upcoming Regional Selection but I was late for the registration."

Hearing Fang Xingjian's words, everyone looked at him as if they were looking at a fool. To think that an idiot who had rejected a Divine level expert, a blind man, a Knight who was late for the registration, would dare to think of participating in the Regional Selection!

Everyone was waiting for Governor Devitt's reply, and were anticipating how he would humiliate this Fang Xingjian.

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Chapter 203 Prove

Governor Devitt had stood up for Fang Xingjian in the past, but that was because the other party had displayed an extraordinary talent.

Now, however, Fang Xingjian was just a blind man. What right did he have to ask for the governor's help? Moreover, Fang Xingjian had rejected the Holy Orison's invitation right before so many people. If Devitt were to easily agree to his request, would he not be going against Yuelun?

Of course, most importantly, Fang Xingjian had been late. Judging on this fact alone, logic was not on his side.

Therefore, Devitt only smiled and said, "Xingjian, I understand how you feel, but there's a deadline to the registration. This is the rule. The content of the competition for this Regional Selection will be announced in the Hundred Blossom Banquet today. The content has been planned out based on the registered number of candidates and we can't change it easily."

David threw a glance at Lilia and smiled, "This is the person you like? He's not only a fool, but also a good-for-nothing. Take a good look here to see him being humiliated by everyone."

Lilia was not willing to accept it, but her gaze when looking at Fang Xingjian was also filled with pity.

But just as Devitt had finished his words and Fang Xingjian was frowning, Valen immediately stood out and said, "Sir, although Fang Xingjian was late, he has already stepped into the realm of Heaven's Perception. Please allow him to participate in this Regional Selection on this account."

When they heard the words 'Heaven's Perception', everyone present once again stared at Fang Xingjian in astonishment, as if they were getting to know him all over again.

The events today were filled with twists and turns, bringing shock after shock. First, it was the appearance of the Divine level Holy Orison's chief disciple, who then mentioned that he wanted to invite Fang Xingjian to cultivate on the Sacred Mountain. However, Fang Xingjian unexpectedly rejected him and then mentioned that he wanted to register to take part in the Regional Selection, despite being late.

When everyone thought that he would be unable to participate, there was the shocking news that he had stepped into the realm of Heaven's Perception.

The whole situation was akin to sitting on a roller coaster, abruptly moving up and down, and constantly agitating all the aristocrats' eyeballs.

"What?!" David's eyes were wide-open, as if they were about to pop out. He stared at Fang Xingjian, unable to understand how he could have attained Heaven's Perception in a mere few months.

Shadow Death God Anderson and the Divine level expert's grand disciple also looked at Fang Xingjian in surprise when they heard that.

Hoult received a peeled grape from a young lady next to him and smiled, "Oh? Great Western Region is truly filled with talents this time around. To think that there's already two geniuses who have stepped into Heaven's Perception."

Wei Leng had gone through a drastic change mid-life, which had brought him great devastation. Only then did he attain Heaven's Perception. He did not pay much heed toward all the commotion in the hall, simply sitting quietly in a corner, drowning in his own grief.

Most of the people had similar reactions – they were all in shock, hints of disbelief reflecting in their eyes.

Fang Xingjian was too young. What talent did he have to be able to attain Heaven's Perception at such a young age even before participating in the Regional Selection? Having a splendid talent was not enough to describe this. Even Wei Leng had accumulated decades of cultivated experience and had encountered a drastic event before suddenly comprehending it.

Of course, with the prerequisite that it was true.

Therefore, when Devitt's gaze flickered a little, someone tactfully stood out to say what Devitt had wanted to say.

It was the green-haired young aristocrat who was known as Young Master Gable, and who had followed Fang Xingjian over.

Gable looked at Fang Xingjian with suspicion, asking, "You said that you've attained Heaven's Perception? Prove it."

Just then, a cry rang out. It was Lilia. David had focused all his attention onto Fang Xingjian and accidentally allowed Lilia escape with her monstrous strength.

Almost at the same time that Lilia let out the cry, Fang Xingjian moved.

Although he was blind, and the Heaven's Perception only allowed him to sense things within a ten meter radius, the Luminous Heaven Soaring Slash alone allowed him to retain the ability of controlling the movements of the atmosphere and sensing things within a hundred meter radius through them.

Therefore, right from the start, he had been clear about how many people were standing in each area of the hall. And with his extremely sharp hearing, Lilia's shout also allowed Fang Xingjian to identify her in an instant.

With a flash, he appeared behind Lilia, grabbed her, and then turned toward David by relying on his Heaven's Perception.

"Lilia? Why are you here as well?" Saying that, Fang Xingjian had already noticed Lilia's bruise through Heaven's Perception. He did not feel any pain, but he did feel anger. Fang Xingjian slowly turned to face David.

Lilia hugged Fang Xingjian tightly, and buried her head into his chest just like a young child. The corners of her lips curled up uncontrollably, as an indescribable happiness filled her heart.

'How weird. Why is it that my heart feels so, so sweet when I'm hugging Teacher? It's as if I've eaten honey.'

When David saw Lilia hugging Fang Xingjian with a blissful expression, his eyes turned blood-red as he glared at Fang Xingjian. Seeing that everyone was watching, and also being unwilling to take a step back, he broke into a smile with a thick aristocrat feel, "Fang Xingjian, Genius Fang, Lilia is my fiancee. I don't think it's good for you to be hugging her like this."

"Not good?" Fang Xingjian's said in a soft voice, and looked at the green-haired Gable, asking, "Didn't you guys ask me to prove that I've attained Heaven's Perception? Then I'll use this guy to prove it" he said, pointing a finger at David.

Ignoring how David's countenance had turned grim, Fang Xingjian said to David, "I'm going to attack you. Try and see if you can escape."

This was the Hundred Blossom Banquet, a place where countless aristocrats and geniuses were gathered. David had proclaimed himself to be a promising candidate for the top five positions in the Regional Selection. In no way would he let himself be humiliated. At Fang Xingjian's words, he laughed coldly, and, taking a step forward, he released a majestic aura from his body, sending it at Fang Xingjian.

This was the Killing technique in which David had been putting great effort and years of cultivation – One Man Army. It emphasized the cultivation of the practitioner's aura and allowed one to use it to suppress enemies. It was a mean to either spiritually or mentally attack enemies.

If it went a level higher, the practitioner would be able to directly control the atmospheric pressure and to suppress opponents with it, pinning them down on the ground without the possibility to get back up on their feet.

When ordinary Knights were faced with the pressure of his aura, they were usually robbed of their sanity. They would be controlled, just like how Lilia had just been under his control, unable to speak. It was a feeling akin to sleep paralysis.

Even if the opponents were not robbed of their sanity, they felt tied down because of the the pressuring aura, unable to unleash even half of their powers.

His highest record was punching out a horrifying atmospheric pressure and pinning down seven Knights on the ground, who ended up on all fours and unable to get back up for three whole hours.

But what kind of a character was Fang Xingjian? He was someone who would not falter in the least when he was facing the Divine level expert Li Shuanghua or Conferred Knight Jackson. How could he possibly falter before David?

Fang Xingjian did not say anything. He released Lilia and slowly started walking toward David.

Everyone in the area immediately made way, looking at the two of them as if they were watching a show. Martial arts was highly valued in the Empire, and those in the upper echelons were mostly either Knights or Conferred Knights. It was only too common for people to have disagreements in gatherings, which eventually ended up in fights. Everyone was used to scenes like this, and so no one tried to stop them. They all looked at Fang Xingjian and David, making guesses on who would be winning the fight.

David did not show any signs of weakness either. He punched with both fists, sending two forces at Fang Xingjian, as if two blocks of mountain had appeared out of nowhere. They were shaped by both his aura and atmospheric pressure, exerting both mental and physical pressure on his opponent.

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Chapter 204 Color

As Fang Xingjian was being suppressed and having his body restrained by the atmosphere, he suddenly stopped in his tracks. What seemed like snapping sounds resounded in the air, as if the air itself had snapped in two like some kind of steel product.

Seeing Fang Xingjian stopping in his tracks, David grinned and thought to himself, 'Hmph, no matter how fast your speed is, the atmosphere between space areas is ever existing. With my One Man Army, the aura impact dealt to your mind takes but an instant to attack. Are you able to dodge it?'

Thinking this, David clenched his palms fiercely, and explosive sounds rang out. The atmospheric pressure on Fang Xingjian felt even heavier, and he felt as if each inch of his skin was being pushed down on by a mountain.

David coldly said, "Fang Xingjian, if you surrender now, I'll let you go. Otherwise, don't blame me for being vicious."

Hearing that, Fang Xingjian lifted his head to look at David, revealing a disdainful smile.

"I'm coming over. If you can stop me, try it."

The next moment, Ether Sword Ripples abruptly shot out, slashing the surrounding . At the same time, Boundaries Negation was also activated, and with a single step forward he was already before David.

David reacted very quickly. Although he did not understand how Fang Xingjian could have escaped his suppression, the moment when Fang Xingjian disappeared he automatically sent out both his fists, causing explosions in the air. The endless atmospheric pressure was like a thousand gates, pressing down shut right before his eyes.

This move, Atmospheric Door, provided an extremely sturdy defence and David had even used this to fend off a ballista attack before.

However, almost at the same moment he had released the Atmospheric Door, Fang Xingjian's fingers, like ghosts, directly tore through space and pierced through the weakest spot on the door, aiming for David's head.

With the enhancement obtained through the Unparalleled Sword Intent, Fang Xingjian could even slash through an Inferior Divine Weapon with his bare hands now, let alone David's Atmospheric Door.

David shouted in surprise and leaned his head backward. Putting his palms together, countless atmospheric currents pressed down on his body, creating an extremely tight shield over it and protecting it.

However, although the defensive powers of this Atmospheric Armor were amazing, they were also restricting David's movements. This was why although David was feeling very confident when he used this move, he also knew that there was no way he could defeat Fang Xingjian in this state.

"This Fang Xingjian is truly powerful. Could it be that he has really attained Heaven's Perception? If that's the case, then his vision would be even clearer than us who see things with our naked eyes. Furthermore, his sword technique is also extremely elusive. How on earth did he train?"

However, David was extremely confident in his Atmospheric Armor. He watched as Fang Xingjian pushed his fingers toward him again and again, only to have his speed reduced more and more once he was within three inches of David's body, and then to be pushed out by the high density air pressure.

Seeing this, David smiled even more confidently.

"Fang Xingjian, it's useless. Even a Knight using a level 9 Inferior Divine Weapon would find it impossible to slash through my Atmospheric Armor. It's said to be the strongest defenses at the Knight level. Do you understand? This is the power of the atmosphere. This is the tremendous power of the world. Unless you've already stepped into second transition, it's impossible for you as a human to fight against the world's powers."

In the second transition, other than sensing information from ether particles, one could also borrow the powers from them. The power contained within the ether particles were limitless, and it represented the world's powers. However, Killing techniques which tapped into the energy of the ether particles were all cultivated by Conferred Knights, and were mostly gathered in Regional Academies. This was why Fang Xingjian had not learnt any of them before.

However, he had yet to give up. He lifted his hand, and streams of light appeared. He had activated the High Frequency Effulgence Weapon – Silver Fox. A longsword formed from silver-colored fog appeared in his hands.

"Oh? He already has an Effulgence Weapon at level 19, before even getting to the second transition?"

"So what if he has an Effulgence Weapon? David's Atmospheric Armor has once stood up against the combined attacks of twelve Knights. It's known to be indestructible amongst those below second transition."

"It's a pity, a pity. If Fang Xingjian had an Inferior Divine Weapon, he'd still have a chance. But it's impossible for him to slash through the Atmospheric Armor with his bare hands."

Divine level expert's grand disciple Hoult shook his head and unconsciously stroked the longsword at his waist, saying, "This Atmospheric Armor is quite well-known. Even for me it could prove difficult if I wanted to break through it with my bare hands.

"This Killing technique One Man Army is truly magnificent. It already has a feeling resembling the way a second transition Conferred Knight taps into the ether particles' energy."

Rota frowned, suddenly turning to look at Hamil and said, "Give him the Superior Divine Weapon."

"What?" Hamil was stunned, and did not manage to react. It was the Superior Divine Weapon Huang Lin had requested Governor Devitt to forge. Thanks to Edger, it was now on loan to Hamil.

When Hamil heard Rota's words, he frowned with obvious reluctance.

Governor Devitt and his wife also shook their heads, obviously thinking that it was impossible for Fang Xingjian to break through the shield.

Just when everyone was thinking that it would be impossible for Fang Xingjian to break through the Atmospheric Armor, the person in question made his move. Right before everyone's eyes, the fog-like High Frequency Effulgence Weapon, Silver Fox, softly thrust out and landed directly on the Atmospheric Armor.

The high frequency tremors, supported by the Unparalleled Sword Intent, sent extremely terrifyingly sharp auras into the air, tearing through layers of atmosphere. And then, under David's shocked gaze, it slashed through his Atmospheric Armor and tapped on David's body.

Almost at the same moment when the Atmospheric Armor broke, the tremendous changes in air pressure caused a massive amount of air explosions to scatter outward in all directions.

Amidst the waves of explosive air, David took the opportunity to retreat tens of meters. Only then did he look at Fang Xingjian, badly shaken. In the next moment, he laughed out loud, "No one has ever broke through my Atmospheric Armor before. This is why no one knows that after it's been broken, it still isn't the end. There's also a series of explosions, so the repelling force of the air currents will backlash against my opponent."

He then put his palms together again, reactivating his Atmospheric Armor and firmly protecting himself.

"So how is it, Fang Xingjian? Do you still want to waste time attacking?"

Just then, Fang Xingjian's voice came ringing out from the smoke and dust. "I can easily slash through something like the Atmospheric Armor. I can easily slash through those explosive air currents as well."

"So what?" David said with great confidence. "As long as you slash through my Atmospheric Armor, you'll be attacked by the impact of the waves. When you're done going through them, I will have already activated my Atmospheric Armor once again. There's no way that you can break through my defence."

When all the smoke and dust had cleared up, Fang Xingjian threw him a cold glare and turned to walk away. He turned to the green-haired Gable and asked, "That should be enough, right? This should be sufficient to prove that I've attained Heaven's Perception."

Just as David was feeling that something was odd, laughter broke out in the hall. A few aristocratic ladies pointed to David, laughing so hard that they could not keep their backs straight.

David was stunned for a moment. Then, he suddenly reacted and looked at himself. He saw that his pants had been torn to shreds, revealing his underwear.

He then felt his head, and found that it was covered in blood. Fang Xingjian had already written four words on his head, with his Ether Sword Ripples.

The words 'Yellow Underwear'.

David's underwear was yellow in color.

The moment Fang Xingjian had slashed through the Atmospheric Armor, he had sent ten streams of Ether Sword Ripples to, tear up David's clothes and to carve the words on his forehead.

It was impossible for one to discern colors by listening to the sound of wind. Being able to discern colors with one's eyes closed was something only attainable through Heaven's Perception.

It was also impossible for David to reveal the color of his underwear only to help Fang Xingjian. This had removed all possibilities of cheating.

Almost the same time when David felt these changes, a surge of vital energy and blood gushed up to his head.

'Burning shame.' These words kept appearing in David's mind, as if he was going to die of shame and humiliation in that very moment. He dashed out of the place, not daring to stay and allow other people to see how he looked.

The words carved on his head were a humiliation which he would remember forever.

When he turned to look at Fang Xingjian, his mind was brimming with killing intent. It was obvious that he now considered Fang Xingjian his lifelong enemy.

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Chapter 205 The Revelation

Seeing Fang Xingjian ridiculing David, many people laughed. However, regardless of whether they were laughing or not, their gazes were filled with deep astonishment as they looked at Fang Xingjian.

Heaven's Perception, and the ability to slash through David's Atmospheric Armor with Effulgence Weapon at first transition level? Countless people were curiously guessing what special effects Fang Xingjian's Effulgence Weapon had. To think that it could slash through the Atmospheric Guard which was well-known for its defence!

Green-haired Gable was also staring with eyes wide-open and mouth agape at what Fang Xingjian had done. When he saw Fang Xingjian walking toward him, he unconsciously took a few steps back before he gulped and said, "You're good!" He then put up his thumb up for Fang Xingjian, saying, "I've got to hand it to you for actually slashing through David's Atmospheric Armor."

David was an aristocrat genius who had quite a good reputation in Great Western City, someone a profligate son like Gable utterly detested. However, David's ability was astonishing, and he also had a strong background. Moreover, Gable knew well how powerful David's Atmospheric Armor actually was.

He was even thinking that if the Atmospheric Armor's defence was even stronger than a level 9 Empire's Divine Weapon, with Fang Xingjian being able to slash through it, would it not mean that he would be able to slash though a level 9 Empire's Divine Weapon as if he were chopping up a melon or some kind of vegetable?

Thinking these, his gaze when looking at Fang Xingjian seemed to be filled with more favorable thoughts.

The aristocrats who had been explaining to their companions how powerful the Atmospheric Armor was, and who had confidently said that it would be impossible for Fang Xingjian to slash through it, now all felt embarrassed, not daring to face their partners' doubtful gazes.

However, Devitt smiled. Another genius had risen under his rule, so how could he not feel happy? He nodded to Fang Xingjian and said, "Excellent, excellent, excellent. When I saw you last time, I knew that you were a person of great talent. I felt that your loss of sight was a pity, but to think that until now when we've met again not only did you not waste your life away, but you've actually put in more effort and progressed even more. You've even attained Heaven's Perception earlier than other people!

"Since you've already attained Heaven's Perception, then you'll definitely have no problems stepping into the second transition. I'll make an exception for your registration even though you were late. His Majesty will not blame me for this. On the other hand, if I were to insist against it, I'll just be seen as stubborn and obstinate." He gave it some thought, then said, "Valen."

Fatty Valen bowed, grinning, and waiting for Governor Devitt's instructions.

"Help Fang Xingjian settle the issue with the registration. Just tell them that it's under my command."

"Yes." Valen smiled and nodded, then winked at Fang Xingjian.

Lilia suddenly pounced on Fang Xingjian and hugged from the back. She happily said, "Teacher, I knew you were the best! You're the strongest! I knew it!"

From afar, Kirst's City Lord saw everything that had happened in the hall and sighed. He had not expected that Fang Xingjian would not only overcome the challenge of his loss of sight, but actually return in even greater glory, having attained Heaven's Perception and a Divine level expert's admiration.

Next to Kirst's City Lord, a slightly balding middle-aged man asked, "Is this how you teach your daughter?"

Kirst's City Lord smiled. The person next to him was Mongul City's City Lord, David's father. Having seen his son going through such humiliation, he was clearly unhappy.

This Mongul City's City Lord had started from the bottom, with nothing to his name. After becoming a Knight, he had joined the army, fighting his way up to success. After being discharged from the army, he was recommended for enrolment in the Mongul Academy. From there on, he managed to pass through the Regional Selection and became a Conferred Knight.

After many years, he had not only become a City Lord, but had also strengthened Mongul City, building it akin to a sturdy metal bucket. Even more impressive were his scheming abilities and his management skills. Twenty years ago, he had married the daughter of an aristocrat from the Imperial Capital, and from then on he had received the support of a great aristocratic clan in the Imperial Capital.

Just as Kirst's City Lord was about to give an explanation, he saw Lilia's pure and innocent smile. He sighed in his heart. How long had it been since he had last seen Lilia so happy?

He sighed and thought to himself, 'When a girl is of age, they'll be married off. Wife, our Lilia has unknowingly grown up.'

A slight smiled appeared on the corner of his lips as he replied, "What's there to say when David's skill cannot match up to others? Why, do you also want to have a match with me?"

It was obvious from his attitude that he was going to support Fang Xingjian.

Hearing that, a hint of fury flashed in the eyes of Mongul's City Lord, "Alright, alright, alright. So this is your choice? We'll see about that." With that, he left. He wanted to quickly look for David and discuss how to secretly attack Fang Xingjian in the Regional Selection.

If they did not do this, David and their clan would be the laughingstock of Great Western City's aristocrats for the next few years, or even more than ten years after the event. This was something he could not accept.

The banquet continued after all the issues had been settled. However, the majority of the people now had their attention turned to Fang Xingjian. Many aristocratic young ladies ran up to Fang Xingjian, hoping to get to know him better.

However, Lilia was like a small beast protecting its food, chasing away all those coquettish b*tches, until Rota came up together with Hamil and Ralph.

Both Hamil and Ralph appeared slightly uncomfortable when they looked at Fang Xingjian.

Fang Xingjian turned to Hamil with his eyes closed and asked, "My sword is with you, right?"

Hamil felt rather awkward as he nodded. Although it was not his idea to begin with, and the sword had been given to him through Edger's decision, he had still been using the Superior Devine Weapon for a few months. Thinking of how Fang Xingjian had already attained Heaven's Perception and how it was almost a sealed deal for him to become a Conferred Knight, he started to feel increasingly embarrassed.

The genius whose back view he could still see in the past had now cast him far behind.

Hearing Fang Xingjian's question, Hamil immediately replied, "I'll get someone to send it over tomorrow."

Fang Xingjian nodded, then turned to Rota and said, "You're not bad. You haven't been wasting the past few months."

He then threw a glance toward Ralph and shook his head, "You're better off not participating in the selection. At least half the Knights in this hall are stronger than you."

Hearing this, Ralph's countenance turned grim. However, he did not dare to raise his hand against Fang Xingjian, and so he simply left in anger.

Just then, a young man dressed in a black robe and encompassed in shadows walked toward him. It was Anderson, the one who had transitioned into a Shadow Death God.

Fang Xingjian turned to him and asked, "What do you want?"

An icy-cold killing intent encompassed everyone with Anderson's arrival, making Rota and the others feel that the hair all over their bodies was standing to stand up. It was just like the animals' instinctive reaction when they encountered their deadly enemies.

Anderson revealed an icy-cold smile and said, "Nothing much. I'm just here to take a look at my opponent this time. Although there's many people participating in the Regional Selection, there's only a few whom I can call my opponents. Hoult, who has a Divine level grandmaster is one; Wei Leng whose luck left is another, and now there's you."

Anderson smiled as he continued, "However, you're only slightly stronger than Wei Leng, and a lot weaker compared to Hoult and myself." He then patted Fang Xingjian on the shoulder with the arrogance of an older person. "I hope you work hard."

Looking at the departing Anderson, Lilia asked, "What was his intention for coming over?"

"It's just a case of chuunibyou [1]." Looking at everyone's puzzled expressions, Fang Xingjian had no choice but to explain, "It means that the person is snobbish."

With this, everyone understood. Right then the Governor's wife, the host of the Hundred Blossom Banquet, Hathaway, stood on the hall's stage and clapped to get everyone's attention.

She smiled and said, "Has everyone had a good time today? It's about time for the Hundred Blossom Banquet's custom, the announcement of this Regional Selection's competition events."

[1] A Japanese slang term which roughly translates to "Middle School Second Year Syndrome". People with chuunibyou either act like a know-it-all adult and look down on real ones, or believe that they have special powers, unlike others. http//define.php?term=Chuunibyou

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Chapter 206 Speech

As Hathaway spoke, all the Knights who were participating in the upcoming Regional Selection became agitated.

Other than the arena battle in the final round and the Pantheon Monument Observation in the second to last round, the first two stages in every Regional Selection were planned out by the Governor. It could be said that each region's Regional Selection was different from the others.

This was also to ensure that Knights would not specially train themselves in order to meet the examination requirements, meanwhile ending up losing sight of what that was important.

Hathaway spoke gently, "The first stage in this Regional Selection is 'Slashing the Heavenly Pillar'."

Slashing the Heavenly Pillar, true to its name, was to attack a gigantic pillar made of metal alloy.

This metal alloy was a newly developed forging material. Not only was it extremely sturdy, with resistance against both fire and acid, but it even had self-recovery ability. No matter what kind of attack it received, as long as it was put under sunlight, it would recover in but a few seconds. It was a material at the Divine Equipment level.

This was actually made from a piece of Divine level bone remains that Governor Devitt had obtained when he was young. He initially wanted to use this piece of bone remains to forge an invincible item of Divine Remains Equipment, an armor with self-recovery abilities.

Governor Devitt lived up to his name as a master blacksmith. Even Huang Lin had come to ask for his help to forge a Divine Weapon.

The armor with self-recovery abilities was successfully forged, but at the same time it had ended up in a failure.

He had succeeded in developing such a material. However, its self-recovery ability was too powerful, and it was permanently fixed in the shape of a metal pillar. No matter how much he had tried to reform it, attempting to turn it into an armor, trying to make it into a sword… it always reverted to its original state within a few seconds. It was impossible for him to forge any kind of equipment with it.

And he did not have a second bit of bone remains from that Divine level expert which he could use to forge into the equipment he was aiming for.

This time around, Governor Devitt simply decided to use it for the first stage in the Regional Selection.

This stage, Slashing the Heavenly Pillar, would be supervised by Governor Devitt himself. With his cultivation level of second transition level 29, and an ether synchronization rate of 100%, he clearly had a complete understanding of the degree of damage dealt to the alloy pillar. Thus, he would be able to give an accurate score to each of the students.

Those in the top one hundred would move on to the next stage.

The second stage was named 'Contention for the Top Tier'. All one hundred examinees would be put into a maze, and each of them could only stay on guard in the spot they were allocated, unallowed to move more than ten meters away from the respective spot. As for the specific location, based on the results of the previous stage, the examinees would be able to take turns in choosing their preferred spot.

The whole maze was filled with ferocious beasts of various levels. They would continuously attack the examinees, so the goal was to survive the attacks. Of course, examinees were forbidden from attacking each other. However, using tricks and schemes to indirectly force the other participants to be eliminated was acceptable. Only direct attacks were forbidden.

Examinees who voluntarily gave up, lost the ability to fight, or were unable to kill any ferocious beasts after five minutes had passed, would all be eliminated and then brought out by the invigilating Conferred Knights.

The last thirty examinees who managed to stay on would be able to enter the third stage and have the right to participate in the Pantheon Monument Observation.

In the third stage, Pantheon Monument Observation, examinees' results would depend on how much of the amount of Killing techniques in the Pantheon Monument could the individual comprehend within twelve hours.

They would demonstrate their comprehensions before the examiners, including the Governor, who would each give a score. Those in the top sixteen would enter the last round, the arena battle.

The arena battle was split into four elimination rounds, where the top ten to pass the Regional Selection would be chosen.

This was the whole process of the Regional Selection. Hearing everything through, many peoples' eyes were filled with fighting spirit, each of them carefully thinking about the content of the first two rounds.

At the same time, Hathaway smiled and said, "The reason why the Hundred Blossom Banquet takes place is because we hope to see an endless flow of geniuses in the Empire, like how endless flowers blossom every year. This year, due to his Majesty's brilliance, we have many talents far surpassing those of previous years."

"Shadow Death God Anderson.

"Astral Ancestor's descendent, Hoult.

"The late bloomer with extraordinary resolution, Wei Leng.

"And of course, there's also the Windstorm Sword Hero, Fang Xingjian, whom I've just met today.

"All of you have ended up participating in the Regional Selection in the same year. If any of you were to appear in the Regional Selections of previous years, you would probably have gained powerful leadership abilities by now.

"I am looking forward to your performances."

With each line Hathaway spoke, everyone turned to look at the four whose names had been mentioned. The four of them instantly had instantly attracted countless gazes.

Hathaway continued, "Then, now we'll proceed to the final component of our Hundred Blossom Banquet. We would like to invite all four of the abovementioned examinees to come on stage to give a speech."

Steward Setque walked up behind Fang Xingjian and said in a soft voice, "Young Master Xingjian, later on, please go up to say a few words. It can be a casual talk about things like your goals, dreams and aspirations." He smiled and said, "This is also to boost the examinees' morales."

Shadow Death God Anderson was the first to dash on stage. The young man in his teens put on an expression as if he had experienced a lot in life as he looked at the crowd. He calmly said, "Since I must share, I'll go straight in.

"My dream is to be able to kill a Divine level expert. Therefore, I'm bent on taking the title of Regional Champion this time around.

"Remember this day. In the future, you'll feel proud for the rest of your life to have heard my speech today."

With that, he left the crowd in shock. Anderson's face suddenly blushed before he turned into a lump of black shadows and completely disappeared.

Lilia shrugged and said, "Why do I feel awkward after hearing his speech?"

'This is what they call chuunibyou,' Fang Xingjian thought to himself.

Hathaway spoke rigidly, "Hoult, you go next."

With a tap of his foot, the graceful Hoult leapt up to the stage. His actions were light as a fairy, as if he was a god from the heavens. His actions caused a series of screams to rise from the crowd of young aristocrat ladies.

Hearing the screams, Hoult put up his hand and said, "Thank you, everyone, for your warm welcome. I love you too."

With his words, the screams grew louder. Hathaway had no choice but to cough softly to allow silence to fall over the hall.

Hoult continued, "This time around, the reason I've come to Great Western City is primarily because I've been instructed by my master to come with a keen mind to learn. My hope is to have exchanges in teachings, as well as to spar…"

Hoult was clearly very experienced in such situations, and the rest of the things he shared were mostly by the book. Hathaway nodded with satisfaction.

After Hoult came down, it was the gloomy-looking Wei Leng's turn. However, it was only after Hathaway had called out to him for three times that he went up with great reluctance.

On stage, he said with a cold expression, "I don't have anything to say." With that, he left.

Hathaway's countenance turned grim as she shook her head, 'The few seeds this year are really problems after problems.'

It was finally Fang Xingjian's turn. As Fang Xingjian headed up to the stage, Lilia cheered loudly. Rota, Hamil and the others were also staring at the stage, feeling a sense of pride.

Looking down at the crowd below the stage, Fang Xingjian gave it some thought before saying, "Never surrender, never yield, never compromise, never fall back. This is what makes a true Knight.

"I hope that we can give mutual encouragement based on these terms."

Hathaway smiled. Although it was too short, at least it was normal. She took the lead to applaud and finally said, "Everyone, there's fifteen days until the start of the Regional Selection. Please be prepared and don't be late." With the last part, she threw Fang Xingjian a teasing glance.

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Chapter 207 The Final Rest and Reorganization

Once the banquet ended, Yuelun boarded his horse carriage, where a lady dressed in white was waiting. When she saw Yuelun, she could not help but ask, "Master [1, what's so special about that Fang Xingjian? Why do you seem to be so distracted after meeting him?"

Yuelun laugh bitterly and said, "You're able to tell as well?" He shook his head. He had not wanted to mention this, but after some thought, he knew that she would eventually find out about it.

Therefore, he said, "Fang Xingjian looks a little like that person."

"That person?" The lady in white clothes frowned and said, "Which person is that?"

Yuelun looked out of the window, his tone filled with the endless tiredness of one who had experienced a lot in life as he replied, "The person who disappeared sixteen years ago."

In the beginning, the lady dressed in white still did not react. But in the next moment, a hint of terror flashed on her face, as if the person Yuelun had just mentioned had boundless magical charm.

The young lady dressed in white shivered as she said, "They look alike?"

Yuelun shook his head, replying, "It's not just alike. They look exactly the same."

"How is that possible? That person should not have any blood kin or brothers." The young lady dressed in white had her eyes wide-open as she said in a trembling voice, "Could it be…"

An extremely terrifying and unbelievable thought appeared in her mind.

She looked at Master Yuelun and asked, "Master, does Grandmaster know about this?" The Grandmaster she was referring to was, naturally, the Holy Orison.

Yuelun shook his head and said, "I don't know. But a great change will befall us in the future. If those honorable people and the other Guardian Kings in the north found out about Fang Xingjian, the Empire will probably have a lot of things to deal with. "

One day, two days, three days…

The days passed by just like that. Ferdinand stayed in the same inn as Rota and the others. They had even come across the other participants in the Regional Selection from Kirst. There were also those who were there to observe, like Ferdinand and Anthony.

Fang Xingjian's name had spread like wildfire after the Hundred Blossom Banquet, and his fame seemed to have soared overnight. In the various gambling stalls which opened bets for the Regional Champion, Fang Xingjian's name, along with the other three, had become the hot favorites for clinching the title of Regional Champion.

Of course, this also meant many people, including aristocrats, merchants, and Knights now wanted to get close to Fang Xingjian, and to build a relationship with him.

However, during this period of time, Ferdinand was staying in the inn's private room, not having taken a single step out. All the people who came to visit were stopped by Ferdinand, Robert and Anthony, who had come to observe the competition.

The day for the Regional Selection finally arrived. That morning, Ferdinand yawned as he lay on the sofa, occasionally glancing at the room.

Sitting opposite him were Robert and Anthony, both of them seemingly out of sorts.

Ferdinand grinned and asked, "You're still thinking about the bets?"

Anthony looked at Ferdinand, apparently upset, and asked, "How can you keep so calm? You've just bet all three thousand gold on Xingjian winning the title of Regional Champion! Even if you're very confident in Xingjian, don't you feel nervous at all?"

Robert also nodded in agreement. Both Anthony and himself had not dared to bet any more than five hundred gold. He could not understand why Ferdinand seemed to be so relaxed.

After the parietal bones' auction, they had each received three thousand gold from Ferdinand. Although they had used some of it for cultivation resources, they did not dare to spend it recklessly. In the end, Ferdinand incited them to place bets on the results of the Regional Selection.

They had struggled with the decision for a very long time, sometimes feeling that they had invested too little, sometimes feeling that they had invested too much. They were even more anxious than the examinees themselves.

Hearing their worry, Ferdinand shook his head and asked, "Has Xingjian ever lost before? Regardless if it's his talent, character, or abilities, they are all such that I've never seen before in all my life. I've decided to bet everything on him.

"What about you guys? Have you come to a decision on that matter?"

What Ferdinand was referring to was his plan to drop out from Kirst Royal Academy and assist Fang Xingjian after he gained the Regional Champion title.

It was because, compared to cultivating in Kirst Academy, he felt that it was much more effective for him to come to Great Western City and assist Fang Xingjian, at the same time receiving his guidance. He also felt that this path would offer him a brighter future.

However, not everyone could be as decisive as Ferdinand. Hearing his plan to drop out from the academy, people like Anthony and Robert, who highly valued the chance to learn in Kirst Academy, infatuated with the free training resources and allowances given to them, tended to slightly hesitate.

Ferdinand smiled. "Then I'll leave the decision to you. No matter what, it's your own choice. Neither Xingjian nor I will blame you for it."

Just then, the door opened, and Fang Xingjian walked out of the room.

He no longer looked like the homeless man fifteen days ago. After washing up, his elegant face with a hint of determination shone once again. The fitting Knight attire presented his broad shoulders and thin waist perfectly, and his 1.9 meter height put out a strong pressuring aura.

Most importantly, after training privately for the past fifteen days, cleansing his spirit and regaining tiptop condition, his cultivation level had also progressed further.

During the past fifteen days, having as target the first stage in the Regional Selection, Slashing the Heavenly Pillar, he had fully focused on cultivating his Ether Divine Art, and bringing his High Frequency Effulgence Weapon – Silver Fox – to level 3. It had now reached a tremor rate of one thousand and five hundred times per second, yet again improving the power of his slash.

Moreover, he had gone all-out to temper his attributes. Now, the Rebirth Sword Technique his body automatically circulated daily could give him 20,000 potential points. It was two times the amount he could previously obtain.

After fifteen days, he had accumulated 300,000 potential points, and had evenly allocated them to his strength and reaction attributes.

Therefore, Fang Xingjian's attributes had now become:

Name Fang Xingjian

Age 17

Occupation Windshadow Sword Divinity

Level 19

Strength 705

Agility 1935

Reaction 81

Endurance 51

Flexibility 53

Ether Synchronization Rate 10%

The attributes above come into effect once the Sonido Sword Zephyr Waves is activated.

Due to Perfect Muscles, 5 in strength and agility (10% of the endurance attribute).

Skills / Techniques: Rebirth Sword Technique,

New Nine-Headed Dragon Sword Technique,

Luminous Heaven Soaring Slash,

Level 3 Ether Divine Art

Specialties: Genius Swordsmanship,

Elementary Survival Instinct,

Internal Healing,

Internal Training,

Sword Specialist,

High Agility Motion Vision,

Heightened Reflexes,

Perfect Muscles,

Elementary Berserkness,

Level 1 Unparalleled Sword Intent

Waves Level 7 Sonido Sword Zephyr Waves

Mental Cultivation Method Level 5 Universal Sword Dominance Lunisolar

The moment he appeared, all the other doors also opened, as if similar spirits, junctures, or information had been stimulated. All the students from Kirst Academy, including Manny, Rota, Hamil, and Ralph, walked out. Their eyes were gleaming brightly. All of them had clearly brought their bodies to tiptop condition during the past fifteen days.

Fang Xingjian looked at Ferdinand and the others, then took the longsword Ferdinand gave him, smiled, and said, "Let's go."

The longsword he took was, of course, the one Hamil had dutifully returned, the level 20 Superior Remains Divine Weapons – Styx

[1] The 'Master' here refers to Teacher.

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Chapter 208 Begin

Level 20 Superior Remains Divine Weapon – Styx. Just its material quality was something that ordinary Empire's Divine Weapons and Inferior Remains Divine Weapons would never be able to slash through.

Even Fang Xingjian himself could not deal any damage to it, at least, not by ordinary means. As for whether he could slash through it with a few hundreds streams of Ether Sword Ripples, he had not tried it, since he was no idiot.

Other than its unrivalled toughness and sharpness, Governor Devitt had also engraved the Styx with nine hundred and ninety-nine wind imprints. This was also something Fang Xingjian had specifically requested.

The Styx was 1.3 meters long, three fingers wide, and covered with densely packed prints, which looked like claw marks left behind by countless ghosts and monsters. With a light swing, it brought a sound resembling ten thousand shrieking ghosts. Of course, the purpose of his wind prints design was not to have a sound attack, like the Demoness' Howl; it was to amplify sword Qis.

If Fang Xingjian were to use this Styx to perform the Luminous Heaven Soaring Slash, controlling the atmosphere and sword Qis, he would be able to keep the sword Qis condensed up to a distance of one-hundred-and-eighty-meters away from him. The attack and damage prowess would also be greatly amplified, since any casual swing would release slashing sword Qis at supersonic speed.

Now, Fang Xingjian had two longswords attached as his waist – the Demoness' Howl and the Styx. He also had the Silver Dragon on his thigh.

Lilia, waiting by the inn's entrance, immediately ran up to Fang Xingjian when she saw him coming out.

"Teacher, you'll definitely be the Regional Champion this time!" She clenched her small fists and said with excitement, "We'll be cheering for you from the stands."

Then all of them headed toward the competition grounds of the Regional Selection, the Regional Royal Academy of the Great Western Region, and the sacred grounds of countless Knights in the Great Western Region.

When they arrived at the academy's entrance, its surroundings were already crowded, many examinees, family members, teachers, and students, waiting either to participate in the Regional Selection, or just to spectate. When Fang Xingjian saw this, he felt as if he was looking at the scene of a college entrance examination on Earth. No, it had an even higher importance.

However, although people were flooding the area, when Fang Xingjian arrived and people recognized him, they all unconsciously stepped aside, countless gazes watching him.

Many of them wanted to walk over and greet Fang Xingjian, but they were all politely stopped by Ferdinand and the others.

They had to be kidding. What was most important to Fang Xingjian right now was the Regional Selection. How could they allow these people to disturb him?

The group gradually left the crowd and headed for the academy's entrance.

Very quickly, they met the gloomy-looking David. His head was wrapped in white cloth, as if he was trying to hide his face and to avoid being recognized.

Behind him there were two unordinary Knights exuding unfathomable auras.

When he saw Fang Xingjian, David glared at him and said, "Fang Xingjian, I'll make this Regional Selection something you'll remember for life. What you did yesterday will be your worst lifelong regret."

His tone was filled with exceptional hatred, jealousy and killing intent.

It was because since young he had never suffered humiliation. Now, all the aristocrats in Great Western City were treating him like a laughingstock. If he did not kill Fang Xingjian, he would never be able to walk with his head high for the rest of his life.

Therefore, with the help of his father, he had made all the required preparations. He was bent on targeting Fang Xingjian in this Regional Selection. Even if he did not kill him, he wanted to get him eliminated, and to ensure that he would be left unable to continue participating.

However, Fang Xingjian paid him no attention. Ferdinand went to stand before David and laughed loudly, "Lad, who are you? Why are you just blabbing about, saying whatever you want?"

David threw Ferdinand a cold glance, not paying him any heed, and simply turning to leave after having said his piece. He was clearly not willing to waste any more time squabbling.

For the past fifteen days before the Regional Selection, he had made too many preparations and had paid too much of a price just so that he could do Fang Xingjian in.

'Fang Xingjian… This time around, no one will be able to save you.'

Someone next to them introduced David to Ferdinand. Laughing coldly, Ferdinand looked at David with a sly smile.

Thereafter, all the examinees waited at the entrance for about twenty minutes before the door of the Regional Academy slowly opened. All the examinees went up to register with their Knight medallion and Knight attire before entering the academy, ready for the examination.

The examination would be held over four days, one stage each day. For the next four days, the examinees not only had to take the examination in the Regional Academy, but they would also had to live there.

Lilia stood outside, looking at the long queue, and said, "There's so many people participating in the Regional Selection this year."

"Of course," Ferdinand said. "The prizes this year are too astonishing and they've dragged everyone out. I think the total is over five hundred participating Knights this year. That's almost a third of the students in all twelve academies of the Great Western Region."

He then smiled and said, "Let's go to the stands."

In order to encourage the development of martial arts, and at the same time keeping it fair, all four stages of the Regional Selection were open to the public.

Naturally, it also had a cost. Each seat was five gold, thus denying the possibility of any commoners attending. The audience was essentially only aristocrats.

Fang Xingjian took his number and followed the signs to a large training ground, waiting for all the other examinees to arrive. He looked at the stands, from where Lilia, Anthony and the others were waving at him.

Finally, after a total of five hundred and twelve examinees had arrived, the main examiner, Governor Devitt, walked in. The people following behind him included a man who seemed to be getting on in his years, and who was walking as if his eyes were closed. He was the Commissioner of Education, Luke.

There was also the capable-looking Department Head of Education, Yaris, who was about forty years old.

And finally, there was the middle-aged Deputy Governor Armstrong, who had a face covered in scars.

These were the four examinees for this Regional Selection, with Governor Devitt as the main examiner. Although they were all influential characters, they still had to personally supervise and allocate scores during the Regional Selection. This went to show how strict the Empire was with the Grand Selections, and how highly regarded this event was.

Each Regional Selection was a very important reflection of their political achievements.

On another side, twelve Knights were working together to move a giant metal pillar into the training grounds.

With a loud bang, the metal pillar was thrown down to the floor, causing a slight earthquake.

However, after the pillar was smashed onto the surface, it did not bounce up in the least, but simply entered three inches deep into the ground. This showed how heavy it was, as well as how dense and strong it was.

Seeing this, the countenances of many Knights turned grim.

The next moment, Governor Devitt slowly said, "Then, we are officially starting this year's Regional Selection. I won't say much. Let the first stage, Slashing the Heavenly Pillar, begin! Examinee number one, please step forward."

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Chapter 209 Slashing the Heavenly Pillar (Part I)

Examinee number one was a middle-aged man with scarce hair on his head. He was from the northern side of the Great Western Region and was forty-five years old that year. He had failed seven consecutive Regional Selections and this was his last and final attempt. If he did not pass this time around, he would quietly stay in the north to be an instructor, taking on the role to nurture future generations of Knights.

Seeing the first examinee stepping forth, a young man and lady immediately shouted from the stands, "Daddy, do your best!"

The examinee smiled and waved at them as he walked up to the metal pillar.

The metal pillar was about two meters tall and a meter wide. Its surface was a deep matte black which did not reflect light at all, giving one the feeling of a deep abyss.

Surrounded by the four examiners, examinee number one became slightly nervous. Although the board members were all influential characters, given their reputation and cultivation levels, the scores would be credible and trustworthy. However, the examinees also felt under pressure from their presences.

Even so, examinee number one had already been through too many Regional Selections and was able to stabilize his breathing very quickly. He then drew out his sword, streams of flames appearing on its length.

One hundred degrees… Two hundred degrees… Three hundred degrees… All the way until it reached the high temperature of one thousand degrees. With a loud bellow, the middle-aged man sped up in an instant, stirring up a long stream of white air current. He became one with the sword, landing a harsh high-temperature slash on the metal pillar, at a speed that transcended the speed of sound.

The violent air currents together with the high-temperature flame streams blew out in all directions, just like fireworks. Such terrifying damage prowess was akin to shooting out a cannonball.

However, when the smoke scattered to reveal the metal pillar, there was only a sunken mark of about an inch on it. The mark gradually disappeared within a few seconds, as if it had never been there in the first place.

Examinee number one stepped back with his hands full of blood, looking at this scene in disbelief.

Governor Devitt calmly assessed, "7 points."

The other three examiners respectively graded him, "7 points."

"7 points."

"7 points."

Although the four of them had each said a score, given that they all had Heaven's Perception and could accept information from the ether particles within ten meters, each of them could accurately grasp the damage inflicted on the metal pillar, right down to the finest detail. This was why they had all given the same scores.

Examinee number one left with a dejected look. The other examinees were also wearing grim looks as they stared at the metal pillar.

"This thing is really too tough."

"The damaging prowess of that number one is already much stronger than mine. To think that even he is only able to make this much damage…"

"That's but of course! That thing was forged by Governor Devitt himself!"

Ferdinand shook his head as he looked at the stage, "What kind of thing is that? Isn't it too strong? Will there be any examinees this year who will be able to break it completely?"

Kirst's City Lord suddenly appeared, ignoring the others' astonished gazes, and went on to share, "This thing was made by Governor Devitt from a piece of a Divine level expert's bone remains. Although he failed to turn it into a Divine Remains Equipment, its sturdiness is very close to one, or at least equivalent to a level 29 Superior Remains Divine Weapon.

in fact, if not for its self-recovery trait making it less sturdy than it ought to be, that number one could forget about leaving even a trace of mark."

"It's that amazing?" Ferdinand asked.

Lilia also started to feel worried. She forgot to be angry at her father and just asked, "Then does Teacher have a good chance of doing well in this stage?"

"He should have no problems getting into the top eleven, but he probably won't be the one with the best results." Kirst's City Lord shook his head and said, "Although this thing is very strong, it doesn't have the special effect of a Divine Weapon. Therefore, there's a flaw to its defence.

"And despite Fang Xingjian's extraordinary damage prowess, according to what I know, there's at least two people this year who have a higher damage prowess than him."

Ferdinand was cooperative and asked, "Who?"

Kirst's City Lord answered, "Of course, it's the Shadow Death God Anderson and that narcissist Hoult."

Seeing their puzzled expressions, Kirst's City Lord continued to explain, "Anderson's job, the Shadow Death God, has always been known to be the job with the strongest explosive force and greatest stealth abilities amongst all first transition jobs.

"Stealth, naturally, because he can turn into shadows as he moves.

"And explosive force because the Shadow Death God allows one to perform a kind of corrosive shadow attack. It can immediately reduce the sturdiness of the targeted material. No matter the kind of Divine Weapon or treasured armor, if it only has a strong defence due to its material, it will inevitably be as fragile as paper.

"As for Hoult, I know that his Master has given him a level 29 Superior Divine Weapon – Crimson Fire."

Naturally, a level 29 Superior Divine Weapon will be able to break this metal pillar.

Lilia, furious,said, "Isn't this unfair?"

"Fair? Things like job skills and equipments are all a part of the Knight's abilities." Kirst's City Lord continued, "Moreover, the people who aren't even able to get into the top one hundred in this stage won't even have the right to become Conferred Knights.

"Plus, the rankings in this stage will not affect the final rankings of the top ten in the Regional Selection."

As the competition went on, things turned out just how Kirst's City Lord had expected. Not a single Knight was able to leave a mark deeper than three inches on this metal pillar. The Knight who received the high score of 9.5 was a Prefectural Champion in his thirties.

Finally, under everyone's anticipation, it was finally Shadow Death God Anderson's turn.

He walked up with a disdainful look, saying with a smirk, "A bunch of useless bums. Let me show you what a real attack looks like."

With that, he took a step forward, creating a series of afterimages as he charged right at the metal pillar, pressing one palm on it.

Job skill Shadow Coffin activated.

Immediately, black shadows encompassed the entire metal pillar. In the next moment, Anderson took out a dagger. It was the level 19 Inferior Divine Weapon Weapon, Shadow Tooth. His academy had specially prepared it for him.

Killing technique – Piercing Sun.

Like a shooting star cutting across the sky, or like the sun piercing through the clouds, Anderson focused all his energies onto the Shadow Tooth. Then, with a spinning and piercing force, he thrust out.

The Shadow Coffin weakened the sturdiness of the targeted material, the Divine Weapon Shadow Tooth turned an enhanced force into a spinning one, and Piercing Sun allowed the user to instantaneously and explosively throw out this force.

After three consecutive explosions, Anderson's explosive prowess was brought to a whole new level.

With a crisp Kacha! sound, his whole arm and elbow sunk into the metal pillar. A tremendous cavity appeared on that metal pillar, almost boring halfway into it. It looked like a huge drilled hole.

Withdrawing his arm and looking at the metal pillar which had started to wriggle and recover slowly, Anderson's mouth twitched, "Tsk, I didn't get through it?"

With that, he left without turning back, as if he was not concerned with his grades in the least.

Other than giving their scores, it was also rare to see the few examiners commenting.

Governor Devitt said, "Focused strength into one point, great mastery of his job skill. Even a level 20 Conferred Knight would not dare to face this attack easily. 48 points."

The Commissioner of Education, who was so old that it seemed as if he was bound to die anytime was, just as Edger had said, one who had always been supporting academies to be self-sufficient and get their own sponsorships.

He opened his mouth and weakly said, "It's a killer move. In the future, after you move on into the second transition, there'll definitely be a spot for you in the Imperial Capital. 48 points."

The capable-looking Yaris smiled and said, "Not bad, lad. When I was your age, I was probably incapable of facing even a single attack of yours. Your ending movement is still a little bit off. I'll give 47 points."

Armstrong, fully covered in scars, said coldly, "Fast, accurate, vicious. It's a move purely intended to kill, and it's put in too much of an unfavorable position when used in Slashing the Heavenly Pillar. I'll give you 49 points."

Finally, under everyone's astonished gazes, Anderson received a score of 48 points.

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Chapter 210 Slashing the Heavenly Pillar (Part II)

"This damage prowess is too astonishing!"

"Is this the power of a Shadow Death God? It's impossible for those at Knight level to fend off against that!"

"It's not just the Knights. Even Conferred Knights… If they don't use their abilities, there's no way they can fend this off."

Everyone looked at Anderson in astonishment, horror, and disbelief.

Anderson smiled, revealing a proud look, as if he was a primary school kid who had just gotten full marks for his exams.

When he met Hoult's gaze, he threw out his middle finger in contempt.

"This guy…" Hoult's grip on the Crimson Fire tightened as he frowned.

On the other hand, the other seeded candidate Wei Leng seemed to be in a completely different world, nothing being able to perk his interest in the least.

Other than Anderson, none of the next participants were able to show such a powerful damage prowess, not even Wei Leng. Despite the fact that he had Heaven's Perception, which gave him a keen sense of observation and a reaction ability which boosted his damaging powers, he had no powerful Killing techniques, and his explosive attack force was not comparable to that of someone like Anderson.

Devitt shook his head and said, "Wei Leng, you've really disappointed me. Have you been seriously cultivating after attaining Heaven's Perception? These are still the same skills and techniques as before. Although your damage powers are already much stronger than ordinary people, you shouldn't only be at this level. I'll give you 12 points."

The oldest amongst the four, the wrinkle-covered Commissioner of Education Luke said, "This performance does not showcase your talent. 12 points."

Yaris spoke with indifference, "Disappointing. 12 points."

Armstrong did not comment much either. He merely said outright, "Ordinary. 12 points."

In the end, Wei Leng only got 12 points.

"Sigh, to think that even though Wei Leng has attained Heaven's Perception, he's still unable to get anywhere near Anderson…"

"Although he has Heaven's Perception, before he reaches level 20 he'll only have an ether synchronization rate of 10% at most. It's impossible for him to identify the metal pillar's flaw."

"It's a pity. Although he has great talent, his damage powers and talent are not directly related."

"Mmmm, seems like that Fang Xingjian won't be able to get a high score either. The Windstorm Sword Hero has unparalleled speed and specializes in attacking while on the move. However, the damage and explosive powers are no match."

"That's right. Seems like the top will be disputed between Anderson and Hoult, who has yet to have his chance."

Hearing the crowd's comments, Lilia slightly clenched her fists, her face puffed up in fury. Kirst's City Lord pat her on the shoulders and said, "Lili, it's fine. The first stage is not something Fang Xingjian specializes in. It'll be fine in the second stage. The Windstorm Sword Hero specializes in fighting against multiple opponents."

Just as they were talking, Hoult appeared. Today, he was wearing an emerald-colored long-sleeved top, and was holding onto a crimson-red treasure sword. His long hair flowed down casually, and he looked as if he was a fallen noble. The moment he stepped up, a bunch of young aristocratic ladies started screaming their heads off.

Hoult lightly smoothed his hair, bowing toward the four examiners, and drew out his sword.

It was as if there were streams of red light flashing in the crimson-red sheath. However, when the longsword was completely drawn out, even Fang Xingjian's brows rose.

Ferdinand and Lilia, who were looking toward the stage, as well as Rota and Hamil who were part of the competition, were all astonished.

To think that it was a longsword with no physical form, and that it purely burned endlessly, like flames!

A term immediately appeared in Fang Xingjian's mind, 'Laser sword?'

The level 29 Superior Divine Weapon Hoult was holding was a treasured sword similar to a laser sword.

As if satisfied with everyone's surprised gazes, Hoult revealed a slight smile. Then, with a low bellow accompanying the strong exertion of forces with both his arms, a violent heat wave surged forth. Everyone could feel the frantically surging temperatures, as if they had suddenly been transported into a desert.

Rota's pupils contracted as she stared at the Crimson Fire longsword. The flames that formed the longsword continued to rise in temperature, and after about one minute, they turned into a viscous liquid substance. They had seemingly turned into a live fire snake, swaying continuously while emitting astonishingly high temperatures.

Holding the Crimson Fire longsword, which had already reached a temperature thousands degrees high, Hoult slashed and activated the Killing technique.

The flaming longsword turned into a fire snake and pounced forth furiously. Wherever it passed the air became twisted, releasing tremoring explosions as it fully encompassed the metal alloy pillar, as if the fire snake had swallowed it whole.

Consecutive booming sounds rang out, marking several consecutive explosions. The high temperature was maintained in the fire snake's stomach, and the metal pillar was melting and breaking at a speed that could be seen by the naked eye.

When Hoult drew back Crimson Fire, the entire surface of the metal pillar was now in a state akin to lava. One-third of the pillar had also been completely dissolved and was slowly recovering. However, compared to before, its recovery speed was more than a hundred times slower than before.

Hssss!

Looking at this scene, everyone present drew in a mouthful of cold air. Such damage prowess was even more terrifying than the one Shadow Death God Anderson had previously demonstrated.

It was hard to imagine what kind of person could stay alive in the Crimson Fire's stomach. If Hoult had sufficient time to unleash a few more attacks, he would probably be able to melt the whole metal pillar.

However, after unleashing this attack, the Crimson Fire also turned back to the normal flames it had first started out as. Clearly, to perform this move each time, a large amount of energy first had to be accumulated.

The requirement to accumulate such a tremendous amount of energy reduced the practicality of using this move in actual combat. However, it was very reasonable to be used in the Slashing the Heavenly Pillar stage. It was because what they were competing in was pure damage prowess.

And although Hoult's Fire Dragon Slash required energy accumulation, its damage prowess was astonishing.

Seeing this, Governor Devitt sighed and said, "The Crimson Fire… It's been awhile since I last saw it."

Hoult smiled and said, "Teacher also said that he misses you."

"Haha, that old man won't miss me at all. I'm the one who stole his girlfriend and made her my wife."

Hathaway frowned coldly and scolded in her heart, "This old man!"

Devitt then continued, "Although this in an ingenious move using accumulated energies, it is too dependent on the advantage of your weapon. I can only give you 55 points."

"I thank the lord for your guidance."

The white-haired Commissioner of Education, Luke, grinned, and with trembling lips he spoke out in a frail voice, "As expected of one under the Astral Ancestor. Just looking at the Crimson Fire and your cultivation level, this year's Regional Champion should be you. I give you 60 points."

When Devitt heard this, he frowned. Luke was obviously licking the Divine level expert's boots without any shame.

Capable looking Yaris, who was the youngest amongst them all, said, "It's really powerful. The final high temperature should be able to melt a Superior Divine Weapon. Just based on this alone, your future accomplishments will be no lower than your master's. I'll give you 58 points."

Armstrong was the last to speak. As he spoke, the scars on his face started twisting around like centipedes. "A magnificent attack with a powerful attack prowess. However, the movements required to accumulate energy are too much of a hindrance. It's not practical for combat use. I'll give 54 points."

With that, Hoult's attack got him 56.75 points, a whole 8.75 points more than Anderson.

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Chapter 211 Slashing the Heavenly Pillar (Part III)

Kirst's City Lord was also astonished by this attack. He then looked at Hoult's Crimson Fire with great envy.

"So this is a top-grade level 29 Superior Divine Weapon… It's really powerful, too powerful. Considering this longsword together with that attack which accumulates energy, just in terms of the damaging prowess alone, Hoult is undoubtedly the best among all the examinees."

Most Knights in the training grounds who had seen this had all stepped back at least fifty meters away from the metal pillar, unable to take the high temperature.

Rota exhaled slowly, "He is strong, really strong. The prowess of this attack has probably exceeded the limits of a first transition Knight. This is not an attack that someone at Knight level can perform."

Hamil also lamented, "Seems like Hoult will have the top position in the first stage. As expected of the third generation disciple of a Divine level expert. So this is the difference between us and someone from a powerful background."

Anderson's face turned green, as if he had not expected Hoult to perform such a powerful attack. This attack was neither fast nor ingenious, and the practitioner even had to store up power to successfully unleash it.

It was an attack which pursued only damage prowess. In this area, there was nothing more others could say about it.

From there onward, other students taking their turns as the competition continued, including Rota, Hamil, and Manny. However, no one else could reach the level Hoult and Anderson had.

When it came to David's turn, he went up wearing a pair of golden-colored gloves. When he clenched his fist, streams of electricity started to encircle his fists.

Governor Devitt's brows twitched slightly, 'Thundergod Gloves?'

This set of gloves was clearly one with a bit of a reputation for itself, as it was the heirloom of Mongul City's City Lord. To think that this time around he had given them to David to use them in the Regional Selection!

This pair of gloves was a level 25 Superior Divine Weapon, and it encompassed one's fists with layers of electricity which could both numb and scorch one's enemies with the high temperatures. In a short instant it could release temperatures even as high as ten thousand degrees.

It was a pity that the temperature could not be sustained for long. Although the short outbursts of temperature were high, their damaging prowess was far from a match for the Crimson Fire longsword.

Many of the spectators had also recognized this equipment and had started mumbling between themselves.

David was wearing a proud smile as he took his stance to perform One Man Army. Controlling the air pressure and using the Thundergod Gloves, he wanted to create a high-temperature lightning attack to melt the metal pillar.

However, just before he punched out, a commotion broke out.

"Why is he not wearing his underwear?" Ferdinand shouted. "It isn't yellow today?"

Many people broke out in laughter. David tensed up for a moment and could not help but reach with one hand for his belt, while the other fist missed its aim. In that moment, the thunder punch's attack was greatly reduced, and it only made a five-inch dent on the metal pillar's surface.

Devitt shook his head, "You're unable to calm down, 11 points."

The other examiners were also a bit disappointed by David's performance, and eventually gave him 10.5 points.

They were testing candidates who would eventually become Conferred Knights, and who had to be equipped with top-notch attributes in all areas, including their endurance toward external interferences. A person who had a slip-up from other peoples' ridicule would not get the examiners to stop the spectators' laughs, but rather, the examiners will just feel that the candidate was too weak psychologically, and was not cut out for great things.

In the battles between experts, each minute and second was of extreme importance. During a battle, how much turmoil would distractions bring them? To Devitt, a person who could not even focus was too disappointing.

Hearing this, David lowered his head, embarrassed. However, it also made him hate Fang Xingjian and Ferdinand even more as he swore to kill them. He glared at Ferdinand, only to receive a contemptuous look.

Finally, it was the last examinee's turn. Fang Xingjian stepped forth. Being late, he was the last one to enter the competition, and had thus been given the last number.

He stepped forth, but no one felt that Fang Xingjian would be able to make greater damage than Hoult. The people in the stands were still dwelling on Hoult's previous Fire Dragon Slash.

"It's Fang Xingjian's turn. He has a rare first transition job as well as Heaven's Perception."

"Those are not going to be of any use either. Neither Windstorm Sword Hero nor Heaven's Perception are cut out for attacks. There's no way for his damaging prowess to exceed Anderson's and Hout's."

The aristocrats in the stands and the participants in the training grounds were all people who knew their stuff. Previously, they had all gotten an understanding of the traits of Windstorm Sword Hero and Heaven's Perception, so they did not think that Fang Xingjian was able to get a high score.

Especially since Wei Leng, who also had Heaven's Perception, had only scored 12 points. How much higher could Fang Xingjian possibly score?

However, Fang Xingjian was unaffected by all these. He had to pass the Regional Selection and eventually go through the second transition to become a Conferred Knight. When that time came, he would become middle management level in the Empire, and there would be no one who would be able to easily harm him. Everyone would be busy trying to rope him in to join their side.

There were only five thousand Conferred Knights in the entire Empire, and slightly over two hundred in the Great Western Region. Across the eight regions, there were about two thousand Conferred Knights, and the remaining three thousand all belonged to the Empire's upper echelon.

What did this mean? It could be said that the entire Empire was governed by these approximately five thousand people. They either led cities, like Kirst's City Lord and Mongul's City Lord, managed Prefectural Academies like Headmaster Jackson, or lead armies.

Even if they were not leaders in a specific area, they tended to be important characters of major departments in political centers such as the Great Western City and the Imperial Capital.

Therefore, Fang Xingjian had less concerns now. What he needed to do was to display his talent to the best of his abilities, be more highly regarded, get more resources, build more relationships, all these in order to cultivate even faster.

Therefore, he was not planning to hold back too much. He opened his palm and the Effulgence Weapon took shape. The High Frequency Effulgence Weapon, Silver Fox, appeared in his hands, akin to starry clouds and heavy fog. He then also drew out the level 20 Superior Divine Weapon, the Styx, which was attached at his waist.

The Silver Fox was placed above the Styx, and both the Effulgence Weapon and Divine Weapon gradually merged into one. It looked as if the Styx was covered in a layer of light and fog, and was consecutively trembling at a rate of one thousand five hundred times per second.

Holding the Styx in his hand, Fang Xingjian's other hand reached out to the metal pillar right in front of him, which had long recovered its original state. Fang Xingjian placed his palm on the cold metal pillar, activating his Heaven's Perception at full power, trying to perceive every tiny bit of information he could get.

Color, shape, weight, temperature, density… The shape of the metal pillar was slowly taking shape in Fang Xingjian's consciousness.

Various pieces of information, both internal and external, gradually revealed themselves to Fang Xingjian. At the same time, his Unparalleled Sword Intent was activated, frantically searching for the metal pillar's weakness.

Hints of light spots were appearing on the image in Fang Xingjian's mind, but the metal pillar's material was simply too strong. Fang Xingjian's sword arts cultivation was not sufficient to allow him to easily slash through it, and thus he could only see some blurred spots representing its possible weak points. There was a total of one hundred and eighty-eight of them.

And he was only allowed one move in the stage of Slashing the Heavenly Pillar.

This meant that he would need to slash out one hundred and eighty-eight times within a single move.

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Chapter 212 Slashing the Heavenly Pillar (Part IV)

The next moment, within ten meters of Fang Xingjian, formless sharp auras started accumulating. Streams of Ether Sword Ripples appeared behind him, making him look like a Thousand-hand Guan Yin, or like a peacock with its feathers spread out.

It was something ordinary people could not see. Only Fang Xingjian or the Conferred Knights who had Heaven's Perception could perceive it.

The four examiners clearly sensed the existence of the Ether Sword Ripples, and astonishment filled their eyes.

Especially when, in the next moment, the Ether Sword Ripples on the left side behind Fang Xingjian turned scorching hot, while those on the right side turned extremely cold. This was the new special effect he had gained after going through skill synthesis, allowing the Ether Sword Ripples to change their frequencies and either heat up or cool down.

Streams after streams… A total of four hundred streams of Ether Sword Ripples appeared behind Fang Xingjian, like many shapeless sharp swords. Two hundred of them were heated to over five hundred degrees, while the other two hundred had been cooled down to minus thirty degrees.

With Fang Xingjian's current stamina, he could only unleash five hundred and fifty streams of Ether Sword Ripples. He had now unleashed over 80% of his power in an instant.

Governor Devitt's eyes were filled with astonishment. 'What kind of attack is this? Did Windstorm Sword Heroes have such a skill? This skill is… too terrifying… It has far surpassed the level of people in the first transition.

'Hoult relies on the advantage of his Divine Weapon, but to think that Fang Xingjian is relying on his own powers!'

Effulgence Weapon, Divine Weapon, Unparalleled Sword Intent, and then four hundred streams of Ether Sword Ripples. Fang Xingjian was slowly revealing his abilities, his Ether Sword Ripples. Each was 2.5 times his strength, and were ten times faster than supersonic speed.

Almost at the same time when Fang Xingjian was doing all these, Governor Devitt shook the air furiously with a shout, "Everyone, be careful! Those below Knight-level… No… Those below Conferred-Knight-level all retreat at least a hundred meters away!"

Seeing how everyone was still in a daze, Devitt had not choice but to bellow again, "Quick!"

The spectators from the first row started to retreat. Although the other examinees could not sense the Ether Sword Ripples, nor did they understand what was going on, they also retreated.

Halfway through, Fang Xingjian suddenly moved.

Boundaries Negation!

His Silver Fox Styx was like a lightning cutting across the sky at an extremely fast speed. In the liquid-like air, his clothes were trembling frantically, and his body seemed to have expanded. After a series of sparks blew from the friction with the air, the longsword in Fang Xingjian's hand created one hundred and eighty-eight sword shadows in an instant.

With a low chi sound, as if a scorching metal rod had been pierced into a human body, the Silver Fox Styx in Fang Xingjian's hand, accompanied by a layer of fog-like shine, pierced half a meter into the metal pillar.

No one could see when Fang Xingjian had attacked with his sword. They could only witness the final result. When they saw that the longsword had entered half a meter into the metal pillar, they were all astonished. Other than Hoult and Anderson, this was the best result so far.

However, it seemed like this was the limit?

Everyone felt that although the damaging prowess was not bad, there did not seem to be a need for the Governor to shout the previous warning.

Everyone's thoughts were churning very quickly. But a thousandth second after they had started, Fang Xingjian's one hundred and eighty-eight swords tapped on the metal pillar and the four hundred streams of Ether Sword Ripples displayed their true prowess.

The one hundred and eighty-eight swords pierced into the metal pillar's weaknesses, after which Fang Xingjian followed through with one final sword attack to create a greatly resonant explosion from the inside of the pillar.

The four hundred streams of Ether Sword Ripples, enhanced by his level 5 mental cultivation method, were all at 2.5 times that of his strength. At that moment, it was as if Fang Xingjian had attacked with one thousand times' worth of his damaging prowess.

How terrifying was this? Basically, Fang Xingjian had first weakened the metal pillar with one hundred and eighty-eight swords, after which he made an implosion to create resonance within it, and then layered one thousand slashes with both cold and hot attributes on the metal pillar. The pillar had started to expand and contract, ending up damaged.

What a terrifying condensation of his force! What a terrifying impact of energy!

It was as if he had smashed through the atmosphere and broken through the earth.

The same moment Fang Xingjian's longsword pierced into the metal pillar, he drew it out and left, retreating fanatically.

Even he himself did not dare to face this explosive force.

In the next moment, the loud booms and the extremely fierce compressed force made it seem as if there were a few hundred explosions going off at the same time. More than ten blocks of buildings collapsed as smoke and dust soared, while visible air currents started dispersing in all directions.

All the Knights had been forced to unleash their Reduced Force Fields in order to fend off the explosive impact as they looked at the scene with eyes wide-open and mouth agape.

It was not until all the dust had cleared up, blown away by gusts of wind, that the metal pillar's location was revealed. Actually, the metal pillar was no longer there. Other than a crater in the ground which looked like the spot of a meteor's landing, there was nothing there. Or rather, there was nothing but small pieces of the pillar, all over the floor.

When he saw this scene, Anderson's jaw dropped. He felt that there was only one word to describe his current feeling now.

'F*ck!'

Anderson was not the only one who had been stunned by Fang Xingjian's attack. Everyone else was as well.

This was also the first time after Fang Xingjian had learned the Ether Sword Ripples that he had ever demonstrated its amazing powers before other people.

And this force, when compared to that of experts in the first transition, was overwhelmingly powerful.

Kirst's City Lord blinked as he look at the ground filled with scraps of the shattered pillar, slowly exhaling. All he could think of was if he were to forcefully receive this blow, how severe would his injuries be?

Governor Devitt also had his eyes wide-open, slightly surprised by Fang Xingjian's performance.

If he were to receive that attack from the front, naturally, he would be able to handle it. However, if it was a sneak attack, even he would suffer internal injuries. And this despite the fact that he was an expert at the pinnacle of second transition, at level 29.

Of course, all Conferred Knights had attained Heaven's Perception and could see everything within a ten meter radius. Thus, it was generally unlikely for them to be caught unaware by a sneak attack.

He smiled and shook his head. This Fang Xingjian had given him far too many surprises and he could not help but smile. The more he looked at Fang Xingjian, the more he took a liking to him.

'If we were to carefully nurture this Fang Xingjian, he'll have a high chance in clinching the title of National Champion in the National Selection, becoming a champion for three times in a row.

'Haha, a champion for three times in a row… There had only been one ever since the founding of the Empire.

'There's also Anderson, Hoult and Wei Leng… There's quite a lot of talents in this year's Regional Selection.'

Thinking this, Governor Devitt's smile became even more amiable as he looked at Fang Xingjian as if he were a treasure.

He calmly said, "To tell the truth, Fang Xingjian, you have astonished me yet again. Haha, you're able to surprise me each time we meet. But this time around, the surprise was by far the greatest!

"Regarding your attack, I can only say, 'perfect'. If I were to give a score, I can only give 100 points."

The other three examiners had also recovered from the shock as they looked at Devitt in surprise. However, after giving it some thought and glancing at the metal pillar which was like a puddle of mud, slowly regenerating, they all immediately felt that he was well deserving of this score.

The aged Commissioner of Education said, "Fang Xingjian, your talent is unrivaled. Having such accomplishments at such a young age, in a few years' time, the Empire's top ten Divine level experts will become the top eleven. However, your attack was like a double-edged sword. It has a great backlash impact, and it is thus still flawed. I'll give you 95 points."

Yaris smiled as he looked at Fang Xingjian and said, "In the future, you'll definitely be a sword arts grandmaster of your generation. I think very highly of you. I'll give you 100 points as well." He then joked, "In the future, do take my son as your disciple."

Armstrong stayed silent for a moment before saying coldly, "In terms of your damaging prowess, you're the top amongst all these five hundred and twelve examinees. It's indisputable. It doesn't matter what score I give, so I'll just give 100 points.

"Your stage should be on the National Selection. I'll look forward to your future performance."

Therefore, Fang Xingjian received a score of 98.75 points, fully deserving of the first place.

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Chapter 213 Rest

At first, both the people in the training grounds and those in the stands were all astonished by the earth-shattering impact caused by Fang Xingjian's attack. Each of them were considering how, had they been on the receiving end of that move, they probably would have died.

Following that, hearing the examiners' comments for Fang Xingjian, it was as if waves of explosions were continuously shaking them up.

Perfect! Would definitely become Divine level! Future grandmaster of sword arts! Looking forward to his performance in the National Selection!

They all sounded exaggerated, but only such praises without any hints of smooth talking could match up to Fang Xingjian's performance. Because such was the damaging prowess Fang Xingjian had instantaneously unleashed with more than a thousand swords.

Lilia waved her fist excitedly and said, "Teacher is really too cool!"

Kirst's City Lord sighed. Looking at the gleaming green eyes of the young aristocratic ladies around, he thought, 'Lili, with his, you'll have even more competitors now.' However, when he looked at Fang Xingjian, his gaze seemed to turn more and more into that of a mother-in-law who was looking at her future son-in-law. He felt more and more that Fang Xingjian was a good candidate.

Ferdinand exhaled and said, "This is really satisfying! To think that Xingjian still has this hidden up his sleeves. City Lord, if you were to be hit with this, would you be able to handle it?"

Kirst's Conferred Knight snorted disdainfully, replying, "Of course I can. But its prowess is sufficient to deal with some of the freshly transitioned Conferred Knights."

On the other end, Anderson was looking at Fang Xingjian in disbelief, shouting out crazily in his heart.

He could accept Hoult surpassing him, since Hoult had received the legacy of a Divine level expert, and since he also had a level 29 Superior Divine Weapon.

However, to think that Fang Xingjian suddenly jumped out and threw him far behind! Anderson, who was used to always being in the first place, felt emotionally unbalanced.

Ever since being old enough to know better, he had never once lost to anyone of his age. After he had transitioned into a Shadow Death God, he had not lost to any Knight. And for the past year he had been able to defeat any first transition opponent with a single move.

All of these had given him reasons to feel proud of himself. He had felt that no Knight would be able to face even a single attack from him. And even if there were any who could, they would already be considered as having earned the right to keep their lives.

However, to think that Fang Xingjian had won him overwhelmingly in terms of both damaging and explosive powers, the two areas he was the most proud of…

To Anderson, someone who had gotten used to the feeling of winning since young, and who was always the one to suppress others, this was too infuriating.

He only felt that everyone's praises for Fang Xingjian were mocking words targeting him. The four examiners' praises made him feel even worse.

'Hmph, just you wait. It's not as if the one with the strongest damaging prowess is the best.' Anderson snorted and thought to himself, 'See how I'll deal with you during the arena battle.

'One-on-one fighting is what my Shadow Death God excels in.'

Hoult, on the other hand, showed an unfathomable smile as he looked at Fang Xingjian and thought to himself, 'To think that I've come across such an interesting character this time around.

'It's a pity, a pity that he rejected the Holy Orison's invitation. Otherwise, he would have also had a chance to join our ranks.'

Even Wei Leng, who always looked as if nothing else in the world mattered to him, was looking at the scene before him in astonishment.

Let alone Rota, Hamil, Ralph, Manny and the others.

David clenched his fists tightly. Each comment given by the examiners made him feel horrible. He looked at the two Knights behind him, who were wearing strange expressions, showing signs of faltering, and then said coldly, "I'll add another one thousand gold for each of you and send all of you safely to the Sand Country in the west. Moreover, I'm not asking the two of you to flout the rules, nor to kill anyone. What are you so scared about?

"And don't forget, your families are in our hands."

Hearing his words, the two Knights exchanged a glance, then nodded helplessly.

David looked at Fang Xingjian coldly and thought viciously, 'You can stay arrogant for now, but you not for long. I'll get you well and truly eliminated when tomorrow comes.'

He then turned to look at Kirst's City Lord and Lilia who were on the stands, more hatred growing in his heart, 'Just you guys wait, you'll regret this, all of you. No one can remain unscathed after offending me.'

With that, the first stage ended with Fang Xingjian in the first position, Hoult in second, and Anderson in third. Only those in the top one hundred remained. They would stay in the Regional Academy for a day, and move on to the second stage tomorrow.

The remaining four hundred and twelve people were all eliminated, overcome by grief.

Some people dropped to their knees, falling on the floor with a thump. Others broke down in tears as they pleaded with the examiners.

There were also people who broke into laughter, taking a whole bag of money with the intention to flaunt it all through the night.

And people who quietly disappeared into the crowd.

Examinee number one walked up to his children in disappointment, touched their heads and said, "I'm sorry. To think that daddy couldn't even make it past the first stage. I'm really getting increasingly useless with age."

"That's not true, daddy." The young lady hugged the middle-aged man in tears and said, "In our eyes, you're the strongest!"

The young man said, "Father, don't worry. I'll participate next time around. I'll definitely make it past the Regional Selection."

The middle-aged man smiled and said, "Alright, alright, alright. Let's go back to the inn. Your mother must be getting anxious."

Four hundred and twelve people left dejectedly as the remaining one hundred people excitedly entered the building that the academy had prepared for them.

There was a total of three storeys in the building, with the accommodations on the second and third storeys. There was a total of fifty rooms, and two people would be sharing each room.

The first level was the bathroom and dining hall. Three meals would be provided each day.

Manny, Rota and the others all followed behind Fang Xingjian. Manny smiled and poked Fang Xingjian's chest, asking, "Dude, how did you do that? Don't tell me that you've started skill syntheses when your Heaven's Perception is only at a 10% ether synchronization rate?"

Fang Xingjian had long prepared his reply for such questions and said, "I did try a bit, got lucky and succeeded in a few."

Hearing Fang Xingjian's words, Manny and the others were all stunned. If they were in his shoes, with a mere 10% success rate, they would find it impossible to risk using the skills they had been cultivating for many years to go through skill syntheses.

Manny stuck up his thumb at Fang Xingjian and replied, "You're good."

When they reached the dormitory's entrance, Manny said, "Let's go and get some food. This is the Regional Academy's dining hall. Each of their dishes is made from ferocious beasts."

Hearing about food, Fang Xingjian's eyes lit up. His interest was piqued and he nodded, saying, "Then we'll have to taste them carefully."

Rota looked at Fang Xingjian, feeling weird. She could not see him as one who would have a desire for delicacies. She had always seen Fang Xingjian as a cultivating rock. She felt that in his life, there was nothing else but cultivating and killing for him.

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Chapter 214 Eating, Drinking and Discovery

The dining hall, that was prepared for the Knights participating in the Regional Selection. was naturally different from ordinary dining rooms or canteens catered for university students.

It was more like a hotel setting, with tables for four placed around. Once someone took a seat, a maid would come over to take their order.

Manny picked up the menu and was about to order when Fang Xingjian said imposingly, "Bring us two of each dish."

When he sensed Manny's awkward gaze, Fang Xingjian said, "We're all Knights. So, why do we need to stand on ceremony?"

He was right. Knights depleted a tremendous amount of energy and the food they required far surpassed that of ordinary people. It was just like how when Fang Xingjian had been back at Kirst Academy; he would have ferocious beasts for every meal, and he would take five meals a day.

However, at the mention of the food in Miracle World, Fang Xingjian had always found it weird that, other than some heavenly and earthly treasures and ferocious beasts, many of the animals and plants were all very similar to those on Earth. For example, potato, vegetables, pineapple, black fungus, or pigs, cows, sheeps and horses… All these were basically the same as those on Earth.

As they were two different worlds, it was unlikely for them to be so similar. This was something Fang Xingjian had never managed to figure out.

After all, these were not things that Fang Xingjian was concerned about. The evolution of biological creatures was something that scientists should be studying, not him. Not long later, his attention was attracted by the delicacies served by the Regional Academy.

After performing that move earlier to unleash four hundred streams of Ether Sword Ripples, much of his physical strength had been depleted and he was famished.

The first dish was roasted wild ferocious chicken. The chicken meat was so tender that it melted in one's mouth. Its crispy skin had the taste of various spices and the fragrance from being grilled over charcoal. Fang Xingjian finished it in almost a few bits, while Manny had also snatched away two drumsticks.

Not only was it delicious, but since the ingredient was a wild ferocious chicken, Fang Xingjian could feel the strong vital energy and blood that it contained, and they started to explode out in the form of warm currents toward his limbs from his stomach.

The next dish was a vegetable dish called Pineapple Salad. Potatoes were first steamed, mashed, then combined together with a sauce made from a combination of twelve medical herbs, before finally being shaped like a pineapple. Not only did it look good, but it tasted refreshing as well. The sauce had a taste similar to that of cream soup with a very rich taste.

The most nutritious part was naturally the sauce made from the twelve medicinal herbs. Each of the twelve was a heavenly and earthly treasure which had various strengthening effects on the body. After eating it, Fang Xingjian could almost feel that his reaction, flexibility, and stamina had all risen slightly. Of course, there was no change to his attributes; it was just a feeling.

Dishes and dishes of delicacies were served up endlessly, but they were wiped out by Fang Xingjian, Manny and Rota at an even greater speed. There were all first transition level 19 Knights and they could finish whatever food that was served within a few big bites They could also actuate their organs easily to digest most of the food within an instant. Their stomachs were like large millstones and had digestive abilities that far surpassed that of ordinary people.

Especially after having having depleted so much physical strength that day and because the dishes in the Regional Academy far surpassed anything they had eaten before in terms of their taste, nutritional value and presentation, their appetites were piqued greatly.

However, as they ate, Rota suddenly went into a daze and stopped eating as she stared at Fang Xingjian.

Seeing her behavior, Manny also looked at Fang Xingjian.

Fang Xingjian frowned and asked, "What's wrong?"

Rota's lips curled up and said, "It's nothing. It's just that after knowing you for so long, this is the first time I've seen you smile."

"Smile?" Fang Xingjian touched his lips unconsciously. He had suddenly showed some signs of a faint smile while he was eating.

Fang Xingjian took a few more bites. When Manny and Rota saw that he was suddenly in a daze, they could not help but ask, "What's the matter?"

"It's nothing." Fang Xingjian suddenly stood up and headed out. "I'm done. You guys can carry on."

The two of them looked at Fang Xingjian with a strange look, not understanding what had just happened.

However, Rota smiled slightly and thought to herself, 'This guy looks quite cute when he smiles. Why does he always have to appear like a dead man?'

Compared to the two of them, Fang Xingjian felt even more complicated in regards to his smile.

How long had it been since he last felt happiness and bliss? The purple flames had took away his kinship, love and friendship, so he should not have any feelings for any other people. However…

'Humans have many emotions like those mentioned in the seven deadly sins, which are pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, gluttony and lust.

'If my kinship, love and friendship have all been taken away from me, but pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, gluttony and lust still remain…

'Then could it be that I can still feel gluttony?'

Fang Xingjian thought back carefully about the things that had happened in the past one and a half years. He had noticed increasingly that each time he ate something good, his feelings did turn for the better by a little bit. Moreover, it was true that he was placing more and more emphasis on his food.

At first, he thought that this was just a habit left behind from having great meals and delicacies every day. However, thinking about it now, he felt increasingly that there was more to it than that.

'I've truly developed an increased liking to good food… Moreover, good food can let me feel a hint of… happiness?'

Fang Xingjian then thought, if he could still feel gluttony, then what about lust?

However, having stayed in Miracle World for one and a half years, he had not felt anything for any females.

'That's not right. I have no feelings in terms of love, but if it's actual lust…'

Pure lust naturally did not take into consideration of one's feelings. It was just a straightforward act.

Lilia's and Rota's images suddenly appeared in Fang Xingjian's mind. He shook his head furiously and dismissed those distracting thoughts as he headed for his room. Then he started cultivating while seated on his bed.

Cultivating had long since become a part of his life.

A cloud of silver-colored fog exuding a faint white light was circulating around Fang Xingjian's hands. With each tremor, Fang Xingjian's cultivation in the Ether Divine Art would increase slightly.

Deep in the night in another room, Shadow Death God Anderson's hands were pressed down onto the ground as all surfaces, including the ground, walls and furnitures, were covered up by a layer of shadow. These shadows continued to jump around endlessly, looking as if they all breathed and had heartbeats of their own.

Geniuses were not created from mere talk. Since three years ago, Anderson no longer slept and cultivation had become his instinct.

In a corner of the room, a female Knight was looking at this terrifying scene with a gloomy face. She wanted to scream but did not dare to do so. This female Knight was Anderson's room mate.

As if finding the female Knight a bother, Anderson opened his eyes, glared at her and said. "Go sleep in the corridors. Don't be bothering me here."

The female Knight left quickly as though her life had been spared.

In another room, Hoult got up gradually from his bed, then casually took a white bedsheet to wrap his naked body.

Looking at the other two soft and tender bodies on the bed, he smiled slightly. He then walked toward the windows and looked to the moon.

"The weather tomorrow should be good."

The night passed by. Not many Knights were truly able to sleep on this night. Most of them were either doing their final cultivating efforts, nurturing their mental spirits, or were too excited and nervous.

However, the night still passed by eventually. Everyone welcome the second stage in the Regional Selection, 'Contention for the Top Tier'.

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Chapter 215 Contention for the Top Tier (Part I)

One hundred examinees arrived before the humongous maze which ran about one kilometer both in length and width and had a height of three meters. Everyone who saw this maze for the first time felt like they were looking at a miracle.

This was clearly not something that could be accomplished by the architecture technology of this era. It must have been created by some powerful character with their own powers.

As expected, Governor Devitt said, "This maze is known as the Discombobulate Maze and was made by the Great Western Region Regional Academy's very first Headmaster, the Divine level expert, Melancholic Monarch. It is an enclosed area he created with his own hands, and it has remained intact even after two hundred years have passed. We have now put in various powerful, ferocious beasts ranging from level 1 to level 21. Of course, there's only one level 21 ferocious beast, but you must still be careful."

Hearing the Governor's words, everyone looked toward the tremendous maze in amazement, sighing over the powers of a Divine level expert. How strong had the Melancholic Monarch been back in the day?

Thereafter, under Governor Devitt's commands, everyone looked in the direction of a stone tablet right next to the entrance. It was carved with the maze's map, and there were one hundred red dots on it.

Governor Devitt said, "There's a total of one hundred points in the maze. Each one of you will take one spot and will not be allowed to move beyond ten meters from the allocated spot.

"After you've all arrived at the designated spots, beast luring incense will be unleashed in all the spots. The sleeping ferocious beasts will gradually wake up and start to attack you.

"Those who manage to stay on as part of the last fifty examinees will win the right to enter the third stage. However, you're not allowed to take a passive approach. Those who are not able to kill any ferocious beasts within each ten minutes interval will be disqualified immediately.

"Examinees are not allowed to attack each other. Of course, if you have any other ways to cause trouble for other examinees and have them eliminated earlier, please feel free to use them.

"It's because aside from testing your survival abilities, this is also a test of how you will compete and go against each other."

Upon hearing about the beast luring incense, most of the Knights present appeared perplexed, not knowing what it was.

Only Knights who had participated in hunts, following ordinary soldiers in order to hunt down ferocious beasts in the mountains, on the plains and in the forests, would have heard of beast luring incense before.

This was something that had originated from the Sand Country, and it was said that just a single drop of it would lure in ferocious beasts which were within a three hundred meter radius. As Sand Country had scarce resources, they had developed this specifically for hunting. However, as the ingredients were too precious and the amount was too little, ordinary people did not know of its existence at all.

To begin with, beast luring incense was hard to come by, and to top it off, all the Knights present were all geniuses. What were geniuses? They were people who could focus on cultivating without a care for trifle issues. Their ferocious beasts had all been purchased. How could they possibly have followed soldiers and commoners to hunt their own ferocious beasts? That was all the more the reason why they would not have heard about beast luring incense.

Even if they had taken part in actual combat every year, they would have been mostly punitive expeditions going after bandits or riotous ferocious beasts, or taking part in wars like the one with Garcia. It was not possible for them to be spending so much time to go on hunts, since what was most important in hunting was not the battle but the tremendous time spent on waiting.

David broke out into a confident expression, clearly aware of what this thing was.

Governor Devitt continued speaking, "Now, all of you will be put through a body search. You're forbidden to carry poison, beast luring incense, fuel, kerosene…"

Governor Devitt listed a bunch of items and finally said, "It is forbidden to bring in the abovementioned items. Although we say that you can compete and cause trouble for each other, using these items is of no relevance to your abilities and intellect. It's just reliance on foreign items. You're better off handing them up yourselves."

Devitt pointed to an empty land and said, "Otherwise, if I were to find any later, you'll be disqualified straightaway."

Many people present revealed disappointed expressions. They had in fact brought along kerosene, poison and things like that in hopes of protecting themselves, fending off the monsters, or luring the ferocious beasts elsewhere. Afterall, using fire and poison was much faster and safer than attacking and trying to kill the ferocious beasts themselves.

However, using such means was not an indication of their intellect nor their abilities but just on their reliance on external objects. Thus, they were forbidden by Governor Devitt to use them.

There were people who had known about the existence of beast luring incense. They had wanted to put the incense in someone else's spot to increase the level of the monsters attracted there and thereby, reducing the pressure on themselves. These people also had disappointment reflected on their faces.

In a short period of five minutes, many people walked out, piling up the empty land with items. No one would hope to be lucky in the presence of a Conferred Knight's Heaven's Perception.

After the checks were over, Devitt pointed to the one hundred dots on the stone tablet and said, "We'll now let you choose your designated spots based on your rankings in the first stage. Fang Xingjian, you're first, so we'll start off with you."

Hearing that, Fang Xingjian walked up while contemplating his understanding of this stage.

In this stage, the most important thing was how long one could hold on for, but at the same time, they were not allowed to take a passive approach. It was because if they did not kill any ferocious beasts within every ten minutes, they would be disqualified.

However, they could not just kill blindly, since there were even ferocious beasts up to the level of 21. Although they would not be as strong as Conferred Knights, they had far surpassed the abilities of first transition Knights.

Therefore, in this stage, one needed to have strong combat abilities, but at the same time, one also needed to be in control over the competition's rhythm. They should not create too big an impact and attract the level 20 or level 21 ferocious beasts. Or maybe, they would require a strong concealing or defensive ability to fend off level 20 or even level 21 ferocious beasts.

At the same time, you would also need to guard against traps set up by others and the special abilities or tricks they might use against you.

Basically, this was test of combat ability, endurance, and intellect. However, this was only for ordinary people.

Fang Xingjian was naturally different from ordinary people. What he needed to do in the Regional Selection was win over everyone with overwhelming power and talent. Thus, he would then naturally be awarded the title of Regional Champion and become the student that receives the full nurture of the Regional Academy. In a year's time, he would then become a second transition level 29 Conferred Knight and participate in the following year's National Selection.

Therefore, he did not choose the corners which would allow the him to defend himself easily. Instead, he pointed to the red dot in the center of the maze and said, "I'll take this spot."

Everyone were astonished. Devitt smiled and nodded, then said, "Haha, I'm looking forward to your performance even more now."

Anderson, on the other hand, let out a tsk and mumbled, "Snatched the place I wanted to take." Anderson felt that Fang Xingjian had once again snatched his limelight.

Hoult went next and he chose a corner spot carefully.

Then came Anderson's turn. He pointed at a spot next to Fang Xingjian and said, "I'll take this." After saying that, he twitched his elegant-looking nose and threw a glance at Fang Xingjian.

Wei Leng chose a corner position as well.

Just like that, everyone took their turns to choose their spots. Rota chose a northwest position while Manny was in the northeast.

David was also located in the northwest. The two Knights behind him, to everyone's surprise, chose the two spots right next to Fang Xingjian.

The more central the position was in the maze, the easier it was to be under attack from all directions. Therefore, other than Fang Xingjian and Anderson, no one else chose the positions in the center. They had all chosen the spots closer to the boundaries, or if those spots were all taken, they would all move inward slowly.

However, those two Knights had both chosen a central position without any hesitation.

David smiled coldly to himself as he looked at Fang Xingjian, 'Fang Xingjian, just you wait. I have a great surprise waiting for you.'

After everyone had made their selection, Governor Devitt said calmly, "Then let's go."

In the next moment, Governor Devitt's fist clenched tightly and a huge ice pillar rose from below everyone's feet. The moisture in the air froze upwards continuously, transforming into an ice dragon which crossed the skies and moved everyone right above the maze.

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Chapter 216 Contention for the Top Tier (Part II)

As the ice dragon was moving across the skies, several Knights were looking nervously at the tremendous maze under their feet.

Governor Devitt's voice rang out, "Haha, there's no need to be nervous. Don't move recklessly, I'll send all of you to your designated spots. If you recklessly move about, don't blame me if you fall to your death."

Everyone instantly froze up, as if they were really scared that if they were to recklessly move about, the Governor might make a blunder.

In the next moment, with a slight movement of Governor Devitt's finger, the ice dragon disintegrated. Each of the examinees was supported by a piece of ice beneath their feet, and was sent toward their respective spot out of the one hundred in the maze.

The Knights who saw this scene were all once again astonished by the powers of a Conferred Knight. Regardless of whether it was the ice dragon which had cut across sky or the technique he had demonstrated when he was sending all one hundred Knights to their designated spots, both had displayed Governor Devitt's terrifying strength.

Fang Xingjian also landed softly in the central spot of the maze, together with the block of ice. He then discovered that, with a dot as the center, a blood-red colored circle was drawn around the ten-meter radius.

From now on, in the competition, he needed to persevere within this circle, all the way to the end.

Just then, another booming sound rang out. In the east of the maze, a stone platform rose up from the ground to a height of over a hundred meters, as if it were an elevator. It had now become an elevated platform.

This was the work of the Deputy Governor Armstrong. All the spectators were located on the stone platform, looking down at the scene of the competition with great excitement.

Kirst's City Lord was together with Lilia, Ferdinand, Anthony and Robert. Kirst's City Lord said, "This stage tests the examinees' ability to handle attacks head-on, as well as their survival abilities. It's extremely advantageous for the Windstorm Sword Hero."

Lilia nodded as she nervously looked at the maze, just like the others. Suddenly, shouted loudly, saying, "Look! Why is Teacher right in the middle of the maze?"

Kirst's City Lord frowned, "Fang Xingjian was in first place in the previous stage. By right, he should have been the first person to choose his position. Does this mean that he has chosen this spot of his own accord?"

At the same time, the other spectators on the platform had also noticed that both Fang Xingjian and Anderson had chosen a post in the center of the maze, exclaiming loudly in their surprise. They had not expected for the two who had been ranked so highly in the previous stage to be taking such huge risks when there was a level 21 ferocious beast in the maze.

On a corner of the platform, Tresia Clan's Xiu Yi and Zhou Yong had both arrived too. Xiu Yi had once thought of using the Ring of Lightning to win over Fang Xingjian, but he had ended up defeating him. Fang Xingjian had even defeated all eight Knights in the Tresia Clan, also abducting Kaunitz.

Kaunitz's location was now unknown, and Tresia Clan had become like a wilting flower whose dazzling moment had passed, its reputation in Kirst taking a great plunge.

Zhou Yong was only there to observe, while Xiu Yi had been eliminated through the first stage. Looking at Fang Xingjian positioned in the center of the maze, Xiu Yi's gaze was filled with hatred. Tresia Clan's reputation had plunged, and he was also affected. Many businesses of his family had been affected, and their profits were plunging. As a result, his cultivating resources had also been reduced. How could he not hate Fang Xingjian?

Zhou Yong asked, "Martial Brother Xiu Yi, what is the clan head's plan? Will he be coming?"

Xiu Yi coldly replied, "It's useless even if the clan head were to come. However, he has already contacted Lord Adri (Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guards, level 25 Conferred Knight, the younger brother of Tresia Clan's clan head). Lord Adri should be here very soon."

"Lord Adri will be coming here in person?"

Xiu Yi nodded and said, "With the hatred of having the bloodline cut off, how could he not? Previously, the Lord had sent people in search of Fang Xingjian. It was one thing when we were unable to find him. Now, to think that he dares to openly appear in Great Western City and even participate in the Regional Selection…

"When Lord Adri is here, he'll teach him a good lesson."

Zhou Yong's eyes lit up and said, "Look, Fang Xingjian chose a spot in the center."

Xiu Yi said, "Hmph, arrogant fool. This Fang Xingjian is getting more and more arrogant the grows stronger. It's fine like this tooo. In order to cause someone's downfall, it's important to let them go wild first. The more arrogant he becomes, the closer he'll be to failure."

Regardless of the spectators' chatter, with the one hundred examinees and the spectators in position, the four examiners, with Governor Devitt in the lead, headed to the north, south, east, and west of the maze respectively, observing from the air.

Governor Devitt spoke in a loud voice, "Then, I announce that the competition starts now."

The next moment, the small hole in the middle of each designated spot immediately started releasing a large amount of beast-luring incense. This beast-luring incense was colorless, scentless, and useless on humans, but to ferocious beasts, it was highly intoxicating, and the best stimulant.

Amidst the nervousness and excitement of the countless anticipating Knights, one minute later, the first beast's roar rang out ferociously. Its terrifying roar was a cross between that of a lion and that of a tiger, filled with endless viciousness and coldness.

And after this roar rang out, many other started to follow, filling up the entire maze in an instant, as if the competitors were in a primitive forest filled with various ferocious beasts.

While levitating, Governor Devitt snapped his fingers, activating his Killing technique – Hundred Dragon Ice Incantation. One hundred ice dragons made from frozen water vapour appeared above the maze, swimming continuously, just like true dragons, ready to save the examinees who would either give up or would lose their ability to fight.

But just as the competition started, the two Knights who had been together with David and had chosen the positions right next to Fang Xingjian suddenly made their moves.

Almost concurrently, they did the same action – each took out a dagger to slit his wrist. Blood spurted from the wounds, and and they poured it into the small bottles they had prepared earlier.

They then attached each small bottle onto an arrow, knocked each arrow on a bow, and with two sharp sounds, the arrows cut across the sky toward Fang Xingjian's spot, with the slightest curve.

Fang Xingjian frowned, not understanding what the two of them were up to. They were not allowed to attack each other in this stage. Although he could only sense through the wind, he could feel that the two arrows were shooting in his direction in a parabolic curve. They had been shot at a very slow speed, and the aim was off, thus making them unable to reach Fang Xingjian. They could only land on the outer ring of his designated spot.

However, although these two arrows would not hurt him, to be safe, he still activated the Luminous Heaven Soaring Slash, shooting out two streams of sword Qis to shoot down the two arrows.

However, as the sword Qis hit them, the glass bottles shattered as well. The fresh blood within splashed out and landed next to Fang Xingjian's spot.

Fang Xingjian frowned. He had sensed the arrows through wind and sounds, but had been unable to sense that they also had glass bottles on them. This was the drawback of being blind.

This blood was very weird. After splashing on the ground, it immediately dried up and turned pitch-black, as if the essence within it had disappeared in an instant.

At the same time, the two Knights who had shot the arrows immediately raised their hands and shouted,

"I give up!"

"I give up!"

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Chapter 217 Contention for the Top Tier (Part III)

The same moment the two had shouted that they were going to give up, two ice dragons immediately descended and sent them out.

David laughed out loud. His plan had succeeded.

The first and third stage in the Regional Selection were mainly independent trials, thus making it almost impossible for examinees to interfere with each other.

The battle arena in fourth stage relied solely on one's abilities, unless he could find a chance to poison him. However, it was much too difficult to poison someone in a Regional Academy.

Therefore, his final and only chance was during the second stage, 'Contention for the Top Tier'. It was only in this stage that he could tap on the strength of the ferocious beasts. He had researched many methods, but had eventually decided on the beast-luring incense.

However, it was probably forbidden for them to bring the incense as it was, since, if such things could be used, it meant that so could all sorts of other items, including acid, poison, or kerosene. The purpose of the examination would have been lost, and this was something that the examiners would definitely not allow to happen.

Therefore, he had almost given up on using the beast-luring incense when he thought of something.

Other than growing and leveling up naturally, another way that ferocious beasts could level up was to devour various heavenly and earthly treasures. Countless ferocious beasts had turned berserk after having accidentally taken a large amount of heavenly and earthly treasures.

Many ferocious beasts had also, after devouring heavenly and earthly treasures, evolved into another type of ferocious beast.

Therefore, the method that David had chosen was to bring in heavenly and earthly treasures through the human body. He spent a total of seven days and up to ten thousand gold to feed these two Knights an endless supply of them. He had also forbid them from doing any kind of exercise or cultivation, in order to prevent them from assimilating the medicinal properties.

Through this method, he finally managed to get their blood filled with the medicinal properties of a tremendous amount of heavenly and earthly treasures, which meant that their blood now contained an essence which would attract countless ferocious beasts.

The essence of these medicinal herbs, mixed together with beast-luring incense, held a fatal attraction to any ferocious beast.

'A blind man is still but a blind man,' David coldly thought to himself, 'no matter how sharp your hearing is, or if you've attained Heaven's Perception.

'No matter how hard to try to hid it, you won't be able to hide the fact that you're blind. You won't be able to see the world beyond the ten-meter radius around you, so you won't be able to notice the bottles of blood attached to the arrows.

'Your biggest flaw is the fact that you're blind. It's no use no matter how much you try to hide it.'

In that instant, more and more ferocious beasts started going crazy. Their eyes turned bloodshot, fixed in Fang Xingjian's direction. In the next moment, they all swarmed toward Fang Xingjian like wild waves.

Governor Devitt's brows twitched, but in the next moment, he smiled.

Yaris, who was a distance away, modeled the air to send his voice to Devitt, asking, "We're letting them go?"

Devitt replied, "This does not count as cheating. It can be considered… resourcefulness."

Armstrong, whose face was filled with scars, also said, "One must use the brain in battle. There's enough people who only know how to tackle with brute force. We can't have only these kind of people in the ranks of the Conferred Knights, right?"

Devitt nodded, "If he had merely used beast-luring incense, then he would simply be relying on external objects. But what he has done is worthy to be called scheming. You guys must be more careful when differentiating between the two.

"Moreover…" Devitt smiled, "do you think that the competition has ended with just this? There's a total of one hundred Knights here. How many of them are fools? Each one of the one hundred Knights have their own ways of thinking, their methods of doing things, and varying levels of cultivation. How could the result be clear with all these factors?

"Scheming is merely used as support. In the end, they still need to rely on their own abilities."

While they were talking, the waves of maniacal ferocious beasts were already swarming toward Fang Xingjian.

Many Knights who were already prepared to fight now saw, to their surprise, that the beasts had chosen not to fight against them, but were heading for the center of the maze.

Holding onto a silvery white sword, Hamil sent a level 12 huge wolf flying with a slash. Just as he was about to give chase, he noticed that the wolf, after tumbling once, just wanted to dash past him.

His gaze flickered and he dodged the huge wolf. He then noticed that all the ferocious beasts which had been charging toward him were now bypassing him. In the beginning he took the chance to kill a few, but then something occurred and he stopped altogether.

'What happened?

'Well, since I can save my energy, then there's no need for me to waste my strength. First, I'll wait and see if there's any chances.'

On another side, Rota activated her Effulgence Weapon. Combined with her silver spear, it pierced through spatial gaps, thrusting into the head of a ferocious wild boar from over a hundred meters away. She then flicked her spear a couple more times and sent a ferocious tiger into the air.

Looking at the ferocious beasts which were all trying to pass by her and ignoring her, she had no intention to let them off.

'Something has obviously gone wrong with the ferocious beasts. To think that so few of them are actively trying to attack me now…

'But I should take this opportunity to kill more of them.'

Rota's considerations and her understanding of the information given by Governor Devitt kept flashing in her mind.

'Hmph, when ordinary people participate in the Regional Selection, they only think about increasing their cultivation level and about how they can pass the stages.

'But I know that the most important factor in the Regional Selection is the Governor, who is the head examiner.'

In the Empire's eight regions, there was a total of eight Governors, each of them placed in charge of the Regional Selection in their respective regions. And other than the Pantheon Monument Observation and the arena battles, the first two stages were decided by the respective Governors.

The stages and the set targets represented each Governor's preferences.

'Governors are humans too, and obviously have their own preferences. Some of them prefer head-on battles, some of them prefer the use of intellect and scheming, some of them prefer launching a killing attack after hiding in the shadows, some of them prefer righteousness, some of them prefer sneakiness…

'With different preferences, each of the Governors would, of course, have different ratings of the examinees in the first two stages.'

Rota understood well that if she wished to gain an advantage in the first two stages, she had to understand Governor Devitt's character and preferences. She needed to figure out the main examiner's intentions.

Rota had obviously tried to do that, and she knew that he hated those who did not put in effort during battles, but liked those Knights who took the lead and attacked valiantly.

This was what trying to fathom the thoughts of those in the higher level meant.

Somewhere else, it was Manny's first time displaying his true strength before others. Without using any weapons or defensive equipment, he was attacking with his bare hands. Each time he attacked, his palms sent out hints of gravitational Waves, and each ferocious beast he targeted was knocked down to the ground, with either their organs damaged or their bones smashed.

Basically, he had paralyzed a large number of ferocious beasts, keeping them next to him.

Manny thought to himself, 'I wonder how many people have realized that there's a limit to the number of ferocious beasts. As the number of ferocious beasts we have killed increases, as the scent from the beast-luring incense turns increasingly faint, the number of ferocious beasts around us will reduce as well. When that time comes, those who can push through till the end will be those who will be able to continue in the rhythm of killing at least one ferocious beast every ten minutes.'

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Chapter 218 Contention for the Top Tier (Part IV)

Hoult, as the Astral Ancestor's grand disciple, appeared very much at ease. Since he had the best skills among all one hundred Knights, the space he had chosen was also bigger.

The level 29 Superior Divine Weapon 'Crimson Fire' in his hand had transformed into a huge dragon made of high-temperature flames which were hundreds of meters long, and which had encompassed the surfaces around him.

Any ferocious beasts which came within a thirty meter radius of him turned into balls of fire, crying out in agony as they rolled on the ground. This was the power of a level 29 Superior Divine Weapon. It was almost as if he had the help of a Conferred Knight.

He could even see through the huge flame dragon's eyes, witnessing first-hand what was happening far away.

With this Crimson Fire Divine Weapon alone, Hoult could exercise control over it to allow it to move around through the entire maze, and could kill any of the ferocious beasts. He could even create unimaginable obstacles for the other examinees.

Moreover, Hoult had not even used his strongest Killing technique.

However, he did not do so. He merely stroked the head of the Crimson Fire, his lips curled upward as he smiled, and said to himself, 'This is how the Regional Selection should be, with people competing both physically and intellectually. How boring would it be if one were to clear everything in a single sweep?'

There were people who were handling the competition with ease and who could make it till the end even if they were to stand there without moving. However, there were also people who were going crazy while handling the waves of attacks from the beasts.

"F*k!"

Bellowing, Shadow Death God Anderson swung his Shadow Tooth about, creating streams of black-colored afterimages, slashing down ferocious beasts one after another. His speed was extremely fast and he was very accurate. His weapon, the Shadow Tooth, also had the ability to transform energy into a spinning force. With just a light touch, immediately, any ferocious beast's skin and flesh would be badly torn, bloody wounds appearing all over their bodies.

Although he could kill tens of ferocious beasts with great ease just using his Shadow Tooth and basic techniques, Anderson did seem to be relaxed in the least. It was because he could see densely packed ferocious beasts from afar, jamming up the entire maze's passageways as they came over like strong gushing waves.

There were even various ferocious beasts which had climbed up onto the walls of the maze.

Level 12 huge wolf, level 15 violent big bear, level 19 clouded leopard… Densely-packed ferocious beasts were bellowing maniacally, charging ahead non-stop with glaring blood-shot eyes. What made Anderson broke out in cold sweat was that, behind the waves of monsters, there was a monster that looked like the combination of a lion and tiger, encompassed by electricity. It was slowly heading toward him. It was five meters in height and ten meters in length, and its head had already exceeded the height of the maze.

It was a level 20 ferocious beast – Thunderous Roar.

"F*ck!

"What on earth is going on?!

"Why are all the ferocious beasts swarming in my direction?!"

Anderson obviously did not know that, because his spot was the closest to Fang Xingjian's, the pressure he was under was the greatest, following Fang Xingjian.

And since the Shadow Death God did not excel in combat against a group, he had to exert even more strength than usual when dealing with all these ferocious beasts.

The ice dragons in the air dashed toward the surface, one after another, able to, with just a fling of their bodies, turn a hundred or so ferocious beasts into meat sauce. They were retrieving a few examinees near Fang Xingjian.

In fact, other than Fang Xingjian and Anderson, all the other examinees who had been located near to the center of the maze had either lost their combat abilities, or had simply given up.

They were among the lower-ranked in the first stage to begin with, and naturally, it was impossible for them to fend off these waves of ferocious beasts.

On the platform, Lilia gritted her teeth and said, "This damned David, to think that he would use such despicable means! I'm going to cut off his balls and stuff them into his mouth!"

Cold sweat started dripping down the back of Kirst's City Lord's head. Ferdinand and the others also unconsciously took a step back, mumbling to themselves, 'Without Fang Xingjian around, this Lilia has once again become the violent girl she used to be. No… She's even more violent now.'

However, Ferdinand was starting to worry. He looked in the direction of the maze and saw that Fang Xingjian was holding onto Styx, and with a few casual swings, he kept sending hundreds of sword Qis in all directions, keeping almost all the ferocious beasts ten meters away from him.

If any of the ferocious beasts who were a bit stronger managed to get within ten meters from him, streams of formless slashes instantaneously cut them into pieces.

However, even so, everyone could tell that the spots where the beasts were getting killed slowly got nearer and nearer to Fang Xingjian. The area of a ten-meter radius around Fang Xingjian was also being piled up into small mountains of flesh as the tremendous corpses were piling up.

In the blink of an eye, the beasts' corpses rose a meter in height. If this went on, even if Fang Xingjian could persist, he would also be drowned by the corpses.

Moreover, everyone knew that Fang Xingjian's stamina was not limitless, nor could he casually perform that many formless slashes.

And what was worse was that a few hundreds meters away, four level 20 ferocious beasts were following behind the other beasts, observing Fang Xingjian as they drew closer and closer.

"Four level 20 ferocious beasts." Looking at this scene, even Ferdinand, who was extremely confident in Fang Xingjian, could not help but worry. "Four level 20 ferocious beasts… Even a level 20 Conferred Knight would probably need to spend quite a lot of effort to deal with them. Xingjian should be able to deal with one, but as for the other three…

"The most troublesome ones are the ferocious beasts which are level 20 and above, those which actually have some intellect, and are unlike ordinary ferocious beasts which only know how to charge and bite recklessly."

Just then, the crowd gasped again. A black-colored silhouette charged up into the air. Three ice dragons started to close in on it, and the black shadow collided against the them. With a loud Boom! as if a thunder had just rung out of nowhere, the three dragons were sent flying away, tumbling, only managing to stop once they were tens of meters away.

That black shadow had also landed onto the ground like a meteor, smashing onto the surface of the maze with a stifled boom.

If not because the maze had been made by the Divine level expert, the Melancholic Monarch, thus being indestructible, this attack would probably have resulted in an earthquake, and it probably would have made a large crater on the ground.

That black shadow touched its head, and in the next moment, fury flashed in its eyes as it leaped up the walls of the maze, banging on its chest furiously while facing the sky, bellowing furiously.

From its mouth, it released waves that were visible to the naked eye. Even from far away, the spectators on the platform felt discomfort in their eardrums.

It went to show what a great lung capacity that black shadow had, to exhale with such power!

And it was then when everyone recognized what it was. It was a monster fully covered in black-colored fur, and its appearance was very much like that of a gorilla.

The monster was three meters tall, each of its legs as thick and strong as steel pillars. One of the biggest difference between the monster and a regular gorilla was the fact that there was a circle of flames around its neck, like a scarf. Another difference was that it had a pair of extremely large and thick pams, covered with layers of crystallized materials.

"That's the Colossal Armed Ape! A level 21 ferocious beast! Is that the only level 21 ferocious beast in the maze?"

"It's so strong! To think that it can go against three of the Governor's ice dragons and still survive!"

"It must have wanted to escape earlier, but was stopped by the Governor."

Just then, the Colossal Armed Ape stopped its bellows, as if it knew that there was no way it could escape. Extreme fury flashed in its eyes as it turned toward Fang Xingjian.

With a deep sniff, it raged with a deafening bellow at the skies, then charged ahead furiously.

"Look! Its dashing toward Fang Xingjian!"

Tresia Clan's Xiu Yi could not contain his smile. It was as if he was already witnessing Fang Xingjian being torn up by the Colossal Armed Ape in his head.

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Chapter 219 Contention for the Top Tier (Part V)

However, in the next moment, Xiu Yi shook his head and thought to himself, 'Fang Xingjian is not an idiot. If he really can't handle it, he'll definitely give up.

'But that's good too. If he were to fail the Regional Selection, he won't be able to go through the second transition and become a Conferred Knight. When that happens, it'll be easier for Lord Adri to deal with Fang Xingjian when he comes.'

Lilia, Kirst's City Lord, Ferdinand and the others were all wearing astonished expressions when they saw this scene.

Most of the people in the spectator stands did not think that Fang Xingjian would turn out well either.

"One level 21 and four level 20 ferocious beasts… Fang Xingjian is done for."

"But if he were to use that move from yesterday, shouldn't he have a chance to kill the Colossal Armed Ape?"

"So what if he can kill it? Did you guys see how tired Fang Xingjian was after using that move yesterday? How would he be able to deal with the remaining four level 20 ferocious beasts with his remaining physical strength?"

The Colossal Armed Ape was truly too powerful. With just a punch, it could cause more than ten ferocious beasts to explode at a distance. With a casual dash, it would be able to leave the passageway, which spanned over a hundred meters in length, without a single trace of corpses or bones. All the ferocious beasts it passed by would simply be smashed into paste.

It ran furiously all the way. There was not a single ferocious beast which could delay the Colossal Armed Ape by even a single second.

Its body was as sturdy as an Empire's Divine Weapon. It had a terrifying strength of over 200 points, and its hands were covered with layers of crystallized material, which meant they had a toughness comparable to an armor at the level of the Inferior Divine Weapon.

This was a level 21 ferocious beast. They might not have the unfathomable and powerful Killing techniques Conferred Knights had, but they had the most terrifying and most violent physical attributes and tenaciousness.

Looking at how the Colossal Armed Ape knocked away the waves of beasts before it as it headed toward Fang Xingjian much like a tank charging recklessly, Kirst's City Lord, Lilia and Ferdinand all had their countenances turn grim.

Additionally, as the spectators on the platform saw the Colossal Armed Ape's performance on the way, they thought even worse of Fang Xingjian's ending.

In that moment, the Colossal Armed Ape went up to the four level 20 ferocious beasts. One of them had three heads: a lion's; a tiger's; and a wolf's. It also had claws like that of a lizard. It was a terrifying monster which was over six meters tall; this was the level 20 ferocious beast, Lion Tiger Beast.

However, such a massive creature, when faced with the Colossal Armed Ape, actually retreated while shivering. The Colossal Armed Ape did not let it go and instead, charged right up to it with its palm spread out, reaching out to grab the Lion Tiger Beast's tail.

Faced with such an attack, although the Lion Tiger Beast was terrified, there was no way that it would stay there and await death's arrival. With a furious bellow, all three of its head opened their big mouths, shooting out fire, cold wind and acid respectively.

The Colossal Armed Ape merely let out a huge bellow and let the flames and cold wind brush across its body as if it had merely taken a shower. The acid dripped on its body but did not leave a single wound either.

Instead, the Colossal Armed Ape grabbed the Lion Tiger Beast's body with a fierce tug. As its arms swelled up, it tossed the over fifty ton Lion Tiger Beast into the air, throwing it away from out as if it was rubbish.

A huge boom rang out. After being tossed violently, the Lion Tiger Beast was slapped down onto the ground like a flat pancake. A series of explosions burst from its body as its three heads wailed, spitting out large mouthfuls of blood.

Its tail had also been torn into two pieces, unable to withstand the Colossal Armed Ape's tremendous strength.

Just one move alone and a level 20 ferocious beast was settled. After the Colossal Armed Ape had injured the Lion Tiger Beast heavily, it let out an excited cry and tossed away the broken tail in its hand as it pounced onto the Lion Tiger Beast.

Boom, boom, boom, boom! It landed punch after punch on the Lion Tiger Beast. Its fists were like two piledrivers, smashing onto the Lion Tiger Beast's body in a crazed manner. Under such a tremendous force, it was as though there was a magnitude 5 earthquake within a hundred meter radius. If it were not for the fact that the maze was sturdy enough amidst the crazy tremors, a large part of it would have collapsed.

After smashing up the Lion Tiger Beast's body into a paste, the Colossal Armed Ape bellowed excitedly. Covered in meat sauce and blood, it banged on its chest continuously with its fists.

In the next moment, it charged toward Fang Xingjian with a light leap.

On Fang Xingjian's side, the ground between ten to twenty meters away from him was already covered in pools of blood, with the corpses piling up to three meter high. The many beasts all continued to step on the corpses and pounce toward Fang Xingjian.

Then when the new pile of corpses had piled up high enough, the monsters behind would be able to pounce toward Fang Xingjian from a closer distance.

These beasts were using their lives to create piles of corpses as they inched toward Fang Xingjian bit by bit.

At the same time, the Colossal Armed Ape charged in recklessly at an increasing speed. In the blink of an eye, it had surpassed the speed of sound, but it continued to accelerate, charging over as if it was a missile.

Fang Xingjian changed his will and ten streams of Ether Sword Ripples, with 2.5 times that of his strength and ten times that of supersonic speed, slashed out in all directions, turning all the surrounding corpses into dust. The effect of the high temperature had even set most of the corpses alight in that instant, gradually turning them into a pile of ashes.

As he cleared up the surrounding corpses, Fang Xingjian then continued to swing the Styx in his hand slowly. The casual movement was in fact extremely fast. Any ferocious beast which appeared within a ten-meter radius would all be slashed and killed instantaneously without any exceptions.

This area within the ten-meter radius was where his Heaven's Perception was active. To him, every subtle detail was extremely clear. With such a powerful sensing ability and his amazing speed, Fang Xingjian allowed nothing to surpass this line of defense.

However, on the other end, the Colossal Armed Ape's speed had accelerated to reach three times that of supersonic speed. It had covered a lot of ground within 0.3 seconds, and it only took a short instant for it to appear before Fang Xingjian.

When it transcended the speed of sound, all the spectators gasped.

They all became conscious of a problem—Fang Xingjian was blind. If the Colossal Armed Ape transcended the speed of sound, it would be able to dash within Fang Xingjian's ten-meter radius before he would be able to discover it.

This meant that Fang Xingjian would only be able to notice the Colossal Armed Ape when it entered his ten-meter radius.

It was a ferocious beast with a height of three meters and could send something which weighed tens of tons flying with just a casual slap. It also had a body which was impenetrable by blades and spears, as though it was an Empire's Divine Weapon. How dangerous and terrifying would it be to have such a creature enter within his ten-meter radius at a speed that transcended sound?

Moreover, how difficult would it be for him to react within these mere ten meters, then push back and kill the Colossal Armed Ape? Would Fang Xingjian really be able to do it?

In the 0.3 of a second in which the Colossal Armed Ape had surpassed the speed of sound, the entire audience tensed up. However, the time was too short and only a brief change appeared in their expressions. They had not had the time to say a single word before the Colossal Armed Ape was already just about to enter Fang Xingjian's ten-meter radius.

Lilia's gaze was filled with worry while Kirst's City Lord's gaze was filled with solemnity, and Ferdinand appeared to be slightly lacking in confidence.

Elation started to fill up the gaze of Tresia Clan's Xiu Yi.

Even Governor Devitt, who was in the air, was fully prepared to save Fang Xingjian.

However, in the next moment when the Colossal Armed Ape had reached four times that of supersonic speed and was about to enter Fang Xingjian's ten-meter radius, at a speed which would allow it to tear up a Knight within 0.1 seconds, Fang Xingjian showed everyone just what true speed was.

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Chapter 220 Contention for the Top Tier (Part VI)

How fast could a human be?

The public buses modern people took had a speed of about ten meters per second.

In a Ferrari, the highest speed that could be reached was 101 meters per second.

A passenger plane could maintain a speed of 277 meters per second.

Additionally, the world's fastest combat aircraft could reach about 935 meters per second. They could arrive at any place on Earth within four hours.

What else could travel faster?

Fang Xingjian's highest speed at ten times that of supersonic was about 3400 meters per second.

When the Colossal Armed Ape entered Fang Xingjian's ten-meter radius, Fang Xingjian's Heaven's Perception transmitted this information into his brain at the first instance.

About seven one-thousandths of a second later, the Colossal Armed Ape's fist would land on Fang Xingjian's head.

Therefore in the first one-thousandth of a second, Fang Xingjian received this news and reacted accordingly.

In the second one-thousandth of a second, Fang Xingjian activated Boundaries Negation as he "watched" the Colossal Armed Ape inch closer and closer toward him.

He could even "see" the strips of flesh on the Colossal Armed Ape. Fang Xingjian could also "see" the lumps of plasma, as well as 122 spots of light flashing on its body.

Those were the 122 weak points on its body. Fang Xingjian could sense that as long as he pierced the Styx into them, he would be able to cut it up into pieces.

His level 1 Unparalleled Sword Intent could even slice through the Empire's Divine Weapon directly, let alone the muscles and bones of the Colossal Armed Ape which was comparable to an Empire's Divine Weapon.

Therefore, in the following two one-thousandths of a second, Fang Xingjian's Silver Fox Styx was gradually covered with a layer of silvery fog. He had activated his High Frequency Effulgence Weapon, Silver Fox.

Then in the next one-thousandth of a second, Fang Xingjian's arm started to move with great trouble. The Styx sliced through the atmosphere, creating a series of afterimages as it tapped on the spots of light one by one.

The 122 swords appeared and then disappeared in a single one-thousandth of a second. The series of flashing sword sparks were reflected in the gazes of Kirst's City Lord, Lilia, and Ferdinand.

Fang Xingjian then took one small step forward and dodged the Colossal Armed Ape.

The sound explosions, air currents, sparks and sword lights caused one's vision to suddenly be in a mess.

Ordinary audiences could only see the a flash of light. To them, Fang Xingjian was still standing in the same spot, while the Colossal Armed Ape had passed by him and smashed strongly into the ground.

Roar!

With a desperate howl of fury, more than one hundred blood arrows shot out from all over from his body. Accompanied with this desperate howl, the Colossal Armed Ape split up into pieces, turning in a pile of minced meat.

Under everyone's astonished gazes, a small foot, the size of half of one of the Colossal Armed Ape's eyeballs, stepped onto the Colossal Armed Ape's head which had flown off.

Fang Xingjian looked curiously at the Colossal Armed Ape's wide-open eyes and its mouth which continued to remain in the state of when it had been letting out its last roar.

Suddenly, he lifted up his hand and caused sword light to sweep by, cutting open the Colossal Armed Ape's parietal bones.

He suddenly felt like tasting the ape's brain. It was like how he had suddenly realized that delicacies could bring him a little feeling of happiness. Such happy feelings, to Fang Xingjian who had not felt much happiness for the past one and a half years, were like a refreshing spring of water in a desert.

It made him want to try various delicacies.

Therefore, just like how he used to kill when he felt like it, with his current urge to eat the ape's brain, Fang Xingjian just cut up the Colossal Armed Ape's parietal bones and poked one finger into its head.

It felt a little bit like beancurd.

Fang Xingjian mixed it up a little bit and then licked his finger.

'This taste… is really intriguing…'

Just as Fang Xingjian killed the Colossal Armed Ape in a single move, the surrounding ferocious beasts had all stopped in their tracks. When they saw Fang Xingjian start to eat the ape's brain, some ferocious beasts started to retreat slowly.

The remaining three level 20 ferocious beasts watched as Fang Xingjian licked the ape's brain, then with a point of his finger, he roasted the ape's brain with the high temperature from the Ether Sword Ripples. They all turned to escape in all directions.

All the ferocious beasts started to retreat.

However, with one hand roasting the ape's brain, Fang Xingjian's free hand tapped lightly and released over ten streams of sword Qis, slashing off the hind feet of over ten ferocious beasts and preventing them from escaping.

Naturally, he would not make the mistake of not being able to kill any ferocious beast in each ten minute interval.

When Governor Devitt saw Fang Xingjian start to roast the ape's brain, his stomach suddenly did not feel so good.

It was worse for the audience on the platform. It could not be said for the whole the Miracle World, but at least, in the Empire, no one ate animal brains. Especially when the Colossal Armed Ape looked so similar to humans, when Fang Xingjian was eating the ape's brain, it was as if they were looking at someone eating a human brain.

Countless aristocrats and students all turned pale from fright and started puking.

Ferdinand's face also turned pale as he touched his head unconsciously and said, "Hey, was Fang Xingjian's taste always so intense?"

Kirst's City Lord also frowned slightly. Eating brains was too disgusting an act. Moreover, he had even done it in the midst of a battle and had even scared off the other ferocious beasts with this act.

However, Lilia merely stared in Fang Xingjian's direction and a trickle of transparent liquid flowed down from the corner of her lips. She suddenly asked, "Are brains tasty?"

Kirst's City Lord's countenance turned grim as he quickly said, "That's something savages do. Lili, don't try it."

Even though this was a disgusting act, such disgusting acts were all built on absolute power. He had killed a level 21 ferocious beast with a single slash and then cut up its parietal bones with another so that he could eat the ape's brain.

To everyone else, Fang Xingjian was now not only strong but also terrifying.

The face of Tresia's Xiu Yi also turned pale as he felt both disgust and terror. Next to him, Zhou Yong trembled, "Elder Martial Brother, they have been unable to locate Kaunitz's corpse all this time. We've been hoping that there's a tiniest bit of hope that he has not died, but seeing how things are, could it be… could it be…

"Shut up!" Xiu Yi immediately snapped at Zhou Yong, then said, "Don't talk about the impossible." However, one could tell from the sweat on the back of Xiu Yi's head that he was truly afraid.

In this moment, after being shocked by Fang Xingjian, Xiu Yi had a feeling that he would be better off not be going against Fang Xingjian in the future. Otherwise, he may be…

With the ferocious beasts surrounding Fang Xingjian dispersed, the battle in the maze was restarted.

However, during the previous period, when all the ferocious beasts had been concentrated around Fang Xingjian, he had actually killed over two thirds of all the beasts in the maze. This left many people closer to the borders with no beasts to kill.

Additionally, this also resulted in many people being disqualified in the following ten minutes.

Rota, who had persisted in killing, Manny, who had kept aside crippled ferocious beasts, Hoult, who could control the movement of the Crimson Fire freely, as well as Anderson, who had spent quite a lot of effort before killing a level 20 ferocious beast—all of them were not disqualified.

However, there were more people like Hamil who had dodged the waves of ferocious beasts and thus ended up with none to kill. These people could only end up being disqualified.

Of course, as the person who had planned all these, David clearly knew that all the ferocious beasts would leave at a very fast rate. Therefore, he had left a few level 4 and 5 ferocious beasts close to him so that he could kill them in turns.

With this, as the number of ferocious beasts continued to decline, more and more people got disqualified for not being able to kill any ferocious beasts after ten minutes.

Of course, there were also over ten unlucky chaps who had simply given up because they came across the remaining three level 20 ferocious beasts.

Finally, because of Fang Xingjian's massacre, the battle in the maze ended much faster than it had been expected. When there were only fifty people left in the maze, Governor Devitt announced the end of the competition.

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Chapter 221 Eat

'Hmm, hmmm. This time around, I've killed hundreds of ferocious beasts in one breath and even killed a level 20 monster.'

Anderson was sitting on Governor Devitt's ice dragon which gradually landed at the maze's entrance. He kept thinking to himself, 'With this, compared to me, there shouldn't be anyone who performed even more outstandingly, right?'

Just as he was thinking about this, he saw Fang Xingjian was already standing at the entrance, carrying chunks of meat with black hair all over it on his back.

Many people were surrounding Fang Xingjian and talking to him. That feeling of being surrounded by people in admiration made Shadow Death God Anderson extremely jealous.

"What's this? Why are they all crowding around Fang Xingjian?" Anderson frowned. Suddenly, he took a closer look at that small mountain of meat Fang Xingjian was carrying, then he blinked and said, "That is…"

Hoult answered, "The Colossal Armed Ape. Why, doesn't the Shadow Death God have the ability to observe from afar? You didn't see that battle?"

Anderson obviously would not say that he had turned all his focus onto the level 20 ferocious beast he was up against and thus had not had any additional effort to observe other places. He merely mumbled, "To think that he killed a level 21 ferocious beast."

"And it was an instant kill," Hoult said. "Haha, seems like this time around, the one fighting with me for first place will not be you but Fang Xingjian."

"He's just lucky."

Anderson looked at the Colossal Armed Ape's corpse with his face slightly pale. Although he had remained stubborn while he spoke, he already had a faint feeling that he might truly not be Fang Xingjian's match.

'How could this be? My Shadow Death God's progression has increased my strength by 5 points, agility by 7 points, reaction by 5 points, endurance by 5 points, and flexibility by 5 points. It completely surpassed the attribute growth of a Windstorm Sword Hero.

'I can even turn into a shadow and move in that state, use Shadow Coffin to reduce my opponent's defence, and there's also my Killing technique… How can I be weaker than a Windstorm Sword Hero?'

Putting Anderson aside, David was also looking at Fang Xingjian in disbelief, as if he had just seen a ghost. Fang Xingjian seemed to have sensed David though sword Qis and turned to face him.

Looking at the eerie smile on Fang Xingjian's face, David unconsciously lowered his head, not daring to meet his gaze.

'Why did it become like this?

'To think that he could win against a level 21 ferocious beast? How can this be possible?'

David could only keep on consoling himself, 'It'll be alright. The third stage, the Pantheon Monument Observation, tests one's talent. It has nothing to do with one's battle abilities. Maybe Fang Xingjian will get eliminated there.'

However, even David himself found these words hard to belief. Fang Xingjian was a genius who had attained Heaven's Perception at the age of seventeen. In terms of talent, there was no way that David could win against Fang Xingjian.

He could only slip back to his room and begin worrying endlessly about the Regional Selection and Fang Xingjian.

Hamil let out a sigh and said, "I've been eliminated. So, I'll be leaving. Wish you guys good luck and get good results."

Looking towards Fang Xingjian, Manny, and Rota, disappointment spread out in Hamil's eyes. Rota said, "There are too many strong competitors this year. I don't know how long I can persist either. You can just take it that you're heading back to Kirst first to wait for me."

"I didn't say that I'm heading back to Kirst." Hamil smiled and said, "I still need to stay and cheer you guys on."

On the platform, Lilia smiled and let out a breath She pat her chest and said, "I almost died from the anxiety earlier. For a moment, I thought that Teacher was going to be in trouble."

Kirst's City Lord furrowed his brows, not saying a word. It was because Fang Xingjian's speed could have already surpassed his overwhelmingly. This meant that if Fang Xingjian was bent on leaving, he might not be able to hold him back.

Kirst's City Lord was a Conferred Knight, a level 25 Conferred Knight.

'He is just at the first transition…'

All the remaining fifty Knights went back to the dining hall and dormitory to rest and prepare for the third stage, the Pantheon Monument Observation, which would be held the next day.

Excitement flashed past the eyes of numerous people. The Pantheon Monument Observation… Comprehending the martial arts of a Divine level expert… How exciting was this?

There were a total of eight Pantheon Monuments across the Empire, with one in each Regional Academy, that had been created by the eight Divine level experts who had founded the Empire. The one in the Great Western Region had been created by the Melancholic Monarch, and it contained his martial arts.

However, the Knights who had remained had gone all out during the fight in the maze and thus had expanded a large amount of their energies. Although they were all excited to be able to observe the Pantheon Monument the next day, when it was time for their meal, they still needed to eat. Moreover, the food in the Regional Academy was not only free, but they also tasted good, and the ingredients were all precious heavenly and earthly treasures as well as ferocious beasts.

Manny, Fang Xingjian and Rota sat once again at the same table. Fang Xingjian looked at Manny and said, "I heard that you had also observed the Pantheon Monument the last time you participated in the Regional Selection?"

Manny smiled, nodded and said, "The Pantheon Monument has messages left behind by a Divine level expert. In this stage, Wei Leng and yourself, having attained Heaven's Perception, would definitely be at a better advantage.

"It's said that if you have outstanding talent, you'll be able to comprehend one set of martial arts from that Pantheon Monument. If your talent is unrivalled across ten thousand people, you'll be able to comprehend a second level, and the martial arts you pick up will be even greater.

"If yours is a rare talent that comes along once every hundred years, then you will have the chance to comprehend the third level martial arts. It's a pity that I had only comprehended up to the second level. It's also unlikely for my outcome to be different this time around. As for the variations for the third level and onward, I have no idea."

As the two of them were chatting, giant plates of roasted meat, braised meat, black pepper chops, meat soup, meat burgers and other foods were served. Rota frowned and asked, "Why is the food different from the yesterday's? And they are all meat?"

Fang Xingjian picked up a piece of black pepper chop and started eating. The meat was very tender, showing the chef's excellent grasp on meat texture. It was neither too dry nor too raw, and it went well with the strong black pepper taste, causing the corners of Fang Xingjian's lips to curl up slightly.

After taking a bite of the chop, he said, "I got them to make some dishes with that Colossal Armed Ape. It's a level 21 ferocious beast. We can't possibly let it go to waste."

Instantly, Rota and Manny started to feel a little bit disgusted. It was still a bit hard for them to eat an ape.

Just then, another two huge egg-like objects were sent up. Puzzled, Manny asked, "Do Colossal Armed Apes lay eggs?"

"These aren't eggs; they're eyeballs. I got the chefs to prepare it specially." Fang Xingjian grabbed an eyeball and took a bite out of it. Instantly, a spicy taste exploded out in his mouth. It was probably the chef's first time cooking the eyes of a Colossal Armed Ape, and he had used a large amount of spices, chillies, sesame oil and other ingredients to try to cover up the raw taste. It tasted very fragrant and spicy, and when matched with the eyeball's springy and smooth texture, Fang Xingjian could not help but nod in satisfaction after eating it.

"Aren't you guys eating?"

Both Manny and Rota immediately shook their heads. When the other Knights in the vicinity saw Fang Xingjian eating these foods, they could not help but frown as well. Some of them even had their mouths agape, as if they had seen something terrifying.

Just then, another string of chopped up sausages was sent up. Rota exhaled, thinking that a normal dish served had finally been served.

She picked up a piece of sausage with her fork and started eating. However, after a few bites, she said, "Why does this sausage seems overcooked? Mmm… and why does it have a stench…"

Fang Xingjian said with indifference, "Those aren't sausages. That is the part on the lower body of the Colossal Armed Ape…"

Pffft….

"Fang Xingjian! I'm going to kill you!"

"Alright, alright. Rota, put down your spear. Xingjian didn't do this on purpose."

"But look at him! This guy is actually still eating it! I'm going to burn them all up!"

Having eaten and drank his fill, another night passed by, and Fang Xingjian and the others finally welcomed the third stage of the Regional Selection, Pantheon Monument Observation.

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Chapter 222 Pantheon Monument Observation (Part I)

Under the lead of an assistant examiner, fifty examinees came to a tremendous copper hall. Right down to every single inch of the hall, it was forged from copper and the workmanship was flawless.

Once they entered the entrance to the copper hall, many examinees felt a solemn and sacred aura gushing toward them.

Right before them was an extremely vast hall filled with lighted candles. There was not a single pillar inside, but there was a hunchbacked old man with white hair and a face covered with so many wrinkles that they seemed like deep trenches.

He seemed to be even older than the Commissioner of Education, Luke, one of the examiners for the previous two stages. His clothes seemed very tattered, as if they were the white strips of cloth wrapped around a mummy's body.

Even after all the examinees had entered the hall, the elderly man was still looking to the front, at that inconspicuous stone monument before him. The stone monument was a cubic shape ten meters wide, tall and long. All four sides had different diagrams, while the top and bottom were empty.

Looking at this tremendous Pantheon Monument, everyone turned solemn and respectful.

The elderly man's eyes were fixed on the stone monument, as though he was in a trance. It was only when all the examinees had approached within thirty meters of the stone monument that he started to talk.

His old, hoarse voice was like a saw sawing on a block of wood. The elderly man said slowly, "You are the Knights participating in this year's Regional Selection? I'm in charge of guarding the Pantheon Monument, and even Devitt and the others are not allowed to come in freely. You have twelve hours to comprehend the Pantheon Monument. When the twelve hours are up, leave. They'll be waiting for all of you outside.

"Remember, you're only allowed to look. You're not allowed to touch.

"As for the profoundness behind the Pantheon Monument, although the examiners and your teachers would have told you about it, I'll still go by the book and bring it up one more time.

"Back then, the Melancholic Monarch had left a tremendous amount of information on the Pantheon Monument using ether particles to channel in the information. After all, everything in this world was formed from ether particles. So, it was natural that the Melancholic Monarch would leave behind his comprehension of martial arts in the Pantheon Monument through ether particles.

"Thus, the Pantheon Monument holds the martial arts legacy of the Melancholic Monarch. Everyone will be able to comprehend a set of martial arts based on your individual ability to comprehend.

"However, comprehending martial arts is just the first level. Only after you've comprehended the second level on a deeper basis will you be able to let the skill evolve and make the martial arts you've comprehended more complete.

"Different understandings and interpretations will allow you to comprehend different martial arts, and the limits to each set of martial arts are also different. There are some people who are able to comprehend a complete set of martial arts after reaching the second level, but there are also some who will need to reach the third level before they're able to comprehend a complete set of martial arts. There are even level four and five. Naturally, the more profound martial arts you comprehend, the more formidable you will become. However, the highest record at the moment is Devitt's level four.

"As for the interpretation and the martial arts chosen, it'll all depends on your understanding. Everyone's understanding is different, and thus the martial arts and limits you attain will be different as well."

After saying this, the elderly man stopped talking and became fully focused on the Pantheon Monument, as though he was only concerned with the mysteries of the Pantheon Monument.

Manny used his Reduced Force Field to tremble the air carefully and sent his voice to Fang Xingjian, "This person is the Governor from two terms back. He has been here, where the Pantheon Monument is, since twenty years ago, protecting it closely while keeping it in sight."

Fang Xingjian nodded and saw that the rest of the people had headed over, looking at the Pantheon Monument with curious, astonished and excited gazes.

David was the first to walk up. Bearing two dark circles, he looked at the Pantheon Monument agitatedly, trying hard to comprehend the profoundness within.

After seeing Fang Xingjian's performance in killing the Colossal Armed Ape, he had not been able to sleep at all the previous night as he was under tremendous stress.

Fang Xingjian's performance in the first two stages had given him too much pressure. Fang Xingjian was not a Conferred Knight, yet he had a battle prowess close to that of a Conferred Knight's. How could that not make David feel stressed out?

Moreover, he had already made an enemy out of Fang Xingjian. Therefore, he put in a lot of effort and focus into observing the diagrams on the Pantheon Monument. However, the more he did so, the more exasperated he felt. His mind was filled with Fang Xingjian, of himself being publicly shamed in the Hundred Blossom Banquet, of Fang Xingjian shattering the metal pillar, and of Fang Xingjian killing the Colossal Armed Ape.

The more this happened, the harder it was for him to calm down and comprehend the Pantheon Monument. He only felt that chest was stuffy, and he could not comprehend anything at all.

However, the more he could not comprehend anything, the worse his mood got, and very quickly, he was covered in perspiration.

On the other end, Manny walked up to the Pantheon Monument slowly. His expression was very carefree, and he appeared relaxed. After all, he had already comprehended the Pantheon Monument once and knew that his limit was at the second level. Therefore, he did not plan to insist too much on this.

Rota did not start comprehending the Pantheon Monument the first moment she stepped up. It was her first time seeing the Pantheon Monument and the first time she was participating in the Regional Selection, so she felt too excited to the point that her heart palpitated too quickly.

On had to be able to remain calm without batting an eyelid even if the sky were to fall. The more important the issue, the more one needed to remain calm and not panic.

Therefore, she knew that the more important the manual, the more profound the martial arts and the more one must not be overly anxious. Otherwise, it would just be a case of more haste and less speed. Restlessness was a great taboo in the study of martial arts.

Therefore, when she saw the other examinees who were rushing over anxiously, she smiled and shook her head. Then she sat down cross-legged, closed her eyes and meditated.

She did not start cultivating nor did she think about anything complicated. Rota merely wanted to clear her mind and calm down before she started to comprehend the Pantheon Monument seriously in a full-spirited and clear-minded state.

However, compared to how she needed to meditate and clear her mind, Anderson and Hoult were a notch higher.

They did not feel anxiety or agitation at all.

Anderson was indisputably a genius. How could he not be one when he could transition into a Shadow Death God, something which no one in the Empire had succeeded for the past 200 years? Moreover, he had the ability to not forget things he had a seen only once. He went up to the Pantheon Monument, took a walk around it and was able to remember every little mark, diagram, and color on it.

He then shut his eyes while in his mind, akin to a calculator at work, the diagrams on all four sides of the Pantheon Monument continued to be broken down, reformed, switched around and even twisted.

Hoult's eyes were filled with an unprecedented confidence. In his gaze, everything on the monument appeared ever so clear.

The many scratches were astral traces, while the many dots were the brightest stars, and those colors were various strong winds and auras.

'What Teacher said was true. The Melancholic Monarch did inherit the legacy of our Myriad Stars Palace. This Pantheon Monument he left behind are the records of the immemorial star charts.

'This star chart is just right in complementing my Myriad Stars Meditating Technique. I shouldn't be far from attaining Heaven's Perception now.'

Hoult's gaze lit up as he looked at the Pantheon Monument Observation like he was hungry or thirsty. After a few minutes passed, it was as if he could see countless stars clashing against each other in his mind. There were light rays shooting out and explosions from the earth's magnetic fields. The messages left behind by the Divine level expert on the Pantheon Monument were being transmitted into his brain directly, showing him the stars in the universe through a virtual reality simulation.

Gradually, a set of mental cultivation method by the name of Astral Sword appeared in his Stats Window.

To other people, Hoult's body was suddenly lit up with many micro lights. It was the sign that he had succeeded in comprehending the Pantheon Monument.

Various lights represented the ether particles, which made up the Pantheon Monument, flowed into the cultivator's body together with the information they contained. This meant that he had attained some success in the comprehension.

This was something left behind by the Divine level expert, Melancholic Monarch, in order to differentiate the comprehension level of each individual cultivator. If one were to gain success in comprehending this, he would be able to show such signs within a day.

The elder, who had initially still been engrossed in the profoundness of the Pantheon Monument, suddenly stared at Hoult, who was deep in comprehension with his eyes wide-open. 'So fast? How many minutes has it only been? To think that he has already comprehended the profoundness within the Pantheon Monument?

'This Pantheon Monument contains boundless mysteries, and each individual's line of thoughts and interpretations are all different. However, there has not been anyone who could comprehend them so fast. How did he do it?

'I wonder how he interpreted the Pantheon Monument: what method he used; what martial arts he comprehended; and what level is he able to reach?'

All the examinees looking at Hoult were showing gazes filled with envy. To think that he was able to comprehend the profoundness of the Pantheon Monument in less than five minutes. What a terrifying talent!

Anderson looked at this scene and let out a cold snort, feeling that the white light was extremely dazzling and hurting his eyes. He shut his eyes and continued to comprehend the things he had ingrained in his memory. Various information were being regrouped endlessly, giving rise to different results.

David and the others became even more anxious and panicky after being provoked by Hoult. However, the more nervous they felt, the more messy their minds became, and thus were unable to decrypt any information.

After half an hour had passed, Wei Leng, who had attained Heaven's Perception, also had spots of light shining all over his body. Through the information collection via the Heaven's Perception, he had also directly comprehended the martial arts from the Pantheon Monument.

Just then, as Fang Xingjian was looking at the Pantheon Monument, a series of familiar feelings flashed past his mind incessantly.

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Chapter 223 Pantheon Monument Observation (Part II)

Heaven's Perception allowed Fang Xingjian to see within a ten-meter radius. Therefore, even though he was blind, he could still see the diagrams on all four sides of the Pantheon Monument clearly.

At the start, he only felt that the diagrams on the Pantheon Monument were a bit familiar, but when he saw a diagram that was like a scoop, his heart skipped a beat.

"The Big Dipper?"

He started to recall the many constellations and star charts back on Earth. He had learned these things many years back when he had been attending school. However, his memories of them were very faded.

Despite this, Fang Xingjian was, after all, a Knight with a level 5 mental cultivation method. His brain's memory and calculation abilities had far surpassed what they used to be. Although his recollections of star charts were very distant, they were still stored in his brain. His mind started to work like a calculator, retrieving details a bit at a time and digging out all his memories with regards to the star charts.

One minute, two minutes, ten minutes… After half an hour, he started to recall slowly and gradually. He remembered that class about five years ago, when his geography teacher had been explaining about star charts and constellations.

Although this memory was still hidden in his brain, they had long since become blurry, and it was almost impossible to recall any of it.

However, having attained level 5 in his mental cultivation method, the memory, calculation and contemplation abilities of his brain had improved greatly. After spending half an hour recalling, he finally succeeded.

He had not only recalled the basic introduction his teacher had given back then but also the four star charts that had flashed on the powerpoint slides.

'Ursa Minor… Ursa Major… Cassiopeia… Draco…' [1]

Many constellations appeared in his mind and were then matched up to the diagrams on the Pantheon Monument.

The Pantheon Monument was covered with star charts on all four sides. They were the star charts for all four seasons, with spring, summer, autumn and winter stars engraved on all four diagrams respectively.

'But… Why are the star charts on the Pantheon Monument the same as what I had seen on Earth? No, there seems to be some missing parts. Despite this, they are still generally the same.'

Countless questions flashed through Fang Xingjian's mind, 'Did the Melancholic Monarch go to Earth two hundred years ago? Or…'

Just as Fang Xingjian was trying to recollect and contemplate, continuously observing the star charts on the Pantheon Monument, Anderson also let out a loud hissing sound. He had comprehended the first level of the Pantheon Monument's profoundness and had white light appearing all over his body. A set of martial art started to form in his Stats Window.

Fang Xingjian took a quick glance at Anderson with his Heaven's Perception and then turned away. Now, all his attention was taken up by the Pantheon Monument before him.

'This Pantheon Monument was created by a Divine level expert in the Empire two hundred years ago. No matter where the stars came from, they represent the connection between Earth and Miracle World, which definitely exceeds the seventeen years I had originally thought it to be.'

Seventeen years ago, the passageway leading to Miracle World had opened up in Demonic City. The entire Demonic City had been invaded by the Other World, and both worlds had a part of itself combined with the other. From there, various stories, experts, clans and legends had been born.

In those seventeen years, the world went through transformational changes. Countless countries had joined forces to tap into the powers from Miracle World. They had even joined forces with the three Mage Kings and started infiltrating the Miracle World.

However, Fang Xingjian suddenly realized today that the connection between Miracle World and Earth had not just been from seventeen years ago. It might possibly go all the way back to two hundred years ago. How astonishing was this discovery?

Manny, on the other side, had once again engrossed himself into comprehending the Pantheon Monument. Spots of light first appeared all over his body, then a circle of light appeared on top of his head. It represented that he had comprehended level 2 of the Pantheon Monument's profoundness.

Of course, Manny had comprehended the Pantheon Monument before, so no one was astonished by his performance.

Currently, Hoult and Wei Leng were at level 1, while Manny was at level 2. The elderly man in charge of guarding the Pantheon Monument nodded to himself.

'This year's Regional Selection has definitely gathered many talents. To think that there are already people who have comprehended the mysteries of the Pantheon Monument in such a short time.

'However, the Pantheon Monument contains boundless mysteries and everyone's understanding and interpretations are different. Thus, the limits each individual can reach are different as well.

'Currently, the best explication method is still the Tianyuan Explication, left behind by Devitt thirty years ago. He had comprehended up to the fourth level and evolved his Killing technique three times in order for it to become the Hundred Dragon Ice Incantation today.

'According to the Tianyuan Explication, we all thought that the limits of the Pantheon Monument's mysteries should be at about the fifth or sixth level.'

The greatest wish of the elder who guarded the Pantheon Monument was to be able to resolve all the mysteries the Melancholic Monarch had left behind on the Pantheon Monument.

'Only the proper explication method will be able to resolve all the hidden mysteries to the Pantheon Monument and comprehend the true legacy left behind by the Melancholic Monarch.

'Although with the Tianyuan Explication that Devitt used, Devitt had comprehended up to the fourth level, it was still not everything. It goes to say that even the Tianyuan Explication isn't the correct method of resolving it.'

On the other hand, white light was suddenly exploding out from Hoult, forming a circle of light on top of his head. He had comprehended the second level of the mysteries, causing the Astral Sword to transform into the Black Domain Astral Sword.

The elder had an astonished look and continued to watch Hoult in anticipation.

Once again, Hoult's transformation agitated the other examinees. Everyone turned their focus onto the Pantheon Monument before them and could not help but wish that they could break the Pantheon Monument apart and take a look at it.

Hoult had once again got ahead of Anderson, causing his countenance to turn grim. His mind started churning at a very high speed. Those scratches in his eyes were like shadows shifting under sunlight. They recorded a set of extremely profound force exertion method.

Then as he continued to sense the messages on the Pantheon Monument, the images in his mind seemed to become three dimensional as well.

'It's not just force exertions using the physical body.

'There are also changes to the footwork!'

The spots of light on his body started burning up furiously. It was as if he would be able to attain a breakthrough at any time now.

Rota let out a long breath and stood up. She had already calmed herself down and was ready to study the Pantheon Monument.

Fang Xingjian looked at the Pantheon Monument, and as the star charts in his mind grew increasingly clear, he suddenly noticed some problems.

'Why are there missing parts on the Pantheon Monument's star charts?

'Everyone can comprehend different martial arts from the Pantheon Monument and still comprehend more and more mysteries, evolving the martial arts they had learnt.

'This is because the Melancholic Monarch had inserted a lot of information into the Pantheon Monument.'

Based on the principles of the Miracle World, everything in the world is formed from ether particles. The Pantheon Monument was no exception. And when one's Heaven's Perception has reached a 100% ether synchronization rate, one will be able to leave any information he wishes onto any object and store it there for hundreds or thousands of years.

'The Melancholic Monarch hid many martial arts into the star charts, and based on the individual's interpretation of the Pantheon Monument, one will be able to comprehend different martial arts. The deeper the level of comprehension, the deeper the understanding of the martial arts and thus leading to the evolution of their martial arts. This will then eventually lead to a complete set of acquired martial arts.

'Different explication methods will result in different martial arts comprehended. Some martial arts would be completed at the second level, while some will only be fully completed on the third level.

'The different levels of comprehension are the different segments of the mysteries hidden by the Melancholic Monarch. Multiple rounds of evolution will make the martial arts more and more complete.

'And based on the different explication method, the limits of one's comprehension will be different, and the martial arts they gain will vary as well. There are some which will be completed at the second level, while others may require up to the third or even fourth level.'

These things that Fang Xingjian thought about had already been considered by the many other people who were studying the Pantheon Monument. However, the main problem was that for the past over two hundred years, no one had been able to find the right explication method for the Pantheon Monument.

Fang Xingjian contemplated the missing parts on the Pantheon Monument's star charts and thought to himself, 'What would happen if I were to fill in the missing parts of the diagrams?'

[1] Names of different constellations.

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Chapter 224 Pantheon Monument Observation (Part III)

Fang Xingjian tried once again to recall, bit by bit, the star charts he had seen in his geography class.

There had been a total of four star charts, with each representing the stars in each respective season: spring; summer; autumn; and winter. As the memory was from too long ago, Fang Xingjian's memory of many of the details on the star charts were not very clear.

Therefore, in order to complete the star charts on the Pantheon Monument, he had to recall the finest details of the Earth's star charts.

His brain started to circulate intensively as streams of bioelectromagnetic currents stimulated the nerves in his brain continuously, presenting the information from the many shattered pieces of his memory to him.

"You don't belong to our Fang Clan!"

"You're a b*stard illegitimate child!"

"Beat him up! Everyone beat him up together!"

Fang Xingjian's brows furrowed together. However, he did not stop and simply continued to dig through his memory, searching for the many pieces of memories left behind from his past.

"Grandmother, I'd like to pick up martial arts."

"Martial arts? Who brought up martial arts to you? Why would you have this idea?"

"I… I saw that Uncle keeps practicing his martial arts."

"… Forget about picking up martial arts. I'll send you to school from tomorrow onward. Study well and your future will be a hundred times better than if you were to pick up martial arts. Don't think about martial arts so often.

"One more thing. In the future, don't come to my study. You don't even have any basic manners."

Fang Xingjian let out a long exhale as he continued to dig through his memory shards. However, his fists clenched tightly without him realising it, and his breath grew heavier as well.

"Fang Xingjian, don't you change your clothes?"

"I… I only have this set of clothes."

"Haha, he stinks! Everyone, don't get close to him. Otherwise, we'll also stink from his stench!"

Fang Xingjian pressed down hard on his forehead and felt that the memory shards, which he thought he had long forgotten, were now gushing forth, letting him experience the sadness, anger and vengeance which he had been through in the past.

Finally, his consciousness seemed to enter deep into his memories, to a part which he had never attempted to recall so strongly before.

"Are you sure it's this?"

"The results for the seventh season have already been decided. What difference is it going to make even if we choose?"

Fang Xingjian clenched both his fists tightly as clashing sounds of blades seemed to be ringing out around him. 'Whose voice is this? Why is there this voice in my memory?'

The next moment, Fang Xingjian let out a deep breath, temporarily putting this strange memory in his consciousness aside. It was because he had completely uncovered the memories relating to the star charts of the four seasons, including all the details about all the constellations on the charts.

The time he had taken to recall everything took Fang Xingjian a whole two hours. To outsiders, he merely appeared as though he was standing before the Pantheon Monument, contemplating.

However, two hours had passed by, and Anderson had comprehended to the second level, while Hoult had approached the Pantheon Monument with his inherited Myriad Star Palace legacy and stepped into the third level. Streams of white light gathered on his back, forming another circle of light.

With the help of Heaven's Perception, Wei Leng had also stepped into the second level of comprehension.

Rota looked at the contents on the monument without panicking. Manny frowned occasionally and smiled occasionally, seeming to have entered at a crucial point for attaining a breakthrough.

David was breaking out in sweat but still showed no signs of attaining any breakthrough. However, he also calmed down gradually, even appearing to be slightly at ease. It was because although he had not attained any breakthrough with regards to the Pantheon Monument, neither did Fang Xingjian.

He saw Fang Xingjian standing there, feeling sad at times and feeling angry at times. Fang Xingjian was even clenching his fists occasionally, yet showed no signs of comprehending anything. Seeing this, David felt like laughing.

After all, even if he could not comprehend the Pantheon Monument, it would be fine if Fang Xingjian was in the same plight.

The old man, who was guarding the monument, also shook his head to himself when he saw Fang Xingjian. He had received news earlier that a seventeen-year-old genius, who had attained Heaven's Perception, was participating in this year's Regional Selection. However, looking at how things were now, this lad was still too anxious and was not calm enough mentally. When he noticed other people were comprehending the Pantheon Monument in turns, he appeared to feel grief, anger, and anxiety.

If this were to go on, he would only end up unable to calm himself down to focus on the comprehension, resulting in him failing the Regional Selection.

Therefore, the old man planned to advise Fang Xingjian and give him some pointers for him to keep a calm mind and try again.

However, just then, a hint of light appeared around Fang Xingjian.

Fang Xingjian had finally completed the last part of the star charts, and immediately, the image of the Pantheon Monument in his mind shone brilliantly as countless information gushed toward him. He seemed to be able to see countless stars circulating around their orbits for ten thousands, hundred thousands or even millions of years.

"Between heaven and earth, power rules.

"Between various powers, astral reigns supreme.

"Amongst all the powers between heaven and earth, the forces of the stars are the most violent, greatest, strongest, toughest, and the most supreme."

Fang Xingjian seemed to hear a man's voice, then a new skill appeared in his Stats Window gradually—Astral Powers.

"So, he ended up comprehending?" The old man looked at the spots of light around Fang Xingjian and nodded, breaking into a satisfied smile. He then wanted to turn to look at Hoult, eager to see if Hoult could breakthrough and reach the fourth level of comprehension.

However, at the next moment, his eyes were wide-open and his mouth agape. It was as if his eyeballs would pop out any moment.

Suddenly, a circle of light appeared above Fang Xingjian's head. He had broken through once again, stepping into the second level of comprehension.

Fang Xingjian then took a step forward and his body floated up slowly. Streams of light formed on his back, and he opened his mouth slightly, saying, "Between heaven and earth, power rules."

The next moment, a light circle formed behind his head. Fang Xingjian had suddenly broken through and attained the third level of comprehension.

"How is this possible?" The old man look at this scene in disbelief. He had never seen anyone able to break through three levels at one go.

From afar, Anderson, Hoult and Wei Leng also stopped what they were doing and looked at Fang Xingjian as though they were looking at a monster.

In his heart, David was screaming out loud. He rubbed his eyes continuously, as if he could not believe what he was seeing.

Rota, Manny and all the other examinees also looked over at Fang Xingjian because his rate of breakthrough was simply too astonishing. To think that he had managed to comprehend three levels of the mysteries at one go.

However, amidst everyone's horrified gazes, spots of light started to form at Fang Xingjian's shoulders once again.

Endless kacha kacha sounds could be heard. Those spots of light formed into a new circle of light as though they had shape and texture and floated on Fang Xingjian's shoulders.

He had broken through to the fourth level of the mysteries!

However, in Fang Xingjian's consciousness, countless pieces of information were still swarming into his brain. He then accepted them all with his astonishing talent, determination, and comprehension ability.

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