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

9. 271

Read Paradise of Demonic Gods - Chapter 271 Conversation online free - Light Novel Full

Chapter 271 Conversation

At this moment, looking at his teacher's look of anticipation, Leon knew his judgement was wrong. Not only was Fang Xingjian's Rebirth Sword Technique not a rubbish technique, but on the contrary, it could be an outstanding Nurturing sword technique.

Usually, the checking and registration of the new sword techniques in Great Western Region Regional Academy was done by Leon. He would only recommend a new sword technique to his teacher, Hoppes, when he came across a more outstanding one.

After passing through their requirements, this was when the technique would then be submitted to the Knight Association in the Imperial capital. Once it was approved by the Knight Association, the new sword technique would then be entered into the sword arts archive and added into the Knight's handbook which the association gives out. The handbook would be distributed to every Royal Academy and various departments in the Empire for them to browse through before deciding if they wished to purchase the rights to it.

Of course, these people who browsed through the handbook would be able to pick up new sword techniques during the process, and they would not be charged since there was no need for that.

If there was a charge implemented even for the channels between top notch experts and researchers, it would not generate profits and would also delay the rate of development of martial techniques.

However, majority of them were too busy and would not have much time to acquire new techniques, unless the new techniques were especially outstanding or if they were very suitable for them.

Upon hearing his teacher's question, Leon turned to look at Fang Xingjian with curiosity. He was also very puzzled on how this sword technique, which seemed liked hodgepodge, could be amazing.

Behind Hoppes, Wang Tiangang walked over as well. Hearing Hoppes' question, both Wang Tiangang and Zhou Xingwen immediately understood that Hoppes had taken a fancy to the sword technique Fang Xingjian had created.

The two of them then exchanged a glance as they started to wonder what amazing aspects the Rebirth Sword Technique had that it could make a master rush over in a panic.

Fang Xingjian did not plan to hide much of the information. Since he wanted to sell this sword technique, he would naturally want more people to know just how amazing the Rebirth Sword Technique was. The more people knew about it, the better.

After picking up this technique, they would gradually realize just how powerful it was.

Therefore, Fang Xingjian chose his words carefully before saying, "I have some specialties which increase my potential, so I can't say for sure how much potential ordinary people would gain if they were to practice the Rebirth Sword Technique. But there should be at least 4,000-5,000 points."

"5,000 points?" Leon's eyes almost popped out. He criticized unconsciously, "Do you know that currently, the best Nurturing sword technique can only provide 800 potential points daily at level 10? You claim that yours can give 5,000 points… What a joke."

He turned to his teacher and said, "Teacher, there's no way…" However, he saw that Hoppes did not seem to be surprised or infuriated. Hoppes merely stroke his chin and asked, "5,000 points?"

Leon felt this was simply unbelievable. Could it be that Teacher really believed there was a Nurturing sword technique which could provide 5,000 potential points daily? When ordinary people practiced general level 10 sword techniques, they would only be able to gain tens or hundreds of potential points. It was already considered amazing if a sword technique could provide 800 potential points, and this was a miracle created by the Southern Flame Region Regional Academy's sword arts team.

Leon was still filled with disbelief, '5,000 points? How is that possible?'

However, Hoppes was looking at Fang Xingjian with great interest, and his eyes blinked like stars glimmering in the sky.

Hoppes had not said if he believed the Nurturing sword technique could provide 5,000 points. He then merely said,

"This set of Rebirth Sword Technique is truly very interesting. I've seen the traces of many different sword arts in it. In the beginning, I thought you had just randomly thrown some things together, but eventually, I realized that it was not the case.

"Every move and stance, every action to channel force, has been combined together perfectly. Even if the technique was just thrown together randomly, it has been done perfectly. It's just like using a fusion method of extracting the essence of many sword techniques and recreating them into a brand new sword technique.

"If this Rebirth Sword Technique was created through skills synthesis, it'll probably require quite a number of sword techniques, right?"

Fang Xingjian had long prepared the answer to this, so he replied, "That's right. I've fused a total of thirty sets of Nurturing sword techniques for this Rebirth Sword Technique."

Although he had reduced the actual number by a lot, it still astonished everyone present.

Leon said with disbelief, "Thirty sets of Nurturing sword techniques? You've reached the maximum level in all of them?"

Fang Xingjian nodded. Leon, Wang Tiangang, and the others fell silent again.

What kind of concept was this to require thirty sets of Nurturing sword techniques brought to their maximum level? It was something which ordinary people would never be able to do in their whole life. Even for people with the talent like Leon and Wang Tiangang, they would probably still need to devote all their time and effort into practicing these thirty sets of sword techniques for a period of twenty years before they would be able to reach the maximum level for all of them.

This was truly too unbelievable. Although Fang Xingjian did not seem to be lying, they still found it hard to believe.

Just then, Hoppes smiled and said, "Amazing. As expected of the genius who has comprehended all seven levels of the mysteries to the Pantheon Monument. You're only seventeen this year, right? To think that you've already mastered thirty sets of Nurturing sword techniques and created the Rebirth Sword Technique. I've also done a prediction after reading your manual in detail and felt it should be able to increase one's potential points by a lot. But I would never have thought that it could bring as many as 5,000 points.

"Mm… We'll still need to verify this. 5,000 points… it's too scary a number."

When the others heard Hoppes' words, they also understood the meaning behind his words.

That's right. For a genius who had resolved all seven levels of the mysteries to the Pantheon Monument… it was not unexpected for him to have this result.

Especially for Leon, when he thought of how he had only provided Hoppes with the information about Fang Xingjian on the way earlier, he realized that he had unconsciously neglected this point.

Well, thirty sets of Nurturing sword techniques at the maximum level was too spectacular.

However, compared to being able to comprehend the seven levels of the mysteries to the Pantheon Monument, it did not seem that astonishing anymore.

Hoppes immediately grabbed Fang Xingjian and asked, "There are traces of the sword techniques from the School of Sword Arts. I'd like to ask, how did you fuse the Grizzly Bear Sword Technique and the Eagle Sword Technique? Their concepts are slightly different, right?"

Fang Xingjian replied, "I just perform them together?"

"Perform them together?" Hoppes was confounded, and he asked, "Then what about the Mountain Sword Technique and the Universal Sword Dominance?"

"It's the same, perform them together." Fang Xingjian had no plans to discuss too much of the theory with him and said directly, "Just perform them concurrently in the body."

Hoppes was stunned, but he immediately thought to himself, 'Is this how geniuses do things?' Thinking of how he had been called a genius since young… To think that he had come across someone who was even more monstrous than him.

Hoppes and Fang Xingjian were still having an exchange when Wang Tiangang walked up to Leon and asked, "Can I have a look at it?"

Leon threw a glance at Wang Tiangang. Facing this Conferred Knight whose rank far surpassed his own… if it was an ordinary situation, he would definitely greet him properly. However, today, he did not do so. Leon was still immersed in the astonishment Fang Xingjian had brought him.

Wang Tiangang took Fang Xingjian's manual and glanced through it quickly.

Truth be told, Wang Tiangang was not one who would follow Hoppes blindly, with great trust in his judgement. Therefore, when he looked at the Rebirth Sword Technique, he had wanted to do so critically.

From the start, as Wang Tiangang glanced through it, he had wanted to point out its flaws. However, after reading through it once… he then started to read it again in detail right from the start.

Wang Tiangang's countenance turned increasingly grim.

Leon's expression was still filled with doubt. '5,000 potential points? Forget about 5,000 points. If it can give 3,000 points, it'll probably be able to change the state of the entire world…

'Is this really possible?'

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 272 Surprise

"This…" The more he read the Rebirth Sword Technique's manual, the more astonished Wang Tiangang was. Not only did his rank greatly surpass Leon's, his mastery of sword arts was greater as well.

This was why, like Hoppes, he could tell how outstanding the Rebirth Sword Technique was.

How was this a hodgepodge sword technique? This was clearly a Nurturing sword technique that had combined the essences of countless sword techniques. Although each move and stance seemed to be randomly pieced together, they all contained the marvel of several sword moves and were aimed toward nurturing the body through an extreme method. Any more would damage the body and any less would make it just an ordinary Nurturing sword technique.

This was also why he could clearly understand how difficult it was to create this sword technique.

Wang Tiangang lifted his head to look at Fang Xingjian once again, and especially after looking at the latter's young appearance at seventeen, he thought of how he himself was already thirty-five. He could not suppress the burning jealousy that was growing in his heart.

'Why was I not the one who created this sword technique?'

Everyday, after practicing all his Nurturing techniques, he would only gain a little over 4,000 potential points. However, Fang Xingjian's single Rebirth Sword Technique could already provide him with 5,000 points, no, not just 5,000 points, since Fang Xingjian still had the enhancement from his specialties. Moreover, the highest level of his sword technique would definitely not be at level 10.

Thinking of this, Wang Tiangang felt even more depressed.

Thank goodness he was not aware of the number of potential points Fang Xingjian was getting everyday. If he were to know of it, he would probably have the urge to kill Fang Xingjian with his sword.

This was also the reason why Fang Xingjian did not reveal the entire truth. After all, having a lead would only cause others to be jealous, and having a lead of a hundred steps could drive others into desperation and drive them crazy.

Zhou Xingwen walked up and asked, "What's the matter?"

Wang Tiangang let out a long breath, shook his head, and left without saying a word.

Since young, he had always relied on his superior talent to crush other Knights, enjoying the ecstasy of crushing the weak.

However, this time around, he had finally experienced what his companions had always been feeling… The feeling of complete loss to someone with greater talent.

It did not feel good.

Now, he suddenly felt thankful to the many seniors he had surpassed since young. To think that they had not tried to kill him.

Even though Wang Tiangang had left, Zhou Xingwen stayed behind. As he looked at Fang Xingjian, no one could tell what he was thinking.

Hoppes was still engaged in a discussion with Fang Xingjian, from the circulation of the force, to the trembling of the organs, to the circulation of the vital energy and blood…. Leon was now completely left out of the loop and was unable to understand what they were saying.

At the start, he could still understand certain parts of it and kept up, albeit barely. But now, as he listened to Hoppes' and Fang Xingjian's discussion, he had the feeling of being completely ignorant.

Although he could understand each individual word by itself, he did not understand a single thing when the words were all pieced together.

If he had been to Earth before, he would know that there was a saying that could describe his current situation.

Even though I do not know what you mean, it sounds amazing.

This feeling gave him a stronger feeling of admiration than if he were to understand the conversation. As he waited by the side and looked on as Fang Xingjian and Hoppes continued their conversation for over an hour, Hoppes finally smiled and said, "It's really unexpected how your understanding of Nurturing sword techniques, vital energy and blood is already so deep. How about it, are you interested in joining my sword arts team?"

Hoppes extended the invitation once again. What could Leon say to this? He merely looked at Fang Xingjian with great admiration. He had already discarded the disdain and the contempt he had for Fang Xingjian earlier.

Faced with the invitation for the second time, Fang Xingjian still had no plans of joining them. He had his own arrangements and did not plan to become Hoppes' subordinate.

Seeing Fang Xingjian shaking his head and rejecting him, Hoppes did not feel awkward in the least. He merely smiled and said, "Xingjian, you might not understand yet. Pursuing sword arts, pursuing the pinnacle in martial arts… these require a tremendous amount of time and money.

"And my sword arts team can get a budget of at least a 300,000 gold from the Regional Academy every year. I can let you have 50,000 gold to study sword arts further.

"Of course, the direction of the study must be approved by me."

Hoppes really admired Fang Xingjian's talent and could not help but want to help him along.

And to think that a sword arts research team in the Regional Academy could be given a budget of 300,000 gold per year, over two times more than how much Kirst Royal Academy was given. From just this point alone, one could tell the great gap between Prefectural Academies and Regional Academies. It was like the difference between high schools and universities.

When Leon heard this, he looked toward Fang Xingjian with a yearning look on his face.

Getting 50,000 gold every year… This was considered a huge sum of money to him. Or rather, to any Conferred Knight who was below level 25, it would be considered a huge sum of money.

However, Fang Xingjian still shook his head and said, "No need. For now, I don't wish to join any research teams."

Hoppes shook his head in pity. He did not push him further but merely said, "I'll report your Rebirth Sword Technique to the Knight Association. If we hurry up a bit, we should be able to see it in the Knight's handbook at the end of this month. Right, how much are you planning to put it up for? For the royalties that is."

Saying that, Hoppes smiled. "I see a bright future for this sword technique. Putting aside the major academies, probably even quite a number of departments in the military and local forces would want to purchase the rights to it."

The exact price the royalties would be set at was something that required multiple negotiations. Fang Xingjian planned to let Ferdinand handle this. However, the Knight's handbook allowed the creator to include a reference fee as an estimation for those who were interested in purchasing the rights.

Fang Xingjian gave it some thought and said, "What do you think about setting it as 3,000 gold per year?"

When he heard that Fang Xingjian was considering setting it at 3,000 gold per year, Leon could not help but gasp. This was beyond expensive. The royalties for ordinary Killing techniques would only cost a few hundred gold. How much was 3,000 gold? If twenty academies were to purchase the rights, then Fang Xingjian's annual income would be 60,000 gold, a much higher price than what Hoppes had offered him.

Of course, the prerequisite was that there were people who were willing to pay so much money for it.

Hoppes stroked his beard which he had not shaven for quite a while, saying, "Haha, it's a little expensive, but you can discuss the price with them when the time comes. However, if you wish to gain recognition earlier, it'll be better for your to lower the price a little. Otherwise, even if you get recognized for the theory, with no concrete results, many people would still not be willing to purchase it easily."

Fang Xingjian understood this. Even if the Knight Association's review team had verified the effects of the Rebirth Sword Technique theoretically, only after many people started learning it and showed results would the Rebirth Sword Technique then spread like wildfire.

After sending off Hoppes and the envious Leon, Fang Xingjian returned into the house. There was no need for him to adjust his mental state and he could just continue to finish up the last few lines of the book he was working on. He then started training the Ninety Thousand Godly Demon Flash.

He seemed as if he had not been affected by Hoppes and the income he would be getting in the future.

Remaining indifferent regardless of being showered with praises or humiliation, neither conceited nor rash. Every since he became a Conferred Knight, his Universal Sword Dominance Lunisolar mental cultivation method continued to circulate, causing him to be increasingly calm.

It was as if he had accumulated his various negative emotions, including fury and vengeance, and, when he came across external demons or felt unjust, these emotions would explode out in an instant like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath.

And now, after the past few days of training and sorting out, his techniques had become:

Boundaries Negation Level 40

Rebirth Sword Technique Level 40

New Nine-Headed Dragon Sword Technique Level 40

Luminous Heaven Soaring Slash Level 40

Ether Sword Ripples Level 4

Ether Divine Art Level 4

Ninety Thousand Godly Demon Flash Level 1

Other than his Ether Divine Art and Ninety Thousand Godly Demon Flash, the rest had already reached the maximum level. The next thing to do was to push the Ninety Thousand Godly Demon Flash to the maximum level before proceeding with skills synthesis.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 273 Getting Ready for Publication

From there, the Rebirth Sword Technique was submitted to the Knight Association, and supposedly, it would feature in the Knight's handbook that was due to be handed out at the end of the month. The Headmasters of the respective academies and big shots of the various departments would then slowly get to know about how powerful the Rebirth Sword Technique was, and then start to purchase the rights to this sword technique. The entire process would probably still take very long.

Therefore, while the Rebirth Sword Technique could bring about great returns, it would probably be of no help to Fang Xingjian in the short run.

Now, Fang Xingjian still had to earnestly practice the Ninety Thousand Godly Demon Flash, and publish books to earn money while the hype related to his Regional Champion title was still there.

Therefore, after Fang Xingjian had spent one night bringing the Ninety Thousand Godly Demon Flash to level 9, the next morning, he once again headed to the inn where Ferdinand was at.

However, when he arrived at the inn, he was informed that Ferdinand and the others were no longer staying there. Following the address that Ferdinand had left behind, Fang Xingjian came to a small two-storey manor in the southern corner of the Great Western City. The manor had a small garden of about twenty square meter. The building was a European-styled house which seemed to have only been built a couple of years before.

Ferdinand opened the door to welcome Fang Xingjian and said, "This place isn't that bad, right? I was thinking that we can't keep staying at the inn, and since I've won a large sum of money from you winning the title of Regional Champion, I might as well put the money to use and buy this house.

"This house originally belonged to a Knight from Great Western City. He was transferring to Southern Flame Region, and since he was in a rush to sell it off, I got it for only 800 gold."

As he spoke, he was leading Fang Xingjian to the hall, where they found a furry carpet and a real leather couch that made one feel as if they would sink in when they sat on it. There would be maids serving drinks and snacks at all times, and each corner of the room had a block of ice half a meter tall, that emanated a chilling air. There was no hint of the summer heat in the room at all.

Fang Xingjian sighed, "You really know how to enjoy yourself."

Ferdinand smiled, "Since I have the money, I can't possibly treat myself badly. How's your progress?"

Robert and Anthony also walked in, looking at Fang Xingjian in anticipation.

Fang Xingjian took out the outline he wrote on the process of his cultivation. There was another set, which consisted of the main points and insights he had when he was cultivating the basic sword techniques.

Ferdinand took the books and flipped through them. Fang Xingjian asked, "Oh, right. If we were to sell books, do we need to get approval from the government? How are you guys planning on printing them?"

These two were the questions he had been puzzled about, but had not managed to find an answer to.

Ferdinand looked at the documents, nodding occasionally, while he answered Fang Xingjian, "Approval? We're just selling books, what approval do we need? At most, we'll just need to pay some taxes to the municipal government. Alternatively, we can pay them some bribes, or just sell them illegally. We won't even have to pay any taxes then.

"As for the printing, we can use mechanical printing. Haha, we have the Second Prince to thank. If not for him gathering a bunch of people together to invent paper and printing, it'd be troublesome."

Only after Fang Xingjian asked for more details did he learn that paper and printing had also existed in Miracle World in the past. However, it was basic woodblock printing or rough papyrus. The Second Prince had taken the lead to start a revolution for making mechanical printing and white paper of better quality possible. It had sped up the dissemination of documents and culture within the Empire.

'Is the Second Prince thinking of using the modern technology on Earth to slowly change the entire country? However, against the First Prince's absolute violence, this method would take effect far too slowly…'

Fang Xingjian contemplated about the Second Prince while Ferdinand continued, "The story is too simple. I'll get someone to make some changes to it. As for the insights, I'll leave them be. I have faith in your sword arts level."

"Changing the story?"

Ferdinand grinned, "Just twisting it a little. It's best to say stuff like 'despite being looked down on by superiors, teachers, and foreigners, the student independently proved himself to be outstanding,' or stuff like that. People like to read things like these."

Fang Xingjian frowned. Although he did not like having his story falsified, earning money was more important. Therefore, he could only say, "Don't go overboard with it."

"Don't worry, I'll definitely make you sound great." Ferdinand then smiled again, "A Knight who was down in the dumps becoming a great genius, soaring and amazing everyone else! After gaining fame and reputation, he was neither conceited nor rash, falling in love at first sight with a lady who was a commoner. Hehe, the maids from my previous manor all liked to read such novels."

Fang Xingjian said with indifference, "I've also registered a new Nurturing sword technique. When the time comes, I'll need you to help work things out. If anyone comes to purchase the rights, I'll get them to look for you here."

Ferdinand nodded, his eyes still fixed on the book Fang Xingjian had written, not paying much heed to the new sword technique. It was really not easy to sell Nurturing sword techniques, let alone to sell them for a good price.

Most of the time, they were created by people with great authority, great masters, or who owned an entire academy after much effort and after having invested a tremendous amount of time and money.

After all, creating things like Nurturing sword techniques as a basic research study was something that countless generations of people had gone through great efforts to accomplish. Even the slightest improvement required a much too great price to be paid.

However, Ferdinand had another idea. He lifted his head and asked Fang Xingjian, "Xingjian, currently, your talent is great, and the speed at which you learn at is very fast, right?"

He was asking the obvious. A person who was able to comprehend all seven mysteries of the Pantheon Monument would undoubtedly have great talent and amazing learning abilities.

Fang Xingjian 'looked' at him and nodded.

Ferdinand then asked again, "Then what's the level 29 armor that the academy has rewarded you with? Is it an entire set of armor? Are its defensive abilities very strong? When do you think you'll be able to complete your second transition?"

Hearing his series of questions, Fang Xingjian said, "Get to the point."

"Hehe, I'm hoping to stir up your reputation a bit before starting to sell the books. I've heard that in your Regional Academy, ordinary Killing techniques are in the library, while the compulsory Killing techniques of each department are in the Killing Techniques Palace."

"Killing Techniques Palace?" Fang Xingjian frowned. He had yet to learn about this, but he was now hearing it from Ferdinand, an outsider to the academy.

The Regional Academy had various courses, one of which was the Killing technique class. The requirement was for each student to pick up the compulsory Killing techniques of their respective departments.

These Killing techniques were all in the Killing Techniques Palace. The Sword Arts Department that Fang Xingjian was in had four sets of Killing technique in the Killing Techniques Palace. Each student needed to gradually progress in the respective Killing technique before moving onto the next one.

Ferdinand continued, "I don't know the details of the learning process in the Killing Techniques Palace, but I'm thinking that with your talent, you'd probably be able to set a new record in the Regional Academy. When that happens, it'll be easier for us to sell the books."

He smiled and said, "Solving the mysteries to the Pantheon Monument, then setting a record in the Killing Techniques Palace. An unrivalled talent breaking consecutive records, astonishing the higher echelon of the Empire and climbing to the peak in the Regional Academy. What are the secrets behind his success? It'll all be in the book. Hehe, how attractive is this headline? How many people would buy the book?"

Anthony grabbed his chin and said, "Is it too offending?" If this was really written in the books, it would probably offend a whole load of students in the academy.

Ferdinand laughed coldly, "Offending? The Prefectural Selection chooses ten out of hundreds and thousands of people, the Regional Selection chooses ten out of a few hundred people, and the National Selection chooses another ten out of eighty people. Each of the champions fight their way to the top.

"There're limited resources in this world. One must fight to get what they want. Only those who are weak and have mediocre talent are afraid of offending people. It's because they can't win in a fight.

"As for those who succeed… Which genius would be afraid of offending people? To get first place, to get even more resources, one naturally needs to snatch from others. When you get more resources, others naturally get less. If you're afraid of offending people, then you can just resign to being a person without any accomplishments for all your life."

With that, he looked at Xingjian and said, "Isn't that right, Xingjian?"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 274 Attending Class

Fang Xingjian nodded and said, "Do as you wish. Just don't go overboard." With that, he stood up and headed for the door. He said what he had needed to say and returned to the Sacred Land for his training.

In fact, if it wasn't to raise the speed of his cultivation or because it required a tremendous sum of money to prepare for the cultivation of mystical prints, Fang Xingjian could just stay in the Sacred Land and only leave when his Killing techniques reached the maximum level.

Ferdinand and the others had long gotten used to Fang Xingjian's fanatical training and thus did not try to keep him back. Fang Xingjian returned to the Sacred Land and continued the boring cycle of eating, training, eat, and training.

It was simple, boring, and lonely. He practiced the steps to the Ninety Thousand Godly Demon Flash continuously and repeated them ceaselessly. Even if Fang Xingjian had the world's best talent, if he wanted to succeed, he would still need to devote a tremendous amount of hard work into his cultivation.

During the process of working hard, he would need to put up with boredom and loneliness. It could be said that training was never a pleasant thing to do. One would only be able to get a sense of satisfaction when one achieved success, such as having the technique leveling up, only after going through endless toil.

The whole process was a cycle of agony, satisfaction, and then agony again.

As his cultivation continued to progress, Fang Xingjian realized that his ether synchronization rate had now increased to 13% as well. This was much faster than he had expected. The additional 3% increase made the information he received even more multifarious and disorderly, and in huge amounts. It also allowed him to see more within the ten meter radius of his Heaven's Perception.

Fang Xingjian's fingers stroked the air, as if he could sense the restlessness within it. He could also sense various hints of fury, desperation, and loneliness.

'Are these the emotions left behind by people who had cultivated in the past?'

Fang Xingjian looked at his own palm as if he could sense countless things encompassing him, yet he could not see clearly what they were. He could only guess indistinctly that they should be air, radiation, waves, and even ether particles.

His cultivation speed was not bad.

His ether synchronization rate had increased by 3% within half a month, so he should be able to increase it by 10% within one to two months.

This was something that ordinary Conferred Knights would only be able to achieve within one or even two years.

These were the increased effects from the Sacred Land with one hundred times the density, his specialty, Darkness Sword Sense, as well as the best sword talent he had. This allowed his efficiency to be several hundred times greater than that of ordinary people.

Of course, Fang Xingjian was blind, and thus, he had to rely on Heaven's Perception to observe everything. This might also be one possible reason.

However, although several hundred times sounded like a lot, there were also people who had toiled their lives away for fifty years but had never been able to cross the Knight stage. Thus, they were forever stuck at level 9.

Some people, however, were able to reach the legendary Divine level after fifty years. The efficiency for these people could also be described as several hundred times.

Moreover, increasing his ether synchronization rate by 10% in one to two months was still considered to slow Fang Xingjian. He wanted to participate in the National Selection one year later or even be able to go up against the First Prince.

He still needed to earn money in order to cultivate mystical prints and, in turn, increase his ether synchronization rate.

However, this was not something Fang Xingjian could rush. He practiced the Ninety Thousand Godly Demon Flash for another day, pushing it up to level 23.

When the Ninety Thousand Godly Demon Flash was at level 10, nine shadows could be created with one sword attack. Each move could create nine Godly Demon Clones, and a maximum of ninety-nine clones could be created.

At level 20, the special effect further evolved to create nineteen shadows with one sword, creating a maximum of 299 clones.

There would be over a hundred lifelike Godly Demon Clones which could switch positions with Fang Xingjian. The Ninety Thousand Godly Demon Flash was truly a technique which combined both attack and defences together, and could be said to be the best move for a scuffle or probing. Fang Xingjian was full of anticipation for the effect which would result from synthesizing with the Luminous Heaven Soaring Slash.

Early the next morning, Fang Xingjian decided to head out and check out the courses in the Regional Academy. He wanted to have a breather, gain new experiences, and check out how the Killing Techniques Palace was like.

Based on his estimation, the Killing Techniques Palace of the Sword Arts Department probably had some Killing techniques unique to sword arts.

Leaving the Sacred Land, he randomly asked someone for directions to the Academic Building before heading over. Supported by countless huge rock pillars, it was a great hall which looked like the Pantheon in Rome.

However, not all courses were conducted in the Academic Building. When Fang Xingjian arrived at the Academic Building, he discovered that at the entrance, aside from the rankings, there was a course schedule with the timings and locations for all the courses which would be conducted that week.

In the main hall of the Academic Building itself, there was a course being conducted.

A female Conferred Knight was standing in the middle of the hall, surrounded by six Conferred Knights who were either seated, standing, or even lying down. They seemed to be going through an ordinary discussion.

The female Conferred Knight in the middle had beautiful long hair, and she wore a Knight attire and Scarlet Cape. Her skin was tender, and her expression leisurely. She also had an elegant and graceful disposition. The female Conferred Knight stood there and said, "The most important aspect in a Knight's training is to continuously raise your ether synchronization rate. As the ether synchronization rate rises, you would be able to gain more information and exchange more power.

"Regardless of whether it's your observation skills, talent, or understanding of the natural world, they would just get increasingly deeper, and the prowess of your Killing techniques would get increasingly powerful as well.

"However, this is a gradual process. You need to train up your willpower slowly and carefully approach those external information.

"It's because the human body has its limits. If you were to receive a tremendous amount of information too early, you'll end up being harmed as your consciousness will not be able to accept them. You may go crazy, suffer from memory loss, or even become like a zombie.

"When a Conferred Knight's ether synchronization rate reaches 20%, you would be able to sense other people's emotions. At 30%, you would be able to see light and sound. At this stage, you would be able to channel in your own information into material objects and other living things.

"This would also become a method for you to attack other people, through channeling in your own memories and will into other people, brainwashing them, or even let them become your puppet temporarily. This is also known as willpower impact.

"A Knight's attacks surpasses that of ordinary people. Just the Reduced Force Field alone would make them unrivalled.

"And for us, Conferred Knights, we can use Heaven's Perception to unleash willpower impacts.

"What I'm going to be teaching today is how to fend off such attacks."

As the female Knight spoke, another lady walked up right to Fang Xingjian. She was Rota, who was also from Kirst Academy. Rota looked curiously at the Regional Champion from her batch and said softly, "Why haven't I seen you around?"

Although Rota was wearing ordinary training wear at the moment, she still could not hide her long and slender figure, and appeared like a beautiful female snake. Other than the female lecturer, the other male counterparts were looking at her the most.

"I was training," Fang Xingjian said casually.

Rota blinked and asked, "I heard you've gained access to the Sacred Land with one hundred times the density? What does that feel like?"

In another corner, a guy who appeared short and fat like a big slab of marble, threw a dissatisfied glance at Fang Xingjian. He felt especially disgruntled when he saw how close Rota was with Fang Xingjian.

His name was Titan, and he was a level 22 Conferred Knight ranked in 40th position. When he first saw Rota, he had been astonished. Then after he knew of her performance in the Regional Selection… that she had been one of the examinees selected by the Melancholic Monarch and thus was almost able to attain the Heaven's Perception, his attitude toward Rota had been even more passionate.

However, no matter how much ardor Titan had approached her with, Rota had not shown him much interest. Now, seeing how close Rota was with Fang Xingjian, a flame of fury ignited in his heart.

Especially after seeing Fang Xingjian's slender body and elegant disposition, Titan grew increasingly irritated.

Finally, after the female teacher had spoken her piece, Titan shouted suddenly, "Teacher Angelina, it's useless to just talk. Why don't we have a demonstration? I'm sure there are some newcomers who have yet to experience willpower impacts."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 275 Demonstration

When the beautiful female teacher, who went by the name of Angelina, heard Titan's words, she gave it some thought and nodded. "What you said makes sense. There are a couple of new faces today. You two must be from this year's Regional Selection?"

As Angelina spoke, everyone turned to look at Fang Xingjian and Rota.

Angelina smiled and said, "It's true to that no matter how much is said, it'll be better to have an exchange with an expert. This is especially so for the willpower impact which is a spiritual exchange. If you don't experience it for yourself, you'll never be able to fully understand it.

"If you were to enter the Sacred Land in the future, you would also need to get used to the information flow in the form of willpower impact."

Then she suddenly clapped and said, "That's right. The two of you haven't completed the second transition, right? That's perfect. Let the Conferred Knights channel information into you. It'll even increase your success rate in attaining Heaven's Perception."

Although the teacher named Angelina appeared somewhat refined, she was in fact a little dim.

She was a noblewoman who had been called a genius since young as well as carefully cared for, and had never experienced any fights or schemes. Additionally, after Angelina had entered the Regional Academy and eventually become a teacher, she had devoted most of her time to studying and researching. She could be said to be a typical nerd.

It was true that Rota had not completed the second transition nor had she completely attained Heaven's Perception. As for Fang Xingjian, he had yet to tell anyone that he had already completed the second transition.

However, Rota naturally hoped to be able to give it a try. On the other hand, Fang Xingjian also wanted to know what willpower impact from a Conferred Knight was like. He wanted to know if it was similar to the experience he had when he had tried to fend off Domirov.

Seeing that both of them had agreed, Titan immediately stood up and walked up to Fang Xingjian. He patted Fang Xingjian on the shoulder and spoke as if he had been through something similar before, "Haha, junior, you haven't experienced willpower impact yet, right? Let me give you some guidance. Don't worry, I'm already at level 22 with an ether synchronization rate of 32%. I've long grasped willpower impact, and I am very familiar with it. I won't impact you negatively."

Angelina smiled, seeming to think that Titan was truly trying to give guidance out of kindness. She then said to Rota, "Let me give you some guidance as well. It's beneficial for you to step into Heaven's Perception by experiencing the flow of information to your brain in advance."

Fang Xingjian threw Titan a glance and said, "Let's start. What am I supposed to do?"

Titan smiled and said, "There's no need for you to do anything. Just relax." However, looking at Fang Xingjian's tightly shut eyes, he suddenly thought of something.

'This guy is blind? He's Fang Xingjian?'

Titan was not a martial arts maniac like Hoppes. So, he had naturally heard of the name of this year's Regional Champion, Fang Xingjian.

However, after recognizing this point, the envy in his heart surged even higher. Especially when he looked at Fang Xingjian's face, height, and the talent he had revealed, it was impossible to say that Titan was not jealous.

'Hmph, so what if you're a genius. Your ether synchronization rate is definitely not as high as mine. I'll hit you with the willpower impact one-sidedly and make you look like a fool.'

As he thought of this, he activated his Heaven's Perception and started trying to launch a willpower impact at Fang Xingjian.

The purpose of willpower impact was to throw one's memories and martial will at the opponent, attacking and defending on the consciousness level.

This was a skill which one could only deploy when their ether synchronization rate was at 30%. It was because only Conferred Knights with a synchronization rate of 30% or higher would be able to leave information in physical substances.

After Titan activated his Heaven's Perception, he threw his consciousness toward Fang Xingjian. He had prepared a whole pile of things in his mind, in particular his martial will, hoping to throw Fang Xingjian off his tracks and portray him as a fool.

It would be best if Fang Xingjian fainted or something.

Thinking of this, a hint of a cold smile crept up the corners of Titan's lips.

Not all Conferred Knights were elegant, with exemplary conduct and noble character. They were merely stronger than ordinary people. However, because of their mental cultivation methods, some of them would not really get into many of fights.

However, there were more Conferred Knights, whose desires also grew stronger after becoming stronger. Furthermore, after becoming Conferred Knights, they needed to fight for more monetary and cultivation resources. Thus, these Conferred Knights might get into fights more easily than when they had been Knights.

Titan, who wanted to make a fool of someone inferior just because of some feelings of jealousy and fury, was one of them. While there were not many Conferred Knights who were like this, there were still quite a number of them.

However, just as Titan came into contact with Fang Xingjian's body, he suddenly felt that something was amiss. He realized that not only was he transmitting information over, the other side was also transmitting information over to him.

Titan's vision suddenly turned black, as if an overwhelming amount of sand had gushed toward him. The air in the surroundings seemed to have become distorted and scorching hot, like he had entered a great steamer.

'What's going on?

'What on earth is going on?!

'To think that there's such a tremendous amount of information drowning my senses, making me feel as if my body and the environment have truly changed. How on earth did he do that?

'How could Fang Xingjian pull something like this?!'

Just as he was thinking this, a violent voice rang out in Titan's mind,

"I, Domirov, am the Sand Country's national hero! Who? Who dares to disturb my sleep?!"

Titan had not expected that the entire surface of Fang Xingjian's skin had been covered by the level 29 Superior Divine Armor, the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor. He had wanted to channel information over to Fang Xingjian through his Heaven's Perception. However, it had instead come into contact with the Superior Divine Weapon and thus triggered a reverse attack from the level 29 expert, Domirov.

To the people watching from the outside, Titan had initially appeared extremely confident. The way he had looked at Fang Xingjian with an expression of great grace, as if he really were a senior thinking of providing guidance to his junior.

However, Titan's face had suddenly turned pale, and his body started to tremble continuously. He leaped back as if he had just seen a ghost, then he fell onto the ground, convulsing non-stop while perspiring heavily.

"What on earth is going on?!"

"Titan, what's wrong with you?"

"Didn't he attack Fang Xingjian with his willpower impact? Why is he the one who looks like he has just seen a ghost?"

Titan pointed to Fang Xingjian, but his mind was in an absolute mess. Although he had cut off the connection in time, Domirov's damaging prowess was too great and he was not able to say a single word for a while.

Angelina also walked over and squatted down, asking Titan with a concerned look, "Titan, how are you feeling? Are you alright?"

Fang Xingjian fell into a short daze before suddenly lifting up his hand. He could feel the slight changes on the surface of his skin, as if a layer had been torn off.

"Sorry, I forgot that I'm wearing the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor. You must have been struck by the martial will on it."

Hearing Fang Xingjian's words, Titan finally understood what had just happened. A feeling of exasperation burst out in his heart.

'Level 29 Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor… You asked me to attack you while you're wearing this thing?! Aren't you going too far?!'

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 276 Departure

If most people were to know Titan's thoughts, they would only be able to sigh. The students around them showed expressions of pity as they looked at Titan, who had collapsed. It was too horrible to be attacked by the residual martial will of a level 29 expert.

The corners of Rota's lips curled up slightly as she snickered in her heart.

Fang Xingjian also understood now. An attack through a flow of information should be about the same as what he had experienced when he withstood Domirov's willpower impact.

He secretly decided that in the future, he would spend some time every day to stimulate the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor and thus train up his ability to resist willpower impact.

It was at this moment that the dim-witted Angelina finally had a reaction. She left Titan and looked at Fang Xingjian in astonishment while saying, "You're Fang Xingjian?"

The other students also turned to look at them. Some of them had managed to recognize Fang Xingjian before this, and now, they were all looking at him with gazes of envy.

There was no other way about it. The level 29 Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor was something that all of them were jealous over. With just the information impact it brought, if one did not have the ether synchronization rate of someone who was either level 28 or level 29, they could forget about trying to suppress Fang Xingjian with their will.

Fang Xingjian nodded to Angelina and said, "That's me."

Angelina immediately went up and walked in a circle around Fang Xingjian like she was looking at a rare animal. She mumbled, "You're that Fang Xingjian who solved all seven levels of the mysteries to the Pantheon Monument and defeated Hoult, who's a disciple of a Divine level expert?"

Fang Xingjian nodded. Angelina immediately grabbed Fang Xingjian's palm and started stroking it.

"What you're wearing now is the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor? It feels so comfortable to the touch." She sniffed at Fang Xingjian's palm, and it was as if there were stars twinkling in her eyes.

To Angelina, the attraction of the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor was too great. She had put up several requests to the Royal Weaponry to get this level 29 armor but had never succeeded.

This was because the thing she was most interested in was still the forging of Divine Weapons. She was extremely conversant with powerful Divine Weapons, especially those level 29 Superior Divine Weapons and level 30 Divine Remains Equipments.

Angelina's face was covered with an excited blush, and her hands started touching Fang Xingjian all over. She wore an infatuated expression as she said, "The Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor… Twelve years ago, when the Empire was at war with the Sand Country, His Majesty had stepped out in person to slaughter the top warrior of the Sand Country, Domirov, the national hero.

"Domirov's corpse was later on handed to the masters in Weaponry, who extracted all the blood, bone marrow, and other essences from his body. These were then fused with over 4,000 heavenly and earthly treasures. The masters had spent ten whole years working on this before they were able to succeed in forging it."

As Angelina looked at the layer of skin on Fang Xingjian, her saliva was almost dripping out due to her strong longing for it. "This texture… it's perfect. This tenacity… perfect. This glow and color… to think that it's exactly the same as a real human's flesh… perfect. It's simply too perfect."

Rota moved Angelina's hands away with a cold look and said, "Teacher, please mind your manners."

"Ahh, right, right, right." Angelina wiped the corner of her lips in embarrassment. She then looked at Fang Xingjian with bright, shining eyes and said, "Erm… Xingjian… Do you want to join my Divine Weapon research team? We have the best masters in the entire Great Western Region who can create the best Divine Weapons in the entire Great Western Region."

Hearing that, Rota's initially cold expression changed slightly, and she spoke with glittering eyes, "It's the Divine Weapon team led by Governor Devitt?"

"Hmmm? How did you know?" Angelina looked at Rota and asked, puzzled.

Rota smiled with her straight eyebrows rising up as she said, "Lord Devitt himself is the greatest master in forging Divine Weapons in the Great Western Region. Of course, the academy's Divine Weapon team is led by him."

With that, she stared at Fang Xingjian, as if urging him on to give his reply.

Entering the Divine Weapon team would allow him to not only get closer to Governor Devitt but train his ability to forge Divine Weapons as well. Moreover, the research team led by the Governor would definitely have no shortage of money. After entering the team for one or two years, one would probably be able to get their hands on a few sets of Divine Weapon equipment.

"That's right, that's right. Lord Devitt is there too. His level is very high!" Angelina looked at Fang Xingjian in great anticipation and said, "When you join us, we'll definitely study you in great detail… Oh, I mean, we'll definitely be able to work together to study Divine Weapons."

All the other students, including Titan, all looked at Fang Xingjian enviously.

Regardless if it was the slender, capable, and valiant looking Rota, or the mature looking, dim-witted female teacher with a curvy figure, Angelina…. both of them were great beauties who were hard to find.

Moreover, one of them was a senior Conferred Knight, while the other was someone who was on the way to becoming a Conferred Knight… As the other students watched Fang Xingjian being surrounded by two such beauties, how could they not be envious?

Moreover, Fang Xingjian was also tall and handsome, a genius amongst geniuses, and wore a level 29 Divine Armor. He could really be said to be a winner in life.

That being the case, it could also be said that as Conferred Knights, everyone present was a winner in life. However, when Fang Xingjian appeared, they experienced how their companions had looked at them in the past. This guy was really the winner amongst winners.

However, there was no way for Fang Xingjian to agree to Angelina's invitation. With him being strapped for time and feeling that he had not gained enough power, how could he waste time on studying the forging of Divine Weapons?

Moreover, he already had the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor. Fang Xingjian did not believe that, after joining this team, he would be able to get equipments which were better than the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor.

Therefore, Fang Xingjian shook his head and said, "I can't. I don't have the time for it. Sorry."

"Ah." Angelina's brows furrowed slightly as she looked at Fang Xingjian with her pair of large watery eyes, appearing like she was a young lady being bullied.

"You really can't join us? Why don't you give it more thought first?" She grabbed Fang Xingjian's palm and kept stroking it, as if she was looking at her beloved toy. "After you join us, I'll definitely teach you well. Divine Weapons are really very interesting."

It was as if the sounds of breaking glasses could be heard coming from the other male students' hearts.

Titan was so angry that he trembled once again, feeling as if his consciousness was being thrown into more chaos.

Rota let out a cough and then gently pried Angelina's and Fang Xingjian's hands apart again. Simultaneously, she glared at Fang Xingjian.

Fang Xingjian rubbed his brows, feeling this was absurd, but he still spoke with persistence, "I'm sorry. I really don't have time to participate in research teams. Oh, right. I still have something to attend to. I'll take my leave first."

With that, he took a few steps, while creating a few streams of sword Qis, and headed for the direction of the Killing Techniques Hall. After attending the class and understanding the willpower impact of Conferred Knights, he could consider it as having gained new information. Fang Xingjian then decided to carry on with his initial plan on taking a stroll in the Killing Techniques Hall.

Rota let out a cold snort and followed behind him.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 277 Killing Techniques Hall

"Excuse me, may I ask for the directions to the Sword Arts Department's Killing Techniques Palace?"

A maid, face flushed red, pointed out the way for Fang Xingjian before anxiously heading off.

Rota walked up behind Fang Xingjian, revealing an ambiguous smile, saying, "Recently, you've been quite popular with the ladies."

"Is that so?" Fang Xingjian turned to 'look' at her, asking, "What business do you have with me?"

"You're heading to the Killing Techniques Palace? To pick up Killing techniques? But the Killing techniques in the Killing Techniques Hall…" Rota was suddenly struck by realization and she stared at Fang Xingjian in surprise, asking, "You've completed your second transition?"

Seeing Fang Xingjian nod, her gaze was filled with curiosity as she immediately asked, "What job did you transition to?" However, a thought immediately struck her and she added, "If it's not convenient, you don't have to tell me."

Fang Xingjian did not find it inconvenient. For him right now, he no longer had to keep many things hidden. On the contrary, he should bring them out to astonish his enemies or to attract potential investors.

Therefore, he said, "Heavenly Sword Sovereign. It gives an additional 10 points to each of my five main attributes." As for the specialties, they were considered private and he had no plans of sharing them.

"Heavenly Sword Sovereign? Why haven't I heard of it before?" When she heard that it gave him an additional 10 point increase to each of his five attributes, Rota immediately said in surprise, "An average of 10 point increase to each of the attributes? The second transition job that I know of with the highest increase is only at an average of 8 to 9 points."

She nodded. "It's no wonder that you want to head to the Killing Techniques Palace. Having completed the second transition successfully, you are eligible to pick up the Killing techniques for Conferred Knights."

Seeing that she continued to follow him, Fang Xingjian asked, "You're going as well?"

Rota's brows twitched, unleashing a valiant aura, "Why, you have a problem with that?"

Fang Xingjian shrugged. It did not matter to him. Although the two seemed as if they were chatting leisurely as they walked, they were in fact moving at subsonic speed, arriving at the entrance of a huge manor.

Just the door to the entrance was over five meters tall, and there were many rooms and walls behind it.

This was the Sword Arts Department's Killing Techniques Palace. The Killing Techniques Palace had many pavilions and buildings and looked like a Royal Palace.

Rota seemed to have been slightly overwhelmed by the majesty of the Killing Techniques Palace, letting out an exhale, "The Regional Academy is really rich. Just this Killing Techniques Palace alone would probably be worth more than the entire Kirst Academy."

Fang Xingjian replied, "One is for prefectural Knights while the other is for Conferred Knights of a great region, led by the number one character in the Great Western Region. Of course they would be worlds apart."

As the two of them chatted, they had already entered the door and arrived at the first hall in the Killing Techniques Palace.

Before he went in, he saw a huge gold colored sword standing upright in the middle of the hall. The huge gold colored sword was pierced into the ground, appearing as if it was going to split the ground into two, releasing dreary killing aura.

And beneath the huge sword, there was an elegant looking middle-aged man with a moustache draping down from both sides of his mouth. The man was seated there, holding onto a book and studying it in great detail.

In front of him, there were two Knights holding swords and practicing a set of sword technique. The two of them appeared to be very familiar with the stances, sending out sword lights as they practiced. What that was most terrifying was that as their longswords moved, streams of gold colored light were gathering around their swords, occasionally unleashing streams of thunderbolt.

This was clearly a sword technique which allowed one to control thunderbolts and use them against the opponents.

The elegant looking middle-age man seemed to have sensed that someone had entered. He threw a glance at Fang Xingjian before saying, "There are four stages to the Sword Arts Killing Techniques Palace. At each stage, you'll pick up a sword technique. When you've defeated the mentor on duty, you'll be allowed to proceed to the next stage."

With that, he pointed to the huge sword behind him and said, "The Thunderbolt Sword Technique for the first stage is recorded on it. You guys can just take a look for yourself."

Hearing his words, Rota frowned and asked in a soft voice, "Why is it that you can only pick up the next technique after defeating the mentor? Can't you pick whichever one you wish to learn?"

Although her voice was very soft, the people present were all second transition Conferred Knights and it was impossible for them to not be able to hear what she said. One of the guys who was practicing the Thunderbolt Sword Technique could not hold it in, threw a sideward glance toward the two of them before saying in an arrogant tone, "You guys must be new? Since when is the Killing Techniques Palace something that you can comment about as you wish?

"These are the four sets of sword techniques which the great masters in the Sword Arts Department had spent many years to intensively develop and refine after extracting the essence from thousands or even tens of thousands of sword techniques. These four Killing techniques have been ranked in terms of difficulty, starting from the easiest. After mastering the first technique, one can then pick up the second technique. And when the second technique has been mastered, the person would be able to synthesize the techniques together before picking up the third technique and synthesizing them again. All of them are great complements of each other.

"With every new sword technique picked up and synthesized, the sword technique's prowess would increase by multiple folds. And when all four sets of sword techniques have been synthesized together, one would be able to learn the ultimate technique of the Killing Techniques Palace, the Ninth Heaven Deity Exterminating Slash.

"Hmph, if you don't know, then don't make random guesses. The Great Western Region Regional Academy has been through the establishments and transformations of many generations of seniors. Each inch and each step has their own reasons for existing. You guys are better off talking less and working more. This is the true path of cultivation."

With that, he stopped looking at Fang Xingjian and Rota, and went back to practicing his Thunderbolt Sword Technique by himself.

Rota's countenance turned a little grim, but the other party was stronger than her and what he said also made more sense. There was no way that she could rebut. She could only let out a cold snort and then turned her attention to that huge gold colored sword.

She squinted slightly and could see there were were many densely packed words carved out on the huge sword. They were the cultivation method of the Thunderbolt Sword Technique, listed out in detail. There were also many diagrams and human silhouettes.

Fang Xingjian also walked up to it and started reading the Thunderbolt Sword Technique. With one look, he discovered that this Thunderbolt Sword Technique was truly much more complicated than ordinary Killing techniques. Not only did it incorporate the principles of using the muscles, vital energy and blood, between each and every stance, one would need to ceaselessly exchange energies with the ether particles in the surroundings, thus gaining the powers of the thunderbolt.

There were other sword techniques that tapped on lightning, but those required one to transform their own powers in exchange for the power of lightning.

However, this Thunderbolt Sword Technique was a sword technique which transform a portion of one's powers to create a thunderbolt that was ten times stronger. It was truly one which tapped into the tremendous powers of the heaven and earth.

Fang Xingjian read the introduction. This Thunderbolt Sword Technique started from stimulating thunder to summoning lightning, and eventually, when one reached level 10, they would be able to reach the state of being able to summon destructive thunderbolts. Its prowess basically went from an ordinary electric baton to blasts of lightning, creating an astonishing damaging force.

Each swing of the sword, each stance, would allow one to absorb the powers of the ether particles in the surroundings, turn them into lightning, and then appear as tens of thousands of thunderbolts. It would be able to melt iron and steel easily at high temperatures that could reach tens of thousands degrees. The explosion caused from a single attack would be sufficient to wipe out half a street.

'This Thunderbolt Sword Technique is truly powerful.'

Fang Xingjian nodded. Although this Thunderbolt Sword Technique was very powerful and complicated, how could it stump the Fang Xingjian of today? Just his Genius Swordsmanship, Sword Specialist, Unparalleled Sword Intent and the Darkness Sword Sense specialties had already increased his senses and understandings of sword arts and ether particles by multiple folds. Furthermore, he had the world's topmost sword arts talent.

This Thunderbolt Sword Technique was the first sword technique in the Sword Arts Killing Techniques Palace, the simplest one of the four. Compared to the Ninety Thousand Godly Demon Flash from the Eight Prized Techniques of the West, it was also much simpler.

It only took Fang Xingjian about five minutes to read through the Thunderbolt Sword Technique and to get a general grasp of it. In addition, a new technique appeared on his Stats Window—Level 1 Thunderbolt Sword Technique.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 278 Thunderbolt Sword Technique

The mentors in the Killing Techniques Palace had rotational duties since, as Conferred Knights, they had too many tasks, and they could only take turns to do things like providing guidance on sword arts.

Usually, other than the four and a half hours in the morning and four and a half hours in the afternoon, there were no mentors on duty for the rest of the day.

Oftentimes the person on duty was not a teacher, and was instead a student.

However, the sword arts mastery of these students was not to be underestimated either. They had all reached the maximum level in the sword technique that they were mentoring. They could even have started practicing the sword techniques from the later stages of the Killing Techniques Palace and had either completed or were trying to complete the skills synthesis.

Of course, even after they have completed the synthesis, they would still know the essence to the Thunderbolt Sword Technique and could still perform it.

Now, the one on duty for the Thunderbolt Sword Technique was a student by the name of Duolun. He was ranked thirty-eighth in the academy, and his Thunderbolt Sword Technique was at the maximum level of 15.

It was not possible for them to send someone too strong to be on duty for the first stage of the Killing Techniques Palace. After all, if they were to get the Conferred Knights who were ranked in the top three to station here, it would firstly, be a waste of the experts' time, and secondly, cause the students who came to pick up the Thunderbolt Sword Technique to be unable to pass the stage and learn the sword techniques to follow.

However, even if this was the case, defeating Duolun, who had reached level 15 in his Thunderbolt Sword Technique, would still take a bit of hard work.

It was just like how the two students there had been staying at the first stage, practicing the Thunderbolt Sword Technique, for the past few months. Based on Duolun's estimation, they would probably still need another year before they could defeat him, pass the first stage, and move on to the next one.

As for a novice like Fang Xingjian, it seemed to Duolun that he would probably have to take an even longer time, especially in the earlier phase when he was just starting to pick up the technique. It was really a waste of his time.

Therefore, after watching Fang Xingjian read the Thunderbolt Sword Technique, Duolun let out a reluctant sigh and put down the the manual to the Mountain Shifting Sword. This was the manual to the sword technique for the next stage and was something that he had copied down and would read whenever he had to be on duty at the first stage.

The reason he put down the manual was because he knew that Fang Xingjian would definitely pose questions to him as he read, requesting his guidance. Therefore, he decided he might as well stop reading the manual.

However, to his astonishment, Fang Xingjian only took a glance through the Thunderbolt Sword Technique and did not approach him, but instead, started practicing by himself.

The Styx had been damaged during the Regional Selection, so Fang Xingjian could only temporarily use his level 9 Divine Weapon, the Demoness' Howl, that he had purchased in Kirst's black market.

However, he had the Heavenly Sword Sovereign's specialty—Swordless Path. With that, even the level 9 Demoness' Howl was strengthened into a level 19 Inferior Divine Weapon. It glimmered all over like an Effulgence Weapon.

However, although he had the Swordless Path, replacing his longsword continued to be one of the reasons he needed to earn money. He could even possibly be like how he went shopping in Kirst previously, purchasing a tremendous amount of rare items to strengthen himself.

It would be best if he could purchase a level 29 Superior Divine Weapon.

"Hey, the Thunderbolt Sword Technique is not just any ordinary Killing technique. It extracts the energy from the ether particles in space and forms attacks with thunderbolts. If it's not used properly, you'll hurt yourself. If you practice by yourself after just a quick glance at the technique like this…"

Duolun stopped halfway through his words. It was because although Fang Xingjian, who was swinging the Demoness' Howl, had appeared a bit awkward when displaying the moves at the very start, he had started to become more familiar after a few more moves. When Duolun was in the middle of his little speech, streams of electricity had appeared from the space in the surroundings and, as Fang Xingjian's Demoness' Howl pierced through the air, turned into streams of electric snakes, slithering around Fang Xingjian.

"What kind of joke is this?"

"He has already reached level 1 in the Thunderbolt Sword Technique?"

The two other students also looked at Fang Xingjian with astonishment written all over their faces, as if they could not believe what Fang Xingjian had achieved.

Rota smiled proudly. She did not know why, but when she saw the astonished looks on the trio's faces, she felt a strong sense of pride.

She could not help but say, "Haven't you guys heard of this year's Regional Champion, Fang Xingjian? He was the one who comprehended all seven levels of mysteries to the Pantheon Monument. How could a mere Thunderbolt Sword Technique pose as a challenge to him?"

Hearing Rota's words, Duolun regained his senses, "That's right, this guy has always had his eyes closed. I thought it was just how his eyes looked, but he's actually blind. It's said that Fang Xingjian is blind."

As the few of them were immersed in a short moment of astonishment, the longsword in Fang Xingjian's hand was like the lightning in the sky, darting about at quick speed, penetrating through the air, creating loud, thunderous sounds.

And as he continued to swing the longsword, the electricity increased in number and intensity. In the blink of an eye, it became like a huge, sphere-shaped ball of lightning, encompassing Fang Xingjian entirely.

"Lightning at this level…level 2? No, he's either at level 3 or 4 now." Duolun could no longer remain calm, jumping up in shock and looking at Fang Xingjian as if he was looking at a deity.

It was true that when one picked up a sword technique as fast as Fang Xingjian did, to ordinary people, their existences were like that of deities.

Fang Xingjian had no intention of trying to hide his progress. The force from his sword changed again. Streams of sword Qi and lightning connected together, and the densely packed lightning gradually became condensed and compacted, turning into many thunderbolt dragons that resembled streams of plasma. They gathered around Fang Xingjian's sword and continued to move around as he swung his sword.

Fang Xingjian's Thunderbolt Sword Technique seemed to be improving rapidly at a speed that could be seen by the naked eye. It absorbed the energies from the ether particles in space, increasing the numbers of electric currents around him which were jumping and flying around like little spirits and were as docile the puppies one trained at home.

The students who had been practicing the Thunderbolt Sword Technique no longer had the arrogance from before, but rather, felt a bit embarrassed by their earlier attitudes. They felt as if they had been shamelessly flaunting their meager skills before a great master.

However, they refused to leave or to lower their heads, for fear that they would miss out on the dance of Fang Xingjian's sword.

They watched as Fang Xingjian continued to perform the Thunderbolt Sword Technique, drawing out a beautiful trail with his longsword. Fang Xingjian's vital energy and blood as well as his muscles and bones continued to move incessantly, changing his body's frequencies.

The ether particles from his body and outside his body continued to exchange at great speed, producing a violent flow of energy.

After looking at Fang Xingjian's sword dance, they seemed to have gained new understandings toward the many sword theories they had either not known or did not understand previously.

They watched Fang Xingjian's sword dance with great hunger and thirst, as if they were watching a mentor providing guidance. The way Fang Xingjian had continued to correct himself and improved was something that they could only dream of watching.

Ten minutes, thirty minutes, and eventually, one hour passed by. Everyone present quietly watched as Fang Xingjian waved the Demoness' Howl. The surrounding electric currents became increasingly dense, and they could feel a faint numbing sensation.

The few electric dragons around Fang Xingjian were shining in a glaring, brilliant white color, as if hundreds of incandescent light bulbs were stacked together, causing the others to be unable to see his silhouette clearly.

Finally, Fang Xingjian withdrew his force, and a myriad of thunderous sword cries rang out. All the electric dragons converged, turning into a pillar of thunderbolts that soared into the air from the tip of Fang Xingjian's sword and eventually slashed down onto the ground.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 279 Challenge

Amidst the thunderous tremors, Rota was the first to give in, covering her ears as her face turned pale.

The other three Conferred Knights did not feel too good either, and with a grunt, they retreated.

The violent thunderbolt pillar pierced through the air, and the air currents became like boiling water as they flowed out in all directions while carrying a charred smell.

Everyone felt a numbing sensation run through their bodies. This was the aftermath of the thunderbolt pillar… Just the electrons in the surrounding air were sufficient to make them paralyzed and render them immobile.

They felt that they were being encompassed by high temperatures from the endless explosions. All they could do was activate their Reduced Force Field in order to fend off against them frantically.

A piercing glow flashed. Indistinctly, it looked like a huge dragon had formed from a stream of thunderbolts, swallowing the earth and drilling into the ground.

When the light gradually dissipated, there was only a large hole in the surface which was over five meters deep. The bottom of the hole had a large amount of glazed crystals, as if lava had just flowed past the surface of the crystals.

Countless bolts of lightning had created a high temperature which reached several tens of thousands degrees and disintegrated the entire piece of land.

To think that such a terrifying destructive power could be created just by channeling the power of the thunderbolt into the ground.

Duolun looked at Fang Xingjian with a complicated expression and mumbled, "Level 10? His Thunderbolt Sword Technique is already at level 10?

"Haha, for him to be capable of bringing the Thunderbolt Sword Technique to level 10 in just slightly over an hour… What does that make us, who have spent such a long period of time in cultivation just to raise our levels?"

As for the other two students, they were both in a daze.

Since when had they ever come across a person who was able to bring the Thunderbolt Sword Technique up to level 10 in just about an hour?

Rota looked at this scene with great pride and yearning, as if she was the one who had accomplished this.

However, Duolun did not care about all these. He just went straight to the point and asked, "Has your Thunderbolt Sword Technique reached level 10?" His gaze was extremely solemn, and he spoke in a very serious tone.

Fang Xingjian nodded, saying with slight dissatisfaction, "It's at level 10. I realize that my efficiency has slowed down. I'll probably not be able to reach the maximum level at one go."

Hearing Fang Xingjian's words, Duolun only felt great sorrow. Fang Xingjian had spent an hour to reach level 10 for the Thunderbolt Sword Technique but was still not satisfied with it. What then, did that make of their long years of training in the Killing Techniques Palace?

Duolun could only say sourly, "More haste makes for less speed. You're progressing too fast and may not have been able to grasp a lot of the foundation. This may slow you down on your path to the maximum level."

Hearing this, the other two students , bound by a common hatred, nodded as well. However, Rota was not happy with this. She rebutted, "No matter how slow his progress is, it's still faster than the progress of anyone else trying to learn the Thunderbolt Sword Technique."

When Duolun heard this, he was almost driven to death in fury. However, when she saw Rota, he did not think that it was good to quarrel with a beautiful young lady. So, he had no choice but to stare daggers at Fang Xingjian as did the other two students.

However, Fang Xingjian did not care about all these. He tapped the Demoness' Howl slightly and said to Duolun, "Please give me your guidance."

Duolun's eyes narrowed slightly. "You're challenging me at the Thunderbolt Sword Technique?" He seemed to find Fang Xingjian somewhat unbelievable.

Fang Xingjian nodded and said seriously, "Don't I have to defeat you before I can learn the later Killing techniques?"

"Haha, you think you can defeat me… You really are confident." Duolun's expression had a hint of jest to it, "What level are you at now? What's your synchronization rate?"

Rota also walked up and advised, "Xingjian, why are you in such a hurry? You've only learned the technique for an hour. You should strengthen your foundations for the Thunderbolt Sword Technique and challenge him when you've reached the maximum level."

"How can practicing alone beat the speed of learning when sparring with an expert who cultivates the same sword technique? It's fine if there's no such chance with other instances, but since the Killing Techniques Palace provides this opportunity, how can I miss it?"

Fang Xingjian stroked the Demoness' Howl, which had been strengthened by the Swordless Path until it became a level 19 weapon, and said again, "Please give me your guidance."

"Hmph, what you've said is not wrong. Whether or not you've practiced the right way, you'll know after you've sparred with an expert."

Duolun stood up and looked at Fang Xingjian with great arrogance. Ranked 38th this year, Duolun was at level 22, and his Thunderbolt Sword Technique was at level 15. Even if Fang Xingjian was more talented than him, it would be impossible for Fang Xingjian to win him without putting in a few months worth of work.

Fang Xingjian might not be able to defeat Duolun even after a few months.

Duolun drew out a purple colored longsword which had electricity flowing around it. This was a level 19 Superior Divine Weapon, and it had a strong strengthening effect to the Thunderbolt Sword Technique.

Duolun held the sword in a reverse grip, with the lateral side of the sword pointing at Fang Xingjian. Then while carrying an air of superiority, he said to Fang Xingjian, "Make your move. I'll give you some guidance on your sword technique so that you…"

Before Duolun even finished his words, a flash of sword light shone out before him. He barely managed to fend off Fang Xingjian's attack off by putting up his sword up horizontally.

What a fast attack!

Thunderous booms rang out as their longswords clashed, simultaneously releasing streams of electricity. While breaking out in cold sweat, Duolun retreated.

However, Fang Xingjian's attacks had always been relentless and unforgiving. He created a whole series of afterimages, and the wind imprints on the sword slashed through the scorching air incessantly, releasing piercing shrills.

At the same time, rumbles of thunder tremored in space with each sword attack, and streams of lightning hit Duolun.

However, since the Thunderbolt Sword Technique controlled lightning and electricity, how could Duolun be hurt by them? He performed the move, Lightning Conduction, and countless lightning strikes conducted into the ground through his body, keeping him unhurt.

However, being driven into such a pathetic state by Fang Xingjian right from the start infuriated Duolun. He decided in his heart that he was going to teach Fang Xingjian, this genius who did not know his limits, a good lesson. When Duolun's Thunderbolt Sword Technique was fully unleashed, the densely packed thunderbolts in the air exploded, and waves of explosions headed toward Fang Xingjian.

Fang Xingjian also used the Lightning Conduction stance to receive this attack. Then with a horizontal sweep of his sword, he countered with a Thunderbolt Strike.

The two of them took turns to unleash their attacks as they moved around in the hall. Each time their swords clashed, thunderous sounds would ring out, and electricity flashed out in all directions.

White lights flashed on and off, continuously lighting up their silhouettes. As the lights pierced through the air, they created a series of high temperature explosions.

Amidst the thunder and lightning, streams of lightning moved around their bodies ceaselessly, occasionally hitting the ground and leaving behind black charred marks.

If ordinary Knights were to face these thunderbolts, just a small lightning strike would probably cause them to lose any ability to resist.

Rota and the others had retreated out of the hall long ago and were standing outside the door. They watched the two silhouettes move around incessantly amidst the electric currents while creating a myriad of thunderbolt strike collisions, which then caused explosions and high temperatures. The scene looked like there were two thunderstorms battling each other in a fight for territory.

One of the students looked at this scene in astonishment. "What is happening? Brother Duolun… Brother Duolun isn't able to defeat him?"

"It's not just that he's unable to defeat him…" The other student was watching the scene with his eyes shining like two light bulbs. "This guy… He's starting to gain the upper hand."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 280 Passing the Stage

Putting aside the two students' astonishment, Duolun, who was engaged in battle, was even more astonished.

It was because no matter how much he increased his attacking prowess, giving it his all, it was easily neutralized by his opponent.

No matter how fast or how furious his sword attacks were, his opponent was able to see through their flaws. Before, he was unable to display any decent attacks, since they were automatically neutralized by his opponent's attacks, forcing him to switch to defence.

No matter how much the numbers of the thunderbolts increased or how violent they were, for his opponent it was still like taking an idle stroll in the courtyard. He was able to conduct them into the ground without suffering the slightest injury.

Of course, Duolun was still unaware that Fang Xingjian was wearing the level 29 Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor. Even if lightning struck him, he would still be safe.

Moreover, Fang Xingjian currently has activated his level 1 Unparalleled Sword Intent and the Darkness Sword Sense. With these, he was able to remain on the upper hand when he was dealing with an opponent who was also a swordsman.

In the image Fang Xingjian had created in his mind through Heaven's Perception, there were countless glimmering starlights over Duolun's body. The brighter the lights were, the greater the flaws. These glimmers disappeared as soon as they appeared. Sometimes, even though they appeared extremely bright in the first instant, the next moment they would turn dull.

However, this was sufficient for Fang Xingjian. It was because his sword technique was fast enough, and because he could easily neutralize the flaws in Duolun's moves which shone on his body. Once Duolun made a move, he would be forced to change midway, and defend against Fang Xingjian's full-powered counterattack before he could even unleash 30% of of his previous move's prowess.

Therefore, although Duolun's physical strength rated higher than Fang Xingjian's, he was being pushed back by his opponent.

Unless he could completely ignore the sharpness of his opponent's longsword and attack in an irregular way, he would have no choice but to be pushed back time and time again by Fang Xingjian's level 19 longsword, which was encompassed by layers of electric dragons.

As for the thunderbolts called forth from void space, they were like countless ripples to Fang Xingjian. The powers released from the exchange with ether particles were like falling leaves landing on a pond as they made ripples in the air.

The central point of each ripple was where the power of the thunderbolt was the weakest. Fang Xingjian just needed to follow the changes of the waves to be able to move through the myriad of thunderbolts with ease.

Level 1 Unparalleled Sword Intent together with Darkness Sword Sense… The combination of these two specialties which facilitated his understanding of sword moves and ether particles and also allowing him to neutralize their impacts, was showing an astonishing effect in the first battle where Fang Xingjian had employed them.

They allowed Fang Xingjian to swiftly understand the changes of the human body when using the sword, the flow of ether particles, the process of exchanging energies with ether particles, and then to find the flaws and weaknesses in that instant. His Heaven's Perception would then sense the changes to the information, and clearly reflect them in the image constructed in his brain.

And the last thing that he had to do was to follow this feeling, and to analyze how to easily neutralize the opponent's attacks.

The two of them fought increasingly faster while performing the Thunderbolt Sword Technique. The entire hall was now filled with thunderstorms.

Both Duolun and Fang Xingjian, while performing the same sword technique, were trying hard to fight for the control over the powers of the thunderbolts.

At the start, Duolun almost had a control of over 70%, with an absolute upper hand, which had left Fang Xingjian only with the ability to defend.

However, as Fang Xingjian continued to break through Duolun's moves time and time again, neutralizing the lightnings around Duolun, the ratio of their control started to change.

Duolun's absolute advantage also went down from 70% to 65%, 55%, 50%…

As the percentage of his control fell as fast as a waterfall, the perspiration on Duolun's forehead also increased. When his control reached a mere 20%, almost all the thunderbolts in the hall were attacking him.

The ground continued to tremor, holes after holes appearing from the explosions caused by the lightning strikes. It was as if Duolun was trapped in a cage made of lightning, with countless lightning strikes heading toward him one after another, and making him feel as if he would soon be dying from exhaustion.

When the final boom rang out, Duolun was no longer able to conduct the thunderbolts into the ground, and he was sent flying out from the explosion. He went through the walls of the hall, and went on to be blasted out of it.

"Ahhh!"

With a loud bellow, Duolun unleashed his Reduced Force Field abruptly, making all the rocks on him fly off. However, his appearance was still like that of a refugee, covered in crushed sand and dust.

He was still thinking of returning to the hall, but when he tried to exert a little force with his legs, a strong numbing sensation met him. To think that he was unable to move a single inch! He was paralyzed from the electric shock.

'I've actually lost to someone who has only just learned the Thunderbolt Sword Technique…'

A powerful feeling of embarrassment grew in Duolun.

Just then, the sound of rocks crumbling rang out again. Duolun lifted his head and saw Fang Xingjian gradually walking out from the hole in the wall Duolun had created. Duolun saw the myriad of electrical snakes encompassing Fang Xingjian, and watched as they incessantly continued to pierce through the air, slithering about as if they were alive.

Then, the electric snakes heated up the air, creating pitter-patter explosion sounds. Duolun's pupils contracted.

Any of these electric snakes had at least the prowess of a howitzer[1]. Looking at the myriad of electric snakes slithering around Fang Xingjian's body, Duolun's hair stood up as he asked in a muffled voice, "Your Thunderbolt Sword Technique is at level 12 now?"

This was an effect he had been able to accomplish only when his Thunderbolt Sword Technique had reached level 12. Moreover, the electric snakes he had been able to create were not as many, nor as agile as Fang Xingjian's.

Fang Xingjian nodded, answering, "All thanks to you. As expected, to improve one's sword arts mastery, the most effective way is to have a spar with an expert.

"Are we going again?"

Looking at Fang Xingjian's calm expression, a hint of a chill sprouted in Duolun's heart. What was the point of going for a second round? The other party could crush him completely with a mere level 10 Thunderbolt Sword Technique, let alone one of level 12.

When he saw that the other two students had also appeared, this emotion got even stronger and the feelings of embarrassment continued to surge. Duolun left immediately, without another word.

A thought kept appearing in his mind: Fang Xingjian had been able to defeat his several years' hard work only an hour after learning the technique. With a Conferred Knight like this in the sword arts domain, was there a need for him to continue learning sword arts?

At this point, Duolun even had the idea to stop practicing sword arts and to switch to another area of martial arts.

What he did not know was that as Fang Xingjian continued to progress, there would be many people, who, like himself, would be dealt a blow, ending up losing the confidence to continue learning sword arts.

Looking on as Duolun departed, Fang Xingjian tilted his head and said, "This… should count as my win?"

The other two students exchanged a glance, unable to say a single word.

Rota smiled and said, "The person on duty for this stage has fled, of course it's considered your win. "

Fang Xingjian shook his head, saying, "Then it's time to go to the next stage."

Rota smiled and followed behind Fang Xingjian. This guy with outstanding talent seemed to have the ability to surprise her every time they met. He was like a treasure box that kept on multiplying, releasing endless mysteries and grandeur each time it was opened.

One of the students immediately shouted, "You… You haven't passed the stage! You can't go in!"

Rota's brows twitched and she turned, saying, "I don't practice the sword. Even if I were to enter, I won't be able to learn your Killing techniques. Moreover, don't you guys wish to see which stage Fang Xingjian could reach today?"

The two students fell into a short daze, and after Fang Xingjian and Rota had walked a distance away, a clear sense of hesitation appeared on their faces.

"It seems meaningless for us to stay here too, right?"

"Even Brother Duolun has left. What's the difference between practicing here and practicing elsewhere?"

"Let's go take a look?"

"Let's go take a look. We can warn the seniors from the next stage. This guy is too creepy."

[1] A type of artillery item characterized by a relatively short barrel and the use of comparatively small propellant charges to propel projectiles over relatively high trajectories, with a steep angle of descent. https/en./wiki/Howitzer

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 281 Canyon

Rota followed Fang Xingjian into the Killing Techniques Palace's second hall. However, the hall for this stage was many times bigger than the one from the previous level. Or rather, this place could not be considered a palace anymore.

A stretch of meandering canyons lay before Fang Xingjian and Rota. It was over two hundred meters deep, a couple hundred meters long, and had valleys which could be as wide as a hundred meters or as narrow as ten meters.

This was was a canyon built within the Killing Techniques Palace? The entire stretch of canyon looked as if someone had descended from the heavens, slashing their way through. Densely packed vegetation covered the bottom of the canyon, and there were even signs of animals living there.

To think that many pavilions and buildings were surrounded an enormous valley! What a majestic sight! How tremendous an amount of money had been spent! Even Fang Xingjian, who had gotten used to seeing the astounding buildings on Earth, could not help but be slightly astonished witnessing this scene.

Rota, next to him, was even more astonished. She looked at the staircase leading downward into the deepest part of the valley and said, "The second hall is within this canyon? Or is the entire canyon the second hall?

"Is this canyon something that was here originally? Or did someone slash through the stone to make it?"

Having seen the maze created by the Melancholic Monarch, she did not dare to say with certainty that it had been shaped by nature.

Fang Xingjian shook his head. He could only sense things within a ten meter radius with his Heaven's Perception, unable to perceive an overview of the entire canyon. Rota turned, looking at Fang Xingjian, and suddenly said, "Hmm? Your eyes…"

Fang Xingjian opened his eyes. Other than the deeper pitch-black pupils, they did not appear any different from ordinary people's eyes. He seemed just like a normal person.

Fang Xingjian calmly said, "The sparring from earlier leveled up my Thunderbolt Sword Technique and increased my understanding of ether particles. My ether synchronization rate has reached 15% and I can now transform visual information. I feel as if I can get more used to it if I keep my eyes open."

This meant that Fang Xingjian's current visual abilities were similar to ordinary peoples'. However, what was different was that the information he received did not come from his eyes, but through Heaven's Perception. Furthermore, it only had a ten meter range.

Rota nodded, still trying to digest the news that Fang Xingjian's ether synchronization rate had reached 15%. The rate of his progress was appalling.

She had yet to attain Heaven's Perception. However, Fang Xingjian had not only completed his job transition, but was also steadily making breakthroughs, having raised his ether synchronization rate to 15%. The speed of his progress was truly too fast!

She subconsciously walked behind Fang Xingjian. Looking at Fang Xingjian's back, Rota suddenly had a disheartening feeling.

'Can I… really catch up to him?'

However, this feeling only persisted for a short while. Rota straightened up her posture, chest out, eyes full of determination. Her gaze when looking at Fang Xingjian was filled with fighting spirit.

'What's impossible about it? What Fang Xingjian can do, I can do too.

'Even if I can't do everything, the higher his progress, the greater the difficulties he will encounter. His speed will eventually slow down. As long as I give it my all, I'll definitely have the chance to catch up to him.'

Youngsters, especially those who had become Conferred Knights… Which of them lacked the confidence to change the world? It was at this point in life that they all felt that they were the best.

Although Rota had seen how strong Fang Xingjian was, she had not been dealt a blow big enough to lose her fighting spirit. On the contrary, she reaffirmed her determination to put in great work so as to catch up to him.

'When I go back today, I'll increase my training. By the end of this month, I must attain Heaven's Perception.'

Of course, Fang Xingjian could not sense Rota's thoughts. He continued along the canyon's path. The deeper he went, the more he felt that the valleys in the area were getting increasingly steep. The stairs they were walking on were almost as if they had been carved on the cliff walls, while the depth of the valley seemed to be waiting for them at the bottom. It was as if they would fall with just a miss of their steps.

This feeling became especially clear when there were many twists and turns in the canyon, and even meandering steps, which increased the distance that they had to cover.

However, they were a Conferred Knight and a Knight respectively, with physical attributes that far surpassed ordinary people. Although such a path would be impossible for ordinary people, to them it would merely represent a strange scenery. After walking for several hundred meters and making countless twists and turns, they finally arrived at a tremendous platform.

The platform bulged out from the cliff walls. Or perhaps it ought not to be called a platform, since it was basically in the shape of a sword, as if there was a huge sword piercing out of the cliff walls.

They were halfway through the valley, and over a hundred meters away from its bottom. What lay at the bottom were countless shadows, making it almost impossible to see what hid behind them.

To be able to create a huge sword platform like this which connected with the cliff walls in the middle of the valley… The workmanship was uncanny.

Rota's gaze was once again filled with astonishment. There was no need for a display of sword techniques, strength, or battles of any kind… Just a simple platform in the Killing Techniques Palace was sufficient to display the unfathomable depths of a Regional Academy.

Currently, there was only a fatty on the platform. He was lying there, creating thunderous snores. He was actually sleeping.

A row of words were carved on the ground right in front of him: The manual is carved on the platform, don't disturb my sleep. Wait for another mentor if you wish to challenge.

When Rota saw the sleeping fatty on the platform, she could not help but break out laughing. "I thought all Conferred Knights would be hard at work with their cultivation and could not help but wish that every minute they have is doubled. To think that there are also Conferred Knights who would laze around!"

Fang Xingjian frowned and said, "Maybe it's some kind of martial technique that one has to cultivate in his dreams?"

Fang Xingjian shook his head. He was not very sure about all these, but that did not stop him from learning the sword technique that was carved onto the ground. This sword technique was known as the Mountain Shifting Sword.

This was a powerful sword technique which could control geomagnetism and geographical positions, using the powers from the continental crust to move mountains and seas, to change the terrain, and even to form earthquakes and tsunamis.

While Fang Xingjian was reading the manual for the Mountain Shifting Sword, the two students from the previous stage had already rushed over. They ran up next to the fatty and said, "Brother Ronan, Brother Ronan, wake up! Brother Duolun has been defeated!"

They repeated it many times before the fatty who seemed to be a mountain of flesh opened his eyes with great impatience. A hint of killing aura appeared through the gaps of his eyes as he angrily berated, "So what if he lost? With his lousy sword arts, it's not strange for him to have lost."

"But the other party had only started learning the sword technique an hour before! In just one hour, his Thunderbolt Sword Technique reached level 10 and he defeated Brother Duolun!"

The fatty by the name of Ronan laughed out loud, his eyes filled with contempt and sarcasm. "What rubbish are you talking about? To reach level 10 in the Thunderbolt Sword Technique within an hour? You think that learning sword techniques is as simple as eating or drinking?"

How could Ronan believe this? He had not even heard of anyone reaching level 10 in the Thunderbolt Sword Technique, let alone being able to do it within an hour. There was no way he could believe this.

This was how it was. Any Knight or Conferred Knight in the Miracle World who had a hint of rationality would never believe it unless they saw it for themselves.

It was because something like this had not happened in their entire history!

However, he still woke up and threw a sideward glance at Fang Xingjian before asking, "You're the one who defeated Duolun?" He assessed Fang Xingjian, thinking to himself, 'To think that Duolun isn't able to even deal with this young lad? That guy has really degenerated.'

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 282 Disbelief

Seeing that Ronan still did not believe their words, the two students became even more anxious and shouted, "He is Fang Xingjian, this year's Regional Champion and the genius who has comprehended all seven levels of the mysteries to the Pantheon Monument."

"He really did reach level 10 in the Thunderbolt Sword Technique within an hour."

Looking at their serious expressions, Ronan frowned. However, he still found it unbelievable.

This was as if someone had told a high school teacher that a student had completed all the papers for the college entrance examinations within ten minutes and had even gotten full marks for all of them. Who would believe this?

Ronan, who was like a mountain of flesh, shook his head and said, "Even if he has comprehended the seven levels of mysteries to the Pantheon Monument, does that mean that he can reach level 10 in his Thunderbolt Sword Technique within an hour? Even Divine level experts have not accomplished such a feat before. Two hundred years ago, the Melancholic Monarch left the Pantheon Monument behind. Have you guys heard of him bringing a Killing technique to level 10 within an hour?"

The two students were struck speechless and simply could not respond.

That's true. This was something that even Divine level experts could not accomplish… and yet Fang Xingjian could do it?

The two students was immediately in doubt.

Looking at their hesitation, Ronan smiled and revealed a proud expression as he said, "That's why I'm saying that bringing the Thunderbolt Sword Technique to level 10 within an hour is impossible. I reckon that…" Stroking his double chin, he continued saying, "This fellow must have picked up the Thunderbolt Sword Technique earlier and brought it to level 10, before going over to act as if he had just picked it up."

"It's not just level 10. Based on what Brother Duolun said, it's at level 12."

"And what meaning is there for him to do this?"

"Meaning?" Fatty Ronan sneered. He thought that he had understood the whole situation, so his tone was now even more confident. "What could it be? It's to put up the farce of being a genius, of course. How many 'geniuses' have you come across who, since they were young, liked to pretend they were slackers, only to work hard through the night in secret? Fang Xingjian is just another guy who likes putting up a facade."

As he said his, Ronan looked toward the direction where Fang Xingjian and Rota were, and intentionally spoke louder, "Remember, the path of a Conferred Knight's cultivation is very tough. If you don't go through your cultivation one step at a time but choose to waste your time putting on an act and pretending to be talented, you're just treating your future as a joke."

The two students nodded, and the gazes they sent in Fang Xingjian's directions became clouded with contempt.

Rota could no longer tolerate it and rebutted, "What nonsense are you spouting? Moreover, Fang Xingjian just participated in the Regional Selection a month ago and only completed his job transition this month. Where would he have had the time to pick up the Thunderbolt Sword Technique in advance?"

Hearing Rota's words, Ronan was rendered speechless. He then said impatiently, "Why would I care how he cheated? At this level, he can only pick up the Mountain Shifting Sword dutifully. I'm not as weak as Duolun, and I'll definitely not go easy on him."

Ronan's rank was 34th, and he was a level 23 Conferred Knight. His Mountain Shifting Sword had also reached the maximum level of level 15, and his mastery of sword arts was above Duolun's.

However, no matter how much they said, Fang Xingjian did not pay any heed to their conversation. It was merely some gibberish. How could acting impetuously be more important than for him to pick up sword techniques? In a while, he would naturally speak with his sword technique.

Moreover, this Mountain Shifting Sword seemed more powerful and complicated than the Thunderbolt Sword Technique from the previous stage.

It was just as the two students had said. The four sword techniques in the four stages of the Killing Techniques Palace were ranked in order of difficulty.

The previous Thunderbolt Sword Technique was one which summoned the ether particles in space, transforming the powers drawn from them into electrical forces to use in attacks.

Additionally, the Mountain Shifting Sword was different. It used the power of the sword to guide the geographical positions, changing geomagnetism and the powers of the earth to guide the movements of the continental crusts. This in turn changed the terrain and created earthquakes.

How tremendous and violent was the force harbored by the earth? Once the various heat and kinetic energies exploded, it would be sufficient to destroy an entire city.

Furthermore, how complicated would the sword theories about the Mountain Shifting Sword be, for it to control and stimulate such powers?

Upon his first look, Fang Xingjian was almost instantly attracted by the ingenuity of the theories behind the Mountain Shifting Sword.

He went over each and every word with great detail. It was fortunate the requirements of the Regional Academy were splendid enough that there were many generations of experts who had written down a large number of annotations. All of the annotations were what generations of experts had understood and left behind. Naturally, all those who had been able to leave their words behind were not ordinary.

Fang Xingjian had even seen Hoppes' comprehension of the Mountain Shifting Sword. Hoppes had broken down some difficult parts and explained each part, making it more convenient for others to pick up the technique.

Even though Fang Xingjian was going over the words one by one, to the people present, the speed at which he was reading was still much, much too fast. It was unlike ordinary Conferred Knights who needed to spend half a day carefully studying each line of the Mountain Shifting Sword they had read.

For Fang Xingjian, it was like he had read one line, paused for a while, and then after comprehending the profoundness of that line, he would immediately move on to the next one.

When Ronan saw the speed at which Fang Xingjian was reading, he could not help but let out a cold snort, "Putting up a farce."

After reading closely for about over forty minutes, Fang Xingjian shook his head slightly and stopped looking at the manual.

The two students suddenly felt nervous upon seeing this scene. It was because this scene seemed to already have happened when Fang Xingjian learned the Thunderbolt Sword Technique. They looked at Fang Xingjian and thought to themselves, 'Has he learned it again? This time, he's even faster than before?'

Ronan frowned. Meanwhile, Rota asked directly, "Xingjian, have you learned it?"

"Learned it?" Fang Xingjian shook his head. "How is that possible? This sword technique is still quite complicated. How would it be possible for me to pick it up in such a short amount of time?"

"Then you…"

"I'm going to have my meal." Fang Xingjian looked toward Ronan and said, "Do you guys have to go out for your food? Is there noone who will deliver food here?"

Of course, there was a food delivery service. However, seeing how Fang Xingjian had the mood for food whilst learning the sword technique, everyone was speechless.

"Putting up a farce." Ronan let out a cold laugh while shaking his head. His disbelief that Fang Xingjian had picked up the Thunderbolt Sword Technique within an hour was increasing. He then said to the two students, "You guys can take him out to get food. I'm going to sleep."

With that, Ronan dropped down on the ground, facing upward. Soon after, snoring sounds emerged.

Fang Xingjian could care less about all these. He would have no other choice if he was in the wilderness, but since he was in the Regional Academy, he naturally had to ensure he ate every two hours. This would ensure that his various energies, essences, and nutrients were replenished.

Only with sufficient energy, would he be able to ensure that his body was capable of self-cultivating for twenty-four hours a day at all times, not wasting any single second of his time.

Helplessly, the two students had no choice but to bring him to the dining hall in the Killing Techniques Palace.

The Killing Techniques Palace welcomed all Conferred Knights to train there, and the cultivation of Conferred Knights could take days or even months. So, it was, of course, impossible for them to have to head out for their meals each time. The dining halls would prepare required the meals.

After Fang Xingjian finished his food, he returned to read the Mountain Shifting Sword again. Finally, after one and a half hour, he drew out the Demoness' Howl.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 283 Malicious Intent

Seeing that Fang Xingjian had drawn out his longsword, the two students looked over once again. Rota was also staring at him with interest, as if waiting for something to happen.

'The Thunderbolt Sword Technique from the first stage controls thunder and lightning.

'The Mountain Shifting Sword in the second stage, on the other hand, is for changing the geomagnetism.

'Electromagnetism and geomagnetism… both of them complement each other.

'The people in Miracle World do not have natural science like on Earth. However, considering their outstanding martial arts and abilities, as well as their complementation with things like the Heaven's Perception and ether particles, the comprehension ability of some experts of the natural world may not lose out to the best scientists on Earth.'

As Fang Xingjian contemplated the profoundness of the Mountain Shifting Sword, the Demoness' Howl in Fang Xingjian's hand started to dance about, as if it was a ladle mixing up a pot of porridge. The entire space seemed tremble slightly.

Everything in the world was formed by ether particles. This was the case for mountains and rivers, and this was also the case for the human body.

The Mountain Shifting Sword was a sword technique which passed through two sides, both formed by ether particles, and let the two fields affect each other. Then along the natural course of development, the sword technique would move around mountains and seas.

For ordinary people, such disturbances and changes formed from the interactions of physical substances were transformations to one's aura.

Therefore, what that was important in the Mountain Shifting Sword was not the ingenuity of the sword move but rather, in one's aura. One needed to display an imposing sword aura to guide and move the terrain!

With a slash of his sword, the aura throughout Fang Xingjian's body changed. Then as he slashed out time and time again, the aura in his body continued increasing, as if he had turned into a majestic mountain, standing tall before everyone else.

Although his movements were slow, his power and aura grew increasingly stronger. Even though the others were tens of meters away from him, they were able to sense that each movement of Fang Xingjian's longsword caused disturbances in the air, like they were the disturbances in the seas. They hit against the ground and released tremendous booms.

Then as Fang Xingjian's aura grew stronger, the valleys and cliff walls in the surroundings seemed to tremble slightly. This was the Mountain Shifting Sword, changing the geographical landscaping slowly.

Fatty Ronan, who had previously been deep in sleep, suddenly opened his eyes. He shot out a vicious glare as he watched Fang Xingjian perform the Mountain Shifting Sword.

'He really has succeeded in picking it up?

'But how is that possible? Could it be that somebody broke the rules and taught it to him outside?

'Who would be so audacious?'

A series of doubts went through Ronan's mind. Regardless, he was unable to believe that Fang Xingjian had almost succeeded in learning the Mountain Shifting Sword within about one and a half hour. Back then, when he had been trying to pick up this sword technique, how much time had he taken? Had it been half a month or one month?

Ronan was not able to believe that someone would be able to pick it up within one and a half hour.

He shouted at Fang Xingjian, "Have you managed to learn the Mountain Shifting Sword?"

Fang Xingjian threw him a glance and said, "This sword technique is truly complicated and profound. I had to spend some additional effort to be able to say that I've really managed to learn it."

Hearing this, Ronan felt unhappy, especially after seeing how tall and young Fang Xingjian was. A burning jealousy bloomed in Ronan's heart.

Ronan said in a loud voice, "Fang Xingjian, there hasn't been anyone in the world who has been able to pick up the Mountain Shifting Sword in such a short amount of time. Rather than believing in the possibility of this happening, I'm more inclined to suspect that there has been a Conferred Knight who leaked out the information about the Mountain Shifting Sword and committed the crime of treason."

Although he appeared as if he was on the side of justice, the words he spoke were extremely vicious. If Fang Xingjian was really related to the crime of treason, being involved with someone, who had spread information about the Mountain Shifting Sword without authorization, would ruin his future.

The Empire clamped down hard on things like spreading around the Empire's martial arts without authorization. Even if it was done by a Conferred Knight, the person would be punished with death.

Therefore, when Fang Xingjian heard Ronan's words, he frowned deeply with hints of fury spread throughout his body.

He did not know if Ronan's words were intentional or not, but if such rumors were to spread out… Even if Fang Xingjian was deemed innocent in the end, he would have been dealt a heavy blow. In that instant, a killing aura surged out from his body, and he did not plan to step back.

Of course, at this moment, Fang Xingjian must not step back. Instead, he must strike back hard to defend himself. Otherwise, he might be thrown into a quagmire, bugged down by countless investigations and troubles.

Especially as Fang Xingjian's talent continued to reveal itself, the information about how quickly he picked up sword techniques would be known by more and more people. Therefore, he needed to harden his stance in such matters. He could not afford to have anyone slandering his talent, especially when it involved things like spreading around the Mountain Shifting Sword without authorization.

Therefore, Fang Xingjian glared at Ronan coldly and said, "This is just how my sword arts talent is.

"The things that Divine level experts can't do… and the things that mediocre people like you can't do… It doesn't mean that they are things I can't do."

Hearing Fang Xingjian's words, Ronan was extremely infuriated, and there was nothing that he dared not do now. The fats on his face trembled, and he pointed his thick index finger at Fang Xingjian, saying, "What an arrogant junior. Today, I'll put you down and hand you to the association for them to conduct a thorough investigation."

Ronan was openly declaring war, starting his attack without giving Fang Xingjian a chance to train.

As he spoke, his body trembled slightly and his disposition changed immediately. Although Ronan still appeared very fat, he did not give off the feeling that he was actually so. On the contrary, he gave off an aura of vigor, heroism, loftiness, and great zeal.

The bones in his body trembled vigorously, knocking against each other, while his vital energy and blood gushed crazily, as if they were part of a gushing river. Then as his aura rose, the entire valley was filled with tremendous sounds of rumbles and kachas. The sounds were extremely terrifying, giving off the feeling as though the entire heavens and the earth were being torn apart by a giant.

When Rota and the two students felt the tremors coming from under their feet, they were stricken with panic.

This was the level 15 Mountain Shifting Sword. Just the initial kickstart would cause the terrain to move, the mountains to collide, and the earth's crust to tremor. It was like the earth was quaking and the mountains swaying.

Ronan was not even holding a sword at all. He had merely put his fingers together to form a sword, and as his sword fingers first began moving, the walls of the mountains had started to tremor furiously.

Looking at panic-stricken expressions of Rota and the others, Ronan appeared to be very proud of himself. However, when he saw Fang Xingjian's calm demeanour, he began to feel infuriated again.

On his fat face, his eyes squinted, looking like a pair of small dots. He glared viciously at Fang Xingjian and said coldly, "The Mountain Shifting Sword emphasizes on the aura and not the moves. What's the difference if there's a sword or not?

"Today, I'll teach you how profound the Mountain Shifting Sword truly is."

With a swing of his sword fingers, he slashed out toward Fang Xingjian across the space. Concurrently, the huge sword underneath his feet trembled vigorously, and a wave of tremors was sent out.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 284 Fight

The powers of the earth were extremely strong. There was no need to think too much to be able to realize this.

The earth's tectonic plates pressed against each other, forming mountains and seas. Just imagine, how much power would be needed to push out and create Mount Everest and the Alps?

And just how terrifying were powers that could create tsunamis and city-destroying earthquakes?

These were all the powers from the earth's rotation. These extremely immense powers spread out through earth in tremors. They did not have the terrifying special effects which explosions, lightning and fireballs had, but just the simple tremors held the power to destroy everything.

Just like how it was for Ronan now. As his sword's aura increased, the electromagnetism contained by the ground burst forth explosively, spreading out toward the ground below Fang Xingjian together with the vigorous tremors.

Do not look down on the prowess of such tremors. They were like the tremors in the ground before the explosion of an earthquake. Minor ones could tear down and destroy buildings, while major ones would be able to tear through the ground and create valleys. These were all things that such tremors were capable of doing.

When this surge of power hit Fang Xingjian's body, it was directly blocked, absorbed, and neutralized by the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor on the surface of Fang Xingjian's skin.

If it were merely a spar like with Duolun earlier, Fang Xingjian would still play around with Ronan with his sword techniques in order to cultivate it. But faced with the current situation, he wanted to use the most brutal and powerful side of himself to crush the opponent.

As he sensed the tremors easily being stopped by the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor, Fang Xingjian threw a cold glance toward Ronan and said, "That's it?"

Ronan let out a loud bellow and pointed out repeatedly with his sword fingers, causing a huge quake through the ground. It was as if the entire mountain range was moving. The moment streams of tremors exploded out toward Fang Xingjian, countless rock spikes on the cliffs were thrown out by the immense force, and they shot toward Fang Xingjian.

Rumble! Countless rock pillars and spikes collided fiercely and pushed together before turning into dust and exploding under the impact of countless tremors.

An attack that seemed so simple actually had such a powerful force that it compressed the air and made the space around the huge sword platform into a vacuum.

After a series of attacks, Fang Xingjian was nowhere to be seen.

Activating his Boundaries Negation, Fang Xingjian took a light step forward and appeared behind Ronan.

However, Ronan was after all a Conferred Knight. Even Fang Xingjian who had activated his Boundaries Negation was unable to easily land an attack on him like how he had crushed Knights at ten times supersonic speed.

Ronan let out a huge bellow and then flicked his sword fingers upward. The ground below him was torn apart and countless rock swords were pushed forth. Under the impact of a force comparable of a volcanic eruption, they created streams of air currents and shot out like missiles.

However, faced with the attack, Fang Xingjian was like an evil god from hell. He allowed the rock swords that were moving at five to six times supersonic speed to pierce into him before instantly turning them into dust with vigorous trembles. He also allowed the tremors under the ground to spread out toward him and they were eventually neutralized by the armor.

The level 29 Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor was simply too powerful. Even if Fang Xingjian were to stand there, not moving an inch, Ronan would still have to go all out to break through his defence. Moreover, how could Fang Xingjian simply just stand there, not moving?

He walked toward Ronan, throwing out karate chops and relying on the sword force transformed from his sword bones as well as the tenacity of the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor, he easily crushed the various rock spikes, pillars and swords.

Ronan looked at this scene in disbelief and bellowed out in his heart, 'How is this possible? The explosive force from my Mountain Shifting Sword and the tremors and rock pillars produced by the colliding force of the earth are sufficient to turn an entire street into ruins. I'm even able to crush muscles of steel. How could he block them just like that?

'Could it be that his body is formed from Divine Weapons?'

Ronan retreated crazily, only to see that Fang Xingjian took a few consecutive steps forward and broke through his attacks with karate chops. He just continued to move toward Ronan as if he was an unrivalled god of battle.

Looking at this scene, the murderous gleam in Ronan's heart grew even stronger than before, throwing up his aura to great heights once again.

Concurrently, his level 15 Mountain Shifting Sword was unleashed at full prowess together with this exploding force. The entire valley was shaken up, as if a volcano had erupted underground.

All the movements, tremors, and pushing force in the ground were gathering toward Fang Xingjian under Ronan's guidance.

There even seemed to be kacha kacha sounds in the air, as if the entire space had been frozen. Wherever the tremors passed by, the earth seemed to be pressed together into powder, causing dust and sand to fly up.

What was even more terrifying was that the valleys in the surroundings became like a big mouth that was closing. The explosiveness of the electromagnetic force deep underground pushed all the mountains, cliffs and rocks, clamping down together toward Fang Xingjian. The valleys were starting to close up together.

They were like giants, crushing toward Fang Xingjian with extremely violent and brutal forces.

This attack with its full prowess unleashed from the level 15 Mountain Shifting Sword was sufficient to flip mountains and rivers over, changing the terrain, and could be said to have created a distortion in the world.

Rota and the other two students looked at this scene in horror. The pressing impact from the tremendous force and the collisions from the mountains left them with nowhere to escape to. They could only watch as the valleys closed in together and the mountains started to press in toward them.

"Senior! Please stop!"

"Ronan, are you crazy?!"

However, how could Ronan stop here? Moreover, the full explosive impact that he had thrown out was not something which he could stop easily.

But at this moment, the Demoness' Howl in Fang Xingjian's hand was raised high up. Everyone only felt their bodies suddenly turning very light, and amidst the dizziness, everything turned black and the skies seemed to be collapsing down onto them.

The 'Terra Ingurgitation' absorbed all the gravity within a radius of a kilometer. With the help of gravity, all the mountains and rocks eagerly flew up into the sky.

Terra Ingurgitation was truly the bane of the Mountain Shifting Sword. Having lost the gravitational restrictions, the balance of the powers in the ground was broken and Ronan lost control over his Mountain Shifting Sword.

At the same time, Fang Xingjian pushed his longsword downward. Before it even closed in on him, the huge sword platform under Ronan's feet had already broken into pieces. Everything before him turned black and there were buzzing sounds next to his ears. His sight, hearing, and even touch, were all completely robbed from him through that brutal sword attack.

"Ahhh!"

Ronan felt that his life was being threatened. Accompanied with a loud whistle, the fat all over his body started to fade away and weaken at a speed that could be seen by the naked eye.

He had activated a secret Killing technique he had been cultivating. It stored a large amount of energy in the body as fats. At the most critical moment, it would be able to burn up the fat and release an explosive power that could increase his battle prowess by several times.

However, it was still not enough. Faced with Fang Xingjian's 'Terra Ingurgitation', Ronan only felt that no matter how much power he attacked with, it would not be enough. As he burned up all the fat, his feet sunk into the platform and he seemed to have merged into one with the ground.

"I'll fight it out with you!"

Then, in the next moment, his sword fingers were thrown out toward the Demoness' Howl.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 285 Bearing the Weight

Other than power, there was still one more characteristic the earth had: it endured the weight of everything in the world.

The world nurtured all lives and endured their weight. Regardless of if there were volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, or various other natural disasters, the earth quietly accept them all.

Even if a nuclear bomb were to explode or if it were the attack of a Divine level expert at full power… to the earth, they were all nothing.

Erudite, profound, vast… These were other characteristics the earth had. This was also the greatest level of profoundness behind the Mountain Shifting Sword. As the saying went, one had 'to be calm, enduring, and unmoving like the earth'.

Under added levels of increasingly violent power, at the very end, what the Mountain Shifting Sword possessed was the most powerful defence.

After Ronan unleashed his full powers, his entire body had produced a mysterious connection with the valley, forming exchanges between their qualities and between the ether particles.

Upon mastering the greatest heights of the level 15 Mountain Shifting Sword, Ronan's body was connected together with the valleys.

Ronan might not be able to truly be as vast and profound as the earth, but he could channel most of the attacks received by his body onto the mountain valleys, letting them withstand the impacts of Fang Xingjian's Terra Ingurgitation.

'If you were to use the power of all the valleys to crush me, I'll use the power from all the valleys to defend against you!'

At this moment, their sword techniques, their mental spirits, and their auras clashed against each other, forming a mysterious cycle.

Finally, Ronan's fingers touched the tip of Fang Xingjian's sword, and the entire world seemed to quiet down at this moment. The clouds in the sky stopped drifting, and the suspended mountains and rivers, as well as the wind, all grew silent.

Rota and the two students opened their mouths wide, trying to stabilize themselves.

In the next moment, violent air currents shot out from Ronan's fingertips and the tip of Fang Xingjian's sword. Several ten thousand kilograms of sand and dust were thrown up into the air explosively, covering the two figures.

An unbelievable amount of force was thrown onto Ronan, which he then channelled into the valleys. The earth, which had been about to suspend earlier, now seemed to be slapped down brutally by a formless palm, creating massive cracks and explosions which reached far out into the land.

The mountains exploded and cliffs crumbled, turning into countless huge rocks, sand, and dust falling down; this was an avalanche.

The earth had been torn apart, the valleys pressed together, and the entire stretch of valleys began to crumble; this were earth fissures.

The collision of their attacks had caused the avalanches and fissures so bad that the entire stretch of valleys could no longer take the impact and began to crumble.

In this situation, Ronan could neither see nor hear anything. His entire body was trembling vigorously, each of his bones and muscles letting out a cry as if they had reached their limits. At this moment, Ronan only felt that the entire world was very far away from him.

When he regained his senses, his entire body was aching and numb. He felt terrible, like his bones and muscles had all been torn apart.

Huge boulders weighing a thousand jin pushed down on him. In order to push away all the rocks, he had to throw out a huge force, and after he climbed out, he coughed up a big mouthful of blood.

Now, Ronan no longer had the image of a Conferred Knight. His clothes had turned into rags, and his head and face were all covered in dust. He looked like a miner who had just left the coal mine.

Especially after unleashing an explosive force from his vital energy and blood which burned his fats, he was now no longer a fatty but an emaciated man. His cheeks had sunken in, and he appeared as thin as a bamboo pole, like he would fall with the slightest wind.

This fight with Fang Xingjian had caused him have his appearance changed from that of a Conferred Knight to that of a refugee.

Having just crawled out, Ronan's limbs were all weak. His reception of the ether particles was messed up. Additionally, his Heaven's Perception was like a television which had lost its connection. There was nothing but illegible characters flashing before him.

This was happening because a large amount of his physical strength and energy had been depleted, causing him to feel faint. Naturally, he was not able to keep his Heaven's Perception activated either.

However, when he lifted his head, he saw Fang Xingjian standing there, not covered in a hint of of dust. Fang Xingjian was just standing there as if nothing had happened.

The Demoness' Howl in Fang Xingjian's hand was already starting to shatter, but he was not concerned about it in the least. Throwing out force to the side with his palm, the Mountain Shifting Sword was activated.

The earth continued to be pressed together, and just like squeezing out a pimple, it pushed out a rock spike and sent it into his hand.

Fang Xingjian casually picked up the longsword formed by the rock spike. With his Swordless Path specialty activated, Fang Xingjian now had another level 19 Inferior Divine Weapon in his hand.

He stroked the sword, looked at Ronan calmly and asked, "To be able to survive despite receiving an attack by my Terra Ingurgitation… Your Mountain Shifting Sword has truly reached a high level. In terms of both strength and resistance, it's extremely powerful.

"However, I still have my Boundaries Negation and can battle at ten times that of supersonic speed. Now that we've competed in terms of power, do you want to have another go at competing with our speed?"

Ronan opened his mouth, as if he wanted to be unyielding and reply to Fang Xingjian. However, he looked at Fang Xingjian, who appeared extremely calm and was still spotlessly clean. He then looked at the entire stretch of valleys to see that there was nothing left.

Or rather than saying there was nothing left, it could be said that the fight between Ronan and Fang Xingjian had caused the entire stretch of valleys to collapse. This collapse then transformed the stretch of valleys into a large crater filled with shattered rocks and soil.

Seeing how Ronan seemed like he wanted to talk but no words were coming out of his mouth, Fang Xingjian shook his head and released his grip. The rock spike fell from his hand and shattered into countless small stones, scattering away in the wind.

"You've lost your guts, and your determination is gone. Even if you were to use the Mountain Shifting Sword now, you won't be able to display even 30% of its profoundness. There's no point in me attacking anymore.

"But you must remember the lesson you've learnt today. You can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever's on your mind. The next time I find you that you've slandered me, I'll kill you with my sword."

With that, Fang Xingjian turned and departed, leaving behind a cool back view for Ronan to see.

Which Conferred Knight would be able to accept being stomped upon and taught a lesson? Reality was not a novel. There was no such thing as having a scenario where friendship blossomed from a fight or where a person would be full of admiration and seek guidance humbly after being defeated.

After being defeated, the normal thing was for the person to put in even more effort in their training, hold their anger in, and desire to take the win back at a later time.

'Fang Xingjian, you better not fall into my hands!' Ronan glared at Fang Xingjian for a while before he also turned to leave, limping as he headed out of the hall.

Fang Xingjian walked to Rota and asked, "Are you alright?"

Rota and the other two students were covered in dust. Although the three of them were not the targets of the attacks, just the repercussions from the attacks had already been hard for them to deal with. If they had not reacted quickly… and if it had not been for the fact that the two students were Conferred Knights who had even tried to help Rota a little bit, Rota would have sustained heavy injuries.

As Fang Xingjian walked over, the two students retreated unconsciously, as if some ferocious beast had charged over.

Rota shook her head and looked at Fang Xingjian with a strange gaze. "This is the move you learned from the Pantheon Monument? It's called Terra Ingurgitation? It's really amazing."

This was the third time she had seen Fang Xingjian performed the Terra Ingurgitation. However, no matter how many times she had seen it, she still felt extremely exhilarated.

"This kind of force exertion, this brutality… This move must be the extreme limits of great power."

However, Fang Xingjian shook his head and said, "This is just the tip of the iceberg. Come, let's go to check out the next stage."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 286 Heavenly Waterfall

Fang Xingjian got the two students to lead the way. After all, the entire stretch of valleys had been destroyed, and the cliffs and rocky paths had all disappeared. So, Fang Xingjian and Rota naturally did not know which direction to go.

Fang Xingjian might have previously had the plan to take a break first or even to return to the Killing Techniques Palace and clear all the stages within two to three days. However, Ronan suspected that Fang Xingjian had picked up the Killing techniques in the Killing Techniques Palace in advance. Although Fang Xingjian wanted to shut Ronan up with his sword, what he wanted to do more was to break through the Killing Techniques Palace within the shortest time possible. This would be able to prove that his talent really had allowed him to pick up a set of top notch Killing techniques within one to two hours.

The group of four proceeded forth, passing by many buildings and through many gardens. Not long later, they heard rumbling sounds.

"Is this the sound of water?" Rota's brows twitched and asked, "Is there a great river in the Killing Techniques Palace?"

The two students nodded with some hesitation, as if they had just thought of something. A hint of fear and the desire to hide flashed in their eyes.

They continued to walk for about a few hundreds meters, and the rumbling sounds got increasingly louder, to the extent that it was deafening. It was as though there was a great river and even a waterfall in the distance.

The four of them turned past a corner, and an endless vapor gushed forth toward them like a spray of rain. Then in the next moment, a huge lake appeared before them.

The lake was an emerald green, just like jade. It was huge, but what was even more amazing was that many one-meter-tall waves hit against the shore like waves from a sea. The entire lake seemed like it was breathing.

The rumbling noises they had heard earlier came from the center of the lake. It was as if a heavenly pillar or a pillar of water had fell from the heaven, smashing down on the lake.

The volume of the water pillar was massive, and it looked just like a waterfall, smashing down incessantly onto the surface of the water while creating rumbling sounds.

It was also because of this that a stream of water continued to smash downward with thunderous rumbles, causing vapor to fill the air.

Rota looked at the sky in amazement and asked, "Why is there a waterfall falling down from the sky?"

One of the students explained, "This is the Aquatic Sword Formation the second generation Headmaster created. It compacts the water vapor which falls from the skies and forms a heavenly waterfall that adds water into the lake endlessly.

"There is an eyelet right at the bottom of the lake's center, where water from the lake will flow through it continuously into the underground river. The lake will then continue to be filled up by the water vapor in the air.

"This causes the lakes to be full of huge surging waves, undercurrents, and whirlpools. Even if a Conferred Knight were to enter the water, he will have to be extremely careful at all times as he may be drawn down to the bottom of the lake.

"This is the third stage of the Killing Techniques Palace, the Heavenly Waterfall Lake, where you'll learn the Aquatic Sword Formation."

As Rota looked at the majestic Heavenly Waterfall Lake, which was like a divine miracle, her mind was completely refreshed. The scene had an indescribable grandeur to it. Even if ordinary people had seen it, they would also feel as if all the troubles in their hearts were resolved. If one were to stay here for a long period of time, they would become open-minded and be capable of handling things with great generosity.

Of course, the prerequisite was that the individual would need to be able to withstand the omnipresent vapor and humidity, as well as those deafening sounds.

Fang Xingjian asked, "Where do I go to learn the Aquatic Sword Formation?"

One of the students looked at the raging water in the lake with a lingering fear and pointed to a large stone tablet in a distance away. Then he said, "It's on that stone tablet."

Therefore, Rota and the others went over. What they saw there were densely packed words as well as various diagrams and annotations. This was the Aquatic Sword Formation which students had to learn for this stage.

Just as Fang Xingjian was reading the manual for the Aquatic Sword Formation, the surface of the lake suddenly became turbulent. A figure broke through from the water and landed heavily on the shore.

The figure was a lady who was completely drenched, had her hair tied up high, and was wearing a swimsuit.

The lady had long, black hair, and the curves of her muscles and bones were very distinct. Additionally, with her malt colored skin, she gave off a feeling of great vigor.

However, the moment she landed on the shore, she coughed up a mouthful of water and then looked at the direction of the lake with a weakly pale face.

Not long after she landed, the entire lake was like it was boiling. A huge whirlpool suddenly appeared and spread out, revealing a dark hole, which seemed as though it was connected to hell.

Then a more mature-looking lady rose from the whirlpool, with a layer of waves surrounding her body. She wore a Knight attire, yet she did not appear to be wet at all.

As she emerged, a hint of fury flashed across her face. She stared at the girl on the shores and said, "What are you so scared of? The most important part of cultivating the Aquatic Sword Formation is to enter the Heavenly Waterfall Lake and train up your sword formation through the lake's undercurrents and water flow.

"This Heavenly Waterfall was created back then by the second generation Headmaster. The water flow contains the profoundness of the Aquatic Sword Formation. As a cultivator, you must be able to press forward with an indomitable will; you must push through all obstacles, and slash out a path from the sword formation. Only then will you be able to pick this up successfully.

"You became careful the moment you entered the water, on guard against anything and everything. Without any determination to push forth, how are you going to cultivate the Aquatic Sword Formation like this?

"Hmph. When I was first learning the Aquatic Sword Formation, I tied a metal chain to myself and leaped into the center of the lake. The worst that could have happened was for me to be drowning and having to get people to pull me out. Without even this courage, how are you going to pick this up?"

When Rota and the others heard this, their hearts skipped a beat. This lady was truly vicious. To think that she had tied a metal chain to herself and just leaped down toward the eyelet in the middle of the lake. It was as though, before cultivation, one's life was totally unimportant. Her actions and disposition, as well as the fury reflected on her face all showed that this lady was a ruthless person.

After reprimanding the other lady on the shore, the mature-looking lady then turned to look down toward Fang Xingjian and the others. When she saw the two students, she frowned and said, "Aren't the two of you cultivating the Thunderbolt Sword Technique with Duolun in the first stage? Why have you come here?

"It's not allowed for people to walk around casually through the four stages in the Killing Techniques Palace. You two are seniors and should know this. Why are you barging in here today?"

Being stared down by this lady, the two students became like mice who had encountered rats. One of them straightened up smartly and said, "Miss Ada, we're here to show the Fang Xingjian the way. He won the previous two stages but isn't familiar with the way to the third stage, so we brought him here."

"Fang Xingjian?" The mature-looking lady by the name of Ada shifted her gaze to Fang Xingjian and asked, "You're this year's Regional Champion, Fang Xingjian?"

Ada was a female swordsman and a level 24 Conferred Knight ranked 25th amongst the students.

When Ada saw Fang Xingjian nod, she questioned doubtfully, "Shouldn't you have only entered the school last month? Yet you've already defeated Duolun and Ronan?"

Her tone was filled with doubt and disbelief.

The two students answered, "It's true. Furthermore, Fang Xingjian only came to the Killing Techniques Palace today, but he has already learned both the Thunderbolt Sword Technique and the Mountain Shifting Sword."

There continued to be doubt in Ada's eyes. She looked at Fang Xingjian and asked again, "I heard that the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor is in your hands. Is that true?"

If the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor was really in his hands, then it would explain how he had managed to get through to this stage.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 287 Number Five

Fang Xingjian was not interested in denying it and admitted directly, "That's right. I'm wearing the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor right now. Why? Do you want me to take it off when I challenge you later?"

Ada eyes lit up, and she asked curiously, "Oh? Such an important armor, a level 29 Superior Divine Armor… You're willing to put it aside and fight against me?"

"Of course, I'm not willing," Fang Xingjian said outright. "I'm not an idiot who would cast my treasure aside while I battle against someone. If I lose the armor, people would only say that I'm foolish. No one would compensate me with another one."

"Hmph, at least you're clear about that." A hint of light seemed to flashed in Ada's eyes, as if many thoughts were going through her mind. In the end, she could not help but say, "Fang Xingjian, your armor is really useful to me. Are you willing to lend it to me?"

Ada was currently at level 24 and her ether synchronization rate had already reached 59%. As she neared an ether synchronization rate of 60%, she was also trying to attain level 25.

Every 10% of the ether synchronization rate was a barrier, and each breakthrough would be a tough battle to fight. This was why it was called the Ten Heavenly Barriers. It required the Conferred Knights to have extremely strong willpower and strong minds.

Additionally, the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor contained the consciousness left behind by the level 29 expert, Domirov. If Ada could use this residual consciousness to train up her willpower and spirit, she would be able to increase her chances of attaining a breakthrough.

However, how could an important treasure like the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor be loaned out to others so easily? If the borrower was not willing to return it in the end, Fang Xingjian would not be able to do anything about it.

Therefore, he shook his head and said, "It's such a rare treasure, so how can I lend it out easily? Moreover, we're not that close with each other. It's just impossible for me to lend the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor to you."

"Don't be in a rush to reject me." Ada tried to persuade him, "I'm only going to use the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor to train up my martial will in order to prepare myself for the purpose of breaking through to a 60% ether synchronization rate. I'll definitely return it to you after.

"And don't you want to know what I'm going to offer in exchange for you lending me the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor?"

Fang Xingjian was truly curious about this, so he continued to listen attentively.

Ada said, "Your biggest crisis right now should be coming from the First Prince, right? Based on what I know, in order to complete the mastery of the thirty-six Hell's Maps and replicate the scene which has not appeared for hundreds of years, the First Prince has already staked everything he has on this. So, he no longer has any qualms.

"Moreover, his talent is really something that's hard to come by even through the generations of royalty. He has also obtained a set of Divine level remains from the Church of Universal Truth, allowing him to absorb the information of a Divine level expert at every single moment. It can be said that within a year, he will be able to attain the Divine level.

"And once he attains the Divine level, even the Second Prince will not be able to protect you. Furthermore, in order to cultivate the thirty-six Hell's Maps, the First Prince will definitely pull you in.

"You may not really understand about the cultivation of the Hell's Maps yet. Let me tell you, once you sign on the Devil's Note, you won't be able to decide on your life or death. Each thought and action you have will be controlled by the First Prince, and you'll completely become his puppet. You'll be living a life that's worse than death.

"Therefore, the reason you're in such a hurry to cultivate and show off your talent is because you hope that you'll be able to go against the First Prince, right?"

Ada had pointed out the facts clearly. To her, Fang Xingjian's greatest problem now was the First Prince. She believed that Fang Xingjian was only cultivating so furiously because he was facing the crushing pressure from the First Prince, to the extent that he was doing something like breaking through two stages of the Killing Techniques Palace within a day.

Fang Xingjian gave no answer but merely said, "Even the Second Prince isn't able to go against the First Prince, but you have a way to?"

Ada broke out into the a mysterious smile and said, "His Majesty has five princes. The First and the Second Princes aren't the only ones.

"The First Prince is truly outstanding, but when it boils down to it, it's only because he has received the most resources which comes with the status of being the eldest son.

"The Second Prince is very influential, and there are many people supporting his revolution. But it's only because he was born earlier.

"Hmph, what you people do not know is that amongst the five princes, the one who's truly amazing is the Fifth Prince. His talent is unrivalled.

"In terms of his talent in bare-fisted arts, there has been no one in history who was stronger, and there will not be any in the future who will be able to surpass him. In time, he will definitely become the strongest person in the world."

Fang Xingjian did not care about talent. Moreover, no matter how talented a person was, the person's talent would not surpass his. So, he merely asked, "You're saying that if I were to hand you the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor, you'll be able to convince the Fifth Prince to protect me?"

"Of course not. If you wish to convince the Fifth Prince, you must take the initiative to offer up the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor." As if she had sensed Fang Xingjian's lack of interest, Ada let out a cold laugh and said, "Fang Xingjian, I know that geniuses like you are all proud and arrogant creatures. You think that you'll be able to rely on your miserable talent to push your way through and attain the Divine level, and stand at the very top of the world.

"But if you've met the Fifth Prince before, you'll be able to understand that your miserable talent, when put before his, is as different as a fire torch is from the sun. You'll probably never be able to imagine how talented he is.

"It's just like how the cicadas in the summer will never be able to image what the icy snow is like."

Ada's tone was slightly arrogant and she said, brimming with confidence, "I can introduce you to the Fifth Prince. When you've met him, you'll naturally be willing to lend me the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor."

Fang Xingjian was neither interested in crazy fans like her, nor did he care about the Fifth Prince whom she was holding in high esteem. He merely turned to read the manual for the Aquatic Sword Formation.

Since he had broken through two stages consecutively, he decided to take this seriously and completely break through all the stages in the Killing Techniques Palace within a day.

Therefore, as Fang Xingjian continued to read the Aquatic Sword Formation, he once again entered a state of full concentration.

Ada let out a cold laugh, thinking of the words 'not knowing what's good for you', and continued to guide the students under her.

Rota was slightly puzzled and asked, "The Fifth Prince? Why is it I remember that since he was young, the Fifth Prince has never liked fighting and killing and was always learning to draw and write. Amongst the five princes, isn't he the only one who didn't take up martial arts?"

One of the students next to her nodded and said, "It was like that in the past. However, I heard that the Fifth Prince came across an assassin a few years ago. Taking a lesson from the painful experience, he decided to put in great effort into picking up martial arts. I don't know if it's true or not."

On the side, Fang Xingjian had already completely sunk into the reading of the Aquatic Sword Formation.

This was another extremely interesting sword technique. Through exchanging energies with ether particles, one could condense the vapour in the air, turning them into Aquatic Sword Qis, and then position the Aquatic Sword Qis in a large expanse of space to form the Aquatic Sword Formation. One would then be able to condense the water vapor in a large area and then control the sword formation through the Aquatic Sword Qis, producing a tremendous destructive prowess and defense.

The most amazing part of the Aquatic Sword Qis was that as long as one was able to form sufficient Aquatic Sword Qis, the amount of water vapor one could condense and control would be limitless.

Of course, while the sword formation was limitless, humans faced limits. Despite this, it was said that back then, the Great Western Region's second generation Headmaster had once performed the Aquatic Sword Formation in the Northern Ice Region, condensing the water vapor and turning the area within a hundred li into a large lake.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 288 Sword Formation

When Ada saw that Fang Xingjian was reading the stone tablet seriously as if everything appeared to be clear and logical, she criticized him secretly in her heart while she trained the other students.

Like Rota, another female Knight, Ada had also been born into an aristocratic clan and had received the best education and cultivation resources. Furthermore, her talent was outstanding and she was willing to put in hard work for her cultivation. This was how she had been able to become the level 24 Conferred Knight she was now.

Despite this, Ada was already 38 years old this year.

She had gotten married at 28, but unfortunately, when she was 30, her husband had failed in his attempt to attain the Heavenly Barrier of 30% ether synchronization rate and had entered a comatose state.

This was the worst possible scenario. When a person became a vegetable, it meant they were not really dead. So, in order to maintain their reputation, the clans of both parties had not allowed her to get a divorce, and she was made to live a life as a widow.

Living a life of self-pity, Ada had turned all her energy onto her cultivation. However, her mood had still grown increasingly bad and her temper had become increasingly violent. She would blow her top at the smallest thing, and she became the old hag to whom everyone in the academy would turn a deaf ear.

'Harsh and stern with a bad temper' became the impression that everyone had of her.

This had lasted until two years ago, when she had met the Fifth Prince while she had been out in the wild, hunting ferocious beasts.

Additionally, this encounter had made her fall completely for the Fifth Prince's demeanour, passion, talent, and abilities. In her eyes, there was no other man in the world who would be able to compare to the Fifth Prince.

Thinking of the Fifth Prince, a smile appeared on Ada's face unknowingly, and the gaze she threw at Fang Xingjian grew icier than before.

'Hmph, the Fifth Prince studied the Aquatic Sword Formation by linking the bare-fisted martial arts theories to sword theories. Then after he observed the Heavenly Waterfall Lake, he imparted the 'Heavenly Waterfall Slash' to me..

'Even if you're wearing the level 29 Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor, there's no way you can fend off this move created by the Fifth Prince. I'll use this move to defeat you and let you understand that no matter how strong you are, there's always someone out there who is stronger than you.'

Fang Xingjian had his meal, then he started his cultivation. About one and a half hours later, he stretched out his five fingers, and it was as if he could sense a gush of water vapor surging toward him. In the blink of an eye, countless water droplets continued to gather incessantly on his palms, forming a longsword made from water.

Rota smiled and asked, "You've managed to pick up the Aquatic Sword Formation?"

Fang Xingjian shook his head and said, "This is only the Aquatic Sword Qis. I must be able to create twelve Aquatic Sword Qis before I can start to form the sword formation."

Amidst the gazes of two students, Rota, Ada and the other lady, Fang Xingjian started to form streams and streams of Aquatic Sword Qis. Each time one stream was created, he would toss it into the air. Then in the blink of an eye, another twelve streams of Aquatic Sword Qis had appeared.

Once the twelve streams of sword Qis appeared, a mysterious connection was formed between them. Fang Xingjian seemed to have become the control station of a freight station, incessantly exchanging information and energy through the ether particles and the twelve streams of sword Qis.

A confident smile appeared at the corners of Fang Xingjian's lips. WIth a light tap of his sword fingers, the twelve streams of sword Qis circled around his body, swaying about freely as if they were floating batteries [1].

Laughing out loud, he then randomly took up an Aquatic Sword Qi and started to perform a sword dance.

The water sword in his hand swung freely, while the remaining eleven streams of sword Qis moved about unhindered and slashed through the air, creating loud tearing sounds.

Fang Xingjian tapped his longsword across space and shot out eleven streams of sword Qis consecutively, lifting up several ten thousand jin of golden sand at the shore.

Even Rota and the others could sense that the Aquatic Sword Qis were being moved at high speed. Together with the powerful slashing prowess they held, even if they encountered rocks and sediments, they would slash through them. The sword Qis were extremely sharp and were like high speed water blades.

Wherever the Aquatic Sword Qis passed by, the area would be covered with a strong drying sensation. It was because the Aquatic Sword Qis absorb water vapor incessantly in order to replenish the energy depleted by the slashing.

The moment this Aquatic Sword Formation took shape, all twelve sword Qis, including the one in Fang Xingjian's hand, constantly absorbed the world's water vapor. They also complemented each other, maintaining a connection at all times and facilitating their energy depletion and replenishment.

Additionally, the formed Aquatic Sword Qis circled around Fang Xingjian as though they controlled by Fang Xingjian's hands, hitting wherever Fang Xingjian pointed to.

As the sword Qis moved about freely, a loud whistle rang out in the air, and more and more water vapor continued to gather in Fang Xingjian's direction. Many more sword Qis were formed in succession, and the large amount of water vapor gathered there made it seem as though a heavy rain was falling down onto the Heavenly Waterfall Lake.

As the large amount of water vapor gathered together, it turned into water droplets, which then eventually surged into Fang Xingjian's palm, allowing him to create one Aquatic Sword Qi after another.

At level 1, the Aquatic Sword Formation could create 12 Aquatic Sword Qis. It would continue to progress, and at level 5, the user would be able to create 121 Aquatic Sword Qis. Then at level 10, the user would be able to create 277 Aquatic Sword Qis.

Currently, Fang Xingjian had already gathered 49 Aquatic Sword Qis. At level 4, the Aquatic Sword Formation could already allow him better control over the Aquatic Sword Qis.

The sword Qi in his hand swept forward, while the remaining 48 Aquatic Sword Qis were sent out in all directions like exploding fireworks, gradually filling up the area within a 100-meter radius around Fang Xingjian.

Fang Xingjian nodded and said, "I've finally made some progress." He then turned to 'look' at Ada, saying, "I'd like to have your guidance in the Aquatic Sword Formation."

Ada was standing in the middle of the Heavenly Waterfall Lake. Although the Heavenly Waterfall was plunging down, they seemed to be torn apart by formless sharp blade above her head. The waterfall split into two, unable touch her at all.

Hearing Fang Xingjian's words, Ada smiled and said coldly, "You want me to give you guidance when your Aquatic Sword Formation is only at level 4? You should talk after you've entered the Heavenly Waterfall Lake."

Fang Xingjian smiled faintly and walked over, step by step, in the direction of the Heavenly Waterfall Lake. The other 48 streams of Aquatic Sword Qis around him were like floating batteries circling around him. At a glance, they looked just like countless satellites.

The circulation of this sword formation could serve the purposes of both attack and defense, allowing the user to attack or defend from any direction.

As Fang Xingjian walked slowly into the Heavenly Waterfall Lake, gradually submerging his entire body into the water, the Aquatic Sword Qis also entered the lake. The Aquatic Sword Qis were originally formed from water vapor. So, now that they had entered the lake, they were like fish in water, with an increased agility of over ten times.

However, simultaneously, Fang Xingjian also sensed that the undercurrents and waves in the lake were like aquatic shock waves knocking against his body.

The power of the water was very strong. The undercurrents in the sea could knock a person unconscious and pull them into the depths of the water, or kill them directly from the impact.

The power of a tsunami could drown a city entirely, killing several ten of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of people.

This Heavenly Waterfall Lake had been created by the second generation Headmaster, and the various undercurrents and waves in the lake would circulate based on the ingenuity of the Aquatic Sword Formation. The omnipresent impacts were like boundless sword waves, smacking Fang Xingjian.

Looking at how Fang Xingjian was thrown around by the currents, the corners of Ada's lips curled up as she broke into a smile which was full of contempt.

However, while Fang Xingjian was being hit by the waves, he continued to sense the circulations of the Aquatic Sword Formation in the water. He had intentionally allowed himself to be hit since he had the level 29 Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor. His aim was to allow his body to directly appreciate the profoundness of the sword formation.

[1] A floating battery is a kind of armed watercraft, often improvised or experimental, which carries a heavy armament but has few other qualities as a warship. https/en./wiki/Floating_battery

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 289 Comprehension

Fang Xingjian relaxed his entire body while the impacts formed from the water currents around him continued to hit his body. Fang Xingjian continued to appreciate the feeling of the sword impacts hitting against his body, trying to understand the profoundness behind the Aquatic Sword Formation.

The next moment, with an abrupt tremble, he formed sword fingers with his hands and all of the Aquatic Sword Qis which had entered the lake started to rage at the same time. Like multiple water dragons, they continued to swim about and to collide against the impact waves that were attacking Fang Xingjian, with both the impact waves and the Aquatic Sword Qis cancelling each other out.

Fang Xingjian was controlling his Aquatic Sword Formation to go against the Heavenly Waterfall Lake's Aquatic Sword Formation.

However, the entire Heavenly Waterfall Lake was like a world-sized millstone. The whirlpool at the bottom of the lake, together with the Heavenly Waterfall which was plunging down from the sky, seemed to want to crush everything in the lake into smithereens.

This was equivalent to using the natural powers of the world to attack the opponent. On the other hand, Fang Xingjian was controlling his Aquatic Sword Formation, relying on his own powers to go against the powers of the world.

Streams of water impacts continued to be wiped out while the Aquatic Sword Qis he created were also continuously being destroyed. In the blink of an eye, more and more impact waves hit against him, bursting into sprays.

The Aquatic Sword Formation Fang Xingjian was controlling started to crumble, but at the same time, it continued to go against the powers of the entire Heavenly Waterfall Lake. As he continued to sense and comprehend the profoundness of the entire sword formation, Fang Xingjian's understanding of the Aquatic Sword Formation also continued to increase.

In the image constructed in his mind, the impact waves formed by the water in the lake were very clear. The traces where they passed by appeared in his mind with glimmering lights. Countless traces continued to stack together, changing, surging, and forming the shape of the entire formation.

Just like that, Fang Xingjian suddenly started to inch toward the center of the lake. The entire Heavenly Waterfall Lake was formed by the Heavenly Waterfall Lake and the underground whirlpool. The closer he was to the center, the greater the impact of the formation. The speed of the water current in the center even seemed to have exceeded several meters per second. These powerful currents collided against each other, swirling around and slashing about. Even if steel were to fall in, it would instantly be torn to dust.

And the closer Fang Xingjian moved toward the center of the lake, the stronger the pressure he felt was.

In the center of the lake, there was no hint of water droplets within a five meter radius of Ada. It was as if an air bubble had surrounded her, and the currents that flowed near her seemed to have immediately become as tame as a kitten.

Behind her, the female Knight who was wearing a swimsuit said in astonishment, "How amazing. To think that he's able to comprehend the ingenuity of the sword formation within such a short amount of time. This guy's talent is so scary. He might really be able to charge into the center of the Heavenly Waterfall Lake."

Ada shook her head and said, "Hmph, is the Heavenly Waterfall Lake so easily broken through? The closer you get to the center of the lake, the greater the pressure faced. How can one rely on one's own powers to go against the tremendous powers of the heaven and earth?

"He doesn't know the ingenuity of how the Aquatic Sword Formation borrows strength to fight against strength. He probably won't even be able to get within one hundred meters of the center of the lake."

However, just as Ada said this, the sword force in Fang Xingjian's hands changed once again. Streams of impact waves collided against his Aquatic Sword Qis. Not only were they not able to weaken the Aquatic Sword Qis, they were gradually neutralized or even absorbed by the Aquatic Sword Qis.

The speed of the Aquatic Sword Qis instantly increased to become two times as fast as before. They started to withstand the impact waves coming from the surroundings, accelerating toward the center of the lake.

"What?!" Ada looked at this scene in great astonishment. Back then, as she entered the lake time and time again, she had to risk her life and cultivate before she started to get used to the attacks from the water in the lake. Even so, she still took half a year.

And Fang Xingjian had merely taken over ten minutes to start getting used to the attacks from the sword formation? What kind of a joke was this?

It was a pity that Fang Xingjian was not trying to joke. Right now, in his mind, countless spots of light were flashing and countless trails were circulating. All of them were the changes to the sword formation and its flaws. He looked at the circulation of the sword formation as he continued to control the Aquatic Sword Qis to swim about, absorbing and diverting the power from the impacts.

The Aquatic Sword Qis, rather than attacking, was actually a sword technique which was better for defence. As countless Aquatic Sword Qis circulated, they were able to gradually cushion and absorb the impacts from any attack.

Fang Xingjian continued to absorb the attacks from the entire Heavenly Waterfall Lake as he dashed toward the center of the lake.

As she watched Fang Xingjian getting closer to her, Ada's countenance had turned solemn and extremely grim.

She was also once a female Knight who had a dream, a future, and great hopes. However, as so many years passed, she started to be hit by reality, especially after she had came across the Fifth Prince, a genius amongst geniuses. It made her understand even more clearly that there were some people in this world whose talent was simply so unreasonable. Even if ordinary people were to spend ten or a hundred times more time, they might not even be a match for when the geniuses put in just a slight attempt.

Although she was astonished by Fang Xingjian's talent, she was even more confident in the Fifth Prince.

'His Highness is the guy who is going to become the strongest in the world. How can his great power and amazingness be something that you can even start to imagine?

'Although Fang Xingjian is truly amazing, he's merely someone who appears once in a hundred years. At the most, he'll become someone at the level of Governor Devitt or someone like one of the ten Divine level experts in the Empire.

'However, the Fifth Prince is one who will stand above the Mage Kings, the Pope, and the founding king of the Empire. He will become an existence which is able to change the history of the world.'

Just as she thought about this, Ada's gaze appeared extremely confident. She put her hands together and white vapor started forming in her hands, forming a stream of Aquatic Sword Qi in an instant.

The next moment, in the entire Heavenly Waterfall Lake, up to a thousand Aquatic Sword Qis appeared. It was as if all the water in the Heavenly Waterfall Lake had been compacted together in that instant.

How long has Ada been training in the Heavenly Waterfall Lake? She would condense the sword Qis in the lake everyday, and her understanding of the Heavenly Waterfall Lake was second to none. When she performed the Aquatic Sword Formation, she seemed to have almost encompassed the entire Heavenly Waterfall Lake.

It was also because of this act that Ada's control of the Heavenly Waterfall Lake managed to reach a new extreme. On the other hand, Fang Xingjian felt that the water around him seemed to have suddenly turned into cement, causing each of his changes of action and sword stance to become a hundred times more difficult than before.

However, this was merely a warm-up for Ada. She had not planned on going easy on Fang Xingjian either. She had just created the Aquatic Sword Formation but was already pushing forth the sword Qis, activating the powerful Killing technique—the Heavenly Waterfall Slash—which the Fifth Prince had specially created for her, taking into consideration of the location.

A tremendous boom rang out!

Amidst everyone's astonished gaze, the Heavenly Waterfall which was plunging down seemed to have frozen for a short moment.

At the next moment, the entire Heavenly Waterfall seemed to have condensed into an Aquatic Sword Qi, bringing along a tremendous impact and piercing toward Fang Xingjian…

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 290 Armor

The Heavenly Waterfall was plunging down from the sky as if it had gathered all the rainfall intended for an entire city and was now pouring it all at once. How terrifying was the impact?

Such a tremendous amount of water was almost able to create a huge explosion on the surface, then forming a tsunami a few meters tall, and causing the water flow to gush out at a speed of several thousand meters per hour, smashing everything in its path. It was more horrifying than ordinary aerial explosions, both qualitatively and density-wise.

Sensing the longsword the Heavenly Waterfall formed piercing toward him, Fang Xingjian's expression turned very grim.

When facing such an attack, even if he could slash through it with Terra Ingurgitation, the Heavenly Waterfall was almost never-ending. Even if he were to slash through one section, he would drown at once under waves and waves of water.

And his Terra Ingurgitation could only be used once an hour.

Therefore, without any hesitation, through his Heaven's Perception, Fang Xingjian threw his consciousness into the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor.

He needed power. He needed the tremendous power contained within this set of level 29 armor.

Almost at the same time when he activated the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor, waves of powerful aura surged into the skies. The entire Heavenly Waterfall seemed to have started heating up. Of course, this was only an illusion. However, the remnants of the consciousness of a level 29 expert, even just the subconscious willpower impact, gave one the feeling that the entire world was changing.

At the same time, the entire set of Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor started to appear on Fang Xingjian's skin. The armor, which looked as if dragon scales were encompassing his body, was moving together with the changes of the strength of his muscles. The streams of light reflected by its scaly surface appeared to be just flames.

A faint white glow grew from Fang Xingjian's limbs and other parts of his body, forming many geometrical figures.

The various geometrical shapes appeared behind Fang Xingjian's body. Accelerating force field, physical force field, autocalibration force field, high temperature resistant force field… The numerous force fields appeared one by one with the awakening of the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor, once again increasing Fang Xingjian's damaging prowess.

Inside the void space, countless energy surged into Fang Xingjian's body. He could feel that his body was growing all at once, as if air was being pumped into it. His strength was growing maniacally, increasing fold by fold, as if explosives were being set off in his body.

Roar!

He sensed the furiously growing strength in his body, like a kettle with boiling water. Fang Xingjian opened his mouth to let out a long bellow, and under the impact of his sword bones, the currents he howled out looked like a stream of a hundred-meter-long sword Qi, slashing through the air, slashing the Heavenly Waterfall in two right in front of him.

If Ada's attack toward Fang Xingjian through her control over the Heavenly Waterfall could be said to have an impact capable of tilting over and stirring the entire Milky Way, then Fang Xingijian's howl was capable of pushing back the Milky Way, splitting it in two.

This was the most blatant display of violence that the level 29 Superior Divine Armor, the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor, had shown to the world ever since it was born.

'It's not over!'

How could Ada give up just like that? She put her hands tightly together in formation, making the Heavenly Waterfall split into two, act like two slithering snakes, and with a tremendous impact she once again dashed at Fang Xingjian from his left and right.

The atmosphere was shaking, the earth was trembling, the entire Heavenly Waterfall Lake was as if it was boiling up, water surging out as if it was hordes of troops and horses that would tear everything they come across into dust.

However, having activated his Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor, Fang Xingjian was not afraid of the incoming attack. He punched outward, causing a stream of the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor to flow backward, and amidst a series of explosions, Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!, sections of air and water exploded together, pushed up into the air by the sword force.

With a stomp, the faint white force field under Fang Xingjian's feet disappeared. He then charged like a rocket.

The world seemed to stretch at that moment, the air torn apart to reveal a void passageway. Before the void space was once again filled up by the air in the surroundings, Fang Xingjian launched another punch.

Astonishing sword Qis which were several hundred meters long each shot out, and amidst the tearing sounds which resounded several thousand meters away, the Heavenly Waterfall plunging down from the air was gradually being pushed back.

Fang Xingjian continued the cycle of launching punches with each few steps he took, the scale armor around his body still trembling and whining with sharp whistles. The endless force from the void space surged forth to replenish the energy Fang Xingjian had depleted, strengthening his bones, muscles, vital energy, and blood. With each punch he launched, the white flow formed by ether particles force fields would increase their speed and force, amplifying Fang Xingjian's strength.

Streams and streams of sword Qi continued to tear apart the air, pushing back the Heavenly Waterfall and making it impossible for it to plunge downward. Instead, more and more of the water was gathering in the air.

At that moment, Fang Xingjian finally arrived in the center of the lake.

Ada looked at Fang Xingjian and smiled coldly, thinking to herself, 'So what if you're able to temporarily stop the Heavenly Waterfall? The water from the lake will continue to gather in the air. The more you try to push it back, the greater a strength it will amass. And as time passes, the accumulated power will be increasingly stronger. I don't believe that you can continue to hang on like this.

'This guy must be thinking of attacking me. Hmph, I'll wait and see how you break through the sword formation of more than a thousand Aquatic Sword Qis.'

As she thought of these, the thousand of Aquatic Sword Qis spread out across the lake were activated. Countless jets of water flew over and encompassed the area, turning her into a big sphere of water with a diameter of over fifty meters. No matter what kind of attack was sent out at her, the sphere would be able to instantly absorb and neutralize the impact.

The impact resistance of water was clear to all. Even if an impact of a few thousand tons were to hit against the surface of the sea, it would only create a large splash.

Encompassed by a water sphere with a diameter of fifty meters, how strong did the attack have to be in order to reach Ada?

However, just as Ada was thinking of this, Fang Xingjian suddenly turned and shot out toward the surface of the lake.

'What is he thinking of doing?'

As Ada continued to contemplate, Fang Xingjian clenched his fists tightly and raised them above his head. His body suddenly swelled up, and he sent out violent gushes of power in all directions, and making a series of explosions in the air.

The next moment, Fang Xingjian seemed to be like a plunging shooting star, his fists fiercely hammering down.

With a series of rumbling explosions, the moment Fang Xingjian's fists came into contact with the surface of the lake, a terrifying surge of force exploded, charging toward the Heavenly Waterfall Lake with immense force. Rota and the others only felt huge tremors under their feet and found it hard to remain standing.

And with Fang Xingjian's punch, the entire Heavenly Waterfall Lake was thrown up into the air.

The force of this punch sent all the water from the lake into the skies. How brutal and violent was this strength?

Having activated the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor, Fang Xingjian had truly raised the meaning of the word 'violent' to a whole new level.

Looking at this scene, Ada gasped, unable to believe her eyes. At the same time, she sensed that the thousand Aquatic Sword Qis she had gone through a lot of work to amass had all been turned into dust. She had lost control over the entire Heavenly Waterfall Lake.

However, at the same time, the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor Fang Xingjian was wearing started to fade off. He had used the armor to its limits and if he were to continue, Domirov's consciousness which was lying in the armor would hurt him.

Ada let out a strong exhale. The pressure Fang Xingjian had put on her while wearing the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor was much, much too great. Now, looking on as the Heavenly Abyss Annihilation Armor disappeared, she seemed to be able to relax.

However, she was unable to savor this moment for long. Fang Xingjian put his fingers together to form a sword, and with a slight wave, made Ada open her eyes wide, as if she had just seen a ghost.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 291 Picking Up

As Fang Xingjian's sword fingers moved about, the Heavenly Waterfall, which was plunging down from the sky, actually changed its direction.

'Impossible!

'How can this be possible?!

'The Heavenly Waterfall was left behind by the second generation Headmaster. Even the Aquatic Sword Formation is not able to control it.

'If it's not because the Fifth Prince created the Heavenly Waterfall Slash based on the flow of the Heavenly Waterfall Lake and the principles behind the Aquatic Sword Formation, even I won't be able to control the Heavenly Waterfall. How on earth did Fang Xingjian do it?'

Many thoughts began flooding Ada's mind at a very fast speed, but they were unable to stop the plunging Heavenly Waterfall, which cut across the sky and fell down toward Ada's direction.

Before the Heavenly Waterfall even got near, strong gales gushed forth, making it hard for Ada to breath. The water vapour in the air arrived before the waterfall itself, and it was as if there was a heavy rainstorm.

Behind Ada, that female student in a swimsuit was already pale-faced and screaming out loud. With her abilities, there was no way she could fend off the impact from the Heavenly Waterfall, and she would probably be crushed into pieces.

Ada let out a fierce bellow and condensed streams of Aquatic Sword Qis, incessantly absorbing the water from the lake to encompass her body. She directed the Aquatic Sword Qis with sword fingers on one hand while pointing her other hand to the ground. Then Ada's aura suddenly changed, and it was as if she had turned into a majestic mountain, standing there aloft.

As the guard for the third stage, Ada had naturally learned the Mountain Shifting Sword from the second stage. Suddenly, she performed the Mountain Shifting Sword and connected herself with the surrounding terrain, hoping to fend off the plunging Heavenly Waterfall.

In the next moment, it was as if the Milky Way had plunged down, and the Heavenly Waterfall collided against Ada's sword formation. However, just like how it was as easy as to break an egg, the water sphere was immediately crushed despite having the ability to stand up against a battleship's main canon. Thereafter, the waterfall then continued to hit against Ada's body mercilessly.

Feeling as if a mountain had smashed down against her body, Ada's bones let out a series of woeful creaks as she puked out a mouthful of blood. At the next moment, Ada was completely devoured by the water and had fallen to the bottom of the lake.

Simultaneously, the earth trembled like there was a grade 5 earthquake. It was the result of Ada channeling the impact she had received down into the earth through the Mountain Shifting Sword.

The Heavenly Waterfall went back to normal, and Fang Xingjian gradually returned to the shores. Rota and the others were all struck with fright.

Just then, a series of explosions abruptly appeared in the lake, and Ada dashed out while grabbing the female student. With a few steps, they landed on the shore.

The female student was still in a shock and completely drenched. Next to her, Ada was panting heavily with a pale face. There were many parts throughout her body including her organs which were suffering from internal bleeding, and even her spine was severely injured.

In fact, if it had not been because she had channeled away majority of the impact with the ingenuity of the Mountain Shifting Sword, her body would have been smashed to smithereens.

Despite this, Ada's injuries were still very serious. However, she persisted and lifted her head, then she looked at Fang Xingjian and mumbled, "You… How on earth did you manage to control the Heavenly Waterfall?

"This is the Heavenly Waterfall created by the second generation Headmaster. Even the Aquatic Sword Formation can't control it. How did you do it?"

Fang Xingjian said calmly, "Didn't you manage to do it? I imitated you."

"Imitated me?" Ada's expression grew agitated. "That's the Heavenly Waterfall Slash, not the Aquatic Sword Formation. You haven't learned the Heavenly Waterfall Slash before, so how could you imitate me?"

"Didn't you use it right in front of me? I learned it after seeing you using it once."

"You learned it after watching me using it once?" Ada looked at Fang Xingjian in a daze, with doubt filling both her eyes. "How is that possible?"

Fang Xingjian said casually, "There's nothing impossible about it. It's just an application of the Aquatic Sword Qis. By tapping into the force of the rising hot water vapor and using the theory of sinking cold air, I caused the Heavenly Waterfall to break through its limits temporarily

"It's easy to understand with just one look."

These words made Ada's countenance change. She had not expected that Fang Xingjian would be able to bring up the principles behind the Heavenly Waterfall Slash so easily. The Fifth Prince had told her about the principles previously, but she had spent a few days trying to comprehend them before she gradually understood the Heavenly Waterfall Slash.

To think that Fang Xingjian had learned it after seeing her use it just once?

In that instant, an immense feeling of frustration surged within Ada.

She suddenly thought of how even the Fifth Prince had meditated before the Heavenly Waterfall Lake for one day and one night before he created the Heavenly Waterfall Slash. However, Fang Xingjian had been able to pick it up with just one look.

Although the Fifth Prince trained in the area of bare-fisted arts, it was still much harder to create a technique than learn one after just looking at it. However, Ada's confidence in the Fifth Prince was still dealt with a blow.

The Fang Xingjian right before her seemed to overlap with her image of the Fifth Prince. Suddenly, Ada's confidence in the Fifth Prince was not comparable to what it had been before.

'I must tell the Fifth Prince. I'll send him a message right away. Fang Xingjian's talent is not to be undermined…'

However, Fang Xingjian merely asked, "I can head to the fourth stage now, right?"

Ada lifted her head and took a long look at Fang Xingjian. Then she said, "You don't need to rush. There's no one on guard for the fourth stage in the Killing Techniques Palace… After all, the purpose of defeating the people on guard for the first three stages is to allow the students to head to the next stage to learn the next sword technique.

"The fourth stage is the final stage. You can leave directly after learning the sword technique. There's no need at all for you to defeat a guard."

Hearing Ada's words, everyone was struck by realization and turned to look at Fang Xingjian.

This meant that Fang Xingjian was considered to have broken through all four stages of the Killing Techniques Palace.

The students, who had followed Fang Xingjian from the first stage, murmured, "Clearing the Killing Techniques Palace within a day… Has something like this occurred before in the history of the academy?"

"No. No one has done something like this before. Fang Xingjian has made history…"

"We've all just become witnesses to the making of history."

Ada took a a few deep breaths before leaving with the female student to have their injuries treated. Meanwhile Fang Xingjian and the others headed to the next stage for Fang Xingjian to learn the final sword technique in the Killing Techniques Palace.

Simultaneously at the entrance of the Killing Techniques Palace, another group of people walked over. It was Hoult. Dressed in the clothes and accessories of nobility, he looked suave and handsome. As someone who was under the wings of a Divine level expert, Hoult was the one who had unfortunately come in second place in the Regional Selection after being defeated by Fang Xingjian.

Next to Hoult, there was a guy with big, intelligent eyes and a thin figure.

The guy looked at Hoult and smiled, saying, "Hoult, this time around, you'll definitely be able to create a new record in the Killing Techniques Palace. You were able to step into Heaven's Perception and complete the second transition within a month… There hasn't been anyone else in history who has done this.

"Even that Fang Xingjian who is in the same batch as you… I've heard that he's still training day and night in the Sacred Land? I've also heard that he has even wasted time creating his own Nurturing sword technique.

"For us to create Nurturing sword techniques… It's too much of a waste of effort.

"Today, you're going to start breaking through the Killing Techniques Palace. With your talent, you'll be able to clear through all four stages within half a month at most. By then, you'll definitely be able to defeat that Fang Xingjian."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 292 Proud

As a follower of the teachings of a Divine level expert, Hoult was doted up by the Divine level expert to the extent of having the Snake of Engulfment created especially for him.

Moreover, with Hoult's talent being a rare occurrence of one in ten thousand, no matter where Hoult went, there would naturally be many people following or wanting to get close to him.

This was the case for the few people next to him. The quick-witted guy from earlier was called Norman, and he was the one who had followed Hoult the most closely, praising him into the skies.

Norman was ranked 41st in the academy, level 22, and training in the area of archery. However, he was already 39 years old and would be turning 40 next year.

This meant that he had reached the end of his martial arts path and basically would not be able to improve much further.

This was a problem faced by many Conferred Knights. At the Knight phase, they might have great progress in their cultivation. However, when they were at the Conferred Knight phase, they realized that their mental spirit and willpower were insufficient, and that their talent in comprehending ether particles was not good enough.

When people like these realized that they did not have talent, they would leave the academy when they reached a bottleneck. Just with their status as a Conferred Knight, they were usually able to land themselves in a good job with a respectable status after graduation.

However, Norman's ambitions were much greater. He could have graduated five years ago, but he had chosen to stay behind in order to meet even more Conferred Knights in order to prepare for life after graduation.

For Norman, Hoult's appearance was like honey to a bear. No matter where Norman went in the world, being affiliated with a Divine level expert would bring him great benefits.

As a follower of the teachings of a Divine level expert, Hoult was also used to people like these. In fact, he enjoyed being surrounded by people like them.

Hearing Norman's words, Hoult smiled and said, "Thanks to the blessings of the Melancholic Monarch, I've managed to attain Heaven's Perception very quickly.

"Fang Xingjian is truly talented. If not for the fortuitous encounter at the Pantheon Monument, I would probably still need another half a year before I can surpass him.

"But Fang Xingjian should just have completed his second transition. I wonder when he'll be coming to the Killing Techniques Palace."

Norman was tactful in his bootlicking, "Haha, when that guy comes, he'll probably be just in time to watch you leave with his eyes wide open. Moreover, your job is the Astral Sword Saint. Amongst all the different second transition jobs, this should be considered the best."

"Astral Sword Saint… I heard that Hoult's grandmaster, the Astral Ancestor and one of the Divine level experts of this generation, had chosen the Astral Sword Saint as his second transition job back then."

The other students around Hoult also started their bootlicking. "With your talent in sword arts, you'll only take at most half a month to clear the Killing Techniques Palace."

"That's right, if you were to use the level 29 Crimson Fire, you'll probably be able to clear the stages within a few days."

Hoult shook his head and said, "I'm here to learn. It's meaningless to rely on a Divine Weapon to clear the stages."

As the few of them chatted, they entered the first hall of the Killing Techniques Palace.

However, it was impossible for anyone to be present to help provide guidance to the Thunderbolt Sword Technique. There was nothing but the charred ground, damaged walls, and a lonely huge sword in the middle of the hall.

"What's wrong? Where's the person on duty?"

"Is the timing right?"

"It should be. It hasn't been long since the afternoon has started. Why are there no one instructors here?"

Norman frowned and looked at the damage done to the place before. Then he smiled and said to Hoult, "He has probably gone to have his meal or to the toilet. Let's wait for a while."

Hoult nodded. After all, he considered his talent to be unrivalled and thus did not need the guidance of any instructors. It did not matter if there was no one here. He merely walked up and started to read the Thunderbolt Sword Technique written on the huge sword.

The Thunderbolt Sword Technique was truly an interesting technique. As Hoult read it, he was drawn in.

Five minutes passed, then ten minutes, fifteen minutes… However, there was still no one.

Norman said impatiently, "What's wrong with the Sword Arts Department? Why is there not even a soul to be seen? This is outrageous."

Hoult smiled and said, "It's fine. It's good for me to read it by myself. This Thunderbolt Sword Technique is really profound, but I should be able to learn it within one or two days."

"Amazing. I heard that the students from the Sword Arts Department would all need to take one to two weeks before they pick up this sword technique."

"As expected of the student under the wings of a Divine level expert. Hoult, you should be the most powerful person in this generation in the Myriad Star Palace, right?"

Hearing the flattery of the others, Hoult smiled and accepted their compliments.

Hoult was truly proud of his own talent. However, for some reason, he thought of Fang Xingjian.

This opponent who had defeated him on the Regional Selection was still a thorn in his heart.

Hoult still needed to work hard and could not slack off.

After clearing the Killing Techniques Palace and synthesizing the four sword techniques, he would find a chance to have another showdown with Fang Xingjian.

As they spoke, the sounds of many footsteps rang out. Hoult and the others turned to see a few middle-aged and elderly Conferred Knights walking over.

"Is that true? Isn't this too unbelievable?"

"Even if you just look at the fact that he has cleared two stages in a row, he has already broken the records with that."

"Since the founding of the Empire two hundred years ago, such a thing has been unheard of."

Hoult and the others heard the faint sound of conversing voices coming toward them. When they saw the two old men who were leading the group, they froze up.

Standing before them was the pillar of the academy's Sword Arts Department, Hoppes, who had led a sword arts team by himself. Next to him was a hunchbacked old man with wrinkles all over his face.

This old man was even older, but his status was also higher than Hoppes.

He was James, the Governor from two generations ago. James was the old man who had been guarding the Pantheon Monument previously and had seen Fang Xingjian break through all seven levels of mysteries to the Pantheon Monument.

When Hoult saw that James had brought Hoppes and a few other Conferred Knights into the hall, his expression turned solemn. He then asked, "Teachers, why have you come?

"Lord James, you're here too?"

James, the Governor from two generations ago, waved his hand and said, "I'm not guarding the Pantheon Monument anymore. However, Devitt, that lad, still insists that I do something. There's no other way about it. Since I'm trained in swords, I've pushed Hoppes off, and I'm replacing him as the Head of Department of the Sword Arts Department."

The Head of Department for the Sword Arts Department was naturally the person who managed the entire department in the academy.

This position was previously held by the sword arts expert, Hoppes, who had invented many sword arts Killing techniques and led the academy's sword arts team.

However, with James' identity, status, and experience, Hoppes could only give up his position. Moreover, he had primarily focused on researching sword arts and was not too interested in executive position.

Hoult smiled and said, "I've also just arrived here to learn the Thunderbolt Sword Technique."

Norman added on tactfully, "Hoult has just completed the second transition yesterday. He attained Heaven's Perception within a month and transitioned into his second transition job, Astral Sword Saint.

"Hoult will probably be able to clear the Killing Techniques Palace within one to two months."

The corners of Hoult's lips curled up slightly, and there was a hint of pride on his face. Putting aside the fact that he had spent very little time and was very fast in accomplishing these, there had not been many people who had transitioned into the Astral Sword Saint. Moreover, his grandmaster, the Divine level expert and Astral Ancestor, had also been an Astral Sword Saint for his second transition.

Additionally, the fact the Astral Sword Saint controlled various powers, including astral powers, light rays, and tempest, must not be forgotten. It had powerful battle and destructive prowess.

Seeing as everyone was chiming in here and there, the Headmaster from two generations ago, James, nodded and said, "Not bad, not bad." However, there was a hint of impatience reflected in his eyes.

Hoppes, on the other hand, was not as patient. He went straight to the point, "Alright, did you see where Fang Xingjian went?"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 293 Following

Fang Xingjian?

Hearing this name, the few people present were stunned for a moment before Norman smiled and asked, "Teacher Hoppes, you're saying that Fang Xingjian came as well?"

"Why else would so many of us be here?" Hoppes waved his hand impatiently. He was a guy who was obsessed with sword arts to begin with, did not care about putting up appearances, and hated formalities. How could he have the patience to waste his time talking nonsense with these few youngsters?

And his abilities, status, and reputation, all allowed him to be so bullheaded.

After all, in Miracle World, only powerful Conferred Knights had the privilege to be bullheaded.

As he spoke, Hoppes had already pull James, the Headmaster from two generations ago, out, heading for the direction of the next stage.

Watching the crowd leaving without any hesitation, Norman smiled awkwardly toward Hoult, saying, "I never expected Fang Xingjian to be at the Killing Techniques Palace as well."

Hoult nodded and said, "It's fine. I had thought that I would be able to surpass him this time around since he hasn't inherited a legacy and would probably require a lot of time to prepare for the second transition.

"To think that he has completed the second transition so quickly. Maybe he has transitioned into a more ordinary job.

"And even if he were to complete the job transition successfully and came to the Killing Techniques Palace, it shouldn't be that much earlier than me. He might be at the second stage."

Hoult was well aware of how fast he had attained the Heaven's Perception and completed the second transition. In order to catch up to and surpass Fang Xingjian, he had been going through his cultivation crazily day and night for the past month. He had even used quite a number of extremely precious resources in order for him to be able to complete everything successfully within such a short amount of time.

According to his calculations, this was already the limit. Therefore, Hoult believed that even if Fang Xingjian was faster than him, it would not be by much.

There was still a chance for him to catch up to Fang Xingjian in the Killing Techniques Palace.

However, earlier, James, the Headmaster from two generations ago and current Head of the Sword Arts Department, and Hoppes, the sword arts expert, had both appeared. The appearance of these two men caused an ominous premonition to grow in his heart.

However, he subconsciously ignored this feeling. Or rather, he was not willing to think too deeply into it.

The few people who were with him said, "Shall we follow after them to take a look?"

"That's right. Head of Department James and Teacher Hoppes are both here. Why don't we go check out what has happened?"

Norman took a glance at Hoult. He had been following Hoult for a month and had a bit of an understanding of his temper. He knew that Hoult came from a reputable faction but could be relatively delicate emotionally. Therefore, he said, "The two sirs both asked about Fang Xingjian earlier. Fang Xingjian might have created trouble again."

"That's right, I've long heard that Fang Xingjian tends to act recklessly without restraint and was extremely audacious. Could he have barged into the Killing Techniques Palace? Or could he have injured someone?"

"He might not necessarily have hurt someone. This Fang Xingjian hasn't even entered the academy for a month. For all we know, he could have been the one who has been injured."

"That's right," Norman smiled and said. "He is after all, a Regional Champion, and has even resolved all of the mysteries behind the seven levels of the Pantheon Monument. If he were to be seriously hurt, it would be natural for Head of Department James and Teacher Hoppes to show such concern."

After saying that, Norman secretly threw a glance in Hoult's direction and noticed that the latter seemed to be in a much better mood now.

Therefore, he said, "How about let's go and check it out as well?"

Hoult walked directly and said calmly, "Then let's go take a look."

Hoult and company followed behind James and the others. The two groups went on their way and arrived before a huge crater.

Looking at the tremendous crater before them, Head of Department James laughed and said, "Seems like he has cleared the second stage as well. Hoppes, do you remember how long you took to clear the second stage?"

The head of the sword arts team, Hoppes, was still checking out the situation of the valley with a solemn face, trying to assess the scene during the battle.

Hearing James' question, Hoppes said, "Five days. I used five days before I learned the Mountain Shifting Sword and found the flaw of the instructor back then."

"Hehe, Fang Xingjian probably only used one to two hours at most. The talent which can solve all the mysteries to the Pantheon Monument is truly amazing." Head of Department James was still feeling an intolerable itch in his heart toward Fang Xingjian's talent and the profoundness behind the Pantheon Monument.

Hoppes, on the other hand, was still seriously assessing the situation of the valleys and said, "The one on duty today should be Ronan. His Mountain Shifting Sword is already at level 15 and he has grasped the sword attack which can bear the weight of the earth. He's able to connect himself with the entire stretch of valleys. Judging on how things look, he did this as well."

"However, Fang Xingjian was still able to break through it and even destroyed the entire valley." Head of Department James smiled and said, "Fang Xingjian is such a bully. He must have used that sword attack he learned from the Pantheon Monument."

"It's not just that." Hoppes squatted down to touch the sand on the ground and said, "He first used that move which absorbs gravity to disrupt Ronan's balance. He then unleashed it with an explosive force while lifting up the earth, combining two swords into one and defeating Ronan."

James shook his head and sighed, "It's a pity, a pity… If only he had come a few years ago."

Everyone present understood what Head of Department James meant and they nodded as well. It was true. If Fang Xingjian had come to the academy a few years earlier, it would be hard to imagine how far he would have progressed by now. He would even be able to participate in the National Selection next year.

However, there was now only one year until the National Selection. With it being such an important one, it was too much of a pity that Fang Xingjian would be unable to participate.

Shaking their heads, everyone then headed for the next stage together with James.

Behind them, Hoult and the others looked in astonishment at the huge crater before them. Someone who was also trained in sword arts and had gone through the Killing Techniques Palace before looked at the scene before him and said, "This used to be a valley. Why has it been flattened?"

"What else could it be? Of course there must have been a battle."

"Could it have been Fang Xingjian?"

Hoult's expression suddenly plunged. If Fang Xingjian had cleared two stages in a row, even Hoult would not be confident of catching up to and surpassing him.

Norman laughed awkwardly and said, "Maybe there were some other seniors trying to clear the stage, and Fang Xingjian just happened to come by. Hahahaha…"

The others could only follow and laugh awkwardly, but none of them had taken it seriously. They were once again starting to reassess Fang Xingjian's value to themselves.

In Hoult's heart, a surge of resentment grew, and he thought to himself, slightly furious, 'Is the talent between the fifth level of the Pantheon Monument and the seventh level of the Pantheon Monument really so great?

'No matter how great the difference to our talent is, I must chase up to you.'

Thinking of this, Hoult did not say a single word but headed to the next stage. The people around him exchanged a glance and followed behind.

Although no one said anything, their curiosity as to which stage Fang Xingjian was now at surged. If they were to know that this was the first day Fang Xingjian had arrived at the Killing Techniques Palace, they would probably be even more curious.

However, even if they did not know about this, they subconsciously did not bring up the point of Hoult catching up with and surpassing Fang Xingjian. This made Hoult feel even unhappier.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 294 The Wait

The group advanced once again and, in the blink of an eye, appeared at the third stage's Heavenly Waterfall Lake. Looking at the plunging Heavenly Waterfall, everyone's faces revealed astonishment of varying degrees.

Hoppes sighed and said, "The work of the second generation Headmaster is still soul-stirring no matter how many times I see it. This Heavenly Waterfall Lake is really an uncanny work of great splendor."

Head of Department James laughed, "Hahahaha, there's no one again? To be clearing all the stages of the Killing Techniques Palace within a day… Hahahaha… Hoppes, has there ever been such a person in the history of the Great Western Region Regional Academy?"

"No." Hoppes shook his head and said, "Forget about the Great Western Region, there hasn't even been such a case across the Empire's eight regions. Fang Xingjian is the first."

James nodded in satisfaction and said, "Then he must be learning the Lightless Sword in the fourth stage. Let's not disturb him and just wait here."

With that, James took the lead and sat down on one side of the Heavenly Waterfall Lake, as if he was admiring the scenery.

All the other Conferred Knights looked at each other helplessly. One guy with a saber scar on his face frowned and said, "Sir, although Fang Xingjian has outstanding talent, I don't think it's good to let so many teachers and seniors wait for him here. It's bad influence for the others, and even he would probably be terrified."

In other words, he meant, 'Aren't you treating Fang Xingjian with too much reverence? We're giving him respect by waiting for him, but this is at the expense of our pride.'

It was a pity that Head of Department James did not care for his pride at all. What a joke. The only reason he had become the head of the Sword Arts Department was because he had taken a liking to Fang Xingjian's talent and wanted to persuade Fang Xingjian to share the Pantheon Monument's seven levels of mysteries with the Regional Academy.

What status did James have? He was the Headmaster from two generations ago, and, at his age, it was impossible for his martial arts to have much progress, and what he cared about was something beyond status. What he cared about was the academy's future, the Empire's future.

Looking at Fang Xingjian's astonishing performance once again, this student was now like a piece of extremely delicious meat to him. A thought appeared in James' mind, which was to protect and to escort Fang Xingjian.

Hearing the words of the guy with a scar, James' lips curled and he said, "If you were to clear the Killing Techniques Palace in a day, I'll wait for as long as you want me to."

The scarred face guy was put into a bad spot and could not help but retort, "You can't possibly rely on the rate of learning to determine that someone is better, right? There are so many seniors here. Which of them are not above him in terms of their level, abilities, ether synchronization rate, reputation and status?" He was bringing in other people to support his stand.

However, no one else joined in. Head of Department James let out a cold laugh and said, "We're all martial arts practitioners here. What are we competing in other than martial arts? Are we going to compare who is older? Who eats more?"

He sneered, "Why is there the National Selection? It's to see who the real talents are, and who's more superior.

"Let me ask you here. Were any of you here even half as amazing as Fang Xingjian is when you were at his age? He's a seventeen year old genius, and there's still at least twenty to thirty years for him to be in his fast growth stage.

"When he's at your age, what level would he have reached?"

Regardless of who it was, the scarred face guy or other teachers, none of them had anything else to say. It was because the talent Fang Xingjian had shown now was that impervious to reason.

James, who had laid out everything, now nodded in satisfaction. Although Fang Xingjian's talent was amazing, in this world, not everyone would listen to you or help you just because your talent was great.

Back then, even the previous Pope whose battle prowess were unrivalled across the world was still unable to unify the whole world, nor could he get everyone to heed his words. So how could anyone else do it, even if the person had the world's best talent?

This was the reason why James had a strong urge to take care of this talent and to protect Fang Xingjian.

Another teacher pointed to Hoult and the others who were nearby and asked, "Should we get them to leave?"

James threw them a glance and said indifferently, "It doesn't matter."

Hoult, Norman, and the others who had been following James and the others saw that they had stopped and thus also came to a stop a distance away.

A student asked curiously, "Why have they stopped here? What are they waiting for?"

Another student looked at the empty Heavenly Waterfall Lake and said, "Could it be that Fang Xingjian has already cleared the third stage?"

Thinking of this possibility, everyone fell silent.

Norman threw a glance at Hoult's furrowed brows and laughed awkwardly, "Aren't Lord James and the others waiting here? What does this say? This says that, according to their judgement, Fang Xingjian has yet to clear this stage. This is why they're still waiting here."

The more he spoke, the clearer his thoughts became, and the more confident his tone became.

He continued to say, "What level is Lord James at? What sword arts cultivation does Master Hoppes have? Since they're waiting here, it must mean that Fang Xingjian has yet to clear the third stage and thus they're waiting."

His tone was filled with certainty and the others all nodded in agreement when they heard what he said.

However, a soft voice rang out, "What if they're waiting for Fang Xingjian to come back from the fourth stage? There's no one on guard at the final stage of the Killing Techniques Palace."

Norman glared at the one who spoke and said, "You're saying that the Headmaster from two generations ago, James, the head of the sword arts team, Hoppes, and so many other teachers are waiting here, waiting for Fang Xingjian, a newcomer? Do you think that that's possible?"

Even the person who suggested it felt that it was quite impossible, and he scratched his head, feeling embarrassed.

However, Hoult still appeared slightly gloomy. Hearing everyone's guesses, he could not help but say, "Alright, stop trying to make guesses. Let's just wait here."

Therefore, everyone sat down, crossed their legs, and waited for an unknown result.

Half an hour passed… One hour passed… After about one hour and fifteen minutes, everyone appeared slightly impatient. Just then, from a path on the opposite side of the Heavenly Waterfall Lake, four silhouettes walked over.

It was Fang Xingjian, Rota, and two students who were leading the way.

James laughed out loud and went up to him with the others. He asked, with some anticipation in his eyes, "Xingjian, have you cleared all four stages of the Killing Techniques Palace?"

Seeing the sudden appearance of such a large group of people and the many solemn looking teachers standing before them, the two students became extremely nervous. They had never come across such a large formation, with close to half of the leaders in the Sword Arts Department standing before them. What was going on?

Especially the old man who had no care for his appearances and seemed as old as an ancient tree… Amongst those who had participated in the Regional Selection and comprehended the Pantheon Monument, which of them did not recognize that he was the academy's Headmaster from two generations ago?

And there was only one possible reason why so many people had gathered here—Fang Xingjian.

The two of them turned to look at Fang Xingjian, their gazes filled with jealousy.

Especially when Fang Xingjian had a youthful appearance of seventeen years old. What everyone now saw was not youth and immaturity, but a brilliant, shining future.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 295 Goal

Fang Xingjian looked at James, the Head of Department. Although he felt there was something strange, Fang Xingjian nodded anyway and said, "I've just learned the Lightless Sword from the fourth stage."

As he said this, the Mountain Shifting Sword was activated, and a rock spike appeared in his hand. He then swept out with the stone sword, causing everything within a one hundred meter radius to darken as if the sun in the sky had been blocked by a thick layer of clouds.

However, how could there possibly be any clouds in the sky right now? This was not a natural weather transformation but a result of the Lightless Sword Fang Xingjian had activated. It gathered the light from the sun, causing all the rays from the sun within a hundred meter radius to be sucked into the longsword he was holding.

Fang Xingjian's stone sword turned into a white-colored light sword. And under the high temperature, it continued to heat up the air, causing white steam to form.

Upon seeing this scene, James, the Head of Department, laughed out loud. His already wrinkled face now looked like a piece of old bark with trenches all over.

The eyes of Swordmaster Hoppes, the head of the Regional Academy's sword arts research group, had also lit up. "Excellent! To be able to break through all the stages of the Killing Techniques Palace… Xingjian, what you've done today will definitely be recorded into history. It won't be long before your name spreads across the world."

The other teachers next to him all revealed gazes of strong astonishment, envy, and admiration.

Although it sounded cool to be breaking through the Killing Techniques Palace within a day, only these Conferred Knights, the strong experts who had made their way through the Killing Techniques Palace themselves, would know just how difficult it was to accomplish this.

This achievement was not child's play which could be accomplished easily. The amounts of effort, hard work, preparation, talent, and strong foundation required were unbelievable.

They suddenly thought of what Head of Department James had said earlier. When Fang Xingjian reached their age, how far would he have progressed by then?

Hoult, Norman, and the others, who had been standing far away, also walked up and listened in on their conversation. When they heard that Fang Xingjian had actually cleared all stages of the Killing Techniques Palace within a day and acquired all four Killing techniques in each of the stages, their expressions were priceless.

Hoult could not help but step forth and stare into Fang Xingjian's eyes as he asked, "Fang Xingjian, you learned all four sets of Killing techniques in the Killing Techniques Palace within a day?"

Seeing Fang Xingjian nod, Hoult's tone was full of doubt when he said, "But for you to be able to learn four sets of Killing techniques in a day… I don't understand. How on earth did you do that?"

Although Hoult had appeared abruptly, his question was something which everyone present was curious about. Therefore, no one stopped him. They all looked at Fang Xingjian, as if waiting for his answer in great anticipation.

Fang Xingjian gave it some thought and said, "Talent. I'm able to pick up any sword technique after looking at it for a few times. If it's a Killing technique which is slightly more complicated, I'll be able to learn it within one to two hours at most."

Hearing this reply, Hoult's expression simply collapsed. The expressions of the other people present were no better.

Initially, Hoult had thought up of a bunch of theories and rationales to rebut regardless of what Fang Xingjian's reply would be, and even if he failed, he could try the method himself and think of ways to surpass Fang Xingjian.

However, Fang Xingjian's reply was very simple.

To Conferred Knights like them who had been going through endless tough trainings, wanting to pick up and synthesize Killing techniques, make up for their flaws, and strengthen themselves… Fang Xingjian's talent was like a cheat.

However, James immediately said in a low voice, "Alright, Xingjian, let's not talk about this anymore." James knew Fang Xingjian's words would attract a lot of hatred. People who had been cultivating their sword techniques for over ten years or even for several decades would feel extremely jealous and furious if they were to hear what Fang Xingjian had just said.

Therefore, James added, "One more thing. You all mustn't spread what you've just heard either."

Hoult could not really tolerate it as it was, so he asked again, "Usually, what is the maximum level for your sword techniques?" He stared at Fang Xingjian, as if he would charge at Fang Xingjian if he refused to answer.

Fang Xingjian had not planned on hiding as much as he had done in the past. Right now, he was equipped with Terra Ingurgitation, Boundaries Negation, and four new Killing sword techniques. Additionally, he even had the protection of a level 29 Divine Armor. Therefore, he had less concern to hold back. Moreover, he was still progressing at an unbelievable speed.

So, he eventually just gave a slightly lower number, "Usually it's around level 20 to 30."

Hearing Fang Xingjian's words, Hoult felt as though a loud explosion had rung out in his mind, as if streams of thunderbolts had swept by.

"Level 20 to 30?"

Hoult's current sword technique with the highest level was already at its max with level 20. However, Fang Xingjian was saying that he was able to reach up to level 30…? What concept was this? How terrifying was his talent?

The rest of the people also drew in cold gasps. They would not even dare to think about having the maximum of their sword techniques to be at level 20 to 30.

People like Ronan and Duolun, who had trained their sword techniques to level 15, were already rare talents, capable of entering the Regional Academy and becoming Conferred Knights.

Then for those who were slightly stronger, like Hoult or the top ten students in the academy, they would be able to train their techniques to around level 20.

By drawing such comparisons, one would be able to tell just how astonishing Fang Xingjian's talent was. Moreover, this was a number he had reduced by 10 when he shared it. The job which he had transitioned into, the Heavenly Sword Sovereign, had a job specialty, the Heavenly Sword Imprint, which could increase the maximum level of his sword techniques by a maximum of ten levels.

James, the Head of Department, let out a cough and said, "Alright, we'll just keep this within ourselves and not spread a word of it out." With that, his gaze suddenly turned sharp, "If I were to hear some related news outside, don't blame me for showing no leniency."

He had given the order that no one was to divulge the news of the level of Fang Xingjian's sword techniques.

After saying that with a solemn expression, James then looked at Fang Xingjian with a wide smile and said, "Xingjian, your result this time around is really out of my expectations. Once news of you clearing the Killing Techniques Palace within a day is spread outside, this will even bring fame to our Great Western Region Regional Academy.

"If you have any requests, just say it. If I have the authority to make the decision, I'll definitely promise to do it for you."

Hoppes also said, "Xingjian, although you've rejected me twice, I must still say this again. With your talent, if you don't join my sword arts team, it'll be too much of a waste."

Hearing that Fang Xingjian had actually rejected Hoppes twice, everyone's expressions were even more priceless than before as quite a number of them had actually wanted to join Hoppes' sword arts team.

However, right now, they could only look at Fang Xingjian in envy.

Hearing this, James, the Head of Department James, also said solemnly, "Xingjian, there are still many advantages to joining Hoppes' sword arts team. You can have access to the most advanced information and theories there. If you're worried that it'll take too much of your time, how about this? You can participate in the experiments selectively.

"If you have any other requests, just let me know. If I can do it, I'll definitely promise to do it for you."

Hearing James' words, everyone was once again astonished.

However, this astonishment was just the beginning. Fang Xingjian gave it some thought before saying, "I'd like to take part in next year's National Selection and come out in first place. For this, I'll need the academy's full support."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 296 Joining

Upon hearing Fang Xingjian's words, everyone fell silent.

Fang Xingjian had only just entered the Regional Academy, yet he was already thinking of participating in next year's National Selection.

Moreover, what was the situation like for next year's National Selection? A level 30 Divine Remains Equipment was being put up as a reward, which would affect the Regional Academy's budget. Countless young experts as well as old monsters, who had been cultivating for many years, had all come out, vying for first place.

One would be able to know just by thinking with their toes just how fierce the competition for next year's National Selection would be. It would probably be the National Selection with the toughest competition within the last few decades.

Yet, Fang Xingjian, someone who had just become a Conferred Knight, was thinking of participating in this very National Selection one year later.

When the people present heard Fang Xingjian's words, the first thought which came to their minds was that he was crazy. If he was not crazy, then he must be too arrogant, too ignorant of just how big a world was out there.

Hoult, Norman, and the others, all looked at Fang Xingjian as if they were looking at a madman.

Just when everyone was thinking that James, the Head of Department, would reject Fang Xingjian's arrogance outright, he spoke out with much deliberation, "There isn't a lot of time left till next year's National Selection. There are only about a 11 months and a few more days?

"The competition for this National Selection is also very tough. If you don't have the abilities of someone at the peak of level 29, you can forget about being in the top ten.

"Xingjian, with your talent, you can train for four more years and take part in the next National Selection. I'll guarantee that you'll be able to come out first in that National Selection."

Fang Xingjian was unfaltering, causing Rota to be so anxious that it was as though fire was burning in her eyes.

However, Fang Xingjian simply said, "I'll definitely take part in next year's National Selection. And I must definitely come out first."

James rolled his eyes and wanted to continue persuading Fang Xingjian, however, he suddenly thought of the system which had been set up for the National Selection. Smiling, James said, "Xingjian, whether or not you can participate in the National Selection isn't something which we can decide just like that. The National Selection is intended to select the top ten existences.

"As long as you can enter the top ten of the academy, even if you don't wish to participate in the National Selection, you'll still have to do it. We'll naturally give our full support to the students who will be participating in the National Selection."

James made himself very clear. As long as Fang Xingjian was able to enter the top ten ranks in the academy, he would naturally be able to participate in the National Selection, and they would naturally support him.

Therefore, regardless of whether Fang Xingjian's goal was the National Selection, he would just need to make himself stronger and win against the students in the Regional Academy.

Hoppes added on, "Xingjian, if you were to join my sword arts team, all the Killing techniques that we've collected will be open for you. So, you can continue to cultivate and synthesize sword techniques to make yourself stronger."

Fang Xingjian nodded and said, "If I can still have free rein of my time and schedule even after I've entered the team, then I'll do it."

"Of course." Hoppes smiled. With the talent Fang Xingjian had shown today, even if he were to just train with the sword techniques they have in the team, it would be able to bring an improvement to the progress rate of their research. It was because the rate at which he picked up sword techniques was simply too fast.

Fang Xingjian gave it some thought before speaking to James, the Head of Department, once again, "Recently, I've been wanting to publish a book, but I am afraid of encountering any political restrictions. I hope that you can stand by me."

"Publish books? It's good to publish books. With the standard of your sword techniques, you can certainly publish your own books. It's fine. I'll help you personally when the time comes. I am also in contact with many schools, and I can get all of them to use your books for their lessons."

Just as Fang Xingjian continued the conversation with James and Hoppes, and even went on to discuss about the research areas, the others started to realize that they could no longer keep up with the conversation.

Norman did not cultivate sword arts to begin with, so when he heard their conversation, he felt increasingly lost.

At the beginning, Hoult had wanted to try to understand the conversation, but soon after, he could not keep up with their lines of thought. Instead, he gradually retreated and headed outside.

Norman followed after him and asked, "Aren't you going to listen to see what they have to say?"

"There's nothing to listen to. I'm going to learn the Thunderbolt Sword Technique." Thinking of Fang Xingjian's talent and learning speed, a sense of pressure Hoult had never felt before in his life pressed down on him.

Simultaneously, a thought appeared in his mind.

'If you're participating in next year's National Selection, then I'll do the same. In what way will I, Hoult, lose out to you?

'So what if you have slightly more talent than I do?'

Thinking of how Fang Xingjian had been surrounded by James, the Head of Department, Hoult, and the many other teachers, like how stars surrounded the moon… the gloom on Hoult's face grew even darker.

James continued to say, "Xingjian, how about this? Since you've joined the sword arts team to conduct research in sword techniques, I'll need to budget some research funds to you. I'll give you fifty thousand first. Use it sparingly. When you've come up with new results, I'll give you more."

A teacher at the side could not help but say, "Head of Department, this year's budget has been planned out long ago. Where are we going to get the additional fifty thousand?"

"We'll just have to squeeze some out." James blew on his beard and said, "With Xingjian's talent, even if it's just cultivating Killing techniques, he'll be able to bring a lot of results.

"How can our academy not support a talent like this? Go review the budget. If it's insufficient, I can just go ask from Devitt (Governor)."

Hearing the words of James, the Head of Department, everyone felt secretly excited. This was the advantage of someone with high seniority. A person like James, a Head of Department capable of dashing straight to the Governor's office to ask for money, was a person whom everyone would like to fawn up to.

Fang Xingjian heaved a sigh of relief as he thought about that fifty thousand gold. With this, he was halfway to his target of reaching the ten thousand gold required for him to cultivate the first level of the Mystical Prints.

The few of them then continued to discuss the concrete arrangement for the research. One day every week, Fang Xingjian would have to report to the Sword Tower where the sword arts team was located. He would then pick a project, in which he was interested, to participate in. He would also have free access to all the Killing techniques amassed by the sword arts team.

After the discussion, Fang Xingjian returned to his training room in the Sacred Land and continued his cultivation.

The news of him clearing all four stages of the Killing Techniques Palace in a day had gradually spread outside. He believed that Ferdinand would grab the opportunity to help him raise the hype and sell the book.

Right now, he needed to make good use of his time to train his sword techniques. After all, he now had five sword techniques he needed to work on: the Ninety Thousand Godly Demon Flash; Thunderbolt Sword Technique; Mountain Shifting Sword; Aquatic Sword Formation; and Lightless Sword. He would need to work hard on cultivating these sword techniques and then synthesize them into his sword technique.

At least for the next month or two, he would not be lacking in Killing techniques to train with.

The first sword technique Fang Xingjian worked on was the Ninety Thousand Godly Demon Flash. He worked hard to cultivate this sword technique, hoping to train it to the maximum level as soon as possible before synthesizing it to his current technique.

For the few days Fang Xingjian had been cultivating, many small push carts started appearing along the streets of the Great Western City, each of them filled with many books for sale.

They tended to appear outside various academies, including aristocrat academies, dojos, and Knight Academies. When they came across Knight apprentices, they would start shouting to grab their attention in order to sell the books.

In the north of the Great Western City, at a school known as the Five Star Aristocrat Academy, which had a long history and had created countless Knights, Lilia was sweating profusely as she trained in her sword arts seriously.

Right now, Lilia was wearing a set of training clothes which included a short sleeved top and short pants. She had a slightly muscular figure, yet she did not give off an intimidating feeling. On the contrary, coupled with her tanned skin, cute face, and twin ponytails, she gave off a healthy and lively feeling.

Moreover, she was very pretty and exquisite to begin with. So, as she cultivated on the training ground, she attracted the gazes of many.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 297 Book

Next to her, a young man waved a stack of papers, smiled, and said, "Lilia, it's the latest newspaper. Do you want to read it together?"

Newspapers were also something which the Second Prince had started recently. Currently, they were only sold in the capital of the eight regions due to the limited numbers produced. For now, it was primarily targeted toward aristocrats and high level managements. Those who could get their hands on a copy of the newspapers had all the rights to boast about it.

However, Lilia did not even look at the young man but just continued waving the greatsword in her hands, going on with her training.

The young man did not think too much of it either and continued speaking next to Lilia, "The things reported in this newspaper are all major events that have happened within the Empire. It's said that the Second Prince had activated his great skill, Thoughts Across A Thousand Li, to be able to spread messages rapidly. Even if anything were to happen in Southern Flame Region, we would be able to know about it from here immediately."

Hearing the young man's words, Lilia let out a sigh, put down the greatsword in her hands, and said, "Kite, I've no interest in you. Stop pestering me."

This young man by the name of Kite was also a Knight apprentice from the Five Star Aristocrat Academy. He was the most outstanding Knight apprentice for the past few years and was also the most popular one amongst the students.

However, after Lilia had enrolled into the school, he discovered that Lilia was very different from the other young aristocrat ladies he had come across previously, and thus gained an interest in her.

Kite was not angry even after hearing what Lilia had said. He merely smiled and replied, "Lilia, I'll be attending the Prefectural Selection next year and will be becoming a Knight. As you know, I could have become a Knight long ago, but just wanted to train more to fight for the position of Prefectural Champion. This is why I've waited until now."

Lilia shook her head. Seeing that it was already late, she headed for the direction of the academy's gate.

Ever since Fang Xingjian had entered the Regional Academy, she got her father to enroll her into this academy in the Great Western Region. She had even rented a room outside the school.

Of course, Kite was not aware of all of this. It was impossible for Lilia to tell him about her background, status, and interpersonal relationships.

Therefore, to Kite, Lilia was just a young aristocrat lady from a remote district with a character which was hard to come by.

Seeing Lilia leaving, Kite immediately chased up to her and said, "Lilia, are you going back? Let me send you back. The security in the Great Western Region hasn't been good recently."

Seeing that Lilia continued to ignore him, Kite grinned, picked up the newspaper, and started reading, "Oh? Western Garrison is chasing after the people of Garcia. I heard that the people from Garcia had invaded up to the Western Garrison's territory. Hehe, to think that these black devils from Garcia dared to cause a ruckus in the Empire. They're really a bunch of fools.

"Oh? Rehlings from the Northern Ice Region has come out from seclusion. He has spread word that he'll be crushing all the other opponents in the National Selection next year, gaining an overwhelming victory and becoming the National Champion." Kite continued, "This Rehlings is amazing. He's said to be the number one genius in Northern Ice Region for the past two hundred years. He has been a level 29 second transition Conferred Knight for a very long time, and it's said that even the Northern Ice Region's Governor isn't his match.

"Tsk tsk, if not for the fact that the conditions Northern Ice Region gave him were too good, he would have gone to the central long ago. However, the reward for the upcoming National Selection is too great, and even Rehlings is unable to stay away."

Although Lilia felt nothing for Kite, when she heard him reading the newspaper and talking about the events happening in the world, she was still curious about the contents.

Kite snuck a glance toward Lilia and realized that she was really listening. This made him put in even more effort into reading the news.

"The famous swordmaster from the southeast, Sasa, has come. He's even going to become a teacher at the Regional Academy?" Kite's eyes immediately lit up as he said, "Sasa is said to have the name of Sword Saint in Eastern Sand Region. To think that he is also coming to our Regional Academy?

"In the future, it'd be great if I could receive guidance from him for my sword arts."

The two of them continued walking. Lilia did not say a single word, and Kite eventually stopped as well. He was a young man in his youth, after all, and did not have enough patience. He could not help but ask, "Lilia, what would it take for you to be willing to talk to me? Am I that detestable?"

Lilia looked behind Kite, and looking at her gaze, Kite could not help but turn around as well. He saw a book merchant pushing a cart and promoting his products.

"Unrivalled talent, Fang Xingjian! Cleared all seven levels of the Pantheon Monument in the Regional Selection! Broke through all four stages to the Killing Techniques Palace consecutively within a day! The secret record behind Fang Xingjian's sword training! Those who wish to buy a copy of it, please head over here! Don't pass this opportunity by! If you were to miss out on the secrets behind how Fang Xingjian got strong, you'll regret it for life!"

The merchant continued to shout out loud, and many students were queuing up to purchase a copy of the book.

Kite frowned. "Isn't this Fang Xingjian too arrogant, publishing a book so early? Unrivalled talent? Isn't he afraid of making a laughing stock out of himself to the people from the other regions?"

As his academy's top student, Kite was instinctively repulsed by other geniuses close to his age. He himself was seventeen years old, the same as Fang Xingjian. This made him detest Fang Xingjian even more.

However, Lilia smiled and said, "Then as long as you can clear all seven levels of the Pantheon Monument and get through the Killing Techniques Palace within a day, I'll talk to you.

"I'll be honest with you. The partner I hope to find in the future is a genius like Fang Xingjian."

Hearing Lilia's words, Kite was dumbfounded. Regardless of whether it was clearing all seven levels of the Pantheon Monument or getting through the Killing Techniques Palace within a day, they were both results which could not be surpassed. They were things that many level 29 Conferred Knights would not even dare to think of, let alone Kite.

It was one thing for Kite to criticize Fang Xingjian, but it was impossible for him to do what Fang Xingjian had done.

Kite was speechless and could only watch as Lilia ran over to the book merchant to get a copy of the book.

Kite let out a cold snort, crushed the newspapers in his hand instantly, and headed home angrily.

His house was also in the Great Western City's aristocratic district. Upon entering the hall, he noticed that his mother was already waiting for him. When she saw him, she waved him over, "Kite, come meet your aunt and your uncle. They came all the way from Harvest City."

"Oh, this must be Kite? He looks so handsome."

"What's the use of appearances?" Kite's mother smiled and said, "Who looks at appearances these days?"

Kite stood there while smiling, as if he was a statue free for others to appraise. He had long gotten used to such conversations.

"He's amazing even if we're looking at abilities. Kite should already have the ability to become a Knight, right? When will he be participating in the Prefectural Selection?"

"Next year." Every time this issue was brought up, Kite and his mother would feel extremely proud, "This child could have passed the Prefectural Selection long ago, but we're worried that he's too young and knows no restraint, thus we decided to put him through the mill for a few more years."

"Kite is really outstanding, unlike that son of mine who only knows how to get into promiscuous relationships with women. I should find some time to let him come over and learn from Kite."

Kite appeared to be slightly impatient, but in fact, every time the seniors praised him, he could not help but feel slightly proud.

However, in the next moment, his aunt suddenly took out a book and said, "Oh right,I bought this book on my way here. It's supposed to be the biography of Fang Xingjian. It even has the secrets to his sword arts mastery. You've heard of Fang Xingjian, right?"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 298 Hate

"How could I not know of him? This guy is amazing!" Kite's mother seemed to have gone into gossip mode, "Not only did he solve all seven levels of mysteries in the Pantheon Monument, but I also heard that he cleared the Killing Techniques Palace within a day. Youngsters these days are really amazing. Oh, so this is his biography?"

"That's right. I've heard that Fang Xingjian has written this himself. It not only records his experiences, but also the secrets to his training. I specially bought two copies, one for my foolish son, the other for Kite."

"Thank you! When I heard that this book was going to be published, I wanted to buy it." Saying that, Kite's mother took the book over to Kite, who saw the five big words written on it 《The Secrets to Sword Training》.

Kite frowned and could not help but say, "This Fang Xingjian is just seventeen years old, right? He's about the same age as me, so how much of a story could his biography be?"

"Kite, that's where you're wrong. Don't blame me for nagging, but Fang Xingjian really is a capable person with great talent," Kite's aunt said. "Do you know about the Pantheon Monument? It was something left behind by the Divine level expert Melancholic Monarch, two hundred years ago. For the past two hundred years, there hasn't been anyone who could solve the mysteries behind it all the way to the seventh level. Fang Xingjian is the first.

"And you guys should know about the Killing Techniques Palace too, right? That is such a great challenge. Back then, eldest brother took an entire year to clear through all the stages of the Killing Techniques Palace. I heard that Governor Devitt also took about a month, in the past. Look at Fang Xingjian! He managed to clear it within in a single day! Really, there are always people who are stronger out there."

In order to make sure people knew that Fang Xingjian had broken through all seven levels of mysteries to the Pantheon Monument and how he had cleared the Killing Techniques Palace within a single day, Ferdinand had included a significant introduction of the Pantheon Monument and the Killing Techniques Palace in the book.

There was no other way around it. This was considered higher-tiered information and many aristocrats who did not take up martial arts, and low level commoners, were not very clear about them. However, in order to bring greater emphasis and highlight to Fang Xingjian's achievements, Ferdinand had no other way out but to explain in detail the existence of the Killing Techniques Palace, as well as the unique traits of the Pantheon Monument.

It was only after people read about them that they understood how significant and how horrifying Fang Xingjian's achievements actually were.

Kite's mother pushed the book into Kite's arms and said, "You're both seventeen years old, but he has already become a Conferred Knight. What are you still doing? Have a good read from the book Fang Xingjian wrote and learn the secrets written inside."

Kite suddenly felt very stifled, feeling increasing hatred against the name of Fang Xingjian.

However, things would not turn out as he had hoped. Unintentionally or not, the Second Prince's newspaper had also reported the news that Fang Xingjian had cleared the Killing Techniques Palace within a day, adding fuel to the fire.

In the Miracle World, which was like the Earth's middle century, it was very difficult for ordinary people to send messages. Usually, only extremely powerful experts would be able to transmit messages across one thousand or ten thousand li, but there still were various restrictions.

Therefore, the rate at which information spread across the world was not fast at all.

The newspapers that the Second Prince had set up relied on his Killing technique, 'Thoughts Across A Thousand Li', to easily transmit information across long distances. For example, this time around, news of Fang Xingjian having cleared the Killing Techniques Palace within a day had been spread to the capitals of all the eight regions. This had made Fang Xingjian's name known to all members of the Empire's higher echelon.

When all the leaders in the world read it, and since they only read this newspaper, how great was its impact? This was how widespread Fang Xingjian's reputation now was.

Moreover, both the act of solving all seven levels of mysteries in the Pantheon Monument and the act of clearing all four stages in the Killing Techniques Palace within a day, were to be boasted of for life. They were both very serious and would grab anyone's attention. Moreover, they had both been realized by Fang Xingjian.

In a small alley in Great Western City's commoner district, there were countless gangsters, triads, and outlaws.

Along this dark and dangerous street, an old lady was imitating how others were walking. She was wearing clothes made from coarse fabric, her face covered with a veil, and she appeared to be just an ordinary old woman from the commoner district.

As she was walking, a group of kids suddenly dashed out, holding small knives in their hands.

"Don't move!"

"If you were to move, we'll kill you!"

The kids snatched away the old woman's basket and the food in the basket. Another child picked up a book in the basket and looked at the big words 《The Secrets to Sword Training》. He was illiterate, nor did he understand what was written inside.

The child viciously asked, "What book is this? Is this some secret martial arts manual?"

"This isn't a secret manual." The old woman's hands clenched up into fists unknowingly, and fury seemed to flash in her eyes. However, she held it in and said, "This is 《The Secrets to Sword Training》, the book that Fang Xingjian has written." At the mention of the name Fang Xingjian, the old woman's teeth seemed to be tightly clenched together, as if she was gritting her teeth.

If Fang Xingjian were here, he would definitely be able to recognize who the old woman was. She was Kaunitz's aunt, Tresia Clan's Rebecca.

Back when they had attacked Fang Xingjian, Rebecca had made her escape, eventually ending up wanted for treason. However, she was after all a level 19 Knight, and had managed to make her escape. She had even hid herself in Great Western City. No one knew what she was plotting.

However, she could only disguise herself as an old woman in the commoner district, even needing to tolerate a group of kids slightly older than ten, not daring to lift a hand against them. To Rebecca, who had grown up as an aristocrat and who was extremely arrogant, this was a great humiliation and agony.

Every time she came across something like this, she would hate Fang Xingjian even more.

However, she still had to put up with it. The moment she lifted her hand here, she would immediately be discovered. How many Conferred Knights were there in the Great Western City? Any one of them would be able to crush her easily, with a single finger.

Therefore, she could only patiently explain, "This is just a storybook, it's not a secret manual."

However, the kid's eyes suddenly lit up and he said, "It's this year's Regional Champion, Fang Xingjian? That genius who solved all ten levels of mysteries in the Saints Monument? I heard that he's a commoner?"

Rebecca exhaled and said, "It's not the Saints Monument, but the Pantheon Monument. There's also not ten levels of mysteries…" She lifted her head and looked at the kid before her, and then started to wonder why she was explaining this to them. She then said, "That's the one."

The kid pushed the book into Rebecca's arms and said coldly, "Read it out for us."

Fury grew in Rebecca's heart, but she calmed down very quickly. She smiled and said, "What's so good about this book? The things written in it are all lies…"

"Read it!"

A few of the kids brandished their knives, as if they would thrust them into Rebecca at the next moment.

A slight breeze seemed to blow in the alley. It was the air currents caused by the Reduced Force Field.

Rebecca breathed out a long sigh, then eventually picked up the book and started reading it.

"This is a letter written to everyone who loves sword arts, loves Knights, still hold dreams, and is willing to fight for them…

"This story began in a place called The School of Sword Arts."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 299 Infamy

"On the training grounds of The School of Sword Arts, Fang Xingjian sent Kaunitz flying with one sword attack. The latter's eyes rolled back and he was so angry that he spurted out three mouthful of blood before falling to the ground and fainting."

'Slander, that's all blatant slandering!' When Rebecca read to this point, her hands were trembling from fury. The more she read, the angrier she felt.

However, the group of kids all became very excited.

"Good one! He deserved it!"

"Kill that Kaunitz!"

"If I were Fang Xingjian, I'd just chop off his head."

"You idiot! Kaunitz is an aristocrat. If Fang Xingjian were to kill him, he wouldn't be able to take part in the Prefectural Selection."

Unknowingly, over ten commoners started surrounding Rebecca, listening to her read the story.

When the leader of the group of kids saw Rebecca stop, he immediately shouted, "Why are you stopping? Continue! Tell us what happened next!"

Rebecca took a deep breath and continued, "Fang Xingjian defeated Kaunitz in a single sword stroke. In that instant, thunderous loud cheers filled the place, and Vivian's face turned pale…"

Although Rebecca's posture was rigid, she read the entire story expressionlessly, as if she was chanting a mantra. However, in the story, the young male commoner was extremely talented. The story of him defeating the vicious and terrible aristocrats and advancing forward was extremely attractive to the commoners.

As Rebecca read out loud, more and more people started gathering around her. In this world where there were no televisions, no telephones, and no internet, it was a rare enjoyment to the commoners to be able to listen to stories and think of themselves as the main characters.

They clenched their fists tightly when the First Prince appeared, looked worried when Charlie was conducting the interrogation, and cheered when the Governor appeared.

"Charlie let out a howl, dropped to his knees, and wailed as he hugged Fang Xingjian's thigh, 'Xingjian, Lord Xingjian, I beg of you, please let me off. Everything was the First Prince's fault. I had eyes but failed to recognize a talent like yourself. Please let me off.'"

When Rebecca was reading this, the fury in her heart calmed down slowly and what remained was only cold laughs. In her eyes, the stories in this biography were totally illogical and were just random gibberish. How could Charlie be as weak as what was depicted in the stories?

However, the many listeners next to her cheered loudly.

"This is so satisfying!"

"There are too many of such corrupted officials in the Empire."

"This Charlie really deserves to die!"

Seeing the commoners' reactions, Rebecca no longer felt angry, shaking her head at their ignorance.

However, since this book was edited by Ferdinand and other people, the commoners could feel a stronger sense of connection for Fang Xingjian as well as all the antagonists in the story. Or rather, it could be said that it was more suited for the present people's taste.

More and more people were gathered here, and Rebecca started reading increasingly faster, hoping to finish the story soon. However, fury once again appeared in her eyes.

"That Rebecca let out a cold laugh, saying, 'Fang Xingjian this b*stard neither has respect nor show any modesty, going against all values and ethics. So what if those Great Warriors of Garcia have run away? What matters is that we surround and focus on Fang Xingjian.'

"Just like that, Kaunitz, Rebecca, and the others, for their own selfish reasons, paid no heed to the Empire's safety and let Garcia's Destined Warrior Mumukeya escape… Slander, this is all blatant slander!"

Halfway through the reading, Rebecca abruptly stood up with a furious face as if she wanted to tear Fang Xingjian into pieces immediately.

However, another strong man snatched the book over immediately and said impatiently, "I've long felt that this old hag has been reading too slowly. Let me read."

Rebecca was overcome with fury and unable to react in time. However, she subconsciously tolerated everything. After all, she could not create a fuss in Great Western City. Moreover, she had tolerated for half a year, and tolerating had become instinctive.

That strong man did not know that he had made a narrow escape from hell. He picked up the book and continued reading, "Rebecca and the others walked over toward Fang Xingjian proudly. Fang Xingjian picked up his sword and wanted to chase after Mumukeya. However, he suddenly spewed out a mouthful of fresh blood and said furiously, 'Rebecca, when the country is in peril, how could you guys possibly let Mumukeya escape for your own selfish motives?'

"Kaunitz laughed out loud, 'Fang Xingjian, so what if we've let him escape? This day next year will be your death anniversary. You're better off worrying about yourself.'

"Rebecca also laughed and said, 'B*stard, to think that you would have a day like this too. No matter how important the country and people are, they aren't as important as me. I'll skin you today. No one will be able to stop me'…"

"Shut up!"

Rebecca let out a loud bellow and snatched the book from the strong man.

Seeing that the story was interrupted at the most exciting point, the others immediately started shouting their heads off in anger. The few triad members from earlier who were still listening happily even stood up and were about to walk toward Rebecca to teach this old hag a lesson.

The group of people headed up, as if they were going to surround her. However, at the next moment, a tremendous surge of power scattered outward from Rebecca.

A loud, deafening sound rang out. After a series of bone breaking sounds, countless terrified cries rang out.

The commoners in the surroundings were all struck and sent flying by Rebecca's Reduced Force Field. She let out a furious bellow, and the book turned into small pieces of paper, scattering in the air.

She had only wanted to buy a copy of the book to see if Fang Xingjian had written any secrets in it. However, right now, she was overwhelmed with fury, 'To think that the part about the biography are all preposterous lies which sully my name. Fang Xingjian, you and I are irreconcilable!'

Knowing that she could no longer stay in Great Western City after exposing herself, she soared into the air and landed in an alley, attempting to flee.

However, she had only moved a few hundred meters when she heard a lady reading, "Rebecca stood in the arena with her old face covered in wrinkles as she pointed at Fang Xingjian and scolded, 'You little b*stard! To think that you dare to think about killing Kaunitz in the arena! Are there still any laws and regulations around here?

"'Headmaster, this is the Prefectural Champion you guys have taught? This little b*stard…'"

Veins popped up on Rebecca's forehead and she dashed out into the darkness, not wishing to hear this voice anymore.

However, after making a few turns, someone else was creating a commotion, "Kaunitz and Rebecca are really inhumane. To think that they thought of betraying the country and inflicting harm upon Fang Xingjian for their own selfish motives. Thank goodness they didn't succeed."

"Haha, thank goodness Kaunitz was killed by Fang Xingjian and even Rebecca was made a fugitive. You reap what you sow."

Rebecca stomped down on the ground, leaving a small crater. Her expression became extremely twisted, but she continued moving forward in hopes of secretly slipping out.

She progressed very carefully and did not come across any accidents. Based on her estimations, Knights should already have arrived at where she first attacked.

'It's fine. Even if they were to find the place, they won't be able to know that it's me for now. As long as I hurry up…'

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 300 Popularizing

Just then, she saw a few other kids along the streets playing around while holding wooden sabers and swords. A person holding a wooden sword said, "I am Fang Xingjian."

Another thin and weak looking kid as well as a fatty both quickly said at the same time, "I am Fang Xingjian. No, I am Fang Xingjian."

"You're Kaunitz!" The kid holding a sword said as he pointed to the skinny kid. Then he pointed to the fat kid, saying, "You're Rebecca!"

"Beat them up!"

"Kill Kaunitz! Kill Rebecca!"

Looking at this scene, Rebecca was so angry that she almost fainted. As a fugitive, there was no way that Rebecca could stand up for herself, and as Fang Xingjian's books were being sold, more and more people would get to read the book.

And it was foreseeable that as Fang Xingjian's reputation rose, the book would become increasingly famous and a growing number of people would read the book. Rebecca and Kaunitz might even earn themselves eternal infamy and everlasting shame.

"Fang! Xing! Jian!"

Everlasting shame… This was something that Rebecca had never ever thought of. Yet, right now, Fang Xingjian could really leave her name in the records of history.

However, it was infamy.

"It can't be like this. It must not be like this." Rebecca gritted her teeth. She was a person who had one foot in her coffin, but it made her even more unable to accept this.

She put aside the matter of taking revenge on Fang Xingjian. Right now, her mind was filled with thoughts of how to stop the further distribution of the books.

Therefore, she no longer tried to escape, but took the risk and stayed behind.

That night, a book merchant's cart gradually headed across from Ferdinand's house.

A middle-aged man with a weather-beaten face was trembling all over. He spoke in an almost crying tone, "Madam, we've arrived. It's here."

"Ferdinand stays here?" Rebecca was covered by a black robe, and she spoke in an extremely cold voice, "He's the supplier?"

"Yes… yes…" Feeling the pressure on him growing stronger, the guy's heartbeat grew faster as well. "Madam, I'm only someone who sells books. Please let me off. I don't know anything."

"Someone who sells books?" Rebecca's expression turned twisted as she said, "You guys are helping the wicked perpetuate wicked deeds! You're falsifying history!"

Under the pressure of the Reduced Force Field, the middle-aged man's eyes started to roll back, and many strangle marks appeared on his neck. Then, his head bent to the side. He was strangled to death by Rebecca.

Rebecca squinted her eyes slightly, looking at the small villa before her. She had to kidnap a few book merchants before she could find this place. Her greatest goal was to coerce Ferdinand into submission and to get him to recover all the remaining books which had yet to be sold.

To her, Ferdinand and the others were at most level 19 Knights. There was no way they would be able to resist her battle prowess of an extremely senior level 19 Knight.

Moreover, the fact that she had attacked should already have been exposed, and she had no idea of whether or not the authorities had discovered that she was the one who had done it. She did not have much time left to waste.

'Get him to call back as many as he can. This needs to be done quickly, before the books completely disseminate.'

Just as Rebecca was thinking this, she had already stepped into the darkness and slowly made her way toward the back door of Ferdinand's small building.

'Ferdinand, don't blame me. If you want to blame, then blame yourself for choosing the wrong side to stand on.

'You guys have gone overboard, wanting me to bear eternal infamy.'

Rebecca placed her hand on the doorknob and covered it gradually with her Reduced Force Field. Then, with a slight force, the lock was broken.

She slowly and carefully opened the door, not daring to make a single sound. Her Reduced Force Field had encompassed an area of a ten meter radius around her. She froze everything she noticed in order to not make a single sound.

She knew that she was stronger than Ferdinand, but he was not alone. Since they were both level 19 Knights, once Ferdinand were to start escaping at his full power, it would be too disadvantageous to her if they started a chase within the Great Western City.

Therefore, she was extremely carefully, taking one step at a time toward the building. Hearing faint sounds coming from the hall, she gradually closed in toward its direction.

Five meters…

Four meters…

Three meters…

Two meters…

After making the last turn, Rebecca dashed in, churning out sword Qis of thunder and fire together with her Reduced Force Field. She had no intention of holding back. Other than Ferdinand, she also planned on killing everyone else.

However, the moment she dashed out, she saw Fang Xingjian, Ferdinand, Anthony, and Robert sitting in the hall. There was also an extremely old man whose face was covered with wrinkles and looked like ancient tree bark.

Stunned, the old man threw a glance toward her. As he lightly pressed down his palm, Rebecca was slapped down to the ground like flatbread. She felt excruciating pain all over, as if she was a mosquito frozen in amber, rendered immobile.

Head of Department James who had easily pressed Rebecca down to the ground, asked, "Who is this old hag? She's quite fierce."

Rebecca was trying to summon all her strength to struggle, and her face was twisted as if she was a violent ghost. She really did look very, very fierce.

Fang Xingjian threw a glance at her and said casually, "She's just a fugitive. Just hand her over to the City Guards Institution later."

James did not pay any heed to a woman who was only at Knight level. He then continued their earlier discussion, "Hehe, it's no wonder that you wanted to clear the Killing Techniques Palace. With your reputation raised, you book will sell well.

"But I looked at the contents of this book…"

"This book isn't intended for experts." Ferdinand said apologetically, "We're selling to ordinary people for the sake of earning money.

"We'll publish books targeted at Knights in the future."

James grinned and said, "It won't still be a storybook, right?"

Ferdinand smiled as well, "It'll be a book that provides guidance on sword arts. However, we'll also continue releasing storybooks. They are selling quite well."

James said, unconcerned, "How much have you guys earned?" He had read the book. It was filled with boring stories and was of no interest to him. However, some of the things that Fang Xingjian had learned about sword arts were still quite interesting.

Moreover, with each book being sold at fifty copper coins, he felt that such a cheap item would not be able to bring in much money.

Ferdinand shook his head and said, "We started promoting the book one week before and till now, we've sold a total of 30,000 books. That is 150 coins. It's only been how many days?

"But it's a pity that there are already pirated copies. People have been making copies of the book and selling them at the outskirts of the city. Head of Department James, can you do something about this?"

"Copying the books for selling?"

"That's right. These people used the worst quality paper to make copies of our book. They are selling their copies at twenty-five copper coins while we are selling ours at fifty copper coins. Half the market has been snatched by them.

"Sir, think about it. There are so many villages near Great Western City as well as tens of towns too. There are a few million people out there. Even if only 10% of the people buy our book, it'll still be a few thousand gold coins. If we were to sell it across the country, it would be at least hundreds of thousands or even millions…"

James' eyes wavered a little before he said, "I'm only able to control the area within the Great Western Region at most."

Ferdinand smiled, "That's enough."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 301 Copyright

Currently, the control over the management of all the books in the Empire was very strict, especially for Nurturing techniques, Training techniques, Amassing techniques, and Killing techniques. Aside from the academies and factions, people who distributed the books without permission would receive heavy punishments.

However, books like Fang Xingjian's biography and novels would not have any relevant legal regulations, nor would there be any concept of copyright. Basically, no one would care if a person were to buy a copy of the book, duplicate its contents, and then sell them.

Even the Head of Department, James, was not able to start the concept of piracy by setting up a regulation about copyrights. There were far too many obstacles in order for one to obtain this. Even with his background and reputation, he would not be able to accomplish it, nor was there a need for him to do so.

What he needed to do was submit Fang Xingjian's 《The Secrets to Sword Training》 and have it categorized as a sword arts secret manual. This would make it easier to manage, and it would receive the same protection as other secret manuals. With that, no one would be able to casually pirate and distribute it.

Of course, with James' reputation, he would only be able to submit this to the Great Western Region's Regional Office. It would be too tough and too costly for it to be approved by the central government.

That was why James had said that he would only be able to control the books within the Great Western Region.

After saying that, James then smiled and said, "If I were to submit the 《The Secrets to Sword Training》to the authorities, then as private representatives, you would not be able to sell it as you wish."

Ferdinand had been prepared for this. So, he continued to smile and then said, "Isn't this what Lord James is here to discuss with me?"

After knowing that Fang Xingjian would look for James to help out, Ferdinand had expected this to happen. He continued speaking, "If you can let us sell the books under the name of the Regional Academy's Sword Arts Department, I can give you a 5% share of the profits."

James' expression did not change as he said, "20%."

Ferdinand smiled and leaned back against the sofa. He then looked toward Fang Xingjian who was cultivating with his eyes closed and asked, "Xingjian, how much do you think it should be?"

Instantly, James lost his vigor. He had no other choice. Fang Xingjian was too important to him right now. There were only two ways James could keep a genius with Fang Xingjian's talent and character.

The first method was to be like the First Prince and use force. The other method was to be like how Ferdinand was now, trying his best to let things go as Fang Xingjian wished. Ferdinand was very confident about this.

James, the Head of Department, glared at Ferdinand. Then he let out a long breath and said, "Alright, give me another offer. It can't be 5%. I'll have to report this bonus to the department. Everyone would gossip about it."

Ferdinand nodded and offered, "Then let's each take a step back and make it 10%."

James still wanted to haggle further, but he gave it some thought and decided that as the Governor from two generations ago, he could not lose his pride here.

Therefore, the matter was finalised as such. Ferdinand, Robert, and Anthony as well as the 《The Secrets to Sword Training》 would have their names registered under the Regional Academy. The book would be sold as the Regional Academy's sword arts manual, and a 10% share of the profit would be paid to the Regional Academy.

With the Regional Office as their support, at least 99% of the pirated copies would disappear.

James shook his head and said to Fang Xingjian, "Xingjian, in the future, publish fewer of these books. If you want money, you can write some sword arts teaching materials. With your level of cultivation, coming up with teaching materials for Knights would be an easy feat."

On the ground, Rebecca eventually stopped struggling. It was because she had just realized James' identity from the conversation earlier.

He was the Regional Academy's Headmaster and Great Western Region's Governor from two generations ago. James was a Conferred Knight at the peak of level 29 and was not an existence she could win against.

However, the cause of her greater desperation and fury was the other content in their conversation.

《The Secrets to Sword Training》 would be registered under the Regional Academy. It would now be treated as an official book and would be just like the academy's teaching materials.

With this, how many private Knight Academies, various factions, as well as aristocrats and commoners would buy this book then? People would see that this book was published by the Regional Academy and would have even fewer doubts about its veracity.

Everything written in it would be taken as fact, and Rebecca's name was doomed to be left behind in history. Moreover, it would be an eternal infamy.

Thinking this, Rebecca's eyes turned blood red. The rate of her heartbeat and blood flow increased tremendously, and she opened her mouth, wanting to shout out loud. However, James had her locked down to the ground, and she was unable to say a single word. Her action had only once again reminded James of her existence.

"Oh, there's still this one person." With a loud snap of his fingers, the sound passed out through his Reduced Force Field, and two Knights came in soon after. "Take this… er…"

Anthony spoke up, "Rebecca, Tresia Clan's Rebecca." The gaze in which he used to look at Rebecca was filled with great pity.

Back in the day, when he had still been in Kirst Academy, he'd had be to extremely respectful toward this Tresia Clan's Elder, not daring to defy her words in the least.

However, right now, she was lying prostrate before him. Although it was not because of him, it still made him very emotional.

Then when James heard Rebecca's name, he grabbed Rebecca across the space with a wave of his hand. His strength attribute was more than ten times stronger than Rebecca's, and even though he was grabbing her with his Reduced Force Field across the space, Rebecca was not able to move a single inch.

She wanted to shout, but her throat was damaged by James just using a slight force, causing her to be capable of only making a hoarse cry.

It was clear James had wanted to deal with Rebecca thoroughly. Although no one would believe Rebecca even if she were to shout out loud, but clearly, James wanted to deal with this matter simply.

He threw Rebecca a contemptuous gaze and said with indifference, "So, you are that Rebecca… Take her away."

That contemptuous gaze caused great fury to surge through Rebecca's heart.

The two Knights took Rebecca away, and when they heard her name, their gazes toward this old grandmother also unknowingly carried hints of contempt.

With that, the matter of the book was settled.

Tens of millions formed the population of the entire Great Western Region, and with the Regional Academy's exposure, they would be able to sell a tremendous quantity of books and thus bring great wealth to Fang Xingjian.

However, all this still required time.

Fang Xingjian left the place together with James and headed back to the academy.

James said, "The matter of the book will be settled very soon. After it's registered under the Regional Academy, there won't be many people who will dare to do anything to them. What are your plans after this?"

"I want to cultivate the sword techniques from the Killing Techniques Palace and the Ninety Thousand Godly Demon Flash to the maximum level first."

"Oh?"

"I wonder if you or Lord Hoppes will be able to find time to spar with me?"

Compared to training alone, it was clear that sparring with an expert in Sacred Land with one hundred times the density was a much faster way to improve.

Hearing Fang Xingjian's question, a strange expression appeared on James' face. "To be wanting two level 29 experts to have spar with you… You really are broadminded."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter

Chapter 302 Training Partner

Faced with Fang Xingjian's request, Head of Department James shook his head and said, "Hoppes will definitely not agree. He doesn't even have enough time for his sword arts research, so how could he have time to help you with your training?"

"Then what about you? There shouldn't be any problems, right?"

"Oh?" James grinned and said, "You should know what I want."

Fang Xingjian naturally knew what James wanted. Wasn't the reason why the other party was willing to guard the Pantheon Monument for several decades was to be able to know the mysteries behind it?

Fang Xingjian considered it for a moment before saying, "I can split up the seven levels of mysteries of the Pantheon Monument into seven parts and provide it to you."

Since there were seven levels of mysteries, there were naturally seven versions to it, with six evolutions in total. Fang Xingjian could provide it to the other party in several parts in exchange for the other party providing him with various help.

James would naturally not agree to splitting it into so many parts, and he tried to negotiate, "Seven times is too much. Why don't you give me the first three levels of the mysteries first? The first two levels are definitely too easy for me."

Right now, James was looking at Fang Xingjian with sparkling eyes. To him, Fang Xingjian was now like the freshest and most delicious cake in the world.

Fang Xingjian said directly, "Between heaven and earth, power rules.

"Between various powers, astral reigns supreme.

"It'll be split into seven parts and one part will be given to you each time. If you don't want it, then forget it."

James was staring at Fang Xingjian hungrily, and when the latter stopped after telling him the starting part, James felt so anxious that he scratched his head. With the one thing that he had been pursuing for half his life placed before him, even he could not hold it in anymore. He immediately said, "Alright, alright. We'll leave it as seven parts. Quickly, tell me quickly."

Therefore, on the way back, Fang Xingjian slowly explained the first level of mystery of the Pantheon Monument to James.

When the two of them arrived at the academy, James let out a long exhale, and it felt as if his entire disposition was going through a gradual change.

He exclaimed, "Waves? It's actually Waves? To think that the ultimate profoundness of the Pantheon Monument is Waves. It's a pity…" However, he quickly shook his head, "If I had gotten this twenty years… no, even if it had been just ten years ago, I would probably have changed my Waves directly. However, it's too late now."

Fang Xingjian questioned, "You said that… it's too late?"

James smiled and replied, "My lifespan should only have a few years left." Although they were discussing a very serious topic, his expression was very relaxed, "But before I die, I could finally understand the mysteries of the Pantheon Monument and see the appearance of a genius like you. I'm able to die without any regrets."

Fang Xingjian asked, "Even someone at your level doesn't have any way of extending your lifespan?"

"Extending lifespan? Haha, when you're at level 25 and your ether synchronization rate has exceeded 60%, you'll be able to sense the minute structure of your physical body and see the little worms which form it. By then, you'll be able to adjust the structure of your body. Every level 25 Conferred Knight is able to live to an age of 120 years old. Their bodies won't deteriorate and they will be free of all illnesses.

"And when you're at level 29 with an ether synchronization rate of 100%, you'll be able to sense time and space and truly freeze and delay the ageing of your body. However, even with that, you'll only be able to extend your lifespan to 150 years old.

"Of course, regardless of whether it's 120 or 150 years old, up until the moment they die, a Conferred Knight will neither fall sick nor age much. Their abilities won't suffer from any deterioration, and they will only completely wither away at the moment of death."

A weird glow shone in Fang Xingjian's eyes. He seemed to be considering if he could extend his lifespan when he reached level 25 and 29 respectively, or if his lifespan still remain at five years even after he has reach level 29. No, by now, it should be only 3.5 years left.

He continued to ask, "Then what about Divine level?"

"Divine level? I don't know. It's said that they are able to live longer." James shook his head and said, "They can destroy cities, wipe out entire countries, and kill thousands or tens of thousands of people with just a single thought. But at the end, no one will be able to breakthrough the restrictions of their lifespans."

Fang Xingjian did not continued speaking, and James did not seem to be willing to continue on the serious topic either. He said directly, "Come, let's go to your training room and start your training now."

Both of them were Conferred Knight who had transcended human limits, and sleep was something which they could long do without. They could cultivate any time they wished to and would not be in danger regardless of whether it was day or night.

Therefore, the two of them went to Fang Xingjian's training room. Taking a deep breath and sensing the endless flow of information entering his brain, Fang Xingjian felt as if he had gotten a yet little stronger.

Across from him, James randomly drew out a wooden practice sword and asked, "What sword arts are you cultivating now?"

"Ninety Thousand Godly Demon Flash." Fang Xingjian also drew out a wooden sword and asked, "You know of it, right?"

James laughed out, "There's really not many sword techniques in the Regional Academy which I don't know of."

With a slight sway of his body, over a hundred silhouettes leaped from his body, causing strong gales to blow, and dashed out toward Fang Xingjian as a sword formation.

On the other end, Fang Xingjian shook his body slightly and over a hundred Godly Demon Clones flew out as well. They charged forth like a military formation, clashing against James' clones.

Dong dong dong dong… A series of disorderly sounds endlessly came out from the training room.

"This won't do. The exchange of your ether particles is too slow.

"You must learn to think from another perspective.

"Each clone must use a different sword technique.

"Don't always make it mutual annihilation.

"Take note of the lights and shadows."

When the two of them were sparring, James naturally had upper hand. Regardless of whether it was his ether synchronization rate, his five attributes, or the support from his various specialties, they had all caused his Ninety Thousand Godly Demon Flash to harbor great prowess.

And as they continued to spar, James continued to guide Fang Xingjian as well.

Someone's guidance naturally better than a person learning alone.

It was just like in universities where students would have to choose between self-study and listening to lectures. Between the two, it was more efficient to listen to a teacher's lecture.

For learning, this has always been the easiest, fastest, and most efficient way to improve.

It was the same for when Fang Xingjian picked up sword techniques. It would obviously be faster for someone to share their knacks and theories which others have found out with him rather than him trying to comprehend them himself.

It was just that the sword techniques he had picked up in the past were too easy and the teachers' levels were not as high as James'. Therefore, it had been easier for Fang Xingjian to learn by himself.

However, right now, under James' guidance, Fang Xingjian felt like a fish in water and his sword arts level improved in leaps and bounds.

However, he did not know that James was more surprised than he was. It was because James realized that all of the problems he had mentioned, he had almost never needed to bring them up a second time..

This meant that no matter what flaw he brought up, Fang Xingjian would be able to fix it immediately and not make the same mistake again.

This effect was too exhilarating for both of them. Regardless of whether it was the person teaching or the person learning, they were both able to experience the feeling of spotting a mistake or flaw and immediately changing it, thus improving. The feeling of such a great sense of achievement was unrivalled.

Therefore, the more James taught, the more excited he felt. The two of them went through guidance, training, and having meals. In the blink of an eye, an entire night passed.

Right now, in the training room, there were over eight hundred silhouettes attacking James from all directions. Each of the clones were like a physical body, driving lights and shadows, bringing up air currents, and even performing various sword techniques.

James' Godly Demon Clones were almost completely suppressed and had no way of fighting back.

Finally, with a loud roar, another two hundred silhouettes came out from Fang Xingjian's body. The several hundreds of clones cramped and filled up the entire training room. However, at the next moment, they disappeared one by one. Finally, only Fang Xingjian's original body was left standing. His eyes were closed as he slowly tried to remember the feeling from earlier.

After going through tough training overnight, with James' help, his progress had increased by another three or four times at least. His Ninety Thousand Godly Demon Flash reached the maximum level of level 40, and he could create a total of 501 Godly Demon Clones.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know report chapter so we can fix it as soon as possible.

Report chapter