The fourth day of the martial examination.
Langde Immortal Institute’s group strode into the place with beaming smiles. The last three days of matches filled them with confidence. They saw Argent Apex Immortal Institute’s disciples as greenhorns who never went through practical combat. Winning this thing was only a matter of time.
Although, this ‘win’ was worth jack squat to a bookworm like Wang Qi.
Unlike his classmates, Hu Jianghao didn’t look too sure. Witnessing Wang Qi’s blade blew away any disdain he had. Celestial Entropy and Grand Ripple Enigma spoke volumes of the guy’s outrageous advantage.
Losing was not an option.
Hu Jianghao wasn’t your genius of the millennium, capable of following in his ancestor’s footsteps in carving a new path worshiped for generations to come, but he had enough talent to make a name for himself in today’s cultivation world. He would use Elusive Palace’s Unfettered as an example, grouping and seeking Dao together with teammates.
He believed the best partners one could have were classmates.
All Dao seekers entering the Immortal Institute had to have some knack to get this far. Glory and success might be sometime later down the road, but each Immortal Institute disciple had the minimum qualification to reach Golden Core. All he had to do was hold onto them and he’d have the most natural research team.
The best way to do that was collective glory, as well as a common enemy.
As he came upon the arena his eyes were locked on the other side.
Argent Apex Immortal Institute was in a strange mood.
Being under Langde Immortal Institute’s boot over the past three days didn’t sit well with Argent Apex’s disciples, naturally, feeling pushed around and morose. Yet there was the spark of resolve flickering in their eyes. They shirked off the pressure and no longer shied away. Each Argent Apex disciple glared at their possible opponents. Strategies ran through their minds on how to beat them, with an occasional exchange among their friends. Content orıginally comes from 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⟡𝕗𝗂𝗋𝖾⟡𝕟𝕖𝕥
In this group, now bearing a strangely down and high mood, Wang Qi stuck out like a sore thumb. He chose to lean against a tree with crossed arms and closed eyes, yet his lips revealed his helplessness. Next to him was the ever-buzzing Long Shulin.
The youth related all his intel on the enemy to Wang Qi. “Brother Wang, recovery is important, but not watching the last three days’ fights will make things harder.”
Wang Qi shook his head. “To be honest, I can crush them with my cultivation method’s aura alone. Fighting with honor is better.”
Long Shulin sighed, reminded of the overbearing Grand Ripple Enigma and Waveform Essence’s traits dominating the Qi Refining Realm. Yet he hoped Wang Qi didn’t underestimate them from this. If he kost due to that, Argent Apex Immortal Institute’s morale would hit rock bottom. He ignored Wang Qi’s annoyance and advised. “Brother Wang, just think about it. Qiu Yunlong is also a worthy opponent…”
Wang Qi was stuck. He wanted to yell shut up, but Long Shulin had nothing but goodwill, and being rude was unwarranted.
Hu Jianghao glanced at the odd Wang Qi from afar, feeling angry. He wanted to give his all in beating Wang Qi, yet the other didn’t even care about him, feeling at total ease.
Wang Qi’s annoyance and Hu Jianghao’s anger didn’t stew for long, for the Eminence overseeing the examination arrived. The unknown Eminence waved and placed countless talismans. His mighty spiritual energy spread out over the arena and set the stage. “The fights may resume!”
He then activated the All-immortal Realm’s calculator to pick random disciples.
“Argent Apex’s Wang Qi and Langde’s Kun Zhongxuan, present yourself on the first group’s no. 7 stage.”
Wang Qi was made to open today’s examination, only natural. The other disciples had five days to finish twelve fights, while he only had two.
Wang Qi climbed on stage and drew every freshman’s attention. The loaded gazes made Wang Qi sigh. Argent Apex’s side was expectant. Wang Qi’s performance had always been flashy, making the many Argent Apex disciples who looked up to him feel let down not seeing him for the first three days. Langde’s side was far more complex, anger mixed with animosity and disdain.
Wang Qi focused on his opponent. He had a vague recollection of Wu Shiqin mentioning Kun Zhongxuan’s name once. Wu Shiqin recalled that this guy used the suppressing nature of his cultivation method to beat Wu Shiqin.
Kun Zhongxuan was tense. If not for his cultivation method’s superiority, he wouldn’t have beaten Wu Shiqin. Now he face Wang Qi, who was supposed to be even better.
As the Foundation Establishment judge signaled the match to start, Kun Zhongxuan’s skin was covered in a yellow shield streaked with red lines. Flaming Terra Levitation’s earth shield.
It was clear he used Landscape Metropolis’ defensive art. Langde’s side exploded in cheers. Earth shield was Landscape Metropolis’ leverage on earth’s fire to push any opposition, raw and ever-changing, or simulated tectonic plates. Kun Zhongxuan was clear to have linked the great art with the earth. His defense was impervious within the same realm! Just yesterday, he used this skill to neutralize Wu Shiqin’s lightning and force her to give up.
Kun Zhongxuan felt at ease behind his shield. His side’s shouting helped boost his confidence as well. The Langde disciple spoke to Wang Qi in a challenging tone. “Come, Brother Wang! I know I’m not your match, but I won’t make it easier for you!”
Wang Qi’s face illuminated.
Hu Jianghao winced hard.
Little Qiu came over. “I heard Wang Qi is tough. Brother Hu, how much power do you think Kun Zhongxuan will make him use?”
“The idiot went and served himself!”
Little Qiu was clueless.
On the stage, Wang Qi found it bad as well, speaking politely. “Isn’t this a bit… off? Want me to let you strike first?”
Kun Zhongxuan shook his head. “No, I’m best at reacting. Brother Wang can go all out…”
“Don’t mind if I do.”
Wang Qi shot straight for him.