Chapter 43: Dream Tapir's Extra Ingredient . . .
Ye Yuan's remarkable advancement speed sent ripples of concern through Wan Yuan. The capability to effortlessly dispatch five Sixth Level Essence Qi Realm opponents hinted at the possibility of Ye Yuan entering the Earth ranking, or at least approaching it closely. Wan Yuan, already acknowledging his inferiority in both movement technique and combat prowess compared to Ye Yuan, found his position increasingly precarious.
As he contemplated the forthcoming Endless Trials, Wan Yuan resolved to enlist Senior Apprentice Brother Su to eliminate Ye Yuan, deeming it a necessity to avert future challenges.
Amidst the onlookers, a speculative question emerged regarding Ye Yuan's potential ascension to the Earth ranking. The prospect of a Fourth Level Essence Qi Realm student confronting five Eighth Level Essence Qi Realm martial artists prompted a collective silence. While Ye Yuan's strength was acknowledged, the considerable difference in realms and the intervening minor stage raised doubts about the feasibility of such a feat.
The revelation that Ye Yuan proceeded to challenge the Black Rank Advancement test fueled astonishment. The audacity to consecutively undertake three tests during his first attempt hinted at a potential milestone in Dan Wu Academy's history.
Facing the five Eighth Level Essence Qi Realm opponents, Ye Yuan discarded his previous nonchalant approach, engaging with heightened intensity. The adversaries, however, presented a formidable challenge by employing a sword array, a strategic formation that accentuated their combined might equivalent to a powerful Ninth Level Essence Qi Realm.
Ye Yuan, though adept at array formations, found himself struggling against the overwhelming power of the sword array. Despite perceiving its vulnerabilities, the immense disparity in strength left him unable to mount a counterattack. The sword shadows blurred his vision, and the Dream Tapir Tribe's Nightmare Skill ensured that the sensation of pain within the dream world was disturbingly authentic.
As the relentless assault continued, Ye Yuan's attire succumbed to tatters, and wounds adorned his body. The Dream Tapir, witnessing Ye Yuan's valiant efforts, wore a subtle smile, seemingly content with this retaliation. The enigmatic and haughty aura that the Dream Tapir typically exuded appeared diminished in the face of Ye Yuan's indifferent demeanor, leaving the creature unexpectedly exposed and disrobed of its usual mystique.
Though born in dream worlds, Dream Tapirs displayed emotions such as pleasure, anger, sorrow, and joy. The Dream Tapir, feeling displeased from the onset by Ye Yuan's unperturbed attitude, now experienced a peculiar sense of vulnerability in the wake of Ye Yuan's resolute confrontation. Among the esteemed students participating in the test, it was only Ye Yuan who challenged the Dream Tapir's authority and rendered it vulnerable. The Dream Tapir's self-assured demeanor seemed shattered in the face of Ye Yuan's audacious approach, leaving a palpable sense of discomfort and a perceived loss of face.
Thus, as the Black Rank Advancement test commenced, the Dream Tapir surreptitiously enhanced the challenge for Ye Yuan by incorporating a sword array among the five black-clothed martial artists, amplifying their collective power.
Mocking Ye Yuan's audacity, the Dream Tapir, elated by the unfolding spectacle, issued a dismissive remark, relishing the prospect of Ye Yuan's impending defeat. Observing the relentless nature of the battle, the Dream Tapir noted Ye Yuan's shrinking defensive radius and accumulating injuries, predicting his eventual downfall.
Despite Ye Yuan's valiant efforts, the Dream Tapir marveled at his tenacity. Engaging five Eighth Level Essence Qi Realm opponents with Fourth Level Essence Qi Realm strength was an unprecedented feat. While the Dream Tapir had encountered numerous geniuses before, none had displayed such remarkable prowess.
However, as the Dream Tapir contemplated the ongoing battle, an underlying sentiment suggested that Ye Yuan's remarkable performance would likely conclude here.
Meanwhile, Lin Tiancheng faced another setback as he exited the Illusionary Spirit Tower, having failed for the fifth time to reach the Heaven ranking. The disdainful looks and mocking glances from onlookers intensified his frustration.
Lin Tiancheng, at the half-step Spirit Condensation Realm, grappled with the decision to suppress his cultivation level intentionally. In Dan Wu Academy, achieving success at a lower cultivation realm and age signified greater potential. Lin Tiancheng's desire to pass the Earth Rank Advancement test while maintaining his current cultivation level reflected his determination to prove his extraordinary talent.
However, the top achievers on the Martial Roll of Honor, including Long Tang, Zuo Bugui, and Su Yishan, had all surpassed the First Level Spirit Condensation Realm when they reached the Ninth Level Essence Qi Realm. This stark contrast fueled Lin Tiancheng's frustration as he struggled to bridge the evident gap.
Dejected and resentful, Lin Tiancheng vowed to retaliate violently against anyone who displayed even a hint of scorn. However, upon exiting the Illusionary Spirit Tower, he found a surprising absence of contemptuous gazes. Intrigued, he inquired about the peculiar situation.
To his amazement, the student informed Lin Tiancheng about the current focus on Ye Yuan's Black Rank Advancement test. Unaware of Ye Yuan's previous accomplishments, Lin Tiancheng expressed skepticism at Ye Yuan's ability to undertake such a challenging test. The revelation of Ye Yuan's prowess, particularly his instant kills during the Entry and Yellow Rank Advancement tests, left Lin Tiancheng incredulous.
The student's explanation underscored the unexpected turn of events in Ye Yuan's favor during the Black Rank Advancement test, capturing the collective attention of onlookers fixated on the light screen. Lin Tiancheng, struggling to comprehend the magnitude of Ye Yuan's achievements, grappled with disbelief, further intensifying the intrigue surrounding Ye Yuan's unprecedented performance.