26: The baptismal altar trembles for me?

The energy in the Land of Baptism finally completely subsided, the raging torrent receded, and everything returned to its initial calm.

But beneath this calm, the atmosphere was terrifyingly stagnant, a hundred times more oppressive than when the energy was rampant!

Everyone who was still standing or slumped, whether participants or onlookers, now had their attention fixed on that figure in tattered clothes but with a straight posture—Li Dong!

Shock! Awe! Disbelief!

Of course, there was also a mix of undisguised fear and jealousy from a few people.

This was too outrageous; this guy directly achieved Foundation Establishment during the Baptism? And he caused such a huge commotion!

And Li Dong himself felt very strange at this moment.

The pure energy light pillar that had previously surrounded him did not immediately dissipate but slowly and gradually merged into his body like a docile stream.

He could feel that a subtle connection seemed to have been established between him and the ancient Baptism Altar beneath his feet, as if this cold stone had come to life, transmitting some vague goodwill, or perhaps... recognition?

Could this Altar have some special gift?

On the high platform, the old man presiding over the Baptism, where was his previous majesty and composure now?

He tremblingly walked down the steps, his gait faltering. Having lived for several hundred years and presided over countless Baptisms, he swore he had never seen anything so bizarre as today!

A Body Tempering Realm Kid, at the last moment of the Baptism, not only endured Zhao Zhen's sneak attack but also used the momentum to Break Through to Foundation Establishment on the spot!

What was even more outrageous was that after the Breakthrough, it actually triggered an anomaly from the Altar itself!

This... this was simply not human; it was a monster!

The old man walked not far from Li Dong, his scrutinizing gaze exactly like looking at a primeval beast in human skin, and even his voice carried an unconscious tremor.

“Cough... the Baptism is over. Now... I will announce the ratings.”

The old man cleared his throat, trying to steady himself, and began to perform his final duty.

He first announced the ratings of the other surviving participants according to the procedure.

Most people received ratings of “Good” or “Excellent,” which was already a good achievement, as the intensity and changes of this Baptism far exceeded previous ones.

A few outstanding Geniuses, such as Zhou Xian and others, although significantly affected by Li Dong's Breakthrough, still achieved an “Exceptional” rating based on their own foundations, drawing a low murmur of envy from those around them.

Normally, “Exceptional” was the highest rating that could be obtained in the Baptism, enough to earn them significant resource allocation within their Family and Sect.

But today, the words “Exceptional” seemed... dim in front of a rating that was about to be revealed.

Finally, it was Li Dong's turn. Everyone held their breath involuntarily.

The old man paused, as if needing to gather some courage, before slowly placing a withered hand on the Baptism Altar beside him.

Buzz—!

The moment the old man's hand touched the Altar, the entire ancient black Altar suddenly erupted with an unprecedented dazzling light!

The light was more brilliant and dazzling than any previous time, almost blinding people! Amidst the light, countless ancient and profound runes rapidly circulated, collided, and Fused, finally condensing into two huge and clear ancient characters in the air above the Altar—

Extraordinary!

As soon as these two characters appeared, they carried an indescribable sense of majesty and glory, quietly suspended there, as if proclaiming the birth of a miracle to the entire world!

Before everyone could recover from the impact of these two characters, an even more astonishing scene occurred!

Buzzing! Buzzing! Buzzing!

The runes of the Extraordinary rating shone in the air, and the Baptism Altar itself below emitted an increasingly strong buzzing sound!

The sound was deep and heavy, as if an ancient bell from primordial times had been struck!

Immediately afterward, the entire incredibly sturdy Altar, which had stood for an unknown number of years, along with the surrounding ground, began to tremble slightly but audibly!

What... what the hell is going on?!

The Altar... the Altar is trembling for this rating?!

“Ding! Congratulations to the Host for achieving the final rating of Demon Suppression Baptism: Extraordinary!”

“This rating has broken all Baptism records in Mu Shi County Demon Suppression Division history!”

“Based on the Extraordinary rating, the Host will receive additional reward bonuses!”

“Detected that the core of the Baptism Altar has resonated deeply with the Host's ‘Spirituality,’ and some Altar authority data has been opened for the Host to record...”

The System's notification sound echoed in Li Dong's mind, confirming this astonishing rating, as well as the chain reactions and practical benefits it brought.

Outside, it had long since completely erupted!

“Extraordinary?! Did I hear that right? Is there such a tier in the ratings?”

“My heavens! A record broken! The highest Baptism rating since the establishment of Mu Shi County Demon Suppression Division!”

“He Broke Through to the Foundation Establishment Realm during the Baptism! That itself is a miracle!”

“The key is the Altar! Did you see it? The Altar was glowing and shaking just now! What exactly is going on?”

“What... what is Li Dong's background?”

Discussions, exclamations, and gasps of cold air rose and fell, echoing throughout the Land of Baptism. Everyone was stunned by this scene that defied common sense.

On the high platform, Zhao Zhen, already suffering internal injuries from Li Dong's counterattack, had a pale face. At this moment, hearing the words “Extraordinary” and seeing the Altar's reaction as if it had come alive, he felt a sudden darkness before his eyes. With his Qi and blood churning, he almost spat out another mouthful of old blood!

A bolt from the blue! It was absolutely the feeling of a bolt from the blue!

He meticulously planned, not hesitating to use his authority to secretly kill, but what was the result?

Not only did he fail to kill Li Dong, but the opponent used his strength to Break Through, achieving Foundation Establishment on the spot, and even injured him in return!

Now, this Kid had even obtained an unheard-of “Extraordinary” rating, triggering an Altar anomaly!

Where the hell was this a frame-up? This was clearly him personally sending Li Dong onto the path to success, paving an incomparably brilliant stepping stone for him!

Zhao Zhen's face was as dark as ink, his heart filled with indescribable anger, frustration, and a sense of defeat. He stared intently at Li Dong, wishing he could tear him to shreds with his murderous gaze, but under the watchful eyes of everyone, in front of the Altar's anomaly, he could do nothing!

On the other side, Zhang Wu watched all this, so excited that his graying beard trembled.

Good! Too good!

He knew that from this moment on, the sky of Mu Shi County Demon Suppression Division was about to change completely! This Kid Li Dong was no longer just a potential rising star; he was a brilliant sun that had already risen and shone brightly!

His promise to his old friend Li Shanyue back then, now, it seemed, was not just fulfilled? It was exceeded by countless times!

Zhang Wu clenched his fists tightly, forcefully suppressing the ecstasy in his heart, and turned to look at Zhao Zhen, his meaning unmistakable—Look at what a mess you've made!