34: Chapter 34 First Battle at the Third Tier, A Glimpse of the Newcomers

Virtual Reality, Dou Xing Forest.

Dou Xing Forest was filled with lush vegetation; towering trees pierced the sky, blocking out the sun like a primitive forest.

The occasional roars and growls of fierce beasts echoed through the forest, adding a touch of horror to this primitive woodland.

"Is this virtual reality technology? It's truly impressive; it simulated all my physical data, even my blood shadow battle saber..."

In a quiet part of Dou Xing Forest, Zhou Bai looked at the blood shadow battle saber in his hand, his eyes filled with amazement.

"But, my system!"

Zhou Bai then tried to check his system panel in his mind, but there was no reaction at all.

"As expected, it still can't be displayed?"

Zhou Bai thought to himself.

However, Zhou Bai didn't mind; he had prepared everything before entering.

Moreover, this also proved how powerful his system was, as he didn't have to worry about it being pried into by other forces.

*Rustle, rustle, rustle!!!*

Just then, a slight rustling sound came from not far away.

Zhou Bai spun around abruptly and saw a giant python covered in black scales flicking its tongue, staring at him coldly.

"Rank Three fierce beast!"

Zhou Bai's pupils constricted, and he immediately activated the SS-rank Dutian Divine Thunder within his body.

Golden thunder power quickly enveloped Zhou Bai's blood shadow battle saber. Then, using Shadow Step again, his body flickered at an extremely fast speed to the side of the giant black python.

The perfected Thunder-Breaking Saber Technique, carrying the Dutian Divine Thunder, slashed into the giant black python.

With a violent tearing sound, the giant python was instantly severed by the blood shadow battle saber, cut into two sections.

"Fortunately, I am also a Third-Rank Martial Artist!"

Looking at the Rank Three python that had been killed so cleanly, Zhou Bai exhaled a breath of turbid air.

This first life-and-death struggle caused Zhou Bai's Qi and blood to surge slightly.

Especially when the giant black python was severed, Zhou Bai felt his blood vessels practically bursting with excitement.

It had to be said, Zhou Bai liked this feeling.

Then, Zhou Bai looked at the bracelet on his wrist.

This was a recording bracelet that could track points for killing fierce beasts. Currently, the number on the recording bracelet was 10.

"200 points can be exchanged for an eighth-generation red marrow potion. Next, I'll continue hunting fierce beasts and carefully avoid danger!"

Looking at the points on the bracelet, Zhou Bai thought to himself.

red marrow potion was a top-tier cultivation resource, significantly boosting Qi and Blood Power.

Furthermore, the red marrow potion was constantly being updated; the eighth-generation red marrow potion was the latest version, said to be 50% more effective than the seventh-generation.

Currently, the red marrow potions on the market were all seventh-generation; while they were also powerful, they certainly couldn't compare to the eighth-generation.

*Rustle, rustle, rustle!!!*

Before long, a rustling sound echoed around him once more.

Not far away, a group of giant black pythons approached from all directions, surrounding Zhou Bai.

Seeing the large number of Rank Three fierce beasts around him, Zhou Bai frowned slightly. He hadn't expected there to be so many Rank Three fierce beasts here.

"This is fine too. Let me see exactly how strong I am now!"

Zhou Bai exhaled a breath of turbid air, then once again activated the Dutian Divine Thunder in his body. His 120 Hz Psychic Power was also pushed to the limit as he warily observed his surroundings.

Using his perfected Shadow Step and Thunder-Breaking Saber Technique, he immediately engaged in battle with the numerous giant black pythons.

As for S-rank martial arts, Zhou Bai knew that this selection trial wouldn't end quickly.

Martial arts of this caliber had to be saved for critical moments; otherwise, consuming too much Qi and Blood Power would prevent him from lasting until the elimination rounds.

...

Meanwhile, intense battles were also taking place in other parts of Dou Xing Forest.

These freshmen from various top universities were all martial arts geniuses of the "favored by heaven" level.

However, many freshmen had always studied in schools or within their families. Even when they went out for experience, they were led by family elders or top mentors from their schools.

This was their first time facing a strange environment and the threat of numerous fierce beasts alone.

Some freshmen trembled with fear at the surrounding fierce beasts. Even though they knew they were in virtual reality, the fear and threat of death still haunted their hearts, preventing them from fully utilizing their strength.

There were also martial arts geniuses like Zhou Bai who were fearless, enjoying this life-and-death struggle of blood and death.

Other contestants knew the key to this selection trial was survival, so they chose an extreme survival strategy of evasion.

Soon, contestants were being defeated by fierce beasts one by one, kicked out of the virtual reality and missing the elimination rounds; among them were even some top S-rank geniuses from the Top Ten.

"How can they be so fragile? Do they not even have the courage to face fierce beasts in a life-and-death struggle..."

"I won't accept this. Are these really the 'Dawn Geniuses' of our Xia Country's martial arts? Why are they so weak..."

"Can't they even compare to a Junior College Student? Zhou Bai is fighting bravely, while those self-proclaimed Elite School or even Top Ten future stars are..."

"Everyone, don't be too harsh on them. Although they are martial arts geniuses, many are newcomers who have only recently awakened. We need to give them time..."

The audience at the Magic Cube Martial Arts Arena watched the various scenes on the projection, unable to help but discuss amongst themselves.

Especially when they saw those who clearly had great talent but couldn't utilize it at all, they wished they could take their place.

Among these poorly performing freshmen, many had made grand boasts before the competition.

However, such performances were a complete disappointment to everyone.

Fortunately, the overall quality and strength of this year's freshmen were high; many freshmen slowly adapted to the rhythm after a brief moment of panic.

However, in less than half an hour, more than 20 freshmen were directly knocked out...

"I'm sorry, I let everyone down!"

In the Yuehua University team, Guo Yao, who had just emerged from the virtual reality pod, had a face full of guilt, his eyes filled with confusion and frustration.

When facing the fierce beasts, although Guo Yao had activated his Petrification talent immediately.

However, the fear in his heart made it impossible for him to concentrate, and he failed to use many of his techniques.

After being beaten for over ten minutes, he was finally torn apart and killed, missing the elimination rounds.

"It's... it's okay, Guo Yao. Anyone would be afraid when facing fierce beasts alone for the first time..."

A nearby Yuehua University student comforted him.

Guo Yao didn't speak, just hung his head low. Before the selection trial began, he had been full of confidence, thinking he could enter the elimination rounds and become famous in one fell swoop.

He hadn't expected to be knocked back to reality so soon after the selection trial started.

The gap between expectation and reality—only he could truly understand that feeling.

"By the way, what about that Vocational College Kid from Azure Bird Academy? He must have been eliminated too!"

At this moment, Guo Yao seemed to think of something, finding a sliver of comfort in his eyes as he asked.

...