180: Martial Arts College Entrance Examination

Above the Void Realm, black ink gently left its mark.

A faint scent of ink also wafted out.

Although the mark was very blurry, so much so that it was impossible to clearly discern what it was, the ability to release Confucian Qi from a brush and engrave it onto the Void Realm itself was incredibly difficult.

The Sage of Literature watched this scene, his hand gripping his beard tightening involuntarily.

It wasn't until a sharp pain shot through his chin that he reacted, loosening his grip in a daze, his eyes now holding a complex expression as he looked at Lu Sheng.

How long had it been?

The time it takes for an incense stick to burn?

And he had already learned it?

Although he hadn't fully unleashed the technique of slaying enemies with a brush, the most difficult part was already over.

Now, he only needed to practice repeatedly, and it wouldn't take long before he could release Confucian Qi through the brush to achieve the effect of slaying enemies.

Even the Sage of Literature, witnessing such rapid progress, couldn't help but fall into deep silence.

This guy… was too much of a Prodigy.

Was this truly a Human?

His Sword Dao talent was Heaven-Defying, comparable to Kong Yunchang, or even surpassing him, not to mention his Body Refining talent was also incredibly prodigious; Wu Lin had even praised this young fellow to him before.

Now… his Confucian Dao talent was actually so terrifying.

Could there truly be such a Genius in this world?

Even the Sage of Literature, as one of the top three Saintly Positions, now faced with such a terrifying Lu Sheng, couldn't help but fall into silence.

However, after the silence, a bright light instantly burst forth from the Sage of Literature's eyes.

Such talent… perhaps he could truly succeed in implementing this Apex Plan!

Breaking through the Qi and blood limit, the hundred Body Repository, the Immaculate Golden Body… Now, Lu Sheng had already taken the most crucial step.

With his and the Martial Saint’s help, the hundred Body Repository would surely succeed in the future.

This young fellow had also obtained the Flawless Golden Body Technique.

“Could this child… be the seed of hope for our Great Xia?”

The Sage of Literature looked at Lu Sheng, who was still immersed in his Cultivation, his eyes flickering repeatedly; he gently stroked his beard, a thoughtful expression appearing in his eyes.

A moment later, the Sage of Literature seemed to have made a decision.

“Forget it, with this child here, as long as he can grow, perhaps Lin Xuan’s plan might truly succeed.”

“If that’s the case… then what does it matter if I expose myself?”

The Sage of Literature murmured softly in his heart, his gaze finally firming up with each of these murmurs.

Time flowed by, little by little.

Until the scorching sun lost its luster, as if in its twilight years, descending towards the foot of the mountain, leaving a fiery red glow across the sky.

In the courtyard, a fragrant aroma diffused.

A white figure stood quietly in the courtyard, holding a special brush, with his eyes closed.

Suddenly, a surge of righteous Qi roared out from the white figure.

His arm, accompanying the appearance of the righteous Qi, instantly waved.

The brush gently touched the Void Realm, and black ink, aided by the Confucian Qi, dripped onto the Void Realm, bit by bit.

“Heaven and Earth possess righteous Qi!”

A low murmur escaped Lu Sheng’s lips.

“Righteous!”

Accompanied by a sudden explosive shout.

Immediately after, the black ink left its mark directly on the Void Realm.

A blurry character for “Righteous” was finally successfully inscribed on the Void Realm.

In an instant, that character for “Righteous,” imbued with an extremely potent righteous Qi, diffused out in a flash.

Buzz, buzz, buzz!!!

Between Heaven and Earth, clear, faint hums echoed, little by little.

The entire courtyard seemed to be enveloped by a surge of righteous Qi; moreover, when this righteous Qi enveloped Lu Sheng, he merely felt that his entire being’s spirit, Qi, and essence were completely sublimated at this moment.

It was as if he had fallen into a special state, where all negative emotions were swept away.

Meanwhile, beneath the stone pavilion, the Sage of Literature watched this scene indifferently.

He was already numb to Lu Sheng’s terrifying progress.

One day!

In just one day, his unique skill had already been learned by Lu Sheng.

It was only because Lu Sheng’s internal Confucian Qi was too little, not enough to support him in releasing more; otherwise, Lu Sheng’s progress would have been even faster.

The Sage of Literature had initially thought that if Lu Sheng could get started in half a month, it would be good enough, and he could then proceed with his own matters.

But who knew, it had only been one day.

It was too terrifying!

“Alright, you’ve been practicing all day, aren’t you tired?”

“Cultivation also requires a balance between work and rest!”

The Sage of Literature advised earnestly.

It wasn’t that he was afraid Lu Sheng would get tired, but rather that he was afraid if Lu Sheng made any more progress soon, his elderly heart wouldn’t be able to take it.

Listening to the Sage of Literature’s words, Lu Sheng chuckled, walked over to the Sage of Literature, picked up the tea he had prepared, and drank it all in one gulp.

“The methods of Confucian Dao are truly unique.”

“This righteous Qi seems to have an even stronger effect against the Gu poison of the Gu Demon Clan!”

Lu Sheng muttered to himself.

The Sage of Literature said indifferently, “Naturally. The Gu poison of the Gu Demon Clan all weaken our Martial Artist’s strength through negative emotions, affecting the Qi and blood within the Martial Artist’s body, and even the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi, as well as their inner negative emotions!”

“And we Confucian Dao powerhouses, with the Confucian Qi of sages, purify the mind; righteous Qi invigorates the spirit, making it a natural nemesis for such insidious methods!”

“Otherwise, why do you think there are so many Confucian Dao powerhouses in Shanhai City? They are guarding against the Ocean Gu Demon Clan!”

Lu Sheng nodded.

The Sage of Literature glanced at Lu Sheng and said indifferently, “If possible, don’t neglect your Confucian Dao Cultivation. Currently, your Confucian Qi is still too little, and the only technique you can use to slay enemies with a brush is the Ode to Righteousness. If you have the chance, read more books of sages; different books will have different effects on your ability to slay enemies with a brush!”

“Some are even comparable to the destructive power of Body Cultivators!”

“Any Sword Cultivator or other types of Cultivators can be handled by our Confucian Dao; as long as you read enough books of sages, we Confucian Dao powerhouses can be said to be all-rounders!”

As the Sage of Literature spoke, a proud expression appeared on his face.

Lu Sheng nodded. When he had observed the Sage of Literature in action before, he had noticed that although Confucian Qi was an extremely gentle energy, when the Sage of Literature unleashed the character for “Slaughter,” the entire courtyard seemed to be filled with Evil Qi, transforming into a battlefield.

This was not something an ordinary Martial Artist could achieve.

Of course, there was also the reason for the Sage of Literature’s profound Cultivation.

But even so, it was enough to illustrate how terrifying the methods of Confucian Dao powerhouses were.

However… although Confucian Dao powerhouses were powerful, the only Confucian Dao powerhouse with high Cultivation was the Sage of Literature.

The Cultivation of Confucian Dao was simply too difficult.

If Lu Sheng hadn’t drawn the “Heart of Confucianism,” he might not have embarked on the path of Confucian Dao.

But now… with Cultivation talents in three different directions, and the Hundredfold Amplification… even if he cultivated in all three directions simultaneously, Lu Sheng’s Cultivation speed would not fall behind.

Not to mention, Lu Sheng’s current Cultivation speed was already very advanced.

“Alright, that’s enough for today. From now on, God and Demon Contemplation, Confucian Dao Cultivation, Qi and blood Cultivation, Body Refining Cultivation, and even Sword Dao Cultivation, none can be neglected!”

The Sage of Literature looked at Lu Sheng and admonished him.

“Although it’s difficult, the path to Peak is inherently thorny; to achieve glory before others, one must pay more behind the scenes!”

Lu Sheng nodded. Since he had embarked on the path of the Apex Plan, it was bound to be much more complex and difficult.

However, he had the System.

These difficulties would not truly trouble Lu Sheng.

A moment later, Lu Sheng left the courtyard.

The Sage of Literature’s unique skill still required continuous improvement of Confucian Qi and slow practice; the God-Demon Contemplation Method also needed to temper his spirit, Qi, and essence little by little, which could not be rushed.

Next… he would probably need to stay in Shanhai City for a while longer… Time flowed by, little by little.

Lu Sheng spent another period of monotonous time in Shanhai City.

Guarding, Cultivating, training… it seemed to have become Lu Sheng’s sole occupation.

While Lu Sheng was enduring his monotonous routine, within the Great Xia Domain, an event that could be called the grandest of the year finally began!

The Martial Arts College Entrance Examination!

An extremely important event for all candidates in Great Xia.

Only by passing the Martial Arts College Entrance Examination could one leap over the Dragon Gate like a carp, and truly achieve the feat of a noble emerging from humble origins!

Countless Prodigies from Great Xia would also clash one by one in the Martial Arts College Entrance Examination at this moment.

And in this year's Martial Arts College Entrance Examination, perhaps due to the Human Race's Luck gradually improving, the number of Prodigies born this year was significantly higher than in previous years!

Even the rare occurrence of Prodigies reaching the Hundred Meridians Realm during the examination in past years saw several such individuals emerge this year!

In previous Martial Arts College Entrance Examinations, it was already very difficult for one or two candidates with Hundred Meridians Realm cultivation to appear in a year.

However, in this year's Martial Arts College Entrance Examination, there were as many as seven or eight!

Furthermore, one person had already reached the sixth layer of the Hundred Meridians Realm, successfully becoming the top candidate in this year's Martial Arts College Entrance Examination!

This caused a tremor throughout the entire Great Xia!

However, for Lu Sheng, who was already Cultivating in Shanhai City, the Martial Arts College Entrance Examination was merely a small additive to his monotonous life.

Regardless of what happened in the rear, Lu Sheng still had to continue doing what he was supposed to do.

After a full half month had passed.

Lu Sheng finally relied on his "Slaughter" talent to raise his Body Refining cultivation to the Late Stage of the sixth layer of Body Refining.

In frontline cities like Shanhai City, there was never a shortage of slaughter.

Killing each different Demon could enhance Lu Sheng's physique.

Although it was only a one ten-thousandth amplification, under the "Hundredfold Amplification," Lu Sheng's physique improved very rapidly.

Not only was his Body Refining cultivation enhanced, but his Qi and blood cultivation also advanced to the third layer of the Shackles Realm!

His Qi and blood even reached a terrifying eighty thousand points!

This was comparable to a Martial Artist at the eighth layer of the normal Shackles Realm.

Even the Confucian Qi in his Dantian, as his Cultivation speed accelerated and he acquired more resources, now accumulated to nearly three hundred wisps in Lu Sheng's Dantian.

The Sage of Literature's unique skill, with long-term practice, could also be released more quickly.

Even with the God-Demon Contemplation Method, Lu Sheng could now gaze directly at the God and Demon for over the time it takes an incense stick to burn.

He could even clearly see the distinct skin on the two terrifying God and Demon, with only their final faces remaining blurry.

It could be said that Lu Sheng's progress in this half month was truly terrifying... On the Shan Hai Great Wall, Lu Sheng stood at post 18, accompanied by the Shan Hai Army who had been guarding post 18 with him during this time.

Although the "Night Owl" team had already left, through their interactions during this period, Lu Sheng gradually became familiar with the Shan Hai Army members guarding post 18.

"Hey, I've finally realized, every time I see you, kid, you give me a different feeling. Your Cultivation talent... isn't it too terrifying!"

A bald middle-aged man, dressed in the Shan Hai Army uniform, sat down beside Lu Sheng and handed him a bottle of drink.

Lu Sheng accepted it without ceremony.

This middle-aged man was a member of the Shan Hai Army guarding post 18. Currently, the Second Special Team of the 99th Legion of the Shan Hai Army was guarding post 18 with Lu Sheng.

The Shan Hai Army's special teams were somewhat similar to the combat teams formed by the Star Academy.

They were like special forces within the Shan Hai Army; each special team was led by a Martial Artist who was at least in the Flying Heaven Realm, and their team members were at least at the Body Repository Realm of cultivation.

Although they couldn't compare to elite combat teams, they were considered a relatively good fighting force on this frontline defense line.

This bald middle-aged man was called Old Wang, just an ordinary member of the Second Special Team. He was now over thirty years old, with Body Repository Realm cultivation.

"Ah, speaking of which, I'm a bit envious of you young people!"

Old Wang sat beside Lu Sheng and suddenly sighed with emotion.

Lu Sheng turned his head to look at Old Wang and said with a smile, "Didn't you used to be young too? What's there to envy!"

Old Wang was startled, then smiled and said, "Indeed, people always get old, but after getting old, I sometimes miss the past."

"Although I can't go back, my daughter has grown up, and she will enjoy the scenery of youth for me!"

As he spoke, a look of happiness appeared on Old Wang's face.

"You have a daughter??"

Lu Sheng said with some surprise. He had a very good relationship with Old Wang during this time, but he had never heard that this guy actually had a daughter.

"Of course!"

Old Wang's face showed a proud expression. He pulled out a pocket watch from his in arms and opened it. On the pocket watch, there was a photo of a young girl.

In the photo, the girl smiled extremely brightly, and her whole being was full of sunshine.

"Look, this is my daughter!"

Old Wang held the pocket watch and placed it in front of Lu Sheng.

Lu Sheng looked at the girl in the photo, whose smile was as radiant as a flower. If Old Wang hadn't said it himself, he would have found it very difficult to connect the bright young girl in the photo with the bald middle-aged man in front of him.

"Very beautiful!"

Lu Sheng praised.

The pride on Old Wang's face grew even stronger.

"Of course, my daughter inherited her mother's good genes. There isn't a single boy in ten miles around who isn't infatuated with my girl!"

Old Wang smiled, but as his rough fingers caressed the photo, a hint of dimness also appeared in the depths of his eyes.

"Speaking of which, it's been a long time since I've seen my girl. Counting the time, by this time next year, my girl should be taking her college entrance examination."

Old Wang suddenly said something that made Lu Sheng fall silent.

Old Wang's words were undoubtedly a true portrayal of countless frontline soldiers.

They guarded the front lines, and it was basically very difficult for them to have time to go home. Some people, after coming to the front lines, never had the chance to go home again.

Such things were commonplace in frontline cities.

However... even so, every year, many Martial Artists still resolutely joined the military.

Because they knew that some things always had to be done by someone.

If they didn't do it, then what awaited them was the merciless butcher's knife of the different Demons.

Their families and friends, under the butcher's knife, no one could escape.

They came to the front line, guarding one side, perhaps their lives were constantly under threat.

But at least... their families and friends could live safely in the rear of Great Xia.

There were countless people like Old Wang on this front line.

However, whenever this topic was brought up, it always made people a bit silent.

Dong dong dong!!!

Suddenly, the yellow bell gently tolled.

Three rings, representing the invasion of Martial Artists at the highest Flying Heaven Realm!

The tolling of the yellow bell also broke the silence between the two. Old Wang quickly put the pocket watch back into his pocket, stood up, and said with a smile.

"Come on, let's compete again today to see who kills more different Demons. Damn it, last time I let you, kid, win, it was really a bit embarrassing!"

Old Wang smiled, yet a heroic spirit that did not belong to his age instantly burst from his body.

Lu Sheng grinned, revealing his snow-white teeth, and the blood-red Dragon Slayer Sword appeared in Lu Sheng's hand.

"Come on!"

Lu Sheng laughed loudly. He and Old Wang took a step forward, directly leaping down from the Shan Hai Great Wall, instantly rushing into the battlefield.

Facing the dense army of different Demons, the two instantly erupted with extreme killing power.

In an instant, the two were like meat grinders, instantly slaughtering patches of different Demons nearby.

A Martial Artist at the third layer of the Shackles Realm and one at the Body Repository Realm, dealing with different Demon invasions no higher than the Flying Heaven Realm, could easily kill countless different Demons.