144: Chapter 144 You're wasting your talent!

Chapter 144: You Are Wasting Your Talent!

He hadn't spent this past month idling around.

Having put in hard work in the library and the Cultivation Technique Legacy area, and combining his own personality traits and talent, he already had a target in mind.

With the thought of "getting it over with," Wang Shuo summoned his courage and quickly arrived at the edge of the main platform, facing the twelve Peak Masters with their vast Auras.

He took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping quickly across them. Without much hesitation, he walked straight to the front of the Lietian Peak Master and stood there respectfully.

He chose Lietian Peak.

The Lietian Peak Master's crimson eyebrows twitched slightly, seemingly surprised that this last-ranked Disciple would choose him so quickly, but he only gave a slight nod in confirmation.

From the Lietian Peak team watching in the distance, a burst of welcoming laughter and applause erupted.

Seeing Wang Shuo "land safely," Li Wen and the others from Jiangnan Province also breathed a sigh of relief.

Thus, the Peak Selection Ceremony officially began.

199th, 198th... Disciples stepped out one by one, standing before their preferred Peak Masters according to their long-considered choices.

In front of the main platform, the embryonic forms of twelve queues of varying lengths began to take shape.

Unsurprisingly, the number of people in front of the Lietian Peak Master took a commanding lead, quickly forming a sizable long line.

Peaks like Xingyan Peak and Bibo Peak, which had many inheritors, also had respectable numbers.

Meanwhile, in front of the Nine Heavens Peak Master—that aloof, black-robed Peak Master—it appeared exceptionally empty and desolate.

So far, no one had dared to step forward.

The "Nine Heavens Divine Body" passed down by Nine Heavens Peak was the foremost of Kindling University's twelve transcendent-grade Divine Demon methods. Its potential was unrivaled and its power vast, but it was also famous for its dangerous cultivation and extremely high threshold.

Countless brilliant Prodigies had hit a wall here, unable to make any progress, eventually forced to switch to other Divine Demon methods and wasting their prime cultivation period.

In the previous Peak Selection, not a single person chose Nine Heavens Peak, showing just how desolate it was.

For the dozen or so Marquis-level Divine Demons on the viewing platform and the senior Disciples watching from the periphery, seeing that empty queue had become a normal sight.

“—20th place, Chen Xing, step forward to choose a peak!”

The sonorous voice of the Marquis-level Expert presiding over the event echoed.

A Disciple of medium build took a deep breath and stepped out under the gaze of hundreds of eyes.

He didn't hesitate, heading straight for the front of the square with firm steps, passing the starlight-shimmering queue of Xingyan Peak and crossing the imposing line of Lietian Peak.

Finally, under the slightly surprised gazes of everyone below the platform, he stopped steadily in front of the Nine Heavens Peak Master's seat.

“Student Chen Xing wishes to join Nine Heavens Peak.”

The voice wasn't loud, yet it was like a stone thrown into a calm lake.

“Oh?”

“He actually chose Nine Heavens Peak?”

“Ranked 20th... he has courage, but...”

A buzz of discussion arose.

The senior Disciples of Nine Heavens Peak, those dozens of figures with heavy Auras who had seemed detached, finally showed a flicker of emotion in their eyes.

Although he was only ranked 20th, after successive disappointments, they finally saw a Junior Brother coming for them. Rare smiles appeared on their faces as they looked at each other and nodded in approval.

“Not bad, this Junior Brother has vision and doesn't just follow the crowd.”

“We finally have a newcomer. I hope he can hold out...”

On the main viewing platform, the gazes of the Marquis-level Experts also fell upon this spot.

Someone nodded slightly: “Ranked 20th, his ambition isn't low. Choosing Nine Heavens Peak shows commendable courage.”

Another shook his head calmly: “His Comprehension Ability and Heart-Nature are decent, but to Cultivate the Nine Heavens Divine Body... it's unlikely. In previous years, even Geniuses in the top five have failed miserably, let alone 20th place. Most likely, after struggling for a few years, he'll have to switch methods in dejection.”

The brief stir didn't last long.

Under everyone's gaze, the 20th-ranked Disciple stood before the Nine Heavens Peak Master's platform, becoming the first figure in that lonely queue.

Following that, one freshman after another stepped forward to choose a peak.

Whether out of fear of the Nine Heavens Divine Body's danger or a preference for more stable transcendent-grade methods, among the dozen or so who followed, not a single one chose Nine Heavens Peak.

As the queues for each peak grew larger, Nine Heavens Peak remained solitary, its desolation almost turning into invisible pressure.

Until— “3rd place, Fang Chenghong, step forward to choose a peak!”

These words seemed to have magic, instantly attracting the gaze of the entire field.

Fang Chenghong, 3rd on the gold rankings for this assessment, had a comprehensive strength that would have been enough to take 1st place in the previous session.

More famously, even before the assessment, he had publicly declared his goal—he would learn nothing but the Nine Heavens Divine Body.

The Marquis-level clan elder behind him, Fang Jingshan, was his biggest supporter and source of confidence.

Despite being mentally prepared, when Fang Chenghong truly stood tall and stepped forward under everyone's watchful eyes, the discussion in the field suddenly intensified.

“Here he comes! It's indeed Fang Chenghong!”

“3rd on the gold rankings, exceptional talent. I heard his Physical Body Foundation is extremely solid; perhaps he really has a chance?”

“The Nine Heavens Divine Body is too difficult. Even the Peak Master said that one cannot reach the entry-level without peerless Comprehension Ability and unrivaled will.”

“Although Fang Chenghong is strong, I'm afraid even he...”

“Psh, you don't understand! His Family must have made thorough preparations. Maybe they have secret techniques or resources to help him break through.”

Countless gazes followed his figure, a mix of speculation, expectation, and doubt.

Fang Chenghong was firm in his resolve, ignoring the discussions from all sides. His eyes were sharp, his steps steady as a rock, and his goal clear—straight for Nine Heavens Peak.

Under everyone's complex gazes, he finally walked to the Nine Heavens Peak Master's seat and said loudly, “Student Fang Chenghong wishes to join Nine Heavens Peak.”

“Good!” Before the Peak Master could speak, the senior Disciples of Nine Heavens Peak in the distance shouted in unison, their eyes shining with a long-suppressed light.

A 20th-ranked newcomer and a top-tier 3rd-place finisher—for Nine Heavens Peak, whose newcomers were nearly extinct, this was already an unexpected pleasant surprise.

The Nine Heavens Peak Master, who had always maintained a cold face, finally showed a microscopic crack in his eternal icy expression, revealing approval and expectation.

He gave Fang Chenghong a nearly imperceptible nod, his gaze carrying a hint of encouragement for the first time.

The joy didn't last long, as immediately followed— “2nd place, Du Yun, step forward to choose a peak!”

As soon as this name was called, the atmosphere was instantly pushed to a climax.

Du Yun, 2nd on the gold rankings. Even more shocking was that on the eve of the Peak Selection Ceremony, news that his spear technique had successfully entered the Concept stage had already spread like wildfire among the freshmen.

To comprehend Spear Intent right after entering the school—this level of Comprehension Ability and talent was unrivaled in recent sessions, except for that peerless Prodigy who suppressed an entire generation, Ling Feng.

For such a Genius with a nascent Spear Intent, his future path should have been infinitely bright. Logically, peaks like Lietian Peak or Xingyan Peak, which focused on techniques and the path of the stars, would be the best places for him to fulfill his great ambitions.

However, under everyone's bated breath, Du Yun's expression was resolute as he stepped forward without hesitation.

He didn't walk toward any of the popular long queues, but instead also headed toward that empty Nine Heavens Peak queue.

“What?!”

“Du Yun?! He's also choosing Nine Heavens Peak?!!!”

“Crazy! Is everyone crazy?! A Genius who comprehended Spear Intent is also running to Nine Heavens Peak?”

“If he fails to Cultivate the Nine Heavens Divine Body, won't his powerful Spear Intent talent be wasted for nothing?!”

The entire square was like boiling oil splashed with water, instantly coming to a complete boil!

Exclamations, questions, and sounds of people sucking in cold air in disbelief rang out together.

This choice was beyond everyone's expectations. If Fang Chenghong's choice was expected, Du Yun's move was simply earth-shattering.

On the main platform, the twelve King-rank Peak Masters all focused their gazes on Du Yun.

Their Primordial Spirit cultivation had reached at least the third level; the news of Du Yun's nascent Spear Intent being discussed by the crowd naturally couldn't escape their perception.

The Lietian Peak Master's gaze, which had been full of appreciation and expectation for Du Yun, couldn't help but flicker with a trace of shock and heavy regret.

The Xingyan Peak Master also sighed slightly.

Such a precocious weapon Concept Genius, if carefully polished at Lietian Peak or Xingyan Peak, might have become a pillar at the Peak Master level in the future.

Yet he had to plunge headfirst into the most difficult and dangerous Nine Heavens Peak.

The white-haired Principal in the main seat moved his deep gaze slightly, seemingly seeing through the burning Battle Intent in Du Yun's eyes—a refusal to be second to anyone and a desire to challenge the limit with the most difficult method—yet his face remained calm and rippleless.

The senior Disciples of Nine Heavens Peak were actually a bit dazed now; happiness had come too suddenly.

One Fang Chenghong was already an unexpected joy, and now this 2nd-place Gold Ranking Genius who comprehended Spear Intent, Du Yun, was also coming?

“Good, good, good! Junior Brother Du has unique vision! If the Nine Heavens Divine Body is achieved, his future will be even more limitless!” A senior Disciple of Nine Heavens Peak in the distance growled excitedly, for fear that Du Yun would back out.

Under Fang Chenghong's equally surprised gaze, Du Yun stood steadily before the Nine Heavens Peak Master's seat: “Student Du Yun wishes to join Nine Heavens Peak!”

His voice was steady, carrying an unquestionable determination.

The Peak Master looked at Du Yun, his gaze complex for a moment.

Gaining a Concept Genius was a blessing for any sparsely populated peak lineage.

But it was also a responsibility. The failure rate of the Nine Heavens Divine Body was too high. Du Yun choosing this path meant, in a sense, giving up stability to gamble on a slim possibility.

But he could not refuse the Disciple's own choice.

“Granted.” The Nine Heavens Peak Master's voice was as brief and cold as ever, yet it seemed to carry a trace of weight that wasn't there before.

Du Yun gave a solemn salute and stood beside Fang Chenghong.

The uproar in the square had not yet subsided, as massive expectation and deeper doubt converged on the final person.

“1st place, Li Wen, step forward to choose a peak!”

All voices lowered at this moment, and countless gazes focused like physical substance on that seemingly ordinary young figure in the viewing area.

Below the platform.

“Li Wen is coming! What will he choose?”

“He'll definitely go to Lietian Peak, right? Lietian Peak has many people and abundant resources.”

“Xingyan Peak is also possible; the path of stellar deduction might fit his peerless Spiritual Sense.”

“Even Du Yun went to Nine Heavens Peak. Li Wen is so strong, could he also...”

“How is that possible! Li Wen is 1st in the assessment with two peerless ratings! He'd have to be out of his mind to choose that Nine Heavens Divine Body with its slim success rate! Lietian Peak is absolutely the first choice!”

Amidst the flurry of discussion, Li Wen's expression was calm as he slowly rose and stepped onto the open space in front of the platform.

His steps were neither hurried nor slow, and his gaze was steady.

Under everyone's watch, he walked toward the direction of the massive Lietian Peak queue, which was ranked second after Nine Heavens Peak.

Seeing Li Wen move toward Lietian Peak, many new and senior Disciples in the Lietian Peak queue already had certain and joyful smiles on their faces.

Some impatient senior Disciples even began celebrating in low voices: “It's a lock! Haha, the top student is ours at Lietian Peak again!”

“As expected of the number one, he knows how to choose the optimal path!”

—”

The Lietian Peak Master sat on the high platform, a clear look of approval appearing on his majestic face. His gaze toward Li Wen was like admiring a piece of peerless uncut jade about to be meticulously carved, as if this Genius Disciple would join his sect in the next moment.

However, Li Wen's steps didn't stop at all in front of the Lietian Peak queue! He didn't even turn his head to look at the crowd already prepared to welcome him!

One step, two steps... his figure went straight past that long dragon of a queue.

What is he doing?!

Buzz— Just as the thought of doubt arose in everyone's hearts, an even more incredible conjecture exploded like a thunderclap.

“Wait! He... he wouldn't also...”

A sharp voice, filled with disbelief, erupted from some corner like a lit fuse.

“No way?! Li Wen is also choosing Nine Heavens Peak?!”

“Good heavens!!”

The focus of the entire square's vision was locked tightly onto that figure who was still steadily advancing.

In front of the Nine Heavens Peak queue, the newly arrived Fang Chenghong and Du Yun also had intense shock and a trace of unspeakable complexity burst from their eyes.

The senior Disciples of Nine Heavens Peak in the distance all held their breath, their hearts nearly stopping.

On the main platform, the Nine Heavens Peak Master's cold gaze showed a clear tremor for the first time, and he subconsciously looked toward the white-haired Principal in the main seat.

Under the extreme silence that could almost solidify the air and the focus of thousands of gazes, Li Wen finally stopped his steps.

Before him was the Nine Heavens Peak Master, who sat at the head of the main platform with an Aura as deep as the sea.

He stood still, looked up with clear and firm eyes, and said loudly to the giant on the platform who held the transcendent-grade Divine Demon method: “Student Li Wen wishes to join Nine Heavens Peak!”

Boom—!!!

After a brief, absolute silence, the entire Wudao Peak square erupted like a volcano suppressed to its limit!

Whoosh!!!!—

Shock! Absolute shock!

Exclamations and discussions like a tsunami instantly swept through every corner.

All Disciples, whether freshmen or seniors, had expressions that were incredibly vivid—shock, bewilderment,

lack of understanding, admiration, thinking he was foolish, or believing he was too arrogant—all sorts of emotions mixed together, eventually forming a roaring storm of discussion.

“Li Wen also chose Nine Heavens Peak?!!”

“The... the top three all went?!!!”

“My God! It's crazy! Everyone's gone crazy! The top three on the gold rankings all ran to Nine Heavens Peak?! Do they think the Nine Heavens Divine Body is as common as cabbage?!”

“Li Wen! The top Genius with two peerless evaluations in three assessments! He's giving up the bright paths of Lietian Peak and Xingyan Peak to venture onto that path of certain death?!”

“If he fails to Cultivate it, won't his top-tier talent be completely wasted?!”

“Too impulsive! Too unwise!”

On the viewing platform, the dozen or so Marquis-level Experts could no longer maintain their composure. The gazes they exchanged were filled with unspeakable shock and deep worry.

“Li Wen... he actually chose Nine Heavens Peak too?!”

“Nonsense! This is absolute nonsense! The top three are all running to Cultivate the most difficult transcendent-grade Divine Demon body? Are they treating their own talent like a joke?” A Marquis-level Expert from the Lietian Peak lineage couldn't help but growl out.

“The top three are the most exquisite seeds of this generation of Kindling University. If they all stumble at Nine Heavens Peak—the loss would be too great!”

>