154: Chapter 154 Li Wen Enters the Stage; Third Level of Primordial Spirit (10,000 words)

Chapter 154: Li Wen Takes the Stage; Primordial Spirit Level 3 (10,000 Words)

He didn't expose the truth, simply raising his wine cup as usual: "Disciples of Nine Heavens Peak!"

"Present!" The members of Nine Heavens Peak, including Li Wen, responded in unison.

"The road ahead is perilous, but we Face it without regret even if we die nine deaths! May you all advance without cease and together defend the path of humanity!" Peak Master Fang Qinghan's voice was low and powerful.

"Nine deaths without regret! Together defend the path of humanity!" The people of Nine Heavens Peak raised their wine cups high, their voices perfectly synchronized, carrying a tragic and resolute determination.

Li Wen's voice blended in among them; feeling that conviction, the blood and Qi within his body accelerated slightly.

The Peak Masters did not stay for long.

After symbolically sharing a cup with the Disciples of their respective peaks, the Principal gave a brief speech of encouragement. Then, the dozen or so Marquis-level Experts faded away just as they had arrived, vanishing silently from the high platform.

Many Disciples were still excitedly discussing their thrill at seeing the Peak Masters, but a few top-tier students noticed something unusual.

The speed of their departure seemed faster than in previous years? Moreover, the Auras of the Peak Masters vaguely carried a sense of travel-worn haste.

Li Wen's brow furrowed imperceptibly.

His Primordial Spirit had reached the second level, and his spiritual perception far exceeded that of his peers.

In the fluctuations of the Peak Masters' quiet departure, he had faintly caught a very weak trace of—

The scent of blood?

There was also that almost tangible iron-blooded Evil Qi, as if they had just stepped off a battlefield of mountains of corpses and seas of blood and hadn't had time to fully restrain it.

"An illusion?" The thought flashed through Li Wen's mind.

"Brother Wen, what are you dazing off for? Come, come, try this. It's the handiwork of the Kindling chefs!"

Fang Chenghong enthusiastically brought over a large platter of exotic beast meat—a specialty he had just ordered from the shimmering holographic menu—interrupting Li Wen's thoughts.

"Oh? Alright." Li Wen hid the strange look in his eyes, putting on a smile again as he joined the rare, mundane bustle of the world.

However, that trace of blood with its metallic tang and the faint sense of urgency were like stones thrown into a lake; they had ultimately created ripples that could not be completely smoothed over.

He raised his wine cup. As the clear liquid went down his throat, the Principal's seemingly ordinary but weighty parting words churned in his heart: "For the future of the Human Race, so that the Kindling flame never dies—"

The clamor of the New Year's Eve gala did not cool down with the departure of the Principal and the Peak Masters.

The lights of Wudao Peak's plaza were brilliant, the fragrance of food wafted through the air, and the laughter of the Disciples wove together into a warm ocean of holiday cheer.

The stage area was quickly cleared, and several Senior Disciples of the Flying Star Rank, wearing training robes, stood in the center to introduce the upcoming traditional entertainment program.

"Brothers and sisters, look over here, look over here!" The Senior Brother hosting the event was a Senior Flying Star Rank Disciple from Lietian Peak named Zhou Yi. His voice was booming, filled with the energy of someone trying to liven up the atmosphere. "The annual New Year's Eve staple—'Aura Radiance Struggle'—is about to begin! Newbies who haven't played before, listen up. I'll explain the rules first."

He pointed to a floating, watermelon-sized, dark metal ball in the center of the field and introduced: "This is it. What you need to do is mobilize the 'God-Fiend Aura' you've gained from cultivating Super-grade methods, condense it into a rope, wrap it around this ball from a distance, and pull it toward your side! Whichever peak's Disciple can pull the ball into their area's line wins!"

"What's the key?" Zhou Yi held up his index finger, his voice rising. "Quality! The higher the level of the Super-grade method you Cultivate, the purer that God-Fiend Aura will be, and the tougher the condensed rope! No matter how strong you are, if your Aura isn't pure or thick enough, it'll snap as soon as you pull! Understand?"

The rules were clear and simple, sparking a wave of eager discussion and excited shouts among the young Disciples below the stage.

"We'll play in two rounds!" Zhou Yi continued to announce. "In the first round, our Flying Star Rank Senior Brothers and sisters will set the example! Show you what high-end operations look like! In the second round, it'll be time for you Super Martial Artists to show off your skills! Each of the twelve peaks will send one representative. Now, please welcome the Flying Star Rank representatives from each peak!"

By the side of the field, figures moved within the Flying Star Rank area.

On Nine Heavens Peak's side, Gu Yan crossed his arms and simply shook his head with a smile.

Clearly, an occasion like this didn't require an Eldest Senior Brother like him to personally take the field.

Soon, a lean and capable Senior Disciple stood up; his name was Zhao Feng.

"Let Senior Brother Zhao Feng go!" a Nine Heavens Peak Disciple shouted. "He broke through back then with the sixth level in Perfection!"

The other peaks were similar. Lietian Peak sent a burly man with a powerful Aura, while Xingyan Peak sent a Senior Sister with a calm temperament. None were the top Disciples of their respective peaks, but they weren't weak either.

"Twelve people, get ready—" Zhou Yi gave the command.

In an instant, twelve beams of light of different colors and intensities shot out from twelve directions, accurately landing on the Profound Steel ball in the center.

Those weren't actual rays of light, but the instantaneous manifestation of highly condensed God-Fiend Aura.

Crimson, platinum, azure, deep purple—various colors of 'Aura ropes' seemed to possess lives of their own as they firmly embedded themselves into the ball's interior.

Buzz! Almost the moment the Auras locked on, the heavy Profound Steel ball was jerked violently as if by an invisible giant hand. It boomed, frantically darting left and right, flying up and down in mid-air.

"Whoa!" The new Disciples let out a chorus of exclamations.

"To the east! Oh! It's been pulled back to the west again!"

"Look at that Senior Brother from Lietian Peak, so fierce!"

The Profound Steel ball was like a spinning top being pulled by twelve bulls, shooting around at high speed without any pattern.

One second it was being yanked toward Lietian Peak by a crimson Aura, the next it was forcibly pulled back by a deep purple rope, and then it was snared by the Xingyan Peak Senior Sister's azure Aura and led upward.

The speed grew faster and faster, almost leaving afterimages. A piercing whistling sound of breaking air echoed.

This was not just a contest of strength, but an extreme test of control over God-Fiend Aura! A single slip-up or a moment of Aura turbulence could cause the rope to lose control.

"This is the true clash of experts."

Wang Shuo, whose Lietian Peak was right next to Nine Heavens Peak, gulped as he watched.

As the minutes passed, the competition became a test of foundation and endurance.

Crack—Bang!

A faint crisp sound broke the deadlock.

One of the weaker ropes, under another massive pull, was stretched to its limit and suddenly snapped.

The Flying Star Rank Disciple it belonged to swayed slightly and withdrew their hand with some embarrassment.

"The first person is out!" the new Disciples discussed fervently.

A chain reaction followed.

With one gap opened, the pressure on the remaining ropes suddenly increased.

Bang! Bang bang! One after another, the sounds of snapping echoed.

One by one, the 'ropes' wrapped around the Profound Steel ball burst apart, vanishing like brilliant but short-lived fireworks.

The Senior Flying Star Rank Disciples, one after another, showed expressions of helplessness or bitter smiles as they withdrew their Auras and exited the competition.

In less than three minutes, only three ropes remained on the field: Zhao Feng's deep purple, the Lietian Peak burly man's crimson, and—

The Xingyan Peak Senior Sister's azure.

"It's the three-way battle between Nine Heavens, Lietian, and Star Evolution again."

"All three broke through to Flying Star at the sixth level of Perfection, but Senior Brother Zhao Feng has the Nine Heavens Divine Body, so he's likely a cut above."

"The one from Lietian Peak is Senior Brother Qi, he's also formidable! Senior Sister Zheng from Xingyan Peak is skilled in control and has great endurance!"

Disciples below the stage called out the identities and strengths of the three.

The final struggle was even more tense and intense, as the three powerful Auras locked onto the Profound Steel ball in a frantic tug-of-war.

The Profound Steel ball was like a trapped beast, vibrating violently under the tearing of the three massive forces and letting out a dull roar. It would lean toward Nine Heavens Peak at one moment, only to be pulled back to the center line by Lietian Peak the next. The azure Aura of Xingyan Peak was like a resilient vine, constantly wearing down the momentum of the other two and looking for an opportunity.

After a stalemate lasting a full half-minute, purple light flashed in Senior Brother Zhao Feng's eyes. Deep purple Aura surged from his entire body, and the Nine Heavens Divine Chains wrapped around the Profound Steel ball instantly solidified by a margin, erupting with overwhelming force.

Sizzle! The ear-piercing friction of clashing energies could almost be heard.

The Profound Steel ball was violently yanked toward the Nine Heavens Peak area by this sudden eruption of power. Although Senior Brother Qi's crimson Aura and Senior Sister Zheng's azure Aura were still pulling with all their might, they were ultimately half a beat too slow.

Thud! The Profound Steel ball smashed heavily onto the ground within the Nine Heavens Peak area.

"We won!" Deafening cheers instantly erupted from the Nine Heavens Peak side, with many Disciples jumping up in excitement.

Zhou Yi announced loudly: "Flying Star Rank group, the winner of the first round—Junior Brother Zhao Feng of Nine Heavens Peak! Congratulations!"

Applause and cheers instantly flooded the entire plaza, and the atmosphere of the New Year's Eve gala was thoroughly ignited.

Amidst the cheers, Disciples from other peaks began to whisper: "At the same level, Nine Heavens Peak Disciples are indeed generally superior."

"But I heard their Super Martial Artist group isn't doing so well. It was fine when those geniuses like Li Wen were Drawing Lightning into the Body, but now the Disciples below the Flying Star Rank look quite lacking. It feels like a bit of a generational gap."

These words reached the ears of the Nine Heavens Peak Disciples, making them feel a bit embarrassed despite their excitement.

"Alright." Zhou Yi waved his hand for silence. "The Flying Star Senior Brothers and sisters have given us a great start. Next, it's time for the Super Martial Artist Junior Brothers and sisters to show their stuff! Who's first?"

His gaze swept toward the area where the Super Martial Artist Disciples were gathered, especially the new and old Super Martial Artists of the major peaks.

On Nine Heavens Peak's side, Li Wen sat calmly, peeling a strangely shaped nut, with no intention of taking the field at all.

Du Yun nudged his arm: "Aren't you going? Win some Face for our Nine Heavens Peak? Our peak just took first in the Flying Star round, so the pressure is even higher now."

Li Wen slowly swallowed the nut and took a sip of his drink before whispering: "What's the rush? Many Senior Brothers and sisters in the peak are still Super Martial Artists; let them go first."

His gaze swept over several eager Senior Disciples around him.

Sure enough, for the first group of Super Martial Artists, a steady-looking Senior Disciple from Nine Heavens Peak quickly stood up.

His name was He Qiang, and he had just reached the sixth level of the Nine Heavens Divine Body.

The contestants sent by the other peaks were mostly around this level as well.

"Second round, begin!" Zhou Yi ordered.

Compared to the lightning-fast and intense scene of the Flying Star Rank, this group appeared—much more simple and unadorned.

Twelve 'ropes' of God-Fiend Aura, noticeably thinner and much less condensed than those of the Flying Star Rank, wrapped around the Profound Steel ball.

The ball moved, and its speed was fast, but it was far from having the space-tearing pressure of the Flying Star Rank group.

The confrontation between the pulls was more like a slow-motion replay.

The gap in the quality of the God-Fiend Aura was visible to the naked eye.

Many ropes visibly trembled during the tugging, showing a lack of resilience.

The result was without suspense, and a winner was quickly decided.

Xingyan Peak, relying on a Disciple who had practiced their peak's Super-grade method to a higher level, finally dragged the Profound Steel ball back to their area.

The Xingyan Peak Disciples cheered.

Meanwhile, Senior Brother He Qiang of Nine Heavens Peak placed second. His purple Aura rope had been interfered with and snapped by another strong Aura at the last moment, falling short of success.

"What a pity." Chen Xing, sitting next to Li Wen, shook his head with a bit of regret. "Senior Brother He was just a little bit away."

The discussions in the stands grew louder: "The Disciples of Nine Heavens Peak at the Super Martial Artist stage are still a bit lacking; they're not as good as the Disciples at the Flying Star Rank stage."

"True, it feels like there's a bit of a generational gap."

People from other peaks were discussing fervently.

"Second round of Super Martial Artist competition, begin!" Zhou Yi didn't delay.

This time, Nine Heavens Peak sent Ma Hao, a lean Senior Disciple with sharp eyes, who had also comprehended the Nine Heavens Divine Body to the sixth level.

The process was similar; he held on until the last two, but the God-Fiend Aura of the Disciple sent by Chiyan Peak was quite heavy. With a burst of power, they directly snapped Ma Hao's rope and won easily.

"Haha, first place this time belongs to my Chiyan Peak!" The area around Chiyan Peak was a scene of jubilation.

Two consecutive second-place finishes made the atmosphere at the Nine Heavens Peak seats a bit awkward, and the joy brought by the previous Flying Star Rank victory faded considerably.

At the other peak seats, the discussions became more obvious, even mixed with well-meaning teasing: "Nine Heavens Peak's Flying Star Rank is still strong, but their Super Martial Artist level—that's quite a bit worse!"

"Indeed, for Disciples below the Flying Star Rank to not even take a single first place, it feels like there's a talent gap."

The Disciples of Nine Heavens Peak felt quite embarrassed, and even Du Yun and Fang Chenghong frowned.

Following an elite route meant having fewer people, but the quality of each Disciple should theoretically be higher.

Losing two consecutive Super Martial Artist rounds was truly a blow to their Face, and the talk of a talent gap stung everyone's hearts like a thorn.

Zhou Yi's slightly smiling voice traveled clearly through the amplification array across the bustling Wudao Peak square: "Aura Radiance Struggle, third round—Super Martial Artist group. Disciples from each peak, please step forward!"

As soon as he finished speaking, figures immediately stepped out from the Ranks of the other eleven peaks, quickly walking into the central area to surround the floating Black Steel metal ball.

Each of them had a steady Aura, clearly the elite Disciples of their respective peaks with impressive cultivation in the Super Martial Artist Realm.

Over at Nine Heavens Peak, they were still quietly discussing whom to send into battle.

There were already few Disciples at the Super Martial Artist level, and those who had made rapid progress in cultivating the Nine Heavens Divine Body were even fewer.

However, when they clearly saw the opponents already standing on the field, the few Nine Heavens Peak Disciples who were about to volunteer instinctively paused.

Senior Brother He Qiang's gaze was sharp as he whispered, "It's Huang Yong from Lietian Peak and Lin Wei from Xingyan Peak! I know these two; the Lietian Divine Body and Star Evolution Divine Body they specialize in have both reached the 6th Level Perfection. They're just waiting to Breakthrough to the Flying Star Rank."

"What? 6th Level Perfection?" A Junior Brother nearby changed color slightly. "No wonder their Aura looks different."

Another Nine Heavens Peak Disciple sighed helplessly, his voice low but filled with deep worry: "Sigh, our peak has too few people. Among the brothers below the Flying Star Rank, Senior Brother Wang and the other powerful ones just broke through to the Flying Star Rank. Among those left, very few have actually comprehended the 6th Level of the Nine Heavens Divine Body, let alone Perfection—Senior Brother Gu, in this situation, it's risky no matter who we send. I'm afraid it will be hard to win."

Gu Yan's brow furrowed slightly as he quickly scanned his own camp.

He Qiang was right; though the remaining few were diligent, the highest cultivation progress in the Nine Heavens Divine Body was only at the 6th Level Middle Stage. It was indeed difficult to match those two experts on the field whose Auras were harmonious and had clearly reached the 6th Level Perfection Realm.

Just then, Disciples from adjacent peaks waiting to watch the show noticed Nine Heavens Peak's hesitation.

A hearty Senior Brother from Chiyan Peak laughed across the crowd, his voice neither too loud nor too soft: "Hahaha, it seems the brothers from Nine Heavens Peak aren't in top form today!"

The words were meant as well-meaning teasing, but they made the Nine Heavens Peak crowd even more embarrassed, feeling as though they were losing Face.

Behind and to the side of the stage, the veteran Flying Star Rank Disciples who had been casually watching the battle were also drawn by the commotion.

Senior Brother Qi from Lietian Peak, along with several other powerhouses on the Flying Star gold rankings, turned their gazes over with interest, wanting to see how Nine Heavens Peak would handle this talent gap.

Amidst this atmosphere mixed with expectation, teasing, and a hint of distress, a figure slowly set down the energy drink cup in his hand, his movement so slight it was almost unnoticeable.

However, when he looked up, the hearts of Du Yun and the others sitting next to him jumped.

They saw that the usually steady and deep light in Li Wen's eyes had been restrained, replaced by a kind of pure sharpness.

An invisible pressure was quietly diffusing from him as his gaze changed, causing several nearby Disciples to unconsciously feel a pang of heart palpitations.

Li Wen's state of mind was perfectly calm.

Although this "Aura Radiance Struggle" was a New Year's Eve entertainment program, behind the scenes, it was also an invisible public verification of strength among the Disciples of the twelve peaks.

Nine Heavens Peak, the gathering place of the top three on the gold rankings and the birthplace of legends among new Disciples—its prestige could not be allowed to be looked down upon on such an occasion.

His voice was very steady and his tone indifferent, as if he were just going to complete a most ordinary task: "Senior Brother Gu, let me try this round."

"Junior Brother Li?!"

Li Wen's action of standing up drew the gazes of all the Nine Heavens Peak Disciples.

Seeing that it was him, everyone's reactions immediately became complex.

Some were delighted—at last, someone was willing to step up and save the situation. With Li Wen's reputation, even if he lost, it wouldn't be too shameful.

More were worried—it was true that Junior Brother Li Wen's talent was transcendent, but his cultivation time was simply too short.

A month ago, he had only just broken through to the 6th Level of the Nine Heavens Divine Body.

Going from just entering the 6th Level to 6th Level Perfection in a mere month? That was simply a fantasy.

They felt that Junior Brother Li Wen was likely still lingering in the Middle or Late Stage of the 6th Level. Against those two 6th Level Perfection experts, Huang Yong of Lietian Peak and Lin Wei of Xingyan Peak, who had polished their skills for a long time and had harmonious Auras, his chances of winning were truly slim.

"Junior Brother Li, you—what Realm have you reached in your comprehension now?" He Qiang couldn't help but ask, his voice carrying a hint of inquiry and skepticism.

This represented the inner thoughts of the vast majority of Nine Heavens Peak Disciples at this moment.

"I remember very clearly that just over a month ago, he had only just broken through to the 6th Level of the Nine Heavens Divine Body," another veteran Disciple whispered to the person next to him. "Even with his inhuman cultivation speed, I estimate he's at the 6th Level Late Stage at most right now."

"Late Stage..." someone in the crowd chimed in, their tone filled with regret. "If it's the Late Stage, there's still a bit of hope. If it's only the Middle Stage, facing those three who are already at Perfection—"

"Sigh, if only Senior Brother Wang and the others hadn't broken through to the Flying Star Rank. With their 6th Level Perfection Realm, taking first place would have been as easy as turning over a hand. It's a pity that our peak doesn't have a single 6th Level Perfection Disciple below the Flying Star Rank right now."

Though the discussions were quiet, they clearly conveyed a pessimistic mood.

Gu Yan's gaze also quickly swept over Li Wen's Face. After seeing the calm and firm light in the other's eyes, although he also found it hard to believe, as the eldest Senior Brother, he had to make a prompt decision at this moment.

He quickly looked around, confirming there were indeed no other strong candidates left below the Flying Star Rank, and finally nodded: "Alright! Junior Brother Li, I'll leave this round to you! Just do your best."

"Mhm." Li Wen nodded without unnecessary words and stepped forward toward the center of the square with composure.

Under the convergence of countless gazes, he took his place for Nine Heavens Peak, standing together with the eleven other Super Martial Artist Disciples from the other peaks around that floating Black Steel metal ball.

His appearance instantly caused an even greater stir than before.

"Look! Nine Heavens Peak sent Li Wen!"

"Didn't they say he just broke through to the 6th Level a month ago? Facing three 6th Level Perfections, he seems completely unfazed."

"Now this is a show! Will the Genius create a miracle, or will he be suppressed due to lack of experience?"

"Hard to say. Huang Yong of Lietian Peak and Lin Wei of Xingyan Peak are both solid 6th Level Perfections! No matter how good Junior Brother Li Wen's talent is, the time has been a bit too short—"

The discussions at the edge of the field buzzed, with gazes full of curiosity, expectation, and a hint of doubt.

Lietian Peak's Huang Yong, a young Disciple with a sturdy build and a condensed Aura, showed a somewhat serious smile after clearly seeing Li Wen's appearance. He spoke out loudly: "Junior Brother Li Wen, I have long heard of your great name! However, since this is a competition, I won't hold back later, so please don't blame me, Junior Brother."

Lin Wei and several other top-tier Disciples also looked solemn, treating Li Wen as a formidable opponent that needed to be taken seriously.

Facing Huang Yong's well-meaning challenge and the scrutinizing or curious gazes of the others, Li Wen just calmly bowed slightly toward Huang Yong and gave a faint smile: "Please guide me, Senior Brother."

For a moment, the atmosphere became even more tense and expectant.

"Fourth round, begin!" Zhou Yi's clear shout fell.

The twelve Super Martial Artist Realm Disciples from different peaks on the field all narrowed their eyes almost simultaneously.

"Buzz!"

Various colors of God-Devil Auras instantly erupted from their bodies, transforming into colorful breath ropes of different shapes that shot like lightning toward the central floating Black Steel ball.

Most of the ropes were relatively thin, with flickering light, showing varying levels of control; the condensation and strength of their Auras were still ordinary.

However, a few of the Aura ropes were particularly eye-catching.

In front of Lietian Peak's Huang Yong, a dark golden Aura rope, as solid as a real metal chain, emitted a sharp intent that seemed to tear through everything, instantly locking onto one side of the Black Steel ball.

Immediately after, above Xingyan Peak's Lin Wei's head, a deep star-blue airflow condensed into a beam. It was equally thick and sturdy, as if it contained endless stellar gravity, wrapping around with powerful traction.

From another direction, another 6th Level Perfection Disciple from Zhenyue Peak also manifested an earthy yellow Aura rope, heavy and solid, full of power.

As soon as these three Aura ropes appeared, whether it was their visible thickness, their solid-like luster, or the stable toughness and latent majestic power they emitted that far surpassed others, they immediately put the other ropes on the field to shame.

Like three iron chains, they took dominance as soon as they appeared.

Just as everyone's gazes were drawn to these three powerful Perfection-level Aura ropes, secretly admiring their power and instinctively glancing at the newly arrived Li Wen to see how his condensed rope would pale in comparison—BOOM!!

A low hum, like muffled thunder rolling across the sky, exploded without warning from Li Wen's position.

It wasn't a violent outward release, but a shock brought by a terrifying sense of condensation formed by extreme compression of fearsome power originating from the very depths of life's Origin.

In an instant, a brilliant pillar of light soared from Li Wen's body. It didn't shoot straight into the sky, but instead, in front of him, with an almost solidified posture, it instantly condensed into a rope.

Its diameter actually exceeded that of a baby's arm, being several points thicker than the Perfection-level ropes of Huang Yong and Lin Wei.

It overall displayed a chaotic and profound deep purple, containing endless destruction and rebirth.

Deep within the purple, it was as if billions of fine, heart-palpitating purple-gold lightning serpents were winding, flowing,

Twining, and roaring.

The entire rope was no longer an illusory Aura, but was condensed as if cast from divine iron that had been tempered a thousand times, smooth, sleek, and with sharp edges.

Even the tiny electrical ions escaping into the air were forcibly bound by the terrifying gravity and pressure emitted by this rope, adsorbing to the surface of the rope and dancing with flashes.

This wasn't some "rope of Aura" at all.

This was clearly a living Nine Heavens Divine Chains, condensed entirely from the purest God-Devil Origin Lightning Evil Power.

Time seemed to freeze at this moment.

After a brief, heart-stopping absolute silence—"Hiss!!"

"What is that?!"

"Impossible! This Aura—he must have comprehended up to the 7th Level?!"

"Is this—is this—the 7th Level of the Nine Heavens Divine Body?"

The entire Wudao Peak square was like a powder keg being lit.

Incredible screams and the sound of frantic gasps for air erupted like a surging tsunami.

Thousands of Disciples suddenly stood up, craning their necks and staring fixedly at that terrifying purple divine chain spanning between Li Wen and the Black Steel ball, with everyone's Face written with the same word—SHOCK!

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

Senior Brother Qi from Lietian Peak, Senior Sister Zheng from Xingyan Peak, and that bold Senior Brother from Chiyan Peak—all the Flying Star Rankings experts who had originally been watching the battle with a relaxed, slightly condescending attitude—felt the leisurely smiles on their Faces vanish without a trace.

In their place was a look of solemnity and shock, their pupils dilating violently, some even leaning slightly forward.

Watching that Nine Heavens Divine Chains, they could clearly perceive the level of energy contained within it; it had absolutely reached the Seventh Stage!

The Nine Heavens Peak Disciple seating area.

"Pfft!" The Disciple who had just been sighing that "our peak doesn't have anyone at the Sixth Stage Perfection" dropped the drink cup in his hand, letting it shatter on the ground, completely oblivious to the liquid splashing all over himself.

His mouth was agape wide enough to fit a duck egg, his eyes bulged like copper bells, and he pointed a trembling finger toward the arena, his throat emitting indistinct, clucking sounds.

Senior Brother He Qiang was frozen stiff, as if turned to stone.

Beside him, Gu Yan, this steady Senior Brother, had eyes filled with shock that churned like a tangible storm.

He had considered that Li Wen might have some hidden trump card, even fantasized that the other party could create a miracle and touch the threshold of the Sixth Stage Perfection, but this scene, which transcended the scope of his understanding, completely shattered his perception.

How could this be Perfection? This was clearly—was—having comprehended up to the Seventh Stage.

And Huang Yong of Lietian Peak, who had just boasted that he would not hold back, found the ease and seriousness on his Face already shattered.

He stared fixedly at that Nine Heavens Divine Chains, a massive sense of absurdity filling his chest.

The Lietian Divine Body he cultivated was extremely rigid and fierce, and it had always been the one to suppress others.

But at this moment, in front of this purple divine chain, he felt that the dark golden rope of Qi he had condensed was like a small snake beside a giant python, feeling an instinctive trembling just by being near it.

This—this Li Wen who had only enrolled for half a year, he—what kind of monster had he cultivated into?!

Lin Wei from Xingyan Peak was equally pale with shock, her beautiful eyes filled with extreme disbelief as she murmured distractedly, "Impossible—this isn't right—breaking through to the Seventh Stage in just half a year—"

The minds of everyone in the arena completely stalled the moment that Soul-shaking Nine Heavens Divine Chains appeared.

The moment the Nine Heavens Divine Chains condensed, the outcome was no longer in suspense.

Under the gaze of the masses, Li Wen slightly relaxed his power supply, allowing the Nine Heavens Divine Chains to dim a little, so as not to make the instant defeat of Huang Yong, Lin Wei, and the others look too unsightly.

Even so, that thick, condensed Nine Heavens Divine Chains, exuding the Aura of Origin Evil Qi, remained unstoppable, easily pulling the metal ball across the finish line belonging to Nine Heavens Peak.

Nine Heavens Peak was silent for a moment, then erupted into earth-shattering cheers.

The older Disciples could not suppress their excitement; the doubts about the lack of new talent were completely shattered at this moment.

The gazes the freshmen cast toward Li Wen were filled with even more fanaticism and awe.

This Prodigy, who had entered Nine Heavens Peak for only a little over half a year and created countless miracles, had now quietly stepped into the Seventh Stage Realm—a height that ordinary Disciples would struggle to reach even after years of bitter cultivation within the peak.

Thunderous applause broke out; although the Disciples of Lietian Peak and Xingyan Peak were unwilling, they could only admit defeat convincingly.

Li Wen smiled, calmly withdrawing his Qi, and the Nine Heavens Divine Chains dissipated into the air as specks of purple light.

He nodded slightly to all sides in acknowledgment, then walked back to his seat with steady strides.

Just after sitting down, Fang Chenghong beside him couldn't help but lean over and whisper, his voice full of pure admiration: "Brother Wen, the Seventh Stage—you are just too terrifying. Half a year, this has only been half a year!"

He shook his head; even as one of the top few among the freshmen, witnessing such terrifying speed with his own eyes still dealt a huge shock to his heart.

Li Wen just smiled faintly and patted his shoulder: "The Dao is long and difficult; just continue to work hard."

His tone was peaceful, without a trace of arrogance, as if the person who had just stunned the entire audience with his technique was not himself.

After the Qi-condensing competition, the atmosphere of the entire evening party reached its peak.

The subsequent program continued, but without a doubt, the focus of the night had been set.

As the principal gave a brief speech and announced the end of the party, brilliant fireworks bloomed over Wudao Peak, signaling the farewell to the old year and the beginning of the new one.

Time flowed on, and the bustling New Year's Eve had faded into the past.

More than half a month had quietly passed since that New Year's Eve party that shook the entire school.

February 20, 227 Galactic Calendar.

The early spring morning sun cast a thin warmth into Villa Number One.

Inside the master bedroom, Li Wen woke up from deep sleep right on time.

The moment he opened his eyes, his consciousness was incredibly clear, and he scanned his own status panel as was his habit:

【Name: Li Wen】

【Age: 19】

【Realm: Advanced Super Martial Artist (Rank 28.6 → 28.9)】

【Occupation: Scholar | lv11 (93484 → 102284 / 102400)】

【Skills: Blade Technique - Concept (39%), Five Styles of Dawn (Instant Rainbow Style 100%, Silent Rainbow Style (99%))】

【Cultivation Technique: Nine Heavens Divine Body - Seventh Stage (31%)】

The data displayed his continuous efforts over the past twenty-plus days.

The "Nine Heavens Divine Body" had steadily Advanced to 31% of the Seventh Stage, the Silent Rainbow Style was also on the verge of completion, and his physical Rank had Advanced further.

However, at this moment, all of Li Wen's attention was firmly drawn to the occupation column.

It had been a full eight months since his Scholar Rank upgraded to lv11 after the college entrance examination results were announced on June 25 last year!

During this period, while tempering in the Lightning Induction Tower, after swinging his blade in the martial arts practice field, and even before resting late at night.

His habit of persistent reading had never been interrupted; massive amounts of knowledge had been absorbed, settled, and assimilated by the [Scholar] occupation characteristic, finally pushing the experience points to the final critical point.

"102284 / 102400—only 116 experience points away, it will be today."

A light of anticipation flashed in Li Wen's eyes.

He clearly knew that the upgrade of his Scholar Rank to lv12 would bring not just another leap in Mental Energy, but also the key to breaking the stagnation of his Mental Energy growth.

The surging Mental Energy would surely push his Primordial Spirit, which had already reached the peak of the second layer, to undergo a qualitative transformation—the third layer of the Primordial Spirit.

"Third layer of the Primordial Spirit, the standard equipment of a King-level Expert—" a thought emerged in Li Wen's mind.

According to ancient records, the power of a Primordial Spirit that reached this Realm could fully interfere with reality and could briefly leave the body to roam.

A King-level Expert could easily annihilate a Marquis-level Expert with a weak Primordial Spirit using only Primordial Spirit Power.

Of course, Li Wen understood that his Primordial Spirit, just entering the third layer, could not compare to a true King-level Expert.

The quality of the Primordial Spirit might be similar, and in terms of purity, his Primordial Spirit might even have a slight advantage due to the [Scholar] occupation and unique experiences.

However, the problem lay in the "quantity." The Physical Body was like a container, and the Primordial Spirit was like water.

Li Wen's current "container" was too small, only able to hold an amount of Primordial Spirit Power equivalent to a stream;

While the "container" of a King-level Expert was a vast ocean, the gap in the total amount of Primordial Spirit Power stored by the two was like a chasm.

"Although I cannot directly kill a Marquis-level Expert like a King-level one, catching them off guard, instant-killing a Great Sun-level God-Demon who hasn't birthed a Primordial Spirit should not be a problem. Even if I encounter a Marquis-level Expert, the many wonderful uses of the third layer of the Primordial Spirit should at least be able to buy a precious chance to breathe—"

Li Wen's heartbeat accelerated slightly.

This strength he was about to grasp was a true trump card capable of changing the course of a battle, and it also meant that he had taken a solid, big step on the path of the strong.

Taking a deep breath and suppressing this boiling anticipation, Li Wen maintained the self-discipline he had held since he began cultivating.

He got up, washed, and enjoyed a special breakfast containing abundant energy.

Then, as usual, he headed to the public martial arts practice field.

The martial arts room that came with the villa could no longer fully contain the astonishing Saber Intent he stirred up when unleashing the Five Styles of Dawn at full power.

Therefore, Li Wen now had to come to the spacious martial arts practice field of Nine Heavens Peak to Cultivate his Blade Technique.

However, Nine Heavens Peak had few Disciples, and there were not many people in the practice field.

Condensed blade light, accompanied by the sound of breaking through the air, shuttled across the field, sometimes like thunder accumulating in a silent place, sometimes suddenly exploding to tear through the air.

One hour of focused swinging was not just for warming up, but also for polishing his martial path.

The practice ended, sweat evaporating.

Li Wen did not stop, immediately heading to the third floor of the Lightning Induction Tower.

The terror of the quiet room on the third floor was far beyond what was downstairs.

What needed to be drawn into the body for the Seventh Stage of the Nine Heavens Divine Body was the seventh type of lightning, with a color almost pitch black, carrying a peculiar Aura of destruction and rebirth.

The violent lightning plasma wrapped around him as if it had a life of its own, crazily eroding his muscles, tendons, and bones, bringing pain even worse than before.

However, Li Wen's mind remained steadfast under the guidance of the Seventh Stage Cultivation Technique of the "Nine Heavens Divine Body."

The lv11 [Absolute Focus] and the already stirring Primordial Spirit Power precisely captured every trace of energy trajectory, refining and absorbing it, transforming it into a tougher physique and a more condensed God-Demon Origin.

Two hours of extreme tempering passed in a flash.

Pushing open the heavy alloy door, Li Wen stepped into the vast hall on the third floor of the Lightning Induction Tower.

It was silent here, the cold metallic luster reflecting the Lightning Induction Array in the center.

The vast hall was not empty because others had not yet arrived, but because he was currently the only one in the entire Nine Heavens Peak qualified to go to the third floor.

Without lingering, Li Wen left the Lightning Induction Tower directly.

At this moment, he had only one goal in his heart—the study.

That final 116 experience points.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling window of the spacious study, the greenery was lush.

Li Wen sat upright at the desk, opening a thick tome about the precipitation of exotic energy particles in the ancient God-Demon era, his mind instantly sinking into it.

The profound knowledge system between the lines, under his powerful Mental Energy and the analytical characteristic of "One Proof, Eternal Proof," quickly turned into experience points and was absorbed.

Time flowed quietly in focus.

One hour later.

【You watched the book carefully for one hour, Scholar experience + 60】

【Occupation: Scholar lv11 (102284 → 102344 / 102400)】

Only 56 experience points away from the goal!

A flash of brilliance appeared in Li Wen's eyes, and without hesitation, he continued to immerse himself in the study of the next chapter.

Another hour later.

【You watched the book carefully for one hour, Scholar experience + 60】

【Occupation: Scholar lv11 (102344 → 102404 / 102400)】

【Occupation upgrading—】

Hum—the moment the experience bar broke the upper limit, a silent roar suddenly exploded in Li Wen's Sea of Consciousness!

【Occupation: Scholar lv12 (4 / 204800)】

The majestic and vast Mental Energy, like a flood peak that had accumulated for ten thousand years, suddenly opened the floodgates, surging out from the deepest part of his Soul, instantly sweeping through the entire Sea of Consciousness.

The originally full Sea of Consciousness space expanded crazily in the violent trembling, and the boundaries of thought perception spread rapidly outward. The entire world seemed to be wiped clean in Li Wen's "mental vision," becoming distinct in every detail; colors were more brilliant, sounds were more subtle, and the composition of space seemed to be traceable to the touch.

The most core change lay in the jade-like little figure perched in the center of the Sea of Consciousness.