139: Devil's Tournament

The moment his body fell to the ground, a beam of light rose, and Fang Shuo's figure vanished from the arena.

At that instant, the first emotion that arose in the hearts of the observing students was bewilderment.

"It's over just like that?!"

"What happened?"

"Wait, these two must have been fighting on the spiritual level, which is why this scene occurred."

"Fang Shuo and Ye Pingan, I heard they are both masters who have broken into the Congenital Realm. Facing Qin Jin, they couldn't even get close?"

"Damn it, it would be great if the academy's arena could display spiritual level confrontations as well."

Discussions erupted.

On Arena No. 1, Qin Jin looked in the direction where Fang Shuo disappeared.

"The Human Body Secret Treasure is truly peculiar."

"Most people, even after entering the Congenital Realm, have relatively common Secret Treasures, but I am in Martial Abyss, where I only interact with top-tier geniuses. The Secret Treasures of these people are very likely to be extraordinary."

"Fang Shuo's Secret Treasure ability, when used against opponents of the same realm or similar strength, can seize the initiative."

"Unfortunately, he met me."

His gaze shifted.

Qin Jin's gaze swept towards the teleportation halo of Arena No. 1.

Outside that halo, several figures were hesitating. Now, as Qin Jin's gaze swept over them, after a moment of hesitation, they all turned and headed to other arenas.

Two battles, two Congenital Realm masters defeated!

Qin Jin usually doesn't spar with others, but Fang Shuo and Ye Pingan are not like that. The S-rank students present clearly understood their strength. Hearing about it is one thing, but seeing these two crushing victories personally, their hearts inevitably wavered.

Although defeat also meant treatment from the academy, being crushed and defeated inevitably affected their subsequent state. With ten arenas to choose from, the students on the platform made up their minds, planning to save the opportunity to challenge Arena No. 1 for last, and only if there were truly no other opportunities would they come and fight with all their might.

The arena opened.

But no one immediately stepped onto the stage.

Qin Jin's expression was calm and composed. With his eyes slightly closed, a portion of his fundamental power, through the spiritual level, observed the situation on the other arenas, while another portion of his attention was focused on himself, slowly circulating his Breathing Method. This was not for cultivation, but for fine-tuning, adjusting the Breathing Method to better suit himself.

In his past days at the academy, this adjustment had been ongoing. For a Martial Artist, this was a necessary task.

On the adjacent arenas, battles continued.

Some of the initial arena masters had already been defeated, and their positions had been replaced.

On Arena No. 2, there was a handsome young man.

The second-place finisher in the school selection exam, Fang Shuo's defeated opponent, Yu Xingchen.

At this moment, he had defeated his opponent, and his gaze shifted towards Arena No. 1, his expression somewhat complex.

He had also broken into the Congenital Realm and was confident he could fight Fang Shuo again, but he clearly knew that he could not achieve Qin Jin's effortless victory.

The disparity was most evident in comparison.

Just then.

On Arena No. 2, a light flashed, and a figure appeared.

Xie Wuhai!

He hadn't participated in the arena master competition. He had originally intended to challenge Ye Pingan, but Ye Pingan was directly defeated by Qin Jin and was currently undergoing treatment, not yet returned.

He was naturally fond of fighting and wouldn't just wait for his opponent. At this moment, he directly stepped onto the arena.

"Xie Wuhai."

Yu Xingchen retracted his gaze and looked at him, his voice carrying a hint of warning: "You, it seems, have not yet broken through to the Congenital Realm."

"Stepping onto my arena will cause you great loss."

"No matter."

Xie Wuhai waved his hand, his gaze sweeping over the fiercely battling arenas around him, a look of intoxication flashing in his eyes, then immediately transforming into seriousness.

He looked at Yu Xingchen, his eyes unprecedentedly solemn: "Do you mind waiting for me?"

Upon hearing this, Yu Xingchen raised an eyebrow slightly: "Whatever you want to do, just do it."

"Good."

Xie Wuhai responded loudly.

As his voice fell, he closed his eyes slightly, and an unusual aura emanated. Spiritual power and life energy intertwined, flowing over his body as if transforming into a special armor. Amidst the intertwining, his aura rose higher and higher, continuously escalating. Around Xie Wuhai, a sense of transformation arose.

This scene was very familiar to Yu Xingchen.

Although each person's specific situation differed and might show deviations, Xie Wuhai was clearly attempting to enter the Congenital Realm on the arena, beginning his first transformation.

"He has already perceived the spiritual opportunity, yet he chooses to break through on the arena?"

"What is he thinking?!"

The moment the thought arose in Yu Xingchen's mind, under his gaze, on the opposite side of the arena, Xie Wuhai suddenly opened his eyes.

The power intertwining around his body, his aura extremely unstable, he clasped his hands together and stretched his muscles, then looked at Yu Xingchen: "We can begin the battle now."

"Are you crazy?"

Yu Xingchen's brows furrowed: "During the transformation process, the human body is in an extremely delicate state. If you fight at this time, and your body is injured, it could affect the transformation, causing the spiritual opportunity to recede. It would take who knows how much effort to find it again next time."

"Thank you for your kindness."

Xie Wuhai flashed a brilliant smile: "However, this is a path that I am destined to walk on my cultivation journey."

"Please make your move."

He extended his hand in an inviting gesture, no longer his usual relaxed self, but instead exceptionally serious: "Regardless of victory or defeat, I will ascend to the Congenital Realm in this battle."

Amidst his invitation.

Yu Xingchen shook his head.

He scrutinized Xie Wuhai, his voice losing its ripples:

"How you think, how you act, I cannot control."

"However, we have no enmity whatsoever. Although not that familiar, we are still classmates."

"If I fight, I will definitely go all out."

"To become the one who might hinder your martial path, I cannot do it, and I am unwilling to do it."

By the end of his words, he did not hesitate at all and directly said: "Candle Kite, I surrender."

With that declaration.

Under Candle Kite's control, a teleportation halo rose, sending him off the arena.

Yu Xingchen appeared in front of the students waiting to ascend the arena.

Facing everyone's gaze, he stepped away from Arena No. 2 and walked towards other arenas.

On Arena No. 2.

With power intertwining into armor around his body, Xie Wuhai stood in place, a bewildered expression on his face, as Candle Kite's voice sounded in his ear.

"Student Xie Wuhai, you have become the master of Arena No. 2."

"Do you require treatment?"

"No!"

Xie Wuhai suddenly reacted, the serious expression on his face vanishing. He looked in the direction Yu Xingchen had left and shouted loudly: "No, that's not what I meant, come back quickly!"

"Yu Xingchen, Brother Xingchen, Uncle Xingchen!"

"How can there be a victory without a battle!"

"I'm not here for the win or loss."

"I've been waiting to perceive the spiritual opportunity until now, just so I could break through in a battle with a master!"

No one responded to him.

Yu Xingchen had turned and left, as if he had made some sort of decision. Xie Wuhai retracted his gaze and looked towards the teleportation halo of Arena No. 2, shouting: "Is there any powerful character willing to come up and fight, Congenital Realm, preferably Congenital Realm?"

Seeing this posture, the students outside the teleportation halo all hesitated.

This was, after all, only a selection for spots, not a life-and-death struggle. Fighting during a breakthrough, who knew what unexpected consequences it might have for the opponent.

Under the influence of Martial Abyss's academic atmosphere, no one wanted to do such a thing.

Just then.

A figure stepped out, ascending to Arena No. 2.

Xie Wuhai's eyes, which had initially dimmed, suddenly lit up upon seeing this figure.

"Sister Bai, Aunt Bai, Great-Aunt Bai, your great kindness, this little brother will never forget."

The one who ascended the arena was none other than Bai Huaiyu.

She stood on the arena, saying nothing, only extending her hand in an inviting gesture.

The next instant.

The two figures clashed and collided.

To one side.

On Arena No. 1.

Qin Chi, while adjusting his Breathing Method, constantly paid attention to the situation on the other arenas.

Everything concerning Xie Wuhai was taken into his sight.

At this moment, with his fundamental power acting like eyes, observing the battle on the arena, Qin Jin's eyebrows slightly raised.

"Bai Huaiyu is not using her full strength; she is entirely assisting Xie Wuhai's advancement."

The two exchanged blows, back and forth. In close combat, Xie Wuhai's transformation speed increased rather than decreased, and his aura continuously escalated.

In contrast, Bai Huaiyu's aura remained stable, and Xie Wuhai's continuous improvement did not affect her at all; she consistently faced the enemy steadily.

"A very mysterious student."

Qin Jin's attention focused on Bai Huaiyu: "Xie Wuhai's previous assessment of her, that she was unfathomable, seems very fitting now."

"Now that I have broken through again, that peculiar, easily overlooked power on her is even more apparent."

His thoughts shifted.

Qin Jin's attention focused on another arena.

Arena No. 7.

On the arena, the master was Han Miao.

At this moment, she was at full power, her spiritual energy constructing into a tangible form, launching various attacks that were overwhelming. Her opponent, after holding on for a while, was defeated and left.

Spiritual attacks made tangible consume a great deal of energy, and only those with innate spiritual talent can attack in this manner. If an old martial arts master were to see this, they would surely exclaim that it was not pure enough.

Battles continued fiercely on various fronts.

Just then.

His attention shifted, and Qin Jin's fundamental power once again observed Arena No. 2.

At this moment.

As the battle progressed, behind Xie Wuhai, the primal power that had converged, fused, and been tempered, actually formed an ancient seal character, 'War,' which was imprinted on his back and merged into his physique.

It looked like some secret technique to assist in breaking through to the Congenital Realm.

After the 'War' character merged, Xie Wuhai's aura surged. His eyes showed excitement, and he suddenly moved away, standing at the back, clenching his fist slightly.

"He broke through to the Congenital Realm?"

Bai Huaiyu's voice rang out.

"Yes!"

"Sister Bai, I'll treat you to a meal later!"

Xie Wuhai's excited voice rang out.

Just as his words fell.

In front, Bai Huaiyu stomped her right leg, her speed instantly increasing. She transformed into a streak of light, her hand clenched into a fist, and she unleashed a punch.

Xie Wuhai reacted.

His primal power surged, and he raised his arm to block. The next instant, the fist slammed into his arm. Xie Wuhai clearly felt a tremendous force coming through.

His primal power was suppressed, and his body was suddenly lifted off the ground, flying backward until he stopped upon hitting the arena barrier.

He slid down for a moment before steadying himself.

"Why does this scene feel a little familiar?"

A thought flashed through his mind as he savored the feeling of that punch: "Such fierce power."

"It doesn't seem like primal power enhancement. Instead, it feels like it comes from the body itself, an innate immense strength?"

"Damn it."

"I couldn't beat her before the Congenital Realm, and it still looks like I can't beat her in the Congenital Realm. Am I not a white-titled Congenital Realm expert?"

A thought flashed by, and Xie Wuhai charged forward again.

Two minutes later.

Arena 2's champion was replaced.

It was at this moment that Qin Jin opened his eyes, his gaze directly falling on Bai Huaiyu.

"S-rank, truly full of hidden talents."

A thought flashed through his mind.

Bai Huaiyu noticed his gaze, turned her head, looked at Qin Jin, and smiled faintly.

The arena battles continued.

Eight hours passed, from evening until the moon hung high in the sky. The evening glow reflected on the aerial arenas, creating reflections on the arena barriers, making them exceptionally beautiful.

As time drew near, Arena 1 also became lively again.

After fighting the same person, one could not challenge them again. As time approached, the arena champions were filtered, gradually establishing their footing, and the choices rapidly decreased. Arena 1, where Qin Jin was located, once again became the focus.

He accepted all challengers and constantly faced enemies, but from beginning to end, no one could even get close to him.

He fought until fear set in, until dread gripped the hearts of the observing students. Among the spectators, Qin Jin was like the great demon king of this competition; his true depth was utterly unfathomable.

Qin Jin had no intention of hiding his strength.

The Federation was at its peak, and for prodigies who displayed their talent, it would only provide as much support as possible.

Moreover, with his current background, he didn't need to hide his strength. He needed to push forward with all his might, using the Federation and the resources of Martial Abyss to soar to greater heights.

Within the academy, night fell, but the lively atmosphere showed no signs of diminishing.

For the students, this was undoubtedly a grand event, truly witnessing the top students of the academy in action, leaving a deep impression.

Time passed.

At this moment, as bells rang from the arenas and the platform above, the eight hours came to an end.

On the arenas, the champions were set!

This meant that the selection for the first-year students was completely over.

On the platform, the eliminated students, led by Candle Kite, descended with the platform.

Those showing dejection were actually in the minority.

In academics, there is no first; in martial arts, there is no second. For a Martial Artist, having personally fought a battle, one can naturally distinguish superiority.

Above the academy.

On the arenas, teleportation light shimmered, and figures left the arenas, appearing on the platform.

Qin Jin's gaze swept across them.

Among the ten people, there were many familiar faces: Bai Huaiyu, Chi Wenwu, An Shi, Han Miao.

Besides them, although Fang Shuo lost to him, his strength among the students was unquestionable. Coupled with his special secret treasure, his combat power was outstanding, and he successfully secured a spot.

Xie Wuhai lost to Bai Huaiyu, but after entering the Congenital Realm, he seemed to have made great improvements and significant changes, successfully obtaining a spot.

Yu Xingchen gave up Arena 2, but his ability to successfully become the second-ranked candidate in the school entrance exam was evident, and he also successfully advanced.

It is worth mentioning that two dark horses surprisingly appeared this time.

One B-rank student, and one A-rank student.

On the path of martial arts, there is never a shortage of those who rise abruptly and surpass others.

The B-rank student was a girl named Su Xiangwan, dressed neatly, appearing quite outgoing. She responded to everyone's gazes with a smile.

The A-rank student, a male, Duan Yaobang, appeared to have a serious demeanor.

Given the performance of these two, the academy would likely soon adjust their rankings and include them among the S-rank students.

At this moment.

The grand curtain in the sky dispersed, the live broadcast ended, and the ten qualified individuals lined up in a row.

In front, Candle Kite's figure shimmered, her seriousness vanished, and a gentle smile appeared on her face.

Having interacted with Candle Kite for a long time, Qin Jin also gained a deeper understanding. As the academy's artificial intelligence, Candle Kite's main avatar had the richest personality, completely indistinguishable from a real person, while her other avatars possessed personalities suited to their respective tasks.

"Dear students."

Her gentle voice slowly rang out: "Tomorrow, everyone can rest for a day, waiting for the selection results from the other academic years to be released."

"The day after tomorrow, we will depart from the academy and head to the venue of this Star Dome Breaking Limit Cup."

"Supervisor Candle Kite."

As her words fell, the A-rank student who qualified, Duan Yaobang, asked, "I've checked the past years' Breaking Limit Cup data. Has this year's Breaking Limit Cup been adjusted?"

"The Star Dome Breaking Limit Cup is the same as in previous years, still divided into team competitions and individual competitions."

Candle Kite said earnestly: "The team competition is based on academies and dojos. The competition format changes every year. This year's specific rules have not yet been revealed and will be announced after everyone arrives."

"The individual competition is related to the team competition. In the team competition, if your individual score ranks among the top five hundred, you will qualify to participate in the individual competition."

"Dear students."

"We look forward to your splendid performance in the Star Dome Breaking Limit Cup."

As her voice fell.

The platform began to descend.

Vehicles waited nearby.

On the way back, Qin Jin clearly saw many students gathered within the academy, still passionately discussing the arena battles.

The journey was silent.

Inside the villa.

Qin Jin took off his combat uniform and changed into casual clothes.

In front of him, a Candle Kite avatar projected several light screens, displaying information related to the Star Dome Breaking Limit Cup.

Jointly organized by the academies and dojos within the galaxy, this was one of the most popular events in the Corridor Star System.

For most ordinary spectators, the events they preferred to watch were the substantive physical confrontations in the early to mid-stages of martial arts.

At the same time.

Most of the Federation's competitions were also limited to those below the Martial Saint realm.

Martial Saint experts already held their own status within the Federation and were more inclined to pursue their own paths. Under such circumstances, competitions involving experts of this level were quite rare, often occurring only once every few years.

With Candle Kite's introduction and explanation, Qin Jin gained a preliminary understanding.

"The team competition is different every year, huh?"

"The rules and locations are all different. There have been formats like war chess, where two sides deploy their forces, using strategies like 'Tian Ji's Horse Racing' to determine victory. There have also been modes similar to battle royales, where the longer one survives, the higher the score obtained."

"There even have been scenarios where contestants are divided into two parts, directly conducting a small-scale battle exercise at a designated location, engaging in offense and defense."

"Individual combat is a pure display of martial prowess, but the team competition balances competition with entertainment. The different rules allow lower-grade students the possibility of entering the individual competition, giving them a chance to battle against higher-grade students."

"This kind of rule is quite interesting."

"Moreover, the team competition is also about academy honor."

As he browsed the rules from previous years, a hint of interest also rose in Qin Jin's eyes.

"I wonder what rules we'll encounter this year."

"After this competition, the first semester at Martial Abyss will be nearing its end."

"The clan's envoy traveling to invite the foreign race will take quite some time due to the long journey. Judging by the duration of previous Star Dome Breaking Limit Cups, there's ample time."

Thoughts flowed through his mind.

Qin Jin closed his eyes and began to cultivate for two days.

Martial Arts Department, Starship Docking Area.

In front.

A colossal starship, with the academy's emblem carved from special materials on its side, was docked.

Led by Candle Kite, the ten selected students arrived here.

The hatch opened, and the gangway descended. A male figure leaned against the outside of the hatch, his arms crossed, his expression relaxed.

"I am Meng Ning."

The man's tone was calm: "I am one of your escorting instructors for this trip. If you have any questions, you can come to me."

"Now—"

"Board the ship!"