Zhao Xing Takes First, Shi Yong's Competitive Streak!

As Liu Tianning's voice rang out, a strong wind swept across the Performance Plaza, and many materials flew over, piling up into a small mountain in the center of the square.

"Use this pile of materials as the standard."

"Within a quarter of an hour, the drafters will enter the hall. The higher their level and the more drafters they have, the higher their ranking will be."

"Let's begin."

Whew~

The moment Liu Tianning finished speaking, the hundred people in the square immediately sprang into action.

The fourth test is a single-spell test, the minimum requirement being a Seventh-Turn straw doll!

Quantity and level of achievement are the standards for measuring ranking.

At this moment, no one was willing to waste any time, and they began to use the Straw Man Art as quickly as possible.

By the third stage, the difference wasn't very noticeable.

The difference between the 100th place and the next two or three hundredth place is not significant.

Maybe I was lucky and arrived early, so I made it into the top 100.

But at these four levels, it all comes down to ability, and the differences between geniuses become quite apparent.

"Rise!"

Only ten breaths had passed when a group of people produced Seventh-Turn straw figures.

Li Feng was among the first group of people. He glanced around the square and noticed that there was nothing in front of Zhao Xing, so he smiled slightly. Little did he know that the first straw figure Zhao Xing was Invisibility Straw Figure, completely unseen.

Zhao Xing didn't have time to pay attention to others. Because of his habit, he immediately started "analyzing the question" and scanned the entire square with the Five Elements Observation.

While the materials were plentiful, for certain types, the materials were limited.

To maximize the effectiveness of the Straw Man Art, you must first secure these limited high-quality materials.

"Rise!"

Zhao Xing flicked his fingers and unleashed a Golden Light. At the intermediate level of the Straw Man Art, he no longer needed to weave the dolls by hand. His control over the wind was so strong that he used the wind to control the formation of the grass dolls.

During the initial casting of the spell, many spells collided with Golden Light.

"Bang bang bang bang!"

A violent collision immediately ensued.

Zhao Xing's golden Golden Light swept through the materials, knocking away the spells cast by the others.

Then a pile of good materials floated in front of him and quickly formed a straw figure.

"Bang bang bang bang bang bang!"

Many people, when performing spells simultaneously, unintentionally discover "good materials" and want to keep them for themselves.

However, strengths vary, and after two rounds of clashes...

Those who know they are not capable will behave themselves.

Obediently go and choose the inferior materials.

"The difference became apparent immediately."

Liu Tianning was inside the main hall of the Ten Thousand Laws Palace, observing the situation outside.

"The competition for spellcasting resources and space is fierce, with the strongest players securing the best spellcasting opportunities."

"Although they all only use the Straw Man Art, the starting stance of the Straw Man Art also involves the application of the power of the five elements." Lu Bang, who had appeared in the Ten Thousand Laws Palace at some point, said, "The geniuses who were strong before are still strong enough at this time."

Geniuses like Zhao Xing, Zhuang Ziqing, Shi Yong, Cao Shuang, and Feng Qiu, who are at the Grade A, can secure the best materials immediately.

Others, unable to overcome the magical clash, had no choice but to settle for other materials.

"Divine Valor, Giant Shield, Sacrificial Explosion! Activate!"

After the first round of creating the Invisibility Straw Figure, good materials were found.

In the second round of selection, Zhao Xing began to employ a more advanced Straw Man Art.

With the Divine Valor of the Nine Turns, the Giant Shield, and the Sacrificial Explosion, two of each of these three types of straw figures appeared within a quarter of an hour.

At this point, more than half of the materials in the square had been removed.

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh!"

The Golden Light of the spell fell into the materials, Zhao Xing cast the spell again, raising twelve more straw figures before the quarter-hour was over.

However, due to time constraints and material issues, the twelve straw figures that followed all had many flaws and did not all reach the Nine Turns level; half of them were only Seventh-Turn straw figures.

"Time's up!"

As Liu Tianning's voice rang out, a gust of wind blew away any scattered materials or incomplete straw figures on the square.

"Oh, is it time already?"

"No! Give me ten more breaths, and I can finish!"

"Alas, I have created a Sixth-Turn straw doll."

"I was too nervous. When I practice on my own, I can usually perform the Seventh-Turn Grass Man routine, but I made a mistake because of nervousness."

"It's over, we've stopped at the fourth level."

Many people on the field sighed.

The time was simply too short, and besides, there were only Heavenly Timing to comprehend the transition from the third to the fourth level.

Although studying at the Ten Thousand Laws Palace can indeed help one quickly master the Straw Man Art, everyone's comprehension is different, and less than half can learn even one level of the Seventh-Turn straw doll technique.

However, while some are disappointed, others are happy.

"My Straw Man Art hadn't reached the Seventh-Turn before Rat Hour, but during the competition just now, seeing others cast spells, I suddenly had an epiphany and reached the Seventh-Turn! It's true that only under pressure and competition can one break through!"

"Hmm? I actually managed to create a level Seventh-Turn straw doll. These materials... I never thought of using them before, but the effect is unexpectedly good?"

"The materials also determine the power of the straw doll. According to the standard of the Straw Man Art, strictly speaking, I only know the Sixth-Turn technique, but the straw doll I made this time is much more powerful than the Sixth-Turn. I don't know if it can pass the test."

When Liu Tianning announced that the time was up.

Everyone ordered their straw figures to walk into the palace.

Ouyang Song controlled the first Invisibility Straw Figure to step onto the steps, his heart filled with hope.

But the straw man swayed as soon as he stepped onto the first step in front of the main hall.

Upon stepping onto the second step, the previously Invisibility scarecrow revealed one leg.

Before it even stepped onto the third step, its true form was fully revealed.

"Bang!"

The Invisibility Straw Figure was flung away, turning into a pile of waste material that landed at his feet as it flew through the air.

"It failed."

Ouyang Song's expression changed.

In a quarter of an hour, he had managed to lift the Invisibility Straw Figure out of the house.

He sensed that the straw doll's magical efficacy was somewhere between the Sixth-Turn and Seventh-Turn, possibly the sixth or the seventh.

Looking at it now, it turns out that it hasn't reached the Seventh-Turn yet.

"Sigh, it seems I can only get the reward in the 50th to 100th place range."

Those ranked 50th to 100th only receive 1,000 points.

Ouyang Song was unwilling, but there was nothing he could do.

I could only walk to the side and watch.

"Bang bang bang!"

"Bang bang bang!"

"No!"

"Is this a mistake? I clearly learned the Seventh-Turn Technique!"

"Ah, my fourth straw doll has exploded too!"

Many straw figures were blown away and exploded before they even stepped into the palace.

In an instant, hundreds of straw figures in the sky above the square exploded, the power of the five elements bursting out and flashing in the night sky, like a fireworks display.

"Go."

Zhao Xing pointed and ordered his nineteen straw figures to rush up the steps.

Nineteen straw figures, including four Invisibility Straw Figure, three Illusionary Form Straw Puppet, and twelve others: four each of the Divine Valor, Giant Shield, and Sacrificial Explosion.

According to Zhao Xing's own estimation, the Invisibility and Illusory Form are both at Seventh-Turn, while the other twelve are at Nine Turns.

However, there are still some differences between practice and theory. As for the last straw figure that was raised in the second half of the hour, Zhao Xing was not sure whether it could be counted Seventh-Turn.

"Da da da~"

Nineteen straw figures began to ascend the steps.

The Divine Valor Straw Puppet and the Giant Shield Straw Figure immediately absorbed the enormous impact.

But the Nine Turns Straw Man remained completely unaffected and steadily ascended all the steps.

The Invisibility Straw Figure experiences relatively less pressure because its impact is primarily designed to dismantle the 'Invisibility' spell effect.

The same applies to the Illusionary Form Straw Puppet; the pressure is lighter, but the coverage is more comprehensive. The Magic Array on the steps is designed to disrupt and dismantle the Illusionary Form Straw Puppet's "transformation" effect.

The Illusionary Form Straw Puppet now looks just like a real person, but once it can't withstand the pressure, it will reveal its true form.

The Nine Turns straw man successfully entered the palace.

The Seventh-Turn Grass Doll, whether it's Invisibility or Illusory Form, moves relatively slowly.

The first past, the fourth past...

As the last Invisibility Straw Figure ascended the thirty steps and was about to enter the palace, a finger suddenly appeared.

"Bang!" The Invisibility Straw Figure was exposed, which meant it had failed, and it was blown into the sky and exploded by a strong wind.

"One failed, which is about what I expected," Zhao Xing thought to himself. He had already guessed that the last straw man had indeed been made rather hastily.

Even with the Nine Turns Straw Man Art, if time is limited or materials are lacking, the spell may ultimately fail or one's strength may be greatly reduced.

At this moment, Zhao Xing became distracted and observed the situation of others.

However, it was unclear for a moment which people the straw figure belonged to.

We can only wait quietly for Liu Tianning to announce the results.

"Bang bang bang!"

"Bang bang bang!"

The explosions continued.

Zhuang Ziqing, Han Bing, Cao Shuang, and others approached. "Zhao Xing, how many straw figures did you take in?"

"Eighteen bodies."

"?"

Cao Shuang's eyes widened. "You created eighteen straw figures in a quarter of an hour, and each one of them reached the Seventh-Turn level?"

Zhuang Ziqing was also taken aback. "You... you're not joking, are you?"

Han Bing said expressionlessly, "He doesn't seem to be joking. His expression makes it sound like he's saying you guys are too bad."

Zhao Xing glanced at Han Bing: "Brother Han, can you please stop making me hate you? What expression of mine could you possibly interpret like that?"

The others didn't mind Han Bing's lame jokes; that's just his personality. If Zhao Xing had Han Bing's expressionless face, it might actually have the effect of attracting hatred.

"How many bodies did you take in?" Zhao Xing asked.

"I have seven," Cao Shuang said. "Originally there were ten, but three of the Invisibility Straw Figure exploded."

"I have nine," Zhuang Ziqing said. "I thought Cai Jin was already quite impressive, but I didn't expect you to have so many."

Zhao Xing couldn't help but look at Cai Jin: "Brother Cai, how many straw figures did you take inside?"

Cai Jin shook his head. "Fourteen bodies are far inferior to Brother Zhao's."

Zhao Xing waved his hand and said, "It's not just about quantity, Brother Cai is too modest."

Cai Jin was from the Great Granary Institute and majored in the True Self Faction. This Straw Man Art is also a method of the True Self, so it is normal for him to exhibit this behavior.

"Shi Yong also put nine straw figures inside," Zhuang Ziqing said. "I just don't know what level he's reached in his Straw Man Art."

"I didn't notice." Everyone else shook their heads. Time Grand Granary; who had the mind to pay attention to others?

"Just wait, most of the straw men have gone in, and the rankings for the fourth round will be out soon."

Fifteen minutes later, the straw figures were no longer in shape in the square.

Those who should enter, enter; those who should explode, explode.

Before long, everyone received the rankings for the fourth level from the Earth Mirror.

[First Place: Zhao Xing of the Divine Might Army]

Second Place: Cai Jin of the Azure Jade Army

Third Place: Feng Qi of the Blazing Sun Army

[Fourth Place: Sea Pacifying Army Wei Chen]

Fifth Place: Shi Yong the Tigron Army

[Sixth Place: Guan Junyang of the Black Armor Army]

[Seventh Place: Li Feng the Tigron Army]

[Eighth Place: Yu Hao of the Cyan Phoenix Army]

[Ninth Place: Zhuang Ziqing of the Tigron Army]

[Thirteenth Place: Tigron Army Cao Shuang]

[25th Place: Han Bing of the Divine Might Army]

[Thirty-seventh place: Jiang Tianming of the Blazing Sun Army]

[Fiftieth Place: Fang Yi of the Barbarian Army]

Liu Tianning only ranked the top fifty.

The scores from 51 to 100 were not even ranked because the reward for this tier was the same: only 1,000 points.

As for the top fifty, they can continue to participate in the fifth challenge.

The rankings immediately sparked a flurry of discussion in the square.

"What? Zhao Xing from the Divine Might Army is number one? Isn't he from the Earthly Advantage Institute? How come his Straw Man Art is so powerful?"

"Damn it, the Great Granary Institute's training selection went to the Earthly Advantage Institute, and they got first place!"

"Cai Jin, Feng Qi, and Wei Chen are all from the Great Granary Institute, yet none of them can compare to Zhao Xing?"

"Zhao Xing came in second in the last selection training, so it's normal for him to come in first this time, right?"

"What do you know? The Straw Man Art is a technique of the True Self Faction. The Time Law and Earthly Advantage Method are strong, but the True Self Method are not necessarily strong. Little do you know that Shi Yong has reached the fifth level and Zhuang Ziqing has reached the ninth level."

"Could it be that Zhao Xing had studied the Straw Man Art before? But why didn't he go to the Great Granary Institute?"

"Who would be the main practitioner of the True Self Faction? When Zhao Xing was in the branch, he was able to enter the Earthly Advantage Institute and obtain the Grade A resources. He certainly wouldn't go to the Great Granary Institute."

"Brother Zhao is awesome!"

"..."

As soon as the rankings were announced, the original Grade A geniuses immediately became the center of discussion.

Five of the top ten were from Great Granary Institute, and quite a few were from Great Granary Institute in the top twenty. Some of them were originally not treated as Grade A, but only Grade B.

It's normal for a genius who specializes in the "True Self Faction" school to rank among the top in this selection process, but it's quite unexpected that Zhao Xing from the Divine Might Army snatched first place.

"He... he actually came in first place?" Li Feng was utterly shocked. "How did he do that? How is his Straw Man Art so strong?"

Li Feng ranked seventh in the fourth round, and he thought he could surpass Zhao Xing this time and finally get his revenge.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Xing jumped to first place!

"Even Shi Yong got fifth place, but he actually got first!" Li Feng was filled with resentment. When would he ever get revenge?!

"Single-method strength doesn't mean all-method strength. I still have a chance to surpass him!" Li Feng could only console himself with this thought. He pinned his hopes on the next level, "I've already mastered the Three-Method Combination, and I'm currently seventh in the rankings. I still have a chance to surpass him in this level."

Many people compare Zhuang Ziqing, Zhao Xing, Shi Yong.

At this moment, Shi Yong, who had been waiting in the southeast corner of the square, couldn't help but take out the Earth Mirror and take a look.

"I'm ranked fifth, Zhuang Ziqing is ranked ninth."

"Zhao Xing, yet he's ranked first?"

Shi Yong looked at the first name on the Earth Mirror, a hint of competitive desire flashing in his eyes.

"The essence of the Straw Man Art also involves the Five Elements. I originally thought I could get 50,000 points by just learning it casually, but it seems that I can't do it without putting in the effort."

With a whoosh, Shi Yong put away the Earth Mirror and flew towards the "Primordial Dao Field" of Great Granary Institute.

Zhao Xing has finally dragged Shi Yong too! Brothers, please vote to support him!