Year-End Assessment

The Lü family's Puppet Technique, the Chen family's Alchemy.

Li Mo guessed that the Four Great Families each had their own specialized fields, but it wasn't absolute.

For example, Lü Cuicui's cousin, Lü Tong, specialized in the way of Runes and Restrictions. As for the Jiang family and the Ye family's specialized fields, Li Mo didn't know for now.

"I'm back."

Li Mo returned to Ma Ling, Niu Li, and Yang Guang's side, signaling to the three.

"Quick, come watch. The duel has already begun."

Li Mo nodded and sat down, looking at the two sides within the barrier.

He didn't recognize either of them, but judging by their combat performance, they shouldn't be first-year disciples. One of them specialized in fire-element spells, while the other specialized in earth-element spells and controlled a bronze hammer artifact, constantly launching attacks.

This bronze hammer was about four feet long. Although its speed was slow, its power was truly astonishing. When it smashed into the ground, it would often emit a deafening "boom." If not for the barrier's power, the ground would have easily been smashed into a large pit.

This forced the disciple who specialized in fire-element spells to constantly evade.

"Artifacts."

Yang Guang licked his lips and muttered enviously.

In a cultivator's duel, the side with an artifact would undoubtedly have an advantage. The Magical Power consumed by continuous artifact attacks was far less than casting various spells.

Li Mo, however, focused on the cultivation realms of the two.

A cultivator's cultivation was usually not perceived by outsiders. Therefore, when cultivators walked on the streets, they were almost indistinguishable from ordinary people. Only when a cultivator circulated their Magical Power corresponding to their cultivation level, or when their divine sense reached the Nascent Soul Realm, could others see through their cultivation, or rather, actively see through it.

Compared to probing others' specific Magical Power cultivation, it was much easier for cultivators to sense each other's divine sense through mutual induction. However, this was not accurate, as most cultivators would not casually activate their divine sense to probe their surroundings.

This was because while you were probing your surroundings, you might also attract the attention of people with ulterior motives.

It was precisely because of this hidden nature of cultivators that Nascent Soul Realm cultivators could truly roam freely and were even regarded as the deterrent force of a sect.

In front of a Nascent Soul Cultivator, the cultivation of low-level cultivators was transparent.

Overall.

Martial artists were like torches, clear and transparent to each other, with distinct levels of strength. Cultivators, on the other hand, were like hidden arrows, with powerful individuals often concealed among the populace, unknown to outsiders, carrying out justice to eliminate Demons and Devils and Monsters, becoming legends for eternity.

At this moment, the two on stage, as their Magical Power was circulated to its limit, Li Mo could already see that both had a cultivation of Qi Refining fifth layer, which was a relatively outstanding level among second-year disciples.

After Advanced Study Hall disciples entered the second year, they would gradually begin to undertake various temporary commission tasks, and their Spirit Stone income would also increase rapidly. With the addition of a large amount of resources, their cultivation realm would also improve much faster.

The duel between the two on stage lasted for about a quarter of an incense stick.

The disciple specializing in fire-element spells eventually ran out of Magical Power, took off his Evacuation Talisman, and was instantly teleported out of the barrier, fleeing.

After the two referee masters announced the end of the duel, two more disciples quickly affixed Evacuation Talisman and entered the barrier.

Li Mo recognized one of these two disciples, Zhao Dongpu, who had once performed kitchen duty rotation with him. The other, although unrecognized, looked familiar, clearly also a first-year disciple of the Advanced Study Hall.

The duel between the two appeared much more monotonous and mediocre.

One seemed to have only mastered two low-level introductory spells, while the other had only mastered one low-level introductory spell. As they shot spells at each other, they also dodged in a sorry state, which truly seemed to tarnish the identity of immortal sect cultivators, presenting an unsightly spectacle.

Many onlookers were greatly disappointed by this and walked away shaking their heads towards the third-year assessment barrier.

Niu Li, however, had an expectant look.

"If only my opponent was at this level."

"I think you should stop dreaming,"

Yang Guang chuckled, "At least half of the second-year disciples have already broken through to Qi Refining fourth layer. Even those who haven't reached Qi Refining fourth layer have mastered several spells, or even brought talismans and artifacts. They are not comparable to us first-year disciples."

As someone who had a bye, he was now leisurely and carefree.

Li Mo also arrived at the barrier for the third-year disciple duel assessment to observe.

The ferocity of the third-year disciples' duels was far beyond what first-year and second-year disciples could compare to.

Not only did the participants have useful artifacts, some even had more than one. Various spells emerged one after another, occasionally interspersed with Spirit Talisman sneak attacks. Some even summoned puppets, with a wide variety of combat methods. Some even mastered aerial hovering techniques, attacking from a commanding height.

Below the stage, Li Mo, Ma Ling, Niu Li, and Yang Guang couldn't help but exclaim, greatly broadening their horizons.

On the other side.

After Lu Tianyou's name appeared at the second-year assessment barrier, Li Mo hurried over with Ma Ling, Niu Li, and Yang Guang to cheer him on.

Unfortunately, his opponent was a second-year disciple, and he was quickly defeated.

Niu Li sighed, "The gap in strength between first-year, second-year, and third-year disciples is too great. There's no chance."

But then he immediately shut up.

Because after Lu Tianyou, the one who took the stage was Ye Fuhu.

This exceptionally burly Ye family disciple was actually fighting back and forth with a second-year disciple. Relying on his superb reaction and agile footwork, he constantly tried to close in on his opponent, occasionally interspersing low-level introductory spells.

The second-year disciple was actually somewhat flustered for a moment.

After a period of back and forth, the second-year disciple finally managed to force Ye Fuhu back with his deeper Magical Power. He then consumed a Spirit Talisman, transformed into a wind bird, and defeated Ye Fuhu, who was then teleported out of the barrier by the Evacuation Talisman.

"This guy is actually so strong."

Ma Ling, Niu Li, and Yang Guang lamented.

Li Mo calmly stated, "In terms of martial arts and movement techniques alone, his skill is indeed above mine. He's a rare prodigy in martial arts, truly worthy of being a disciple of the Four Great Families."

Just like that.

Two and a half hours passed.

Ma Ling, Niu Li, Zhu Yidan, and Zhao Xiaonan's opponents were all second-year disciples, so they were all defeated. Li Mo's good friends Wang Feng and Wang Zhu hadn't appeared yet; their opponents were unknown.

"Next pair of examinees, Li Mo, Wu Xin!"

A referee uncle with a triangular beard stepped forward and placed an Evacuation Talisman on Li Mo's chest.

"This is an Evacuation Talisman. It will protect your safety within the barrier. If you encounter a life-threatening situation, the Evacuation Talisman will automatically teleport you out of the barrier. If you wish to surrender, simply tear it off."

"Understood."

Many cheers and shouts came from below the stage.

Some were Li Mo's friends, and some were Wu Xin's friends.

After nodding to the referee uncle who was explaining, Li Mo stepped onto the stage within the barrier. The moment he entered, the sounds from outside quickly vanished. At the same time, he could clearly feel waves of spiritual energy emanating from his chest, rapidly enveloping his entire body and creating a wondrous reaction with the barrier.

It's less about the Evacuation Talisman teleporting me out of the barrier, and more about needing the Evacuation Talisman to even function within it. How remarkable.

After marveling inwardly, Li Mo looked towards Wu Xin, who was walking onto the stage from the other side.

They stood about ten zhang apart, gazing at each other.

Wu Xin was a man with red lips and a jade-like face, appearing somewhat obsessive about cleanliness. In Li Mo's eyes, he looked like a Peking Opera performer, yet he seemed very popular among the female disciples of the Advanced Study Hall.

Before stepping onto the stage, Li Mo had noticed many female disciples cheering for him.

On the other side.

Wu Xin was also observing Li Mo.

He noticed that Li Mo's condition seemed poor, appearing quite weak. He frowned at first, then let out a light laugh. He bowed to Li Mo and attacked simultaneously.

Normally, Li Mo would have attempted close-quarters combat.

But his divine sense was currently damaged, leaving him dizzy and disoriented, like he was drunk. He was in no condition for strenuous activity.

So, he quickly formed hand seals, chanted an incantation, and with a "boom" of thunder, lightning rapidly converged before him, transforming into a thunderous creature resembling a hound. He had successfully completed the Summon Thunder Slave spell.

"Just as I expected."

Seeing that he had successfully summoned the Thunder Slave, Li Mo breathed a sigh of relief.

The lightning tribulation he endured last night in the Misty Dream Realm had indeed greatly benefited his understanding of the Way of Thunder, allowing him to master the Summon Thunder Slave spell. However, this was his limit; he could feel his brain throbbing.

Wu Xin, who was holding a low-grade Earth Spike Technique and ready to unleash it, was greatly shocked by this sight.

He keenly sensed the danger from the Thunder Slave. However, before he could observe further, the Thunder Slave charged at him with astonishing speed. He didn't have time to react further and could only launch the Earth Spike Technique he held towards the Thunder Slave, while simultaneously preparing another low-grade spell, ready to act as the situation dictated.

The Thunder Slave seemed prescient, easily dodging the dense area of earth spikes ahead.

It then leaped up and pounced. Wu Xin, at the early stage of Qi Refining third layer, didn't have time to cast any spells. With a terrified cry, he was teleported out of the barrier.

"Li Mo wins!"

Not many people in the Advanced Study Hall were paying attention to this match, but some still noticed Li Mo, including Wu Xin's friend Tao Ran, the disciple with the Divine Wood Physique.

"What?"

He was standing with two other friends and looked incredulously at the fact that Wu Xin had been defeated by Li Mo so quickly.

"That five-element summoned creature... it's that strong? Is it a high-grade elementary spell?"

"Impossible."

A person beside him calmly said, "With our magical power as first-year disciples, how could we possibly sustain the consumption of a high-grade elementary spell?"

Without dwelling on Tao Ran and the others' hushed whispers.

As Li Mo walked off the stage, the sounds from outside returned.

His friends rushed forward to congratulate him. Li Mo responded to each of them before looking towards the other side of the barrier. Wu Xin was also surrounded by many people, but the majority were petite female disciples. Many even turned to look in their direction, displaying indignant and righteous expressions.

Li Mo shook his head helplessly and turned to walk away with his friends.

A while later.

Wang Feng, Zhu Yidan, Zhao Xiaonan, Wang Zhu, and others who had come to congratulate him began to leave. Li Mo, Ma Ling, Niu Li, and Yang Guang continued to stand together, watching the matches, occasionally gaining inspiration and chatting.

"Li Mo, congratulations."

A woman's voice came from behind. Li Mo turned to see Lü Cuicui walking over.

However, Li Mo noticed another female cultivator standing beside her. This female cultivator looked very demure, with bright, beautiful eyes. A mysterious red symbol was drawn in the center of her forehead.

Lü Cuicui introduced herself, "This is my cousin, Lü Tong."

"Hello. I've heard Lü Cuicui mention before that she has a cousin skilled in Runes and Restrictions. A pleasure to meet you."

Lü Tong smiled slightly and didn't say much.

Li Mo then said to Lü Cuicui, "I was just a bit lucky to be matched against a first-year disciple."

Lü Cuicui chatted with Li Mo for a few more sentences before leaving with Lü Tong.

"I hate her."

Ma Ling pouted.

At this moment, Wang Feng made his appearance. Li Mo quickly brought Ma Ling, Niu Li, and Yang Guang to cheer for Wang Feng.

Wang Feng soon defeated his opponent.

Seeing this, Li Mo walked over to congratulate him. It was clear that Wang Feng had a wide social circle, with many friends coming to congratulate him. He himself was unremarkable among them.

A while later, Wang Zhu took the stage.

Unfortunately, his opponent was a second-year disciple, and he ultimately lost.

Until the last duel for the first and second-year students concluded, the assessments for the third-year students were still proceeding in an orderly fashion.

The depth of Magical Power of these third-year disciples was far beyond what the first and second-year disciples could compare to.