Missing Thoughts

Chapter 26

As the students from the Third Practice Hall dispersed, a fierce Level Up Challenge was underway in the Martial Path Arena.

The first batch of students admitted for the challenge were taking the stage in order to face the defending disciples.

Most of this group were challenging from Grade D to Grade C, or from Grade C to Grade B. Only a few stubborn ones would choose the Martial Dao challenge for the first stage of challenging for Grade A.

Two Thirteenth Realm teachers, seated in the spectator stands, alternated between watching the arena and the battle roster in their hands.

"Legalism School's Xun Zhiya, challenging for Grade A after only about two years in the academy. She's a formidable young talent," Thirteenth Realm teacher Zhu Rong exclaimed. "She's truly a disciple personally taught by Yu Sheng. I see she's already completed her Zhou Tian Test and Five Elements Birth Technique. With just this year's Martial Dao challenge, she'll be a Grade A disciple."

The other teacher, Mu Wu, who was overseeing the matches, glanced at the roster with one eye half-closed. "Gu Gan was also an unexpected contender. This kid cultivates both Name and Law. By all rights, it should be harder for him than for others, yet he's passed the first two stages so quickly, only the Martial Dao remains."

"He's going to have a tough time today," Zhu Rong said with a smile, glancing towards the spectator stands on the third floor. "I think all the disciples challenging for Grade A today will have a tough time."

Mu Wu also looked up at the third floor and saw his student, Kong Yiyi, about to bypass Nian Qiuyan to attack Cang Shu. A hint of a smile appeared on his usually stern face.

"Although the defending disciples are chosen not only by voluntary application but also based on comprehensive ability, plus our internal lottery, it's all to prevent the defenders from going easy when someone challenges for Grade A. It's still rare for the strongest martial artists to be grouped together like this," Zhu Rong shook his head. "Nian Qiuyan from the School of Techniques is unparalleled in divination. No one in his cohort can compare. I heard his divination skills influenced the lottery selection for the defending disciples this time."

Mu Wu nodded. "Nian Qiuyan's 'Against the Odds Divination' determined who we would draw when we selected the disciple slips."

Zhu Rong tapped the list in his hand. "Isn't this going a bit too far!"

"The academy's rules state that as long as divination cannot directly determine the final outcome and cause significant casualties or losses, it's not restricted. Only he among the students can achieve 'Against the Odds Divination' to this extent," Mu Wu chuckled. "He's a rare talent, and the entire School of Techniques protects him."

He added, "Besides, everyone in the academy knows a little about divination. If we were to prohibit divination within the academy grounds, we might as well make the School of Techniques disappear."

Zhu Rong looked over. "Those words didn't come from me."

Mu Wu glanced at Cang Shu on the floor above. "Your student is up there too."

"If he wants to come, I can't stop him," Zhu Rong sighed, leaning back in his chair. "You know, these students nowadays are wilder than ever. Despite his gentle appearance, when his temper flares, he's even more difficult than I am. It's impossible to reason with him."

Mu Wu nodded in strong agreement. "They're all the same."

Speaking of unruly students, both teachers simultaneously looked at Mei Chengyu, who was engrossed in playing with his Listening Wind Ruler on the floor above. They then exchanged glances. Zhu Rong said with a solemn expression, "If I were Old Man Chang, I would have expelled him from the sect eight hundred times."

Mu Wu continued to nod in agreement. "He truly doesn't follow any rules. Your students and mine might put on a show, but this kid doesn't even bother. He'll even stab you a couple more times on his way out, saying you're blocking his view."

"If Mei Chengyu's talent were even a little less, I don't think Old Man Chang could tolerate him," Zhu Rong said. Then, he suddenly remembered Sage Chang Gen's other disciple and asked curiously, "By the way, who is the second disciple Old Man Chang took? I was so busy the other day I didn't have time to inquire."

"She's a County Princess from Qingyang Nation, the daughter of Nangong Ming," Mu Wu explained briefly, but every word was significant. "Currently, she appears to be a Normal Practitioner."

Zhu Rong rubbed his eyebrows. "As expected of Old Man Chang, his disciples are always so unique. Speaking of which, Nangong Ming's daughter being a Normal Practitioner is incredible."

Nangong Ming himself was baffled by Yu Sui being a Normal Practitioner.

He had tested Yu Sui's talent several times without results, and Yu Sui hadn't shown any special qualities. She even seemed quite slow-witted at times. Apart from her sweet talk and good looks, Nangong Ming couldn't find any other merits in Yu Sui.

Mu Wu said, "Since she's been designated as his heir, she must have extraordinary qualities."

Nangong Ming probably never expected to hear himself described that way.

As the two chatted, the next battle roster was announced from outside. Both teachers glanced at it and then posted it to the arena.

And so, everyone saw:

Challenger: Legalism School, Xun Zhiya. Defender: Ghost Dao School, Mei Chengyu.

Challenger: School of Names, Gu Gan. Defender: Military School, Kong Yiyi.

"Him again," Ji Meng said, looking at the pairing for Xun Zhiya. Seeing that she was up against Mei Chengyu, he sighed. "Are we somehow targeting Mei Chengyu lately?"

Gu Gan also frowned slightly and said to Xun Zhiya, "You need to be careful. This guy has a reputation for being aggressive."

Although he didn't want to admit it, Mei Chengyu was the most difficult opponent to overcome in today's Martial Dao Level Up Challenge.

Xun Zhiya appeared very serious, her gaze focused. It was unclear if she had heard his words.

They walked towards the arena together.

Mei Chengyu, by the spectator stands on the third floor, put away his Listening Wind Ruler. Kong Yiyi pointed at Gu Gan and said, "This kid has been quite popular lately!"

"Be careful," Nian Qiuyan said gently.

Kong Yiyi covered the back of her neck and twisted her neck. "What's there to fear? Cast a divination for me to see who wins."

Nian Qiuyan smiled slightly. "You only get three divinations a day, but for something like this, I don't need to divine to know. You'll definitely win."

Kong Yiyi turned and winked at him. "I just love hearing you say things like that."

Mei Chengyu and Kong Yiyi instantly rode the wind down to the arena below. The circular arena was divided into five sections by a barrier. What people saw were five arenas, with individuals dueling one-on-one on each stage.

The rules seemed simple: defeat the defender and knock them off the stage.

However, achieving this was somewhat difficult.

The defenders were almost all Ninth Realm disciples.

The challengers, however, could be Seventh or Eighth Realm. A difference of one realm could sometimes be a world apart.

As Gu Gan stepped onto the stage, he saw Kong Yiyi, dressed in fiery red, turn around. She had braided her long hair into a single strand that fell over her left shoulder. Exquisite silver bracelets adorned her wrists. As she placed her hands on her hips, she casually tilted her chin at Gu Gan, her pride evident.

According to the Martial Dao rules, there could be no verbal communication between the two parties on the stage.

No one spoke, only exchanging glances before simultaneously activating their Five Elements Qi. Kong Yiyi's twin rings on her wrist suddenly tightened, gripping her sleeves. She clenched her fist and used the Wind Riding Technique to attack with Instant Shadow. Gu Gan didn't dodge; instead, he raised his hand to block the punch.

Kong Yiyi's movements were light, but the force landing on Gu Gan was as heavy as a collapsing mountain. Each blow made his body stagger.

Both of them were equally swift and fierce. Upon closer inspection, it was clear that Kong Yiyi had been on the offensive from the start, while Gu Gan was defending.

Teacher Zhu Rong, watching from below, stroked his chin as he observed Kong Yiyi and Gu Gan's match. "Not bad. He can hold on for a while using just Body Techniques."

Mu Wu, however, said, "He's a dual cultivator of Name and Law, isn't he? An eighth-realm technician. Of the Legalism School's one hundred and eighty-six Judgment Techniques, he knows at least eighty-six. If he knows the high-level Judgment Technique: Star Judgment, then this match is his."

"High-level Judgment Technique: Star Judgment is the bane of Kong Yiyi's Armor Techniques, but I don't think Gu Gan knows it yet," Zhu Rong said with a hint of gossip. "He's Old Man Zhu's student in the School of Names and is highly favored, but he's not exactly welcomed in the Legalism School. His studies there aren't as smooth as in the School of Names."

Gu Gan and Kong Yiyi's combat speed increased, their afterimages becoming too blurry to discern their movements. Kong Yiyi gave Gu Gan no chance to create distance, fighting him almost as if she were stuck to him.

Others could only see Gu Gan being relentlessly attacked by Kong Yiyi. Only Gu Gan himself could feel the increasing pressure she exerted. His five senses were being gradually affected. He heard fierce winds from nowhere and smelled a heavy scent of blood, though no wounds had been inflicted.

When Kong Yiyi struck him head-on again, Gu Gan saw blood splattering three feet.

In a brief pause, Kong Yiyi punched Gu Gan back to the edge of the arena, nearly causing him to fall. At that moment, his world was consumed by black and white. The vibrant red Martial Path Arena transformed into a desolate black and white ancient battlefield.

Black smoke drifted across the wilderness, bodies littered the ground, and blood flowed like a river. Cities consumed by flames created a sky full of ash.

Emotions like solemn killing intent, battle intent, and resentment assaulted Gu Gan. Standing amidst the corpses, Gu Gan frowned, his gaze focused. The broken armor he glimpsed in his peripheral vision made a crisp sound. The armor writhed, and withered bones extended hands from beneath it. Warriors clad in blood-stained armor rose from the earth.

Military Formation: Ancient Battlefield.

Gu Gan glanced at the white bone warriors constantly emerging from the soil but showed no nervousness. Instead, he smiled.

He hadn't counterattacked for so long because he was waiting for Kong Yiyi to unleash her Military Formation.

The illusions of the Military School were considered among the most deceptive and deadliest types of illusions.

They weren't ordinary illusions; sometimes, they were akin to scene reenactments, containing half "truth," making it harder for the victim to break free.

Kong Yiyi stood amidst the white bone warriors. On the ancient battlefield, the wind carrying a stench violently blew her red skirt. She raised her hand, her silver rings on her wrist clinking. "Three Armies."

At this moment, she was the commander directing the three armies on the battlefield.

The white bone warriors charged with their swords, attacking Gu Gan from all directions.

Kong Yiyi used this high-level Armor Technique to end the fight quickly, but she didn't underestimate him. Considering the rumors about Gu Gan, she knew he was quite capable. Using a high-level Armor Technique against him was a sign of her seriousness.

Gu Gan formed a hand seal. Golden energy waves ignited around him, his Five Elements Qi enveloping his entire body. He spun his feet and shot towards Kong Yiyi, who was behind the three armies, like an arrow loosed from a bow.

The swords of the white bone warriors seemed too slow against Gu Gan's speed. They collided with each other, emitting dull thuds. Gu Gan's movement was erratic; he perfectly avoided all attacks each time, leaving the white bone warriors far behind and carving a path through the multitude of soldiers.

Kong Yiyi watched Gu Gan break through the white bone warriors' defense and said, "Loose the arrows."

From the half-collapsed city, countless flaming arrows flew towards the battlefield ahead.

As if stars were falling from the sky, streaks of starlight cut through the smoke. Gu Gan, minuscule as an ant amidst the volley of arrows, refused to surrender. He drew the golden Five Elements Qi into himself and exhaled, saying, "Follow the Tiger."

School of Names: Nine Schools Techniques - Word Speech.

The Nine Schools Techniques of School of Names disciples possessed the ability to materialize Five Elements Qi, bound by "names."

All things in heaven and earth have their names.

As long as one masters its name, one bestows its meaning of existence and determines its life and death.

The Word Speech of the School of Names can also "kill" the Nine Schools Techniques of others.

Gu Gan's "Follow the Tiger" Word Speech caused the golden Five Elements Qi to transform into a transparent giant tiger, seemingly as tall as the heavens. Its eyes burned with golden flames. It raised its head and let out a heaven-shaking roar, shaking the volley of arrows from the sky.

Kong Yiyi raised an eyebrow slightly at this. To summon such a massive manifestation of Qi with Word Speech was indeed not to be underestimated.

She still needed to finish this quickly.

"General," Kong Yiyi raised her hand, pointing at Gu Gan, and closed her eyes to command, "Six Cuts."

She no longer intended to form formations. Since Gu Gan was a School of Names disciple, if he had cultivated the School of Names' Six Eyes, breaking formations would only be a matter of time. Kong Yiyi, intending to end the fight quickly, directly entered the final killing stage of the Military Formation.

The thousands of white bone warriors chasing Gu Gan suddenly turned to dust and scattered, leaving behind piles of armor. Gu Gan braked abruptly, his expression wary. The ground trembled, splitting into several fissures. The Five Elements Qi rising from the cracks appeared black. They quickly gathered, materializing into a colossal white bone general.

The white bone general, comparable in height to the heavens, wielded a massive black long saber. The light emanating from its eyes beneath the armor was as blinding as daylight. Gu Gan, standing on the ground, felt an intense pressure, his hair standing on end. Under the general's daylight gaze, he had nowhere to hide, and even movement became incredibly difficult. He desperately wanted to dodge but was blocked by the invisible killing intent on the ancient battlefield, rendering him immobile.

At this moment, Gu Gan felt like an enemy general who had lost his entire army, a defeated foe of Kong Yiyi, about to be judged and executed at her will.

The white bone general, raising its black long saber, stared intently at Gu Gan. Moonlight pierced through the smoke of the ancient battlefield, casting onto the saber, reflecting countless withered bones. Killing intent filled the entire ancient battlefield. The wind carried the cries of fallen soldiers, shouting to execute the last enemy.

@First, Soldier's Cut.

As the saber neared, Gu Gan's calm face flashed. The black long saber suddenly slashed towards Kong Yiyi behind him.

How could this be!

Kong Yiyi opened her eyes, her expression astonished, but her reaction was swift. She immediately dodged sideways and used the wind to ascend above the piles of corpses, looking at Gu Gan far behind the white bone general.

Although Gu Gan was still bound by the killing intent and unable to move, he met Kong Yiyi's surprised gaze with a half-smile and said, "Second, Rebellion Cut."

This was the first time a School of Names disciple had been able to subvert her Military Formation general with the School of Names' Word Speech technique.

Kong Yiyi snorted. As the white bone general swung its second cut towards her, she leaped into the air, passing through the general and shattering it.

With the white bone general dispersed, Gu Gan was freed. But soon, Kong Yiyi appeared before him. The long arrows that had been knocked to the ground by the earlier impact from the sky now rose, grasped by Kong Yiyi, and flew towards Gu Gan.

The blood-stained swords and sabers lying in the piles of corpses on the ground were utilized by Kong Yiyi, all flying towards Gu Gan. Each weapon carried the hatred and killing intent of the fallen soldiers. They attacked decisively, never retreating.

Gu Gan inhaled the Five Elements Qi from the ancient battlefield, expanding the range of his Word Speech: Judgment Cut, subverting all the swords, sabers, and broken arrows that obeyed Kong Yiyi's command and flew towards him.

The battlefield was ever-changing. Countless broken arrows and swords suddenly turned and charged towards Kong Yiyi behind her. Amidst all the retreating blades, Kong Yiyi pressed forward bravely. She gathered her strength and unleashed a punch at Gu Gan, blasting him out of the Military Formation.

Gu Gan, who was already standing at the edge of the Arena, was directly knocked off the stage by Kong Yiyi's punch.

He quickly stabilized himself and looked up at Kong Yiyi, who had emerged from the Military Formation. Kong Yiyi raised her hand and wiped the blood from a scratch on her face caused by a broken arrow. She tilted her chin slightly at him, her eyes conveying a message: "Loser."

Gu Gan chuckled at the sight and cupped his hands in salute. "Impressive."

Chapter 26

He hadn't been determined to succeed in challenging the armor today; he was here to test his strength. Gu Gan had already gotten the answer he wanted when he saw that the Armor Soldiers in the Military Formation could be turned against the Ninth Realm technicians.

Kong Yiyi looked at the blood on her fingers and snorted. "You weren't bad either."

The two teachers below the stage were evaluating and writing down their comments on the match.

On the third-floor observation platform, Cang Shu leaned his hands on the railing, his dark eyes darting from Gu Gan to Kong Yiyi.

"To be able to injure her, Gu Gan's strength is deeper than I thought," Cang Shu said softly.

Nian Qiuyan, with a smile in his eyes, turned to look at another arena match. "Don't underestimate Gu Gan. He hasn't used his full strength yet."

Gu Gan stepped off the stage, flexing his wrist, and asked Ji Meng beside him, "How is Xun Zhiya?"

"Look," Ji Meng gestured for him to see, his expression grim. "They've been in a stalemate for a while. No matter what technique Xun Zhiya uses, Mei Chengyu counters with the same technique. It feels like he's mocking her this way."

Gu Gan frowned upon hearing this.

Many people around were discussing the battle between Mei Chengyu and Xun Zhiya.

On the stage at this moment, Xun Zhiya was surrounded by golden Five Elements Qi. She distanced herself from Mei Chengyu, who was fighting in close quarters. Frowning in mid-air, she said, "Thunder Punishment."

Blue lightning crackled with a deafening roar. Five bolts of thunder flashed, pushing Mei Chengyu back several steps.

The Legalist School's doctrine states that human nature is inherently evil.

Therefore, these 186 Legalist Judgment Techniques are essentially punitive techniques.

All the Legalist Judgment Techniques Xun Zhiya had used before were returned by Mei Chengyu in kind. Now, Xun Zhiya unleashed the only Legalist Heavenly Secrets Technique she knew: Thunder Punishment.

The five bolts of lightning, like long snakes or coiling dragons, crackled, scorching Mei Chengyu's Five Elements Qi. They closely tracked Mei Chengyu's every move, preventing any offense from him.

Mei Chengyu stood his ground, glancing at Xun Zhiya's five bolts of Thunder Punishment. The blue lightning flickered in his cold, dark eyes. The lightning threads flowing before him seemed like the Legalist Saints judging him from on high. He slowly looked at Xun Zhiya and said calmly, "Thunder Punishment."

This time, his attitude and demeanor were completely different from when he sparred with Yu Sui last night.

He wasn't underestimating her, nor was he mocking her. Like Kong Yiyi, he intended to end the fight quickly and chose the fastest method.

But this was an arena, not a fight to the death. Every time Mei Chengyu countered with the same technique, it was swift, precise, and targeted a weakness for a decisive blow. Yet, Xun Zhiya was stubborn; she refused to admit defeat, refused to give up.

Xun Zhiya was nearly knocked off the edge of the stage several times but tenaciously returned to the center.

On the Martial Dao Arena, lightning flashed brightly, momentarily illuminating the area as if staring directly at the sun. Many spectators instinctively shielded their eyes or closed them.

People heard the thunderous roars of battle, two Thunder Punishments clashing and consuming each other.

Xun Zhiya, however, stared at Mei Chengyu in shock, unable to believe it. If he could replicate her previous Judgment Techniques, it could be attributed to Mei Chengyu's talent in the Five Elements Birth Technique. But how could he also use the Legalist Heavenly Secrets Technique?

He was clearly a Ghost Dao School disciple; how could he know the Legalist Heavenly Secrets Technique!

Xun Zhiya's mind faltered. Mei Chengyu gave her no chance, flicking his hand to send a lightning thread that whipped Xun Zhiya off the stage.

Xun Zhiya's strength was exhausted. Her Five Elements Qi dispersed, and she was sent flying without any defense. While people were still reacting to the lightning, Gu Gan leaped from the observation platform first, riding the wind to catch Xun Zhiya as she fell.

Seeing Xun Zhiya drenched in sweat and extremely weak, Gu Gan held her in his arms. That single lightning strike had shattered Xun Zhiya's final Five Elements Qi defense. He looked up at Mei Chengyu on the stage with a cold glare.

Mei Chengyu found his gaze amusing. His originally indifferent expression was tinged with a hint of malicious provocation due to Gu Gan's action.

It was as if he were saying, "If you're not convinced, come up and fight me instead."

Gu Gan suppressed the displeasure in his heart, withdrew his gaze, and retreated with Xun Zhiya in his arms.

The two Thirteenth Realm teachers recording the matches said nothing. As long as Gu Gan didn't actually run up and fight Mei Chengyu, they wouldn't interfere with provocations between students like this.

Zhu Rong scratched his head and said, "I don't think anyone will be able to pass the armor challenge today."

He understood that Mei Chengyu and Kong Yiyi weren't intentionally causing trouble, but these people were the type who, once on the arena and fighting, were determined: "I want to win, I will never lose."

Mei Chengyu and Kong Yiyi returned to the third-floor observation platform together.

Kong Yiyi said, "Why did you even hit a girl!"

Mei Chengyu walked ahead, not looking back. "Then should I have let her Thunder Punishment hit me?"

Kong Yiyi jogged up to him. "That's true. There's no male or female in the Martial Path Arena."

It was almost noon, and the sun shone brightly. The blue light refracted from the third practice hall enveloped the area, making it look like a vast expanse of ocean to the naked eye.

The Yin-Yang and Five Elements arena designated by Jing Yun Kui was located within the Yin-Yang School.

The Yin-Yang and Five Elements arena faced the setting sun in the west. It was a massive circle, reflecting never-extinguishing stars. All the stars in the world were contained within this "circle."

Upon first arrival, it seemed to be only the size of a lake.

There were many surrounding buildings. Opposite the Yin-Yang and Five Elements arena was the Martial Path Arena.

On the way, Yu Sui saw Xing Chun walking towards the Martial Path Arena. He was looking down, sending a message with his Listening Wind Ruler. Yu Sui called out, "Senior Martial Brother Xing Chun!"

She took the initiative to greet him, and Xing Chun couldn't pretend not to see her, so he replied, "Why are you here too?"

"Today the teacher said we have to come to the Yin-Yang and the Five Elements arena for a trial," Yu Sui said with a smile. "Will this be very difficult?"

Xing Chun shook his head. "Some basic trials, not difficult, don't be afraid."

Yu Sui asked again, "Are you going to eat with my Senior Martial Brother?"

"Oh, my Senior Martial Brother is defending the arena today, so he probably won't have time to eat with me. I was planning to go watch the Martial Path Arena anyway," Xing Chun said, pointing. "It's over there, quite close to you guys."

"Is that so? Then Senior Martial Brother Xing Chun, can we add each other as friends on Listening Wind Ruler? If you're busy, and I encounter something I don't understand in the Yin-Yang School, can I ask you first?" Yu Sui took out her Listening Wind Ruler and asked obediently.

Xing Chun thought nothing of it and took out his Listening Wind Ruler to touch hers. "Sure."

"Huh, it seems we didn't add each other," Yu Sui said.

"Let me see." Xing Chun leaned over to look at her Listening Wind Ruler, looking puzzled. As he got closer, Yu Sui skillfully threw a Five Elements Light Core at him.

"Try adding again," Xing Chun said, completely unaware. He held his Listening Wind Ruler and touched hers again.

"It worked this time," Yu Sui said, shaking her Listening Wind Ruler and bidding farewell to Xing Chun. "Then I'll go do my trial mission first. Goodbye, Senior Martial Brother Xing Chun."

Xing Chun waved at her, sighing inwardly that Mei Chengyu's Junior Martial Sister was truly adorable. He then walked towards the Martial Path Arena.

Yu Sui returned to the Yin-Yang and the Five Elements arena. The others had already descended into the Star Sea and were waiting for her below. Yu Sui walked down a few steps and stepped into the Five Elements arena. Only then did she feel the world turn upside down. They seemed to be standing on the stars, in the vast cosmic Milky Way, seeing a night sky illuminated by stars.

Xue Mushi scratched his head and asked, "How do we do this?"

Wei Ren reached out and pointed at the star map before them. "Within the scope of the Sixty-Four Hexagrams of the Five Elements Birth Technique, which sect's trial is best to choose?"

Xue Mushi looked like he'd do whatever they decided.

Li Jinshuang was indifferent, saying, "Choose whatever you want, I don't have any opinions."

Wei Ren looked at Yu Sui. Yu Sui looked around, and since no one else spoke, she finally said, "The Military School. Li Jinshuang has the highest realm, so choosing what she's best at would be more certain."

"Then the Military School," Wei Ren said, adjusting the star map. He then discovered an interesting situation. "Heh, there's a protection mechanism from the Yin-Yang School, probably prepared for Normal Practitioners. The strength of the trial's Military Formation will be adjusted according to the lowest realm in the team."

After he said this, the other three looked at Yu Sui.

Yu Sui slowly raised her hands. "Ah, I didn't get a chance to say it earlier. I'm not a Normal Practitioner anymore. I have a Five Elements Light Core. I'm a Nine Schools Practitioner."

"You have one?" Wei Ren raised an eyebrow slightly. "When did you get it?"

Yu Sui said, "Last night."

Wei Ren chuckled. "Did Old Man Chang peel the Light Core off your Senior Martial Brother and give it to you?"

Yu Sui's eyes widened slightly. "Do you have a problem with my Senior Martial Brother?"

"He constantly uses techniques at night to disturb my mind, making me have nightmares. I have a big problem with him," Wei Ren said, grinding his teeth slightly.

Yu Sui said with an honest face, "My Senior Martial Brother also said you constantly throw poisonous things into his room."

"They crawled in themselves, I didn't throw them," Wei Ren said, stepping aside and gesturing for Yu Sui to come to the star map. "Since you say you're not a Normal Practitioner anymore, what realm are your Nine Schools Techniques?"

Yu Sui gave a silly smile. "Realm one, I guess."

This was the truth.

Wei Ren tilted his head. "Then you're still the weakest among us. You go and activate the Military Formation. A Realm One Military Formation, and we'll be out in less than fifteen minutes."

"Okay!" Yu Sui came to the star map and placed her palm on it according to the star map's guidance.

Yu Sui also thought this trial would be very simple, as Li Jinshuang and Wei Ren were both Fifth Realm technicians, and Xue Mushi was Fourth Realm. Ordinary trials within the scope of the Five Elements Birth Technique wouldn't be difficult for them.

Therefore, her attention was focused on another Five Elements Light Core.

As Xing Chun entered the Martial Path Arena, Yu Sui could see the scene inside. There were more people than she expected. As Xing Chun walked past the spectator stands, Yu Sui could also see the disciples still fighting on the arena stage.

She saw Gu Gan holding Xun Zhiya with an unfriendly expression, and Mei Chengyu standing on the stage with a disdainful look.

She heard people around her gossiping about the recent fight.

Yu Sui thought inwardly, Wow, so lively.

Xing Chun walked towards the third floor and met up with Mei Chengyu and the others. "Are you guys done fighting?"

"Wei Kun isn't yet," Cang Shu replied. "Those two just finished."

"I just heard someone say you fought Xun Zhiya?" Xing Chun looked at Mei Chengyu in surprise. "Your relationship with Gu Gan has really gone from bad to worse."

Mei Chengyu said nonchalantly, "What relationship do I have with him?"

Xing Chun said, "When I first arrived, I ran into Nangong Sui. She was doing the introductory trial in the adjacent Yin-Yang and the Five Elements arena."

Mei Chengyu turned his head to look over. Xing Chun continued, "Aren't she and Gu Gan on very good terms? You're her Senior Martial Brother and you see her often. She'll probably be in a difficult position caught between you two."

"Sheng Zui doesn't think she's in a difficult position, so why should I have this concern?" Mei Chengyu said, his gaze narrowing slightly as he stared at Xing Chun's shoulder. "What do you have on you?"

"Hmm? What?" Xing Chun looked around, not noticing anything.

Nian Qiuyan and Kong Yiyi also looked over.

Yu Sui sighed inwardly. Senior Martial Brother is so annoyingly perceptive.

Before Mei Chengyu could discover it, Yu Sui preemptively crushed the Five Elements Light Core hidden on Xing Chun.

Xing Chun lifted his clothes and searched for a long time but found nothing unusual. He couldn't help but ask suspiciously, "Are you playing a prank on me?"

Mei Chengyu didn't answer, only saying, "Be careful lately."

Xing Chun turned his head and asked Nian Qiuyan, "Is that so?"

Nian Qiuyan nodded.

Xing Chun asked again, "Did you divine?"

Nian Qiuyan smiled, "I'll divine for you tomorrow."

Xing Chun looked back at Mei Chengyu, "Then you were just playing with me?"

Mei Chengyu had already changed the subject, "What did Nangong Sui say to you?"

Xing Chun took out the Listening Wind Ruler and said, "She said she wanted to add me as a friend on the Listening Wind Ruler, so she could ask me questions if she didn't understand anything in the future. I agreed."

Mei Chengyu said lazily, "You're from the Yin-Yang School, what questions could she possibly have for you?"

Xing Chun said, "Don't be so overbearing. What if she wants to cultivate Yin-Yang techniques externally? Then she could have many questions for me. My main disciples understand much more than you, an amateur senior martial brother."

Mei Chengyu looked bewildered, "If she's cultivating externally, how could I not understand? You main disciples can't teach other Yin-Yang techniques either."

Xing Chun: "It's not impossible for her to learn!"

Nian Qiuyan said gently, "Then you can argue when Nangong Sui says she wants to learn."

Xing Chun and Mei Chengyu said in unison, "Who's arguing?"

Nian Qiuyan: ""

Yu Sui crushed the Five Elements Light Core and then entered the Military Formation.

The cosmic river receded. Before they could open their eyes, the four of them smelled a strong scent of blood. The ashes from the burned battlefield brushed against the faces of the living. Thunder suddenly struck, splitting the smoke. Yu Sui opened her eyes and saw bodies stretching for miles.

The scene before them, like an Asura Hell, plunged the four into silence.

Thunder Punishment flashed in the sky. The reeds swaying by the river were stained red with the blood of the fallen. The reed flowers flying towards the sky looked like sparks.

A giant armored general held a sword and guarded the city gate. Its eyes were like the scorching sun, impossible to look at directly. Wherever it gazed, the earth ignited in a blaze.

Evil spirits were born from the flames, picking up the swords and sabers dropped by the fallen soldiers, continuing to guard their city.

Military Formation · Asura Hell.

Killing intent raged across the battlefield. The oppressive aura that hit them was suffocating, making the four tremble, their hearts and breaths heavy.

Yu Sui wiped the ash that flew onto her face, leaving a streak of black dust on her clean cheek.

She could hear her own heartbeat.

"Is this a first-realm Military Formation?" Xue Mushi asked hesitantly, looking incredulous.

"Just look at the City Defense King General ahead, and you'll know this can't be a first-realm Military Formation," Wei Ren wiped his face and asked Li Jinshuang, "You should know, right? Could this be a fifth-realm Military Formation?"

"No," Li Jinshuang had already gripped her sword hilt with one hand, her gaze fixed on the killing-intent-filled City Defense King General ahead. "Only special-grade Military Formations have a City Defense King General. They are above the thirteenth realm, at the Saint realm."

Yu Sui looked at Li Jinshuang, "This is the most I've ever heard you say."

The other three looked at Yu Sui.

Yu Sui knew what they meant from their expressions and raised her hand, "I really am in the first realm."