An Arrow Shatters the Momentum, Beautiful Eyes Brimming with Light

Fortune, or the Unseen, is something unseen yet ever-flowing and ever-changing. The Fortune constant, flowing through the bodies of countless Outstanding Heroes and talents over thousands of years.

Those who are literate use their Literary Qi to seize Fortune.

Martial artists are never favored by Fortune. This is because martial artists often act without regard to "reason". Zhou Shijie, thanks to the blessings left by his father, although he is a martial artist, has inherited a Fortune of his father's fortune.

Later, he entered Qiongtian Prefecture Academy to cultivate himself in peace. He practiced martial arts and studied... making progress in both areas, and his skills surpassed those of his peers.

At this moment, he remained neither humble nor arrogant, facing the assembled seniors and experts from various races. His words were sharp and his reasoning clear, leaving everyone speechless.

Zhou Shijie thought to himself, "Golden Scale is a rare sight indeed. Though my Fortune is meager and this scale is fragile, I must try, I must fight for it."

Her demeanor and bearing are truly extraordinary.

Ouyezi's expression changed, his eyes darted around, and his mind raced:

"Pearl-Bearing Golden Scale... Scale Pearl are the most precious. I've already received a portion. It's a pity I can't get the Scale Pearl, but the harvest is already plentiful."

"Furthermore... I'm currently refining a rare artifact for someone on the ' Beauty Ranking.' She paid me in advance, all of which are rare and precious items. I've already used some of them, so I'm certain it will be successful."

"I came to the Prefectural City because I heard that they sell Ice-Jade Snow-Silkworm Silk here. This is a material for forging weapons, so I came here specifically."

"Although this boy's Fortune is meager, even if I'm unreasonable and provoke him, I'll only suffer bad luck for a few years. Could it be that heavenly lightning will strike me down and kill me on the spot? However... for those of us who refine weapons and alchemy, crucial moments and subtle details can affect success or failure. I'm currently refining a weapon... so this boy is truly not someone to be trifled with."

He hesitated, looking towards the various clans.

The clan elders of the Lin, Cao, Yuwen, and Chu families, each with their own thoughts, were surprisingly united:

"A Fortune is not something to be trifled with under normal circumstances. But the Golden Scale only appears once every ten or several decades. Compared to that, what is it worth mentioning? However... now that the distribution is settled, even if there are more Scale Pearl, they may not necessarily fall into my hands."

"Who knows... we might just be making a wedding dress for that Ouyezi, letting him get a bigger share. Hmph, rather than that, we might as well do as this boy says and give up the Scale Pearl, so that Ouyezi feel the pinch."

Many thoughts and intentions are left unsaid.

Cao Shuang said, "Young Master Zhou, what do you think? Tell me."

Zhou Shijie observed the expressions of everyone present and sensed that things were going well. The more critical the moment, the more important it was to strike the right balance. Advancing by even half an inch or retreating by even half an inch was not an option.

"These people are willing to listen to me only because of Fortune. But my Fortune is meager, and if they are determined to oppose me, there's nothing I can do."

"My words at this moment should appear fair, making the Aristocratic Clan families feel they have a chance to obtain the Scale Pearl, while simultaneously creating some space for myself."

Zhou Shijie had made up his mind. He lightly waved his folding fan and said, "I am grateful that you elders are willing to hear what I have to say. All matters under heaven boil down to one principle."

"I have an idea, kid."

"How about this, the distribution arrangements previously agreed upon by the old heroes of each tribe will remain unchanged. The Golden Scale swim and leap in the pool at an extremely fast speed. The task of capturing the Golden Scale will be handled by us, the people of this building."

"Whoever catches the Golden Scale will obtain its Scale Pearl; the remaining portion will be divided among the five tribes. What do you think, elders?"

The elders exchanged glances, their approval evident. They all secretly praised Zhou Shijie, saying he truly deserved his place on the Genius Ranking. Not only was he skilled in Martial Dao, but his ability to assess situations was also commendable.

His actions were naturally aimed at getting the Scale Pearl into his own hands. However, by inviting the geniuses of the Heavenly Man Tower to participate, he did not completely extinguish the desires of various clans to obtain the Scale Pearl.

Furthermore, by forming cliques and allying with the Qiongtian Prefecture Lineage, they intend to oppose Ouyezi and eliminate him completely. These few words conceal a great deal of consideration.

Given this arrangement, how could any of the major Lineage disagree? They immediately voiced their opinions and expressed their approval.

Ouyezi spat and said, "Bah! I've ended up losing a piece of the pie to you, and I can't do anything about it."

In the distant pavilions.

Gu Nianjun nodded slightly and praised, "Well-rounded. Zhou Shijie is skilled in both literature and martial arts, and his remarks were quite brilliant. In my opinion, they are even more impressive than the Peak Mastery of Basic Martial Arts."

A man should possess an upright and indomitable Intent-Qi, and remain calm and composed in the face of danger. Although Li Xian is outstanding, the characters he plays are all just outstanding talents of his age. It's nothing special.

Zhou Shijie's ability to navigate complex relationships with powerful figures and master blacksmiths in the Prefectural City is truly admirable.

Zhou Shijie addressed the crowd, saying, "Gentlemen, you've all heard it. I've secured an opportunity for you all. No need to thank me; go and seize your fortuitous opportunity!"

"Yes..."

"In this contest, you may display your full talents. Do not be limited to Basic Martial Arts, such as fists, legs, and hands."

These words were loaded with meaning. He sat high on the Top Position, listening to Li Xian ascend the tower and gradually reveal his Peak Mastery arts skills, knowing that a contest was inevitable. He was also highly talented in martial arts, having received instruction from a master, and possessed four Perfection Basic Martial Arts: Heavenly Eagle Claw, Ground-Plate Leg, Dragon-Spine Fist, and Iron-Ring Fan.

However, he calculated in his heart that he was no match for Li Xian's three sets of Peak Mastery martial arts. If Li Xian were to challenge for the Top Position, he would undoubtedly lose.

I felt restless and uneasy.

Fortunately, this unexpected turn of events allowed them to regain control of the situation.

Previously, the prodigies in the Heavenly Man Tower were inevitably restrained. Once the shackles were broken, the seven-story building was opened, and the seventy-four young prodigies rushed out of the Heavenly Man Tower together.

He used his lightness skill, martial arts techniques, and methods to his heart's content, trying to capture the Golden Scale- tailed fish. The Golden Scale hurriedly fled, darting upstream and downstream at incredible speed.

The lake stretches for several miles in both directions, making it quite large. A single Golden Scale- scaled fish can swim freely in both shallow and deep waters.

They are extremely difficult to catch.

But the Golden Scale scales, shimmering with golden light, remained hidden even as they submerged to the lake's bottom. Over seventy exceptional fishermen, skimming the water and splashing the waves, caught the fish...

The pursuit was intense.

This fierce battle showcased the unique skills of each side. Martial arts techniques were displayed with extraordinary skill, and wondrous sights abounded... Hidden Weapon, lightness skills, and Entry Vehicle Martial Arts...

Suddenly, a prodigy surnamed Cao caught sight of Golden Scale swimming past him. Overjoyed, he unleashed his "Snake-Scale Hand" technique. This was Lower Vehicle martial art, requiring Medicinal Bath to cultivate "snake scales" on the hands.

He plunged his hands into the water and reached out with incredible speed, the water's resistance negligible. Just as he was about to grab something, a huge wave swept him into the lake.

Zhou Shijie, wielding the "River-Sinking Sword," stood on churning waves. He parried, slashed, and thrust with his longsword, displaying his "Wave-Stepping Art" through Swordsmanship.

Combining the [Water Manipulation] properties of the River-Sinking Sword, with a seemingly effortless movement, a wave several feet high was created. The wave contained hidden energy, which slapped people into the lake and dragged them to the bottom.

He moved with graceful ease, his feet treading on the waves, a long sword in hand. His charm was unmatched, and he stood out from the crowd.

The top five talents on the Heroes Ranking wanted to compete with him. However, Zhou Shijie was empowered by Spirit Artifact, and his Inner Qi surged. Before they could even get close, they were swept away by the huge wave.

"Old Zhou, let's go again!"

Second on the Heroes Ranking: Wang Kun. Seizing the opportunity, he suddenly attacked. Zhou Shijie pointed his sword downwards and gently deflected it. He was able to fly lightly to a high place as if he were walking on flat ground.

Ouyezi exclaimed, "Excellent! What a wonderful application!" He was inwardly impressed.

He had forged this precious sword and knew its general uses, but had never truly developed them. At this moment, he saw Zhou Shijie transform his body into Light Boat and the River-Sinking Sword into a light oar.

Using the sword to deflect water, and taking advantage of the recoil, one can either fly horizontally or leap vertically. In the Jianghu, one can be extremely agile, moving freely and easily!

How could he not admire such ingenious and clever ideas? Seeing that his Spirit Artifact had found Outstanding Heroes and capable master filled him with joy, and his previous displeasure lessened.

The group of prodigies entered the lake to catch fish, but they could not stay on the surface for long. They could not stand on the water like Ouyezi, who could only touch the water with his toes. Therefore, every half hour, they had to fly back to the island in the middle of the lake, put their feet on solid ground, and then use their lightness skills to enter the lake again.

Capture the Golden Scale.

As time went on, the clothes of Wang Kun, Ji Hongyan, Chu Mei, Cao Xiuxiu, and other prodigies were all soaked. Only Zhou Shijie, riding the waves, remained completely dry, which was extremely impressive.

Ji Hongyan sighed, "Young Master Zhou's strength far surpasses ours."

Wang Kun said, "If it weren't for that River-Sinking Sword, I might have been able to put up a fight with him. But now... he's soaring arrogantly across the lake, like a tiger with wings. I... can hardly even touch him!"

Luo Bu'er, soaking wet, climbed onto the island in the middle of the lake. He hadn't caught Golden Scale, but had accidentally caught quite a few grass carp. He saw Zhou Shijie manipulating the waves, trying to create a whirlpool to trap the Golden Scale.

He couldn't help but sigh, "It has to be Young Master Zhou. He truly deserves the title of number one. His strength and demeanor are impeccable. Heh, that Immortal Li Xian was quite eye-catching for a while, but once the restrictions were loosened, he immediately paled in comparison. He's probably not even as good as me."

Upon hearing this, everyone thought, "Even if Basic Martial Arts Peak Mastery, their effectiveness is minimal in this vast lake."

Wang Kun's pupils contracted, and he exclaimed in surprise, "It's done! He's created a whirlpool... and trapped the Golden Scale!"

He immediately said admiringly, "I am no match for Brother Zhou. It seems... this Golden Scale scale is his."

Sitting on the ground, Luo Bu'er watched Zhou Shijie's performance. His mind was in turmoil, and he wanted to take advantage of the situation. When Zhou Shijie imprisoned Golden Scale, Luo Bu'er suddenly used his lightness skill to grab at Golden Scale.

With a loud "bang," Luo Bu'er was thrown back by the wave. He exclaimed in surprise, "How can this wave have such power?"

Wang Kun said, "Do you really think that you can easily capture Golden Scale just by wielding the River-Sinking Sword? Golden Scale is extremely fast; it can break through ordinary whirlpools with a single charge."

"Brother Zhou's Qi is astonishing. He used the properties of the River-Sinking Sword to channel his Inner Qi into the whirlpool of the lake waves. What appears to be lake waves is actually every drop of water infused with Brother Zhou's Inner Qi."

"I admire you, truly admire you. If nothing unexpected happens, this Golden Scale creature is undoubtedly his."

Ouyezi, who was observing from the sidelines, said, "This young man is indeed capable; his cunning and strength are both quite impressive. Letting him take a share of the spoils doesn't seem too difficult to accept."

"The other children, in terms of both intelligence and strength, are far inferior to him..."

Before he could finish speaking, a whooshing sound suddenly rang out. Immediately afterward, the whirlpool that Zhou Shijie had painstakingly created exploded with a loud "boom," sending water spraying several feet high.

The Golden Scale creature... flicked its tail and immediately fled again.

"Who?"

Everyone was bewildered. Wang Kun, Cao Xiuxiu, Li Ru Hu... all the prodigies had already experienced the power of this lake's waves. They were as gentle as water, yet relentlessly entwined.

The whirlpool had taken shape and was growing larger and larger. Not to mention the Golden Scale scales, even the most outstanding talents would find it extremely difficult to escape if caught in the whirlpool of the lake.

"Is it an arrow?"

"Who shattered the whirlpool with a single arrow?!"

A long arrow floated on the lake's surface. The assembled prodigies were filled with astonishment and disbelief. One arrow stirred up a giant wave, another shattered a whirlpool. This arrow must have struck the heart of the whirlpool, and contained...

Only Inner Qi comparable to Zhou Shijie could disrupt the vortex with a single arrow!

The crowd looked around but saw no one with a bow. When they looked up, they saw the Vicious Commandant Li Xian had already climbed to the top of the tower. He had disassembled the umbrella into a bow and used the umbrella ribs as arrows.

Draw the bow fully...

One arrow breaks through the enemy's momentum!

Li Xian was not skilled in light-footed martial arts, so he was indeed inferior in catching fish in the lake. Therefore, he relied on his strengths and used his Archery to maneuver.

Seeing Zhou Shijie display his "Wave-Stepping Art," creating a surge of waves on the lake, he knew that Zhou had secretly sabotaged his landing on the island. He immediately retaliated, drawing his bow taut and releasing an arrow in an instant.

When he shoots an arrow, he always possesses a unique charm, unmatched in the world.

The arrow left the bowstring. In an instant, all was completely silent.

Gu Nianjun stood up without realizing it.

Madam Wen crossed her legs, her posture alluring, her beautiful eyes gleaming with a mixture of admiration, joy, and pride. She parted her red lips slightly and said haughtily, "My woman, how dare you compare?"