The dust in the sky slowly settled, Ji Li maintained the empty hand gesture and stared blankly at the empty palms.
The subtle feeling of connection with the magical instrument was completely broken, replaced by an unprecedented sense of emptiness.
Lost.
From the moment he stepped into the Dao Academy, whether it was daily practice or previous quizzes, as Ji Household Prodigy, he had never failed.
Even in the face of Lü Qing's life-threatening style of play, he can still handle it with ease with his absolute strength.
But today, in front of everyone, in the field where he is best at, a new student who has only been in school for only one year forcefully took away the magic weapon from the front.
"Huh..."
Ji Li slowly closed his eyes, his chest rose and fell, and took a deep breath. When he opened it again, the confusion and shock in his eyes had disappeared, and was replaced by an extremely complicated light.
He was not hysterical, nor was he as angry as an ordinary dandy.
As the legitimate son of the great Aristocratic Clan, he still has this kind of magnanimity.
Losing is losing. If you don't even have the courage to admit defeat, how can you talk about the road?
"Five Phases transformation, Innate Geng Metal..."
Ji Li looked at Chu Bai who was concentrating his breath in front of him, and his voice was a little hoarse, but extremely clear, "I didn't expect that Junior Brother Chu could actually master such a method, but he defeated my army. I didn't lose unjustly."
Chu Bai At this time, the surging Qi and blood in his body had also calmed down. Although his face was pale and his clothes were ragged, his back was as straight as a javelin.
He cupped his hands and said in a calm tone, neither humble nor overbearing:
"It's just a fluke. If senior brother and senior brothers Lu and Wu hadn't spent a lot of money before, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to take advantage of it."
"If you win, you win. On the battlefield, there is no luck. The winner is the king and the loser is the bandit. The result is the only one."
Ji Li waved his hand, interrupting Chu Bai's politeness.
He took a deep look at the gleaming golden seal in Chu Bai's arms, and a hint of coldness appeared at the corner of his mouth, but it was not directed at Chu Bai, but with a sense of arrogance that refused to admit defeat:
"You win this first round, but whether this golden seal can keep warm in your hands depends on your ability later. The assessment is not over yet, you and I will compete in the next two rounds."
After that, he said no more, turned and walked aside.
Although the back was slightly bleak, it was still as tall and straight as a pine, showing a tenacity to make a comeback.
Chu Bai looked at his back and nodded secretly in his heart.
This person is able to bend and stretch, he can pick up and let go, his character is far beyond ordinary people, and he is indeed a powerful enemy.
At this moment, above the sky, a grand and majestic voice resounded throughout Wasteland like a bell, shaking away the remaining fighting spirit.
"The time has come!"
"The first round of [Object Control] assessment is over!"
As Merit Office Judge Li's voice fell, countless soft white lights suddenly fell from the sky above Wasteland. This white light was not an attack, but a teleportation restriction that had already been arranged.
Chu Bai felt that his eyes were blurred. The endless desolate Gobi desert and the sky of yellow sand disappeared in an instant, replaced by the Dao Academy's familiar bluestone square, and the overwhelming noise in the surrounding stands.
"Out! They're out!"
"Look! That's Chu Bai!"
"He really got it! He really got it from Ji Li!"
As soon as he landed, before he could stand firm, the overwhelming cheers came towards Chu Bai like a tsunami. Especially the group of first-year freshmen, all of them flushed with excitement and waved their fists. If the deacon hadn't stopped him, they would have rushed up and thrown Chu Bai into the sky.
At this moment, he is the well-deserved center of attention.
However, among the enthusiastic cheers, there were also countless strange, envious and even jealous looks.
In the center of the square, hundreds of participating students stood sparsely, showing all kinds of expressions.
Some people were dejected and had empty hands, obviously they had gained nothing in the previous struggle, and their faces were as gray as ashes at this moment.
Some people looked happy, playing with the inferior product or Mid-Grade Magical Artifact in their hands, feeling satisfied and secretly rejoicing.
The few people standing at the forefront have the most unique aura, and they stand out even among the crowd.
Wang Qingli is holding the giant cyan shield, with a graceful but heroic figure; Lü Qing is wearing Profound Gold Treasure Armor, standing like an iron tower, no strangers are allowed to enter; Jiang Yingqiao is holding the ancient mirror, with a calm expression, as if he is not involved.
But everyone's eyes finally converged on one point.
There, Chu Bai stood quietly.
His clothes were torn, he looked a little embarrassed, and his breath was not stable, but in the eyes of everyone, he was more dazzling than anyone else at this time, even a little dazzling.
Just because beside him, there were three rays of precious light flowing faintly, reflecting each other.
Under his feet, the phantom of the red ring of fire loomed, and the heat wave was overwhelming; hanging on his waist was the golden seal that symbolized attack, defense and killing, with a restrained sharpness; and behind him, the thick and simple small cauldron was suspended in the air, exuding the power to suppress everything.
Three top-grade magic weapons!
This scene is very visually impactful, as if it is a silent mockery of other candidates around them. You know, even the top three-year experts like Lü Qing and Wang Qingli are just top-grade candidates.
"It's really... unreasonable."
In the crowd, Wang Qingli looked at the young man who had attracted much attention, with a helpless smile in his beautiful eyes, and murmured in a low voice, "I thought I had made rapid progress in the past six months and could get closer to him, but I didn't expect... This guy is simply a monster."
"One year equals three years?"
Not far away, Wu Jianfei spat out a mouthful of bloody spit, grinned, and said with a bit of fear in his feverish eyes, "I think this evaluation is still low. This kid is simply a monster!"
On the high platform.
Judge Li stood with his hands behind his back, his red robe rustling in the wind. His eyes majestically swept across the audience, and finally rested on Chu Bai for a moment before speaking slowly, his voice overpowering the noise of the audience:
"The first round has been decided, and the magical tools that everyone gets will be carried over to the next two rounds."
"This is the rule of Immortal Official Examination, and it is also your opportunity. No matter what the means, the result is the result."
As soon as these words came out, many empty-handed students in the audience looked even more ugly. One step was slow, each step was slow, and the gap in the first round would be carried into the next round, or even magnified infinitely.
But then, Judge Li changed the topic, and there was a hint of solemnity in his tone, causing the originally warm atmosphere to suddenly cool down:
"Now that you have obtained a sharp weapon, you need to prove that you are worthy of this sharp weapon."
"Send the order!"
Judge Li waved his sleeves, and the void behind him trembled, and a huge Water Mirror appeared instantly.
The mirror reflected a dark and deep jungle scene, with towering ancient trees, a miasma-filled atmosphere, and the faint sound of shrill roars of beasts, which made one's heart palpitate.
"Take a break for half an hour."
"Half an hour later, the second round of assessment will begin--[Demon Hunt]!"
Judge Li's voice was as cold as ice, reaching everyone's ears clearly:
"Location: Black Cloud Mountain Range Peripheral Projection Spirit Realm."
"Rule: Kill Killing Intent Demon Beast, and you will get an increase of Killing Intent, which will be included in the total score."
Having said this, he paused, his gaze swept across everyone like a razor blade, and threw away the cruelest rule:
"Any means that can be used in the Spirit Realm are not considered violations."
It has been clarified before that the magical objects, Pills and other items brought by candidates are not allowed.
However, the magic weapon obtained in the first round is within the permission.
As for all means...
Everyone's hearts froze and they understood instantly.
Whether it's cooperation, traps, or... sneak attacks on classmates!
In other words, although the environment is a projection and will not really disappear, the logic of the struggle is the same as that of the cruel world of immortality outside.
All means are available!
A depressing atmosphere spread in the square.
In the first round, although everyone competed with each other, it was more of a competition for unowned items, and there was rarely a fight to eliminate the opponent.
If it really doesn't work, just give up. Anyway, you can choose some inferior magic weapon.
There were more than a hundred people participating, but now only a dozen have been eliminated.
But this second round was different.
Everyone can understand one thing: places are limited.
If you can eliminate the powerful opponent in advance in this dangerous jungle, or snatch the Killing Intent that the opponent has worked so hard to hunt down Demon Beast, then in the third round of the Arena battle, you will have one less powerful opponent and more chances of winning!
Countless eyes began to wander among the crowd, with scrutiny and calculation.
Especially Chu Bai.
The three high-grade magic weapons on his body at this moment are not only frightening weapons, but also valuable treasures that can attract a pack of wolves to surround them.
Even if the trees are beautiful in the forest, the wind will destroy them.
Chu Bai felt the malicious glances from all around, his expression remained calm, he just silently ran "Origin Return Formula", seizing this half an hour to restore his spiritual power.
He knows it in his heart.
The real fighting has just begun now.
Chu Bai found a piece of bluestone and sat down cross-legged. As soon as he assumed the pose with five hearts pointing toward the sky, Zhou Changkong and Instructor Lei quickly gathered around him like two door gods, blocking the sight of those who were probing around.
"How is it? Are there any injuries?"
Zhou Changkong's normally serious and rigid face was now filled with unconcealable concern and anxiety.
Although the battle just now was extremely exciting, he was terrified when he saw it, fearing that Chu Bai would overdraw his body just to fight for a breath.
Instructor Lei also stared at Chu Bai with his eyes wide open, as if trying to find a hole in him.
Chu Bai slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, opened his eyes, smiled slightly at the two Instructor, and said comfortingly, "Master Zhou, don't worry, it's just that the spiritual power is slightly consumed, and he is not injured. With "Origin Return Formula" here, Breath Regulation will be able to recover in a moment."
After hearing this, the two of them felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted off their shoulders, and they breathed a long sigh of relief.
"As long as it's okay, it'll be okay! It'll be okay as long as it's okay!"
Instructor Lei was a straight person, so he couldn't help but reached out and patted Chu Bai's shoulder hard, but as if he was afraid of damaging him, he stopped a little bit and laughed loudly, "What a good boy! What a shame for us! I just saw you snatch the gold seal from Ji Li's hand, I... well, I almost jumped up and cheered!"
Although Zhou Changkong was not so rude, he couldn't hide the smile in the corner of his eyes. He nodded repeatedly. "It's really a surprise. I thought it would be difficult for you to keep Fire Element Ring, but I didn't expect... to be able to do this."
Several Instructor surrounded Chu Bai, their words full of joy and pride.
In this battle, Chu Bai not only showed his prestige, but also greatly enhanced Great Wall Prefecture Dao Academy's first-year taxi reputation.
However, after a brief period of joy, Zhou Changkong's expression quickly became serious again.
The next assessment is the real Demon Hunt.
This is different from the first round, in which Projection Spirit Realm is surrounded by dangers, except Demon Beast, which is more popular.
According to the rules, during the half-time break, Instructor is not allowed to give students Pills, talismans and other substantial material aid to show fairness.
The only thing they can do now is verbal advice.
Zhou Changkong pondered for a moment, lowered his voice, and warned in a serious tone, "In the next round Demon Hunt, you must remember that the first thing is to protect yourself."
"Even if the number of hunts is small and the points are low, you must maintain a good state and never put yourself in danger just for the sake of quick gain."
Having said this, he hesitated for a moment and looked at Ji Li, who was resting alone in the distance with his eyes closed. A trace of worry flashed in his eyes. "Especially that Ji Li... In my opinion, he is very likely to find a chance to fight you in the second round."
"Ji Li This person has a very high spirit."
Zhou Changkong sighed and analyzed, "He has been at the top of the list all the way, and has never been overtaken by anyone. Today, he lost a move to you in front of everyone. Although it was because he was consumed in the melee and it was not the fault of fighting, the arrogance in his heart will never allow this stain to exist."
"He may give up part of his time competing for Demon Beast in the second round and come specifically to find you, just for an upright duel to wash away his defeat."
Chu Bai heard this and nodded.
This is in line with his judgment on Ji Li.
He is a man who is proud to the core, and he is open-minded even if he loses, but this does not mean that he will swallow this breath.
Even... this is exactly what Chu Bai expected.
"It doesn't matter."
Chu Bai looked indifferent, gently straightened his somewhat messy cuffs, and said calmly, "If he comes looking for me, then let's fight."
This was said in an understatement, but it revealed an indescribable confidence.
Seeing Chu Bai's demeanor, Zhou Changkong frowned, thinking that the young man's temperament could not be tolerated, and quickly advised, "No! Don't be impulsive! Now you are the biggest winner in the first round, holding three high-grade magic weapons. As long as you play steadily, Immortal Clerk's spot is almost within your grasp."
"Then Ji Li is, after all, Foundation Depth is profound, and he is from the Aristocratic Clan, and his methods are endless.
If instead of having a head-on confrontation at the Demon Hunt stage in advance, if both sides lose, wouldn't it mean that others would take advantage?"
"Although you are extremely talented, you have only been practicing for a year. It is not shameful to avoid its sharp edges."
Faced with Zhou Changkong's sincere words, Chu Bai did not rush to refute, but suddenly raised his head and asked a seemingly irrelevant question:
"Master Zhou, you said before that Ji Li had the strength to participate in Immortal Official Examination when he was in second grade. Why did he give up the easily available spot and had to wait until this year?"
Zhou Changkong was slightly taken aback and replied subconsciously, "That's because although he could pass at that time, he might not be able to win the championship.
He is arrogant and wants to sweep away his contemporaries with absolute invincibility and raise the undefeated invincible Dao Heart, so..."
Before he finished speaking, Zhou Changkong's voice stopped abruptly.
He suddenly looked at Chu Bai, and saw a flame called ambition burning in the young man's black and white eyes.
He finally reacted.
Chu Bai is not impulsive, nor does he know how to advance or retreat.
But... he also has this intention!
What is Dao Heart?
The road to cultivating immortality is just sailing against the current, fighting for the best!
If you avoid the challenge of Ji Li today because you are afraid of losing and want stability, then this so-called stability will plant a seed called "fear" in your heart.
If you back down now, you will finally get the Immortal Clerk quota and have an official status. How can you not regret it when you think about today's scene in the future?
Even if one's cultivation level exceeds that of the other party in the future, the desire to avoid fighting may not be easily erased. Over time, it may even become an inner demon on the road to cultivation.
Failure is not terrible, what is terrible is not having the courage to compete.
Ji Li dared to suppress his cultivation for a year just for the undefeated Dao Heart. How could Chu Bai break his back just for a mere quota?
"Okay."
A smile appeared at the corner of Chu Bai's mouth, and he said softly, "If you lose and are eliminated early, the worst thing you can do is lose this spot. Chu Bai is only in the first grade, and there is still a chance next year..."
"What's there to fear?"
This rhetorical question struck Zhou Changkong's heart like a drum in the evening and a bell in the morning.
He looked at the boy in front of him, who was young but already showing his prowess, and he seemed to be seeing the high-spirited self from many years ago.
For a long time, Zhou Changkong took a deep breath, and all the anxiety about gains and losses on his face disappeared, replaced by a kind of relief and appreciation.
"Okay! Well said!"
Zhou Changkong no longer tried to persuade you, but nodded solemnly and said in a deep voice, "Since you are determined, I won't talk nonsense."
"However, you can look down on your opponent strategically, but you need to pay attention to your tactics. Ji Li's Magnetic Force is quite strange. If you encounter it head-on, you need to pay attention..."
In the following time, Zhou Changkong no longer mentioned the matter of avoiding battle. Instead, he analyzed the flaws in Ji Li's moves and how to deal with them in detail to Chu Bai based on what he had just watched.
Instructor Lei also added a few words about his experience in actual combat from time to time.
Chu Bai listened carefully while running "Origin Return Formula".
The Five-Element Spiritual Qi in the body is rushing and flowing in the meridians, and those dry acupoints are madly breathing in spiritual energy like the rain after a long drought.
With his current recovery speed of Perfected Level Kung Fu, this half an hour is enough for him to return to his peak.
"More than that, it's enough to add a few [Spring-Rejuvenation Seal] before entering Spirit Realm. Anyway, it's your own method and it doesn't count as cheating."
"One step is fast, each step is fast, and you have to fight for the lead in the second round!"