https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-166-The-Final-Showdown-with-Yu-Xinghan/13686635/
Chapter 167: The Final Exam – Martial Arts Exam
On the other side of the examination arena, Yu Xinghan’s body was drenched in milky-white sweat, constantly exuding from his skin only to be instantly vaporized by the searing heat radiating from within. With each passing moment, a layer of white residue clung to his skin, like ash left behind by a relentless fire.
As this process continued, Yu Xinghan began to feel a growing discomfort deep in his core. He knew this state—his body unable to fully digest what he consumed—could not last. Pushing himself too far would only overload his digestive system, eventually causing irreversible damage.
But as he stared at the unyielding gap between himself and Zhang Yu, he clenched his teeth and forced himself onward, gulping down and processing with relentless intensity, determined to maintain his position.
“Damn body, hold on!” He slammed a fist into his abdomen, a surge of defiance rising within him. “I’m the Golden Core Disciple—the chosen disciple of Xinghuo Immortal! How can I lose to Zhang Yu…?”
Though he often joked and laughed with other students, the weight of his status had always carried a quiet arrogance in his heart. He knew he was different—above the rest. Especially now, facing Zhang Yu—the very student he’d once dismissed as a weak candidate—how could he not feel a flicker of superiority?
Of course, he had hidden it well, especially when Zhang Yu had handed him money. But now, in the crucible of this exam, as he pushed himself to the brink and still failed to close the gap, that hidden pride cracked open into frustration.
“How can I lose to him?”
“I’ve been nurtured by the Golden Core Immortal. I’ve spent countless silver coins learning his techniques from Zhang Yu!”
“How can I… lose to him?!”
Just as he prepared to fight to the very end, a sudden, violent pang in his internal organs snapped him back to reality.
In that instant, Xinghuo Immortal’s words echoed in his mind:
> “Xinghan, you’ve trained under my Heart Scripture of Tianwu Cultivation, forging an unyielding will and endless fighting spirit—this is no small feat.”
> “But the world is vast, and beyond people there are always greater ones, beyond skies there are higher heavens. Who dares claim eternal victory? Who can walk through life undefeated?”
> “When you meet someone truly beyond you, that endless drive may become your downfall—turning defeat into ruin.”
> “A sigh. A voice heavy with age: ‘Know when to let go.’”
> “Failure is not the end.”
> “As long as your funds remain, there will always be another chance.”
> “I leave these words in your heart—may they one day prove useful.”
As the memory faded, the storm of battle-lust in Yu Xinghan’s mind cooled instantly. A cold, clear truth settled in.
Zhang Yu… truly surpasses me.
Judging from this exam, at least in physical technique, he has completely outclassed me. He has left me behind—no chance to fight back.
Though it pained him, he had to admit it. The truth was undeniable.
“If I keep pushing, my digestive system will collapse under this strain. My eating speed will plummet, and I might not even stay in the top 20.”
He exhaled slowly, a final release of tension. It was time to let go.
The next moment, the milky sweat ceased. His body returned to normal, no longer in overdrive.
Moments later, on the Light Screen, Zhang Yu’s No. 55 column surged past Yu Xinghan, claiming the 15th position.
Seeing this, Yu Xinghan took another deep breath, whispering to himself:
“It’s okay. Losing isn’t the end. As long as I still have money… I can catch up.”
Watching Yu Xinghan’s surrender, Huang Zichou nodded approvingly.
“Unexpected. The Golden Core Disciple actually knew when to stop. He’s preserved his current rank.”
Another minor deity sighed in admiration.
“Chasing the top is easy.”
“But knowing when to slow down—when you’re in the spotlight, knowing your limits, understanding what debts you shouldn’t take on, what contracts you shouldn’t sign—that’s rare.”
Deng Bingding observed silently, thinking:
So Xinghuo’s little disciple really did reflect after falling one level. He’s even taught his student well.
But what good is growth if the money’s gone?
Just then, as the match neared its end, Huang Zichou spoke:
“Deng Lord, this round of the Feast Battle has gone smoothly. The candidates have shown their full range—clear proof of how flourishing Xian Dao education has become in Kunxu’s First Layer.”
The other minor deity continued, recording the scene for report:
“Back in the early days of the Foundation Establishment Exam, all they needed was a test of Physical Strength Level.”
“Then came strength, speed, and increasingly refined skill assessments.”
“Now look at them—some are steaming from head to toe, others’ bellies are swollen like drums, one dashes to the toilet every minute, another beats himself until thunder cracks from his body, some vibrate like industrial mixers, and one even vomits and shoves the mess back into his mouth…”
Deng Bingding smiled faintly.
“Today’s students are stronger than ever. Truly, the age of Xian Dao is flourishing. The world is blessed.”
Huang Zichou quickly added, “All thanks to the wise guidance of the Heavenly Court, and to noble deities like you, Lord Deng, who care so deeply for the people.”
Deng Bingding nodded slightly.
“Capture the best moments—select a few, send them up. Let the higher powers see the vitality of Kunxu First Layer.”
Huang Zichou immediately complied. He knew the great deities and the Heavenly Court loved nothing more than seeing young Xian Dao aspirants striving, competing, and climbing the path to immortality.
With the Feast Battle concluded, the final rankings were locked in.
But most students didn’t even glance at the results. They bolted straight for the restrooms.
Ye Lingshao, however, stood perfectly still. He glanced at his second-place finish, then at the first-place Yun Jing, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
Feeling the hostility, Yun Jing smiled.
“You won the last one. This time, I’ve taken it back.”
“The Perfect Bloodline of the Ye family… isn’t quite as perfect as you think. At least when it comes to digestion, my Danlu-style system clearly outperforms yours.”
Ye Lingshao said nothing, but the fire in his eyes said it all. The third exam—this was his chance to reclaim his honor.
For so long, I couldn’t face Yun Jing. Family matters, company stakes, stock prices, advertising deals—every time, something got in the way.
But here, on this Foundation Establishment battlefield… finally, I can fight him, truly and openly.
Dai Xingzhi glanced at his seventh-place ranking and smiled.
Today’s Foundation Establishment Exam is safe. I’m not getting eliminated.
Then he looked at Meng Tao, now ranked tenth, blessed with Bao Shi Linggen, and Zhang Yu, who’d climbed to fourteenth. A flicker of confusion crossed his face.
No. 55… the outsider. Should be rich. So why only fourteenth?
Dai Xingzhi pondered.
Was it intentional?
He recalled Zhang Yu’s performance—calm, controlled, efficient.
No, doesn’t seem like it.
And his digestive system… nothing special.
Curious, Dai Xingzhi studied Zhang Yu more closely.
Could it be… he’s not as strong as I thought?
He wasn’t the only one wondering. Many students now looked at Zhang Yu with doubt in their eyes.
Huang Zichou remarked:
“Still, Ye Lingshao and Yun Jing dominate as usual.”
“Everyone else in the top ranks are Xian Du students.”
“It looks like this year’s four Foundation Establishment Certificates will be swept up by Xian Du again.”
“But those three from Songyang…”
He glanced at Zhang Yu at 14th, Yu Xinghan at 16th, and Bai Zhenzhen at 20th.
“Interesting potential. Next year’s Foundation Establishment Exam might see them fighting for a certificate.”
Yet, deep in their hearts, even Huang Zichou and Deng Bingding couldn’t help but wonder:
What’s going on in Songyang? Where did three such promising candidates come from all at once?
But what’s it to me? Huang Zichou thought. I’m just here to oversee the exam.
After a brief rest, the third and final exam began.
Deng Bingding raised his voice:
“The Martial Arts Exam tests your mastery and understanding of martial arts techniques.”
“Your cultivation isn’t just proven in battle. The process of learning and mastering a technique reveals your depth as well.”
Huang Zichou silently rolled his eyes.
Of course. It’s not about quality—it’s about saving money. The Heavenly Court and the Eight Great Righteous Gods have pity on the candidates. In past exams, medical costs were covered.
The gods just say a word, and the bill’s paid. But who covers the rest? Us, of course.
If we don’t eliminate enough early, and let too many students go full combat—blood and guts everywhere—how much will it cost?
Deng Bingding clapped his hands.
Instantly, a Light Screen appeared before each student.
“This round of the Martial Arts Exam: You will choose one technique to study and practice over the next two hours.”
“The techniques are ranked by difficulty—One Star is the easiest, Ten Stars the hardest.”
“The higher the difficulty of the technique you master, the higher your score.”
“But if you fail to master your chosen technique, you get zero points in this round.”
“And here’s the key: Your reward technique—the one you’ll receive—is the one you choose.”
“If you don’t make the top twenty in total score, you’ll be eliminated… and you’ll have to pay for the technique yourself.”
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
