https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-216-The-Third-Realm-Skin-Tempering-Stage/13507257/
Chapter 215: Mu Hong's Shock
Chapter 215: Mu Hong’s Shock (Monthly Vote Request)
Nightfall, Azure Firmament Six Colleges Dormitory District
"Whoosh!"
A sleek, cobalt-blue Skybreaker Craft carved a faint trail across the sky as it descended through howling winds. It hovered silently over the dormitory district’s open plaza before touching down with a metallic thud. The hatch hissed open, releasing two figures into the night air.
Li Qing, the scholarly-looking young man with refined features, stretched his arms wide and inhaled deeply. "Finally back. The Otherworld really isn’t a place for people. The Blue Planet feels so much more comfortable."
Beside him, Wang Zhi Xuan adjusted the weapon-laden metal cylinder strapped to her back. Her sharp, athletic frame and commanding presence softened as she brushed a stray strand of hair from her face. "True, but the Otherworld’s triple gravity and harsh conditions accelerated our martial cultivation. Even if it nearly killed us."
"Rest well, you two", Li Qing added, before the trio parted ways toward their respective villas.
Mu Hong, the bearded martial artist in black, shouldered his dark backpack and strode toward his private villa. His mind drifted to his youngest disciple, Lin Qi.
"I left Azure Firmament Martial Academy for the Otherworld’s mission and missed Lin Qi’s Freshman Competition", he mused. "But with his talent, he’d certainly place in the top three."
Back at his luxurious residence, he settled on the sofa and activated his hovering black orb. "A.I., show me the Freshman Competition results."
"The group tournament’s top three were the Sixth Institute, First Institute, and Nine Pavilions", the metallic voice intoned.
"Hold on—first place? The Azure Firmament Six Colleges?"
"The individual tournament’s top four: Lin Qi, Huo Wanyang, Ao Feng, and Duan Chuchu."
Mu Hong froze. Silence stretched as disbelief gripped him.
Meanwhile, Li Qing and Wang Zhi Xuan received similar news in their villas.
"Lin Qi won the individual championship?" Li Qing choked, staring at his screen.
"No way! That’s our little junior brother?" Wang Zhi Xuan echoed, laughing in astonishment.
---
The next day, under a scorching summer sun, students of Azure Firmament Six Colleges enjoyed a late morning. In a sprawling villa, Guo Heng slumped on the sofa, fidgeting with the black gravity ring on his wrist.
"Guo Yi, don’t you ever feel crushed by all these geniuses here?" he muttered. "Back in Cang Province, I was confident about placing top three. But now—"
His sister, Guo Yi, placed an obsidian steel case in his hands. Her short, sharp bangs framed a face with a distinctive teardrop mole. "This is soul elixir. It enhances innate talent—use it."
"Are you kidding? This costs a fortune!" Guo Heng recoiled.
She smirked. "I’ve got special ability dividends. Focus on catching up. Even Ten Institute talks about Lin Qi now."
Guo Heng hesitated, then nodded. "I’ll do it. Thanks, sis."
---
Afternoon, Azure Firmament Six Colleges Training Hall
"Brother Qi, we’ll train later!" Lin Qi waved goodbye to Jiang Tao before ascending to the top floor.
The elevator doors opened to a minimalist office and training hall. Three familiar figures awaited him.
"Little junior brother!" Li Qing grinned, holding a sleek case. "Congratulations on Sixth Institute’s first-ever dual championship."
Wang Zhi Xuan and Mu Hong each presented gifts.
"Thanks, but you’re all too kind", Lin Qi chuckled.
Mu Hong’s gaze sharpened. "You surpassed my expectations. Now, training resumes. Show me your third Stage breakthrough."
"Recently?" Li Qing interjected, eyes wide. "I took two months to reach Third Stage last year."
"Mine took six weeks", Wang Zhi Xuan added.
Mu Hong studied Lin Qi’s aura, his expression unreadable. "The Skin Tempering Stage of the Third Realm requires precise control", he began, launching into a technical lecture.
Lin Qi listened, spear in hand, ready to learn.
(End of Chapter)
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