Chapter 221: A League of His Own
Chapter 221: A League of His Own (Requesting Monthly Vote)
Huo Wanyang felt immense pressure. Recently, he’d noticed his progress accelerating, but catching up to Lin Qi seemed increasingly difficult.
“I need to unleash more potential,” he muttered, clenching his fists as he threw himself into the third trial. He regretted not training harder earlier—now Lin Qi had left him behind, forcing him to scramble for ground.
...
In another spatial realm, Ao Feng stood amidst corpses of Ironthorn Boars, his blade sheathed as he gasped for breath.
“Too close—three seconds more, and I’d have failed,” he muttered, scanning the system notification. He’d barely cleared the second trial, so finishing first was impossible.
“Who made it first? Lin Qi or Huo Wanyang?” he wondered.
...
A pink-clad Ruan Qian sighed as the trial system flashed its failure message. “I knew it—I failed again.”
“My big sister will probably fail too. Only Lin Qi, Huo Wanyang, and Ao Feng might’ve made it.” She grimaced. “I’ll hear about this later from him.”
She straightened her posture. “Still, I’ve got to try harder. Azure Firmament’s competitions are brutal.”
...
Outside the Trial Tower, martial artists gathered, chatting while watching the leaderboard. Shi Xiaofei, a freshman from Guizhou, had been rejected by his dream schools—the First Martial Academy and Nine Pavilions—before landing at Azure Firmament Six Colleges.
“Brother Qi’s definitely first this time,” he declared confidently.
“Of course!” his friend echoed.
Shi Xiaofei blinked twice at the rankings, stunned:
#1: Lin Qi, Floor 2→3
...
“He’s through!” Shi Xiaofei shouted. “Brother Qi cleared Floor 2!”
His voice carried, drawing attention. Others checked the boards—no one else had moved.
“Freshman Champion, no doubt!” someone cheered.
“Huo Wanyang cleared Floor 2 too, but minutes behind Lin Qi. There’s still a gap,” another remarked.
“Lin Qi’s the undisputed top rookie—even in a league of his own.”
...
After hours, trial participants trickled out. Jiang Tao’s group erupted in cheers when Ao Feng emerged—Azure Firmament First Institute students looked crestfallen.
“Knew it’d be Lin Qi,” Ruan Qian muttered, shaking her head with a smile.
Ao Feng, exiting later, sighed in admiration.
Huo Wanyang stared at the rankings, his knuckles cracking. Finally, he turned and logged out.
Ten minutes later, Lin Qi emerged from the Tower. Jiang Tao and Zhou Xi Yin swarmed him.
“Brother Qi, unstoppable!” Jiang Tao grinned.
“Floor 2 was nothing for Brother Qi,” Zhou added.
Lin Qi waved them off. “Just Floor 2—nothing to brag about.” Praise rolled off him like water. After small talk, he logged out.
...
With only 10.0 Vital Energy, his speed lagged the Boars’ attacks. He’d relied on Body Techniques to dodge—improving their mastery was critical. “Third floor needs at least third-tier Spear Techniques and advanced Body Techniques. My current arts aren’t enough,” he realized, noting his next steps.
With only 10.0 Vital Energy, his speed lagged the Boars’ attacks. He’d relied on Body Techniques to dodge—improving their mastery was critical.
“Third floor needs at least third-tier Spear Techniques and advanced Body Techniques. My current arts aren’t enough,” he realized, noting his next steps.
He paused. “Speed-focused martial artists have an edge here. If I mastered a faster spear style, I could take more beasts.”
Decision made: He’d seek new Spear Technique scrolls.
...
The next day, in Azure Firmament’s Azure Whale Mansion, Lin Qi faced Li Qing in the training hall. Both wielded blunt training spears.
Li Qing moved like a dragon—spear flickering, piercing with razor precision. Their poles clashed, Vital Force rippling.
Lin Qi activated his Mind’s Eye Talent, reading every feint and strike. Li Qing’s attacks nearly pierced him—yet held back, testing him.
“Little brother, you’re a monster,” Li Qing muttered, sweating. “I almost lost using only third-stage techniques.”
Mu Hong, observing with Wang Zhi Xuan, nodded. “Lin Qi’s innate battle talent’s unparalleled. That’s why he’s the Freshman Champion.”
After ten minutes, Mu Hong roared, “Break!”
Lin Qi lowered his spear. “Brother Li, I’m still outmatched.”
“Don’t,” Li Qing shook his head. “Without third-stage techniques, I’d have lost. You’re not human—you’re a monster.”
Awe in his eyes, he added, “Next to you, even prodigies pale.”
...
(End of Chapter)
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