Chapter 267: Am I First Rank? Yan Jing's Gamble

Chapter 267: Am I First Rank? Yan Jing's Gamble



Within the mysterious land...

"Divine Rank Remnant Soul thoughts?" The hazy figure whispered, "What's the name of that God Warrior Temple member?"

"Alicia," the deep voice answered. "She's from Blue Star."

"Can you sense what race that Divine Rank Remnant Soul is?" The hazy figure slowly asked, "Is it from a foreign realm, or this realm? In what form did it survive?"

"It's likely from a foreign realm, as it lacks the essence of its origin." The deep voice explained, "I couldn't sense much else because it's very cautious and has been hiding deep within Alicia's mental world, only revealing itself through her mental fluctuations to cast a secret technique... If the God Warrior Temple was just an ordinary semi-divine artifact, it definitely wouldn't have noticed."

"Then we don't need to pay attention to it for now."

"Add Alicia to the observation list. If we sense any signs of the remnant soul attempting to possess a body, kill it immediately." The hazy figure instructed, "Also, secretly establish mental communication with Alicia to observe her reactions and understand the intentions of that remnant soul—whether it seeks reincarnation, possession, or restoration of its physical body."

"Yes, Master."

"How's the discreet observation of Li Yuan going?" The hazy figure's voice was ethereal.

"His past records are accurate." The deep voice replied, "After he moved into the villa, I carefully sensed through the Origin Power Array and confirmed that he hasn't been possessed. His soul's essence and origin are intact."

"His mental will is strong... There are no signs of control by foreign races yet."

"However, the Insight Technique he cultivates seems very special and is most likely a Second Rank Insight Technique." The deep voice said, "I speculate that there's a hidden secret in the Fiery Plume Star Realm, but he seems unwilling to reveal it."

"No need to investigate further."

"Everyone has their own personal desires and secrets."

"As long as he's confirmed to be part of my Seven Star Civilization, that's enough." The hazy figure said, "For his cultivation, follow my previous instructions."

"Yes."

"Also, Master, the 'Northern Moon Deity' of the Demon World wants to complete the transaction he abandoned last time and has come to ask me about it." The deep voice said, "What should I do?"

"Tell him the transaction is possible, but the price will be 30% higher than last time. If he doesn't agree this time, it will increase by 50% the next time." The hazy figure stated.

Huff!

Streaks of golden light burst forth, distorting the space around the ethereal figure, making it seem as if they were in a different spatial dimension.

...

Alicia's gains were unknown to Li Yuan.

He continued his cultivation, following a strict routine.

Upon arriving at the God Warrior Star Realm, people like Dantu Feng and Yin Man might have been excited, but for Li Yuan, it was just another place to practice his spear skills.

Even during his youth, when his family was celebrating the New Year, Li Yuan would still be practicing alone in his room, finding joy in his solitary cultivation.

Martial cultivation was destined to be a solitary path.

Many powerful cultivators would toil in their cultivation to achieve personal goals, whether it was for revenge, wealth, or other ambitions. They believed that cultivation was an arduous task.

But Li Yuan was different.

When he first started practicing the spear, he yearned to change his family's fate and ensure his uncle and aunt's efforts weren't in vain. But by now, those goals had long been achieved.

His family's lives and fate had already been transformed.

Yet, Li Yuan could still immerse himself in cultivation because he—enjoyed this solitude.

Practicing the spear was tough? Cultivation was arduous? Li Yuan found these notions absurd; he only felt incredibly relaxed.

"Xiao Yu, have the battle robots for real combat arrived?" Li Yuan suddenly asked.

"They arrived two hours ago and have been placed in the Charging Chamber as you instructed, Master." The support AI replied, "Do you wish to activate them?"

"Activate them!"

...

In the spacious martial arts hall, two figures were engaged in an intense battle.

"Fierce! Starburst, this technique should be swift to the extreme." Li Yuan wielded the Black Heaven Spear, infusing it with Origin Power, making this semi-divine artifact's might terrifyingly powerful.

Each thrust of the spear exploded like a bursting star.

The power of each strike surpassed the previous one, relentlessly assaulting the other figure, who held twin shields and wore black armor.

The black-armored figure's twin shields were incredibly resilient, constantly blocking Li Yuan's spear techniques.

"Not fast enough."

"In terms of spear technique might, my second Essence Strike, 'Starburst', has reached an almost perfect Fifth Rank level." Li Yuan thought, "However, no matter how strong the attack is, if the speed is insufficient, it won't be effective."

The first Essence Strike, 'Star River Swirl', is a defensive technique, emphasizing continuous movement.

The second Essence Strike, 'Starburst', is a pure offensive technique, like a fierce tiger descending from the mountain, crushing the opponent with absolute power.

However, not long after perfecting this killing technique, Li Yuan noticed a problem during his insights and deductions. The spear technique was fierce enough, but the speed was lacking... If the enemy could block it head-on, it would be difficult to overcome them.

"Speed."

"I need to make my spear techniques faster and more unpredictable, not just terrifyingly powerful, but also leaving no trace for the enemy to follow." Li Yuan fought with the black-armored figure, sensing the subtle, profound fluctuations through his long spear.

Li Yuan tirelessly honed his spear technique, striving for ultimate speed and subtlety. The pinnacle of this pursuit was the third stage of the True Essence Strike, a move he had long sought to perfect.

The black-armored figure battling Li Yuan seemed indestructible, withstanding the onslaught of his long spear. Even when forced to retreat by the powerful strikes, the figure would quickly recover and counterattack without a scratch.

"Number Four, that's enough for today," Li Yuan suddenly declared. He then swiftly retreated, causing the black-clad figure to pause before bowing slightly and disappearing into the passageway.

"What a formidable battle robot," Li Yuan remarked as he watched the figure leave, impressed by its ability to unleash the full power of an Origin Martial Artist. Its vitality alone might surpass even that of a top-tier Origin Martial Artist."

The robot could execute numerous intricate moves, although its efficiency in combat training fell short of a real top-tier Origin Martial Artist. Its advantage was its constant availability.

Even members of the God Warrior Temple couldn't afford the luxury of having a top-tier Origin Martial Artist as a personal training partner.

"Compared to these robots, the three Golden Armored Men in the Heritage Temple are even more powerful and agile," Li Yuan thought. "I wonder how such advanced robots are made and why they aren't more widespread."

If robots with the strength of 28th-level Origin Martial Artists could be mass-produced, the Seven Star Civilization might quickly turn the tide in various Star Realm battlefields.

Unfortunately, Li Yuan had only seen such powerful robots in the God Warrior Realm and nowhere else.

...

"Master, this is the free cultivation resources for the next month, sent by the God Warrior Temple," said Number Five, one of the humanoid robots, as it delivered a large box to Li Yuan in the Martial Hall.

The box was roughly half a cubic meter in size, filled with various translucent jade bottles containing liquids.

"These are Tier 2 Artifacts, with some Tier 3 Artifacts, forming a Spirit Elixir," Li Yuan quickly identified, his experience and knowledge from the handbook aiding his recognition. "It's an elixir to enhance physical qualities and nurture the spirit."

Each member of the God Warrior Temple received a fixed supply of these resources monthly.

The monthly expenditure, when converted to Bluesphere Coins, amounted to approximately 100 million Bluesphere Coins, all provided directly.

"Although these free cultivation resources are far inferior to Tier 3 or even Tier 4 Artifacts, they are sufficient to boost the physical qualities and spiritual power of any God Warrior Temple member," Li Yuan thought.

The annual expenditure for these resources, when multiplied by the number of members, was a staggering figure.

"Number Five, take it back. Tell the staff at the God Warrior Temple to convert it all into Bluesphere Coins for me," Li Yuan instructed softly.

These auxiliary cultivation resources held no significance for Li Yuan, as his regular training would allow him to reach the 29th level in a few months. However, advancing to the 30th level would require more than just external artifacts.

Li Yuan had no intention of attempting to become a Skysoar Warrior in the short term. He aimed to awaken the Seven Star Vein or even the Eight Star Vein during his Origin Martial Artist stage.

For Li Yuan, the Origin Martial Artist stage was the most crucial foundation-building phase.

...

"I didn't expect the Spirit Pillar here to have a refining effect on me as well," Li Yuan remarked during his cultivation break, referring to a solitary palace not far from the God Warrior Temple.

Inside the palace, a massive Spirit Pillar stood, similar to the one at Kunlun Martial Academy.

The Spirit Pillar continuously emitted a mental pressure, helping to temper the will and spirit of Martial Artists.

Even Li Yuan, with his formidable mental strength, could feel the pressure, indicating that the Spirit Pillar in the God Warrior Realm was far more advanced.

Many God Warrior Temple members cultivated here, including several new arrivals.

"Li Yuan."

"Li Yuan is here," many noticed, including Nevsky and Dantu Feng, who were also cultivating. They started to get up to greet Li Yuan.

"No need," Li Yuan conveyed through divine sense, allowing them to continue their cultivation undisturbed.

"He's only 19 years old, but why is his life force so strong? It's almost as if it's not inferior to ours," they wondered.

"In 12 days, how far will he get in the Seven Star Battle?"

"Hard to say."

"I reckon he'll reach the fourth gate. Despite his youth, his physical qualities are impressive, but his skills are likely not at the High Fifth Rank yet," some senior members observed.

These senior members, mostly 29th-level, had also heard of Li Yuan.

As Li Yuan prepared to leave, a voice with a hint of laughter called out from behind him.

Li Yuan turned to see two figures, led by a man in a black battle robe, with a smile on his face, appearing to be in his thirties.

Li Yuan felt a sense of familiarity.

"Who might you be?" Li Yuan hesitated slightly, then a flash of insight crossed his mind, and he recalled a photograph he had seen before, exclaiming in surprise, "Senior Yan Jing?"

"Haha, I didn't expect that you, Li Yuan, would recognize me." The young man in black battle attire laughed happily.

He was the senior from Kunlun Martial Academy who had been on par with Jin Huguo over the past few decades.

Before coming here, Li Yuan had heard from Dean Hai that Yan Jing was specially selected to enter the God Warrior Temple when he was in the fifth year of the Great Five. It had been ten years since then, and he had been cultivating in the God Warrior Realm.

However, he didn't expect that they would meet so soon.

"Haha, Senior Yan Jing, your reputation in our Kunlun Martial Academy is like thunder in our ears." Li Yuan smiled, "Your name is on all the major school leaderboards."

"That's all past achievements." Yan Jing shook his head and chuckled, "Moreover, I've exchanged insights with Jin Huguo... He told me that you've conquered all of the Nine Mountains of Kunlun."

Li Yuan couldn't help but smile.

Before him, Yan Jing held many records in the Nine Mountains of Kunlun.

"How has Senior Yan Jing been doing in the God Warrior Temple these years?" Li Yuan asked curiously.

"This Yan Jing Senior is a member of Seven Stars Mountain." The gentle and beautiful woman beside them teased.

"Impressive." Li Yuan smiled, "Senior Yan Jing's strength can rival that of a Skysoar Warrior."

According to the handbook, to become a member of Seven Stars Mountain, one's strength should at least reach the threshold of the Skysoar Level.

"I only barely became a member of Seven Stars Mountain last year, and that's only because my Star Art is strong enough, and my attack power barely meets the standard." Yan Jing shook his head, "In terms of technique alone, I haven't even reached the Sixth Stage... Compared to a true Skysoar Warrior, my strength is far inferior."

Li Yuan nodded in agreement.

Origin Martial Artists, if they don't truly comprehend the essence strike, will find it difficult to rival Skysoar Warriors.

Because—Skysoar Warriors can fly! Flying and soaring through the skies is the hallmark of Skysoar Warriors... No matter how powerful an Origin Martial Artist's Star Art or weapon is, if they can't control the essence strike and achieve flight, they won't be able to compete with Skysoar Warriors.

"Is Senior Yan Jing's technique at the Fifth Stage 99%?" Li Yuan thought to himself.

Based on the school records, Yan Jing's talent should be on par with Jin Huguo. In the ten years since entering the God Warrior Temple, his technique has progressed from the high Fifth Rank to the perfect Fifth Rank... a very normal cultivation speed.

After these few days.

Li Yuan also learned that although there were still over a thousand members in the God Warrior Temple, there were only a little over a hundred members of Seven Stars Mountain.

In other words, most of the members of the God Warrior Temple, even after cultivating for over a decade, still couldn't pass the seven major trials of the Seven Stars Battle.

Even the elite geniuses selected from various planets, after cultivating in the God Warrior Temple for decades, could only guarantee that they would enter the Skysoar Level... Among Origin Martial Artists, those who can truly rival Skysoar Warriors are still in the minority.

"Li Yuan, good luck. I'm betting that you'll pass through the five major trials of the Seven Stars Battle, and maybe even the sixth trial." Yan Jing said with a low laugh, "Others may not know, but I'm clear about your skill level."

Li Yuan couldn't help but smile, "I'll do my best."

...

Watching Li Yuan leave.

"Yan Jing, what do you think about this junior?" The gentle and beautiful woman beside him couldn't help but ask, "I've heard that he has extremely high talent, but isn't he too young?"

"This time, I'm not just betting that he'll pass through the five major trials, but also that he'll become the top newcomer." Yan Jing smiled.

"The top newcomer?" The gentle and beautiful woman was surprised, "Do you think he's stronger than Batman in this batch of newcomers?"

"Batman is at the 29th Level, has been cultivating for a long time, and is a Second Rank Divine Warrior with a powerful heritage. His strength is definitely terrifying." The gentle and beautiful woman was puzzled, "Li Yuan will definitely be extremely strong in the future, perhaps even becoming the next Rudnef."

"But how can he compare to Batman now?" The gentle and beautiful woman shook her head, clearly not thinking highly of Li Yuan.

"You don't understand." Yan Jing smiled, "I originally wanted to visit this junior, and it just so happened that I ran into him."

"First, to build a relationship."

"Second, to also see his physical qualities... I carefully sensed it just now, and he's at least at the 28th Level. From the information I gathered, he seems to still be at the Skysoar Level for his soul."

"Let's wait and see, I believe in him."

Yan Jing had also conquered the ninth mountain of the Nine Mountains of Kunlun, so he was well aware of the technique requirements for passing the trials... He also calculated Li Yuan's progress in technique over the past year.

He reached a shocking conclusion—Li Yuan's current technique level might have already reached the perfect Fifth Stage.

In the end, he decided to take a gamble.

There were many senior members in the God Warrior Temple, and many of them would privately place bets.

Sometimes with Bluesphere Coins, sometimes with Seven Stars Points.

The annual Seven Stars Battle was the highlight, and the hottest bet was on who would take first place and who would pass through the five major trials.

"How much are you planning to bet this time?" The gentle and beautiful woman asked.

"Not much, 1000 Seven Stars Points." Yan Jing replied.

"Isn't that a lot?" The gentle and beautiful woman was shocked, "Are you crazy?"

1000 Seven Stars Points was not a small amount, even for Skysoar Warriors to ignore.

"No one is optimistic about Li Yuan, and the odds given by those who are setting the bets are quite high. I'll place separate bets."

"I have confidence in Li Yuan." Yan Jing smiled, "Rest assured, this bet might make up for all the losses from before."

"You're absolutely crazy, you lunatic."

The gentle woman shook her head. "In all these years, aside from what you need for your own cultivation, how many Seven Star Points have you accumulated?"

"I'm betting on the fact that others don't know Li Yuan's true strength." Yan Jing said.

Li Yuan had caused a huge stir within the Kunlun Martial Temple, becoming a legend among the numerous students.

However, within the Martial God Temple, aside from Yan Jing and Jin Huguo, almost no one knew about this matter.

This was the information gap.

...

Li Yuan didn't know that Yan Jing had placed a bet on him.

After touring the area around the Martial God Temple and gaining a preliminary understanding, he asked, "The teaching hall?"

"According to the handbook, every so often, a Flying Warrior Peak martial artist will come to impart the essence of the true meaning." Li Yuan scanned the distant, massive hall chambers.

Each chamber was large enough to accommodate a significant number of people.

Today, only one of the chambers had many Martial God Temple members listening to the lecture.

The Flying Warrior Peak martial artists were at least Sixth Stage in their skills, and they had truly comprehended the essence of the true meaning, making it easy to attract Martial God Temple members to attend their lectures.

Occasionally, there might even be 36th-level Star Lords giving lectures.

The course schedule would be distributed to every student.

Whether they were willing to listen or not was up to each individual. Which Flying Warrior's lecture they wanted to attend was their own decision.

"The one lecturing today seems to be a Flying Warrior Peak martial artist of the Purple Star lineage, but I'm not interested." Li Yuan shook his head.

He headed straight for the Martial God Temple.

Today was July 5th, the day he could receive the Divine Warrior Heritage after the sorting.

...

The Martial God Temple stood tall, exuding an ancient and vast aura. Its bronze doors remained closed throughout the year.

Aside from Li Yuan, no one else was in the 'waiting area' outside the doors.

Suddenly—

"Boom!" The doors opened, and a purple-robed figure flew out directly from the palace, their face unfamiliar to Li Yuan.

They exchanged a glance.

The purple-robed figure soared into the sky, heading towards the Seven Stars Mountain in the air.

"A Seven Stars Mountain member? Able to fly without a flying apparatus, they must be a super genius who has mastered the true meaning." Li Yuan looked up at the undulating, floating mountain range in the sky.

Living on the Seven Stars Mountain, overlooking the entire Star Realm, would surely be a refreshing experience.

"Li Yuan."

"Please enter." A cold voice echoed in the waiting area: "If you don't enter within one minute, it will be considered a forfeiture of this Divine Warrior Heritage."

Whoosh! Li Yuan stepped into the Martial God Temple, and the metal doors behind him slowly closed.

...

The Martial God Temple was spacious, and in the center, a towering divine pillar stood.

On the divine pillar, countless mysterious patterns were engraved, which Li Yuan couldn't decipher.

The entire hall had a very ancient style.

Scanning the surroundings, Li Yuan couldn't help but think of the heritage hall where Gu You was located. The structures of both places were quite similar.

"Could it be..."

"This Martial God Temple is similar to the heritage hall, also left behind by ancient powerful beings? Is it an ancient relic?" A thought flashed through Li Yuan's mind.

In the next instant, a hum~ an invisible wave passed through Li Yuan, attempting to make his consciousness succumb."

"Wake up!" Li Yuan's powerful spiritual consciousness instinctively resisted the wave enveloping him.

"First Rank Divine Warrior Heritage recipient, Li Yuan." A gentle voice suddenly sounded in Li Yuan's mind: "Don't resist, or the heritage won't activate."

"First Rank?" Li Yuan wondered. Wasn't he supposed to be a Second Rank?

Even Elder Duanmu had said he was a Second Rank Divine Warrior.

When did he become a First Rank?

But this wasn't the time for Li Yuan to question.

Without further hesitation, Li Yuan abandoned his resistance and willingly succumbed to the invisible wave.

Li Yuan's consciousness was being guided, but he remained lucid.

At this moment, the cold voice caused a tumultuous wave to rise in Li Yuan's heart.

He had a certain level of compatibility with the Wind lineage? How was he unaware of this? Simultaneously, Li Yuan realized that the Martial God Temple's heritage in the Seven Star Civilization... seemed to truly involve deities.

Before Li Yuan could ponder further—

Hum~

A light point appeared in the Martial God Temple, seemingly out of thin air, and it directly fell onto Li Yuan's forehead.

"Boom!"

Li Yuan's consciousness completely succumbed, but in an instant, he became utterly captivated.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end