Chapter 47 - 431 -440

Chapter 431: Red lotus seal! . . .

Han Feng, acutely aware of the pressing time constraints, quickened his pace.

Shushushu...

This time, he hastily seized a handful of purple light orbs.

Suddenly, a perplexed "Huh" escaped Han Feng's lips.

"Flaming King Kong Claws—the pinnacle of fire martial arts. If I don't stumble upon a superior fire technique in the future, this will suffice," he mused aloud.

Though the Blazing Vajra Claws couldn't merge with different fires, they still ranked among the upper echelons of earth-tier martial arts. Channeling the true essence of the fire attribute, they conjured colossal flame-infused scorpion claws to annihilate foes.

Leaving the purple light cluster beside him, Han Feng persisted in snatching at the orbs. Yet, after several minutes, he remained empty-handed, his anxiety mounting.

As a War King title holder, failing to secure three top-tier ground-level martial arts would constitute a significant setback.

Perhaps by divine intervention, in the dwindling two minutes, Han Feng finally stumbled upon a martial skill that left him thoroughly satisfied.

"The Red Lotus Seal—the finest earth-tier martial art!" he exclaimed.

The Red Lotus Seal functioned by absorbing various fires and condensing crimson lotus imprints. Each imprint birthed a Red Lotus Warrior, whose cultivation ranged between one and three stars.

Combining two types of fires formed dual Red Lotus Seals, giving rise to two warriors whose cultivation soared between four and six stars when merged.

The fusion of three fires generated three Red Lotus Seals, summoning warriors whose power surged between seven and nine stars. Their amalgamation further propelled their cultivation to heights between nine and eleven stars.

With four distinct fires, four Red Lotus Seals materialized, birthing warriors with cultivation spanning from ten to twelve stars. The amalgamation of these warriors could barely exceed earth-tier ranks in weaker cases and rivaled heavenly-tier powerhouses in stronger ones.

Han Feng contemplated, "The cultivation level of the Red Lotus Warrior, condensed from the Red Lotus Seal, hinges on the quality of the different fires employed. This elucidates the variance in their strengths."

"Given my current spectrum of different fires, it's unlikely for the Red Lotus Warrior to achieve a ground-level three-star cultivation base."

"Furthermore, uniformity in the potency of the four different fires is imperative to maintain the Red Lotus Warrior's cultivation level," he concluded.

"The process of condensing the Red Lotus Warrior requires absorbing the essence of the opponent's different fire, essentially nullifying their ability to wield it. Such an act can provoke significant animosity. Alternatively, one can opt to absorb a portion and integrate it with their own different fire, nurturing it until its power rivals that of the original source. However, this method demands considerable time and effort," Han Feng explained, his tone thoughtful.

"That's settled then. There's no need to unnecessarily provoke animosity. Absorbing only a fraction of their power may take longer to cultivate, but it's a risk I'm willing to take," he concluded with resolve.

Han Feng meticulously assessed his resources. With the Canglan Xuanhuo at his disposal and his rapport with Meng Yaqing, he anticipated being able to absorb a significant amount of strange fire from his acquaintance.

With only one target remaining, Han Feng directed his attention to Liu Yuer. However, upon closer scrutiny, he frowned. "No, Liu Yuer's flame prowess pales in comparison to the Canglan Profound Fire. Absorbing only a fraction of it won't suffice, and it would take several months to cultivate."

"It seems I'll have to find another candidate. The Beidu Academy is vast, with numerous prodigies enrolled. I refuse to believe there are no other sources of strange fire apart from the three of us," Han Feng reasoned.

Arranging the three purple light clusters beside him, Han Feng acknowledged that time was running out. With just over a minute left, and no promising martial arts in sight, he resolved to focus on mastering the trio he had obtained: Flame King Kong Tongs, Dragon Wings, and the Red Lotus Seal.

As the three light clusters emitted a brilliant purple glow, Han Feng felt a surge of energy emanating from them, penetrating the center of his forehead. Unlike before, when he received mere information about the martial arts, this time, he was granted the actual cultivation methods.

Han Feng wasn't alone in his decision to absorb the teachings. Many others, like him, seized the fleeting moments to imbibe the knowledge, lest they miss out entirely.

...

After a while, Elder Cao's voice resonated through the chamber, breaking the concentration of the practitioners. "Time's up. It's time to depart."

Han Feng opened his eyes, the cultivation methods of the three martial arts freshly absorbed. "Seems like I made it just in time," he muttered with a sense of relief.

"You seem to have had a fruitful session," remarked Wang Qingcang, casting a sidelong glance at Han Feng.

Han Feng grinned. "Not bad. And you?"

Wang Qingcang's expression soured slightly. "I only managed to find two sword-type martial arts, wasting one slot."

Lei Yu chimed in, "Well, that's still better than some of us."

Wang Qingcang recalled Lei Yu's prestigious title and promptly fell silent.

As they exited the Beidu Learning Tower, Elder Cao addressed the group with a final statement. "My role here is done. Your future achievements will rely solely on your efforts. Make your way back to your accommodations on your own."

With that, Elder Cao's form distorted and disappeared, leaving the group to contemplate their next steps on their own.

"I'll head off first," Meng Yaqing declared, unfurling her wings—a flying martial art—and soared into the distance.

"Wait up for me!" Hu Xiaodie hastened to follow, while Liu Yuer and Wang Qingcang bid their farewells and departed as well.

It was a trio of women living together.

With their departure, only Han Feng and Shi Junshitai remained.

The pavilions housing the three women were clustered in the same vicinity.

...

"Brother Han, I'm itching to explore the outer courtyard of the university. What about you?" Shi Junshitai's eyes gleamed with excitement and anticipation.

Han Feng pondered for a moment before nodding in agreement. He, too, harbored a desire to familiarize himself with the layout of the outer courtyard of the Beidu Academy. Understanding its intricacies would undoubtedly provide him with a competitive advantage.

The trio embarked on a journey through a section of the outer courtyard. However, the vastness of the area proved daunting, and lacking a comprehensive understanding of its layout, they nearly lost their way before finally stumbling upon a familiar street.

Yet, their efforts were not in vain. Along the way, they gleaned valuable information from slaves and senior students. However, this knowledge came at a cost—some senior students demanded compensation for divulging key insights.

...

"Hey, what's happening up ahead? Why are there so many people gathered there?" Shi Junshitai inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Han Feng and Shi Jun both scanned the area, noting the throng of onlookers surrounding a particular spot.

Intrigued, the trio hurriedly made their way through the crowd, only to discover six lists prominently displayed.

The lists included rankings such as the Newcomer Champion List, Total Champion List, Newcomer Battle King List, General Champion List, and more.

Meng Yaqing and Zhan Fu Yu claimed the top spots on the Rookie Battle King List, with Shi Junshitai securing a place in the top ten.

Meanwhile, Hu Xiaodie's performance was commendable as well.

Han Feng scoured the lists until he found his own name, nestled in the seventies.

Although not among the top ranks, his placement in the Rookie Battle King List—comprising over a hundred individuals—was respectable.

Steel coughed, offering a perspective. "These are merely lists of potential. Jiang Feng mentioned this, didn't he? These rankings hold little significance. The Tongtian List is what truly matters in the outer courtyard."

"Indeed, the fact that so many have gathered to observe indicates that these lists aren't taken seriously by the senior students," Steel continued. "I'm confident your strength could easily secure a spot in the top twenty, or even the top ten."

Han Feng waved off the reassurance. "There's no need for comforting. I anticipated this outcome long ago. Zero qualifications mean my overall performance could've been worse."

Shi Junshitai shot Han Feng a sympathetic look. "You're being too hard on yourself, brother. Shouldn't you be grateful at a time like this?"

Han Feng merely smirked, choosing to ignore Shi Junshitai's attempt at consolation.

Meanwhile, nearby senior students engaged in mocking banter. "Looks like we have another batch of freshmen. I wonder how many 'warlords' will emerge from this group?"

"Indeed, these newcomers are likely brimming with pride over their 'warlord' status," another added. "Little do they know, bearing the 'warlord' title is the most perilous among freshmen. They'll face not only the constant challenges from lower-ranked students within their cohort but also from our seasoned veterans. Their troubles have only just begun."

Chapter 432: Break through . . .

Han Feng and Shi Tai exchanged incredulous glances upon hearing the conversation. The weight of each other's dignity hung heavily between them.

Shi Jun furrowed his brows slightly, offering a comforting pat on Shi Tai's shoulder, signaling for him to listen further.

Unfazed by the reaction of Han Feng and Shi Tai, the nearby individual continued in a smug tone, "Remember how haughty and overconfident some of the students were when they first arrived? Acting as if they were superior to everyone else. But where are they now? Sure, there are a few whose strength has soared to remarkable heights, with some even advancing directly into the inner courtyard. However, many have been reduced to mediocrity."

"Indeed," chimed in another senior student. "Take Zhang Yucheng, for example. He ranked in the top ten among the War King title holders initially, yet he suffered a severe humiliation at the hands of a veteran student. It's been ages, and he's yet to attain the peak level of earth tier. We're on the brink of surpassing him."

The mention of past humiliations elicited complex emotions from the group—regret, anger, and perhaps a hint of schadenfreude.

It was disheartening to witness a once-prominent genius reduced to mere ordinariness, with the possibility of never realizing their full potential. Without the sanctuary of the Northern Capital Academy, their prospects outside would have been far more promising with their exceptional qualifications.

Han Feng seethed at the injustices perpetrated by the senior students. Fortunately, as ordinary title students, they weren't subjected to the same level of oppression as the Battle King title students.

...

The trio of Han Feng, Shi Tai, and Shi Jun became even more somber as they pondered the devastating blows that had befallen the top ten geniuses of their year.

"Look at this, would you? A mere two-star cultivation base," one senior student remarked with disdain. "With such a meager level of power, they ought to tread cautiously in the upcoming newcomer free competition. It's quite possible they'll be nothing more than cannon fodder."

"Then there's that individual from the Profound Class who somehow managed to attain the War King title. Can the standards really have fallen this low?" another questioned incredulously.

"Impossible. Just look at the first two with eight-star qualifications. It's evident that the standards of this cohort surpass ours. Perhaps these two individuals simply possess exceptional qualifications," reasoned another.

The conversation turned to the discussion of the rookie champion list, prompting a shift in Han Feng's expression. It dawned on him that they were discussing him.

At that moment, Han Feng found himself torn between considering his aid to Jiang Da as a boon or a bane.

On one hand, securing a high score and attaining the title of War King was undeniably advantageous. On the other hand, the disparity between his cultivation base and the esteemed title of War King could potentially lead to complications in the future.

...

Both Han Feng and Shi Jun wore expressions of concern.

Shi Jun glanced at the champion list, then directed his attention to the group of senior students before him, his expression adopting a congenial smile. "Excuse me, could you tell us about Zhang Yucheng?"

A few chuckles rippled through the group of senior students. Had they not noticed Shi Tai's presence?

In a campus as tightly knit as Beidu Outer Campus, with only two or three thousand students in total, familiarity was almost inevitable. Yet, the trio of Shi Jun and his companions remained unfamiliar faces. It was clear they were newcomers of the current year.

The deliberate exposition of such information before newcomers was no coincidence; it was strategic timing at play.

One of the senior students smiled and gestured towards Shi Tai, prompting him to produce the champion gold medal in preparation for a trade.

Upon glimpsing the champion gold medal, the expressions of the senior students underwent a subtle shift, mingling jealousy with envy and a hint of schadenfreude.

Shi Tai adeptly navigated the social dynamics, possessing a substantial number of points to offer.

Han Feng and Shi Jun, unwilling to let Shi Tai trade alone, pooled their resources, ensuring a more substantial transaction in the end.

...

The senior students expressed satisfaction upon seeing the points garnered from the transaction. "You all seem quite grounded, unlike some other students who flaunt their Battle King titles."

"In this environment, strength reigns supreme. Even with the title of War King, newcomers must recognize their place beneath the veterans. It's the newcomers who often bear the brunt of the veterans' superiority."

"And those who grow too arrogant often meet a swift downfall..." The senior student shook his head, leaving the implication unspoken, yet fully understood by Han Feng and his companions.

Casting a glance at the trio of Han Feng, the senior student continued, his tone softening slightly. "Observing your humble demeanor and respectable trading scores, as a senior, I feel compelled to offer some advice. I hope you will continue to excel in the future."

He proceeded to share the cautionary tale of Zhang Yucheng, once a top-ten contender in their cohort. Unfortunately, Zhang's arrogance led to a confrontation with an older student—an ordinary title holder, albeit one who had spent six years honing his skills in the outer courtyard, ultimately reaching peak earth tier proficiency and surpassing the bounds of his title. The encounter left Zhang defeated and humiliated, his progression stunted while his peers surged ahead, some even making strides into the inner courtyard.

Han Feng and his companions were left reeling by the revelation of Zhang Yucheng's humiliation. It was no wonder he had been languishing, once perched atop the hierarchy only to be unceremoniously toppled from his pedestal. The shadow cast by such an egregious affront lingered heavily...

Shi Jun furrowed his brows in contemplation. "From what the brother described, this Yucheng must have been incredibly arrogant. How could he have endured such humiliation?"

It was a perplexing conundrum.

Shi Jun sighed ruefully and shook his head. "Words are one thing, but when faced with imminent danger, who among us can truly maintain their resolve?"

The senior student sneered derisively. "Seems like you've grasped the situation quite well. Indeed, when faced with a threat to his life, even the proudest of geniuses eventually yield."

"In truth, had he maintained his dignity, the older student might have respected him enough to let him off. What a shame..."

"If he couldn't hold his ground, he might as well have apologized from the outset. At most, he would have lost some points. Why subject himself to such humiliation?"

The message from the senior student was crystal clear: if one is to be arrogant, then let them remain so until the bitter end. If they can't withstand the pressure, it's better to capitulate early.

Then, the senior student abruptly shifted focus. "Since you're also a War King, do you happen to know a person named Han Feng?"

Pointing to Han Feng's name on the War King list, the senior student drew attention to his two-star rating, notably lower than the four-star ratings above and below him.

Shi Tai coughed awkwardly. "I'm not familiar with him."

"Well, if you do happen to come across him, advise him to tread carefully. With the War King title and such a low cultivation base, unless he undergoes rapid growth, many of the older students will make trouble for him."

Han Feng's expression stiffened momentarily, but inwardly, he smirked at the thought. Let them come; he wasn't always going to be the one on the receiving end.

Shi Tai looked puzzled. "Brother, why would these older students pick on us?"

The senior student's smirk deepened as he explained, "Having the War King gold medal entitles you to monthly resources from the central tower. This is enough to stir envy among ordinary title holders and even War Kings among the older students."

"Among the veterans, not only are they formidable in strength, but they also possess the War King gold medal. Don't underestimate the allure of your resources."

Chapter 433: Break through retreat . . .

"Consider this: with such favorable conditions, how could they not cause trouble for you? And if they manage to snatch the resources from your hands, it'll be even better!"

Han Feng's expression shifted dramatically. "Doesn't the academy regulate this kind of behavior?"

"Regulate?" The senior student mocked once more. "As I've said before, in this outer courtyard, strength reigns supreme!"

"If the institution were to intervene in such matters, there wouldn't be a single rule prioritizing 'strength first'. If you can't hold onto your own resources, it's simply a reflection of your incompetence, and the institution won't interfere."

"The academy believes in cultivating elites through competition, hence the high prestige of the Tongtian list."

The three Han Feng exchanged glances, instinctively stowing away the War King gold medal. It seemed that this symbol of honor was not only a badge of distinction but also a tempting target, at least until their strength was bolstered.

The senior students naturally noticed their actions and snorted disdainfully. "It's futile. You can only claim your resources by presenting the champion gold medal at the central tower. Veteran students usually have someone keeping an eye out there, monitoring who retrieves it. After winning the War King gold medal, they'll definitely be keeping a close watch on you. Once you leave the central tower, expect to be swarmed by veteran students."

The trio's expressions grew increasingly grim.

Perhaps satisfied with the points they'd extracted from the newcomers, the senior students attempted to assuage their concerns. "Don't worry too much. Those older students gauge the situation with newcomers."

"For instance, they won't provoke those with six or seven-star levels. If such individuals make a breakthrough, like Zhang Yucheng did, they'll be fine. But if they don't, and they grow stronger, then it's curtains for the old students. Such situations are rare in the outer courtyard."

"A teenager with a seven or eight-star level is not someone veteran students dare to provoke. Even those atop the Tongtian list would treat them with caution. After all, warriors of this caliber usually don't take long to achieve significant results on the Tongtian list. Some may even crack the top ten."

"These individuals are the overlords of the Outer Court."

Han Feng and his companions remained on edge, especially Han Feng, whose two-star ground-level cultivation base clashed incongruously with his War King title. It was odd that nobody seemed to take notice of him.

"You need to hasten your cultivation!"

"Brother, do you have any suggestions to avoid trouble?" Stai inquired earnestly.

After hesitating for a moment, the senior student sighed. "Very well. Since you've offered a considerable number of points, I'll give you two options."

"The first option is to rely on the resources you already possess. Simply stay holed up in your own residence before coming here. Hide for a few months or even half a year until your cultivation level improves."

"In the residential area, even veteran students wouldn't dare cause trouble. As for sustenance, you can book meals at a hotel for half a month or even a year in advance. These hotels are usually backed by powerful sanctuaries. Not even veteran students, let alone ordinary inner courtyard members, would dare disturb these establishments."

The three were taken aback. It was indeed a viable option, but remaining secluded in their residences for half a year or even a year would undoubtedly impact their martial arts training.

Martial arts cultivation was never as simple as retreating and undergoing penance for rapid improvement. Sometimes, breaking through a bottleneck required sparring with others. Perhaps a victory in competition could provide the breakthrough needed to reach a higher level.

And this also means that the resources of Beidu Academy would be wasted for half a year or even a year. Just the thought of it is distressing.

The senior students observed the pained expressions of the trio and smiled faintly. "Seeing you like this, let me share a secret with you. This secret is usually only known to senior students."

The three leaned in attentively as the senior student continued, "At Beidu Academy, if you fail to collect your resources for a certain month on time, it's not that you won't receive them at all, but rather half of them."

"For instance, if you miss out on the resources for January until February, along with the resources for February, you'll also receive half of the resources for January. Understand?"

The trio breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that they wouldn't lose too much this way.

Stai immediately inquired, "What about the second option?"

The senior student grinned strangely. "Well, that depends on whether you trust each other."

"For you three, for example, you could let one of you carry the gold medals of the other two as a substitute. If you're cautious enough, you can slip by the old students without them noticing. Then, when they surround one of you, just hand over one set of resources. Upon returning to the accommodation area, the three of you can split the two sets of resources equally."

"You see, these integral spirit stones are directly deposited into the War King gold medals by the central tower's personnel. If you're careful, there's no way for outsiders to see how many resources you've received."

"But there's a downside to this. If the other two retrieve their own resources and return unexpectedly, the third person will be left without resources for that month."

This method was evidently much better than the first. At least the loss of resources wouldn't be as significant. However, as the experienced students pointed out, trust was the key.

The trio exchanged glances and smiled. In the crucible of the Mirror of Death, they had developed a trust level of seven to eight points for each other.

And they weren't foolish; none of them would jeopardize their future prospects for short-term gains.

"Thank you for your guidance, brother!" The trio expressed their gratitude to the senior students and departed after discussing a few more details.

As soon as Han Feng and his companions left, one of the senior students couldn't help but remark, "That's not very wise. Revealing so much information completely undermines the interests of other veteran students. If they find out, we might also face repercussions."

The senior student who had imparted the information to the trio smiled knowingly. "My discernment has always been sharp. As War Kings, these three were willing to seek guidance from us ordinary students. It shows they're adaptable and flexible."

"These are the qualities of a potential War King. They'll carve out a place for themselves in the Outer Court in the future. It's wise for us to cultivate a good relationship with them now."

"You've seen the points they've given us, right? Each of us received one hundred points. One hundred points might not seem like much in the outer courtyard, but it's a sign that those three aren't stingy. Even if they're not War Kings, they could still make their mark in the Outer Court."

"If it weren't for this, I wouldn't have shared so much. Smart people won't spread what I've said today. If it gets out, sure, we'll be in trouble, but they'll bear the brunt of it. The anger of all the veteran students would be directed at them."

Several other senior students nodded in realization.

The trio felt a weight settle on their shoulders as they entered the fourth quarter of the War King's lodging.

Han Feng finally understood why Senior Jiang had emphasized that 'strength is supreme.' It was about the veteran students snatching resources from the newcomers. It explained why some prodigies, despite their potential, had slow progress.

Han Feng spoke up with determination, "Stai Shijun, I don't plan to leave this month. I'm going into seclusion."

"As long as I make a significant breakthrough in my cultivation, even if the veterans cause trouble, I won't suffer."

Shi Jun agreed, "Count me in. I've just awakened the Intermediate Sword Sovereign Eucharist. With the best condensing pill, I'm confident I'll reach the six-star ground level within a month. And with the stability from the Intermediate Sword Sovereign Eucharist, I'll have the power to fight at the ten-star peak, maybe even eleven-star."

Stai became more cautious, "I sense my Primary Wanrong Divine Body is on the verge of breaking through to the Intermediate level. I'll need to retreat next month."

The three exchanged determined glances. "Let's do this!"

Without hesitation, they each retreated into their own pavilions.

Somewhere in the secret chamber of his pavilion, Han Feng summoned the Nine Flame Sky Fire Tower.

With the best condensing pill in hand, Han Feng's eyes gleamed with determination. "It may not be as potent as the best ground-level pill, but at my current level, a best condensing pill should be enough to break through."

Chapter 434: Level 5 stars . . .

Consuming the Ling Ling Pill in one swift gulp, Han Feng felt a rush of potent energy flood his meridians, surging with undeniable force. Having ingested various types of medicinal pills in the past, Han Feng could distinctly perceive the stark contrast between the Ling Ling Pill and other medications.

Unlike the overpowering and forceful effects of typical medicinal pills, which often caused damage to the meridians due to their violent energy impact during refinement, the Ling Ling Pill was a whole new experience. Its gentle energy enveloped him like a warm embrace, reminiscent of the comfort of a mother's arms.

Before he could fully grasp the sensation, Han Feng found himself effortlessly breaking through to the third level of the ground tier. It was a surreal experience. Previous breakthroughs had been marked by shockwaves of power and strenuous efforts to stabilize, but this time, the transition felt seamless. His newfound power seemed to integrate effortlessly with his being, as if there had been no change at all. It wasn't that his cultivation hadn't improved significantly; rather, it was the complete mastery and control over his newfound strength that left him astonished.

"It truly lives up to its reputation as a condensing pill developed by the Beidu Academy's specialized department. The effects are remarkable," Han Feng remarked with satisfaction. "Thankfully, I'm only at the lower ranks of the ground tier. Otherwise, the best condensing pill wouldn't have had such a profound impact."

With two more Ling Ling Pills in hand, Han Feng wasted no time in taking them.

A day later, Han Feng opened his eyes to find that he had already reached the mid to late stages of the third level of the ground tier.

Feeling a twinge of regret, he couldn't help but wonder if his progress had been lackluster. Had he only achieved this much? It seemed almost anticlimactic compared to the effects of lower-grade pills.

Shaking off his disappointment, Han Feng retrieved the fire lotus seeds he had been nurturing and began the refining process.

Meanwhile, in a pavilion within the King of War's lodging area, a thunderous boom echoed, signaling the eruption of power within.

Xian Ankong's furious blow landed squarely on the ancient spirit tree table in front of Young Master Long San, leaving a deep imprint on its sturdy surface. Despite the impressive defense of the table, it was no match for the raw power behind Xian Ankong's punch.

Unfazed by the display of aggression, Young Master Long maintained his composure. "Even if you harm me, it changes nothing. Ignorance is not absolution."

Xian Ankong's voice thundered, filled with frustration and anger. "Long, don't concern yourself with me. Your brother's absence from the outer courtyard is telling."

A flicker of surprise crossed Young Master Long's face, quickly replaced by simmering anger. Xian Ankong's shamelessness had shattered any hopes of cooperation between them.

In truth, Young Master Long harbored his own grievances. Who could have predicted Xian'an Mountain's failure in the assessment? With Xian'an Mountain's power, such a downfall was unprecedented. Yet, inexplicably, the blame fell on him.

But before he could voice his grievances...

Young Master Long San narrowed his eyes, pondering silently. "Xian'an Mountain mentioned something about seizing the opportunity during the Mirror of Death to eliminate the individual with the peculiar fire. Could it be that this individual turned the tables on Xian'an Mountain?"

"But," he mused, "that individual is merely a two-star rank. It seems unlikely that they possess the strength to vanquish Xian'an Mountain. Nevertheless, it's an opportunity to redirect Xian Ankong's wrath. Besides, given the close relationship between that individual and Wang Qingcang, perhaps they could be persuaded to eliminate Wang Qingcang on Xian Ankong's behalf."

With a subtle smile, Young Master Long San addressed Xian Ankong, "Brother, do not fret. Though I cannot speak to your brother's fate, I have my suspicions."

"Intriguing. Pray, enlighten me," Xian Ankong responded with a hint of curiosity.

"Allow me to recount the events," Young Master Long San began.

As Xian'an Mountain listened, his brow furrowed in skepticism. "Are you suggesting that my brother's intent to eliminate that individual led to his own demise?" he queried incredulously.

Young Master Long San nodded gravely.

"Hmph," Xian Ankong scoffed. "You underestimate my brother. A mere two-star rank could never best him. This alleged betrayal hardly warrants consideration." His tone dripped with disbelief, unconvinced by Young Master Long San's account.

Young Master Long spoke deliberately, his tone measured and calculated. "True, one individual may not pose a significant threat, but when faced with a coalition of several formidable adversaries, even the strongest may falter. Consider this: the individual in question not only has ties to Wang Qingcang, a master of four-star caliber in sword intent, but also benefits from the assistance of Liu Yu and other allies, possibly even Jiang Jia's Jiang Feng. Despite your brother's considerable prowess as a four-star ground level master, confronted with such a formidable alliance, I fear..." Here, Young Master Long paused, leaving the rest to Xian'an Mountain's imagination.

Young Master Long didn't need to prove Wang Qingcang and Han Feng's involvement in Xian'an Mountain's demise; he simply needed to sow doubt in Xian'an Kong's mind.

Xian Ankong's expression wavered, betraying a flicker of suspicion and hesitation.

Then, with a cold snort, Xian Ankong retorted, "It's nearly impossible to obtain any information now, with everyone in seclusion. Are you attempting to ensnare me with baseless accusations?"

"Hmph," Young Master Long's countenance darkened. "Xie, I've extended my goodwill by offering possible scenarios. I mourn your brother's passing as much as you do. But don't mistake my intentions. What concern is your brother's death to me? Do you think I orchestrated his demise to target that individual?"

"This..." Xian Ankong faltered.

In truth, Xian Ankong had harbored suspicions about Young Master Long's involvement in his brother's death. However, after Young Master Long's impassioned denial, the possibility seemed less plausible.

"Fine, I'll take your word for it this time," Xian Ankong conceded. "In the upcoming rookie free match, I'll challenge this Han Feng. If my brother's death is indeed linked to him, not to you."

With that, Xian Ankong departed, leaving Young Master Long brooding.

Once Xian'an Mountain had left, Young Master Long's temper flared, and he angrily tossed his paper fan aside. "How dare he speak to me in such a manner! If it weren't for Xian Mountain's current strength, I'd make him pay dearly!"

After venting his frustration, Young Master Long's demeanor shifted. "If Xian'an Mountain truly fell to Han Feng, Xie Ankong will undoubtedly hold me responsible. I'll need the assistance of our brother's remaining forces."

"Wang Qingcang is truly my bane, bringing me nothing but trouble," Young Master Long muttered to himself, conveniently forgetting that he had instigated the current predicament. Instead, he chose to blame Wang Qingcang, likening him to a resilient cockroach that refused to be squashed.

...

Meanwhile, Xian Ankong, a formidable six-star master, had already set his sights on challenging Han Feng in the upcoming rookie free battle. After spending several days in intense cultivation on the first floor of the Nine Flame Skyfire Pagoda, Han Feng finally succeeded in refining all the fire lotus seeds into source liquid.

Additionally, he managed to refine the earth-level magic core infused with fire attributes. However, he deliberately refrained from refining all of it, not due to reluctance but out of necessity. The demonic core's fiery nature, coupled with its sheer potency, posed a risk to Han Feng's stability. Thus, he exercised caution and limited the amount of source liquid he absorbed, mindful of the strain it could exert on his body.

Despite the availability of spiritual springs, exceeding his body's capacity for absorption would only lead to complications.

With the source liquid now fully integrated into his cultivation, Han Feng had only one objective left—to train tirelessly and hone his skills. Time seemed to slip away unnoticed during his dedicated practice sessions. Before he realized it, the reservoir of fire lotus seed source liquid had been entirely depleted, and Han Feng emerged from his cultivation with newfound vigor.

In that moment, Han Feng felt a surge of power coursing through his veins, propelling him to the pinnacle of the four-star realm.

Chapter 435: Under 5 stars . . .

"The pinnacle of the four-star tier! It surpasses my expectations," Han Feng exclaimed with satisfaction, marveling at his progress.

With a moment of hesitation, Han Feng decided not to consume the magic core source liquid immediately. Instead, he prioritized refining a top-grade high-grade spirit stone into source liquid using the All Things Melting Flame Cauldron. This source liquid was then divided into three parts for various purposes.

One portion was allocated to the planting space, ensuring optimal energy levels for the growth of fire lotus seeds and spiritual statues. Without sufficient energy, their development would be severely hindered.

Another portion was directed to the Lingquan to prevent any stagnation caused by the enchantment's influence.

The remaining portion was designated for the animal breeding space. Han Feng didn't hesitate to toss in unrefined high-grade spirit stones as well, knowing that both Xiao Yan and Xiao Lei had undergone transformation in the Nine Flame Skyfire Tower and could efficiently absorb the energy from the stones.

"Both of you, I've invested so many spirit stones in your growth. Make sure to grow well," Han Feng muttered to himself before finally swallowing the magic core source liquid.

A powerful surge of fiery energy coursed through Han Feng's meridians, contorting his expression in discomfort as the enchantment began to take effect.

Time seemed to blur as thirty-six true crystals within Han Feng's Dantian gleamed with radiance. And then, a thirty-seventh true crystal slowly emerged, its growth rate accelerating until it reached its peak.

As the thirty-eighth true crystal began to form, a bright spot appeared, signaling its imminent arrival. Though initially slow to develop, the process suddenly accelerated, with the crystal stopping halfway in size compared to the others.

With Han Feng's aura gradually stabilizing, he couldn't help but marvel at the depth of knowledge and heritage possessed by the Beidu Academy. Despite the risks and challenges, countless individuals still aspired to join its ranks, drawn by the promise of unlocking their true potential.

Emerging from the Lingquan, Han Feng marveled at his rapid progress. "Once I step out, I'll surely stand out among ordinary warriors of the same level in the outer courtyard."

But his satisfaction was short-lived. As he assessed his cultivation, a sudden realization struck, causing his expression to contort in alarm. "This isn't good!" With swift action, Han Feng teleported to the Lingquan space and immersed himself in its soothing waters.

The tranquil blue Lingquan worked its magic, washing away the adverse effects that had afflicted Han Feng's body.

After what seemed like an eternity, Han Feng emerged from the Lingquan, his features softened and the darkness dissipating from his complexion.

"Twenty days... I've reached the early stage of the Profound Stage Five Stars in just twenty days," Han Feng remarked with pride. "If word of this speed spreads, it'll surely leave many astonished."

However, Han Feng's triumph was tempered by the realization that the fire lotus seeds were now depleted, and it would be a considerable time before a new crop matured. With the magic core currently unavailable for absorption, and the spirit stones mostly allocated to the Lingquan and animal breeding space, his cultivation would plateau at the five-star ground level.

"Then I'll have to enhance my strength through other means," Han Feng resolved.

The previous consumption of fire lotus seeds not only elevated his cultivation but also bolstered the Nine Flames Different Fire Art, which had now reached the fourth level.

However, Han Feng decided against pushing the art to the fifth level until he reached the Seven Stars of the ground level. The burden of controlling the Aurora Sacred Flame on the fifth floor was immense, manageable only at the pinnacle of the earth's level or beyond.

Nevertheless, possessing the Aurora Sacred Flame early on was a valuable trump card, albeit one that came with its own set of challenges.

With the Nine Flames Different Fire Art at the fourth level, the potency of the Canglan Profound Fire was significantly enhanced. When combined with other martial arts inheritances, the resulting fusion with the Canglan Profound Fire would yield even greater power.

"The four major inheritance martial arts have reached the seventh peak," Han Feng mused, assessing his progress. "Fortunately, I still have plenty of fire attribute spiritual objects from my mother stored in the storage space. While they may not compare to the fire lotus seeds, they can certainly aid in breaking through the four major inheritance martial arts."

Two days later, Han Feng meticulously refined most of the fire-attribute spiritual objects into source liquid, readying them for his breakthrough.

Four days after that, the four inherited martial skills were successfully upgraded to the eighth stage.

"At the beginning of the eighth stage, the four major inheritance martial arts are as formidable as ordinary high-grade martial arts," Han Feng remarked, pleased with his achievement. "Once merged with Canglan Xuanhuo, their power will rival the middle-to-high level of top-grade martial arts."

"Now that the four major inheritance martial arts have been improved, it's time to focus on other martial arts," Han Feng decided, mentally noting his next steps.

Heavenly Hell Blade, Earth Flame Melting Slash, Holy Flame Lingbo Footwork, and Sky Flame Demon Breaking Slash were among the martial arts he aimed to further cultivate to achieve greatness.

Entering the House of Time within the Nine Flame Sky Fire Tower, Han Feng set the time acceleration to its maximum, maximizing his efficiency.

"With the remaining Lingshi Source Liquid only lasting four days, I'll make the most of my time here," Han Feng resolved.

In the House of Time, he dedicated himself fully to martial arts practice, swiftly honing his skills. The Heavenly Hell Blade, Earth Flame Melting Slash, and Holy Flame Lingbo Footwork were soon perfected under the influence of the time acceleration.

"The fusion of Shengyan Lingbo's footwork and Canglan Xuanhuo is exceptionally potent," Han Feng noted, recognizing the formidable power of this combination.

However, mastering the Sky Flame Demon Breaking Slash proved to be more challenging.

As a top-level earth-level martial art, achieving mastery typically required a higher level of cultivation. Yet, with the aid of the House of Time, Han Feng made significant strides.

A day and a half later, Han Feng emerged from the House of Time, his efficiency comparable to three months of martial arts practice outside.

With the Sky Flame Demon Breaking Slash nearly perfected, Han Feng turned his attention to the remaining martial arts: Dragon Wings, Flame King Kong Tongs, and Red Lotus Seal.

Starting with the Dragon Wings' third-level martial arts, Wings of the Wild Dragon, Han Feng swiftly progressed. Despite its status as an earth-tier martial art, the fusion with Canglan Xuanhuo heightened its power.

The Flame King Kong Claws, however, proved more time-consuming, given its complexity and status as the best martial art of the earth level.

"As the three days draw to a close, I'll focus on the Red Lotus Seal," Han Feng decided. Though it was also an earth-tier martial art, its full potential could only be unlocked with all four different fires.

Summoning his blue Canglan Profound Fire, Han Feng concentrated on forming the armored warrior, gradually molding it into the Red Lotus Warrior, wielding a blue long sword with formidable prowess.

Chapter 436: Arena 10! . . .

"Huh, the first Red Lotus soldier has succeeded!" Han Feng exclaimed with joy as he observed the newly formed warrior. However, his elation was quickly tempered by a realization. "The reason it was so simple is because there is only one type of strange fire. But when I attempt to condense the second type of Red Lotus fighter, I'll need to increase the power of the first type so that both warriors have equal strength. That will pose a challenge."

"I wonder how powerful Yaqing's flames are now? If they're strong enough, I'll ask her for help after the free match. With another month or two, I should be able to condense three Red Lotus warriors."

Examining the first Red Lotus warrior, Han Feng nodded in satisfaction. "Since it's formed by my Canglan Profound Fire, I'll call it the Profound Fire Red Lotus. It truly possesses the cultivation base of a ground-level three-star peak." He could feel the strength emanating from the Red Lotus warrior.

With a swift hand gesture, Han Feng commanded, "Close!"

Instantly, the Xuan Fire Red Lotus transformed into a blue flame and retreated behind Han Feng. If he were to remove his jacket, he would reveal a blue Red Lotus mark on the upper left corner of his back.

Exiting the pavilion, Han Feng bumped into Zhan Fu Yu.

"Morning!" Han Feng greeted him warmly. His mood was buoyant after successfully forming the first Red Lotus warrior, even extending his greetings to the unfamiliar Zhan Fu Yu.

To his surprise, Zhan Fu Yu paused slightly, nodded in acknowledgment, and then continued on his way. Han Feng was taken aback by the unexpected response.

"It seems we've misjudged Zhan Fu Yu," Han Feng remarked, reflecting on the encounter. "We thought he was arrogant and standoffish, but perhaps he's just not good with words."

Lost in thought, Han Feng was interrupted by Stay's arrival. "Hey, why are you lost in thought?" Stay inquired. "Today's the rookie free match, and it's crucial for all of us."

With determination, Han Feng replied, "Indeed, today's match is important. It's our chance to prove ourselves and maintain our advanced title."

Shi Tai noticed Han Feng's tense posture and couldn't resist waving his hand in front of him.

Han Feng snapped out of his reverie, smoothly changing the subject. "Did your Wanrong Divine Body break through?" he inquired.

Stai understood Han Feng's attempt to divert the conversation, but he didn't press further. He knew it was unnecessary.

"Hey, Fatty, who do you take me for? Of course, I broke through," Stai boasted confidently. "Not only did my Wanrong Divine Body reach the intermediate level, but it's also completely stable now."

"And guess what? I've ascended to the six-star pinnacle of the Earth Tier," he announced proudly.

The leap from five-star to six-star pinnacle in just a month was an impressive feat. Many talents took two or three times as long to achieve such progress.

Stai continued with a grin, "And the Intermediate Stage of the Wanrong Divine Body is just the beginning. The stronger it gets, the more it'll boost my strength."

"In another month, I'll break through to the seven-star level," he declared confidently, raising a finger.

"Hmph, what's there to boast about?" A disdainful voice interrupted from behind, and Shi Jun approached.

Stai challenged, "What do you say? Catching up, aren't I?"

Shi Jun shot a glare at Stai, realizing that despite their childhood rivalry, there wasn't much distance between their achievements.

"It seems Brother Shi Jun is also at the six-star pinnacle," Han Feng interjected, offering his congratulations.

"Indeed, but a tad stronger than someone," Shi Jun acknowledged, nodding at Han Feng. "I'm currently at the peak limit of six stars. I'll definitely break through in less than three weeks."

"Oh, by the way, Han Feng, you've reached four stars now," Stai suddenly remembered, realizing they hadn't discussed Han Feng's progress yet.

Breaking through from two-star to four-star in a month was a remarkable achievement, especially considering the vast disparity between the initial and mid-term stages. Stai and Shi Jun had witnessed Han Feng's extraordinary combat prowess, leading them to overestimate his potential. For someone else, reaching the top of Samsung would have been commendable.

Han Feng grinned mischievously, and in an instant, his aura surged to the level of five-star initial stage before he swiftly concealed it again.

Stai and Shi Jun were momentarily stunned.

"Earth...five-star tier!" Stai exclaimed, once he regained his composure.

"That's a five-star ground level, equivalent to where they were a month ago. And remember, a month ago, Han Feng was just at two stars," Han Feng's incredible progress didn't escape Shi Jun's notice.

"I thought Han Feng was already overrated, but I guess I underestimated him," Shi Jun admitted with a wry smile, shaking his head.

"Give me a break. With your Intermediate Sword Sovereign Saint Physique and Wanrong Divine Body, you're not someone to trifle with. With your current six-star peak cultivation, even ordinary nine-star opponents would struggle against you. Against an average ten-star, you'd still hold your ground," Han Feng retorted, rolling his eyes.

Stai chimed in, muttering, "You say 'ordinary ten-star,' but considering the average level of talent at Beidu Academy, that's like an eighth-star equivalent. But you, Han Feng, are a freak. From nearly eighth-level monster combat power when you were just two stars... and now?"

Han Feng waved his hand dismissively. "I can't say for sure. The bigger the gap in my cultivation, the greater the disparity in strength. Don't be fooled by my rapid progress in cultivation. True combat power might not reflect that."

"Stop lying. I refuse to believe your martial skills and different fire haven't improved," Stai challenged.

"Are you willing to swear that your overall strength isn't above the ordinary nine-star level? If it is, then, well, let's just say you'll be in for a rough time," Stai sneered, his tone dripping with disdain.

"Dang, that's a harsh oath!" Han Feng's mouth twitched. He couldn't bring himself to make such a promise because, truthfully, his overall combat prowess did surpass the ordinary nine-star level.

"Just admit it, you won't swear. Can't fool the Fatty!" Stai jeered.

Shi Jun looked at Stai incredulously and cleared his throat. "Alright, we should head out soon. It'll be too late otherwise."

...

The Newcomer Free Game was held in Beidu Academy's Outer Court Arena No. 10.

The circular arena had a diameter of two hundred meters, sufficiently spacious for tiered warriors to engage in combat under the enchantment's suppression. Outside, battles between tiered warriors could extend over several kilometers, or even tens of thousands of meters, if powerful enough.

Around the arena stood grandstands, where spectators could observe the matches. Although it was a newcomer event, only a few older students bothered to attend, either to lift their spirits or scout for potential talents.

"Haha, figured I'd find you here," Jiang Feng, Lei Yuyi, and Wang Qingcang greeted them as they arrived.

Jiang Feng and Wang Qingcang shared lodgings, while Lei Yuyi resided elsewhere. Their vital energy fluctuations indicated recent breakthroughs, though their realms hadn't stabilized yet.

What surprised Han Feng was Lei Yuyi's progress. A month ago, he was barely at the first-star level, but now he was close to the three-star level, on the verge of breaking through to the middle stage.

With nearly three stars in progress, Lei Yuyi seemed slightly ahead of Han Feng's two-star advance. Han Feng had pushed from the peak of two stars to the early stage of five stars, both middle-tier realms. 

"Big Brother, Brother Han!" Jiang Da, Xuan Shentong, and Lin Huixuan's joyous voices rang out as they approached the arena.

Beside them, a few disdainful figures looked on at Jiang Da and his companions.

Chapter 437: Xian Ankong! . . .

These figures clearly weren't students with the prestigious Warlord title like Jiang Da's district mates, or the roommates of Xuan Shentong and Lin Huixuan, who also held the same title.

Thanks to their 120 points from the Death Mirror, Xuan Shentong and Lin Huixuan barely qualified for the general title, ranking extremely low among newcomers.

With one at the pinnacle of the Profound Step and the other just breaking through to the one-star level of the Earth Step, their cultivation was considered weak by their peers. This led to the disdain of the three roommates.

"Ha! Let's see who Xuan and Ji Xian's stars know!" one of them scoffed, following Jiang Da's gaze towards Han Feng and the others.

In truth, it wasn't so much disdain as it was jealousy. Despite their inferior cultivation, they received the same titles as their more powerful peers. One of them was particularly envious of Jiang Da, who held the title of War King at the pinnacle level of the Profound Stage.

...

Han Feng and Shi Tai Shijun's stabilized cultivation bases went unnoticed by these individuals. However, the five-star and six-star auras emanating from Jiang Feng and Wang Qingcang caught their attention.

Upon realizing Jiang Feng and Wang Qingcang's cultivation, they immediately reconsidered Han Feng and the others' strength, assuming they were at least three or four stars.

Their expressions shifted drastically, and the arrogance on their faces dwindled. With only second-tier three-star cultivation at best, and the highest being four-star pinnacle, they were clearly outclassed by Han Feng's group.

"Ah, Brother Jiang, Brother Xuan, Brother Lin, my apologies for any past offense. Please forgive me," one of them apologized, recognizing Han Feng's influential companions. They quickly left thereafter.

Not wanting to endure their insincerity any longer, Jiang Da simply snorted in response.

Lin Huixuan shook his head in agreement. "Our strength isn't high, so they naturally look down on us. But once we improve, they won't dare to mock us again."

Jiangda grimaced. "That's true, but I'm tired of being ridiculed every time we go out. Let's make sure they know about Brother Han and me, so we won't have to deal with this in the future."

Lin Huixuan nodded in understanding. It seemed someone had pushed Jiangda's buttons with their snide remarks, affecting his cultivation.

"You rascal, using us to intimidate your opponents now?" Jiang Feng teased, knowing Jiangda's tactics well. With their power, they could hear everything clearly, but they didn't mind Jiangda's methods.

Only Jiang Feng, Jiangda's real brother, playfully scolded him to avoid stirring up grudges.

Jiangda vented about someone's behavior with a bitter face, then concluded, "Big brother, I want to let the other party off the hook. I don't want to make an enemy for life, especially since we share living quarters."

Stay patted his belly. "Want Fat Master to handle him for you? He'd definitely scare him off."

Jiangda hesitated, then shook his head. "Nah, it's not that serious. Besides, he won't dare to target me openly after today."

Since Jiangda, the one directly involved, said so, no one objected.

...

Time ticked by, and half an hour later, most of the newcomers had gathered.

There were also many older students in the stands, mainly staff from the Outer Academy of Beidu Academy.

Wang Qingcang noticed Young Master Long and his expression turned cold. Young Master Long San, in turn, showed a sinister grin and mouthed a few words to Wang Qingcang.

"Prepare to die!"

These were the silent words Young Master Long spat out.

Wang Qingcang suppressed his urge to kill. "If you want to take me down, come at me. I want to see how strong you've become."

...

Before long, a tall figure approached Young Master Long San's side. With a gesture, Young Master Long pointed towards Wang Qingcang, prompting the figure to step forward.

The powerful aura made everyone around take a step back.

"Oh my god, who's this? He's at the late stage of cultivation."

"Since when did the newcomers produce such a formidable opponent? I thought there were no seven-stars in the Battle King list. There are only two eight-stars on the ground, and the rest are below seven."

"Are you dumb? Can't he have had a breakthrough this month? I know him, Xian Ankong. He's not someone you want to mess with. I wonder who provoked him; they're in for some trouble." The newcomers murmured amongst themselves.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Xian Ankong strode towards Han Feng and the others, his icy gaze sweeping over them.

"Who is Han Feng?" Xian Ankong's voice cut through the air, demanding attention.

Stay, feeling the weight of Xian Ankong's gaze, bristled. "Who do you think you are?"

"Hmph, I didn't ask you. Are you the fat man, Han Feng?" Xian Ankong sneered, looking down on them.

"You jerk..." Stay was about to explode. How dare he insult Han Feng like that?

"Thinking of fighting?" Xian Ankong's voice dripped with disdain. To him, Han Feng was just a fat man, nothing to worry about.

Shi Jun quickly restrained Shi Tai. "Wait until the free match. Let him revel in his arrogance for a bit longer."

"Arrogant fool," Xian Ankong muttered under his breath.

Wang Qingcang and the others pitied Xian Ankong. Despite his seven-star cultivation base, they were confident that Han Feng could easily defeat him.

But Han Feng stood up, taking charge. "Brother Shi Tai, since he's here for me, I'll handle it." Shi Tai reluctantly backed down.

Xian Ankong frowned, studying Han Feng. "He doesn't even flinch under my gaze. He's not ordinary."

As Xian Ankong pondered, doubt crept into his mind. "Did you kill my brother?" he blurted out.

"And who might you be?" Han Feng responded calmly.

"Xian Ankong!" Xian Ankong's glare was icy, filled with malice.

"Ah, your brother was Xian Ankong," Han Feng realized. It all made sense now. Young Master Long had orchestrated this confrontation.

"It seems Xian Ankong isn't entirely sure, so he came to ask," Wang Qingcang whispered to Han Feng.

Han Feng's expression shifted. Young Master Long's involvement confirmed his suspicions.

"It appears Xian Ankong has doubts," Han Feng remarked. "I believe he's pieced together the truth from our expressions. There's no point in hiding it any longer."

Han Feng had a strong suspicion. Xian Ankong must have guessed that his brother crossed paths with them and was likely killed by them.

"Fine, I'll remember this," Xian Ankong spat out, his words laced with anger. "If you want to live, leave now. In the free match, I'll make sure to take you all down!" With that, he stormed off, his frustration palpable.

It was clear to Xian Ankong that engaging in a fight here would only drain his energy unnecessarily. It made more sense to save his strength for the free match.

In the free match, each participant could challenge up to five opponents. Engaging in a brawl now would essentially count as an extra challenge, risking exhaustion and potential defeat.

"He's not as reckless as he seems. He knows the rules – everyone's limited to five challenges," Shi Jun observed, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"Hmph, who does he think he is, calling me 'fat'? Doesn't he know who I am?" Shi Tai grumbled, still miffed by Xian Ankong's insult.

Wang Qingcang chuckled. "Xian Ankong might not be aware of your name, Fatty. And even if he did, it's possible he overlooked your status due to your five-star cultivation level."

Chapter 438: The free battle begins! . . .

"Yes, I highly doubt Xian Ankong would have been so bold if he'd laid eyes on you, Fatty," Jiang Feng chimed in, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

"Absolutely!" Stay exclaimed, patting his belly with satisfaction.

Shi Jun couldn't help but shake his head. Could Wang Qingcang and Jiang Feng be serious?

...

"Huh? He actually left. I was hoping for some entertainment," a disappointed newcomer lamented.

"Xian Ankong isn't foolish. He wouldn't waste his energy before the free match. We'll have a real show to watch then," another newcomer remarked.

"If I heard correctly, Han Feng is the one Xian Ankong was after. I recall he's on the rookie battle king list," a third newcomer interjected.

"You're right. On that list, there's only Han Feng and a guy named Jiang Da who hasn't reached the four-star level or higher. These two stand out in our district. Others might forget, but not those two... Oh, and there's a woman named Liu Yu'er, but she's only at the pinnacle of the three-star level, nothing too impressive," the first newcomer explained.

"Ha, a mere two-star ground-level cultivator angered a seventh-level ground cultivator like Xian Ankong. That kid is in for it," another newcomer sneered.

"And when he's injured and defeated, we can swoop in..." several low-ranking newcomers chuckled.

...

Unbeknownst to the gossipers, Han Feng and his companions heard every word. Maybe they thought Han Feng was headed for trouble soon, so they spoke without restraint.

"These folks' heads must've been kicked by a donkey," Steel remarked under his breath.

Shi Jun remarked calmly, "They haven't witnessed Han Feng's strength, so naturally, they don't know what he's capable of. I wonder what their faces will look like when Han Feng takes down Xian Ankong."

"I bet their eyes will nearly pop out," Jiang Feng sneered.

Han Feng simply chuckled and pretended not to hear.

As they conversed, Meng Yaqing, Hu Xiaodie, and Liu Yuer approached slowly.

Even though Hu Xiaodie had toned down her charm, the three beauties still drew plenty of attention.

In the stands, a young man in black watched them intently. "That woman, I like her," he declared, his eyes gleaming.

Others around him followed his gaze, and one of them hesitated before saying, "I heard she's ranked first on the rookie battle king list and has an eight-star cultivation level."

The young man in black's eyes widened in surprise. "Eight stars of the ground level!"

"Hmph, once I have her, whether she's an eight-star or a nine-star, she'll belong to me. Worst-case scenario, I'll just cripple her after I'm done, so there's no need to worry about retaliation," the black-clothed youth boasted arrogantly.

"Brother Bu hasn't changed a bit," remarked one of the onlookers, noting the black-clothed youth's trademark ruthlessness.

The youth shrugged off the disapproval. "What are women for, if not for our pleasure? They should stay at home and let us men enjoy them. They shouldn't be out here practicing and competing with us; it's just not right."

"Shh, let's keep Brother Bu's opinions to ourselves. It could spell trouble if the women hear him," cautioned another bystander, shocked by the youth's audacity.

They all knew that one of the overlords on the Tongtian List was a fiery-tempered woman. If she caught wind of the black-clothed youth's comments...

The youth's jealousy flared as he ranted, "I can't stand women like her, trampling our men underfoot!"

The others were left speechless, unable to fathom the insecurity driving such remarks. Perhaps he'd been psychologically scarred by perceived oppression from women.

"Brother Bu, let's not forget our orders from the hall master to protect the third young master of the Long family. Disobeying him would be worse than angering any woman. If we hope to advance to the inner courtyard, we can't afford to cross the Long family," one of them reminded cautiously. They all knew their place beneath the black-clothed youth's authority and treaded carefully.

The black-clothed youth straightened up and cleared his throat. "You're right. Don't worry, as long as I'm here, Long San will be safe."

...

Meanwhile, at the edge of the arena, Wang Qingcang held Liu Yu'er close, relishing the envy of the onlookers.

Jiang Feng teased, "I think someone's sour expression is even more satisfying to you."

Han Feng glanced over and indeed saw the twisted, resentful face of a certain third young master named Long.

"Ms. Meng, Ms. Hu, I'm curious about your current cultivation levels..." Stay ventured, unable to contain his curiosity.

Hu Xiaodie giggled, covering her mouth. "Why should we tell you?" she teased, leaving Stay at a loss for words, especially in the presence of women who had been acknowledged as their companions.

Meng Yaqing remained composed, but her eyes betrayed her amusement at the unfolding drama.

Hu Xiaodie turned to Han Feng with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "If Han Feng shares his cultivation level, then I might consider revealing ours," she suggested coyly.

Shi Tai's excitement was palpable. "Wait, you're saying Han Feng is already at the five-star level?" he exclaimed.

Han Feng couldn't help but roll his eyes. He hadn't even confirmed it himself, and Shi Tai was already jumping to conclusions.

Hu Xiaodie's eyes widened in disbelief. "You must be joking," she protested, instinctively seeking confirmation from Han Feng. With a subtle nod from Han Feng, Hu Xiaodie deflated. "Oh, you sly fox. I finally reached the peak of five stars," she lamented.

Originally, there had been a two-star gap between them. Now, in just one month, they were on equal footing. What would happen in another month?

In a hushed tone, Han Feng shared something with Meng Yaqing, causing her expression to shift abruptly. Han Feng motioned for her to join him in a secluded corner.

"There's definitely some hidden secret there," Wang Qingcang remarked with a knowing smile. He leaned in to eavesdrop, but Liu Yuer promptly pinched him. "Yaqing is already at the peak of the ten-star early stage, just one step away from the mid-ten-star stage. If you want to suffer, go ahead and listen," she warned.

Wang Qingcang recoiled, recalling the fate of the Nightmare Beast in the Death Mirror, and wisely decided against it.

In the secluded corner, Meng Yaqing furrowed her brow. "If I haven't reached the limit of the two different fires, will it still be useful?" she inquired.

"It will be, but it'll require a month or two of nurturing," Han Feng confirmed.

"In that case, after the free match, you can come to my pavilion," Meng Yaqing suggested softly.

"Thank you," Han Feng expressed his gratitude with a respectful bow. Moments later, they rejoined the group.

Wang Qingcang approached cautiously, wearing a wry smile. "So spill, were you two just planning a rendezvous?" he quipped.

Han Feng nudged him aside. "Cut it out, stop spreading rumors. We were just discussing something important," he replied, dismissing Wang Qingcang's insinuations.

Wang Qingcang raised an eyebrow incredulously. "Sure, whatever you say," he retorted dismissively.

...

Suddenly, the entire tenth arena was engulfed in a tremendous pressure.

At the heart of the arena, an elderly figure clad in pristine white garb materialized seemingly out of nowhere.

With a subtle lift of his eyelids, the white-clad elder gracefully swept his sleeves, conjuring three ethereal curtains into the sky. Upon each shimmering display was inscribed the rookie champion list.

Addressing the assembly with a faint sweep of his gaze, he declared, "I am Old Man Bai, overseeing this match. The free game begins now. Anyone seeking to challenge may step forth onto the court. As long as the rules are upheld, I shall not intervene. But once death befalls, I shall not hesitate." With that, he drifted to a corner of the arena and settled into a serene posture, as if merely a spectator to the unfolding spectacle.

A collective uncertainty rippled through the crowd as they exchanged uncertain glances.

For a prolonged moment, no one dared to make a move. It wasn't that challengers were lacking, but rather the nonchalant demeanor of the white guardian left them wary, questioning if any hidden snares lurked amidst his words.

After a protracted silence, a warrior of the two-star tier finally mustered the courage to step forward. "I, Wu Sishi, challenge Jiang Mucai!" he declared, breaking the uneasy stillness with his bold proclamation.

Chapter 439: Imposing confrontation! . . .

The name Wu Sishi didn't grace any of the three ethereal light curtains, indicating that Wu Sishi was an ordinary rookie. However, Jiang Mucai's name was etched at the bottom of the rookie warlord list.

This challenge pitted an ordinary student against one with the esteemed title of warlord. Should the ordinary student emerge victorious, their titles would be swapped. Conversely, if the ordinary student faced defeat, the status quo would remain untouched. Glancing at the third light curtain, Wu Sishi noted Jiang Mucai's cultivation level clearly listed as one star of the ground tier. It was evident why Wu Sishi had issued the challenge.

In the heart of the martial arts arena, Jiang Mucai chuckled mockingly, "A month has passed, do you truly believe I'm still a mere one star?"

With a resounding cry, Jiang Mucai's aura surged, revealing him to be at the middle stage of the second star!

In just a month, Jiang Mucai's cultivation had skyrocketed, almost reaching the pinnacle of the late stage of the first star and then surging to the middle stage of the second star in one fell swoop. Bearing the warlord title, his potential was unmistakable.

While some were taken aback by Jiang Mucai's sudden advancement, many were nonchalant, but Wu Sishi's complexion darkened.

A month ago, he was at the early stage of the second star. Yet, a month later, he barely reached the late stage of the second star after a recent breakthrough, his realm still unstable. Was this the glaring difference in potential at play?

At the ground tier, it was customary for geniuses to ascend a star or two in the span of a few months. However, the jump from the early to late stage of the second star in a single month was exceptional. Wu Sishi would likely break through to the third star of the ground tier in no more than half a month or even twenty days. But such rapid progress was considered commonplace in the outer courtyard of Beidu Academy, merely earning newcomers the rank of ordinary.

...

After half an hour, Jiang Mucai emerged victorious, though slightly out of breath, proving his prowess.

In the free game, each participant could engage in up to five challenges. Each challenge required a minimum of two or three battles to be fought before the next challenge could be accepted to prevent unfair consecutive battles for the challenger.

As the game progressed, more challengers stepped forward.

More than two hours later, a newcomer named Cha Yue challenged Lin Huixuan.

It was apparent that Cha Yue was an ordinary rookie, his strength not even matching that of Wu Sishi. His aura barely reached the peak of the one-star earth tier, a stark contrast to Lin Huixuan's twelve mysterious ranks displayed on the light curtain.

The disparity between the profound stage and the ground stage was undeniable.

Amidst murmurs among the newcomers, it was evident that no one harbored high hopes for Lin Huixuan. Even if he had made strides in the past month, his progress would likely only bring him to the early stage of the one-star ground tier, leaving a significant gap between him and the one-star peak.

...

In the heart of the arena, Cha Yue smirked, confident as the gathered audience predicted. Soon, Lin Huixuan found himself on the back foot.

With a taunting laugh, Cha Yue demanded, "Surrender, boy!"

Yet, at that moment, Lin Huixuan's voice thundered low, "Golden Dragon Transformation - Dragon Scale Evolution!"

Suddenly, scales densely covered Lin Huixuan's body.

Cha Yue sneered, "Do you think you're the only one with tricks?"

Unbeknownst to Cha Yue, Lin Huixuan's breath surged as well. As an ordinary rookie, Cha Yue's abilities were mediocre at best. While his aura had indeed strengthened, it only hovered between the first and second stars of the earth tier.

However, Lin Huixuan's laughter rang out tauntingly, "Golden Dragon Transformation - Dragon Body Evolution!"

Amidst the thunderous roar akin to a dragon's fury, Lin Huixuan's power surged, propelling him to the two-star level in an instant.

"Sky Shaking Dragon Sword-Dragon Soul Heaven Slash!" Lin's voice boomed as his blade descended, sending Cha Yue crashing to the ground, his anguished cry echoing in the arena.

As the dust settled, Lin reverted to his normal form, his gaze unwavering as he moved on.

...

The newcomers watched in disbelief, their initial notions of Lin as an easy target shattered in the wake of his display of power.

Lin's dominance in the battle made even the boldest rookies think twice before crossing him, particularly since he languished at the bottom of the rookie fighter rankings.

But if Lin were to ascend in rank, becoming a battle commander or climbing higher in the rookie general list, challenges would surely come knocking.

While formidable, Lin's status as a two-star fighter still left room for envy among his peers, a fact not lost on those eyeing his position.

...

Subsequent battles ensued, revealing the prowess of several ordinary-titled students. Many higher-ranked rookies found themselves outmatched, some even dropping from their lofty positions on the leaderboards.

These ordinary-titled newcomers, predominantly aged 18 to 20, may lack the raw potential of their predecessors, but their extended time in training translated to formidable strength.

Thirty minutes later, it was Xuan Shentong's turn to face a challenger.

...

The clash between Xuan and his ordinary-titled opponent was intense, each refusing to yield an inch. Just when victory seemed within grasp for the challenger, Xuan unleashed his trump card, the Intermediate Ice King Body, turning the tide in a breathtaking reversal.

From that moment on, no one dared to provoke Xuan Shentong.

Now, both Lin Huixuan and Xuan Shentong found themselves in a similar predicament—stranded at the bottom of the rookie generals list. Among the ordinary-titled rookies, the ambitious eyed them with disdain, while the less confident lacked the means to challenge them.

...

Han Feng quipped, "With your ranking, you'd think you'd be busier, but here you are, lounging around."

Lin and Xuan exchanged a look, their expressions conflicted as they grappled with their newfound status.

Jiang Da chimed in, a hint of envy coloring his tone, "Even for someone like me, leaping from the early stages of the eleventh star to the terrestrial level in just a month is inconceivable. Lin's ascent to the peak of the 12-star profound stage is nothing short of genius."

Han Feng gave Jiang Da's shoulder a reassuring pat, offering words of solace, "The big deal will be resolved later, don't worry."

Jiang Da nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Exactly what Brother Han said."

...

A booming voice echoed through the arena, "Under Feng Bingguang's name, I challenge Han Feng!"

All eyes turned to the figure stepping forward—a robust man making his presence known.

"Feng Bingguang? Isn't he the top-ranked figure in the rookie commander list? No wonder he's challenging Han Feng."

"Indeed, Feng Bingguang's cultivation level is formidable, rumored to have reached the peak of the ground level three-star. Who knows what level he's at now? Perhaps even the middle to late stage four-star."

The distinction between three-star and four-star, between early and late stages, left many spectators in awe. The potential of a commander-level fighter was beyond estimation.

For a two-star pinnacle to challenge someone like Han Feng was audacious, leaving many unconvinced.

However, some female newcomers were intrigued by Feng Bingguang's mature demeanor, despite his burly appearance.

Xian'an Mountain narrowed his eyes, a hint of annoyance crossing his features. "Since I was challenged first, let's see what this challenger is made of."

Before stepping onto the field, Wang Qingcang rallied behind Han Feng. "That old geezer's arrogance is grating. You've got this, Han Feng." Han Feng flashed Wang Qingcang an 'ok' sign, a silent affirmation of his readiness.

...

In the heart of the arena, Feng Bingguang unleashed the full force of his aura, exuding the power of a four-star pinnacle, his intent clear—to dominate Han Feng with sheer force.

A smirk played on Feng Bingguang's lips, anticipating Han Feng's submission under the weight of his overwhelming presence.

"By Heavens! A four-star pinnacle in just a month! That's a leap of an entire star!"

"And not just a star, but bridging the gap between early and mid-stages. Han Feng doesn't stand a chance now." The spectators marveled at Feng Bingguang's meteoric rise in strength, their confidence in Han Feng dwindling.

However, Han Feng met Feng Bingguang's gaze with a mischievous grin. "Overwhelming, you say? Let's see about that!"

Boom!

The aura of a five-star early-stage earth-tier fighter surged forth like a tempest, catching Feng Bingguang off guard. His expression froze, the pressure of Han Feng's aura contorting his features into a grimace. In a moment of vulnerability, he even coughed up a bit of blood, his face turning an unhealthy shade of purple.

Chapter 440: Tianshuang ice! . . .

"What?!"

"Impossible!"

"A five-star tier?!"

The astonishment rippled through the crowd of newcomers like a shockwave.

According to the records displayed on the light curtain, Han Feng was undeniably a mere two-star tier fighter. How could he suddenly ascend to the five-star tier?

To leap from a two-star to a five-star tier within a month seemed absurd, even laughable.

If someone were to progress from the peak of four-star or even three-star to five-star, it might be believable, but this... 

The magnitude of improvement in such a short span left many wondering what heights Han Feng could reach in just half a year.

Could he potentially become a pinnacle of the tier? Achieving such cultivation would virtually guarantee a place on the prestigious Sky-reaching List, provided his combat prowess matched his newfound strength.

Xian'ankong's expression darkened, a surge of murderous intent coursing through him. "This kid possesses such strength at his age. He's become an enemy we can't afford to let flourish!" At twenty years old, Xian'ankong himself had only recently broken through to the seven-star underground level.

Despite the four-year age gap, Han Feng's cultivation trailed by just two stars. Xian'ankong foresaw Han Feng's rapid ascent and realized that if they didn't eliminate him now, it might be too late.

Meanwhile, in the stands, the black-clad youth raised an eyebrow. "To progress from two-star to five-star in a month... That's no small feat. I'll report this to the hall master and propose Han Feng's induction into our Tang faction."

"But what if he refuses?" ventured a cautious voice beside him.

The black-clad youth's gaze turned steely. "Refuse? The Heavenly Ranking List won't tolerate another overlord who challenges our authority. If he refuses, we'll swiftly neutralize the threat."

The top ten on the Sky List all wield considerable influence. The emergence of a new overlord threatened to upset the balance of power in the outer court—a scenario Jingyuntang, the largest faction, would not permit.

...

On the sidelines, the white guardian, who had previously appeared indifferent to the proceedings, cracked open his eyes briefly before shutting them again. His subtle reaction went unnoticed by the crowd.

...

Feng Bingguang, recovering from the backlash of his own aura, staggered back, spitting blood. Despite the distance, the pressure from Han Feng's aura lingered, casting a shadow over him.

Gasping for breath, Feng Bingguang couldn't believe his misjudgment. He had underestimated Han Feng, expecting to face a mere reptile but instead confronting a formidable opponent.

The early-stage five-star tier cultivation exerted an overwhelming pressure on Feng Bingguang.

"I refuse to believe his cultivation has skyrocketed this quickly, nor that his martial prowess has reached such heights," Feng Bingguang thought grimly. Channeling his ice attribute, he summoned a layer of frost to encase his body before conjuring an ice-blue sword of condensed essence.

"Attack!" With a fierce cry, a barrage of ice swords filled the sky, hurtling towards Han Feng with deadly precision.

The ice sword cut through the sky, making a harsh rubbing sound.

These ice swords are extremely fast, and for newcomers with insufficient cultivation, they can only see the rapid impact of blue light towards Han Feng.

Han Feng dismissed these ice swords, Sheng Yan Lingbo's footwork, Han Feng seemed to turn into a ball of fire, flashing constantly in the competition venue, shuttled in the blue light, no matter how fast the blue light was, it was impossible. But how did it get the fire.

...

"Damn it, you have cultivated your footwork to this level. The top-tier low-grade footwork is no less precious than the attack-type top-tier middle-grade martial arts."

"In that case... try this trick."

Feng Bingguang's eyes flashed, his fingers opened, and the blue light in the sky suddenly stagnated. The ice swords joined together and turned into a large blue net, and the ice blue mist gradually diffused out.

The big blue net swayed in the sky, and then it was pressed down.

Han Feng shook his head and sneered, the wings of the flame dragon spread, and with the ground-level five-star cultivation base, he directly burned a hole in the ice net and flew into the sky.

Standing around his chest, Han Feng said lightly: "Is there any means to use it, this kind of temptation to get on the stage is unnecessary."

Whether it is ice sword or ice net, the power is too weak, I am afraid that it is the bottom level among the low-grade martial arts. This method is really not enough for Han Feng.

...

Feng Bingguang's complexion became more and more gloomy. After a little trial, Feng Bingguang had determined that the opponent not only had a high level of cultivation, but also had an extremely proficient mastery of martial arts.

So easy to use the lower-rank martial arts and footwork, then the middle-rank martial arts may also have a very advanced level.

It is not the realm of Dacheng, at least it is near Dacheng.

Thinking of this, Feng Bingguang no longer kept his hands: "Bingxuan double scales!!"

Behind Feng Bingguang, a phantom Libra appeared.

Libra was icy blue, and the riot of ice swept out like a storm.

"Turn me into ice cubes!"

The storm icy air rushed in, Han Feng just smiled at this, raised his right arm, and suddenly waved it down: "Earth Flame Melting!"

A blade of flame that seemed to emerge from the lava burst into the air, not yet close to the ice storm, the ice storm was already fragile, as if it was about to collapse at any time.

Boom!

The flame and ice gas collided, making a dull sound, and the water vapor filled.

The flames and the ice storm stirred together, and the entire competition venue was shrouded in water mist.

Although Bingxuan Double Scale is a middle-rank martial skill, it is only an ordinary level. Han Feng relied on the cultivation base of the five-star early stage of the tier, coupled with the mighty Earth Flame Retardant Slash of the Great Perfection Realm, even if the Earth Flame Retardant Slash was only an inferior tier, he still had the upper hand slightly.

"You have all made a trick, it's time to try my trick." Han Feng still smiled with great ease, as if he had just waved his hand to deal with a few flies before, and didn't look like dealing with the enemy.

This makes Feng Bingguang extremely angry, this is disdain for him!

But when he was angry, Feng Bingguang was also extremely vigilant, at least this showed that the opponent hadn't used the real hole cards.

At this moment, Han Feng screamed: "Blade of Hell!!"

The raging flames rolled out violently, and the flame blade floating out in the center of the flame pierced instantly.

"Ice Profound Prism!!"

Feng Bingguang didn't dare to be careless, and immediately activated the true essence of the ice in his body, and an ice blue prism appeared.

Rumble!

The flame blade slashed on the prism ~www.mtlnovel.com~ A crisp sound followed.

Feng Bingguang's complexion changed drastically, and he quickly backed away, and at the same time, a second ice mysterious prism appeared immediately.

Not long after the second ice mysterious prism appeared, the first ice mysterious prism had been broken, and the flame blade slashed on the second ice mysterious prism.

Kaka Kaka...

Chi Chi...

The second icy mysterious prism did not break into cracks, and the flame blade and the icy gas were also constantly turning into water mist with the ice gas.

"Oops! If this continues, the second Ice Profound Prism will not be able to keep it, and it seems that I have to display the real trump card."

"Tianshuang ice gas, fusion!!!" Feng Bingguang's body instantly burst into blue-violet ice gas.