Chapter10:Dominant Pass

**Bang!!**

Song Lei's battered figure crashed heavily into the dust, and for a moment, the entire central square fell silent.

Sixth level of Qi Gathering, defeated in one move!

If there was any doubt about the strength of the three wooden men before, now everyone was gasping in shock.

"This is terrifying! At this rate, how many can pass the first round of the assessment?"

Many young talents in Canglan City, who were once full of ambition, now harbored thoughts of retreat.

"Mentor Ji, isn't this too harsh?"

On the viewing platform, City Lord Xiao asked in a low voice.

This was only the first round of the assessment, and if the elimination rate was so high at the beginning, it would be a blow to Canglan City's reputation.

"Dao Cang Academy only selects one person from this city; the rest are all eliminated. Does it matter how difficult it is?" Ji Zong replied with a smile. "Of course... if no one from Canglan City can pass the first round, I will return empty-handed."

Xiao Feng fell silent, understanding the truth in Ji Zong's words. This was Dao Cang Academy, the overlord of Yangzhou. Being admitted was a lifelong honor for any young talent in Yangzhou. But to become a member, one had to rely on their own strength.

Compared to the previous hubbub, the young generation of Canglan City now appeared despondent. Song Lei's strength was considered above average in Canglan City. With his elimination, many who thought themselves inferior to Song Lei also gave up secretly.

The next ones to step up would undoubtedly be the top talents of the younger generation in Canglan City. But even so, no one had passed the assessment so far.

"Are the geniuses of Canglan City unable to even pass the preliminary test?"

"This is too discouraging!"

"Who can prove the strength of Canglan City and rise above the rest!"

As time passed, the crowd grew increasingly silent. Just then, the appearance of a figure reignited the crowd's spirits. It was a woman. Her features were delicate, her figure graceful, and a faint air of arrogance emanated from her calm demeanor. The confidence she exuded from her very bones made it clear she was a standout.

Murong Yan!

An exceptionally brilliant existence in Canglan City, not only was she beautiful, but her strength was formidable. Her family, the Murong family, was the top clan in Canglan City. She was born to be the center of attention. If not for one person's overwhelming brilliance overshadowing her, she would be deemed perfect. Even so, after that person's fall, Murong Yan became widely acknowledged as the foremost talent in Canglan City.

"Hahaha... Miss Murong is finally stepping up."

"Yes, the number one talent in Canglan City. If she can't pass, our city is doomed."

Under the expectant gazes of the crowd, Murong Yan stepped onto the platform. Instantly, the three wooden men moved in unison. From previous battles, it was evident that their coordination in both offense and defense was seamless. Their attacks were swift and precise, almost completely sealing off the challenger's position.

However, unlike the others, Murong Yan handled everything with ease. Her movements were so fluid that she seemed to anticipate the attacks, evading them just in time. Her graceful figure, swaying clothes, and composed demeanor captivated everyone's attention.

Until... a stick of incense burned out. The three wooden men stopped their assault, and everyone noticed that Murong Yan's hair was still perfectly in place.

"It's over...?"

Only when Murong Yan gracefully descended the platform did the central square erupt in thunderous cheers. She anticipated her opponents' moves! Although Murong Yan never attacked, the confidence, skill, and insight required to achieve this were incredible.

"Finally, someone has passed..."

Xiao Feng clenched his fist secretly on the viewing platform. If Canglan City had been entirely eliminated, he would have lost face. Worse, Dao Cang Academy might skip Canglan City in next year's assessment, turning the city into a laughingstock.

After Murong Yan, the assessment continued, but few dared to step up. Still, there were surprises in store. Near the end of the assessment, two more candidates passed.

The first was Shen Tu Yuan, a rival to Murong Yan. The second was Lin Yu, the new young master of the Lin family.

"Who would have thought Lin Yu would pass the assessment!"

"It seems the Lin family hasn't declined completely since Lin Che was crippled..."

Lin Yu's success sparked discussions among the crowd. Despite not passing as effortlessly as Murong Yan or Shen Tu Yuan, his achievement was remarkable given the dismal performance of the other young talents. Lin Yu returned to the Lin family's area with pride, relishing the admiring glances. For the first time in years, he felt free of Lin Che's shadow, proving that the Lin family had more than just Lin Che—they had Lin Yu!

"Well done, my son!"

The Lin family's elder patted his thigh in excitement. Even the patriarch, Lin Xionghai, nodded slightly, relieved that the resources invested in Lin Yu had not been in vain. The Lin family still had a glimmer of hope in this trial.

Ji Zong, observing from the platform, shook his head slightly. "Only three so far..." Canglan City had entered the ranks of the top hundred cities for the first time, catching Dao Cang Academy's attention. But the high elimination rate in the first round showed the city's shallow foundation. Ji Zong had hoped for more surprises, but so far, he was disappointed. "At least that girl Murong Yan is promising, making this trip worthwhile."

Just as Ji Zong prepared to announce the results of the first round, a commotion erupted.

"Huh?"

"Look, someone else is taking the assessment!"

All eyes turned to a young figure climbing the stone steps. This person, wearing a long sword on their back and a bamboo hat, moved steadily and confidently. The crowd buzzed with curiosity.

"Who is this? Besides those three, is there someone else confident enough to pass the assessment?"

As the figure reached the top and stepped onto the platform, one wooden man attacked with a wooden blade. The sword light flashed, powerful and fierce.

"Such a swift attack..."

Beneath the hat, Lin Che's eyes flickered. He drew his sword, meeting the wooden blade.

Clang!!

The wooden blade was deflected with a piercing sound, and the wooden man staggered back a step. Lin Che's second strike followed swiftly. This strike was silent, blending with the wind, leaving a sword mark on the wooden man's eyes.

On the viewing platform, Xiao Feng jumped to his feet. "What a fast sword! Such precision!"

Xiao Feng's eyes gleamed with admiration. If the wooden man were a living being, it would be incapacitated. This was like facing three strong enemies and taking one down instantly—a display of formidable skill.

Of course, the wooden man, being an automaton, wouldn't stop due to Lin Che's strike. Few in the audience could discern the subtlety of Lin Che's technique, so the fight continued.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

The three wooden men attacked simultaneously, their coordination flawless, the platform enveloped in a storm of blade lights. But Lin Che didn't dodge. Instead, he charged forward, meeting the assault head-on.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

His sword clashed with the wooden blades, creating a series of intense collisions.

"This guy is fierce!"

The spectators were wide-eyed, captivated by the intense fight. Lin Che's method was dangerous, requiring immense skill and stamina. Any lapse would mean failure. Just when the crowd wondered how long he could last, the wooden men suddenly stopped.

The incense had burned out. He passed!

Seeing Lin Che's powerful performance, the spectators erupted in cheers. While his approach lacked Murong Yan's grace, it was undeniably thrilling. Now, everyone was curious about this young swordsman's identity. Who was this formidable newcomer from Canglan City?