The Final Test of the Blazing Sky Sword Sect Begins!
The candidates for the entrance exam of the Blazing Sky Sword Sect had now arrived at the location for their second test.
The top three positions in the first test had been claimed by Qi Yuan, Xiao Mei, and Zhao Ling. As a result, the three of them were granted rewards that would be given either upon passing all the exams or failing to enter the sect.
However, the second test was vastly different from the first. The testing ground was an expansive wilderness, crafted to resemble an entirely new world.
The remaining participants were in awe at the breathtaking scenery before their eyes. A vast forest, towering trees, and a majestic waterfall formed the setting for their second trial.
"This place is so mysterious! Who could create something like this? It's incredible!" Qi Yuan exclaimed excitedly, standing beside Xiao Mei, eager to take on the second test.
Xiao Mei shared his sentiments as she and the other participants were transported to this unique trial ground.
"Now, I will explain the rules of the second test to you, young talents," a mysterious voice echoed. "Your task is to hunt monsters within the depths of this forest. You must collect ten monster seeds from Rank 2 monsters within an hour. However, if you manage to obtain even a single Rank 3 monster seed, you will immediately qualify for the next test. The second test begins now!"
Without hesitation, the remaining twelve participants rushed into the forest. A young man who had previously belittled Qi Yuan remained behind for a moment, speaking to him before entering the wilderness.
"Don't get too cocky. You were just lucky in the first test," he sneered, his eyes filled with the desire for revenge.
Xiao Mei, noticing the hostility, turned to Qi Yuan. "What's the problem, brother? Why does he want revenge?" she asked, confused.
Qi Yuan merely shrugged. "Forget about it. I can take care of myself, haha," he replied before leading Xiao Mei into the forest to begin their hunt.
The Depths of the Forest – Blazing Sky Sword Sect's Second Test
This test was special. Whenever a participant acquired a monster seed, their name would be announced throughout the trial ground.
Half an hour passed, and both Qi Yuan and Xiao Mei had collected five monster seeds each, hunting monsters throughout the dense forest.
"We're almost there, brother! Let's speed up the hunt!" Xiao Mei urged, trying to push their pace.
Qi Yuan, however, realized their approach was inefficient. "We should split up. You head east, and I'll go west," he suggested. Xiao Mei nodded, and the two parted ways.
Shortly after separating, Qi Yuan encountered the same man who had insulted him earlier. Without warning, the man attacked with his sword.
Slash!
"Good reflexes, loser," the man chuckled as Qi Yuan dodged the strike.
The task of collecting ten monster seeds was now hindered by this unexpected duel.
Qi Yuan stepped back, irritated. "Move aside!" he snapped.
Time was running out—only thirty minutes remained, and he still needed five more Rank 2 monster seeds.
"Hahaha! It seems you're in a hurry, friend. Why don't you hand over the monster seeds you've collected so far?" the man taunted, pointing his sword at Qi Yuan's storage pouch.
"If you think you can take them from me, go ahead and try," Qi Yuan replied, drawing his sword.
Without further words, their battle began. As they clashed, the mysterious voice from earlier made an announcement.
"The first participant to collect ten monster seeds is Zhao Ling."
"Damn! I'm late!" Qi Yuan cursed internally before activating Sword Breath, a technique taught to him by Xun Yi.
Then, he coldly addressed his opponent. "How about I just kill you instead? That wouldn't break any rules, would it?" His sharp gaze exuded a chilling killing intent.
"Hah! A mere Qi Foundation Stage Level 6 cultivator wants to kill me? Don't be ridiculous!" the man scoffed. He was a level higher than Qi Yuan.
Yet, a terrifying sensation gripped him as Qi Yuan's power suddenly surged.
"W-what are you doing, brat?! N-no!" he stammered, witnessing Qi Yuan's rapid increase in strength.
Pierce!
Qi Yuan's black sword, Longyuan Jian, plunged into the man's chest.
"K-killing me… you dare… uagh!" the man gasped, his life ending at the tip of Qi Yuan's sword.
"What a hassle. Oh, and thanks for these seven monster seeds," Qi Yuan murmured, smirking. His name was then announced.
"The second participant to collect twelve Rank 2 monster seeds is Qi Yuan. The third is Xiao Mei."
"Haha! You're below me again, Xiao Mei. Now, let's not waste these spoils," Qi Yuan chuckled, grabbing the storage pouch from the fallen opponent. Suddenly, an unseen force whisked him away.
Swoosh!
"This teleportation ability… it's beyond comprehension," Qi Yuan muttered, intrigued by the mysterious power that transported the participants.
"Wah, brother! You're amazing! You always rank higher than me!" Xiao Mei exclaimed, now standing before him after being teleported.
"Ah, haha, thanks, Xiao Mei," Qi Yuan replied, his gaze shifting toward Zhao Ling, the test's top scorer.
Sensing Qi Yuan's stare, Zhao Ling turned and spoke coldly. "What is it?"
"Nothing. Just wanted to say you're strong," Qi Yuan said confidently. Xiao Mei, beside him, looked puzzled.
"Tch. Annoying," Zhao Ling muttered lazily, turning away.
Qi Yuan noted Zhao Ling's cultivation—Qi Foundation Stage Level 8. "No wonder he's strong. His level is above mine… Ah, whatever, no use thinking about it," he mused.
Then, the mysterious voice spoke again.
"Fourth place: Dao Zhi. Fifth: Feng Yun. Sixth: Meng He. Seventh: Yun Xi. Eighth: Wu Ming."
"The one-hour time limit has ended. Only eight participants have qualified for the final test. Now, we shall begin the last trial of the Blazing Sky Sword Sect Entrance Exam."
As the voice announced the results, the remaining eight candidates were teleported once again.
Swoosh!
Thus, the final challenge of the Blazing Sky Sword Sect Entrance Exam—held once every three years—was about to begin.
Out of twenty young geniuses from Huo Zhou Continent, only eight remained: Qi Yuan, Zhao Ling, Xiao Mei, Dao Zhi, Feng Yun, Meng He, Yun Xi, and Wu Ming.
With the final trial set in a new, mysterious location, who would emerge victorious? Who would fall?
To Be Continued…