Chapter 28: Qin Yu

Jiang Hai quickly obtained the information he was seeking. Qin Yu, who had always been among the menial disciples, never had his news concealed; except for news about Leize, everything else was easily obtained. After hearing the subordinate's report, Jiang Hai and the others, including Qing Shan and four other Foundation Establishment Second‑Tier disciples, were shocked and looked dazed. "This is unbelievable… Qin Yu broke through to the Ninth Tier of Body Tempering in just three days—could this be the legendary martial‑path enlightenment?" Their strength began to show in Qing Shan's lecture, they recovered from their foolish stupor, and their reputation spread among tens of thousands of menial disciples. "The most critical thing is that his entry into Leize was completely sealed off, which will undoubtedly draw the attention of Elder Qi and others, since they have been guarding Leize; this time… a prodigy may have been born in Leize."

The expressions of the crowd were complicated, their hearts turbulent. They were relieved they had previously chosen to befriend Qin Yu, and had not become his enemy because of Qing Shan's failure. These three may have come for Qin Yu; they had intended to show off, but now it seemed hopeless. Compared with Qin Yu, they were as insignificant as dust. Who could, at the Ninth Tier of Body Tempering, reverse‑attack a Foundation Establishment Second‑Tier opponent, instantly kill the foe, and also grasp the Dao's intent?

Jiang Hai, who had remained silent, took a deep breath and said gravely: "Do you really think a fool can soar to the heavens?" "He may have been lying low for over a decade, waiting for a chance, even secretly training his body, so that at the Seventh Tier of Body Tempering his physique can reach its peak." "With this momentum, he is bound to secure a place in the True Transmission."

The crowd suddenly understood; Qin Yu may have already set the pieces, even the signs of martial‑path enlightenment were fabricated by him to attract the attention of the higher‑ups, using the chance to soar. "This youngster's scheming is truly terrifying; it's best not to provoke him, and if necessary… just give up this cohort's slot." "A slot is nothing compared to offending Qin Yu." After weighing the options, they reached a conclusion and went to join the arena battle.

Interestingly, one Foundation Establishment Second‑Tier disciple ran into Zhang Wu and immediately showed a bitter expression. Zhang Wu was clearly on good terms with Qin Yu, having even given him a spiritual stone before. If he were to keep Zhang Wu out of the Top Thirty‑Two, wouldn't that be needlessly offending a future True Transmission? On the arena stage, Zhang Wu also gave a wry smile. "Greetings, senior brother, please enlighten me." It seemed he would have no chance to aid Qin Yu in the Demon Beast Trial. He had encountered an Outer Sect disciple of the top ten combat power, so it was certainly hopeless.

Watching from below the arena, Qin Yu shook his head slightly; Zhang Wu had just broken through the Foundation Establishment stage, his foundation unstable, and facing a disciple of this rank could only end in failure. "The battle will begin after three breaths," the Steward slowly raised his right hand and said calmly. But… at that moment, the Foundation Establishment Second‑Tier disciple on the arena suddenly clutched his chest, his face turning feral. "It's over, I have no chance for the Top Thirty‑Two; my old injury has flared up, and if not treated promptly it could damage my foundation." "I concede voluntarily." "I hope junior brother can shine in the Demon Beast Trial." After speaking, he bowed slightly toward Zhang Wu and the Qin Yu below the arena, awkwardly covering his chest as he left the arena. Steward: "…". Nonsense about an old injury flaring up. This person is a fanatical combatant in the Outer Sect, famed for crushing opponents. Apart from Jiang Hai, the other Foundation Establishment Second‑Tier disciples were no match for him. Yet now he surrendered outright, which left the Steward a bit stunned. Even Zhang Wu widened his eyes in bewilderment. After a moment, he recovered. These senior brothers are so adept at conduct; they had previously saluted Qin Yu, and he understood that they evidently regarded him as Qin Yu's follower, so they chose to step back.

Damn! I can even rank up like this? "Zhang Wu… win." the Steward said somewhat helplessly. Zhang Wu hurried down from the arena, gratitude evident in his eyes, and quickly saluted Qin Yu: "Thank you, Brother Yu, for the earlier imparting of the Dao, and later for taking me under your wing; I, Zhang Wu, will never forget it." "From now on, anyone who dares to oppose Brother Yu must first step over my corpse!" This surely involved Brother Yu's help. Qin Yu wore a bewildered expression: "???". What does this have to do with me? What winged‑over feeling? Nonetheless, Zhang Wu's gratitude was genuinely sincere.

While Qin Yu was at a loss, the rotund Outer Sect Grand Elder slowly rose into the air, his aura trembling, and his mouth emitted waves of sound that spread outward. "The Top Thirty‑Two have been decided." "In half an hour, the Demon Beast Trial will begin." "Killing a Foundation Establishment First‑Tier beast grants one point." "Killing a Foundation Establishment Second‑Tier beast grants ten points." "Killing a Foundation Establishment Third‑Tier beast grants fifty points." "The top three in points will immediately be promoted to new Inner Sect disciples." "They will receive five thousand spiritual stones, a mid‑grade Yellow‑rank Moon Spirit Herb, and the first‑place winner may be granted a priceless Mystic‑Tier Spirit Treasure!" The disciples in the hall were stunned. Mystic‑Tier Spirit Treasure??? That is a treasure used by cultivators of the Spirit Realm and Earth Mystic Realm. To be promoted merely to Inner Sect disciple and receive such a reward? Ridiculous! Among Inner Sect disciples, only a handful possess a Mystic‑Tier Spirit Treasure—so few they could be counted on two hands!

A fierce light flashed in Chu Jiang's eyes. The top spot… he must claim it! Anyone who contests him must die! Only the youth named Qing Yu, who had withdrawn from the same cohort as Zhang Wu, now had tears welling, about to burst. Damn it, why wasn't such a rich reward announced earlier? After all, during the trial there was a chance he could break through to Foundation Establishment Third‑Tier and contend with Chu Jiang. But now there is no hope at all. His heart feels clogged. Even the goodwill of the True Transmission can't buy a Mystic‑Tier Spirit Treasure. "Fine… we've already conceded; at least we can still gain Qin Yu's favor." "What if, in the future, Qin Yu is more than just a True Transmission?" Qing Yu silently comforted himself…