Chapter 1434: Shocked Yueying! Just a Short-Sighted Fool!

As a Star Peak expert.

Tarro's perception far surpassed that of Yueying, Lan Yu, and other Star Initiation cultivators.

Yueying and the others could only vaguely sense Xu Jingming's aura as deep and overwhelmingly oppressive.

Yet they could not precisely determine his cultivation level.

But in Tarro's eyes, the strength of the Yuan energy swirling around Xu Jingming clearly indicated he was at Star Level Six.

To Yueying and the others, it was like a thunderclap out of nowhere!

Beside him, Lan Yu, Yan Ji, Beth, and the others immediately widened their eyes and all turned to look at Xu Jingming.

On Yueying's coldly beautiful face, shock was unmistakable as she exclaimed:

"Jingming, are you really Star Level Six?"

"I already told you that earlier—you just didn't believe me."

Xu Jingming shrugged helplessly.

"I..."

Yueying fell silent, then sank into profound disbelief.

This was the Star Level!

Four levels advanced in two months.

No one in their right mind would believe that!

Yet you actually pulled it off!

At this moment, Tarro had already recovered from his initial shock.

After all, he came from the Eta royal family, well-traveled and well-informed, and quickly thought of a possible explanation.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he speculated:

"I recall you entered the academy alongside Princess Yueying—a prodigy from the Heavenly Battle Tournament."

"With such a rapid breakthrough, did you use some kind of heavenly treasure or medicinal herb?"

"Something like that."

Xu Jingming remained calm, neither denying nor elaborating, only replying indifferently.

Using heavenly treasures as an excuse for his rapid advancement had long been his planned strategy.

Tarro's question hit exactly where he wanted it.

Otherwise, he truly wouldn't have known how to explain how he grew so strong in just two months.

"No wonder."

This answer made Tarro's lips curl into a knowing smile.

The earlier shock vanished completely; his tone now carried a condescending "kind" warning:

"Using heavenly treasures early on may boost power quickly.

But on the path of cultivation, foundation is most crucial.

Forcing your level upward with external aids often leads to unstable Yuan energy and lagging insight into cosmic laws.

It may seem impressive in the short term, but the subsequent bottlenecks will arrive faster—and may even sever your path to higher realms.

I suggest you use fewer heavenly treasures."

As he spoke, his gaze flickered subtly toward Yueying, as if to demonstrate his own insight and foresight.

Meanwhile, his evaluation of Xu Jingming plummeted, replaced by deep contempt.

'So he's just a short-sighted fool.

What good is it to raise your level alone?

If your insight into the laws hasn't caught up, even a high-level expert is nothing but a high-grade Star cultivator.

Merely a brute with strength—no different from a target, as insignificant as an ant.'

"I'll leave such matters to your kind concern, Prince Tarro."

Xu Jingming, having observed every subtle shift in Tarro's expression, remained unmoved.

He merely felt a strange unease.

Wasn't this the first time he'd met Tarro?

Why did it feel like the man was subtly targeting him?

"I'm just offering good advice."

Tarro smiled lightly, composed and magnanimous, as if utterly unfazed by Xu Jingming's cool response.

He then turned to Yueying, his smile growing warmer:

"Princess Yueying, have you considered my proposal to form a team for the Beast Hunting Competition?"

"Blood Refining Star is full of dangers; with me beside you, your safety will be better assured, and you'll more easily earn points and rewards."

"Thank you for your kindness, Prince Tarro, but no—I already have companions."

Yueying shook her head gently, her clear voice carrying unmistakable refusal.

As she spoke, her gaze naturally fell upon Xu Jingming, Lan Yu, and the others.

This subtle gesture stirred mild displeasure in Tarro, yet his smile remained unchanged, his demeanor still elegant:

"Very well, since you've already made arrangements, I won't press further.

But if we meet during the Beast Hunting Competition, I will still protect you."

He nodded, not lingering further.

He turned away cleanly, walking toward a group of Eta tribe and allied race students gathered on the other side of the square.

As he turned, the last lingering resentment he'd felt over Yueying's obvious favoritism toward Xu Jingming vanished entirely.

"Is this really the top genius of the Talent War, the disciple of the Supreme Sovereign?"

"Just a short-sighted fool who stacked his level with heavenly treasures and medicinal herbs."

"Perhaps he shines for now thanks to his level advantage, but he's destined to go nowhere."

"In a few hundred or even a thousand years, when his peers break through their bottlenecks and comprehend deeper laws..."

"He'll likely collapse quietly, his foundation unstable and potential exhausted, fading into obscurity."

"Too eager for quick gains. Someone like this isn't worth my attention."

Ta Luo thought to himself.

"I can't understand why the Supreme Sovereign would take such a person as a disciple."

"But it doesn't affect his still fairly good mood."

"Jingming, Ta Luo's words... though harsh, they hold some truth."

"Heavenly treasures and medicinal herbs are fine, but overreliance on them may indeed hinder your future potential."

Only after Ta Luo left did Yue Ying turn to look at Xu Jingming.

A trace of concern surfaced on her exquisite face.

She hesitated, then softly spoke.

"Indeed."

"It's better to use heavenly treasures and medicinal herbs sparingly."

Lan Yu, Yan Ji, and the others chimed in agreement.

Given their status—especially Yue Ying—they could easily obtain heavenly treasures and medicinal herbs.

So why didn't they?

Precisely because they had just entered the Star Rank and needed to solidify their foundation.

Now was not the time to use heavenly treasures and medicinal herbs.

"Don't worry. I have my limits."

Xu Jingming smiled faintly, sensing their concern.

Heavenly treasures and medicinal herbs?

Sorry, but I'm getting direct stat boosts from my system!

My foundation is even more solid than those who trained through hard work—no need to worry about these issues."

Time passed slowly.

The number of people in the square grew steadily, nearly one hundred thousand arriving on-site.

Everyone gathered in small groups, chatting and discussing.

Suddenly, the atmosphere above the square subtly shifted.

A fresh, crisp aura spread without warning.

Like a spring cold spring flowing through hot air, it instantly calmed all noise.

Many, including Xu Jingming, sensed it and looked up.

There, in the sky above the eastern side of the square...

Space rippled gently like water, sending out concentric silver ripples.

Then, two figures stepped quietly from the center of the ripples, hovering in midair and slowly descending.

The leader was Ye Li.

Today, she was not wearing her usual flowing long dress.

Instead, she wore a form-fitting black battle suit.

The suit's material was satin-like yet not quite satin, emitting a faint dark glow, perfectly outlining her curvaceous figure.

The full curve of her chest, tightly enclosed by the suit, formed a perfect rise; below it, her waist narrowed sharply, as if one hand could encircle it.

Below the waist, her hips were full and lifted, flowing seamlessly into long, straight legs that carried a hint of soft flesh.

And her face—breathtaking.

Her skin was as white and smooth as jade, her features exquisitely refined, her nose high and delicate, her lips a deep crimson.

Her beautiful eyes resembled frozen stars in a cold pool, her cool gaze sweeping lightly across the square, radiating an aura of detachment and authority.

Her black hair, no longer loose as usual, was tied high into a neat ponytail.

A few stray strands brushed her ears, revealing a graceful jawline and neck.