Chapter 997: Slot Confirmed! Furious Allen!

"Civilizational heritage! Who deserves this slot?"

"Obviously, it must be Lord Hei Yu!"

"Not necessarily—it could be Xu Jingming, since he's also SSS-ranked."

"Hehe, with so many of us here, who knows if there isn't some hidden genius among us?"

"......"

The crowd in the square buzzed with discussion.

Most believed the heritage slot would go to either Allen or Xu Jingming.

Many others thought the judgment rested with Lord Hei Yu, and that they themselves might be the chosen prodigy!

"Evaluating genius? Isn't that just pre-assigning the slot to our Lord Allen?"

"Exactly! Lord Allen announced the rendezvous right after breaking through the ninth tier—he must've been waiting for him!"

"That's right! I said it all along—how could it be such a coincidence?"

"......"

On Leo's side, Lady Qiao Lin and the others were ecstatic.

They had already predetermined Allen as the heritage recipient.

Allen, basking in their praise, wore a proud smile, clearly delighted.

He stood rigidly upright, as if waiting to step forward the moment the slot was announced.

"Those folks in the Ember World really think the slot is theirs."

Xue Jian patted Xu Jingming on the shoulder and smiled reassuringly: "Don't worry—even though your rank is lower than Allen's."

"But in terms of talent, you're far superior—he won't get the final slot."

"I understand." Xu Jingming smiled, his gaze calm as still water.

With the System's support, in talent, he had never lost to anyone!

This time was no different—he felt no pressure at all.

Yet Xue Jian, who had just comforted him, stared fixedly at Lord Hei Yu in the sky.

Clearly, Xue Jian was even more anxious than Xu Jingming.

Xue Jian soon realized this himself, secretly astonished.

In terms of composure, he was outmatched by Xu Jingming—something he had never expected.

At that moment, under the gaze of all, Lord Hei Yu in the sky announced the final result:

"After the thirteen-tier trial in the Trial Tower, among all trial participants,"

"Only one has met the trial standard of my Noah Civilization and is qualified to receive the civilizational heritage!"

"That is No. 344, Xu Jingming from Blue Star!"

Shhh—!!

A golden beam crashed down from the sky, illuminating Xu Jingming.

Immediately, every eye in the square turned toward him—filled with envy and shock.

"It's Xu Jingming! He got the civilizational heritage!"

"Why not Lord Allen? Lord Allen's talent is even better!"

"Ranked first on the leaderboard, and now he's received the civilizational heritage—Xu Jingming is going to shake the heavens!"

"......"

A chorus of stunned murmurs rose up.

Even the usually cold-blooded Xue Jian nearly jumped for joy, exclaiming:

"Perfect! Now we'll finally learn more about the Noah Civilization!"

"Xu Jingming, when we return, I'll personally petition the Grand Councilor on your behalf!"

Aside from Xue Jian, the rest of Daya also wore expressions of delight.

Su Qingli, Leng Yuexi, and Leng Yuechan—who had witnessed Xu Jingming's astonishing breakthrough speed—were unsurprised.

"The Noah Civilization's heritage," Xu Jingming's face also showed a hint of anticipation.

From all that had transpired since entering the Breakthrough Tower, even with the Deep Blue System, this heritage would likely bring him significant benefits.

"The heritage slot... is Xu Jingming's?"

While Daya rejoiced, Allen's side fell into deathly silence.

Allen, who had been ready to receive the slot, froze—his smile instantly stiffened.

A fire of rage burned in his chest; the more he thought, the more his expression twisted into fury.

Unable to suppress his emotions, he roared toward Lord Hei Yu in the sky:

"Why?! We both have SSS-ranked abilities—I've already broken through to the ninth tier! Why is it Xu Jingming who gets the slot, not me?!"

"Ninth tier?! Allen has already broken through to the ninth tier?!"

"A ninth-tier SSS-ranked? He's the first, besides the High Priest, to reach ninth tier!"

"Terrifying—he's only twenty-eight years old!"

"......"

At these words, the crowd erupted.

Because the禁戰區 had suppressed energy signatures, none had noticed Allen's transformation earlier.

"What? Are you questioning my decision?"

Lord Hei Yu's crimson raven eyes locked onto Allen.

A crushing, apocalyptic pressure descended instantly—Allen's body sank, his raised head forced violently downward!

Even Leo beside him changed expression slightly.

This aura seems even stronger than that of the Supreme强者!

"I dare not, I merely wish to know why it is Xu Jingming—so I may die with understanding!"

Though his head was bowed, Alan's voice remained resolute: "According to your original plan, there should have been a Trial Battle between us.

If you do not wish to explain, let me fight him—if he wins, I will accept it without reservation!"

One must admit that although Alan was arrogant, he never retreated at critical moments.

If anyone else were in this position, they would likely be unable to speak under such pressure.

"Trial Battle?"

Lord Hei Yu reined in his aura, showing a hint of interest, and turned to Xu Jingming:

"Xu Jingming, this legacy slot of the civilization is yours—you decide whether to fight him."

At these words, all of Alan's followers shook their heads.

As long as Xu Jingming isn't foolish, he will absolutely not agree.

Yet suddenly, a calm and powerful voice rang out across the square: "Fine, I accept his challenge."

"What the hell?! Did I hear that right? Xu Jingming actually accepted?!"

"I thought he was only Mid-8th Rank? How dare he accept?!"

"He's insane! Xu Jingming is definitely insane!"

"......"

Everyone present was stunned.

Even Alan looked incredulous and turned toward him.

"What are you doing? This isn't the time to show off!"

"Quick—while Lord Hei Yu hasn't agreed yet, say you just misspoke!"

Among the Great Xia team, Blood Sword Man was also stunned, urgently urging him.

"Don't worry, Blood Sword Lord—I have confidence." Xu Jingming's steadfast eyes flickered with battle intent.

A 9th Rank SSS-level opponent—this was his first time facing an enemy of this tier.

"Master Su, please persuade your student!" Seeing Xu Jingming wouldn't be swayed, Blood Sword turned to Su Qingli.

"Don't worry, Blood Sword Lord—Jingming won't lose."

Su Qingli's crimson lips curved slightly as she spoke softly.

"Huh?!"

Blood Sword's eyes widened—he never expected Su Qingli to give such an answer.

Just as he was about to urge again, Lord Hei Yu's voice echoed from space:

"Hah! Since Xu Jingming doesn't object, then let it begin!

The Noah Civilization's Trial, the Final Trial Battle, is now officially opened!"

Boom—!!

A massive arena suddenly rose from the square.

"It's over! All is lost!"

Blood Sword Man was numb.

The civilization legacy slot had just slipped through his fingers.

After returning to Blue Star, how would he explain this to the Grand Councilor?