Chapter 997: Slot Confirmed! Allen

"Civilizational heritage! Who will claim this slot?"

"Obviously, it must be Lord Allen!"

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

"Heh, 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 Heiyu, and that they themselves might be the chosen prodigy!

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

"Exactly! Lord Allen announced the rendezvous right after breaking through to the ninth tier—he’s clearly waiting for him!"

"That’s right! I knew it couldn’t be such a coincidence!"

"......"

Over here, Qiaolin 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 ready to step forward the moment the slot was announced.

"Those fools in the Firewood 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."

"Your talent surpasses his. The final slot won’t be his."

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

With the System’s support, his talent had never once fallen behind anyone’s!

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

Yet Xue Jian, who had just comforted him, stared intently at Heiyu 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 this moment, under the gaze of all, Heiyu 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 the Noah Civilization and is qualified to receive the civilizational heritage!"

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

Shhh—!!

A golden beam of light crashed down from the sky, bathing Xu Jingming in its glow.

Instantly, every person in the square turned to him with envy and shock.

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

"Why not Lord Allen? Allen’s talent is far superior!"

"Ranked first on the leaderboard, now the heritage recipient—Xu Jingming is going to defy heaven itself!"

"......"

A chorus of stunned murmurs rose up.

Even the usually cold-blooded Xue Jian nearly leapt in 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 Daxia 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 lit up with anticipation.

Judging from everything since entering the Po Xu Tower, even with the Deep Blue System, this heritage would likely benefit him greatly.

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

While Daxia rejoiced, Allen’s side fell deathly silent.

Allen, who had been poised to receive the slot, froze mid-smile.

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

Unable to contain his emotions, he roared at Heiyu in the sky:

"Why?! We both have SSS-ranked abilities, and 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?!"

"An SSS-ranked ninth tier—he’s the first since the High Priest to reach ninth tier!"

"Terrifying—he’s only twenty-eight!"

"......"

At this, the crowd erupted.

Because the no-battle zone had suppressed energy signatures, none had noticed Allen’s transformation earlier.

"What? Are you questioning my decision?"

Heiyu’s crimson raven eyes locked onto Allen.

A crushing, apocalyptic pressure descended instantly, forcing Allen’s body to sink and his raised head to slam downward!

Even Qiao Lin beside him paled slightly.

This aura felt stronger than even the Supreme Stronger!

"I dare not. I only wish to know why it’s Xu Jingming—so I can die knowing the truth!"

Though his head was bowed, Allen’s voice remained firm: "According to your original plan, there should have been a trial battle between us."

"If you won’t explain, let me fight him. If he wins, I’ll accept it without complaint!"

Undeniably, though arrogant, Allen never backed down at critical moments.

Anyone else under this pressure would have been unable to speak.

"Trial battle?"

Heiyu’s aura receded, showing sudden interest, and turned to Xu Jingming: "Xu Jingming, the heritage slot is yours. You decide whether to fight him."

At this, Allen’s followers all shook their heads.

Anyone with sense would refuse.

Yet a calm, resolute voice suddenly rang out across the square: "Fine. I accept."

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

"Isn’t he only mid-eighth tier? How dare he accept?!"

"He’s insane! Xu Jingming is completely insane!"

"Mad! Xu Jingming is definitely mad!"

Everyone in the square was stunned.

Even Allen stared over in disbelief.

"What are you doing?! This isn’t the time for bravado!"

"Quick—before Lord Heiyu agrees, say you were mistaken!"

In Daxia’s ranks, Xue Jian was dumbfounded and urgently urged him.

"Don’t worry, Lord Xue Jian. I have confidence." Xu Jingming’s resolute eyes flickered with battle intent.

A ninth-tier SSS-ranked opponent—this was his first time facing such a foe.

"Master Su, please persuade your student!" Seeing Xu Jingming wouldn’t listen, Xue Jian turned to Su Qingli.

"Don’t worry, Lord Xue Jian. Jingming won’t lose."

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

Su Qingli’s crimson lips curled slightly upward as she whispered.

Xue Jian’s eyes widened—he never expected Su Qingli to answer like this.

Just as he was about to plead again, Heiyu’s voice echoed from space:

"Hah! Since Xu Jingming doesn’t object, then let it be!"

"The Noah Civilization’s second trial—the final trial battle begins!"

The Noah Civilization’s second trial—the final trial battle—has officially begun!

A massive arena erupted from the square.

"It’s over! All is lost!"

Xue Jian was numb.

The heritage slot, snatched right from his grasp.

How would he explain this to the Grand Councilor when they returned to Blue Star?

When he returns to Lanxing, how will he explain himself to the Grand Councilor?