Chapter 54: Participating in the Trial

On the day of the trial, he arrived at the arena early and registered to take part.

He had a Token from Lu Wei, so he didn't need to join the trial. But he never intended to use it.

He didn't want people to say he entered the preparatory camp through connections. He wanted to earn the spot with his own strength.

If he lost, it would prove he truly lacks the qualification, and there would be nothing to regret.

Then he would return the Token to Lu Wei and find another way himself.

Blending into the crowd, he also heard many rumors about the trial contestants.

"Have you heard? This trial features many young heroes of the True Essence Realm; overall strength is far higher than before! Surely this trial will be spectacular!"

"Exactly! The Tianyun Royal Mansion governs nine counties; aside from this Tianyun County City, many youths are backed by various county forces and will become the Prince's right and left arms in the future!"

"They say Tong Lei of Yunxiang City has reached the True Origin Double realm…"

People around were discussing the outstanding figures in this trial.

Ye Liuyun casually strolled among the crowd.

On the plaza paved with black turtle stones, three arenas reinforced by Formations stood, surrounded by spectator stands.

"Huh? Isn't that Lu Wei?" Ye Liuyun suddenly spotted Lu Wei's figure at the center of the stands.

Ye Liuyun stepped forward and greeted him, "Lord Lu Wei!"

"Huh? You? Why are you here?" Lu Wei was both startled and delighted upon seeing Ye Liuyun.

He was pleased that Ye Liuyun was safe and arrived on time; he was surprised that Ye Liuyun actually came here to join the trial.

"You don't have to take part in this trial!"

Ye Liuyun smiled and said, "I still want to enter the preparatory camp on my own merit!"

Lu Wei gave him a deep look, feeling even more admiration for him.

"Alright then, go prepare!"

He had no doubt that, with Ye Liuyun's strength, a spot could be secured.

Ye Liuyun retreated to the contestant area to wait.

Lu Wei stared at the pet beast on Ye Liuyun's shoulder, puzzled. What breed of fierce beast was that? He'd never seen it before.

A middle‑aged man walked over at that moment and glanced at Ye Liuyun.

"Ba Di, is this kid the genius you brought back from Fengyang City?"

Lu Wei nodded and called out, "Qi Ge." This man was the seventh palace guard, Qi Xiong.

"Reaching the Body Refining Ninth Layer at such a young age is impressive. However, his realm isn't enough to earn a spot! Many prodigies this time have already attained the True Origin Double!"

Lu Wei didn't argue with Qi Xiong, but his eyes showed resolve.

He thought firmly, "No one can be more extraordinary than this kid!"

Soon, the Steward Elder took the stage, said no idle words, and announced the trial rules to everyone.

"There are three arenas in the arena. You go up to compete; the winner may stay to guard the arena. The three who remain on the arenas at the end will earn qualification for the preparatory camp."

With the Steward Elder's shout, "Trial begins," the contestants sprang into action.

"Whoosh!" a figure rushed onto one arena.

The youth wore a black tight suit, exuding murderous aura; he clearly wasn't a nice fellow!

"I am Tong Lei of Yunxiang City; who dares to step onto the stage for a duel?"

"Whoa, True Origin Double realm! Who could beat that?"

"So he's the son of the Yunxiang County Governor! It's said he's been the top in the county for three consecutive years!"

Then, on the second arena, another figure charged forward.

He wore blue robes, appearing very scholarly, and spoke modestly: "I am Yu Wenlong of Beiai County City, please teach me!"

"Yu Wenlong? Son of the border‑defending General Yu Wenxiong!"

"True Essence First Level realm! My god! Another True Essence Realm!"

"They say he's already led troops in battle! How does he look so gentle?"

"Those daring to step up now are the cream of the young! Each has a bigger background; this will be a great show!"

While the crowd debated, someone suddenly noticed that a youth had already taken the third arena, though no one saw when.

The youth wore pristine white, standing calmly on the arena. A blue pet beast perched on his shoulder, curiousy surveying the crowd.

"Huh? Who is this youth?"

"Could he be a scion of a great clan? His bearing shows he's no ordinary person!"

"And that pet beast, how odd! What breed is it?"

"His realm is a bit lower! Not yet True Essence Realm; can he last to the end?"

The youth was Ye Liuyun.

He dared to step up because, after reconstructing nine Meridians, his spirit‑air absorption speed is ten times that of ordinary people. Thus he is confident his true Qi can be rapidly replenished in battle, sustaining him through the whole fight.

Moreover, his thunder‑electric power and sword intent consume very little true Qi. Worst of all, he also wields a soul sword. So he isn't worried about lacking true Qi.

Since it's a fight, he'll fight heartily, from start to finish!

"Fengyang City, Ye Liuyun!" Ye Liuyun gave a brief self‑introduction and made a beckoning gesture.

Many on the stands, after seeing his realm, were not very optimistic about him.

The contestants below also stared at him hungrily. The fighters on the first two arenas were too strong, so they focused their attention on the third arena.

"Whoosh" a figure leapt onto the arena.

The youth stepped up and clasped fists with Ye Liuyun. "Fenglin County, Lin Yaotian!"

Ye Liuyun realized his opponent was at the True Essence First Level realm.

He immediately returned the clasped fists and said, "Please!"

On the viewing platform, many important figures were watching, and quite a few of them were military officers. Even if you can't enter the reserve camp, being noticed by a dignitary lets you join the army camp, though the position will be slightly lower, it is still a decent choice.

This is also the strategy most people think Ye Liuyun will use, since his realm is insufficient to sustain defending the arena to the end.

Now seeing a True Essence First Level opponent, everyone can't help but feel sorry for Ye Liuyun, thinking he has become a bit impatient.

Qi Xiong said to Lu Wei: "That Lin Yaotian, although his realm is True Essence First Level, absolutely possesses the strength to contend with True Origin Double. The youngster you have your eye on is going to be quite a challenge!"

Lu Wei calmly replied, "I have confidence in him!"

Qi Xiong looked at Lu Wei in surprise, put aside his disdain, and began to pay attention to this match.

He doesn't believe Lu Wei can't see the gap between the two, yet Lu Wei is still so confident—does this kid have some extraordinary means?

On the arena, Lin Yaotian said, "I originally intended to defend the title, but I didn't expect you to take the initiative. It makes no difference! Your strength is too weak! Do you intend to go down yourself, or shall I throw you down?"

Ye Liuyun gave a faint smile, "Since you say that, I'll throw you down in a moment!"

"You don't know life and death!" Lin Yaotian, no longer wasting time, struck outright.

A fist flew out, carrying a wind‑like vortex toward Ye Liuyun. If caught by this tornado, one would be sliced as if by ten thousand knives and torn apart instantly.

To conserve stamina, Lin Yaotian came up with his strongest attack, intending to quickly defeat Ye Liuyun and then move on to the next.

Ye Liuyun remained composed, pointing a single finger at him.

The onlookers gasped, sweating for Ye Liuyun. They all realized that although Lin Yaotian had an advantage in realm, he was not careless; the force of that fist was enough to match True Origin Double.

What surprised everyone was that Ye Liuyun's fingertip not only shattered his vortex but also struck directly at his fist.

"Crack!"

"Ah!"

In the next instant, everyone heard a clear sound of bone shattering, followed by Lin Yaotian's anguished scream.