[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-star-martial-era":3,"chapter-the-star-martial-era-the-star-martial-era-chapter-109":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Star Martial Era",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2274967,4448,"Chapter 109: Counterstrike and Fourth Place (Request Subscription)","the-star-martial-era-chapter-109",109,"\u003Cp>“Quick, tell me what’s happening in the first stage?” Xu Jin had just finished reading the message floating before him when Ning Yuchan asked anxiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[1] “Quick, tell me what the first stage was like?” Ning Yuchan asked anxiously the moment Xu Jin finished reading the message floating before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, Xu Jin realized that Ning Yuchan was likely trying to give further guidance to all the candidates before the autumn examination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[2] In an instant, Xu Jin understood: Ning Yuchan was likely trying to give further guidance to the autumn exam candidates before they entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From Ning Yuchan’s tense and anxious expression, Xu Jin had figured it out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[3] Seeing Ning Yuchan’s tense, anxious expression, Xu Jin finally understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed the autumn examination was also very important to Ning Yuchan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[4] It seemed the autumn exam mattered greatly to Ning Yuchan too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You must secure a high ranking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[5] “You must secure a high rank.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Xu Jin silently resolved to do so, he rapidly relayed the starlight information floating before him to Ning Yuchan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[6] As Xu Jin silently resolved, he swiftly relayed the starlight information before him to Ning Yuchan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After only a few seconds of thought, Ning Yuchan clapped her hands to alert all the examinees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[7] After only a few breaths of thought, Ning Yuchan clapped her hands to warn the candidates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, since there’s no kill count, that means this stage won’t involve enemies you need to defeat—in other words, even if enemies appear, don’t bother fighting; just pass through or detour quickly and don’t waste time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[8] “First, since there’s no kill count, this stage won’t feature enemies you must slay—in other words, even if enemies appear, don’t fight them. Just pass through or detour quickly; don’t waste time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second, danger comes from all directions—that’s the second key point: various unpredictable hazards may appear at random, such as crossbow bolts, traps, or even star beasts or enemy attacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[9] Second, danger comes from all directions—that’s the second key point. Various hazards will appear randomly: crossbow bolts, traps, even star beasts or enemy attacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, passing this stage requires two essentials: survive and reach the military flag within a hundred breaths!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[10] So, to pass this stage, you need two things: survive and reach the military flag within a hundred breaths!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Third, this stage has no other rules besides the requirement to reach the military flag within a hundred breaths—meaning, there are absolutely no restrictions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[11] “Third, this stage has no other rules besides reaching the flag within a hundred breaths—in other words, there are no rules at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During your run, especially in the final stretch, attacking others or slowing them down to gain a better ranking is perfectly allowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[12] During the run, especially near the end, attacking others or having others slow you down to gain a higher rank is perfectly allowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Be aware of the risks posed by your fellow examinees around you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[13] Watch out for the risks posed by those around you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, remember these three points—go in!” After quickly analyzing everything, Ning Yuchan finally allowed the students to enter the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[14] “That’s it—remember these three points. Go in!” After her rapid analysis, Ning Yuchan signaled the candidates to enter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Xu Jin nodded to show he understood, he suddenly realized: Was Ning Yuchan, the chief instructor, acting like an on-site coach?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[15] As Xu Jin nodded in acknowledgment, he suddenly realized: Ning Yuchan, the chief instructor, was acting like a field coach?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, Xu Jin stepped forward, his body instantly entering the first stage, which had just been conjured by the starlight below, as new information appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[16] The next instant, Xu Jin stepped forward and entered the first stage, where starlight had just formed—and information appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Autumn Examination Stage One: Each candidate may select one first-tier star weapon. Options: star weapon, soft armor, light armor, heavy armor, arm shield, round shield, large shield, light boots, heavy boots. Choose within ten breaths.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[17] 【Autumn Exam Stage One: Each candidate may choose one first-rank star weapon: star blade, soft armor, light armor, heavy armor, arm shield, round shield, large shield, light boots, heavy boots. Choose within ten breaths.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If pure speed were the only factor, light boots would obviously be best.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[18] If it were purely about speed, light boots were the obvious choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But according to Ning Yuchan’s interpretation, other items like star weapons, soft armor, arm shields, round shields, and light armor could also be very useful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[19] But according to Ning Yuchan’s interpretation, other options—star blade, soft armor, arm shield, round shield, light armor—were all highly useful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After only two breaths of consideration, Xu Jin still chose the light boots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[20] After only two breaths of thought, Xu Jin chose the light boots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether for defense or offense, Xu Jin’s star arts were more than sufficient—he had absolute confidence in this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[21] Whether for defense or offense, Xu Jin’s star arts were more than sufficient—he was utterly confident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Xu Jin made his choice, a pair of light boots appeared before him, identical in appearance and effect to his previous Wind-Chasing Boots, enhancing his speed by twenty percent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[22] As Xu Jin made his choice, a pair of light boots appeared before him—identical in appearance and effect to his previous Wind-Chasing Boots, boosting speed by twenty percent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, Xu Jin appeared at the edge of a vast plain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[23] The next instant, Xu Jin appeared at the edge of a vast plain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The plain was enormous and elliptical, with all entering students positioned along its perimeter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[24] The plain stretched endlessly, oval-shaped, with all entering candidates positioned along its edge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gazing far ahead, he could see the plain rapidly narrowing several li away, with the farthest passage appearing extremely narrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[25] Gazing ahead, he saw the plain rapidly narrowing several li away—the distant passage appeared extremely narrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More and more students dressed in different-colored robes descended around him, yet none were from his own province’s academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[26] More and more disciples in differently colored robes descended around him—but none from his own province’s academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed the landing points were randomized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[27] It seemed landing points were randomized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Great Chen Kingdom’s academy autumn examination, student uniforms were standardized, but different provinces had distinct collar and sleeve colors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[28] In Chen Guo’s academy autumn exam, disciples wore uniform robes, but their province was indicated by differences in collar and sleeve colors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin’s Jinshan Academy belonged to Yan Province, whose collar and sleeve colors were both crimson red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[29] Xu Jin’s Jinshan Academy belonged to Yanzhou, whose collar and sleeves were crimson red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above, a starlight countdown glowed prominently in the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[30] In the sky, a starlight countdown glowed brightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten breaths remained until the exam began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[31] Ten breaths remained until the exam began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin estimated internally: one breath was roughly three seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[32] Xu Jin estimated: one breath was roughly three seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That meant the total time limit of a hundred breaths equaled three hundred seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[33] So the final time limit was a hundred breaths—three hundred seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The maximum time allowed for this first stage was five minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[34] The maximum time to clear Stage One was five minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin glanced left and right; the other students were also sizing him up—many had chosen star weapons, and quite a few had selected arm shields.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[35] Xu Jin glanced left and right; the other candidates were sizing him up too. Many had chosen star blades, and even more had taken arm shields.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In contrast, those who chose light boots were by far the fewest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[36] In contrast, the number who chose light boots was the smallest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, the sky’s countdown hit zero and instantly switched to a hundred-breath timer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[37] The next instant, the sky countdown hit zero—and a hundred-breath timer flashed into view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simultaneously, all the students’ glowing screens vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[38] Simultaneously, the light screens before every candidate vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The exam had begun!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[39] The exam had begun!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost the instant the screen disappeared, Xu Jin’s feet flashed with starlight, launching him forward like a bolt of lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[40] The moment the screen vanished, starlight flared beneath Xu Jin’s feet—and he shot forward like lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This initial burst propelled him sixty meters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[41] One burst propelled him sixty meters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, he pulled far ahead of all other students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[42] In an instant, he pulled far ahead of the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After only five breaths, he had used the Star-Striding Step over twenty times and covered more than two li; the terrain ahead grew clearer—a passage only one meter wide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[43] In just five breaths, his Flying Star Step erupted over twenty times—Xu Jin had raced over two li. Ahead, the terrain grew clearer: a passage barely one meter wide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Danger might lie there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[44] Danger might lie there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin briefly surveyed the other examinees; after just five breaths, a clear hierarchy had already formed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[45] Xu Jin glanced at the field; in just five breaths, the ranks had already separated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was clearly in the leading group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[46] He was likely in the lead group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Due to the distance, he couldn’t be certain, but only fewer than a hundred others matched his progress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[47] Too far to be certain, but fewer than a hundred others matched his pace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That meant Xu Jin was already in the top hundred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[48] Meaning Xu Jin was already in the top hundred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But until he reached the finish, nothing was certain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[49] But until the finish, nothing was certain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whizz! Whizz! Whizz! Whizz!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[50] Shhh-shhh-shhh-shhh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, a piercing whistling filled the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[51] The next instant, a piercing whistling filled the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hundreds of thousands of arrows darkened the sky, raining down in a relentless deluge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[52] The whistling became a roar—hundreds of thousands of arrows, dark as a storm, rained down from above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin’s expression changed—he had already activated his Star Shield, layered an additional star barrier over himself, and in his left hand, two star cords instantly materialized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[53] Xu Jin’s expression shifted—he already had his Star Shield enveloping him, now layered with an extra Star Barrier, and in his left hand, two Star Ropes materialized instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least a dozen arrows were aimed directly at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[54] At least a dozen arrows targeted him directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was indiscriminate attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[55] It was indiscriminate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The star cords swept through instantly, shattering every arrow before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[56] The Star Ropes swept forward, shattering every arrow before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin’s speed slowed slightly as a result, but the next instant, he unleashed the Star-Striding Step again, racing straight toward the narrow passage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[57] His speed dipped slightly, but the next instant, Flying Star Step erupted again—he surged toward the narrow passage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five breaths later, another wave of arrows arrived; Xu Jin repeated the same tactic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[58] Five breaths later, another volley arrived—Xu Jin repeated the same tactic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, he stepped onto the narrow passage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[59] Instantly, he stepped onto the narrow path ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost as soon as he landed, whoosh! whoosh! whoosh! over a dozen figures dashed into the passage behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[60] As Xu Jin landed, a flurry of figures—over a dozen—darted into the passage one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[61] Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A terrifying roar erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[62] A terrifying sound roared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On both sides of the passage, towering waves over ten meters high surged upward, crashing indiscriminately toward everyone who had just entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[63] From both sides of the passage, towering waves—over ten meters high—rose and crashed indiscriminately toward everyone who had just entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Again, indiscriminate attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[64] Again, indiscriminate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such attacks could only be endured head-on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[65] This kind of attack could only be braced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he raised his star barrier, Xu Jin continuously activated star shields and rings from his left hand to mitigate the wave’s impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[66] As he raised his Star Barrier, his left hand continuously unleashed Star Shields and Star Rings to dampen the wave’s force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the immense force of the wave still knocked him off balance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[67] Yet the wave’s immense force slammed him sideways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, Xu Jin’s mastery of the Star-Striding Step was exceptional—he used a slight burst to stabilize his body instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[68] Fortunately, Xu Jin’s Flying Star Step was flawless—a slight burst stabilized his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wave lasted only half a second before subsiding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[69] The wave lasted only half a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All students who had reached the passage slowed momentarily, but none fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[70] All who had entered the passage slowed—but none fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet in that less-than-a-second delay, dozens more surged onto the passage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[71] Yet in less than a second, dozens more surged onto the path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The passage was only one li long and was crossed in just three or four breaths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[72] The narrow passage was only one li long—they cleared it in three or four breaths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, only four students remained ahead of Xu Jin, while over a dozen surrounded him on all sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[73] At this moment, only four candidates lay ahead of Xu Jin; over a dozen surrounded him on all sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ahead lay a highly complex terrain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[74] Ahead lay a wildly complex terrain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Massive boulders, towering trees, deep pits, fire traps, and entangling vines dotted the path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[75] Massive boulders, towering trees, deep pits—even fire traps and entangling vines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As you passed, flames would suddenly erupt seven or eight meters high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[76] As you passed, flames erupted suddenly—seven or eight meters high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A slight delay in reaction meant being engulfed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[77] A moment’s delay meant being hit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin watched as one student was struck by fire—his star shield melted away, and he fell helplessly to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[78] Xu Jin watched as one candidate was engulfed—the Star Shield melted away, and he fell straight to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, as he fell, he triggered another burst of Star-Striding Step, narrowly avoiding the fire trap; otherwise, he’d have been eliminated immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[79] Fortunately, as he fell, he triggered another burst of Flying Star Step—just enough to avoid the fire trap; otherwise, he’d have been eliminated instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In roughly five breaths, Xu Jin encountered fifteen separate attacks—each was a surprise ambush, not the earlier indiscriminate barrage. This section clearly tested agility and adaptability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[80] In roughly five breaths, Xu Jin endured fifteen separate ambushes—all sudden, not indiscriminate. This stretch tested agility and adaptability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Xu Jin’s eyes lit up—he spotted the military flag atop the distant peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[81] Suddenly, Xu Jin’s eyes lit up—he saw the military flag atop the distant peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the flag stretched a two-li-long suspension bridge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[82] Before the flag stretched a two-li-long suspension bridge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin understood: the final challenge had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[83] Xu Jin knew: the final challenge had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, only four students remained ahead of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[84] At this moment, four candidates lay ahead of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few breaths later, just as Xu Jin was about to step onto the bridge, a piercing shriek echoed from the sky—a ferocious bird suddenly materialized and darted toward the five fastest students, who were lined up in a single file.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[85] A few breaths later, just before Xu Jin reached the bridge, a piercing shriek tore the sky—a ferocious bird materialized and streaked toward the five fastest candidates, who were lined up in a single file.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin was in fifth place, roughly ten meters behind the leader and less than two meters behind the fourth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[86] Xu Jin was in fifth place—ten meters behind the leader, less than two meters behind fourth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first-place student leapt upward, slipping effortlessly between the bird’s talons like a drill, without losing speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[87] The first-place candidate leapt upward, slipping effortlessly between the bird’s talons like a drill, his speed unchanged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second, third, and fourth students barely missed—second place even blocked with a star shield, slowing him just enough for third to overtake; the student ahead of Xu Jin also slowed slightly but still made it through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[88] The second, third, and fourth barely missed it—the second even blocked with a Star Shield, slowing him a fraction; the third overtook him. The one ahead of Xu Jin also slowed slightly—but still cleared it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the bird lunged at Xu Jin, his evasion technique became even more exquisite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[89] The bird lunged at Xu Jin—but his movement was even more precise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his mastery of the Star-Striding Step, dealing with this was effortless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[90] With Xu Jin’s mastery of Flying Star Step, this was child’s play.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Starlight flared successively from his feet, waist, and thighs; Xu Jin moved like a nimble fish, slipping cleanly between the bird’s talons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[91] Starlight flared beneath his feet, at his waist, along his thighs—Xu Jin slipped through the bird’s talons like a nimble fish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only did he slip through—he gained momentum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[92] He didn’t just pass—he accelerated with the motion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This burst of speed instantly overtook the fourth-place student, who had been just two meters ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[93] That burst instantly overtook the fourth-place candidate, who had been just two meters ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at the final moment, Xu Jin used this surge to unleash consecutive bursts of Star-Striding Step, pushing his speed to its absolute limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[94] And at the final moment, riding that surge, Xu Jin erupted Flying Star Step repeatedly, pushing his speed to its limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the final two hundred meters, Xu Jin gave everything he had.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[95] The final two hundred meters—Xu Jin gave everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his mind, he believed he could challenge for first place!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[96] In Xu Jin’s mind, he had a shot at second—and even first!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the next instant—just as he overtook the fourth and aimed for third—the third-place student raised his hand, maintaining his speed while hurling two star darts straight at Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[97] But the next instant—just as Xu Jin passed fourth and aimed for third—the third-place candidate raised his hand, maintaining speed, and hurled two Star Arrows straight at Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a close-range star dart ambush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[98] A Star Arrow ambush at point-blank range.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin was only two meters from the third-place student, and he was moving at top speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[99] Xu Jin was only two meters from third—and moving at top speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the two star darts were launched, they struck Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[100] The two Star Arrows struck him the instant they were fired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instinctively, Xu Jin’s chest unleashed a star ring that shattered a star arrow mere inches from his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second star arrow struck Xu Jin with perfect accuracy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin’s star shield rippled violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it did not break.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the star shield held, the two star arrows successfully halted Xu Jin—his forward momentum slammed like a boulder, his speed plummeted, and he staggered, nearly falling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, the fourth-place contender, whom Xu Jin had just passed, now surged ahead of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the finish flag was only two hundred meters away; this slowdown meant Xu Jin had virtually no chance to overtake again—he could only fight for fourth or fifth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet just as the fourth-place contender barely passed him, a star lasso and two star arrows struck Xu Jin casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin’s nerves snapped taut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he was hit, he would be eliminated on the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If eliminated, his autumn examination journey would end here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only would he lose his ranking—he wouldn’t even qualify for the inner trials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this critical moment, Xu Jin instinctively activated the evasive body technique he had drilled relentlessly in the Martial Realm with Lady Zuiyue and Buguo Er.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Star energy erupted continuously from his waist, spinning his entire body like a top.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He dodged both star arrows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the star lasso still coiled toward him like a venomous dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin’s fingers flickered rapidly, instantly forming three star lassos; one, like a vine, instantly wrapped around the incoming lasso.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He locked it in place, then yanked hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, the fourth-place contender’s momentum froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ahead, the first, second, and third-place contenders had reached the finish line; they roared, “Lu Kun, sever the lasso!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their intent was clear: warn Lu Kun to cut the lasso, break free from Xu Jin’s grip, and secure his ranking first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at this moment, Xu Jin was seething with rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fucker—third place’s ambush cost him his ranking, and fourth place’s casual strike nearly killed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, it wouldn’t kill him—but it would destroy his future, obliterate his Dao path!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Destroying his future was no different from killing him in reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So when he struck, Xu Jin unleashed his full power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One star lasso ensnared Lu Kun’s, freezing him in place; the other two star lassos surged like venomous dragons toward Lu Kun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Kun activated his star ring—but to his horror, he had to unleash two star rings just to destroy one of Xu Jin’s lassos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Xu Jin had already reached Lu Kun’s side, pulling him closer with the lasso’s tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only now did Lu Kun react—severing the lasso.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was too late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin’s iron fist slammed into him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Starlight exploded twice in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, Lu Kun’s protective star shield shattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did those who had reached the finish flag turn pale and cry out in unison, “Hold back!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To hell with holding back!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When you were destroying my future, where was your mercy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second burst of starlight flashed like lightning into Lu Kun, reducing him to a burst of scattered starlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Kun’s own starlight strike against Xu Jin dissolved into nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first, second, and third-place contenders all turned grim at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By this delay, sixth place had caught up and was about to overtake Xu Jin. Xu Jin didn’t turn back—but his left hand’s three star lassos lashed like venomous dragons, instantly halting sixth place on the bridge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sixth place launched an immediate assault on Xu Jin’s lassos—but the next instant, Xu Jin’s Star-Stepping Technique exploded, accelerating him toward the finish flag!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To ruin someone’s future—how cruel!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, second place, Yan Chen, was the angriest; seeing Xu Jin charge toward him, he whipped his left-hand star lasso and summoned starlight in his right, preparing to attack Xu Jin—to stop him from reaching the finish, even to kill him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bolt of lightning suddenly descended from the sky, striking directly before second place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anyone who disrupts the examination after reaching the finish will be charged with cheating!” A black-robed examiner materialized beneath the finish flag, coldly glaring at Yan Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin, who had been ready for battle, now withdrew his star energy; his feet exploded with starlight as he reached the finish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Starlight information appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Xu Jin, congratulations. You have passed the Autumn Examination’s first trial. Time: twenty-nine breaths. Current rank: fourth.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, the previous sixth place arrived as fifth, followed by sixth, seventh, and eighth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When eighth place arrived, his face changed abruptly: “Huh? Where’s Brother Lu? I saw him ahead just now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one spoke—but first, second, third, and fifth place all stared at Xu Jin, their expressions grim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially second and third place—the latter who had just ambushed Xu Jin—his gaze was dark and brooding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin now understood: the Chen Guo Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Except for Xu Jin and seventh place, every candidate’s collar and cuffs bore silver insignia—the mark of Chen Guo Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, the top eight were almost entirely dominated by Chen Guo Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He killed Brother Lu—eliminated him outright!” Fifth place, Guan Li, answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eighth place, Fang Mingchun, stared in shock, then glared at Xu Jin and shouted, “Which academy are you from? Compete for rank, fine—but why destroy someone’s Dao path? Don’t you know killing Lu Brother will cost him his True Disciple position?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin cast a cold, sidelong glance at Fang Mingchun: “His future is sacred, mine isn’t? He tried to kill me—should I have just stood there and let him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Mingchun hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But second place, Yan Chen, snapped: “Lies! You could’ve passed Lu Brother easily—you deliberately killed him!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin gave Yan Chen a dark look and instantly labeled him: a hypocritical bastard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a hypocritical bastard, no explanation matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So what?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin challenged Yan Chen with a smirk, making him froth with rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You—you wait! I’ll avenge Brother Lu!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First place, Meng Qingqiu, a woman, suddenly roared, “We’re all Chen Guo Dao Academy disciples—what vengeance?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But, Senior Sister—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Autumn Examination is internal competition—each relies on skill, each accepts fate. If you’re outmatched, blame no one! If you keep speaking of vengeance, do you think the examiners are decorations?” Above them, the black-robed examiner stood atop the flag, smiling coldly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Chen fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third place stepped forward and said, “I am Yuan Feiqing. May I ask your name and origin?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin glanced at Yuan Feiqing—the first to ambush him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Xu Jin bore him no grudge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rules allowed it; had he been in Yuan’s place, he might’ve done the same—after all, one rank higher mattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Kun, whom he’d just killed, was truly vile—he blocked Xu Jin, then tried to kill him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he met him again, Xu Jin would kill him again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Yuan Feiqing’s inquiry now carried an odd tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, Xu Jin wasn’t afraid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rankings would soon be displayed; his origin and name couldn’t be hidden anyway—better to state it openly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am Xu Jin, from Jin Shan Dao Academy in Yanzhou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, the dozen or so who had reached the flag turned to stare at Xu Jin—even the examiner gave him a second look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t rare for a district academy student to break into the top ten—even in the first trial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every year, someone did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today’s seventh place was from a district academy—but one from the lowest-tier county academy? Extremely rare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You might go years without seeing one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last time a county academy student appeared in the top ten of the Autumn Examination? Six years ago—someone named Chan, a woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The examiner had a faint memory—but couldn’t recall the exact name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am Meng Qingqiu, Chen Guo Dao Academy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am Guan Li, Chen Guo Dao Academy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am Ying Ge, from Songzhouzhou Dao Academy.” (Seventh place.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am Fang Mingchun, Chen Guo Dao Academy.” As Senior Sister led the greetings, the others introduced themselves to Xu Jin, establishing mutual recognition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am Miao Long, Yanzhouzhou Dao Academy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am Ji Hongli, from Wan Yi Dao Academy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin greeted them all; many, especially those in the top thirty, now knew each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone who made the top thirty in the first trial had a future as either a True Disciple or Core Disciple—unlimited potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the moment to expand connections and build alliances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the Chen Guo Dao Academy’s Martial Hall, a young man with sharp features and a shadowed gaze leapt to his feet, eyes blazing: “Bastard! You destroyed my future! Bastard! Bastard!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lü Kun, if you want to face punishment, keep going.” A black-robed supervisor guarding the Practice Hall said to Lü Kun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lü Kun stomped his foot in fury, gripped the Star-Taking Token once more, and reentered the Star-Taking Tower!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to watch the battle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to know who had ruined his future!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Lü Kun’s mind, he had never deliberately intended to destroy that person’s future—only struck out instinctively, curious whether the brat who dared rush ahead of him could withstand it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he never imagined he’d provoked such a ferocious retaliation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And even now, Lü Kun still believed it was Xu Jin’s counterattack that was too violent, too ruthless!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the first trial’s realm, the countdown hanging in the sky had entered its final ten seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin saw many familiar faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw Lu Xianbing, Wang Weisheng, Zhang Han, and even Yue Daqi and Yu Xianghua—but several figures were missing, like Yu Guan, who had never appeared, likely eliminated en route.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, the number of eliminated candidates was not small.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to the dense crowd at the start, only about seventy to eighty percent remained at the finish line beneath the military banner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unexpectedly, just as the countdown neared zero, Xu Jin spotted Yu Guan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Guan and over a dozen others nearly sprinted across the finish line at the very last moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind them, hundreds more revealed expressions of utter despair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the instant the countdown reached zero, Xu Jin and the others vanished on the spot, while the remaining disciples still trapped in the first trial’s realm dissolved into specks of starlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Xu Jin opened his eyes again, he found himself standing beneath the banner of the Jinshan Dao Academy in Yanzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Yuchan was looking at him with unmistakable delight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin instinctively looked up at the ranking board hanging in the realm’s sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#1: Meng Qingqiu】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#2: Yan Chen】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#3: Yuan Feiqing】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#4: Xu Jin】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#5: Guan Li】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#6: Ji Hongli】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#7: Ying Ge】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#8: Fang Mingchun】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#9: Miao Long】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#131: Wang Weisheng】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【#133: Zhang Han】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jinshan Dao Academy had two students in the top hundred—and even their third senior, Zhang Han, had cracked the top 133.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This result was already very impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throughout the Autumn Examination realm, some cheered, others wept.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who wept were directly eliminated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once eliminated, they lost all eligibility to continue in the Autumn Examination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All who passed the first trial—especially disciples from the various commandery academies—wore bright smiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their first goal had been achieved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to Autumn Examination rules, especially for commandery academy disciples, anyone who passed the first trial automatically qualified for selection into the provincial academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the Autumn Examination, as long as they successfully forged a Star, they could proceed to study and cultivate at the provincial academy, continuing their Dao path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Per Chen Guo’s academy regulations, all disciples at commandery academies could study for at most two years; within that time, if they forged a Star, they had to leave the academy—either joining the military, local forces, or handling academy administrative duties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From then on, they could only cultivate while performing duties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If admitted to the provincial academy, the total study period remained two years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within those two years, except for those selected for the national academy or a very few exceptional cases, most would be assigned administrative duties once their cultivation base reached Star-Refining Early Stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Xu Jin’s understanding, it was forced employment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The military, local forces, special agencies—all were potential postings; from now on, they could only cultivate while working.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But being selected for the national academy was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those selected for the national academy studied for at least three years, and forced employment was delayed until the Condensing Star realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Usually, once one broke through to Condensing Star, their assignment would be arranged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if one failed to break through to Condensing Star within three years, an assignment would still be arranged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But national academy graduates received far superior postings—such as chief instructor of the academy, mid-level officers, and others—with more free time and greater opportunity to cultivate while on missions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small number of disciples were even groomed long-term as future core pillars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This system inherently determined the upper limits of cultivation for each academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, for geniuses, failing to enter the national academy meant their Dao path was essentially ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the national academy, besides abundant cultivation resources, most disciples spent nearly all their time cultivating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they failed to enter, they had to take on administrative duties early and earn their own cultivation resources.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gap was not small—it was immense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, beneath the Jinshan Dao Academy banner, twenty-five disciples remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This filled Ning Yuchan with both joy and worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Joy, because two had cracked the top hundred—Xu Jin, no less, ranked fourth—this was a tremendous surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Worry, because even in the first trial, Jinshan Dao Academy had lost ten disciples—a loss rate nearing thirty percent, far exceeding the overall first-trial elimination rate of twenty percent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a few more trials, who knew how many Jinshan disciples would remain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, 7,612 candidates passed the first trial of the Autumn Examination,” reported Yu Da, Chief Instructor of the Chen Guo National Academy, as the first trial ended on the Observation Platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“7,612,” said Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao, turning to Supervisor Chen Liao. “What do you think of the first trial?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not bad,” said Chen Liao. “But I must say Jinshan Dao Academy stood out—some commandery academy disciple made the top ten of the first trial! Remarkable!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After all, many provincial academies didn’t even have one in their top ten.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, when was the last time a commandery academy disciple made the top ten?” Chen asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Reporting, Supervisor, six years ago, Jinshan Dao Academy’s Ning Yuchan placed seventh in the first trial of the Autumn Examination,” replied Chief Instructor Yu Da, who knew every detail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Again from Jinshan Dao Academy?” Supervisor Chen Liao chuckled, as if casually, “Grand Master, another Jinshan disciple has risen—twice in a row. It seems placing Xiao Dong at Jinshan was a waste of talent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hinted at promotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed,” added Right Sacrificer Song Bing with a smile. “He should be appointed one of the Four Chief Scholars of our National Academy—only then would his status be properly matched.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as soon as he spoke, everyone on the Observation Platform fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the National Academy, after Grand Master, Supervisor, and the two Sacrificers, came the Four Chief Scholars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Four Chief Scholars were already power brokers of the National Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Bing’s remark was not recommendation—it was a death trap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao smiled. “Yu Da, prepare for the second trial.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",5632,"2026-06-19T23:56:29.689Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","cfdba7e27ad70f424a28f5689e3012c8007b7327a6538f8d9cfd3b2855b7a4c9","the-star-martial-era-chapter-110","the-star-martial-era-chapter-108",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-star-martial-era-cover.jpg"]