[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-star-martial-era":3,"chapter-the-star-martial-era-the-star-martial-era-chapter-113":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},2274971,4448,"Chapter 113: Fishing and Cleaning (Requesting Subscription)","the-star-martial-era-chapter-113",113,"\u003Cp>Xu Jin raced across the wasteland, relying solely on his physical speed without invoking star force for high-speed movement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although this third trial provided four elixirs, the amount of star force remained a critical limitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wasteland’s map must be vast—after half a watch, Xu Jin had slain only two opponents and earned seven points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Xu Jin’s gaze shifted; he spotted a Dao Academy disciple in the river valley and sprinted toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his body refinement fully completed and eight rounds of marrow-washing and hair-cleansing achieved, his physical foundation had become exceptionally strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he ran at full speed, it was like wind and lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under a tolerable level of stamina consumption, Xu Jin estimated his speed could be maintained at around fifty kilometers per hour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he unleashed his full strength without restraint, he could reach eighty kilometers per hour—roughly a hundred meters in four seconds—but could not sustain it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under current conditions, to conserve star force, this was the only viable approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not wish to relive the weakness and danger of having his internal star force utterly depleted during the final minutes of the second trial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dao Academy disciple in the valley also spotted Xu Jin; his collar and cuffs were blue, not silver—likely a disciple from some provincial Dao Academy—and now, seeing Xu Jin, he shouldered a long spear and sprinted toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At thirty meters, the provincial disciple shouted loudly, “Senior brother, we’re both from provincial Dao Academies—can we team up to secure higher scores?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A shadow flashed—Xu Jin activated Star Arrow Step, detonating a star projectile directly into the disciple’s skull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The disciple’s face had barely registered terror before he vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too much talk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t know him. Had no idea who he was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin would be a fool to team up with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint flicker of starlight in the sky altered Xu Jin’s score—he gained five more points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Xu Jin: 44.4 points】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced around in all directions—utterly empty. On average, he encountered someone only every three to four minutes; the wasteland map must be enormous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To find his fellow Jinshan Dao Academy disciples, he could only rely on luck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after fifteen or thirty minutes, when the map began contracting continuously, the odds of finding them would greatly increase.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, he wondered—by then, how many Jinshan Dao Academy disciples would still be alive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Likewise, during the first two watches, with the map so large, disciples from other academies—unless extraordinarily lucky—would find it nearly impossible to form teams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, the first two watches were the best time to accumulate personal points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if one died in this third trial, their points still counted toward the final ranking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin continued searching along the river valley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Autumn Exam Mirage, the watching disciples all held their breath, observing every shift on the battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin’s instant execution of the disciple who tried to speak to him drew both curses and praise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet no one knew it was Xu Jin who did it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, observers in this third trial could see all disciples’ movements but could not make out their faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every combatant’s face was obscured by a veil of starlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above, the starlight ranking list cascaded like a waterfall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin’s score still led by a wide margin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Qingqiu, in second place, had reached thirty-one points—growing slightly faster than Xu Jin’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the Observation Platform, senior Dao Academy officials watched the battlefield, especially the Xuezheng and Fu Xuezheng of the Chen Guo Dao Academy, constantly tracking battlefield changes and the ranking updates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them, Fu Xuezheng Liu Qingzhu was the most tense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she could reclaim first place in this third trial, she might salvage a shred of dignity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right now, Liu Qingzhu prayed for one thing: that Meng Qingqiu, Yan Chen, Yuan Feiqing, and other top candidates must not encounter Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Fu Xuezheng of the Chen Guo Dao Academy, Liu Qingzhu had exceptional insight; judging from Xu Jin’s displayed strength, none of Chen Guo’s top candidates stood a chance against him in a one-on-one fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two against one?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hard to say—she still knew too little about Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Liu Qingzhu genuinely prayed they would not meet Xu Jin too soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But others thought differently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Chen Guo Dao Academy’s spectator zone, Lu Kun was not only tense—he was also excited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His chance for revenge lay within this third trial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He fervently hoped Yan Chen, Yuan Feiqing, Guan Li, and others would encounter Xu Jin early, kill him, and crush his future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then could he vent half his bitterness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath the Jinshan Dao Academy banner, Ning Yuchan stared at the starlight ranking above, watching the fluctuating scores with growing tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the Entrance Trial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This battle would determine not only her disciples’ futures, but also her own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This year’s cohort was the one she felt closest to that opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the wasteland mirage, two watches passed in the blink of an eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the first watch, Xu Jin encountered three opponents; in the second watch, four—all slain without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gained few points: the four opponents in the second watch yielded only slightly over nine points total.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His score reached fifty-four.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All were relatively weak disciples who had barely scraped through the second trial with only a few dozen points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, the entire wasteland battlefield trembled as distant hills and forests rapidly drew closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin understood: the third watch had begun—the wasteland map had shrunk by half again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had calculated: if the original map was size 100, after the first watch it became 50, after the second watch 25.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to the initial size, the map in the third watch had shrunk to one-fourth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, the probability of encountering Dao Academy disciples would rise sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chance of finding fellow academy members to form teams would also increase dramatically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He needed to move faster—not only to earn more points himself, but if possible, to aid a few Jinshan Dao Academy junior brothers, hoping to help Ning Yuchan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the eastern wasteland, Yan Chen kept glancing at the sun’s position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pushed relentlessly toward the highest peak in the south.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not actively hunt targets; he only struck if one happened to cross his path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half a watch later, Yan Chen arrived at his destination and climbed to the summit of the small hill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sooner had he reached the top than he saw a figure approaching from below—it was Guan Li.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior brother Yan, why are you only here? I’ve been waiting half a watch already,” Guan Li laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was far away. Any others around?” Yan Chen smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“None yet, but they’ll come soon! Before the map contracted, this hill was unremarkable—but now it stands out clearly. Others are surely on their way,” Guan Li grinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good. Let’s team up and search the surrounding area for targets. We’ll return here in half a watch,” Yan Chen said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Agreed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Together, their confidence surged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With their combined strength, as long as they didn’t run into groups of four or five, they could sweep them all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half a watch later, they returned—and their group now had two more members: Fang Mingchun and Yuan Feiqing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four of Chen Guo Dao Academy’s ten core disciples had now formed a team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why haven’t Senior Sister and the others arrived yet?” Fang Mingchun, the last to arrive, fretted as he checked his score.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No waiting. We split into pairs and hunt for points. If we encounter large groups, we avoid them!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The lowest stretch of stone beach in the center of the wasteland is where we’ll converge.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After we’ve hunted separately, meet there!” Yan Chen ordered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, the four split into two pairs and scattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As disciples of the Chen Guo Dao Academy, they had informational advantages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had previously trained in similar battlefield scenarios.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though they couldn’t communicate within the arena, they had clever workarounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Primarily, they relied on direction and terrain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had long agreed: in such battles, the first gathering point was the south, then the highest elevation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This agreement greatly increased the likelihood of reuniting in the mid-stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The advantage, needless to say, was immense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quickly, this advantage showed on the rankings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Autumn Exam Mirage, the cascading starlight ranking updated rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the most dazzling were Yan Chen, Guan Li, Yuan Feiqing, and Fang Mingchun—their scores skyrocketed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In less than a watch, they had locked in positions three through six.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even surpassing Senior Sister Meng Qingqiu was possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just them—across the entire wasteland battle ranking, Chen Guo Dao Academy disciples’ scores rose rapidly; within three watches, eighteen of the top twenty spots were theirs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This sight filled many provincial Dao Academy instructors and heads with dread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was unavoidable: Chen Guo Dao Academy had the most disciples, so their probability of encountering fellow academy members was highest, allowing them to form teams earlier and more frequently, thus accumulating higher scores.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin also advanced across the wasteland, when suddenly two Dao Academy disciples appeared ahead—upon spotting him, they accelerated toward him with lethal intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Some teams have already formed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both disciples wore silver trim on their collars and cuffs—disciples of the Chen Guo Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the same instant, Xu Jin also surged forward to meet them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two Chen Guo Dao Academy disciples were startled, growing extremely cautious—seeing he didn’t flee meant he was no weakling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next moment, one of them recognized Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn! It’s him—the number one!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Retreat! Split up!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sooner had the words left his mouth than a sonic boom echoed—two Star Arrows, instantly lethal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had they not fled, the two together might have held their ground for two or three rounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But once they turned to run, their fighting spirit shattered—they were doomed to be obliterated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two gave Xu Jin fifteen points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed these two had gathered quite a few points themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin accelerated again, with no clear destination—only toward the center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earlier, atop a large tree, Xu Jin had glimpsed the wasteland’s center: a rocky wasteland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few minutes later, as Xu Jin advanced, his ears twitched—distantly, he heard the sound of Star Explosions—someone was fighting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the next instant, Xu Jin detonated his Flying Star Step, leaping over twenty meters into the air, instantly seeing the scene ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two men were besieging a man wielding a spear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spear-wielding man was in dire straits, yet held his ground with reckless, suicidal techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he rushed forward, Xu Jin clearly recognized the spearman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Small world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xianbing!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After so long, he’d finally encountered a fellow academy brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin detonated his Flying Star Step repeatedly—covering hundreds of meters in a single breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two disciples surrounding Lu Xianbing wore silver trim—undeniably Chen Guo Dao Academy. Seeing Xu Jin charging in, one immediately broke off to intercept him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, he recognized Xu Jin—his expression turned to sheer horror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he did not flee—instead, he unleashed a barrage of Star Arts, launching a preemptive attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there was no surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin detonated his Flying Star Step, closed the distance, and fired two Star Arrows—instantly lethal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to most disciples—even Chen Guo Dao Academy’s—Xu Jin’s eight rounds of Bone Cleansing and Marrow Washing had granted him immense Star Power, and his Star Soul’s Fourth Stage of Star Refinement gave his Star Arts far greater base potency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instant kill was normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not killing him instantly would’ve been abnormal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other, Xu Jin struck with a single Star Arrow, severely wounding him—then Lu Xianbing seized the opening and finished him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saved, Lu Xianbing gasped heavily and collapsed onto the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after only two breaths, he scrambled up and bowed to Xu Jin. “Brother Jin, your grace cannot be repaid in words—I’ll repay you later!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though this was merely a trial, and death meant nothing, to Lu Xianbing, Xu Jin hadn’t saved his life—he’d saved his future, which mattered more than his life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin waved his hand. “Brother Lu, have you encountered any other academy brothers?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No. Our Jinshan Dao Academy has too few disciples—the chance of meeting one is low. We’d need another map contraction to have any hope.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm. Let’s keep moving. Stay behind me or nearby, searching for opportunities—but don’t stray far. If you spot a team or someone you can’t handle, call me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xianbing nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was weaker than Xu Jin, and far slower—he’d only slow him down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More importantly, he’d just seen Xu Jin’s combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he stayed by Xu Jin’s side, he’d get no chance even to pick up scraps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most opponents Xu Jin encountered were instantly killed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Xu Jin deliberately left an enemy barely alive for him to finish, Lu Xianbing’s pride would never allow it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Xu Jin’s arrangement was perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His own score had reached sixteen points—not high, but not insignificant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In one-on-one encounters, Lu Xianbing’s combat strength remained formidable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they advanced, Xu Jin encountered three more teams—two of them Chen Guo Dao Academy, both pairs—each instantly obliterated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This puzzled Xu Jin: the Chen Guo Dao Academy’s team formation rate was too high—he’d already encountered five teams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for disciples from other Dao Academies, those quick enough could flee and evade; those slower were likely dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin’s score surpassed the hundred-point mark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It reached one hundred seventeen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Autumn Trial’s secret realm, the star-formed leaderboard flickered constantly. On the Observation Platform, the Chen Guo Dao Academy’s Xuezheng and Fu Xuezheng had still hoped to reclaim first place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Meng Qingqiu, and later Yan Chen and others, had been gaining points rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially Yan Chen—he’d surpassed Meng Qingqiu to claim second, his score once just sixteen points behind first-place Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But half a quarter-hour ago, Xu Jin’s score skyrocketed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It surged to one hundred seventeen, widening the gap to over sixty points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Qingzhu, the Fu Xuezheng who’d still harbored hope, sighed inwardly and buried his head in his chest again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heartbreaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Couldn’t bear to watch!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, the third quarter-hour ended—the wasteland bloodbath entered the fourth quarter-hour—and the map contracted again!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The field of vision rapidly tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many appeared in each other’s sightlines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin leapt high—and in midair, he clearly saw the full layout of the wasteland bloodbath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After three contractions, the battlefield had shrunk to roughly twenty li.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin understood: the final showdown had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin even spotted several crimson garments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those were the attire of disciples from Yanzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Jinshan Dao Academy’s disciples were likely in those directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, Xu Jin surged toward the direction with the most crimson garments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On a hillock, seven crimson-clad disciples gathered, discussing their next move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Seven of us are too obvious. Split into two groups—don’t stray far. If you encounter someone you can’t handle, assist each other. You three, be extra careful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, look! Another Yanzhou disciple!” someone cried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha, perfect! Another one—four in a team, much safer!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, they rushed forward, shouting from afar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother! We’re all from Yanzhou—why not team up?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin glanced at them—didn’t spot any of his own academy brothers. Remembering Ning Yuchan’s instructions, he’d planned to kill them outright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then he recalled Yanzhou had other prefectures—he held back from killing immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he asked, “Have you seen any other Yanzhou Dao Academy teams?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ve seen several. Which academy are you looking for?” the leader asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jinshan Dao Academy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader froze, glanced at his companions, then smiled. “Jinshan Dao Academy? We’ve seen them—over there, about three or five li from here, we passed two of them and exchanged greetings!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, his smile turned to a sneer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kill!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, all seven lunged, surrounding Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chief Instructor Chai Yuanchang had explicitly ordered them: in any phase, if they could eliminate Jinshan Dao Academy disciples within the rules, they’d be rewarded upon return!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’d already killed two Jinshan disciples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now another had walked right into their trap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for anything else—they didn’t consider it. All was permitted under the rules.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin looked at the seven charging at him—and sneered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bunch of weaklings. Think numbers matter?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His ten fingers flicked rapidly—Star Arrows blasted forth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The seven had intended to attack, but their Star Arrows lacked range—yet they hadn’t expected Xu Jin’s Star Arrows to outdistance them by far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From afar, they looked like fools rushing to their deaths—charging straight into Xu Jin’s Star Arrows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One by one, their heads exploded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, there were exceptions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader and another strong disciple each consumed two of Xu Jin’s Star Arrows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a single breath, all seven were dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin’s face flushed with anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These people are 100 percent from the Yanzhou State Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unexpectedly, Ning Yuchan’s fears had come true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it, the path to advancement for local Dao Academy disciples is already extremely difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These bastards from the Yanzhou State Dao Academy actually did this—specifically waited until they confirmed he was from Jinshan Dao Academy before striking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Targeting Jinshan Dao Academy specifically? That’s too vile!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the next instant, Xu Jin’s rage surged from his gall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since you’re so intent on targeting Jinshan Dao Academy, then I’ll deliberately target Yanzhou!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since you, Lu Chenfeng, the head of the state Dao Academy, have no shame and directly ordered your disciples to harm others, then Xu Jin would go mad too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the rules permit it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the next instant, Xu Jin called out to Lu Xianbing, then sprinted swiftly toward the direction those men had indicated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, they claimed, was a Jinshan Dao Academy disciple—whether true or not, he didn’t know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it was true, that would be perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it was false, that would be even better!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under full speed, Xu Jin covered three li in ten breaths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two groups of five men each were locked in fierce combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two of them were Zhang Han and another Jinshan Dao Academy disciple Xu Jin didn’t know well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three attacking them all had red collars and cuffs—signifying they too were from Yanzhou!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin didn’t curse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was permitted by the rules.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though emotionally, disciples from the same Dao Academy or same state were natural allies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the Blood Plain Battle, the rule was no rule.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone could be an enemy; anyone could be an ally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Xu Jin didn’t pause at all—he exploded with a sonic boom, and in the instant the three noticed him, he swept past in a flash, unleashing three Star Arrows, instantly killing all three.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior Xu!” Zhang Han’s face lit up with relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d thought his Autumn Exam was over, worried whether his current points would qualify him for the next round—yet now he’d been saved!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Zhang, have you seen any other Dao Academy members?” Xu Jin asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Zhang Han’s expression darkened. “Earlier, we encountered Senior Yu Xianghua. When we found him, he was being surrounded. By the time we rushed over, he’d already been cut down. We chased after them, but their numbers grew to four.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We slew one of them, thought we were doomed—then you showed up!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin, upon hearing this, also grew somber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Xianghua’s cultivation was at least five rounds of Bone Cleansing and Marrow Refining—he was quite formidable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he’d been eliminated so early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wondered how many points Yu Xianghua had earned before dying—would it be enough to qualify?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he couldn’t qualify, Yu Xianghua’s loss would be enormous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To qualify, he’d suppressed his cultivation for over half a year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than ten breaths later, Lu Xianbing arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You three form a team—you should be able to handle most squads! I’ll clear the surrounding area!” Xu Jin said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Clear?” Lu Xianbing frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry about it. Focus on searching for other senior brothers—gather together, and you’ll earn more points.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking, Xu Jin swallowed a Three-Yuan Star-Returning Pill; his star power surged violently as he repeatedly activated the Flying Star Step. [313] In the starlight waterfall ahead, Miao Long’s name dimmed!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed the third stage was nearing its end; Xu Jin no longer conserved star power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Previously, Xu Jin had always conserved star power—he still had half left, and hadn’t consumed a single star-restoring pill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now he let loose entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the next instant, Xu Jin leapt twenty meters into the air from a large tree, pausing mid-air as he surveyed the surroundings, scanning for targets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quickly, Xu Jin spotted four locations where Dao Academy disciples wore red attire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He triggered Flying Star Step repeatedly, instantly rushing toward them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once he stopped conserving star power, Xu Jin’s speed became extremely fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten breaths later, Xu Jin arrived before a group of four in red attire; he whipped out a Star Cord, then flicked his fingers in rapid succession, firing Star Arrows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All were instantly killed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After killing them, Xu Jin didn’t pause—he sprinted toward the next direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kill, then move to the next direction; observe, search, then kill again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the way, he also slew any disciples wearing other-colored attire he encountered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In just half a minute, over forty disciples in red attire had been slain by Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While flying swiftly, Xu Jin suddenly spun sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miao Long!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d spotted Miao Long—the top seed fighter of the Yanzhou State Dao Academy—in the forest ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Xu Jin turned, Miao Long noticed him and immediately turned to flee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miao Long had never encountered Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Xu Jin’s points from the second stage spoke volumes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luck might earn a few extra points—but no one could rack up three times his score by sheer recklessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One fled, one chased—Xu Jin instantly plunged into the dense forest!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the forest, Xu Jin’s uncanny movement technique maximized his speed, rapidly closing the gap to Miao Long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, ahead, the light brightened—they were about to exit the forest. Xu Jin saw Miao Long abruptly stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind Miao Long, five more figures had appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All wore red attire—likely all disciples of the Yanzhou State Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin’s gaze flickered slightly; his Mingji Star Pattern activated—he saw more than five.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four more were hidden within the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Probably positioned to cut off his retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Yanzhou State Dao Academy disciples could coordinate so precisely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin instantly understood their tactic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fishing!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miao Long’s group was playing fancy—they’d already begun executing a fishing tactic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’d lure a small squad of three or five with a lone disciple, then surround and annihilate them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this time, they’d lured only Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Xu Jin charge recklessly forward, and glancing at the five brothers behind him and the four hidden in the forest, Miao Long felt utterly confident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of the ten, six were among the top ten disciples of the Yanzhou State Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Together, with proper tactics, they could sweep the entire battlefield!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Miao Long was brimming with confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Xu Jin charging forward without slowing, Miao Long silently cursed: Reckless fool!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perfect—he could fulfill the chief instructor’s orders for Yanzhou Dao Academy!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kill!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Xu Jin rushed in, six instantly charged toward him, while the four hidden in the forest emerged from behind him, attacking from the rear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Xu Jin also held nothing back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the instant he saw the six charging, he triggered Flying Star Step repeatedly at his waist—his body shot over their heads like a great bird.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he passed over them, his ten fingers flicked in rapid succession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, twelve Star Arrows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha, Nine Veins Divine Sword!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As this thought crossed Xu Jin’s mind, he almost laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt like “Nine Veins Divine Sword” wasn’t quite serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It should be “Nine Veins Star Arrows.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to Miao Long and the six, it was a nightmare!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Explosions erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The quick-reacting ones flung star techniques to detonate one of Xu Jin’s Star Arrows and endure another; the slower ones were instantly obliterated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a single glance, three were killed outright by Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Miao Long was blasted backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this was only the beginning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he passed over their heads, Xu Jin’s left hand suddenly shot out a Star Cord, lightning-fast, wrapping around one man’s neck—starlight exploded violently at his waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kite Ring!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spun in a rapid circle, his ten fingers flicked again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Xu Jin circled twice, only Miao Long among the ten Yanzhou Dao Academy disciples survived; all others were obliterated!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miao Long was terrified by Xu Jin’s terrifying combat power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is ten against one, not one against ten!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We can’t win.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the next instant, Miao Long turned and fled!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We absolutely can’t win—fleeing might still offer a sliver of hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in truth, the moment you turn to flee before Xu Jin, all hope is already gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Star-Step exploded instantly; the Star Cable lashed out, wrapping around Miao Long. In the instant Miao Long tried to destroy the cable, Xu Jin was already at his side, his iron fist striking like lightning, twin bursts of starlight exploding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Skull shattered!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miao Long—dead!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the Autumn Exam Secret Realm, suddenly, Lu Chenfeng, Dean of the Yanzhou Dao Academy, froze, his pupils contracting in shock!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Qianfangdexingguangpubuzhong , Miao Long’s name dimmed!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only Miao Long’s name dimmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eight of Yanzhou Dao Academy’s top ten elite seed candidates had their names dimmed!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What in the world has happened?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",4235,"2026-06-19T23:56:29.689Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","0cb4803d99f7b36bd2ac8660f50973ac79f8df13acd2d6c68294b4d3296121ce","the-star-martial-era-chapter-114","the-star-martial-era-chapter-112",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-star-martial-era-cover.jpg"]