[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-star-martial-era":3,"chapter-the-star-martial-era-the-star-martial-era-chapter-117":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},2274975,4448,"Chapter 117: Soul-Refining Golden Core and Claiming the Top (Second Update, Requesting Subscription)","the-star-martial-era-chapter-117",117,"\u003Cp>August 5th, precisely at the hour of Si, the Training Hall of Jinshan Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All autumn examination candidates had arrived, along with numerous instructors, trainers, and disciples eager to watch the competition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The academy not only did not oppose such attendance but actively encouraged it, provided one had the qualification to observe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The display of talent by so many gifted disciples served as inspiration for those watching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you all ready? Is anyone withdrawing?” Master Dong Zhao arrived on time and asked; seeing no response, he immediately activated the Starlock Ring, enveloping the entire training hall in protection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was to prevent disruptions that might interfere with the autumn examination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, Xu Jin appeared within the autumn examination realm, identical to yesterday’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the number of disciples now present in the trial zone had dwindled to only nine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same was true for all other academies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of nearly ten thousand candidates, only eight hundred would be admitted, a selection rate nearing eight percent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed brutal, yet far higher than the success rate for civil service exams in his previous life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason the National Dao Academy admitted only eight hundred was simple: resources were limited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as with the inner academy disciples of Jinshan Dao Academy, each inner disciple received over ten times the resources allocated to an outer disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, the number of inner disciples had to be capped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Today’s autumn examination is also known as the True Disciple Battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eight hundred admitted disciples will compete for fifteen True Disciple slots and two hundred Core Disciple slots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All others will receive only the status of inner disciple of the National Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to inner disciples, the cultivation resources granted to Core Disciples are tenfold, making the competition extremely fierce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the True Disciple Battle differs from the admission trial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The admission trial changes every year, constantly evolving in form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the True Disciple Battle follows a nearly fixed structure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It typically consists of two stages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first is called Star Plucking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second is called Claiming the Summit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s little to explain about these two stages—you’ll see for yourselves soon. It’s all about raw strength; no luck or hesitation matters.” Ning Yuchan instructed them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking, she noticed several disciples looking tense and anxious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ning Yuchan understood instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, more than half of Jinshan Dao Academy’s nine admitted disciples had gained entry thanks to Xu Jin’s influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, hearing Ning Yuchan’s words, they feared they wouldn’t secure a Core Disciple slot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, most of Jinshan Dao Academy’s admitted disciples could not become Core Disciples of the National Dao Academy—they could only become inner disciples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Currently, only Xu Jin and Wang Weisheng had secured Core Disciple slots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry,” Ning Yuchan reassured them. “Even as inner disciples of the National Dao Academy, your cultivation resources will be dozens of times greater than what you received as inner disciples at Jinshan Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if you train diligently, there will still be pathways to rise to Core Disciple status later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin listened, but his attention remained fixed on the Observation Platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remembered Old Qi’s instructions—he must remain vigilant for any high-ranking Star Palace officials arriving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t know what Old Qi was doing, but such a warning implied something of utmost importance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could not afford to endanger Old Qi through his own negligence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, until the True Disciple Battle began, no anomalies appeared on the Observation Platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All seated upon it were currently high-ranking officials from the National Dao Academy and various other academies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, all candidates have arrived and their identities verified. Please give your command,” Chief Instructor Yu Da reported.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Begin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Grand Master waved his hand, Chief Instructor Yu Da subtly activated the Star Plucking Token. Instantly, several streams of starlight cascaded from the sky of the autumn realm, accompanied by floating text.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Autumn Examination Stage Four: Star Plucking】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Rules: All candidates must ascend the Celestial Steps of the Star Tower. Ranking is determined by the number of steps climbed; if equal, duration of endurance decides. Warning: This stage relates to spiritual soul power. If you feel severe head pain, abandon immediately—failure to do so may damage your spiritual soul.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【During ascent, any form of combat is forbidden. Violators will be immediately disqualified.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Rewards: First place: Soul-Refining Golden Core, ten ascents of the Celestial Steps. Second and third place: one Spirit-Stabilizing Golden Core, eight ascents each.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Fourth to sixth place: one Spirit-Stabilizing Golden Core, six ascents each.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Seventh to tenth place: four ascents each; eleventh to one hundredth: three ascents each.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【One hundred first to two hundredth: two ascents each; two hundred first to eight hundredth: one ascent each.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【The top ten in Stage Four will automatically gain Core Disciple status.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【If overwhelmed by unbearable pressure, activate the Star Plucking Token with your will and silently utter “depart” to exit.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rules were simple, the rewards direct and clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Xu Jin instinctively glanced at Ning Yuchan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He understood the rules—but the rewards confused him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One look, and Ning Yuchan understood his gaze; she had once felt the same doubt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Soul-Refining Golden Core is an exceedingly rare elixir capable of enhancing spiritual soul power—extremely precious. The National Dao Academy never sells it; it appears only as a reward. It is said to amplify spiritual soul power two to three times more than the Spirit-Stabilizing Golden Core.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some disciples born with naturally strong spiritual souls have even achieved Spirit-Star Casting after consuming it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The effects of the Spirit-Stabilizing Golden Core you already know—no need for me to elaborate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the Celestial Steps, they are a mystical, towering stone staircase outside the actual Star Tower, radiating immense spiritual soul pressure. Each step upward exponentially increases the pressure endured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, major Star Palaces and the National Dao Academy use this staircase to hone their disciples’ spiritual soul power, strengthening it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even the major Star Palaces must pay a price to the original Star Tower to use it—making each ascent exceedingly rare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I climbed it myself, and later trained my spiritual soul upon it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though this is an autumn examination, cherish this opportunity—it offers the same spiritual soul enhancement. Do not waste it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, Ning Yuchan paused, scanning the group. “Xu Jin, having consumed a Spirit-Stabilizing Golden Core, will climb higher than the rest of you. But for all others, do your best.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When you reach your limit, sit and endure until you can endure no longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do not force yourself—if you fall from the Celestial Steps, your spiritual soul will be damaged.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the academy, news of the successful engraving of the Great Gathering Star Pattern had already been disseminated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xianbing was the second to succeed, completing it in twenty-eight days; Yue Daqi was third, in thirty-one days; Luo Geng, Yu Guan, and Ren Xiaoxiang each took around thirty-two days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Dong Zhao had concealed the true number of days Xu Jin required.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He publicly announced Xu Jin had succeeded in twenty-six days, so the first-place reward—the Spirit-Stabilizing Golden Core—naturally went to Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This also indirectly explained Xu Jin’s sudden surge in combat power, and no one questioned further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, with Ning Yuchan mentioning the Spirit-Stabilizing Golden Core, Xu Jin recalled it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since obtaining it on July 22nd, he had stored it within the Star Lamp for nurturing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last time he checked, it was at the second nourishment stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To reach the third stage, at least thirteen days were needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Calculating the days, the Spirit-Stabilizing Golden Core should have reached the third nourishment today—after today, he could consume it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin felt anticipation: what enhancement would the third-nourished Spirit-Stabilizing Golden Core bring him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for this Celestial Steps trial, Xu Jin, upon reading the rules, felt no concern whatsoever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The top three would surely be his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First place, barring someone else having achieved Spirit-Star Casting, would also be his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Xu Jin had already planned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He must not overexert himself in this stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would hold back—just barely secure first place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Soul-Refining Golden Core as first prize—he had already claimed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was an elixir even rarer than the Spirit-Stabilizing Golden Core.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After flashing for dozens of breaths, the rules were fully explained to the disciples by the instructors of each academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chief Instructor Yu Da then bowed before the Observation Platform. “Your Majesty, the rules have been fully displayed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, I understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao nodded slightly. Without any visible motion, a jade Star Plucking Token suddenly appeared before his chest. His finger brushed lightly across it—and the autumn realm erupted in thunderous rumbling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if an earthquake struck, the entire realm shook violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amidst the tremors, a solemn, ancient image of a Celestial Star Tower materialized within the autumn realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tower rose from the earth, piercing the heavens, its peak vanishing into the upper reaches of the realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More astonishingly, though viewed from above, it felt as if one were looking upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that upward gaze, an indescribable sense of insignificance—like an ant—arose spontaneously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is the appearance of the Star Tower—but it is still not the original, merely a projection of the present world. It is said that ascending the Star Tower allows one to step directly upon the stars,” Ning Yuchan murmured, her head raised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, starlight churned within the Star Tower’s image, and a starlit stone staircase appeared beside it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The staircase soared into the clouds, its end unseen, its number of steps unknown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Xu Jin, Stage Four: Star Plucking has begun. Enter within ten breaths.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The starlight message appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin did not enter immediately—he glanced once more at the Observation Platform. No high-ranking Star Palace official had appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the trial hasn’t appeared yet, this stage probably won’t either. Xu Jin made his decision instantly and prepared to enter the trial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before entering, Xu Jin looked at Ning Yuchan and suddenly asked, “Master, how many steps did you climb when you ascended the Heavenly Staircase in your time?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other disciples, also preparing to enter, turned toward Ning Yuchan with curious expressions, eager to know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why so much nonsense? Get in already!” Ning Yuchan waved her hand, urging the disciples forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The disciples were disappointed, but they had no choice but to enter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet before Xu Jin took his next step, Ning Yuchan’s voice echoed in his ear: “Xu Jin, I climbed one hundred and eighty-two steps in my time, ranking seventh. Don’t tell anyone—it might shake their confidence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Xu Jin turned back to Ning Yuchan and gave her an OK gesture. Ning Yuchan was momentarily confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did a circle with three raised fingers mean?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin understood Ning Yuchan’s thoughtful intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One hundred and eighty-two steps must be extremely difficult to reach—just look at the seventh-place ranking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he told Wang Weisheng, Lu Xianbing, Yue Daqi, and others, it might damage their mindset and hurt their performance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, each additional step could lift one’s rank by several places.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, Xu Jin stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same moment, in the trial zone of the Chen Guo Dao Academy, the disciples were remarkably relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether it was Meng Qingqiu, Yan Chen, Yuan Feiqing, Guan Li, or Fang Mingchun, all were extremely at ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without exaggeration, this was their home ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In most Autumn Exam stages, the fourth trial, Chen Guo Dao Academy disciples, even if they didn’t sweep the top spots, would still claim eight or nine positions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the top three, they had long since locked them up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was just a matter of who would claim them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Chen glanced at Senior Sister Meng Qingqiu, then at Yuan Feiqing. The top three were almost certainly among these three—but who would take first place remained uncertain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Chen desperately wanted first place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Spirit-Refining Golden Core was too rare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the Spirit-Stabilizing Golden Core, frankly, most of them had already consumed one, and some had even wasted two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the Heavenly Staircase, Yan Chen’s family elders had already let him attempt it three times to hone and strengthen his spiritual soul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then again, wasn’t that true for every seed candidate of the Chen Guo Dao Academy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their family legacies spoke for themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior Sister, Yan Brother, Yuan Brother, I’ll watch closely to see which of you three will claim the Spirit-Refining Golden Core,” Lu Kun sent a starlight message to the three from the spectator zone, his handsome face twisted by clenched teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This opportunity had originally been his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He should have been competing with Senior Sister, Yan Chen, Yuan Feiqing, and others for that Spirit-Refining Golden Core.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Kun had consumed two Spirit-Stabilizing Golden Cores, and his family had spent enormous resources to let him attempt the Heavenly Staircase five times in advance, refining his spiritual soul—just so he might claim that one Spirit-Refining Golden Core.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he obtained it, his spiritual soul strength would far outpace other prodigies before he reached the Gathering Battle realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the Heavenly Staircase could also refine the spiritual soul, even ten ascents yielded less enhancement than half a Spirit-Refining Golden Core.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too bad—he possessed immense spiritual soul strength, yet now could only watch helplessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of this was Xu Jin’s fault!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Kun stared silently toward the Jin Shan Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once Xu Jin entered the Chen Guo Dao Academy, he’d have plenty of ways to deal with the brat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the Observation Platform, the atmosphere today was utterly calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because this fourth trial offered nothing to fight over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It relied entirely on spiritual soul strength: strong, and you climb a few more steps; weak, and you’re stuck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just sit and watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only one standing was Vice Academician Liu Qingzhu. Today, she no longer buried her head in her chest—instead, she clasped her slender waist, gazing far off at the central Heavenly Staircase of the Autumn Exam’s secret realm. Today, she wouldn’t lose face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These elite seed candidates of the Dao Academy had each consumed at least one Spirit-Stabilizing Golden Core—some provided by the academy, others by their families.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This trial was an absolute sure win.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Top three? Guaranteed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Top five? Also guaranteed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Top ten? Less certain—but if they swept the top ten, she could reclaim a little of her lost dignity as Vice Academician, even if this trial’s skill wasn’t something she taught.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at least it was about ranking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the countdown ended, all eight hundred candidates appeared before the Heavenly Staircase.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From afar, it looked narrow; up close, it was immensely majestic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each step was dozens of meters wide—eight hundred people ascending simultaneously, a slight misstep wouldn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ascend!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Chief Instructor Yu Da’s roar, the light barrier before them vanished instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All disciples rushed toward the first step—but as each foot touched the first step, their movements slowed, as if an invisible pressure slammed into them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In contrast, many Chen Guo Dao Academy disciples ascended with ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had previously attempted the staircase once or several times through various means; experience made it effortless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the Chen Guo Dao Academy disciples ascend so casually, Ning Yuchan shook her head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she took the exam, she had been the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t cheating—it was purely about spiritual soul strength, and their ancestral legacies were simply there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their families had spent three, five, even ten generations building their foundations—why should you demand they start on equal footing with you, a naive newcomer?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their ancestors paid a great price too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as today’s Chen Guo citizens enjoy peace, it was earned by countless Chen Guo heroes!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It made perfect sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath the Heavenly Staircase, Xu Jin didn’t rush to ascend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t a race of speed or who ran fastest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why hurry?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the sky, a starlight waterfall displayed a real-time ranking of the eight hundred disciples’ progress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First place: Yan Chen, already on step one hundred and eighty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His pace remained steady, one step at a time, climbing upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Xu Jin slowly stepped onto the first step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An indescribable pressure surged over him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt as if towering mountains loomed ahead—each step required pushing against their crushing weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But once you lifted your foot, you realized the mountains weren’t on your legs—they were inside your mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It reminded him of the sensation in the Star-Taking Tower after repeated combat drills, when his spiritual soul strength ran low.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet as Xu Jin focused his attention, his entire being became a blade, slicing through layers of mountains as he ascended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One step, two steps—Xu Jin climbed steadily, each footfall firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the result of observing the top ten climbers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Be steady. Be slow. That was more efficient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After half a watch, some disciples had reached their limits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many were stuck around step sixty; the lowest had reached only step sixty-two and couldn’t go further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin saw Lu Xianbing, currently stuck at step sixty-nine, still struggling upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lu Brother, calm your spirit and try to push a few more steps!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jin Ge, keep going!” Lu Xianbing smiled bitterly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew his limit was reached—he might climb three or five more steps at most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So elite disciple status was no longer within reach—but he still had a chance in the next trial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On step seventy-one, Xu Jin spotted Yue Daqi and offered the same encouragement before stepping steadily upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yue Daqi watched Xu Jin ascend effortlessly, as if under no pressure, feeling both envy and helplessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Golden Star Champion of Jin Shan Dao Academy, he was likely the most doubted champion in the history of the Golden Star Season.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Xu Jin’s performance grew more brilliant, most believed Xu Jin should be this year’s Golden Star Champion—Yue Daqi’s title was too hollow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First surpassed by Lu Xianbing, then by Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the start of the Heavenly Staircase, Yue Daqi had overtaken Lu Xianbing by three steps and felt triumphant—he’d finally prove his title wasn’t fake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Heavenly Staircase relied purely on the strength of spiritual soul—no technique, no luck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, watching Xu Jin casually step onto step seventy-three, then seventy-four, Yue Daqi was struck again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt his Golden Star Champion title was truly hollow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The true Golden Star Champion should be Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along the way, Xu Jin kept overtaking others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Chen, in first place, had reached step one hundred and eighty; Meng Qingqiu in second, one hundred and seventy-nine; Yuan Feiqing in third, one hundred and seventy-eight; Ji Hongli in fourth, one hundred and seventy-seven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin was on step seventy-five.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But clearly, the top four’s pace had slowed drastically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It took several breaths to climb a single step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Xu Jin continued climbing step by step, neither fast nor slow—just steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the seventy-sixth step, Xu Jin saw Zhang Ming of the Dao Academy, offered him encouragement, and passed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the seventy-ninth step, Xu Jin saw Zhang Han, the current third senior brother of the Dao Academy, offered him encouragement, and passed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the ninety-third step, Xu Jin encountered Wang Weisheng, the former senior brother of the Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Wang, adjust yourself—try to climb one or two more steps,” Xu Jin said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll try my best, Senior Brother—you keep going!” Wang Weisheng bowed to Xu Jin, who returned the bow and stepped onto the ninety-fourth step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half a quarter-hour later, Xu Jin reached the one-hundred-fiftieth step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking back, only a dozen or so people remained between the one-hundred-fiftieth step and the one-hundredth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the eight hundred disciples, most were clustered below the one-hundredth step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The greatest number were between the sixtieth and seventieth steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above the one-hundred-fiftieth step, eleven figures could be seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the skyborne leaderboard, Meng Qingqiu had risen to first place at one-hundred-ninety-three steps; Yan Chen and Yuan Feiqing tied for second at one-hundred-ninety-two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Qingqiu had stood motionless on the one-hundred-ninety-third step for over ten breaths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin continued climbing steadily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One-hundred-sixty. One-hundred-seventy. One-hundred-eighty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Xu Jin surpassed Guan Li, Ceng Yao, and Fang Mingchun on the one-hundred-eightieth step, all three stared at him as if seeing a ghost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What nonsense—how could a disciple from a county Dao Academy possibly reach the one-hundred-eightieth step?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a case hadn’t occurred once in ten years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had all taken Ding Shen Golden Elixirs, and each had been given special training sessions!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the Observation Platform, Vice Dean Song Bing pointed at Xu Jin, who had just reached the one-hundred-eighty-first step, and laughed, “This boy clearly received heavy investment from your Jinshan Dao Academy! Little Dong, how many special training sessions did you give him? How many times did you let him test the Ascending Heaven Steps?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Vice Dean Song, we Jinshan Dao Academy lack the resources for special training. But this boy did earn our allotted Ding Shen Golden Elixir this year.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, really?” Song Bing clearly didn’t believe him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhao smiled and said nothing more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhao had the rank to give disciples special training on the Ascending Heaven Steps—but no need to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One attempt yielded little benefit, and he couldn’t win first place anyway. Even five, six, or seven attempts? He lacked the funds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each attempt cost at least ten thousand Dao Merits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The senior officials of other Chen Guo Dao Academies fell into thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this Xu Jin reached the one-hundred-eighty-first step solely through one Ding Shen Golden Elixir, his spiritual core talent must rank among the top three of this year’s Autumn Examination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Look, Xu Jin has slowed down too. It seems the top three will be decided among Yan Chen, Meng Qingqiu, and Yuan Feiqing,” said a Vice Academic, pointing at the disciples on the Ascending Heaven Steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed. It’ll be over in half a quarter-hour at most—this fourth trial is done.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the Ascending Heaven Steps, Meng Qingqiu struggled for half a quarter-hour before finally stepping onto the one-hundred-ninety-fourth step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon reaching the one-hundred-ninety-fourth step, Meng Qingqiu immediately sat cross-legged—he could barely stand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Chen and Yuan Feiqing had reached the one-hundred-ninety-third step just minutes earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Feiqing had clearly hit his limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like Meng Qingqiu, he could no longer stand upright after stepping up—he could only sit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Yan Chen still struggled onward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, Xu Jin took a painful step and stepped onto the one-hundred-eighty-second step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin felt uneasy—how good was his acting?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could he fool the elders on the Observation Platform?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, he had deliberately delayed for over ten breaths before stepping up a single step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five minutes later, Yan Chen crawled onto the one-hundred-ninety-fourth step, then sat cross-legged beside Meng Qingqiu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior Sister, I’ve reached my limit. You climb one more step—this first place is beyond me,” Yan Chen said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Meng Qingqiu shook her head. “I’ve reached my limit too. I can’t go higher.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then let’s just sit and hold on. I think you’ll last longer than me—this first place is yours,” Yan Chen said, then closed his eyes. Now, he needed to calm his spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said the first place belonged to Meng Qingqiu—but he still wanted to win.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lian Shen Golden Elixir was beyond even his family’s reach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not necessarily,” Meng Qingqiu said, then closed her eyes and calmed her spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Xu Jin had just reached the one-hundred-eighty-fifth step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even this made many eyes bulge like copper bells.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Xu Jin was now ranked fifth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only four people remained ahead of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were: Meng Qingqiu, Yan Chen, Yuan Feiqing, and Ji Hongli!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the Observation Platform, all the Academic Heads and Vice Academic Heads stared in shock. Vice Academic Liu Qingzhu felt humiliated—his top five had collapsed entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to bury his head in his chest—but remembered the first place hadn’t been decided yet. He had to keep watching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still stood with hands on his waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twenty breaths later, Xu Jin appeared to struggle as he climbed onto the one-hundred-eighty-seventh step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Hongli, on the one-hundred-eighty-eighth step, smiled sweetly at Xu Jin, revealing two tiny dimples like needle pricks. “Senior Brother Xu, push harder—crush them all. I believe in you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Hongli’s smile was so sweet, Xu Jin couldn’t help but smile back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he feigned difficulty and stepped onto the one-hundred-eighty-eighth step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sixty breaths later, Xu Jin reached the one-hundred-ninety-second step. Yuan Feiqing, seated on the one-hundred-ninety-third, offered a smile worse than crying, bowing to Xu Jin. “Brother Xu, keep going!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Xu Jin stepped onto the one-hundred-ninety-third step, Yuan Feiqing’s desire for him to climb higher than everyone else became overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since you’ve passed me, pass them all!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was Yuan Feiqing’s inner cry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin gasped heavily. Meng Qingqiu and Yan Chen, seated together on the one-hundred-ninety-fourth step, opened their eyes simultaneously—one calm, one stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Xu, keep going—try to climb one more step,” Meng Qingqiu said, her calm eyes holding quiet expectation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Chen stared at Xu Jin in shock, mouth agape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This… this can’t be real!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A disciple from a county Dao Academy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, Yan Chen’s eyes widened again—he saw Xu Jin straining to lift his leg, bending low, trembling as he slowly stepped onto the one-hundred-ninety-fourth step!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Xu Jin still standing while he could only sit, Yan Chen blurted out a curse—but the outburst shattered his focus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the next instant, a crushing pressure like a tidal wave or mountain flood surged into Yan Chen’s Shang Xing Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Terrified, Yan Chen immediately activated his Zhai Xing Token and silently invoked departure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, Yan Chen dissolved into specks of starlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Chen’s rank ended at the one-hundred-ninety-fourth step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that very moment, Xu Jin took another agonizing step, bent low, hunched his back, and stepped onto the one-hundred-ninety-fifth step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the Practice Realm leaderboard, Xu Jin’s name instantly leapt to first place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【First Place: Xu Jin, One-Hundred-Ninety-Fifth Step】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, the entire Autumn Examination Realm erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one expected Xu Jin, from a county Dao Academy, to surpass Meng Qingqiu and Yan Chen and claim first place in this trial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just the disciples—the senior officials of Chen Guo Dao Academies, all the Academic Heads and Vice Academic Heads, even the Academy Heads and Chancellors of each province—all stared in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Chancellor Dong Zhao looked stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He truly hadn’t expected this!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Vice Academic Liu Qingzhu, he had already sat down, burying his head in his chest again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lousy day—I shouldn’t have come today!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",4407,"2026-06-19T23:56:29.689Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","9733a9f126f5840b1f1a105f1d89d98db2fda8587998d5c9dcc467aa9d0b63a6","the-star-martial-era-chapter-118","the-star-martial-era-chapter-116",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-star-martial-era-cover.jpg"]