Chapter 151: The Divine Explanation and Breaking the Seventyth Challenge (Third Update, Requesting Base Monthly Votes)

In the Star-Taking Tower's God-Slaying Battlefield Secret Realm, Xu Jin was continuously challenging.

He had just easily slain the sixty-fourth challenge.

In fact, if Xu Jin hadn't stopped yesterday and had kept fighting hard, he likely could have passed the sixty-fourth challenge, even reached beyond the sixty-ninth.

But whether he could enter beyond the sixty-ninth would depend on actual combat conditions.

But today was completely different.

It was easy.

After engraving the Intermediate Fire Source Star Pattern, Xu Jin's star art power surged.

Previously, when challenging over forty stages, ordinary Cultivation Star Level Five aliens with mid-to-low-grade star cores, even with two Crimson Scale Hearts combined, were instantly obliterated.

At this moment, Xu Jin finally understood Liu Qingzhu's painstaking intentions.

Crimson Scale Hearts greatly enhance the power of fire-based star arts.

Liu Qingzhu said one Crimson Scale Heart equaled the combined power of a Low-Grade Fire Source and a Low-Grade Fire Aspect Star Pattern.

Xu Jin knew what a Low-Grade Fire Source was, but he didn't yet understand what a Low-Grade Fire Aspect was.

But he had already tested the power.

When adding one Crimson Scale Heart, his fire-based star art damage increased by twenty percent.

When adding two Crimson Scale Hearts, his fire-based star art damage surged by fifty percent.

If the original damage was ten, it was now fifteen.

With two Crimson Scale Hearts combined, even ordinary Cultivation Star Level Five aliens with mid-to-low-grade star cores were instantly obliterated.

Meanwhile, Xu Jin conducted another test.

It was because of this test that his challenge progress slowed slightly.

The other test concerned the protective star pattern of the offered star core.

Xu Jin discovered that the Fire Spirit Star Core's protection of a Low-Grade Fire Source could also be stacked.

But the power increase was only ten percent!

If, during the Contest Arena, two Fire Spirit Star Cores were offered simultaneously, and both selected the Low-Grade Fire Source protection,

then his fire-based star art would gain a twenty percent power boost.

A twenty percent power increase seemed modest.

But in actual combat, the effect was astonishing.

Aliens of high-grade star core Cultivation Star Level Five, and mid-to-low-grade star core Cultivation Star Level Six, previously unable to be instantly killed, were now instantly obliterated under the protection of two Fire Spirit Star Cores!

This made Xu Jin's challenges from stage fifty-one to sixty exceptionally easy.

But even from stage sixty-one to now, it was still very easy.

Ordinary Cultivation Star Level Seven aliens were wiped out with two area-effect star arts.

Even elite aliens were slain with just two fire-based star arts.

So far, Xu Jin hasn't even had the chance to use his latest kite-ring tactic.

Clearly, it's easy.

【Xu Jin, you may challenge the sixty-fifth stage. Reward: 35 Dao Merit points】

As Xu Jin predicted yesterday, as long as his cultivation base hasn't broken into Cultivation Star Level Two, the God-Slaying Battlefield's reward increases by one Dao Merit point per round—a snowballing effect that causes his Dao Merit gains to keep growing.

If he fully completes challenges sixty-one through seventy, the Dao Merit reward from this single round alone will reach 385 points—truly impressive.

The next round will be even more.

Just as Xu Jin was about to challenge, his Star-Taking Token suddenly vibrated three times in rapid succession.

This was an urgent star message.

Ordinary star messages cost one Dao Merit point; urgent ones cost two.

Xu Jin quickly checked the message—it was from his master, Liu Qingzhu.

【Can you pass the sixty-seventh stage? Liu Qingzhu】

【Yes】

Xu Jin didn't understand why, but he gave his master a firm reply.

If not for the tests, he'd already passed the seventieth stage.

From now on, his challenge speed would accelerate rapidly.

【Can you pass the sixty-seventh stage within fifteen minutes? Liu Qingzhu】

【Master, at most seven and a half minutes】

【Good, I'll wait for your result】

Seeing Liu Qingzhu's urgent star message, Xu Jin didn't understand, but he immediately began the challenge.

If the master wants speed, then he'll go fast.

Three more stages? Not even seven and a half minutes needed!

The next instant, Xu Jin stepped into the sixty-fifth stage.

Inside the Minglun Hall of the National Academy.

The group of Xuezheng and Vice Xuezheng, who were about to disperse, were suddenly stopped by Liu Qingzhu.

"Hmm, something urgent?"

Looking at Liu Qingzhu, the Senior Xuezheng Kou Jing frowned; the others didn't rush to leave.

"Senior Xuezheng, I have one more matter—please wait a moment," Liu Qingzhu said.

"Oh? What is it? Speak," Senior Xuezheng Kou Jing sat back down. Once he sat, all other Senior Xuezheng and Vice Xuezheng followed suit; the instructors and drillmasters had no choice but to sit as well.

This time, Liu Qingzhu smiled before speaking, glancing first at Vice Xuezheng Song Ziye.

"Senior Xuezheng, coincidentally, when we made our wager just now, my disciple Xu Jin was challenging the God-Slaying Battlefield—and his progress is excellent!" Liu Qingzhu said. "If nothing unexpected happens, this wager can end early."

Song Ziye reacted fastest—he immediately sank his thoughts into the God-Slaying Battlefield leaderboard. One glance turned his face pale.

"Liu, you tricked me!" Song Ziye roared.

"Are you a man or not? Do you have any dignity?"

Liu Qingzhu shot back immediately. "Who started this? Everyone saw it!"

Several Vice Xuezheng looked helplessly resigned.

Today, Song Ziye and Liu Qingzhu had turned the Minglun Hall into a circus—thankfully no students were watching, or it would've been truly embarrassing, like a marketplace.

Several Senior Xuezheng sensed something was amiss.

The next instant, Deputy Supervisor Dong Zhao swept his finger across his Star-Taking Token, and a star-ranked leaderboard projected before them.

It was the God-Slaying Battlefield leaderboard.

Xu Jin's fifth-place ranking was glaringly obvious.

"Before the meeting, this Xu Jin was ranked ninety-second in the God-Slaying Battlefield. In just this short time, he's climbed to fifth," Dong Zhao said, his tone calm yet surprised.

Song Ziye's expression twisted through countless emotions—shock, disbelief, panic—finally turning to Senior Xuezheng Fang Shi for help.

"Just fifth."

Senior Xuezheng Fang Shi spoke calmly.

Though he knew full well that fifth place now meant an extremely high probability of entering the top three within half a month.

But that was still half a month away.

"Indeed, impressive progress! It seems we needn't worry about this autumn exam champion being delayed! But Vice Xuezheng Song, you should worry about your fortune—this wager involves substantial stakes," Senior Xuezheng Kou Jing said.

"Who knows what will happen in half a month? We'll deal with it then," Song Ziye had now calmed completely, already strategizing—thinking how to boost the top three's strength, including teaching them Tongguan techniques and methods.

"True, then—"

"Senior Xuezheng Kou, please give me seven and a half minutes! Within seven and a half minutes, my disciple Xu Jin will enter the top three—this wager can end early," Liu Qingzhu said.

"Oh? Your disciple has such confidence?"

"Why doesn't your disciple say he'll become number one within seven and a half minutes?" Song Ziye sneered.

"Senior Xuezheng, grant me seven and a half minutes—this is the time to clear my name!"

"I, Liu Qingzhu, have never misled my students."

"Xu Jin does not need to change masters!" Liu Qingzhu rose solemnly.

If Kou Jing refused even seven and a half minutes after Liu Qingzhu spoke thus, he'd be utterly unreasonable.

"Fine, everyone, let's wait seven and a half minutes and see how the God-Slaying Battlefield leaderboard changes," Kou Jing smiled. Unfortunately, the God-Slaying Battlefield was a high-level secret realm generated by the Star-Taking Tower—its internal battle scenes couldn't be viewed.

Otherwise, they could've watched the fight.

"Hah! He passed the sixty-fifth stage—now fourth!" Senior Xuezheng Pan Hong pointed at the leaderboard projected by Dong Zhao and laughed.

Beside him, Senior Xuezheng Fang Shi's face was grim; Song Ziye, head of the twelve Vice Xuezheng, looked increasingly gloomy and tense.

If Xu Jin truly reached the top three, his face today would be utterly ruined.

Not just humiliated—he'd lose a fortune.

A massive fortune.

"Looks like we all misjudged—Liu Feiyan teaches students remarkably well," Kou Jing laughed.

"Indeed! Look at you all—you just drove Little Feiyan to desperation!" Pan Hong laughed.

But no one except the Senior Xuezheng laughed.

If Liu Qingzhu's student had failed, this would've been an entirely different story.

A far more tragic one—one that would leave Liu Qingzhu forever shamed.

"Hey, look—the leaderboard changed again! This kid's advancing fast—only twenty breaths?" Senior Xuezheng Pan Hong laughed again. "Now he's second!"—as if enjoying a spectacle.

In that instant, Song Ziye's face turned ashen.

He had lost all will to kill.

He'd spent so long blustering, just wanting to kick Liu Qingzhu a few times to vent his anger—but instead, he was the one trapped.

In the end, he was the fool.

He even wondered if this had been Liu Qingzhu's plan all along.

But after thinking it over, he decided it wasn't.

First, Liu Qingzhu didn't have that kind of power; second, this whole affair had originated from him.

If he hadn't provoked it, none of this would've happened.

But now—

"Senior Academician, since this is the case, you've all seen it: my student Xu Jin is already ranked second in the God-Slaying Arena. This wager can end early!"

I ask all Senior Academicians and Deputy Supervisor Dong Zhao to oversee the outcome of this wager.

See to it that Song Ziye delivers the cultivation resources." Liu Qingzhu rose and spoke clearly, with righteous authority.

At these words, everyone present could only look at Song Ziye with pity.

All that bluster had cost him dearly.

Still, the Song family was wealthy and powerful; losing this much wasn't a serious blow.

Deputy Academician Han Qing opened his mouth to say something, clearly wanting to defend Song Ziye—but when he met Dong Zhao's cold gaze, he fell silent.

The Academy's Inspection Office had already recorded this matter, and with the four Senior Academicians as witnesses, no one could overturn it.

Song Ziye could only accept his bad luck.

On-duty Senior Academician Kou Jing glanced around, then fixed his gaze on Song Ziye. "Ziye, a wager is a wager. You promised cultivation resources—when will you deliver them?"

At the very least, give us a deadline.

Oh, by the way, the Deputy Supervisor has already logged this into the Inspection Office's records—you'll need to coordinate with them as well."

"Here, my two Dragon-Turtle Soul-Forging Pills—I'll hand them over first. I accept my loss!"

"What a stroke of luck for that brat!"

As Kou Jing pulled out a vial of pills, he glanced at the other three Senior Academicians, as if to say: I've already given mine—your turn now.

Senior Academician Pan Hong let out a bitter laugh and began retrieving his vial—when suddenly, Senior Academician Fang Shi said, "Wait!"

"Hmm?"

All eyes turned to Senior Academician Fang Shi.

Could there still be a twist at this point?

"Deputy Supervisor Dong, when you recorded this matter just now, did you specify that Xu Jin must be in the top three of the God-Slaying Arena half a month from now?" asked Senior Academician Fang Shi.

"That's correct!"

"Then that settles it!"

Senior Academician Fang Shi nodded. "Xu Jin has only just entered the top three now. Whether he'll still be there half a month from now? That won't be known until then!"

We should reconvene at the Minglun Hall half a month from now, check the God-Slaying Arena rankings then, and the outcome will be clear!"

At these words, Song Ziye, moments ago ashen-faced, instantly regained his color and sat up straight.

He was deeply impressed by Senior Academician Fang Shi.

Brilliant reasoning!

And perfectly reasonable!

Not forced at all!

The old are still the sharpest!

No wonder he's a Senior Academician!

"That explanation works," said Senior Academician Kou Jing with a smile, then turned to Liu Qingzhu. "Feiyan, what do you think?"

Liu Feiyan was speechless.

Fang Shi's explanation couldn't be refuted.

After all, they'd clearly agreed on "half a month from now."

But right now, Liu Feiyan had absolute confidence in her student Xu Jin.

He'd reached second place at Star Refining First Stage—what about Star Refining Third Stage half a month from now?

Currently, Xu Jin had only engraved one star pattern. Half a month from now, he'd likely engrave two or three more, greatly boosting his strength—perhaps even forging a Star Core if he stayed on the Arena long enough.

Half a month from now, Xu Jin could even be number one.

"Fine. Half a month it is. I have no objection."

"Good."

Senior Academician Kou Jing settled the matter. "Then half a month from now, we'll reconvene at the Minglun Hall. But Deputy Academician Song—you must prepare the wagered cultivation resources by then, regardless of the outcome."

If you win, you take them.

If Liu Qingzhu wins, you hand them over on the spot.

Can you do that?" asked Kou Jing.

Song Ziye was about to answer when Senior Academician Pan Hong suddenly interjected, "Wait—this brat just cleared the 68th trial! He's number one now!"

Song Ziye's face darkened instantly.

How strong was this Xu Jin?

"Deputy Academician Song?" Kou Jing pressed.

"Senior Academician Kou, no problem—I'll prepare the wagered cultivation resources, win or lose!" Song Ziye said helplessly.

"Good. Meeting adjourned!"

Kou Jing left first, followed by Senior Academician Fang, then Senior Academician Gao.

Senior Academician Pan was the last to rise and leave—but as he walked out, he exclaimed again.

"Sixty-ninth trial cleared! This kid moves fast!"

The sound felt like a knife plunged into Song Ziye's heart.

Still, he tried to comfort himself.

Only two trials ahead.

Half a month remains—there's still time to change things.

Then Song Ziye slowly rose, glared fiercely at Liu Qingzhu, and finally left the Minglun Hall.

Before he'd even walked a few hundred meters from the hall—

A chorus of shouts erupted from within the Minglun Hall.

"He broke through!"

He cleared the 70th trial too!"

"This Xu Jin is too powerful—he cleared the 70th trial so fast!"

"Will the 73rd trial even slow him down?"

"Look—he's broken through the 71st trial!"

Each shout pierced Song Ziye's heart like a dagger.

The gap was widening more and more!

(End of Chapter)