[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-star-martial-era":3,"chapter-the-star-martial-era-the-star-martial-era-chapter-176":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},2275034,4448,"Chapter 176: Complete Victory (Request Subscription)","the-star-martial-era-chapter-176",176,"\u003Cp>“Surrender your soul core, and I may spare your life!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fourth-rank, Star-Condensing fourth-layer Ziyi clan expert lay crushed beneath Xu Jin’s foot, blood streaming from his eyes, ears, mouth, and nose, his wings charred black.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a lone Ziyi clan elder, brought down by Xu Jin’s Break-Soul attack, then attempted to be captured alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the unyielding gaze of this Ziyi elder and the faint gathering lightning around him, Xu Jin sighed inwardly—he’d likely have to find another target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the distance, a ninth-layer Star-Refining Ziyi clan member roared in fury as he charged forward—he was the retainer of this fourth-rank Ziyi elder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin didn’t even glance at him; as the man drew near, a single Flame Explosion shattered him instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Life or death—it’s your choice. I have little time or patience,” Xu Jin murmured, his Upper Star Palace already primed with the Break-Soul soul attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In another two or three breaths, this fourth-rank Ziyi elder would recover from his soul trauma and regain the ability to attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For his own safety, Xu Jin would have to strike again with Break-Soul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But two consecutive Break-Soul strikes would severely damage the soul core of this fourth-rank elder; in the third-rank Zifeng Star Region, without elixirs or methods, he’d take months to heal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d essentially be ruined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surrendering would be useless anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I—I surrender!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After internal struggle, the fourth-rank Ziyi elder Zi Jian chose to surrender.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was still in his prime—he didn’t want to die!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s better. Release your soul core.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the next instant, Zi Jian’s expression darkened as he dropped all defenses, allowing Xu Jin’s soul power to invade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After dozens of breaths, Zi Jian screamed and collapsed, his body convulsing violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having a strand of his soul core ripped away was excruciating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Xu Jin sent forth Warm Dream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zi Jian immediately fell into deep sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Warm Dream Star Pattern inherently heals soul injuries, but Xu Jin did this not solely to mend his soul trauma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the dream, Xu Jin could reinforce his control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It helped, somewhat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fifteen minutes later, Zi Jian slowly awoke; the moment he saw Xu Jin, he flipped over and bowed, “Your servant greets my lord.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as he knelt, he hesitated, puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How had he become his lord?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, he bowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the power of the dream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Zi Jian finish his bow, Xu Jin spoke slowly: “I currently have three subordinates: you, Zi Yu, and Zi Jing. The other two are Star-Condensing second-layer and third-layer, respectively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I will have them place you in command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I will secure for you the position of city lord—train diligently; within a year, I will return to the Zifeng Star Region.” Xu Jin gave his instructions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After receiving them, Zi Jian cautiously asked, “May I ask, my lord, which Star Palace do you belong to? Your servant needs to know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Chen Guo Dao Academy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zi Jian’s face showed shock—he wasn’t from a Star Palace at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In the future, Star Palace disciples may enter to attack. If you encounter them, pretend to submit, then cultivate and build your forces, waiting quietly for my arrival,” Xu Jin said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your servant remembers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Here is a set of Star Arms. With them, you should now be able to defeat your clan’s Star-Condensing fifth-layer experts. Once you break through to Star-Condensing fifth-layer,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>defeating sixth-layer will be easy, and even against seventh-layer, you can escape alive.” Xu Jin said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three-piece set of third-rank supreme-grade Star Arms Xu Jin bestowed had all been seized from Star Palace disciples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boots, armor, and Star Arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the third-rank Zifeng Star Region, these were extremely precious treasures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far superior to the Star Arms the Ziyi clan forged themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Merely holding the Star Arm, Zi Jian was overjoyed—he was a high-ranking member of the Ziyi royal bloodline and knew value.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your servant bows in thanks for my lord’s generosity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Zi Jian bowed deeply of his own accord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Also, here is a vial of Four-Xuan Revive-Star Elixir, two vials of Three-Yuan Restore-Star Elixir—both rapidly restore Star Power; use them in critical moments to save your life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this vial of Supreme Spirit-Reviving Elixir—I grant it to you as well!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With these, you should have more than enough to survive!” Xu Jin tossed out several more items.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All seized after slaying Star Palace disciples—he gave them away without a second thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hard-won pawns deserved something to keep them alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zi Jian was overjoyed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Human elixirs were rare treasures in the Zifeng Star Region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even their king, Zi Hao, occasionally granted them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But always one pill at a time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last time he received Four-Xuan Revive-Star Elixir was eight years ago, when he broke through to Star-Condensing—bestowed by the king.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He treasured it, and used it once in a life-or-death crisis, saving his life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such was its value.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, he was granted an entire vial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And a Supreme Spirit-Reviving Elixir—he’d never even heard of such a thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a divine medicine that restored soul power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, Zi Jian bowed again, heart and soul convinced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His earlier reluctance had vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of lord gives Star Arms and elixirs like this? Why didn’t he come sooner?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he come earlier, even if he couldn’t become a city lord, he’d at least be deputy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Here is a Pursuit-Moon Seal—it enhances speed and can save your life in critical moments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here is a Star-Healing Seal—it rapidly restores your wounds in a short time; also useful to save your life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Keep them safe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment’s thought, Xu Jin bestowed two more seals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Zi Jian was utterly stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were legendary items—rumored to be possessed only by the Great King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never imagined he’d have one now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He bowed again, heart and soul convinced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Xu Jin felt it was sufficient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gave further instructions, handed over a token, then flew away, seeking another fourth-rank Ziyi elder to capture and subdue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today marked the fifth day since Xu Jin’s group entered the third-rank Zifeng Star Region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Selection Battle would end in another two or three hours, and they would return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over the past day and a half, Xu Jin had observed the Ziyi royal city closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Initially, Xu Jin had grand ambitions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wondered if he could directly conquer and reclaim the entire third-rank Zifeng Star Region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The late-stage Star-Condensing experts—especially the two remaining eighth-layer, one seventh-layer, and three sixth-layer—were beyond his reach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But these men were fighting for the throne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They might even beat each other’s brains out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Xu Jin struck while they were weakened, assassinating them, perhaps he could fully seize Zifeng Star Region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after observing the royal city for hours, Xu Jin realized the late-stage Ziyi royal bloodlines were extremely cunning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They fought briefly at first, then resorted to verbal sparring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, they returned to their own domains and mobilized armies to attack each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every one of them was obsessed with self-preservation!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin’s plan to sit back and watch them destroy each other failed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His dream of instantly seizing control of the third-rank Zifeng Star Region vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Xu Jin changed his strategy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since he couldn’t control it now, he’d plant seeds first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After some attempts, he successfully captured a second-layer Ziyi royal bloodline and controlled him using the Decapitation Secret Method passed down by Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also bestowed elixirs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But second-layer cultivation was insufficient in Zifeng Star Region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin inquired: the alien races here could only cultivate through hard work—their progress was slow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a fourth-rank Ziyi, improving one layer every two years was considered fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Xu Jin targeted two third-layer candidates: one failed and was killed, the other succeeded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it still wasn’t enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ningsing Third Stage is far too far behind Ningsing Sixth or Seventh Stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if Xu Jin bestows star weapons, it still won’t be enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After searching for a long time, he finally fixed his gaze on this Ningsing Fourth Stage Zi Jian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More precisely, this Zi Jian is at the peak of Fourth Stage, Fourth-Rank Ningsing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Xu Jin’s perception, this fellow could break through to Ningsing Fifth Stage in as little as half a month, or at most a month; if Xu Jin further bestows star weapons and elixirs, he would be extremely useful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin originally intended to test his luck—if it failed, he’d find another target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unexpectedly, he was also a coward afraid of death—and he surrendered!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this Zi Jian, on the verge of breaking into Ningsing Fifth Stage, as his foundation, Xu Jin’s next entry into the Third-Rank Purple Wind Star Zone will be much easier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This place must be revisited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention anything else—if Xu Jin wishes to focus primarily on Thunder Dao, he must find a way to obtain another Thunder Feather Heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One hour later, Xu Jin targeted another Ningsing Fourth Stage Zi Yi clan warrior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He launched a sudden attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, he was stubborn to the end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It stirred up commotion again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately obliterated him with a Flame Explosion, casually gathered some Star Jade Tablets, extracted the Star Core, then swiftly retreated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, one hour remained until evacuation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin no longer wasted time; he found a safe spot, swallowed a high-grade Star Refining Pill, and began to cultivate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since entering the Third-Rank Purple Wind Star Zone, although his cultivation base had broken through to Star Refining Fourth Stage, he had virtually no time to cultivate during the first three days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On this final day-and-a-half, Xu Jin didn’t miss his morning or evening sessions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After more than half an hour, Xu Jin had fully refined the energy of two high-grade One-Veil Star Refining Pills and one One-Veil Star Refining Pill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the Central Star Palace’s Star Core, fine threads of starlight were nearly complete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After one more morning or evening session, Xu Jin’s Lower Star Palace would reach the peak of Star Refining Fourth Stage, allowing him to inscribe Star Patterns again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Third-Rank Purple Wind Star Zone once again made Xu Jin realize the importance of strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how many techniques or treasures one possesses, only corresponding strength can unleash their maximum potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After returning, he must train rigorously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin set himself a short-term goal of Star Refining Ninth Stage and a mid-term goal of Ningsing Second Stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he reached Ningsing Second Stage, he would possess a certain degree of self-preservation power in the mortal realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides that, there was another goal—Thunder Star Patterns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he could obtain several strong Thunder Star Patterns, his combat power would surge dramatically under the protection of the Thunder Feather Heart and the Thunder Spirit Star Core.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two quarters of an hour later, the Jade Tablet Xu Jin had always carried suddenly shattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless starlights surged from the tablet, enveloping Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the next instant, Xu Jin vanished from his spot!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the Star-Picking Pavilion of the Cangming Star Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two Star Lords, Du Tingyun and Zhang Zhen, wore grim expressions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This state had persisted for two days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since the day before yesterday, when they discovered all Star Palace disciples had been annihilated, it had continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had experienced such emotions many times before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Cheng Yuexiao began personally activating the Star Gate to guide the disciples back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Star Lords Du Tingyun and Zhang Zhen also turned their gazes toward the Star Gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The final outcome was about to appear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During these last two days, due to the complete annihilation of the Star Palace disciples, the Six-Metal Wheel had not been activated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had no way of knowing the fate of the Guodao Academy disciples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, the results would be fully revealed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Tingyun and Zhang Zhen stared fixedly at the Star Gate, still harboring a great, desperate hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They wished the Guodao Academy disciples had also been completely annihilated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Better yet—if not one returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But soon, their hope was shattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the Star Gate, the first starlight flared—it was Guodao Academy disciple Ying Ge returning!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Du Tingyun and Zhang Zhen’s hearts trembled, they began hoping only one survived. Then, only two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only three would be fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, their hopes were shattered by one starlight after another appearing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Hongli, Wang Jiugao, Niu Ju, and others appeared one by one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, six Guodao Academy disciples had returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao and Left Sacrificial Officer Meng Yanhui were beaming with joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Tingyun and Zhang Zhen’s faces had turned utterly black.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But soon, they realized Xu Jin had not returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin, the top-ranked scholar of this year’s Autumn Examination of Great Chen Guo’s Guodao Academy, the academy’s supreme genius, had not returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he died in battle?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It should be so!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All our Star Palace disciples were annihilated; it would be unreasonable if not a single Guodao Academy disciple died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Xu Jin died, it would be perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking this way, Du Tingyun and Zhang Zhen felt slightly more at ease; the dark clouds on their faces for two days had lifted somewhat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the next instant, another starlight flared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who else could it be but Xu Jin?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, both Star Lords’ faces darkened with storm clouds!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha, everyone’s back! That’s wonderful!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao burst into loud, carefree, utterly joyful laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t laughed so happily in over a decade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Cheng Yuexiao’s laughter sounded piercingly harsh to Du Tingyun and Zhang Zhen’s ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like mockery—more like ridicule!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Star Lords, the Selection Battle is over. I’ll take my disciples back now,” said Meng Yanhui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait—we must verify the tokens,” said Du Tingyun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tokens Du Tingyun referred to were the heads or Star Cores of Third-Rank Purple Wind Star Zone’s Star Refining Ninth Stage alien beings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without these tokens, the Guodao Academy disciples had violated the rules.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the moment Du Tingyun finished speaking, at Xu Jin’s glance, seven disciples each produced several Star Cores from Star Refining Ninth Stage aliens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, Star Lord Du Tingyun had nothing to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just as Cheng Yuexiao was about to lead the disciples away, Star Lord Zhang Zhen blocked them, his mustache and eyes flaring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grand Master, this Selection Battle is wrong!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh? What’s wrong?” Cheng Yuexiao sneered at Zhang Zhen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grand Master, my Star Palace disciples were completely annihilated, while your Guodao Academy disciples emerged unscathed—this is absolutely suspicious! I must thoroughly inspect every Guodao Academy disciple inside and out to check for cheating!” Zhang Zhen gritted his teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao’s expression turned icy as he stared at Zhang Zhen. “Star Lord Zhang, you dare speak such nonsense!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In past Selection Battles, when my Guodao Academy disciples died five or even six at a time, why didn’t you ever say a word?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is different!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This time, my Star Palace disciples were completely annihilated!” As he spoke, Zhang Zhen glanced at Du Tingyun, signaling him to support him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Tingyun immediately understood. “Indeed!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Never before—neither Star Palace nor Guodao Academy—has ever suffered total annihilation!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is abnormal!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, our Star Palace disciples’ worst losses ever were only four dead!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grand Master, we demand a thorough re-inspection of your Guodao Academy disciples to confirm they didn’t cheat—to ensure fairness!” Du Tingyun demanded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, inspection is mandatory!” Empowered by support, Zhang Zhen’s star energy surged, clearly ready to fight if refused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Left Sacrificial Officer Meng Yanhui, furious, stepped forward to argue—but was stopped by Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Yuexiao coldly fixed his gaze on Du Tingyun and Zhang Zhen. “According to your two Star Lords, your Star Palace disciples are precious and cannot die, while my Guodao Academy disciples can be slaughtered at will!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No—it’s just that total annihilation is abnormal! We only wish to inspect!” Du Tingyun said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly—just one inspection. Please, Grand Master, cooperate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cooperate with your ancestors!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a roar, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao stepped forward, and three-colored starlight surged like a torrent. In the instant Zhang Zhen’s star energy rose, the three-colored light transformed into three-colored dragon serpents. With a dragon’s roar, Zhang Zhen was blasted into the air, spitting blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Tingyun, about to act, was terrified and hastily retreated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the next instant, the three-colored dragons lunged, pinning the struggling Star Lord Zhang Zhen to the ground once more, one dragon claw pressing directly against his throat—his face turned pale, fear flashing in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only now did they recall the old legends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To change the rules of the Selection Duel? You’re not even worthy!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you have the guts, let your two Star Palaces’ Star Juniors come speak to me face to face!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I, Cheng Yuexiao, will gladly oblige!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Cheng Yuexiao sneered at Zhang Zhen. “And as for you—what are you, exactly?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I, Cheng Yuexiao, showed you a modicum of respect by addressing you as Star Lord—and yet you dare bare your teeth at me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who gave you the audacity?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Or are you simply too foolish to live?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Cheng Yuexiao stepped directly over the fallen Zhang Zhen—and as he did, the three-colored dragon coiled upward with a roar, sending Zhang Zhen flying again, spewing blood from his mouth!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even your Star Juniors must follow protocol when dealing with me—how dare you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Cheng Yuexiao fixed his gaze on Star Lord Du Tingyun, who immediately lowered his head, refusing even to meet his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did the two realize: Cheng Yuexiao was on the same level as their Star Palace’s Star Juniors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if weaker than their Star Juniors,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>he was still vastly, vastly stronger than them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These past years stationed in Chen Guo, they had grown accustomed to flaunting their power—especially in court, where even the Emperor of Chen Guo bowed to them—and slowly, they had developed this delusion, leading to today’s insolence!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Cheng Yuexiao had just delivered them a brutal lesson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the next instant, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao waved his hand and departed with his seven disciples from the State Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they left, Zhang Zhen and Du Tingyun both heard Cheng Yuexiao’s voice echoing in their ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Any further violation of protocol—will be met with execution without mercy!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Puff!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhen spat blood again!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his eyes, fear flickered first, then gave way to boundless hatred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after several breaths did Du Tingyun help him to his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s definitely something fishy—there’s definitely something fishy!” Zhang Zhen snarled, blood at the corner of his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Selection Duel this year is over,” Du Tingyun sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No! I gave Zhang Shuo direct orders to send in the Purple Wing King, Zi Hao, to eliminate every single State Dao Academy disciple with his fourth-rank elite troops!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Under normal circumstances, Star Palace disciples could never be wiped out completely—and State Dao Academy disciples could never return so intact!” Zhang Zhen insisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You gave such an order?” Du Tingyun had just learned of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If so, then for the State Dao Academy disciples, the entire realm had become their enemy!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Du Tingyun grew curious—how had the State Dao Academy disciples returned alive, despite being hunted by dozens of fourth-rank Star Condensation experts?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There must be something fishy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what exactly, he couldn’t fathom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fourth-rank experts couldn’t enter. Fourth-rank talismans couldn’t be brought in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with a burst technique, they could kill at most one or two fourth-rank experts?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there were nearly a hundred third-rank Star Condensation experts in the Purple Wind Star Domain!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But now, it’s too late,” Du Tingyun said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed,” Zhang Zhen replied. “But Star Lord Du, have you considered—if Chen Guo truly possesses such a method, what of next year’s Selection Duel? Or the one after? Or the one after that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Master Du, have you considered that if Chen Guo truly controls this secret technique, what of next year’s selection, and the ones two or three years from now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>we won’t weaken Chen Guo’s manpower—we’ll be weakening our own Star Palace’s future elite!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If this continues for years, it’s our Star Palace that will suffer.” Zhang Zhen said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Du Tingyun instantly grew solemn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was true—Zhang Zhen thought further ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This time, I may be punished—but I must report this to the Star Palace, so they can seek a solution early. I suspect the key lies in that Xu Jin—what do you think?” Zhang Zhen said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This time, I may be punished, but I must report this matter to the Star Palace so they can seek a solution as soon as possible! I believe the key lies with Xu Jin—what do you think?” Zhang Zhen said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because if he framed it this way, it sounded less like failure on their part—and more like Chen Guo had cheated with some treacherous trick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not that they’d chosen poorly or planned badly—but that Chen Guo was too cunning, too vicious, and had invented some forbidden method.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps it could lighten their punishment!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine. I’ll report it the same way. Xu Jin is likely the key.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good, I will submit the same report. Xu Jin may be the key.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Farewell!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After making their pact, Du Tingyun departed first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhang Zhen, the Star Lord of the Cangming Star Hall, did not leave immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After checking the Star Gate, he went straight to the main hall of the Cangming Star Hall and issued an order to assemble all ninth-stage Star Refining disciples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had given orders to the Purple Wing King Zi Hao—but those orders had not been carried out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This made Zhang Zhen suspect Zi Hao had turned traitor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just now, he had activated the third-rank Soul-Sealing Talisman he’d obtained from Zi Hao—and received no response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That meant the Purple Wing King Zi Hao was compromised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The third-rank Purple Wind Star Domain was in grave trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the real reason Zhang Zhen had insisted on inspecting the State Dao Academy disciples!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something was terribly wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the Purple Wind Star Domain, Zi Hao was invincible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And they had paid a heavy price to send him a fourth-rank life-saving talisman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet now, Zi Hao had failed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, Cheng Yuexiao had been too dominant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d had no chance to search.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, he had to act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had to send a group of ninth-stage Star Refining disciples into the Purple Wind Star Domain as quickly as possible—to investigate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To find out what had happened to Zi Hao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Zi Hao was truly dead, the Thunder Feather Heart he possessed must be retrieved!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Previously, to use Zi Hao to control the Purple Wind Star Domain, they had struck a deal: they gave him the secret method to condense Star Will, so he could form a second Star Will—the Thunder Feather Heart—and hand it over to them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That way, they could fully seize control of the Purple Wind Star Domain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even better—if they obtained the Thunder Feather Heart and then killed Zi Hao, they could acquire two Thunder Feather Hearts, and easily install a new King, increasing their control over the domain even further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, clearly, something had gone wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Purple Wind Star Domain—so close to total control—was now compromised, the deaths of four Cangming Star Hall geniuses meant nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Purple Wind Star Domain truly collapsed, that would be a grave crime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Zhang Zhen wouldn’t just be exiled to the Star River Battlefield—he’d be sent to its very front lines!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was what Zhang Zhen feared most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was why he had insisted on searching the State Dao Academy disciples just now!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, one by one, Cangming Star Hall disciples who had received the emergency order began arriving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Zhen planned to gather twenty before sending them out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the State Dao Academy, countless instructors, headmasters, vice-academy heads, academy heads, and officials of all ranks stood waiting, their faces grim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each year, this was the most sorrowful moment for the Chen Guo State Dao Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially the vice-academy heads, who had to receive news of the deaths of disciples they’d trained for only a month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though little emotional bond had formed, the teacher-student connection was natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the small courtyard, Ning Yuchan had not gone to cultivate tonight. She leaned against the courtyard gate with Jiang Er, biting her lip, silently gazing at the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression was complex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though she trusted Xu Jin’s strength, she had endured such horror herself—and knew how impossible it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, she was frantic with worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Similarly, every relative of a disciple who had entered the Selection Duel was filled with dread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some families had already prepared coffins; their entire clans wore mourning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In past years’ Plan B Selection Duels, no one ever survived unscathed!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only a question of how many died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, the entire Wan Yi was affected—its atmosphere heavy and somber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a vast expanse of starlight rose into the sky, swiftly flying over the State Dao Academy—and all eyes turned toward it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many tensed instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Liu Qingzhu couldn’t help gripping her waist, staring upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ladies and gentlemen, this year, the Chen Guo State Dao Academy’s Selection Duel participants—seven disciples entered, seven returned!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We have won outright!” It was the voice of Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gentlemen, of the seven disciples from our Chen Guo Dao Academy who entered this selection battle, all seven have returned!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Complete victory!\" This was the voice of Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The aura fell silent for one or two breaths, then suddenly erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Complete victory!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Complete victory!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Complete victory!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheers rose in waves, sweeping away all the gloom of Wan Yi; laughter and song returned once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many instructors and drillmasters immediately invited friends—tonight, they wouldn’t stop until drunk!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Er and Ning Yuchan both broke into joyful smiles!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Ning Yuchan’s eyes, a faint glimmer of tears appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Complete victory, complete victory—oh, that hurts!” Liu Qingzhu suddenly realized she had been so absorbed she’d pinched herself raw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, in certain shadowed corners, some quietly lamented!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",4322,"2026-06-19T23:56:29.689Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","744afef71aae0fa5a5b442aed68ea71937e871421731c51978e51bc2ce15ec3f","the-star-martial-era-chapter-177","the-star-martial-era-chapter-175",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-star-martial-era-cover.jpg"]