Chapter 177: Upper Limit (Requesting Subscriptions)

After the morning class on September 15, Xu Jin arrived at Danxia Academy as requested by the Grand Master.

Outside the academy gate, Ying Ge, Ji Hongli, Niu Ju, Wang Jiugao, and Bu Xuxue were all waiting; when Xu Jin arrived, the five immediately brightened and came forward to greet him.

"Senior Brother, good day."

"Good morning, Senior Brother."

"Senior Brother!"

The last to approach was Ji Hongli, who smiled sweetly at Xu Jin, making him feel the weather had cleared slightly.

After this selection battle, Xu Jin had not only established absolute authority among them but also become someone they deeply trusted.

At the palace entrance, Pang Yu watched this scene, his gaze subtly shifting.

Xu Jin's prestige is extremely high.

"Hey, where's Mingzhang?" Xu Jin asked.

"The Grand Master is questioning him inside—we've all been called already, Senior Brother," Ying Ge said.

Inquiring about the battle was only natural.

A few breaths later, Yin Mingzhang emerged from Danxia Palace, greeted Xu Jin first, then smiled at the group: "The Grand Master has asked us all to enter."

"Didn't he call Senior Brother alone?" Ying Ge asked, surprised.

"No."

"Let's go—the Grand Master must have his reasons. We'll go in," Xu Jin said, stepping ahead into Danxia Palace, with Ji Hongli, Ying Ge, and the others following behind him.

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao looked in excellent spirits; as the disciples entered, he wore a faint smile.

"Your battle records need no further elaboration—you know them better than I do!"

"But I tell you this: you've worked hard!" Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao said to the disciples.

The disciples all hurried to protest modestly.

"This time, you've opened a new precedent for future junior disciples—you've set an excellent example!"

"You've won unparalleled glory for the disciples of our Chen Guo Dao Academy!"

"Previously, Star Palace disciples were the undisputed representatives of strength."

"But this time, you annihilated them all!"

"You seven will be permanently remembered by our Chen Guo Dao Academy and will become role models for future disciples," Cheng Yuexiao said.

His praise left the disciples somewhat embarrassed; they kept glancing at Xu Jin.

Everyone knew that in this selection battle, the one thing they'd done most was simply follow Xu Jin's orders.

Their actual contributions in power were minimal.

"Last night, I discussed with several Masters of the Academy, and we've decided to reward you handsomely."

At these words, every disciple's eyes lit up.

Praise was merely verbal—finally, tangible rewards were coming.

"First: each of you will receive ten thousand Dao Merit points for cultivation."

The first reward immediately brightened the disciples' expressions.

Ten thousand Dao Merit points would significantly accelerate their cultivation—especially for the few disciples besides Ji Hongli and Ying Ge, who came from merely provincial aristocratic families; though they'd received substantial cultivation resources, those were still limited.

Of course, the happiest was Xu Jin.

With ten thousand Dao Merit points, Xu Jin could now freely use high-grade Star Refining Pills for cultivation.

"Second: starting today, each of you will receive ten hours of fourth-tier Star Power Realm cultivation time per month, for one year," Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao said.

This reward nearly made the disciples cheer.

The cultivation effect of the fourth-tier Star Power Realm was over thirty percent stronger than the third-tier, and this was an extra gift.

If you bought fourth-tier Star Power Realm time from the Academy, one hour cost four hundred Dao Merit points.

That amounted to a direct gift of fifty thousand Dao Merit points.

This was unquestionably a major reward.

"The third reward has a slight variation: who among you has never taken a Spirit Refining Golden Pill?" Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao asked.

Immediately, five stepped forward.

Of the seven, only Xu Jin and Ji Hongli had taken Spirit Refining Golden Pills before.

Ying Ge had not taken one either.

"Those who haven't taken one will receive one Spirit Refining Golden Pill directly. Those who have taken one may choose either one Spirit Refining Golden Pill or three Turtle Soul Forging Pills," Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao said to Xu Jin and Ji Hongli.

Xu Jin had obtained one Spirit Refining Golden Pill in the Purple Wind Star Region, currently nurturing it, and another already nurtured, awaiting the right moment to consume; after thinking, he chose one Spirit Refining Golden Pill.

This Spirit Refining Golden Pill was intended for his younger sister, Jiang Er.

Jiang Er was about to Star-Point—she needed it prepared.

Xu Jin had already seen how greatly enhanced spiritual soul power boosted cultivation and combat ability—he must plan ahead for his sister.

Among all spiritual soul-enhancing pills, the Spirit Refining Golden Pill was the most precious, with zero circulation on the market.

Even Ying Ge, the eldest grandson of the Songzhou Viceroy, couldn't obtain one—proof of its rarity.

As for Turtle Soul Forging Pills, he could likely obtain a few in a few days.

And Turtle Soul Forging Pills were far easier to acquire than Spirit Refining Golden Pills.

This opportunity was rare.

What surprised Xu Jin was that Ji Hongli also chose the Spirit Refining Golden Pill.

"Grand Master, though taking another Spirit Refining Golden Pill might seem wasteful, I wish to use this one to attempt Spiritual Soul Star-Formation," Ji Hongli said.

"This is yours, earned through your own struggle—there's no such thing as waste! With your current spiritual soul cultivation, you can achieve Spiritual Soul Star-Formation," Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao said.

Xu Jin looked at Ji Hongli and forcibly suppressed the thought in his heart.

Now was absolutely not the time.

Using a nurtured pill to help Ning Yuchan was necessary—she was about to depart for the Star River battlefield, where one misstep meant life or death; he had to help!

But with Ji Hongli, though they'd embraced and touched, Xu Jin felt it was merely her dependence on him under specific circumstances and emotions.

It would fade with time.

Later, when he grew stronger and had the chance, he could give her nurtured pills to boost her power—but now, it would be suicide.

Especially since Ji Hongli came from a powerful background; if her power surged suddenly, she might be pulled away by her family's elders.

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao handed each of them a Spirit Refining Golden Pill; watching the excited, eager disciples, he smiled: "Don't rush—your rewards aren't finished yet."

"Fourth reward: each of you will receive three opportunities to ascend the Ascension Stair."

Another major reward.

Before the disciples could celebrate, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao added with a smile: "Fifth reward—this is the true heavyweight prize: each of you may advance to learn one fifth-tier Star Pattern."

Hiss!

This time, the disciples were truly stunned.

What kind of reward!

This was the real reward!

According to Chen Guo Dao Academy rules, one could exchange for a fifth-tier Star Pattern after thirty major merits, or three exceptional merits, or one extraordinary merit.

Many fifth-tier experts knew only one or two fifth-tier Star Patterns.

Yet now, they were being directly rewarded.

To say they weren't astonished was false.

Though it was only an advancement of a Star Pattern they'd already learned, its value was immense.

Generally, the power of a Star Pattern differed by one level per minor tier.

For example, a fourth-tier upper Star Pattern was one level weaker than a fifth-tier lower one.

But a fifth-tier upper Star Pattern was three full levels stronger than a fourth-tier upper one!

A three-level power increase guaranteed victory over opponents of higher rank.

Fifth-tier and above Star Patterns were the true ultimate techniques of the Dao Academy and Star Palaces. "Are you satisfied with the Academy's rewards this time?" Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao asked with a smile.

The disciples nodded vigorously.

Satisfied!

Extremely satisfied!

With these rewards as a foundation, many among them would surely rise dramatically in the ranks of the True Disciples.

"Good. One more suggestion regarding Spirit Refining Golden Pills: use up all three Ascension Stair opportunities first, further enhance your spiritual soul cultivation, then consume the pill—your chance of Spiritual Soul Star-Formation will be greater."

"Pang Yu, take the junior disciples to the side hall and wait. Then, bring them in one by one, in the order we just saw, to choose the fifth-tier Star Pattern they wish to advance. Note: this fifth-tier Star Pattern is top secret for each of you—do not reveal it to others lightly," Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao said.

After the disciples were led away, Pang Yu hurried back, looking at Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao, hesitating to speak.

"What is it? Speak."

Cheng Yuexiao glanced at Pang Yu.

"Grand Master, I dare not say."

"If you dare not speak, then why this expression? Say it."

Finally, Pang Yu gathered courage: "Grand Master, are the rewards too generous? Fifth-tier Star Patterns—many fourth-tier Star-Condensation seniors spend years fighting on the Star River battlefield to earn just one."

"Fight?"

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao sneered. "That's not fighting—that's gold-plating!"

"These seven risked their lives to fight—normally, only three or four return; the rest die serving the Academy!"

"Their actions have proven their loyalty!"

Therefore, such a reward is more than justified!

With that, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao looked at Pang Yu and said, "You must broaden your vision and widen your heart—only then can you see farther and climb higher!"

The four words "climb higher" carried an implied meaning, causing Pang Yu's heart to tighten.

He hurriedly nodded and bowed, thanking him for the guidance.

But when he went to the side hall to summon Ji Hongli and Ying Ge and the others, Pang Yu still felt a pang of resentment.

The reason was simple—he, Pang Yu, had served three years on the Star River battlefield at the peak of Condensation Stage before earning a single fifth-rank star pattern.

Even he felt a touch of envy toward the gains of these junior disciples before him.

Xu Jin was the last to be summoned in.

Before being called in, Xu Jin had already decided: he would choose a mid-tier fifth-rank fire-source star pattern.

It was the star pattern that could most significantly boost his combat power.

It was the best choice.

But Xu Jin had not expected that Grand Master Cheng would summon him in without immediately asking him to choose a star pattern.

With a flick of his fingertip, a speck of starlight exploded, enveloping the entire Danxia Hall, and only then did Cheng Yuexiao look at Xu Jin and say, "Now, recount everything that transpired within the Third-Rank Purple Wind Star Domain. No one else, besides me, will hear it."

Outside the Danxia Palace, Pang Yu watched the starlight rise, sealing off the interior, and sighed inwardly—he still had not earned Grand Master's full trust.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have been barred from listening.

After returning last night, Xu Jin had spent the entire night pondering the battle in the Purple Wind Star Domain.

He could not mention bringing in the Fourth-Rank Emblem.

To do so would unravel a chain of complications, including the Can Dou Platform.

So last night, Xu Jin racked his brains to fabricate a plausible account.

He omitted the violent killing.

He made the entire sequence sound more cunning, more lucky.

He didn't alter much.

It was still over ninety-five percent truth, with just a sliver of falsehood.

For instance, he mentioned the death of the Purple Wing King.

That could not be hidden.

He told most of it truthfully: learning that Zi Hao was controlled, using the purple-tipped broken wing feather as a token to send word, and delivering the secret divine technique—all exactly as it happened.

The killing of Zi Hao—

He slightly altered it: the Purple Wing Palace's Grand Commander, Zi Chi, seized the moment when Zi Hao's spirit fragment grew weak and struck down the prince; Xu Jin, using a hidden qi concealment technique, crept close and seized the Thunder Feather Heart.

Yes, Xu Jin voluntarily revealed that he had already refined the Thunder Feather Heart.

Only by saying it could he legitimately study and use Thunder Star Arts in the future.

Otherwise, Thunder Star Arts would forever remain forbidden.

Moreover, only by revealing the Thunder Feather Heart's existence could he possibly re-enter the Purple Wind Star Domain and gain greater rewards later.

Otherwise, alone and without state backing, Xu Jin could never even enter the Third-Rank Purple Wind Star Domain under normal circumstances, let alone conquer it.

"Thunder Feather Heart?"

Even Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao, as powerful as he was, was stunned by Xu Jin's account.

Such fortune, such audacity—unbelievable.

Xu Jin immediately pulled out the one refined Thunder Feather Heart and handed it to Grand Master for inspection.

Grand Master had already given him the Crimson Scale Heart outright—he would certainly have no ulterior motives toward this low-tier Thunder Feather Heart.

Xu Jin still trusted Grand Master completely on this point!

"Yes, it truly is the Thunder Feather Heart!"

After a few breaths of silence, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao suddenly burst into laughter, "Good! Good! Good!"

"The Star Palace of Cangming deployed such a powerful outside maneuver, yet you still shattered it!"

In the end, they lost the Thunder Feather Heart—and the Purple Wing King they controlled, Zi Hao, is dead!"

This is a complete disaster—they lost both the wife and the soldiers!"

All their previous gains from multiple assaults on the Third-Rank Purple Wind Star Domain have been utterly erased."

After another few breaths of silence, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao returned the Thunder Feather Heart to Xu Jin.

"Do not speak of this to anyone else. I will secretly prepare and aim to launch an assault on the Third-Rank Purple Wind Star Domain before you break through to First Condensation Stage. Perhaps you can seize full control of the entire domain—and if fortune favors you, you might even acquire another Thunder Feather Heart."

Then Xu Jin handed Grand Master the seven jade beads seized from the Star Palace disciples.

Grand Master took one look, froze, then exploded in anger, "No wonder! No wonder our National Dao Academy's performance in the Superior Selection Battles under Plan B has grown worse year after year, our losses mounting!"

They've seized the Seven-Star Linked Beads!"

After cursing, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao laughed again, "Excellent! Excellent! Wonderful! With this treasure, our chances of a decisive victory in next year's Superior Selection Battle have greatly increased! Xu Jin, you've done the National Dao Academy another tremendous service!"

"How should I reward you now?"

"It is this disciple's duty," Xu Jin quickly replied humbly.

"Xu Jin, I know you were the true anchor of this Superior Selection Battle. Without you, our National Dao Academy would have suffered catastrophic losses."

So when we decided on rewards earlier, I already resolved to grant you an extra bonus."

That's also why I kept you behind," said Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao.

"Originally, I planned to award you one additional fifth-rank star pattern on top of the previous five rewards—but now, I feel it's still insufficient."

Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao paused for a few breaths.

"So, I will personally upgrade your original fifth-rank star pattern to its maximum potential," Cheng said.

"What does 'upgrade to maximum potential' mean?" Xu Jin didn't understand.

"It means you may choose one star pattern and learn it directly up to the National Dao Academy's highest researched and projected limit."

Xu Jin's eyes widened—he was truly stunned this time.

Learn directly to the limit!

(End of Chapter)