Chapter 44: Final Trial (1)

Regardless, this freedom from the Sword Cloud Manors remains one of the main reason why people are attracted to the manor.

"As for the second test, you will be given a random cultivation art manual. Your task is simple. In a short window of time, all you have to do is comprehend the given art with your utmost effort."

"The more you comprehend, then the better your ranking will be!"

With that said, the outer elders outside the platform moved closer. Clearly, they were responsible for the task of handing them out in the second round.

Seeing this, Tian Long nodded.

"The final round is this Demon War Drum." He said, gesturing toward the giant drum at the center of the platform.

Upon recalling the origin of this war drum, there was a trace of reverence and respect on his face.

Clearly, this drum is no ordinary treasure.

"This Demon War Drum is made by our fifth-generation sect master, from the corpse of a desolate beast at the Peak of Rank 6!"

’Rank 6 Desolate Beasts?’ Shi Jing thought. Upon hearing this term, he grew pensive.

This is because he was not unfamiliar with this term. His understanding stems from his own research during the six month seclusion.

’Human have cultivation and their corresponding ranks, naturally, beasts and plants also have their corresponding ranks...’

According to his understanding, there are all sorts of beasts and exotic creatures in this world.

They are ranked in accordance to their status, from weakest to strongest.

’Ordinary Beasts, Beasts Kings, Myriad Beasts King, Emperor Beasts, Mutated Emperor Beasts...’

For example, the iron-clawed bear that killed him many times or the one that Ming Muwan encountered.

These were considered ’Ordinary Beasts’, as in, beasts which had rudimentary cultivation through natural growth. Ordinary beasts are in fact very weak and are only comparable to that of a body-tempering mortal.

If a Qi-Refining cultivator were to encounter an ordinary beasts, it would be extremely easy to kill it.

Even Shi Jing, at the peak of body-tempering as able to kill an ordinary beast with ease.

However, a desolate beasts? This rank 6 beasts is comparable to the ranks that surpasses that of the Dao Seed Realm!

Shi Jing was aware of the deep foundation of the Sword Cloud Manor, but still, this startled him greatly.

After all, this was just one region among countless in the eastern continent.

Yet, just within this ’remote’ region, there is already an existence which can take down this Peak Rank 6 Desolate Beast!

At this moment, everyone was silent, as though they were taking in Tian Long’s words carefully.

Even the foreigners guests were discussing among themselves.

Evidently, despite their background and status, the Demon War Drum was worth their attention and caution.

Supreme Elder Tian Long saw the varied reaction and nodded in satisfaction before explaining the use of the Demon War Drum.

"For the final round, all you have to do is knock on the drum!"

His words was simple and concise. But clearly, this was not simple.

"If you can knock on this war drum three times, then you pass, if not, then you are disqualified." He paused, sweeping the crowd full of anxiety, then warned in a low voice.

"I must warn you that those who are not confident in knocking this drum, forfeit... However, being able to knock this war drum is a great opportunity."

With that said, he sat back down on his seat, not speaking any longer.

At the same time, Tian Long casted his gaze on Shi Jing’s figure before looking away and closing his eyes.

At the same time, a particular outer elder stepped up.

Immediately, Shi Jing eyes grew cold.

This is because the elder that stepped up is Elder Wang.

"Since Supreme Elder Long has explained the final trial, I will be responsible for overseeing this trial."

He said in a deep voice. His words reached everyone’ ear through the usage of his spiritual essence.

Elder Wang’s cold gaze swept across the assembled participants, his spiritual essence radiating an oppressive aura that made several of the younger candidates take an involuntary step back.

"The first test will now commence," he announced, his voice carrying the weight of absolute authority.

"You will step forward one by one to place your hand upon the Earth-Refining Stone."

Behind him, a crystalline boulder the size of a person emerged from the platform’s surface, its faceted surface gleaming with an otherworldly luminescence.

Intricate formations were carved deep into its base, pulsing with a gentle azure light.

A tense silence fell over the crowd. Even the foreign guests leaned forward in their seats, their conversations dying to whispers.

"First candidate," Elder Wang called out sharply. "Step forward."

From the front row, a young man with broad shoulders and calloused hands moved toward the stone.

"State your name and origin," Elder Wang commanded.

"Chen Wu of Iron Creek Village, honored elder," the young man replied, bowing deeply. His voice carried only the slightest tremor.

"Proceed."

Chen Wu approached the Earth-Refining Stone with measured steps.

The closer he drew, the more pronounced the azure glow became, as if the stone was awakening to sense his presence.

’Interesting,’ Shi Jing thought, observing carefully.

’The stone reacts even before contact..’

With a deep breath, Chen Wu extended his right hand and pressed his palm firmly against the stone’s smooth surface.

Immediately, the effect was dramatic.

A brilliant golden light erupted from the point of contact, racing through the crystal’s internal structure like liquid fire.

The intricate formations at the base blazed to life, and waves of spiritual energy rippled outward from the stone.

Gasps echoed throughout the platform.

Even some of the outer elders straightened in their seats, their expressions shifting from bored indifference to genuine interest.

The golden light continued to intensify, climbing higher and higher through the crystal until it reached nearly three-quarters of the stone’s height before finally stabilizing into an orange color.

"Upper Rank B aptitude!" Elder Wang announced, though his tone remained neutral, there was an unmistakable note of approval.

Chen Wu staggered back from the stone, his face pale but eyes shining with elation. The golden glow slowly faded, leaving only the gentle azure luminescence.

Immediately, the crowd in the spectator platform began to whisper to one another.

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