Chapter 51

‎ 

"All right, now that everyone is aware, let's commence the first test: Qi endurance!" declared the Elder, his voice resonating across the training grounds.

‎ 

Immediately, the disciples, particularly the Outer Disciples who were already immersed in the test, gracefully seated themselves. The newly joined disciples, initially bewildered, soon followed suit as they observed others channeling Qi to form a protective aura around their bodies.

‎ 

Ji Wuye, maintaining an air of composure, directed his attention to the overseeing Elders and the disciples engrossed in enveloping themselves with Qi.

‎ 

His focus zeroed in on a specific figure, Elder Tan Fu, a man with long black hair cascading to his shoulders and a distinctive scar stretching from his mouth to his forehead. Memories of their past interactions flooded Ji Wuye's consciousness.

‎ 

'Greetings, master. It's nice to see you again,' Ji Wuye smiled inwardly.

‎ 

Elder Tan Fu, the mentor from Ji Wuye's previous life who had guided him on the path of Martial Arts, occupied a significant place in his memories, especially in the moments leading to Ji Wuye's final breath.

‎ 

Shifting his gaze slightly, Ji Wuye's composed demeanor wavered, replaced by a hint of annoyance.

‎ 

'And so... I almost forgot Elder Xia is here too,' Ji Wuye mused internally.

‎ 

Xia Zhenkang, the Elder responsible for upholding the law, vividly stood beside Elder Tan Fu. Ji Wuye recalled him as the one who fervently advocated for his expulsion, a constant thorn in his side, always pressuring the Patriarch for what he believed to be fair treatment.

‎ 

The corner of Ji Wuye's lips twitched involuntarily as he recollected the unpleasant memories. His gaze then traversed the assembly, reaching the Inner Disciples and Official Disciples who were also keenly observing the ongoing test.

‎ 

'A little change, perhaps, would not alter the entire timeline,' Ji Wuye contemplated as he noticed Lian Rougang, his Senior Sister, gazing at him from above with a mix of concern and worry. She was well aware that his failure in this competition could lead to his expulsion.

‎ 

Memories flooded Ji Wuye's mind as he locked eyes with her, creating a poignant moment of reflection amidst the Qi-charged atmosphere.

‎ 

Accidentally unlocking Song Jia's potential, enabling her to master the second movement of Rising Gale earlier than expected...

‎ 

Treating his Senior Sister before Du Chen arrived...

‎ 

And he had long left the Outer Disciple Courtyard, residing in the Abandoned Courtyard for an extended period...

‎ 

While the original timeline had been disrupted, the major events still adhered to the chronological flow of his past life. This meant his actions didn't radically alter the entire timeline.

‎ 

This realization sparked a glimmer of hope.

‎ 

'Maintaining this for 10 minutes, what a memory,' he mused. Slowly, he channeled the Qi from his Lower Dantians outward.

‎ 

Ten minutes had already passed, separating those who endured from the rest. Undoubtedly, those who sustained the Qi for more than ten minutes were now recognized as 2nd realm martial artists.

‎ 

Conversely, those who failed were left sighing and complaining about their perceived shortcomings.

‎ 

Another ten minutes elapsed, and this time, the majority of those who succumbed to the challenge were 2nd realm martial artists. Their labored breaths and pallid complexions betrayed the depletion of their Qi. Only the 3rd realm martial artists remained in the competition.

‎ 

Meanwhile, whispers of astonishment rippled through the crowd, a collective murmur circulating a singular topic.

‎ 

"Huh? That... bastard... how could he last so long?"

‎ 

"H-how is it possible!"

‎ 

Ji Wuye could distinctly hear the animated tones emanating from his left and right ears. Undoubtedly, they were discussing him, but he paid no heed to their words.

‎ 

Most onlookers must be grappling with the inexplicable endurance of a 1st realm martial artist like him, seemingly outlasting competitors of a higher realm.

‎ 

Speculations swirled, ranging from whispers of Forbidden Martial Arts to the unthinkable notion of human sacrifices.

‎ 

Of course, Ji Wuye was well aware of the speculations. He had a plan in place, albeit slightly altered due to recent events. Regardless, the core of his strategy remained unshaken, a secret known only to him in the midst of the unfolding spectacle.

‎ 

Another ten minutes passed, and a palpable exhaustion settled over all the 3rd realm disciples, including Ji Wuye. Though outwardly fatigued, Ji Wuye, in reality, remained unfazed. He had achieved his goal with precision, withdrawing his Qi just before any of the 3rd realm disciples reached the point of complete exhaustion.

‎ 

Opening his eyes, Ji Wuye surveyed the scene. Less than 300 disciples persisted in their meditation, their bodies enveloped in the ethereal glow of Qi. It was apparent that they had successfully transcended to the 4th realm, needing only a contribution point to cement their accomplishment.

‎ 

'4th realm... back then, I never bothered to inquire about the remaining stages of Pulse Cleansing Gongfa. I never thought I would reach the 4th realm. Even the 3rd realm seemed incredibly challenging at that time.'

‎ 

But...

‎ 

Another ten minutes slipped by, marking a total of 40 minutes since the commencement of the test.

‎ 

"Stop!" The commanding voices of the Elders finally reached the Outer Disciples, compelling those who had attained the 4th realm to open their eyes.

‎ 

"The first test is complete! Unfortunately, over 1,600 disciples have not yet reached the 4th realm. What a disappointment!" This time, it was Elder Xia who spoke, his stern gaze not directed at those who had fallen short but at the 300 disciples who had succeeded.

‎ 

"And you... despite reaching the 4th realm, you still haven't earned 200 contribution points?!" Elder Xia fumed with visible rage, causing the successful disciples to lower their heads in shame.

‎ 

A disdainful snort escaped him before he shook his head.

‎ 

"Let's calm down, Brother Xia..." Elder Tan intervened, subtly glancing at Ji Wuye with concealed surprise.

‎ 

"Now, we will proceed to the final test!"

‎ ‎ 

*15 advance chapters! Tired of waiting? Purchase a membership on my Patreon.com/dragonknov! that costs very cheap! 30 members have already become patrons!