Chapter 6: The Rise of a Genius

As Chu Xiaotian approached the registration area and waited his turn at the testing device, he focused his energy and placed his palm near the device. His spiritual power spread to a large testing spirit stone, which displayed four yellow stripes.

The instructor overseeing the test glanced at the result and said indifferently, "Channel Opening Stage Four, ordinary mortal physique, test failed."

Nearby, the academy elders shook their heads in disappointment, and some mocking voices followed.

"Hahaha… A mere Channel Opening Stage Four with an ordinary physique daring to attend the recruitment event? What a disgrace!"

"Right, it's ridiculous. Did he think breaking through to Stage Four with a mortal body would get him into the Martial Academy? Even the janitor there is stronger than him!"

"Exactly, what a shameful display!"

These harsh voices echoed around Chu Xiaotian, reminding him that in this world where martial arts were supreme, being a warrior was the foundation of existence. Without the status of a warrior, one's life was dictated by others.

And in this world, the academies were held in the highest regard. Even noble families and dynasties were dependent on the support of these institutions.

Chu Xiaotian hadn't expected his cultivation physique to be classified as ordinary, and being eliminated from the Martial Academy's entrance exam filled him with a sense of frustration and unwillingness.

"Ding! Congratulations to the host, you have received a one-time enlightenment, elevating your cultivation to the First Stage of Martial Realm."

The system's notification resounded in Chu Xiaotian's mind.

"It seems my time to rise has come. Nothing can stop my ascent now!" Chu Xiaotian's heart surged with excitement.

...

"Ding! Would the host like to use the one-time enlightenment now?"

At that moment...

Chapter 6: The Rise of a Genius (Continued)

The mechanical voice of the system echoed once again in Chu Xiaotian's mind. Without hesitation, he chose to use the enlightenment.

As the enlightenment process began, Chu Xiaotian felt profound changes occurring throughout his body. Every part of him – his skin, bones, blood, even his hair – seemed to be transforming.

In the next moment, he violently absorbed the surrounding spiritual energy, creating a vortex of spiritual energy that spiraled above him before surging into his body.

"What's happening?"

"Oh my... That's the young man who was rejected by all the academies. Is he breaking through?"

"But this method of breakthrough is too intense!"

At this moment, the entire plaza was filled with people whose expressions changed drastically upon witnessing this scene. They were astounded, especially considering Chu Xiaotian's earlier presentation: a fifteen-year-old with an ordinary physique, unanimously rejected by all seven academies.

Now, this dramatic event had captured the attention of everyone, including representatives from the seven academies. Particularly striking was Chu Xiaotian's violent absorption of the spiritual energy within a thirty-meter radius, concentrating it all upon himself. Such dominance was unheard of!

"It's not enough!"

Yet, Chu Xiaotian, deeply immersed and unaware of the outside world, felt that the absorbed energy was insufficient for his breakthrough. With a wave of his hand, he fully unleashed the Tianwu Jue technique.

"Weng!"

The spiritual energy within a fifty-meter, then a hundred-meter radius, began to whirl towards Chu Xiaotian, forming even larger and more exaggerated vortexes of energy that surged into his body.

On the plaza!

As the awe-struck crowd gazed in silence, Chu Xiaotian's cultivation level visibly soared.

"Channel Opening Stage Four."

...

"First Stage of Martial Realm."

His cultivation ascended rapidly, reaching the pinnacle of the First Stage of the Martial Realm before gradually coming to a halt. The swirling vortex of spiritual energy above him began to dissipate.

With a deep exhalation, Chu Xiaotian released a breath of stale air. He felt rejuvenated, as if every impurity in his body had been cleansed. His eyes had changed too; they were brighter, deeper, resembling the luminous moon in the night sky.

In this moment, Chu Xiaotian was utterly transformed. He appeared unfathomable and immensely powerful, standing on the plaza as if there was no one who could rival him.

After this phenomenal event, Chu Xiaotian opened his personal system panel. 

Chu Xiaotian, absorbed in reviewing his updated personal panel, was interrupted by the system's notification about a new basic task. As he was processing this information, voices from the various academy representatives began to rise around him.

One of the academy heads stepped forward with an eager expression. "Young man, I feel you are a perfect fit for our Heaven and Earth Academy. Come, join our academy!"

Another representative from a different faction chimed in, "You are the once-in-a-century genius that our Blood Blade Sect has been waiting for. Join us!"

...

"Join our Divine Sword Academy, and you will be made a core disciple right away!"

The sudden surge of offers and interest from various academies and sects was overwhelming. Just moments ago, Chu Xiaotian was an ordinary individual, barely noticed by these very same factions. Now, with his display of unprecedented cultivation talent and the unveiling of his supreme physique, he had become the most sought-after prospect in the plaza.

Chu Xiaotian stood amidst the clamor, a calm demeanor on his face. He realized the power he now wielded and the opportunities that lay ahead. Each offer was tempting, promising resources, guidance, and a pathway to further his cultivation and fulfill his goals.

Yet, Chu Xiaotian knew he needed to make a careful choice. His decision would not only shape his path in the martial world but also affect his quest to uncover the truth about his parents and ascend to the Upper Realms.

As the representatives from various academies and sects eagerly awaited his response, Chu Xiaotian knew that his journey in the Tianwu Continent was about to take a significant turn. With the 'Strongest Face-Slapping System' at his disposal and his newfound status as a rising star, the possibilities were endless. The question now was, which path would he choose?