Soul Emperor Awakening

A Seventh-class Talent was, all in all, quite exceptional. While it was a tier below an Eighth-class Talent, the number of people who possessed it was far greater. With each descending tier, the population of talents would multiply by several dozen, even a hundred times. Regardless, a Seventh-class Talent was still considered quite powerful within the Core Hall.

For example, Lin Xue only had a Sixth-class Talent. If not for her Innate Ice Yin Body, it would have been highly unlikely for her to enter the Core Hall without undergoing an assessment. A Seventh-class Talent was also not high enough for immediate entry into the Core Hall, but it did grant one the chance to be tested. Upon passing, they could then enter the Core Hall.

In a way, having a Seventh-class Talent was as good as being recruited by the Core Hall. The entry requirements were varied; some simply required you to break through to a certain Cultivation Realm within a year to be admitted. By comparison, the requirements placed on Lin Xuan had been exceptionally harsh—the clear disadvantage of having supposedly poor talent.

Now, the condition for him to enter the Martial God Tower was to possess a Seventh-class Talent. Lin Xuan wasn’t sure why this specific standard was set, but he could hazard a guess. ’From their perspective, if an outsider has talent, he’s worth befriending. As long as he doesn’t die in some accident, his future Cultivation will be formidable. Who wouldn’t want to form a connection with a future expert?’

For those with poor talent, entering such training grounds would have some effect, but the results would be far from ideal.

"I am willing to have my talent tested. If my Talent Level does not reach Seventh-class, I will give up this spot," Lin Xuan said, stepping forward.

Those who had objected to the gifted spot now fell silent. They could only pray that Lin Xuan’s talent wouldn’t reach the Seventh-class. After all, the one who had spoken was the Grand Elder, not some ordinary Elder. The Grand Elder’s status was comparable to the Island Master’s; if the Island Master were away, the Grand Elder had full authority over all major decisions on the island.

Therefore, everything was up to the Grand Elder. His word was law.

Lin Xuan walked up to the Testing Stele. ’A long time ago, my talent tested as Fifth-class. I wonder if it’s still the same? Or perhaps it’s only risen to Sixth-class. If so, I’ll miss this opportunity.’

"Brother Lin, I know your talent can definitely reach that level!" Tuo Yunhai said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation as he watched Lin Xuan.

Lin Xuan gave a calm smile and placed his hand on the Testing Stele. In an instant, the stone burst with a brilliant light, startling everyone present. ’Could it be? Does this outsider also possess a Heaven-Defying Eighth-class Talent?’ they wondered.

The light soon stabilized, and the indicator came to a stop precisely at the level of Seventh-class Talent. Not a hair more, not a hair less—a perfect Seventh-class!

Seeing the Seventh-class result, the crowd breathed a collective sigh of relief. If he had shown an Eighth-class Talent, it would have been just too shocking. Of course, a Seventh-class Talent was already considered Heaven-Defying, placing him among the ranks of super-geniuses; an Eighth-class one would have just been even more outrageous.

Besides, no matter the specific grade, his talent far surpassed that of any candidate present. They were speechless, filled with nothing but jealousy. A talent like that was so far beyond them they couldn’t even dream of catching up.

’Seventh-class Talent, is it? Climbing two levels isn’t all that surprising...’ Lin Xuan thought, narrowing his eyes. He had been through several life-or-death battles recently; achieving such a result was to be expected.

After all, his Lin Family bloodline was one that could grow. It was capable of reaching Ninth-class Talent, a state known as the Great Perfection of talent. In other words, the highest possible Talent Level in this world!

’Now *that* is a truly Heaven-Defying Realm, a level others can’t even begin to compare with. It’s the mark of a true monster among monsters. Once I reach that level, one day of my Cultivation will be equivalent to one or two months for anyone else. Who could possibly surpass that speed?’

"Seventh-class Talent. Very good," Tuo Zhanhong said, his gaze burning into Lin Xuan. "You may enter the Martial God Tower for training. You will also be the first outsider, the first person not of the Tu Family, to ever do so."

"Many thanks to you, Elder, for this opportunity," Lin Xuan said with a smile, cupping his fist.

"If you’re thanking anyone, thank Yunhai," Tuo Zhanhong said with a chuckle. "If he hadn’t offered you this chance, I would not have let you enter the Martial God Tower." He then turned to the young man. "I came over as soon as I heard an Eighth-class Talent had appeared. I didn’t expect to walk into this situation. The chance to enter the Martial God Tower is rare. Are you certain you want to give it to this young friend?"

Tuo Yunhai answered without a second thought, "Yes! I believe Brother Lin can grasp its essence!"

"Grasp the essence of the Martial God Tower!" Tuo Zhanhong’s gaze sharpened as he turned his attention back to Lin Xuan. After a moment of silence, he asked, "Do you wish to enter the Martial God Tower now?"

"If I may, entering now would be for the best," Lin Xuan replied. He didn’t mind going in immediately. Time was short, and his body was currently in its peak condition. Why wait, unless he wasn’t permitted to enter just yet?

"Then you two, come with me. The rest of you, continue the assessment!"

After saying this, Tuo Zhanhong led Lin Xuan and Tuo Yunhai toward the Martial God Tower. The surrounding spectators exchanged glances, and some began to follow. They also wanted to witness Lin Xuan take on the Martial God Tower.

The Martial God Tower was located in the center of Divine Martial Island. ’This island was probably once called Martial God Island,’ Lin Xuan mused. ’It must be closely related to this tower.’

They soon arrived before the Martial God Tower. As he drew near, Lin Xuan felt an immense, unrivaled pressure radiating from the tower, weighing down on him. The pressure alone felt as though iron plates had been strapped to his shoulders, making him feel incredibly heavy.

The Martial God Tower soared into the clouds. Its spire seemed to exude an aura that could pierce the heavens, magnificent and boundless, possessing the power to shatter all in its path.

’So this is the Martial God Tower...’ A thrill of excitement went through Lin Xuan. He could feel a powerful force calling to him from within. ’If I can go inside, I might find even greater opportunities!’

What he needed now were opportunities. More accurately, he craved them, as they were the key to becoming stronger. He had to grow stronger, and faster. Too many things were waiting for him to accomplish, and without strength, it was all just empty talk.

"This is the Martial God Tower. It has a total of eight layers and is a divine tower passed down from the Ancient Era," Tuo Zhanhong explained. "Legend says that anyone who reaches the top can become a Martial God! Of course, to date, no one from the Tu Family has ever managed to reach the summit."

"No one has ever reached the top? Not even you, Elder, or the Island Master? With your profound Cultivation, I would have thought it would be easy," Lin Xuan said, surprised. With Realms as high as theirs, how could they be unable to reach the summit?

"You will understand once you go inside. But before that, I have a matter to discuss with you," Tuo Zhanhong said, his burning gaze fixed on Lin Xuan, as if it could see right through him.