Chapter 1822 - 1823: Challenge
Lin Chen raised an eyebrow but remained undaunted.
Since everyone was at the initial stage of the God Realm, there was naturally nothing to fear. He had never been scared of anyone in battles of the same stage.
Finally, all the tests were completed, and until now, each sect had recruited quite a few talents.
The five first-class sects, such as the Sky Sword Pavilion, recruited relatively few, only a handful. For instance, the Sky Sword Pavilion only recruited three people, besides Lin Chen, there were two others named Li Ping and Mo Wan'er. According to the Sword Bone Elder, they were all promising talents. Although they couldn't match Lin Chen in Soul Power, their Divine Power was at a high level of seven stars.
Everyone from the various sects was in high spirits, and the Sword Bone Elder laughed and said:
"Haha, it's rare for this old man to come out of seclusion for once to participate in this Ascender test, and unexpectedly, I encountered three young geniuses!"
Seeing his comical appearance, everyone couldn't help but chuckle, but no one dared to laugh directly, after all, the reputation of the Mad Demon Three Swords Sword Bone Divine King was well known!
However, not everyone was in a good mood, such as the Sunlight Sect's Li Feng.
He only recruited two disciples this time, besides Ning Hao, the talent of another person could only be considered average compared to others. With such results, he would be reprimanded by the Sect Leader upon returning; how could he be in a good mood?
Seeing that this test was already complete, Murong Fu slightly smiled and said to everyone:
"Ladies and gentlemen, this Ascender test has come to an end. I suppose you've all recruited suitable disciples, right? Hehe, however, this test isn't completely over yet!"
Upon hearing these words, many furrowed their brows, unsure of what Murong Fu was planning. Lin Chen was also puzzled, but the Sword Bone Elder and others had knowing smiles, as if they were aware of the situation.
Murong Fu didn't keep them guessing, clearing his throat, he continued:
"Everyone knows that in the path of a Martial Artist, talent is indeed important, but it isn't the only thing. Many people initially don't have outstanding training talents, but in the end become the strongest among their peers, examples like these are not rare!"
The people on the square slightly nodded in agreement, as did Lin Chen. After all, many people didn't have heaven-defying encounters like him but still trained to extremely high levels, proving that talent isn't the only factor.
"Therefore, to be fair, everyone has two opportunities to challenge others, to defeat opponents in battle and gain the approval of the sect elders, thereby obtaining better treatment and status, are you willing?"
"Willing! Of course willing!"
Upon hearing this, many shouted excitedly.
This test did not yield good results for everyone. A large number of people were not recruited by any sect, most of whom were ascended from lower planes. Talented individuals like Lin Chen were still the minority.
The chance to showcase true strength through defeating opponents, rather than just relying on talent, was an opportunity they couldn't miss. Otherwise, over time, some Ascenders could only end up as mere gatekeepers.
Alright, since that's the case, the challenges can begin now, but everyone can only accept two challenges, the matches are one-on-one, the first to either leave the stage or concede ends the match. Injuries can be understood due to the blind nature of fists, but if anyone deliberately injures others, they will be severely punished without mercy!
Alright, let the matches begin!
After finishing his speech, Murong Fu exuded an aura, rising into the air, then reached out his hand towards the empty square and slightly raised it. Following this, amidst a rumbling sound, massive clouds of dust billowed up.
Only moments later, as the dust settled, several dozen arenas emerged from the square.
"Alright, now the challenges can start!"
Murong Fu's voice landed, initially no one stepped out, however, as time passed, soon people began itching to fight, after all, opportunity was right in front of them, no one wanted to be ranked below others.
As the challenges started, they triggered a chain reaction, quickly many wanted to challenge, thus the challenges rapidly proceeded under Murong Fu's control.
During this process, Lin Chen saw fighting techniques from different planes.
Some took an unconventional path in cultivation, instead honing and developing themselves, turning their flesh into gods, displaying extreme prowess. There were also others with peculiar yet formidable abilities, which truly opened his eyes, making him think to himself:
"It seems the path of cultivation isn't the only way to become stronger, but all methods lead to the same origin, eventually they must merge Divine Power into themselves."
Yet, just as he was engrossed, suddenly a voice rang out:
"Li Shan Divine King, I wish to challenge Lin Chen!"
Upon hearing someone wish to challenge him, Lin Chen couldn't help but turn his head, seeing Ning Hao looking at him with a malicious gaze, his lips slightly moving.
Lin Chen naturally discerned, he was saying:
"Kid, you're dead!"
Murong Fu felt a bit puzzled, asking:
"Ning Hao, you've already been recruited by the Sunlight Sect, with remarkable talent, why still challenge others?"
Ning Hao respectfully bowed, then replied:
"Sir, I want to challenge stronger opponents, and I have some grievances with Lin Chen! I hope you can permit this!"
Murong Fu found it interesting, taking a glance at the two, then said:
"Alright, challenging him doesn't break any rules, his talent in some aspects is stronger than yours, step onto the stage!"
Ning Hao thanked him, then leapt onto the stage, coldly saying to Lin Chen:
"Kid, come up here, I want to see if your strength matches your mouth!"
Lin Chen couldn't help but smirk, this Ning Hao, really thought he was easy to bully, repeatedly threatening him, if he didn't fight back it would appear cowardly!
So, without hesitation, he leapt gracefully, standing across from Ning Hao, leisurely gazing at him.
"Heh, kid, I thought you'd hide like a turtle and not dare come up!"
Lin Chen rolled his eyes, speechless, replied:
"Just don't let me beat you into a turtle later!"
Ning Hao raised an eyebrow, obviously incited:
"Hmph, I underestimated your courage! But since you're up here, you won't be getting down again!"
"Really? I see neither will you, later they'll have to carry you down!"