Eternal Life: I Have the Favor System

Chapter 539: Chapter 228: One Man Holds the Pass Against Ten Thousand

"Yan."

Chu Lingguang slowly approached Yan Zhen. Yan Zhen’s current aura was unparalleled; even Qin Yu probably couldn’t withstand more than a few of his strikes.

The second level of Sword Momentum, the Form Realm, was actually this terrifying.

Chu Lingguang couldn’t help but wonder, ’If my Spear Stance also evolved to produce a tangible force, could I be like Yan Zhen and defeat five Greedy Tigers all by myself?’

’Would my strength be comparable to a True Martial Realm expert, or maybe even stronger than some of them?’

"Go, quickly!"

"We still have a chance!"

Yan Zhen had no time to savor the changes in his power. He slapped the flat of his long saber against the rump of Chu Lingguang’s great black horse, urging Chu Lingguang to ride north. He himself sprinted across the ground, propelled by the strength coursing through his limbs.

"Yan, get on!"

Chu Lingguang realized that although Yan Zhen had grown stronger again, he was no match for the speed of the great black horse under his Consciousness Manipulation.

"Let’s go!"

Yan Zhen was helpless. Chu Lingguang had stopped to wait for him, and if he didn’t get on the horse, Chu Lingguang probably wouldn’t give up.

"Giddy-up!"

And so, the two of them rode on a single horse.

Chu Lingguang used his Consciousness Manipulation Power to make the great black horse unleash its full potential. At the same time, he stirred up the Wind and Wave Power along their path, making the horse seem as if it were beating a pair of invisible wings, its speed far surpassing that of its kind.

"Potential Power?"

"Chu Lingguang, if you’re not in the top three of this Imperial Examination, it would be a cosmic injustice."

Yan Zhen had spotted the anomaly and finally understood how Chu Lingguang had managed to leave everyone in the dust. He couldn’t contain his excitement as he spoke.

"You’re the chosen one, Yan. If you don’t make it into the top three, I’ll feel wronged on your behalf."

Chu Lingguang said this sincerely. Yan Zhen’s strength made him feel inadequate in comparison.

In that moment, their friendship solidified, becoming a bond closer than that of brothers.

"I want both Yan Zhen and Chu Lingguang."

The Young Master Jin Yi in the Canopy Attic said with resounding certainty.

"Yes, leave it to me!"

The old man at his side didn’t answer as readily as before. He knew Yan Zhen’s identity as Wei Yongguang’s Direct Disciple; he wouldn’t be so easy to win over.

Moreover, Yan Zhen’s talent was so outstanding.

He had entered the second level of Sword Momentum at such a young age. The top scorer of this Martial Arts Examination was likely to be none other than Yan Zhen. In the future, after making great contributions to the Court, he would probably have the chance to enter Yuanchu Mountain to cultivate before he even turned thirty.

「At the northern end.」

Qin Yu’s expression was grim. He stopped ten meters from the finish line.

He dismounted, bow in hand, a sword hanging at his waist, and a quiver on his back. His eyes burned brightly as he stared south.

In his line of sight, Meng Xiaochuan, Pu Shiyi, and Tuoba Yunhong appeared almost simultaneously.

Behind them, Xuanyuan Jinkang followed closely, with Xia Tianzhong, Xu Kanghui, and Long Xin arriving one after another.

"Hahahaha!"

Tuoba Yunhong was the fastest of the group. Seeing Qin Yu standing alone at the end, he assumed Qin Yu had already taken first place and was waiting for him.

He couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

’To actually get second place today... my ancestors must be smiling down on me.’

When he saw Chu Lingguang leave everyone in the dust, with Qin Yu and Yan Zhen following close behind, leaving his own group far behind, he had felt despair.

Luckily, Yan Zhen had been ambushed by five Greedy Tigers outside the canyon and couldn’t break free. Then, Chu Lingguang, who was in first place, had actually turned back to save him, handing over the top spot on a silver platter.

That was the only reason he, Tuoba Yunhong, had this opportunity.

He respected Chu Lingguang for repaying a debt of gratitude and for being a loyal and righteous person. But, just like Meng Xiaochuan and the others, he inwardly felt that Chu Lingguang was a bit of a fool for giving up the chance to win first place.

After all, as long as Yan Zhen forfeited, experts within the Hunting Ground would have helped him escape. His life was never in danger. If Yan Zhen had stubbornly refused to give up, that would have been his own fault.

In short, while Chu Lingguang’s actions were admirable and even endearing, they lacked a certain rationality. He shouldn’t have been so muddle-headed in the final round.

Thinking of this, although Tuoba Yunhong found Chu Lingguang somewhat ridiculous, he was also grateful to him. If Chu Lingguang hadn’t been so foolish, how could he possibly have secured second place in the Imperial Examination?

And earned the opportunity to cultivate for a month beside an expert from Yuanchu Mountain.

SWOOSH!

However, just as Tuoba Yunhong’s mind was racing with these thoughts, Qin Yu, who was standing before the finish line, suddenly drew his bow, nocked an arrow, and shot it at the great black horse he was riding.

THWACK!

Qin Yu’s Archery was god-like. Like Yan Zhen, he had reached the Five-Star Linked Pearls realm, and his skill with the bow surpassed Chu Lingguang’s. The arrow struck the horse’s leg.

The great black horse pitched forward and collapsed.

Tuoba Yunhong cried out in alarm. As he fell, he relied on his Body Technique to land steadily on his feet. But because of this incident, he was quickly overtaken by Meng Xiaochuan and Pu Shiyi.

"Qin Yu!"

He was burning with rage. Seething, he channeled the power in his limbs and sprinted toward the finish line.

"Thanks, Qin!"

Pu Shiyi said with a laugh.

"Back at the academy, we and Qin were always in the top five. Tuoba Yunhong, what makes you think you’re worthy of competing with us for the top three?"

Meng Xiaochuan taunted over his shoulder.

Qin Yu’s arrow had made them think he was creating an opportunity for them.

"I’m not done with you two!"

Tuoba Yunhong roared, pouring all his strength into catching up.

"Hahahaha!"

Seeing him so flustered, Pu Shiyi and Meng Xiaochuan burst into laughter again.

SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

However, in an instant, their smiles froze.

Qin Yu had fired two arrows in quick succession, piercing the leg bones of both Pu Shiyi’s and Meng Xiaochuan’s Han Gao Steeds. Both horses collapsed at the same time. The two riders, much like Tuoba Yunhong, nearly crashed to the ground and struggled to regain their footing.

"Qin Yu, what are you doing?"

Meng Xiaochuan roared.

"Have you gone mad?"

Pu Shiyi was also furious.