Chapter 655: Chapter 654: The 9th System Task (Subscription Requested)
The majestic six-floor hall, on the first level.
Today, in addition to the Ninth Elder and many Elders following him, Qi Sina was also noticeably present.
"In three days, it will be the Divine Stone Competition. According to the rules, both sides need to send out three young people, each aged under thirty, to participate. Other than Qi Sina, does anyone have any nominations?"
The Ninth Elder asked, tapping the armrest of his chair with his hand.
Under the Chief of the Yiling Clan, the current most powerful and influential are the Ninth Elder and the Seventh Elder, who are also the next Chief Candidates appointed by the Chief himself.
Naturally, everyone else would selectively align themselves with these two.
Within the forces aligned with the Ninth Elder, there are countless young-generation experts, but the top ones number only six. Excluding the distinguished Qi Sina, the other five are all potential choices, which makes the decision difficult.
The main reason is that the strength of these five individuals is very similar. Furthermore, they each have differing styles and can counter the prodigies of the Seventh Elder’s side. The benefit depends on choosing correctly, but should the chosen one is countered, they will undoubtedly lose the upper hand.
So, it is pointless to have the five compete against each other.
"Ninth Elder, among the five, Zhao Sen is balanced in offense and defence, and he has a solid foundation. He can be sent into the battlefield. The other person could be the fastest one, Han Bolin."
One of the Elders was the first to speak.
Among the five, Zhao Sen’s style is the least prominent. But, sometimes no particular style means no weaknesses, which makes him the safest choice for the battlefield.
"Zhao Sen is acceptable, but I disagree with Han Bolin. Although this youngster is fast, his attack power is weak. If he encounters someone with strong defense, his chances of winning won’t exceed 30%."
Another Elder stood up and slowly said, "In my opinion, we ought to choose Wang Yuankang. This youngster’s explosive power and attack strength is unmatched, he could overwhelm the opponent."
"No, Wang Yuankang lacks endurance. Ba Erlei would be better. His defense ranks among the top two of his generation, even if he draws out the fight, he’d likely wear out the opponent."
"I much prefer Yu Tai. His ability to counterattack is unparalleled; he can defeat opponents stronger than himself."
In the hall, several Elders expressed their views. The debate lasted a long time, and even seemed to intensify.
The Ninth Elder helplessly shook his head.
"I also have a nominee."
Just then, the silent Qi Sina suddenly spoke, and her crisp voice echoed in every corner of the hall.
The debate stopped, and all the elders looked at Qi Sina in confusion.
"I wonder, young lady, who would you propose?"
The previously indifferent, bulky old man asked with a grin.
Among the Yiling Clan’s younger generation, Qi Sina is undoubtedly the most outstanding, especially before Gao Kun came to prominence. She was universally recognized as the top individual of her generation.
These days, the news that Gao Kun has cultivated the seventh level of the Qiankun Eye has spread widely among the Yiling Clan, overshadowing Qi Sina.
However, the elders present did not dare underestimate her, especially knowing that in addition to martial arts, her strategy was also unparalleled.
"I recommend someone, Shi Xiaole."
Qi Sina had only one sentence.
"Shi Xiaole, that outsider?"
The Elders in the hall were taken aback and then furrowed their brows.
In the past, the Yiling Clan also had outsiders, they contributed greatly not only to the perfection of Spiritual Martial Arts but also to understanding the customs of the outside world. Therefore, they did not reject outsiders and were even quite welcoming.
But welcome aside, is that youngster qualified?
"I heard that young man made Yage eat humble pie. He’s quite capable."
The bulky old man said with a chuckle.
His words had a double meaning.
Firstly, being embarrassed is not the same as being defeated. Many witnesses saw that Yage didn’t even use his secret weapon before Qi Sina stopped him.
Secondly, Yage’s strength, compared to the five geniuses, was not worth mentioning. Maybe he couldn’t even resist two moves. In contrast, Shi Xiaole’s strength seems inadequate.
Qi Sina said indifferently, "According to what Xiaolan told me, when he came to our clan, he started reading the secret manuscripts. After half a month, he was able to successfully master the Severing Air Fist."
"What?!"
Everyone present, including the ever-calm Ninth Elder, was stunned.
"Has he previously been exposed to the Spiritual Path?"
The Ninth Elder asked.
"I’m not sure. But based on the descriptions given by outsiders who previously joined the Yiling Clan, spiritual martial arts in the outside world are almost nonexistent. Only those top-level powerhouses know the ins and outs. Maybe Shi Xiaole has encountered such a person."
Honestly speaking, when Xiaolan reported Shi Xiaole’s situation to Qi Sina, she had the same expression as the elders. She thought hard, and the only explanation she could come up with was that he had been exposed to it in advance.
Qi Sina’s words led to a prolonged silence in the hall.
"We should meet such a talent. Someone, please invite Shi Xiaole over."
Out of the blue, the Ninth Elder waved his hand to the outside of the hall as someone immediately flew away.
Even if Shi Xiaole had been exposed to the Spiritual Path in advance, being able to master the Severing Air Fist in half a month was enough to prove his talent. For the past few days, due to the business of the Divine Stone Competition, the Ninth Elder didn’t have time to see him. Now, he was very curious about Shi Xiaole.
Before long, a youngster wearing pale blue clothes, with white streaks in his hair, stepped into the hall. Facing the prestigious elders, he showed no signs of panic or discomfort. His demeanor earned the Elders’ approval.
"My name is Shi Xiaole, I greet the esteemed Elders."
Approaching them, Shi Xiaole offers his greetings to the group in a unique way customary of the Yiling Clan.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Shi Xiaole doesn’t yet possess the strength to behave however he pleases. Plus, he isn’t that kind of person to begin with.
Ninth Elder cuts to the chase: "Young Master Shi, the Contest of the Divine Stone is happening in three days. We’re currently discussing our candidates for the competition, and Qi Sina recommended you."
"The Contest of the Divine Stone?"
Shi Xiaole gives no hint of surprise.
Xiaolan had mentioned this to him.
The so-called Divine Stone is a sacred object of the Yiling Clan and supposedly has unimaginable power. Simply bathing in the Stone’s radiance can cleanse one’s spirit and help it advance further.
This description, which is very similar to that of an Essence Stone, sparks several theories in Shi Xiaole’s mind.
If he could bathe in the light of the Divine Stone, would his spiritual strength improve?
According to Xiaolan, the Contest of the Divine Stone is held every five years. The winning party gets to bathe in the Stone’s light anytime over the following five years.
Many of the Yiling Clan’s prominent figures have greatly enhanced their potential by bathing in the Stone’s light, eventually becoming renowned in the clan’s history.
This includes Qi Sina and the rising star, Gao Kun, both of whom have undergone this spiritual baptism, leading them to further outshine their peers.
Ding!
"Stay calm and face challenges to exhibit your heroic spirit. Mission Nine released: Participate in the Contest of the Divine Stone and ultimately win."
"Task difficulty: Three Stars."
"Task reward: One random draw of first-rate martial arts, bonus points worth two thousand, and, based on the host’s previous accomplishments, the ability to purchase a first-rate high-quality martial art after completing this task."
"Task penalty: No additional tasks will be generated in the next five years."
"Dear host, do you accept the task?"
The long-silent system prompt suddenly explodes in Shi Xiaole’s mind, echoing for a while and causing his heart to pound.
Upon reaching the Divine Barrier Realm, possessing a first-rate, high-quality martial art is indispensable for continuous progress.
Many Terrestrial Immortals failed to increase their fighting strength because they lacked top-level martial arts, thus becoming the weakest group.
For Shi Xiaole, transcending the Divine Barrier Realm was only a matter of time. Naturally, acquiring a first-rate, high-quality martial art sooner would be better. But there’s nothing he can do if the system doesn’t activate a task.
He couldn’t just trigger a task manually. What if he ends up with a five-star difficulty task?
Luckily, his wishes align perfectly with reality. The system task finally arrives at this crucial moment.
Based on the reward, this three-star task must be extremely difficult, but without hesitation, Shi Xiaole accepts.
Who knows when the next task will come if he misses this one? Besides, even without the task, Shi Xiaole wants to partake in the contest for the chance to get closer to the Divine Stone.
Having considered this, Shi Xiaole bows with his fists together and says, "If you honorable masters deem me worthy, I shall gladly participate."
The elders look at each other.
One of the elders, trying to hold back a smile, says, "Young Master Shi, participating in the Contest of the Divine Stone isn’t something you can do just because you want to. You need to have sufficient strength."
Among the five young talents is his own grandson, Han Bolin.
"Of course."
Shi Xiaole nods.
This elder scrutinizes Shi Xiaole and snorts in contempt.
The rest remain silent. The candidates they suggested earlier either all have some relation to them, and so, naturally, they don’t desire any additional contenders.
Noticing the awkward atmosphere, a kindly old man suggests with a chuckle, "This is simple enough, just have the five talents spar with Master Shi."
"Hahaha, well said!"
The Ninth Elder at the head of the table seems oblivious to everyone’s expressions and orders someone to call the five young talents.
Less than half an hour later, five young men of differing personalities arrive. After exchanging greetings with those present, they stand quietly to one side.
Shi Xiaole guesses that some of the elders must have filled them in, as all five of them eye him displeased.
Still, even in their occasional exchange of glances, a great conflict is brewing beneath the surface.
"Bolin, you go ahead and spar with Master Shi."
Han Bolin’s grandfather, Thirteenth Elder, suggests with a laugh.
He has full confidence in his grandson and believes defeating Shi Xiaole should be no challenge.
Han Bolin, of average height with a sturdy lower body, walks towards Shi Xiaole as if carried by the wind. Stopping five yards from Shi Xiaole, he smirks coldly and says, "Forgive me, Master Shi."
Whoosh!
Even before the words leave his mouth, a fist formed by condensed spiritual energy is already threatening Shi Xiaole’s face, startling the onlookers.
While they’d all witnessed Han Bolin’s speed before, each demonstration still sends shivers down their spines.
"I wonder how this boy will respond?"
A towering, muscular youth laughs softly to himself. His name is Ba Erlei, and he boasts the strongest defense among the five. He’s the only one capable of withstanding Han Bolin.
