Chapter 63 Wagering for Ancient Techniques
Upon arriving at the third level, Long Tian surveyed his surroundings. He found himself slightly distanced from the crowd, much like his initial experience on the second floor.
Glancing at his wrist, he observed that the golden bracelet had now become two. A satisfied smile crossed his lips. Just as on the second floor, he realized that he could acquire anything he desired by presenting the bracelet. Of course, terms and conditions applied.
Long Tian made his way toward the bustling area. Unlike the second floor, which featured various forms of entertainment, this place was transformed into an exhibition ground for cars and motorcycles. While there were still some entertainment options available, they were considerably fewer in number.
He paid little attention to these diversions, instead heading directly toward the third challenge. For many individuals, participating in the strength-testing trial was a means to enjoy the facilities offered by the golden bracelet. Truth be told, there was nothing particularly special for someone like him, who was accustomed to luxury.
From the first floor to the fourth, opulence reigned supreme. Yet, the fifth floor remained shrouded in mystery. It had never been opened to the public and was the only level completely shielded from any access or view, even lacking windows.
Nevertheless, Long Tian had read the original plot and was aware of the contents of the fifth floor. It was undoubtedly worth it.
**************
Long Tian faced a bit of difficulty in finding the location for the third strength-testing trial. Yet, his focus was soon diverted by an enticing car exhibition that showcased an impressive lineup of BMW vehicles.
More precisely, a single car captured his interest. It was a dazzling display of automotive craftsmanship, standing out even amidst the other impressive vehicles. The car's body gleamed with a metallic black finish, glistening under the ambient light of the exhibition area.
Its lines were sleek and dynamic, exuding an air of elegance and power. The front grille bore the distinctive BMW emblem, a mark of prestige and quality. The headlights, like fierce, watchful eyes, featured the latest in cutting-edge lighting technology, projecting a beam of intense illumination that hinted at the car's prowess.
As Long Tian's eyes lingered on the exquisite BMW before him, a growing desire to possess the car welled up within him. The allure of its craftsmanship, power, and elegance was hard to resist.
Turning his attention, he looked for someone who could provide him with more information. After a while, he spotted a well-dressed representative, a middle aged man, likely a part of the BMW team or management, he approached with a sense of purpose.
"Excuse me, are you affiliated with BMW?" Long Tian inquired, his tone casual.
The middle-aged man redirected his gaze toward the source of the voice and adjusted his glasses. The furrows on his forehead transformed into an expression of surprise as he recognized Long Tian. "Are you... Long Tian?" he asked in disbelief.
"You know me?" Long Tian raised an eyebrow.
The man's initial astonishment gave way to an enthusiastic demeanor. "It's you! I never anticipated meeting you here. Is there something I can assist you with?" he inquired politely.
Though Long Tian remained somewhat puzzled about the man's recognition, he quickly set that thought aside. "So, you're a representative of BMW?" he probed.
"Yes, I'm the branch manager here in Tianzhou," the man affirmed.
"Great, then, could you tell me about this BMW model?" Long Tian inquired, pointing to the metallic black car.
"Certainly, this is the BMW Z1 Extreme. It's a luxury sports car with impressive power," the manager replied.
Long Tian's interest grew, "Tell me about its performance. Engine specs and handling."
The manager responded, "The Z1 Extreme boasts a 6.6-liter TwinPower Turbo V12 engine, delivering over 1000 horsepower. It accelerates from 0 to 100 miles per hour rapidly and offers agile handling, courtesy of its advanced suspension and all-wheel drive system. Furthermore, the interior is the epitome of luxury and technological advancement, ensuring both comfort and style."
Long Tian stroked his chin, his interest deepening as he assessed the car. "Alright, I want this car," he stated, a confident grin spread across his lips.
"Certainly! I'll process it for you," the manager replied promptly.
"And I'd like to show you this," Long Tian added, revealing the pair of gold bracelets on his wrist.
The manager's eyes widened in surprise. "You've advanced to level three? Long Tian, your talent truly shines. However, I need concrete proof of this. Please don't misunderstand; it's just a necessary step as part of our terms and conditions," he explained.
"Sure, what do I need to do?" Long Tian asked.
"I simply need to take a photo of it," the manager responded.
"Okay, go ahead," Long Tian nodded, holding his wrist up more prominently.
"Very well," the manager nodded, taking out his smartphone and capturing an image of the bracelets. He then opened an app and uploaded the photo.
After a moment, a display appeared: [Geniune], indicating that the gold bracelets were genuine results from the strength-testing trial.
"Well, it's confirmed as genuine, Long Tian. You'll be receiving the car for free," the manager said, a smile gracing his lips.
"Thanks," Long Tian replied, satisfaction evident on his face. He then handed over his business card, "You can send the car to this address."
Accepting the card, the manager nodded. "Certainly. I'll process this promptly. It's expected to arrive within this week," he assured.
"Alright, that's great. By the way, do you know where the strength-testing trial is?" Long Tian inquired.
"Simply head straight ahead for about 100 meters and take a left. Once you spot the koi pond, you'll see a gathering of people around a large stone. That's the place," the manager explained.
"Got it, thanks," Long Tian nodded. "Well then, I'll be on my way."
"Best of luck," the manager responded, smiling.
Long Tian nodded and with that, he walked in the direction indicated by the manager.
*****************
As Long Tian walked for a while, he arrived at the koi pond, his gaze sweeping the surroundings. A gathering of people caught his attention at a certain spot, prompting him to move closer.
It was the area for the third strength-testing trial.
The area presented a notable difference from the previous two. Here, a circular iron barrier encircled the participants, maintaining a distance from the cultivators as they struck the stone.
The reasoning behind this arrangement was simple: to protect the spectators. On level three, the criteria to advance to level four were much stricter than the previous stages. It wasn't solely about physical strength but also about the strength of one's soul. A strong martial spirit was essential here.
Approaching the grand stone arena, Long Tian observed a lone figure—a brawny man with long, unbound hair, bare-chested. The arena itself was several times larger than the ones on the first and second levels, drawing a larger audience.
At this moment, the man in the arena was enveloped in a powerful aura, causing his long hair to sway gently. His right arm clenched, creating a subtle distortion around it.
In a swift motion, he assumed a sturdy stance. His focus was unwavering, aided by the serenity of the arena.
In the next instant, his fist collided with the stone.
Bang!
A resounding bang echoed, the impact so forceful that some spectators covered their ears due to the sheer intensity of the sound.
Within moments, a text appeared on the screen above: [Strength: 50,999kg]
A surge of joy overcame him as he read the numbers. Over 50,000kg—a testament to his physical might.
Applause and praise erupted from the audience, celebrating the remarkable feat.
However, he couldn't rest easy yet. The trial of soul strength awaited him. Easing his enthusiasm, he refocused his energy.
Closing his eyes, he placed his palm onto the stone's surface, his concentration unbroken.
A few seconds later, the imposing silhouette of a muscular man wielding a colossal mace materialized behind him.
The stone trembled faintly, and not long after, a text projected on the screen: [Soul Strength: 250]
Disappointment rippled through the audience.
"Such a shame. His physical strength is exceptional, but his soul strength falls short."
"Yes, my expectations were high. Very few have advanced to level four throughout history."
"It just wasn't his lucky day."
Conversations filled the air, disappointment echoing among the crowd. Many regretted that the man lacked the requisite soul strength.
Observing this, Long Tian's thin smile remained. He had sensed a fleeting glimpse—the man was a Flowing Qi realm cultivator, akin to himself. Unfortunately, the man's soul strength wasn't sufficient.
Meanwhile, the man's expression brimmed with disbelief. His widened eyes struggled to accept the reality.
"FUUUUUUCK!" he roared, striking the stone with fierce intensity.
The floor beneath him gave way, and he plummeted downward.
Applause thundered, a round of applause for his spirited attempt.
Long Tian grinned, empathizing with the man's frustration, a mix of effort, dedication, and rigorous training culminating in a stark realization of his inadequacy.
Satisfied with what he had observed, Long Tian intended to head straight into the arena.
Yet, as he strode forward, he spotted a young man in his twenties standing among the other spectators. Recognizing him in an instant, it was Feng Yuhao.
Long Tian's grin widened, struck by a brilliant idea. He approached Feng Yuhao.
Standing beside him, Long Tian initiated a conversation, "Impressive, isn't it? What do you think?"
Feng Yuhao turned to the side, his attention captured by Long Tian's presence. "Long Tian, what are you doing here?" he inquired, his tone carrying a touch of displeasure.
With a flourish, Long Tian displayed two gold bracelets on his wrist, "So, what do you think I'm doing here?" he queried, his grin unwavering.
Raising an eyebrow, Feng Yuhao studied the bracelets, "Did you advance to level three? You're truly talented, indeed," he remarked, though his tone held a hint of condescension.
"Testing my strength felt a bit dull. How about a wager?" Long Tian proposed, a playful glint in his eyes.
Feng Yuhao's curiosity piqued, he sought clarification, "What do you mean?"
"Simple. Whoever between us achieves the higher score in level three will have to surrender one of their possessions. What do you say?" Long Tian's smile persisted.
Feng Yuhao stroked his chin, musing, "What are you aiming for?"
"How about your family's Blue Flame Technique?" Long Tian suggested.
"Impossible. It's a treasured heritage, I can't risk it," Feng Yuhao responded immediately.
"No worries. I'll give up something of mine too. How about my family's Fire Breath Technique? It's also my family's treasure," Long Tian countered.
Taken aback by the offer, Feng Yuhao's surprise was evident. Pondering the proposal, he revisited the terms of the bet.
The Blue Flame Technique was a formidable inherited skill, passed down through generations. If his family discovered that he staked it in a bet, the consequences would be severe, even if he was the young master.
In contrast, the Fire Breath Technique was an ancient, potent technique. He had even witnessed it firsthand when Long family members showcased it during a martial arts competition.
He had already mastered the Blue Flame Technique, so it wouldn't be a problem to wager it as long as his family remained unaware of the matter.
He then thought about Long Tian, widely regarded as a genius, his reputation extending to his status as a Qi Foundation realm cultivator.
His ascent to level three could have been luck, or he might have employed a potent technique. However, today was the day of Martial Spirit Awakening, and perhaps Long Tian's famed dragon martial spirit endowed him with the confidence in his physical prowess. That might be the reason for Long Tian's self-assuredness.
Feng Yuhao considered both micro and macro aspects. He realized that Long Tian, from a cultivation perspective, was at a disadvantage as a Qi Foundation cultivator compared to his own Flowing Qi realm.
A thin grin played on Feng Yuhao's lips. Something had clicked, and he appeared to grasp a deeper understanding.
Long Tian certainly believes in his dragon martial spirit. With its strength, he thinks he has reached an impressive level. However, he definitely doesn't know that as powerful as the dragon martial spirit is, it needs to be trained to become stronger.
Feng Yuhao, on the other hand, held a superior position in cultivation, having progressed further within the Flowing Qi realm.
Although the dragon martial spirit was potent, its initial awakening stage couldn't match his own advanced stage.
A sense of exploiting Long Tian's arrogance and naivety surfaced within him, akin to treading upon a precious gemstone.
"Come on, I don't have all day to wait for your decision. If you're not interested, I'll leave," Long Tian said, ready to move.
However, Feng Yuhao halted him with a firm tap on his shoulder. "I agree to your proposal," he said, a sly smile curling his lips.
"Very well," Long Tian responded, a thin grin playing on his lips.
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