Translator: AnubisTL
During the challenge, and even shortly after it ended, although the audience was shocked, the impact wasn't overwhelming.
The time was too short—it started in the morning and ended before noon. The process was also too smooth, so smooth that it left people in a daze.
It wasn't until the afternoon that everyone finally realized that Gu Feng from the Sunset Glow Sect had single-handedly challenged the top sects of Chu State, defeating a thousand peerless prodigies at the peak of the Innate Realm.
These weren't just any ordinary individuals or those who didn't live up to their reputations. They were the super experts who dominated their respective realms within their sects!
What an astonishing achievement, what a magnificent challenge!
Before Gu Feng appeared, the disciples of the major sects were seen as aloof, looking down on everyone with their noses in the air. Yet, this god-like man shattered everyone's preconceptions in less than two hours.
"The major sects of Chu Kingdom have suffered heavy losses. With a thousand peak Innate Realm prodigies unable to participate, their strength in the examination hall has been greatly affected."
"The second Innate examination hall will see a situation where multiple powers rise and compete for dominance. Gu Feng's actions have made the outcome of this hall's top position unpredictable!"
"Indeed, we were too shallow. We owe Gu Feng and the Sunset Glow Sect an apology. Now, who dares to say that the Sunset Glow Sect can't win the top position in the second Innate examination hall?"
"With Gu Feng, who can take on a thousand enemies, and the Sunset Glow Sect having many peak Innate Realm cultivators, the chances of winning the top position in this hall are quite high!"
"Gu Feng luring the prodigies of the major sects into the challenge was truly brilliant. Not only did he earn ten billion low-grade Spirit Stones, but he also eliminated a thousand prodigies in one fell swoop. Absolutely amazing!"
"My heavens, I could never earn so many Spirit Stones in my lifetime. Gu Feng did it in just one morning?"
"Can't compare! But Gu Feng has indirectly helped us. It's like there are a thousand more opportunities to make the rankings. We need to work harder!"
"..."
Praise for the Sunset Glow Sect and Gu Feng could be heard from time to time.
The way they looked at the disciples of the Sunset Glow Sect had also changed from disdain a day ago to respect today.
After all, in a world where strength is revered, everyone looks up to the strong with admiration.
Wu Qi and the others didn't even eat lunch, walking proudly on the streets, basking in the admiring gazes of the crowd. It felt incredibly satisfying.
While they were enjoying themselves, the Elders of the major sects were having headaches. They also skipped lunch and immediately convened a meeting to discuss countermeasures.
Those thousand peak Innate Realm prodigies were the pillars of their sects' examination teams. Although not participating in the exam was just a verbal agreement, with so many people hearing it, they didn't want to be accused of breaking their word.
These prodigies definitely couldn't take the exam, but that wasn't a big problem since their sects had exemption quotas that could be allocated to them.
The biggest issue was the disruption of the deployment in the second Innate examination hall.
In the inn where the Blazing Light Sect was staying, the hall was silent, and the atmosphere was somewhat tense.
"Let's not be so pessimistic. Even without losing so many peak Innate Realm disciples, our chances of winning the top position in the second Innate examination hall were only thirty percent. Our main focus is on the first Spirit Nurturing examination hall, which is also the most important hall for the Grand Harmony Academy. We cannot afford to lose there," a Sea Condensation Realm Elder said solemnly.
"In the morning, I took stock myself. If we're talking about the sect that suffered the most losses, it would have to be the Sword Gate. They have fewer disciples to begin with, yet their losses are on par with ours."
"Haha, now that you mention it, it really does seem that way. Due to the Sword Gate's strict disciple recruitment, they have relatively fewer members. They've essentially given up on competing in the three Spirit Nurturing Realm examination halls, focusing instead on the two Innate Realm halls... You should have seen the face of the Sword Gate Elder—it was as dark as the bottom of a pot."
"Hahaha, the disciples of the Tyrant Body Sect are known for their fiery temperaments. They lost over a hundred peak Innate Realm disciples in just the morning. Thankfully, their Sect Master didn't come, or he would have surely been furious."
"Now that you mention it, it does seem quite amusing."
"..."
As the Elders chatted, they couldn't help but laugh, and the atmosphere lightened considerably.
The Heaven's Chosen who were defeated by Gu Feng in the morning also breathed a sigh of relief, feeling the pressure lift from their shoulders.
"Don't worry, this isn't your fault. That Gu Feng is a wolf in sheep's clothing, his strength is simply overwhelming!" the leading Elder comforted the disciples.
"We'll redistribute the exemption qualifications and ensure you are sent to the Grand Harmony Academy."
After reassuring the Heaven's Chosen, the leading Elder's tone shifted, becoming more serious. "As for the second Innate Realm examination hall, even if we can't secure the top spot, we must not let the Sunset Glow Sect succeed. Otherwise, our Blazing Light Sect will be marked with shame!"
"Gu Feng's Myriad Tribulations Physique is indeed domineering. In the entire second Innate Realm examination hall, whether it's one-on-one or even ten against one, he faces no pressure at all."
"But after all, he's still just an Innate Realm cultivator. No matter how strong he is, there are limits."
"Regarding how to counter him, I suggest that all cultivators equip Soul Defense Spirit Artifacts!"
"Seventh Elder, each examinee is only allowed to bring two Spirit Artifacts. Weapons are definitely necessary, but focusing on Soul Defense seems a bit risky, don't you think? After all, there aren't many Innate Realm cultivators who can perform Soul Attacks," another Elder raised an objection.
"Gu Feng is the biggest threat. His trump card is his Soul Attack, which is devastating whether in group battles or one-on-one. If he coordinates with other Sunset Glow Sect disciples, he could potentially wipe out an entire team in an instant."
"Hmm, I agree with the Seventh Elder's decision. I believe other sects will do the same. That sonic roar of his is truly terrifying," another Elder concurred.
"This is the only way..."
"..."
Almost simultaneously, similar resolutions were passed in various sects.
However, they hadn't considered that Gu Feng wouldn't even participate in the second Innate Realm examination hall. Their decision directly led to their disciples carrying a useless Soul Defense Spirit Artifact, equivalent to fighting Demon Beasts and other examinees naked with just a weapon, greatly weakening their combat power.
...
Bamboo Mountain Inn!
"A Fei, this time I've cleared out a thousand experts for you in one fell swoop. Securing the top spot shouldn't be a problem, right?"
A Fei was Gu Feng's top candidate for the second Innate Realm examination hall. His strength was undeniable; in the same realm, no one could defeat him except for Gu Feng himself.
His immense power stemmed from his unique Barbarian physique. Zhu Qingyan once mentioned that the Barbarians have a significant origin, possibly linked to the legendary Three Thousand Divine Demons. A Fei's bloodline is also very pure, with inherited Cultivation Methods that destined him to become one of the most powerful cultivators in the heavens and the earth.
"Absolutely, full of confidence!" A Fei said with a simple smile as he gnawed on a beast leg.
"With Boss Gu and A Fei here, our Sunset Glow Sect is sure to take the top spot in the Innate Realm's second examination hall!" Xiong Wu laughed.
"I will be entering the Spirit Nurturing examination hall, and that plan hasn't changed," Gu Feng stated firmly.
Feeling everyone's eyes on him, he added, "The Thunder Tribulation can be overcome at any time!"
"Qi Tingting, you all should discuss your tactics. While we aim for the top spot, everyone must also secure a place in the Grand Harmony Academy."
"Those in the Innate Realm's first examination hall, don't rush or feel too pressured. My only hope for you is not to worry about rankings but to ensure you make it onto the list."
"If the points are insufficient, distribute them among yourselves to get as many disciples on the list as possible. I still have 590 exemption qualifications, which I will allocate to you all!"
For the captain of the Innate Realm's first examination hall, Gu Feng chose a disciple with higher intelligence. His main task wasn't to kill demon beasts or gather points but to assess everyone's strength and allocate points reasonably, ensuring more disciples could enter the Grand Harmony Academy with the minimum required points.
If executed well, along with the 590 exemption qualifications he held, it could very well create another legend.
"There are still three days left, everyone, adjust accordingly!"
...
In the afternoon, Shan Feier came by to interview and seek Gu Feng's opinion.
By evening, an interview detailing Gu Feng's personal history was released, causing a stir in Tranquil Sky City like a stone thrown into a calm lake.
"Gu Feng's Life Story: A Legend Starting from a Broken Engagement!"
The title was modest, but the sales far exceeded previous interviews.
From ordinary disciples to Heaven's Chosen, it captivated everyone!
Some wanted to know the secret to Gu Feng's strength, while others saw him as an inspirational figure to motivate themselves.
"I never imagined Gu Feng's life story to be so formidable. In just over two years, he has crafted his own legend."
"Such positive energy, truly inspiring. I feel empowered again!"
"That Qu Yanran is so despicable, looking down on others. Gu Feng is clearly handsome and strong!"
"If I were her, I would never let go of such a powerful man."
"The Sunset Glow Sect Master, the Swamp Fortress leader, commanding nearly a hundred thousand disciples, holding trillions in wealth, undoubtedly the wealthiest young master in the Great Chu Dynasty!"
"The Grand Harmony Academy is a shareholder of the Swamp Fortress, and Sima Juncong, the son of the Northern Frontier's military commander, is his subordinate. What a life winner!"
"The first year at the Sunset Glow Sect was both laughable and filled with hardship."
"Indeed, it seems a bit roguish, but who can mock a young man without parents, striving to improve?"
"..."
Even some elders from major sects purchased the interview, planning to use it as teaching material!
Cultivation is about cultivating the heart. Disciples from major sects have good treatment and family backgrounds, which in some ways limit their development and weaken their drive for progress.
Gu Feng personally reviewed this interview, believing that a flesh-and-blood person could deeply resonate with others only by including some of the less glorious past experiences.
This makes it more grounded and relatable.
With the release of the interview, Gu Feng's reputation soared, and along with it, the value of his Swamp Fortress skyrocketed.
The Elders of some major sects keenly noticed the explosive profits and sought to meet with Gu Feng, hoping to acquire the shares he held.
No matter how much others offered, Gu Feng remained firm and publicly declared that he would not sell his shares!
Lin Xinhua and others from Cloud Prefecture listened to the daily updates from their disciples and couldn't stop grinning.
"Hahaha, Gu Feng is truly a genius. With this hype, the shares of Swamp Fortress are becoming more and more valuable. Selling now would double the profit!"
"Only a fool would sell!"
"Exchanging 50 billion Spirit Stones for 10% of Gu Feng's shares is definitely the wisest investment in recent years!"
"The more Spirit Stones, the better. I really wish I could get more shares from Gu Feng!"
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone was momentarily stunned, their eyes flashing with a hint of fervor.
However, that fervor quickly dissipated.
"What a pity, Gu Feng's strength is too formidable. Otherwise, I would have liked to bet with him on the top scorer in the Innate Realm's second examination hall!"
"Don't bet. The Sunset Glow Sect is very strong in the Innate Realm's second examination hall, and with Gu Feng's cheat-like existence, the probability of him taking the top spot far exceeds 50%."
"If he were to participate in the Spirit Nurturing Realm's first examination hall, we could bet with him. But now, with the major exam approaching, he hasn't broken through yet, and it's unlikely he will."
"Brother Bao makes a good point. If Gu Feng enters the Spirit Nurturing Realm's first examination hall, we could bet with him using shares. We wouldn't even need to bet on the top scorer, just on the number of people who make the list. But alas, there's no chance!"
"What a headache. It's the first time I've ever wished for an outsider to break through in cultivation!"
"I really hope for a miracle, that Gu Feng breaks through to the Spirit Nurturing Realm just before the exam. That would be too wonderful."
"..."
The group gathered together sighed in unison.
(End of the Chapter)
📚 Read [FD] on Patreon.com/AnubisTL – Up to c280. [+2/4.4k]
☕ Support me and Read Ahead for just $5/mo.
🎯 Translated [2] Novels [593k+] Words and counting!