I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 150 Taiyin
The forest is silent.

The mist swirled among the branches and leaves, like a white ribbon fluttering by.

Xue Xiangzheng activated his Xuan Ye Tong (Mysterious Night Eyes) and diligently searched for traces of the demon.

The talisman ring on his finger trembled again, and a beam of white light shot into his spiritual platform.

He thought it was news, but it was a notification, causing his mind to sink into the written record.

Xue Xiang did as instructed, and suddenly a illusory image of light and shadow appeared within the Wenlu Ring.

The undulating mountains and winding rivers form the geographical map of the Trial Realm.

Tiny specks of light are scattered throughout, like stars in the night sky.

The golden light spots were empty.

Seven or eight purple lights hung alone, like fireflies.

There were hundreds of black spots of light scattered across the fields.

Countless white and blue light spots were densely packed together.

Xue Xiang realized that the various colored dots of light represented monsters of different levels.

That's great! No need to rack your brains and try your luck anymore, just follow the map markers to find it.

Soon, some light spots appeared on the map, and the light spots instantly gathered into numbers.

One of the numbers was shining brightly; it was number nine.

Xue Xiang glanced at the talisman ring on his finger, which was marked with the number nine.

Xue Xiang immediately realized that Number Nine was himself, and that he was currently in the Chichuan Canyon where Number Nine's light spot was located.

Soon, Xue Xiang discovered even more numbers.

Then he discovered that the map in the document ring could be zoomed in and out at will.

Soon, Xue Xiang discovered a group of blue light spots in the southeast direction, which was closest to him.

Xue Xiang immediately rushed towards the blue light.

He had only traveled about ten miles when he was surprised to find that the blue light was getting further and further away from him.

He had no choice but to head north again, where three white lights were scattered.

White dots represent white-level monsters. Hunting just one will guarantee that you won't fail in the first round of elimination.

Strangely, just as he arrived, one of the three points of light escaped, and the other two disappeared.

With such bad luck happening twice in a row, Xue Xiang began to have some doubts.

In the blink of an eye, half an hour had passed.

The points of light that Xue Xiang had targeted would disappear before he arrived, which was extremely strange.

As time passed, Xue Xiang grew increasingly agitated.

Suddenly, the document ring emitted a white light again, indicating that the communication function had been activated.

Xue Xiang was studying the communication details when his document ring vibrated. Text appeared inside the ring, displaying number seventy-six, requesting to establish a telepathic connection with him.

Xue Xiang chose to agree.

"Brother Xue, I am Ling Xueyi."

How do you know that number nine is me?

“I didn’t know at first, but your movements were so big that everyone noticed. Every time Number Nine moved, the monsters that Number Nine approached were either driven away or hunted down. I guessed that you must be Number Nine.”

"What does Brother Ling mean?"

"The numbers on the talisman rings aren't a big secret. With careful observation, you should be able to figure them out. Brother Xue, you're number nine, so they must have informed you. Every time number nine gets close to the light spot, it disappears. This kind of scene couldn't be created by the students of Canaan County alone. They must have been in cahoots before entering the Trial Realm."

I informed Brother Xue because I didn't want someone as outstanding as him to be taken advantage of by them.

Furthermore, the crystal cores dropped by the monsters that were killed this time will automatically be stored in the killer's spirit ring.

I had intended to gift Brother Xue the crystal core, but that's not an option.

"Thank you, Brother Ling."

Xue Xiang suddenly realized what was happening.

"No need for thanks, Brother Xue, do you have a way to break this deadlock?"

"I'm starting to get an idea. Brother Ling, just keep observing."

Having ended communication with Ling Xueyi, Xue Xiang ceased his rash actions.

…………

Deep in the pine forest, the wind whistles.

The morning light was like dew, and the afterglow of the distant mountains reflected on the leaves of the forest, making the three young faces glow with a rosy light.

Lou Changqing stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes and brows full of satisfaction. He gently stroked the jade pendant at his waist, his voice filled with barely suppressed laughter: "I didn't expect it to go so smoothly."

He gazed at the canyon where Xue Xiang was, as if looking at a trapped beast, a slight smirk playing on his lips, carrying a hint of cold arrogance.

Shen Nansheng crossed his arms, but his expression was one of certainty and disdain. "Which of the leaders of each prefecture is not from a prestigious family?"
Their hostility towards Xue Xiang was natural.

If Xue Xiang wins again this time, it won't just be us who lose face.

They were naturally happy to cooperate.

A cool breeze blew by, his sleeves fluttered lightly, and he seemed to stand at the pinnacle of a noble family, unapproachable.

Lu Wenhou stroked the scabbard, his voice as cold as a blade, "Eliminating him like this is too lenient."

I really wanted him to try my Heavenly Frost Jade Divine Skill; otherwise, it would be a real waste of all the suffering I endured in the Xuanwu Cold Pool.

Just then, Xue Xiang's location on the map inside the document ring began to move rapidly.

Lu Wenhou's gaze sharpened. "He went north."

Lou Changqing said coldly, "There are a dozen or so white-level demons there, but unfortunately, they are destined to be out of his reach."

Sure enough, after a dozen or so breaths, the cluster of white dots to the north, which was closest to Xue Xiang on the map, suddenly disappeared.

Clearly, someone had driven away the white-level monsters there.

A cold, smug glint flashed in Lou Changqing's eyes. "See that? With everyone united, we can overcome any obstacle. This is what they mean by 'those who do many evil deeds will surely perish.'"

However, the next moment, Lu Wenhou's expression suddenly changed, his eyes narrowed sharply, and he exclaimed in surprise, "No, he is still speeding north. Wait, he is heading towards those two black-level demons."

To the north of the light curtain, two dark spots of light flickered eerily, like eyes in an abyss, sending chills down one's spine.

"Black-level monster!"

Shen Nansheng paused for a moment, then sneered, "He's been pushed to the limit. He knows that white and blue level can be dispelled, but no one dares to act rashly against black level."

He's going to fight tooth and nail to avoid being eliminated.

Lu Wenhou snorted, "A black-level demon monster, its strength is no less than that of a Foundation Establishment cultivator at the peak."

If it is in a desperate situation, its power is even greater.

Even though the three of us are hunting together, we must be extremely cautious.

"Him? Hmph, just a death throes."

Lou Changqing scoffed, "With such a big show, how can we not watch? We might even be able to pick up some bargains."

The three exchanged glances, then transformed into streaks of light and headed north.

The mountain wind howled, the forest rustled, and they sped along.

Suddenly, a loud, boisterous laugh came from ahead.

"Are the three of you also heading towards Xue Xiang?"

A broad-shouldered, burly young man caught up with the three, a hint of arrogance in his eyes.

The three men looked closely and recognized the man as Long Zhanye, the leader of Dongguo County.

Long Zhanye said coldly, "The three of you are all quite strong, how could you be defeated by someone surnamed Xue?"

This time, let's see if Mr. Long can stand up for the three of them.

"Xue Xiang had better be able to destroy the Black-level demon; otherwise, I, Long, will personally take action and show him what a true young master from a prestigious family is like."

As he spoke, he transformed into a rainbow of light, surpassing the size of the three people.

Lu Wenhou, Lou Changqing, and Shen Nansheng were all disgusted and could only move forward at full speed, chasing after them to the north.

…………

The mountain wind was howling.

Xue Xiang ran for dozens of miles in one breath, as fast as a flying arrow, but his mind became more and more calm.

The terrain gradually rises to the north, and the walls of the Akagawa Gorge narrow into a long, narrow passage with jagged rocks and a faint smell of sulfur in the air.

Just ahead, amidst swirling black mist, lay a colossal beast covered in jet-black scales, motionless.

Its body resembles that of a giant ape, but it has a pair of curved horns like halberds, a high chest, bulging muscles, and eyes that seem to burn with black flames, with faint red flames flickering deep in its pupils.

With each breath, a wave of heat surged forth.

With a deep roar, it spewed out a burst of crimson flames, scorching the pine trees on both sides and turning them into charred remains.

Xue Xiang was startled. "A Fiery Hell Suanni! How could it be this thing?"

Recently, he had collected some information about the Demon Land and had seen such monsters.

The Fire Prison Lion not only uses flames for attack, but also has incredibly strong defensive scales protecting its body. It is also extremely difficult to deal with due to its violent nature.

But now that things have come to this, he has no room for maneuver.

Xue Xiang arrived like a whirlwind, and the Fire Prison Lion suddenly stood up, its enormous body, two zhang tall, resembling a small mountain. Before Xue Xiang could move, the demonic egg in his sleeve suddenly began to vibrate, as if a cell phone were on vibrate.

Xue Xiang, disregarding the demon egg, unleashed his Wind-Stopping Steps and charged towards the raging Fire Prison Lion.

Enraged, the Fire Prison Lion stomped its massive feet on the ground and charged straight at Xue Xiang.

The next instant, Xue Xiang crushed a Gale Talisman. Enveloped in the talisman's light, his figure instantly rose ten feet, as if the wind was blowing through the pine branches, and he appeared in front of the Fire Prison Suanni in an instant.

The Fire Prison Suanni was clearly taken aback. In an instant, its sword spirit manifested, transforming into a long sword that pierced straight at the Fire Prison Suanni's face.

With a clang, a huge red scale suddenly rose up on the face of the Fire Prison Lion.

The sword struck the scale armor, sparks flew, and a large piece of red scale armor peeled off.

The Suanni roared to the sky, its eyes bloodshot, and its sharp claws swept across, striking Jian Dan with a clang, sending Xue Xiang flying.

Xue Xiang hurriedly summoned the Qi-transforming net, which precisely supported him.

He was secretly shocked, never expecting that the Suanni's physical body could withstand the indestructible sword spirit.

Just then, a ball of blazing flame shot towards him.

Xue Xiang cast a Swift Wind Talisman and vanished in a flash.

He knew perfectly well that his spiritual energy shield couldn't withstand flames of this level.

Taking advantage of the fact that the talisman's power was not yet exhausted, Xue Xiang rushed over, his sword courage transforming into a giant sword again, slashing down from the sky, and the Fire Prison Suanni actually managed to escape.

Just as Xue Xiang was about to pounce, suddenly, figures came rushing in from all directions: east, west, south, and north.

He spotted Lü Wenhou, Lou Changqing, and Shen Nansheng at a glance, and both old and new grudges surged into his heart.

Just then, a countdown hourglass appeared on the geographical map in the document ring.

As the sand began to fall, Xue Xiang estimated that there were only about fifteen minutes left until the allotted time was up.

Xue glanced at the cliff to the west, which was sandwiched between two peaks and was only a few feet wide at its narrowest point.

With a thought, Xue Xiang fled in that direction, pursued relentlessly by the Fire Prison Lion.

Witnessing this scene, Lu Wenhou, Shen Nansheng, and Lou Changqing were all overjoyed.

"What Canaanite leader? He's just a name without substance?"

"He really hasn't reached the Foundation Establishment stage yet. I really don't know how he won the championship last time."

"It's truly lamentable to lose to such a despicable person."

As the three were discussing, Long Zhanye suddenly appeared beside them and sneered, "This is the leader of your Canaan County? You three lost to such a Qi Refining junior, aren't you ashamed?"

"you!"

Lu Wenhou was furious. "Long Zhanye, stop your arrogant words. Once we're out of here, I, Lu, will personally experience your skills."

"I have no interest in fighting a loser who can't even beat a junior Qi Refining cultivator."

After saying that, Long Zhanye moved swiftly and chased after Xue Xiang.

He came to watch the show, that's true, but he also really wanted to get a bargain.

He would be happy if Xue Xiang and Suanni both suffered heavy losses.

As soon as Long Zhanye made a move, Lu Wenhou and the other two hurriedly followed.

Upon reaching the precipice, they saw Suanni and Xue Xiang engaged in a fierce battle between the two cliffs.

The Valley Fire Prison Suanni roared repeatedly, its body as large as a mountain, flames rolling and raging. Every time the flames were about to engulf Xue Xiang, he narrowly avoided them.

Xue Xiang, riding the wind, moved nimbly, his sword spirit transforming into a sword, slashing and thrusting at will. Relying on the sharpness of his sword spirit, he caused the scales of the Suanni to fall off in a flurry.

The Suanni roared furiously to the sky, and just then, another earth-shattering roar came like a gust of wind.

The second Fiery Lion charged through the rocks, flames shooting into the sky. The two monsters' eyes burned fiercely as they locked onto Xue Xiang almost simultaneously.

Two waves of heat intertwined, causing the stone walls in the valley to crack and flames to surge like a tide.

Xue Xiang felt a slight unease, but he remained completely calm.

Another Gale Talisman shattered in his palm. He then unleashed the Wind-Stopping Step, transforming into a fleeting shadow as he weaved and shifted between flames and claws.

By this time, more than a dozen people had arrived and were scattered on the protruding stone platforms in the mountainside, watching Xue Xiang fight the two Suanni.

Even Long Zhanye, who looked down on Xue Xiang, put aside his contempt. He secretly calculated that if he were Xue Xiang, he wouldn't have done any better.

"Let's see how long this kid can hold out."

Lou Changqing said coldly.

As soon as he finished speaking, Xue Xiang, who was being forced down the cliff, soared back up.

His literary talent transformed into steps, and he ascended higher and higher step by step.

The two lions were provoked by Xue Xiang and became truly enraged, spewing flames wildly, causing the entire cliff face to burst into flames.

Everyone immediately activated their spiritual energy shields.

"It's just a death throes; let's see how long he can hold on."

Long Zhanye said coldly.

The people standing next to him all nodded in agreement.

"I actually hope he can hold out longer and exhaust the sharpness of these two Suanni."

"There's no time left. This fiend's elimination is inevitable."

As the crowd was discussing this, a black light suddenly emanated from a mound of earth beneath their feet.

"WTF."

"Not good! A spiritual wave is rising, it's a Yuan Explosion Bead, run!"

One person exclaimed, and everyone was lifted into the air.

Just then, a massive explosion occurred.

The cliff roared, the earth shook, and flames and waves of light mixed into a blazing white torrent that instantly engulfed the entire cliff face.

The deafening roar soared into the sky, and debris flew like a torrential rain. The entire mountainside cracked under the impact of the explosion, and large sections of rock collapsed and fell.

Even though Long Zhanye and the others managed to escape the platform in time, they were still within the radius of the giant explosion's shockwave.

The spiritual energy shield around them was easily torn apart, like paper.

While in mid-air, blood was already gushing out.

Long Zhanye was filled with fear and pain, but fortunately, he still had the willpower to muster his remaining strength and crushed the literary ring.

In an instant, he transformed into a blur and vanished.

Along with him, his former companions also disappeared.

The sudden explosion stunned Lü Wenhou and the other two.

"It's a Yuan Burst Bead. This guy bought a Yuan Burst Bead at the auction."

"The conditions for the Yuanbao Bead to explode are very demanding. How did he manage to do it? It seems like Long Zhanye and the others were ambushed."

“I understand. He went down the cliff first and buried Yuan Explosion Beads on these protruding platforms beforehand. When we came, we would inevitably land on these scattered platforms. Then, with the help of the flames from the Fire Hell Suanni, we could directly detonate the Yuan Explosion Beads.”

Lu Wenhou, Lou Changqing, and Shen Nansheng were all exceptionally intelligent. They explained the crux of the matter clearly in turn.

The three of them looked down at their feet and were immediately filled with fear and panic, so they all took to the air.

Just then, a tremendous explosion erupted from all directions.

It turned out that the two Suanni had unleashed their ultimate attack, with flames shooting out and sweeping across the entire cliff face.

The Yuanbao beads that Xue Xiang had buried in various places were all detonated.

In an instant, a massive explosion erupted. Xue Xiang, who was ahead of the curve, dodged to a protruding cliff face to avoid the shockwave.

At the same time, the two Suanni were also affected by the aftershocks of the explosion, constantly crashing and tumbling between the two cliffs.

The three people, including Lü Wenhou, who were swept away by the explosion, were like broken straws, and were swept off the cliff.

Blood gushed out in mid-air.

Fortunately, all three were outside the radius of the most violent shockwave from the Yuanbao Bead, so although they were injured, their injuries were not serious.

Several dozen breaths later, the three of them leaped from the bottom of the cliff onto the top of the precipice. When they looked again, Xue Xiang was nowhere to be seen.

On the cliff face, however, blood was everywhere, and large patches of blood-red scales were scattered about.

"Damn it, damn it all."

Lou Changqing clenched his fist. "This guy did it on purpose. He knew we would come to watch the game."

His swordsmanship is incredibly sharp, striking suddenly and making it extremely difficult to defend against. It is practically the ultimate weapon against the powerful defenses of monsters.

In addition, he had fused the Gale Talisman into his movement technique, making him extremely fast. Although the Suanni was ferocious, it was completely unable to do anything to this fellow.

This fellow deliberately feigned weakness, luring us between the two cliffs.

He took the initiative and shot the explosive bead out from a protrusion in the cliff face where he could land.

They're just waiting for us to suffer the consequences.

This scoundrel is too cunning, too vicious, and too inhuman.

Lü Wenhou roared to the sky in fury, "Xue Xiang, Xue Xiang..."

Shen Nansheng said in a sinister voice, "What's even more frustrating is that he clearly plotted against us, yet he still complied with the rules."

I reckon that right now, Long Zhanye, who only has half a life left, is complaining in the Literature Department. That idiot doesn't know Xue Xiang's capabilities, yet he dares to speak so arrogantly.

You deserve it.”

(End of this chapter)