In the game "High Martial Arts," players start with the blessing of the Martial God.

Chapter 102 The Strongest Clash, The Changes in the Hundred Leaves

The teleportation area is equipped with many teleportation arrays, corresponding to the original realm entrances to which Tianyi Star Palace has invested its power.

The Crimson Dragon Realm is one of the realms under the control of the Heavenly One Star Palace.

Ji Ming arrived at the gathering place of the martial arts system, where the batch teleportation had already begun.

Stepping onto the teleportation array, Ji Ming quickly arrived at Chilong Town in Cangzhou Province.

This town was built to defend against the Crimson Dragon Realm. Many independent professionals who enter the Realm to hunt have Crimson Dragon Town as their base outside.

Ji Ming boarded the underground train, heading towards the entrance to the Crimson Dragon Realm. He was in the first carriage, surrounded by core students from the Martial Arts Department, including his senior classmates from the second year.

The first-year students were a bit excited and nervous, but the second-year students were much calmer. They were the top students in their second year and had already participated in this kind of practical training to varying degrees.

Sitting next to him was Xia Qiwen, who whispered, "See that? That senior brother is Xu Yuan, the strongest sophomore! Ranked 78th on the Star Ranking, a second-level Divine Transformation martial artist, with a life strength of level 25!"

Upon hearing this, Ji Ming looked in the direction the man was pointing. There stood a young man in black, with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, exuding an extraordinary air. Noticing that someone was looking at him, the young man in black opened his eyes and nodded to Ji Ming.

He felt a slight weight lift in his heart. The Star Ranking was a common ranking for all students in all departments of Tianyi Star Palace. To rank 78th in a sophomore year was a testament to his exceptional talent and strength.

He checked his current information.

[Main Character: Martial Artist]

[Life Strength: Level 23 (Jade Unveiled Level 10)]

[Talents: Strong Willpower (Intermediate), God of War's Blessing (Saint-level)]

[Cultivation Method: Yin Yang Meridian Opening Technique, Level 11 (70%)]

Skill: Star King Body 1v.23 (42%)

Nine Luminaries Mystic Heaven Blade 1v.22 (30%)

Tai Xu Yi Dun 1v.13 (46%)

略】

[Skill: First Rank in Swordplay (12/10000)]

【Specialties: Sun's Extreme, King's Descent, Sky-Shattering Slaughter, Rainbow Sky, Azure Flame, Heart of Heaven and Earth, Moon Shadow Slash, Soaring Through the Void, Stellar Transformation】

[Number of moments of sudden enlightenment: 0 (49/100)]

Ji Ming felt that with his current strength, he should be able to deal with ordinary fourth-level Divine Realm warriors or first-level Divine Realm warriors who had just reached the Divine Realm. Both of them had a life strength of level 24. However, it would be a bit risky to face a truly top-tier figure like Xu Yuan.

Of course, that's not necessarily true. If the opponent's martial arts skills are too weak, he might still be able to fight even a professional with a life strength of level 25!

The power gap increases with each level of life strength, making it increasingly difficult to challenge opponents of higher levels.

"How many people in the four star palaces have a life strength of level 24 or above?" Ji Ming asked softly.

Xia Qiwen pondered for a moment and said, "Our Tianyi Star Palace has 6 people in the martial arts department, 3 in the magic department, 4 in the immortal path department, and 1 in the beast taming department, for a total of fourteen people!"

"The other three major constellations won't have more than us; they should all have fewer than ten people."

Ji Ming nodded. That would definitely not be fifty people in total, so there wouldn't be much pressure to compete for the top fifty, and he also had a great chance of making it into the top ten!

His eyes were filled with confidence. Tianyi Star Palace only had one level 25 expert like Xu Yuan, and the other three star palaces were no stronger. Times had changed. He was confident in all the level 24 experts. He would decide who was stronger after they had fought each other.

Moreover, there's no need for them to fight each other; the test is simply about slaying exotic beasts.

"There's one in the Beast Taming category too?" He was somewhat surprised.

"Yes, that's right!"

Xia Qiwen said softly, "That senior brother is still the strongest besides Xu Yuan, after all, he is a beast tamer."

Ji Ming understood that a third-tier beast tamer could contract three spirit beasts, making it difficult for someone of the same cultivation level to win in a three-on-one battle.

"However, the strongest in this assessment may not be them." Xia Qiwen's expression was somewhat complicated.

"No?" Ji Ming frowned.

Xia Qiwen sighed, "Our class has produced a prodigy. He joined the Martial Arts Department of Yanhuang Star Palace. As far as I know, he already demonstrated the eleventh level of Jade Purity during the Star Realm Grand Examination. Whether he has now fully become a second-step Godhood warrior is unknown."

"That strong?" Ji Ming clicked his tongue in amazement.

During the Star Realm Grand Examination, he was only at the third level of the Jade Purity Realm, while others had already begun cultivating the Jade Purity Ascension God Technique.

If one fully enters the second step of godhood, it means that the three heavenly veins have been formed, and the life strength is as high as level 26, making it possible to become the strongest in this assessment.

The second step of ascending to godhood is very difficult. Even a genius like Xu Yuan only broke through to the Divine Realm with the first step of ascending to godhood. As far as he knows, there are no more than 5 martial artists who have reached the second step of ascending to godhood among the four graduating classes!

"What's that person's name?" he couldn't help but ask.

"Shen Tu Feng!"

On the other side, a woman in red sat next to Xu Yuan. "Senior Brother Xu, the junior brother you were looking at earlier was Ji Ming!"

"Ji Ming?" A glint of light appeared in Xu Yuan's eyes.

"That's right!" The woman in red nodded, her tone complex. "This junior is quite remarkable. Many instructors believe there's an over 80% chance he'll reach the second step of godhood!"

Xu Yuan's heart trembled slightly. As a loser, he understood the difficulty of taking the second step of the Divine Ascension best. The probability of 80% was simply unbelievable.

However, he didn't think his mentors were just talking nonsense. He knew Ji Ming quite well; his breakthrough speed was too fast!

"It's a pity he's still so inexperienced. Senior Brother Xu is the clear winner of this assessment," the woman in red said respectfully.

Xu Yuan remained calm. Perhaps Ji Ming would surpass him in the future, but for now, it was still the world of the old guard.

The same applies to Shen Tu Feng. After all, he hasn't broken through to the Divine Realm yet, so what's wrong with having a higher life strength?

The train continued its journey and after a while, it stopped at the station, and the trainees disembarked one after another.

What came into view was an underground town. The town was not large, but it was enough to house the independent professionals who came to hunt strange beasts.

The entrance to the Crimson Dragon Realm is a hundred meters underground. The town has built many technological weapons, all aimed at the realm passage. Even a fifth-tier cultivator who manages to escape would be blasted into dust. Defending against this level one realm is relatively easy.

However, the pressure within the Origin Realm is immense. The Origin Realm passage is governed by a set of rules, meaning that even technologically advanced weapons with power exceeding the fourth tier cannot be brought inside.

However, there are quite a few fourth-tier native races. Fortunately, the intelligence of the creatures in the original world is not high, so as long as they do not cause a big commotion, they generally will not attract the attention of fourth-tier alien beasts.

"Within the Crimson Dragon Primordial Realm, our Xuanhuang Civilization has built two bases, separated by a thousand miles!"

In Chilong Town, a military general addressed them.

"For this assessment, those below the late stage of Tier 2 will go to Base 1, while the rest will go to Base 2. Base 1 has been cleared multiple times, so its safety is much higher."

Seeing the discontent on some trainees' faces, the general said sternly, "If some trainees believe they are exceptionally strong, they can apply to go to Base Two themselves, and we will not stop them."

"Also, the mortality target for this assessment is 50%!"

The general scanned them, "What I mean is, as long as your death rate doesn't exceed half during the seven-day assessment period, the assessment won't be stopped, and we won't interfere!"

Upon hearing this, the students were somewhat panicked and disbelieving. They were all students of the four major star palaces and the most outstanding geniuses in the entire Xia Kingdom. How could the military and the academy possibly ignore them?

The general's face was cold and hard. He knew that some people were taking a chance, thinking that it was still a game and that someone would be arranged to secretly protect them.

That would be a big mistake!

The three command centers are extremely determined this time; they are determined to make them feel the atmosphere of war!

Students of the Four Star Palaces?

It's precious in some ways, but not so precious in others. After all, there are thousands of people applying every year, but how many of them actually succeed?

The vast majority of them can't even break through to the fifth rank. What use do Xia Kingdom have for these so-called geniuses?

"May I ask, General?"

One participant raised their hand and asked, "What should we do if we need to ask for help?"

"SOS?"

The general chuckled, "There's no way to call for help! The rules of the Crimson Dragon Realm are unique; no network communication can be established. You'll have to rely on yourselves after leaving the base!"

Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent, and most people turned pale. Even the most naive among them should understand that this time it was for real!

Ji Ming frowned as well. This was indeed an unprecedented reform in recent centuries, and they really didn't take these geniuses seriously at all!

He wasn't afraid, but rather surprised. He felt that even his senior uncle and the academy didn't know the specifics of how the assessment would be conducted; otherwise, they would have definitely reminded them.

Of course, there's also the possibility that the rules were changed at the last minute!

The general glanced at them indifferently. "This is your last chance. You can give up this assessment now, but once it begins, life or death is irrelevant!"

The scene fell silent as the trainees sensed the chilling atmosphere and their faces grew even paler.

"You have three seconds to consider. If you don't speak, you'll be considered to have participated!" the general said coldly.

"I give up!"

"I give up!"

"I give up too—"

Less than three seconds later, a series of sounds rang out in the arena.

The general simply watched silently, without the slightest emotional fluctuation, which was a good thing; withdrawing now would avoid wasting resources.

"I'm giving up too!"

A young man in fine clothes exclaimed excitedly, "What's so great about that? I'll drop out of school as soon as I get back!"

"You can't give up!" the general suddenly said, pointing at the young man in brocade robes.

Why?

"Because your grandfather is a seventh-realm professional, and because you've enjoyed abundant resources since birth, this isn't due to your own abilities, but rather the result of being sheltered under the wings of civilization!"

The general's voice grew colder, "Disciples of families at the seventh realm or above must lead from the front. Anyone who dares to desert will be executed!"

The young man in brocade robes plopped down on the ground, trembling, not daring to utter a single word, because an aura had already enveloped him, and if he dared to argue again...

Desperate!

This is no joke!

The general sneered inwardly. He figured many people had forgotten this rule. If the Xia, Fang, or other family members said they were giving up today, he wouldn't even bother to explain.

Just kill him!

In any great battle, the strong always lead the charge!

The privileges and resources enjoyed by children of wealthy families are not free; they have to bleed before others to get them!

How was the new era established?

One word: Kill!

The most dangerous time for the Xuanhuang Civilization was not when it first connected with the battlefield of myriad realms, but a thousand years ago, after driving all races out of the Xuanhuang Realm and enjoying several thousand years of peace, many powerful individuals began to enjoy themselves and started to fight each other fiercely.

When the armies of the Heavenly Demons and the Abyss pressed in again, they dared not fight back. After all, experts above the seventh realm could easily survive in any small realm.

The war went poorly and even produced a large number of traitors!

What should we do in this situation?

That person provided the answer: "To repel external aggression, we must first pacify internal strife; kill!"

The new era was built on blood and fire. In one day, ten cowardly warriors at the ninth level were killed in succession. That was the most critical moment for the human race, beset by internal and external troubles. Fortunately, they survived.

Then we absolutely must not repeat the same mistake!

Xia Qiwen, who was below, shrank back. He was certain that this familiar style belonged to the "Demon Suppression Guard"!

"Ji Ming, be careful this time. Dying will be pointless!" he whispered a warning.

Ji Ming nodded solemnly; he too had sensed the unusual atmosphere.

Three seconds passed quickly. Ji Ming sighed. Too many people had given up, and even several of the top talents on the Star Ranking were afraid.

Those who give up are basically ruined and will no longer receive any official training.

Without any distress signal, and with the base ignoring their fate, it meant they were truly going to fight to the death in the Crimson Dragon Realm. The Crimson Dragon Realm was home to many native races, with groups of second and third-tier beings, and fourth-tier beings were not uncommon. There were even legends of fifth-tier beasts existing there!

It's really dangerous!

The general's gaze was calm. If a professional from the community went in, no one would care. Does being a genius make one more noble than others?

"Excellent! 1030 people left, which is unexpected. I thought we'd be lucky to get 300 to 500!"

When the results came out, the general rarely smiled. "Let me add something: if you're not strong enough, just stay near the base. To those less intelligent alien beasts, the base is just the territory of some powerful alien beast, so they generally won't come over."

He offered a reminder, hoping that some intelligent people would understand, and also hoping that more people would survive.

Of course, it's not always useful. That's how the original world is; it's full of surprises. If you're unlucky, you might run into two powerful alien beasts fighting and get blasted to dust by the aftershocks!

Moreover, the Crimson Dragon Realm also has a base of the Crimson Flame Demon Clan, and those guys are the most dangerous.

Next, we will announce the specific rules:

1. Before slaying the beast, start video recording and cut off a part of the beast's body for double verification and score calculation.

Second: The assessment lasts for seven days. Each day, you can return to the base once to calculate your points. After returning, you can rest for two hours at the base. Multiple returns will be considered as a waiver.

Three: Tier 2, Levels 1-10, points 1-10; Tier 3, Levels 1-10, points 20-110; Tier 4 Beast, 1000 points!

Fourth: Slaying the Crimson Flame Demon Clan earns five times the points of slaying other beasts, and also grants merit points!

A fourth-tier alien beast?

Hearing this, Ji Ming felt helpless. The life strength of a third-tier perfect being is level 30, while that of a fourth-tier early-stage being level 35. The difference was too great. The 1000 points were just a way to whet his appetite.

"Now, enter the Crimson Dragon Realm!"

"Today is the 9th. You have a day to familiarize yourselves with the area. The assessment will officially begin on the 10th!"

With a wave of his hand, the selected trainees headed towards the town center, where the Primordial Realm Passage was located.

Inside a large hall in Chilong Town, the mentors from the four star palaces gathered and became excited after learning the specific rules of this assessment.

"No rescue? No protection whatsoever? Are you crazy?"

"What's going on? This kind of assessment rule isn't in the Education Department's documents!"

"That's right, how could you act recklessly without authorization?"

The mentors looked very grim; this rule was sure to kill off a large portion of the faculty.

An old man stood up in Tianyi Star Palace. He was none other than Zhang Tu, the elder whom Ji Ming had met before, and the person in charge of this assessment.

Zhang Tu frowned, but wasn't too agitated. Instead, he calmly asked, "General Zhao, we're not against it, but shouldn't we be given an explanation for this last-minute change?"

"Grand Secretary Zhang!"

A burly, armored man cupped his hands in greeting and said calmly, "Isn't my presence here enough of an explanation?"

"I see!"

Zhang Tu closed his eyes, sat back in his chair, and said, "Let's go by these rules. I have no objections!"

"What? Mr. Zhang, you—"

The mentors paused, and then arranged for one of the three outer star palaces to lead the team, but none of them could compare to Zhang Tu in terms of strength and status, and they did not recognize the burly general.

"Mr. Zhang, who is this?"

The three elders exchanged glances and asked cautiously.

"Demon Suppressor Guard!"

Zhang Tu uttered just those three words, and the other three elders' expressions tightened. The mentors, who were originally in high spirits, seemed to have their throats choked, and the whole room fell silent.

The burly general clasped his hands in greeting, "I am the commander of the Demon-Suppressing Guard, greetings to all of you!"

Everyone's pupils contracted slightly upon hearing this. The commander of the Demon Suppression Guard must be someone of extremely high strength, at the seventh level!

"Is this assessment at the behest of Commander Xia?" Elder Yanhuang Star Palace asked cautiously.

General Zhao simply nodded, and the others could no longer voice their objections.

At this moment, the general from the square also came to the hall. He first saluted General Zhao and then recounted what had just happened in detail.

"Hmph! A descendant of the Seventh Realm dares to desert?"

General Zhao snorted coldly, "The commander is still too merciful. If you ask me, we shouldn't have given anyone the chance to give up!"

He frowned. Fortunately, the Xia and Fang families didn't produce such fools, otherwise he would have been bleeding today!

Although the military leader is the head of the Xia family, if he can kill a deserter from the Xia family, the military leader will actually reward him!

"General Zhao, may I ask what has happened that has led Commander Xia to resort to such drastic measures? The Education Department originally intended to proceed gradually," Zhang Tu asked, cupping his hands in greeting.

"If it's inconvenient to talk about it, then forget it!" Zhang Tu added.

General Zhao still held Zhang Tu in some respect, waving his hand and saying, "It's nothing!"

He looked at everyone present, his voice heavy, "So that you may all know that in the early hours of this morning, the Hundred Leaf Plains was attacked by the Heavenly Demon Clan and has fallen!"

"What! How is that possible?"

Zhang Tu was so shocked that he stood up immediately. "Where's Dean Liu? How is he?"

Baiye Plain Realm is one of the eight Level 3 Plain Realms in Xia Kingdom, and it has always been overseen by the Dean of the Mage Department.

General Zhao closed his eyes. "I apologize, Commander, you're late!"

"hiss!"

Even the mentors and the Grand Secretary showed a hint of panic in their eyes.

Nine Realms!

How long has it been since the Xuanhuang civilization lost a ninth-level being?

Zhang Tu's face turned ashen. There were only a handful of people at the ninth level of the entire Tianyi Star Palace, and this time it was truly a catastrophe!

"Three ninth-realm Heavenly Demons from the Heavenly Demon Clan broke into the Hundred Leaf Plains. A total of five ninth-realm Heavenly Demon Kings killed Dean Liu in a very short time. This news will be announced soon!" General Zhang said.

"Three Ninth-Realm Heavenly Demon Kings? How come there are so many all of them suddenly?"

Zhang Tu muttered to himself, "Experts of this level are usually kept under close surveillance. No wonder Dean Liu perished; there wasn't even time to rescue him. Two nine-year-old experts..."

The Heavenly Demon King could barely hold them back, but the five Venerables—

"I don't know!" General Zhao shook his head. "The military commander only said that the Heavenly Demon civilization's foundation is unfathomable, and these three newly appeared Heavenly Demon Kings are proof of that!"

"What did the demons mean that day? Were they going to start a full-scale war?"

"Elder Yanhuang Star Palace asked in a deep voice."

Total war means that even the divine realm will be involved, and high-level powerhouses will inevitably fall like rain.

"Uncertain." General Zhao frowned. "But it's probably not. The Battlefield of Myriad Realms remains calm. What the Military Lord said was merely a test!"

"A test?"

"Um!"

General Zhao nodded. "A thousand years ago, the civilizations we fought against suffered heavy losses. To prevent other top civilizations from taking advantage of the situation, we all exercised restraint."

"But a thousand years have passed, and they've probably recovered. Hostile civilizations won't let us develop unchecked. The Hundred Leaf Plains was just a test. In any case, a new round of great changes is coming. Everyone, get ready!"

"Regarding the changes in the Hundred Leaves Plains, the Military Lord will send a message to the entire Xuanhuang Civilization."

"Raise the troops, prepare for war!"

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