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

Chapter 79 Astral Plane

Ji Ming opened his eyes, showing no excitement. Everything had fallen into place naturally. He had devoted too much effort to the Nine Luminaries Profound Heaven Blade. Even without sudden enlightenment, he could still break through, it would just be a little later.

He now understands that enlightenment can save him cultivation time, but it cannot determine the final limit. That special state is rare, but ultimately everything depends on his own integration and understanding.

However, saving time is a huge advantage!

Ji Ming smiled; all he lacked was time!

【Nine Luminaries Mystic Heaven Blade: Iv.11 (32%)】

Because he had solidified his foundation and had a very deep understanding of this sword technique, he made great progress after his breakthrough and reaped enormous rewards.

The key is the refinement of the [Heaven-Shattering Kill] technique. Among the Heavenly Grade techniques, there shouldn't be any more powerful ones!

[Sky-Shattering Strike: An extremely concentrated will unleashes a strike that tears through space!]

Tearing through space is impossible for him at his current level, but once his strength increases, this description will become a reality.

Among the three unique skills that can be mastered by the Nine Luminaries Profound Heaven Blade, the Sky-Shattering Strike is undoubtedly the strongest single-target attack. Master Luo's statement that it can cut through mechs is probably not an exaggeration.

Being able to cut through a mecha means that the physique of most Jade Purity Realm martial artists cannot withstand his strike. This extreme attack is enough for him to face a late-stage Jade Purity Realm expert. Even if the opponent is also a genius who has mastered multiple martial arts techniques, he can still fight against him!

As for mages and cultivators, needless to say, one strike is all it takes for them to die!

Of course, what martial artists lack when facing these two professions is never attack power. No matter how strong the attack is, it is only effective if it hits the target. This depends on the situation and the game on the spot.

Having successfully mastered the [Heaven-Shattering Slaughter] technique, he not only greatly enhanced his offensive power, but he also felt that his will had been refined once again. He would have a significant advantage when he reached the Divine Realm.

"call!"

Ji Ming sighed softly. His strength had temporarily reached its peak, and he finally had considerable confidence in facing the Star Realm Trial.

"Hmm, I can accumulate another enlightenment tomorrow." He looked at the panel and made a decision in his heart. Perhaps he could try to comprehend the "Azure Flame Meridian Opening Technique"?

White flames, blue flames, and purple flames—the characteristics of [Azure Flame] are equivalent to adding an extra layer of enchantment. Previously, he had focused his energy on the three martial arts techniques, and since he would inevitably have to switch to this technique after obtaining the core student spot, he hadn't paid much attention to it.

Now, perhaps we can give it a try and see how powerful the Azure Flame is. Anyway, once the two martial arts enter the new stage, the proficiency requirements increase significantly. At most, one enlightenment will only raise the level by one level, which will not greatly improve strength. It would be better to use it to comprehend the Azure Flame.

Enhancing one's strength as much as possible before the Astral Trial is never a bad thing. Although he is confident, he does not believe that he is invincible in the Eastern Region. Every bit of improvement in combat power is important.

While moments of sudden enlightenment are precious, they only accumulate over a few days. If you miss out on this opportunity to become a core student, that would be a real problem.

If he doesn't become a core student, he won't be able to exchange for a divine-grade cultivation technique at the Jade Purity Realm, which will greatly slow down his cultivation speed.

Moreover, if this Astral Trial involves slaying alien races, his strength will be greater, and he will gain faction points faster, so he won't lose out either way.

"Let's try again tomorrow!"

The oldest piece of land in the Xuanhuang boundary of Cangzhou Province, the Xia capital, and the four major star palaces are all located here.

After leaving the Azure Mystery Realm, Shangguan Yue and Zhao Yinman traveled around the Tianyi Star Palace until their return.

Suddenly, a young man with a slightly round face, long hair, and a beaming smile stopped them. "Junior Sister Shangguan, did you just come back from outside?"

Zhao Yinman frowned, stepped forward to block Shangguan Yue's path, and said, "Hong Kang, what kind of wicked scheme are you plotting now?"

Seeing Zhao Yinman's wary and protective look, Hong Kang felt a little helpless. "Is it really necessary? How could I possibly have feelings for a little girl?"

"Inman, don't misunderstand, I just wanted to ask if your junior brother Ji Ming has chosen a school of thought yet? How about I introduce him to one?" Hong Kang said sincerely.

"Oh!"

Zhao Yinman scoffed, "You, a member of the Fundamentalist School, have such good intentions?"

"Look at you all, you've completely misunderstood me!"

Hong Kang looked heartbroken. "You know I have no grudge against the Qian Tian School, and Zhao You is even my good friend! I heard that kid Ji Ming has embarked on the path to godhood? Amazing! I genuinely don't want to hold back such a genius. In terms of understanding martial arts, I'm definitely better than you, right?"

"By the way, how good is his ability? If he's good, I can talk to him beforehand and make sure he finds a good mentor. Not having a good teacher will have a huge impact on him!"

Zhao Yinman's eyes flickered. "Get lost! You don't need to worry about me! If you don't leave, my sword won't discriminate!"

"Inman, you... sigh!"

Hong Kang sighed deeply, "Forget it, forget it, pretend I was never here!"

After saying that, he left, looking quite regretful, as if he was truly heartbroken that his good intentions were not understood.

"Senior sister, who is he?" Shangguan Yue tilted his head. He hadn't been in Tianyi Star Palace for long, and many people didn't actually know him.

"Ignore him, he's a rotten, rotten bastard!"

Zhao Yinman cursed, but then didn't take it to heart. Whatever bad things he was up to, she'd beat him up next time they met.

Do you really think I'm stupid enough to recommend Ji Ming to you?

On the other side, Hong Kang shook his head. That's just how women are; they can turn on you in an instant.

However, judging from her appearance, little Ji Ming's strength is indeed insufficient, which makes things easier!

Hong Kang smiled, an idea forming in his mind. Humming a song, he walked to a building and knocked on the door.

"Hong Kang?"

A short-haired young man wearing boxing gloves opened the door, frowned when he saw him, and asked, "What are you doing here?"

Hong Kang looked around and whispered, "Let's go inside and talk!"

Wang Xunwu turned and went inside. Hong Kang closed the door behind him and said, "Junior Brother Wang, are you aware that Luo Zhao's student is about to enter our Tianyi Star Palace?"

"Just say what you have to say!" Wang Xunwu said with a dark face. He wasn't blind or deaf, how could he not know?

"Ahem!"

Hong Kang coughed twice, then stammered, "I heard—your father was... well, haha!"

Although the words were vague, Wang Xunwu understood perfectly well what he meant, and his anger immediately surged. "You surnamed Hong! Are you here to humiliate me?"

"Hey, don't rush!"

Hong Kang quickly pressed down on his clenched fist. "I'm here to give you a chance for revenge. We can't touch Luo Zhao, but his student is completely at our mercy."

Wang Xunwu's heart skipped a beat, then he shook his head. "It's not that simple. The Star Palace has its own rules; how could they possibly allow us to target a freshman?"

"rest assured!"

Hong Kang pointed upwards, "This is Senior Sister Ruan's intention. Everything will be handled by those above, and we won't actually harm him."

"Then what should we do?" Wang Xunwu's expression became much more serious. Hong Kang was delighted to see this. "The new student mentor school has already recommended me for this year's position. It's almost certain that I'll get it."

"Although Luo Zhao is a genius, he hasn't been at the Jade Purity Realm for long, so his strength isn't outstanding. Suppressing him isn't that difficult. Didn't you take on a student early this year? We can do this—"

Hong Kang whispered the story to Wang Xunwu, whose eyes grew brighter and brighter.

Finally, Hong Kang said with a faint smile, "In this way, even if Luo Zhao is not a useless student, his cultivation progress will be slowed down. Hmph, in Tianyi Star Palace, taking one step to become a god is nothing. One step slower means one step slower. If his cultivation is not high enough, he will not be able to get many things. Gradually, he will return to being an ordinary person. Junior Brother Wang, you have finally gotten your revenge."

Wang Xunwu nodded. The competition in Tianyi Star Palace was fierce, and with the cooperation and suppression from Hong Kang, the mentor of the new students, it would be good if the young boys like Ji Ming didn't break down!

As for his student, he originally took him in out of a favor. He was of average talent, but his family was wealthy and his level of understanding was high, so he could easily suppress Ji Ming.

"Okay, let's do it this way!" Wang Xunwu slapped his thigh, his eyes filled with excitement. Old man, I'll avenge you!

"Haha! It would be great to do business with you then!"

Hong Kang was overjoyed, and his expression relaxed considerably.

People without connections are easily bullied. Does Senior Sister Ruan really think I'm stupid for throwing this hot potato at me?

It's one thing to ask someone to do a favor, but the worst part is that they don't even offer any benefits upfront!

He had no grudge against Luo Zhao, so why would he rush to offer himself up for death?

Although Luo Zhao has been away from Tianyi Star Palace for many years, his reputation and connections remain. Who knows if a powerful figure might suddenly appear to suppress Ji Ming if he is too harsh on him?

But he couldn't refuse Senior Sister Ruan's order, so he could only ask you to be his shield, Junior Brother Wang!

Hong Kang had a beaming smile, just like Maitreya Buddha, which made people feel good at first glance.

After seeing Hong Kang off, Wang Xunwu suddenly sneered, "Hmph, that son of a bitch Hong Kang, does he really think I'm stupid?"

It was Senior Sister Ruan who gave you the task, and you're using me to block your way?

He pondered for a long time, but in the end he couldn't bear to give up this opportunity to avenge the old man. The key was that the sacred fruit in his family's spiritual land was about to ripen, and he had to make a splash, otherwise it would be difficult for him to get a turn!

"Ugh!"

Wang Xunwu sighed, "I'm sorry to trouble my new student, but don't worry, I'll find you a helper to share the burden."

He turned on his communicator, "Hey, Junior Brother Yuan, I heard your dad has a grudge against Luo Zhao. I have a plan—yes, that's right!"

Come to my house, let's discuss this carefully —

On the other side, Hong Kang was walking along the road, thinking to himself that Junior Brother Wang must be gathering helpers by now. It would be better to gather more people so that his presence would be less noticeable, and if something went wrong, he wouldn't be the one to get punished.

Sigh, it's such a pity for little Ji Ming, so tragic!

Actually, the title of "Luo Zhao's student" is not worth everyone's attention. Over the years, Luo Zhao has taken in many students, and some of them have entered Tianyi Star Palace, but they are all relatively ordinary, and their future can be seen at a glance.

But Ji Ming is a genius who can ascend to godhood in a special place like Baichuan City, which is different. Mediocre people are ignored, but geniuses are born to attract attention.

How can one become successful without experiencing hardships?

Zhao You and I are friends, so it's only right that I help you.

Are these idiots just going to be Ji Ming's casualties? The combination of genius and Luo Zhao's student defies all logic.

Hmm—it's not my fault. They sent someone to their deaths and are now blaming it on Junior Brother Wang! They did the dirty work, so I can't be the one to take the blame, can I?

Hong Kang slowly hummed a song as he walked away.

On the 31st, Ji Ming struck the wooden dummy in front of him with a ball of blue flame wrapped around his hand. The wooden dummy, which was as hard as iron, instantly shattered, with the blue flame lingering and the cracks charred black.

"Not bad!"

Ji Ming gave a thumbs up. After a moment of enlightenment, he successfully comprehended the power of "Azure Flame," which was indeed much stronger than "White Flame." The enhancement was even more significant when combined with martial arts techniques.

He guessed that this "Azure Flame Meridian Opening Technique" must have been created by imitating the divine fire of heaven and earth. The characteristics of the Azure Flame Fire are top-notch among the Jade Purity Realm Heaven-grade techniques. As expected of Master Luo's work, it must be a masterpiece.

"It's time to go!"

After taking one last look at the room, Ji Ming sighed. "After the Star Realm Grand Exam, regardless of success or failure, I will enroll directly and will not return to Baichuan City."

"Dad, Mom!"

Ji Ming looked at the two elders and hugged them one after the other, saying, "I'm leaving!"

-

"be safe!"

Chen Yue's eyes were red, and she said reluctantly.

Ji Yong patted him on the shoulder, everything was understood without words.

Ji Ming nodded, his figure transforming into a rainbow and disappearing. He was no longer worried about his parents' safety. Master Luo had made it clear that he would be staying in Baichuan City for a long time after returning to his hometown, so he naturally had no more worries.

It was a bit of a hassle for Master Luo, but he kept his gratitude in his heart and was confident that he would be able to repay him in the future.

Luo Zhaochong waved to him from downstairs, and after walking to a corner, whispered, "Kid, be careful when you go to Tianyi Star Palace, and don't trust others easily."

"What?" Ji Ming was taken aback, as if he had gone into a den of dragons and tigers.

"Ahem, I used to be young and impetuous. Back in Tianyi Star Palace, well, you know!" Luo Zhao said apologetically. "We can't hide our relationship from each other. They can't do anything about me, but they might take it out on you."

Ji Ming was speechless. You're ripping off your students!

"Don't be too afraid. It's impossible for the strong to bully the weak. At most, they can use their authority to suppress them. If you don't have the strength, just bear with it. If you do, just crush them! I'm reminding you to be careful and mentally prepared. Be more cautious in everything you do."

"If you can become a core student directly this time, then you don't need to worry about these things at all. Core privileges will allow you to develop freely without any restrictions."

Luo Zhao thought for a moment, then hesitated, "If, just in case, something really important happens, go find Leng Jianqiu in the Immortal Dao Department!"

"Sigh, don't treat this as a lifeline. I reckon she's got a lot of trouble herself and might not be able to help you much. Besides, she could easily drag you into the mess. Don't go unless it's absolutely necessary!"

Ji Ming nodded and made a mental note of it.

"Alright, that's it!"

Luo Zhao patted him on the shoulder, "Go! Remember to choose a good teacher, it's very important. Tianyi Star Palace was originally formed from several powerful sects, and it still values ​​the master-disciple lineage. Choosing a reliable mentor will make things much easier for you."

Ji Ming took a step back, bowed deeply to Luo Zhao, and said, "Teacher, I'm leaving!"

"Why!"

Luo Zhao waved his hand, looking at Ji Ming's back with a sense of melancholy. Tianyi Star Palace, I wonder if I will ever have the chance to go back in this lifetime.

As for Ji Ming, he wasn't worried at all. This kid wasn't the type to suffer a loss. Even if he was suppressed, with his talent, he would be able to break through soon enough.

I hope you can grow up!

Luo Zhao touched his brow. "I don't know if you can handle this. It might be an opportunity, or it might be a disaster. Let's wait and see!"

Fang Yuan was waiting outside the city. "Let's go, kid, I'll take you to Donghai City!"

Gu Yi was also here. In the last few days, he finally broke through the Qian Tian Yi Qi Gong and qualified to participate in the Star Realm Grand Examination. This time, only the two of them participated in the entire Baichuan City.

Ji Mingchao nodded to him, then boarded the aircraft. Their journey would begin in Donghai City, and then they would take a space teleportation array to Cangzhou Province, where the Star Realm Trials of the five major regions would be held, rather than each region conducting them separately.

Do you know what the astral plane is?

After setting up the intelligent flight mode, Fang Yuan asked.

Before they could answer, he continued, "The so-called Astral Boundary is the same as a Secret Realm, except that an Astral Boundary is a small world that has broken through the growth limits of a Secret Realm, making it far more precious than an ordinary Secret Realm!"

Fang Yuan sighed, "In the vast Xuanhuang Realm, there are only two Star Realms. One is the military headquarters, and the other is the four Star Palace campuses. That's where the name Star Palace comes from."

Upon hearing this secret, Ji Ming suddenly realized, "So the Astral Trial is also conducted during that time?"

Fang Yuan nodded. "The star realm entrance where the four star palaces are located is in Cangzhou Province, within the Xia Capital. That is the most prosperous place in the entire Xuanhuang Realm."

"As far as I know, this year's Astral Examination is scheduled to take place at the Demon Battle Arena!"

Ji Ming and Gu Yi sat up straight instantly. Fang Yuan didn't care. The big exam would officially start tomorrow, and he wasn't the only one who knew about it, so it didn't count as a leak.

"The [War Demon Arena] is a wondrous artifact of the War Star Palace, imprisoning many alien races from various realms, all of whom are enemies of humanity. It is said that even the Heavenly Demon Clan is imprisoned there. Your assessment this time will be to slay these alien races to earn points!"

Ji Ming's eyes lit up instantly. This was simply divine intervention!

"Don't let your guard down!"

Fang Yuan frowned and warned, "Humans are not as strong as the top ten races in the low to mid-level combat power, especially the Heavenly Demon Clan. They live by fighting and are almost invincible among their peers. They are far superior to the Heavenly Demon Cult members you killed."

"Of course, besides the alien races, you also need to be careful of the other examinees. The Demon Battle Arena is rife with fighting and looting; the points you gain might end up benefiting someone else!"

"May I ask Mayor Fang, what is the number of students admitted to the four major star palaces this time?" Gu Yi asked, bowing respectfully.

"We will admit 1600 people from the central region and 400 people from each of the four regions!" Fang Yuan said calmly.

In other words, each constellation only admitted 800 people this time. Although the quotas for the four constellations were not separated, the number of people admitted to each constellation was basically the same.

Tianyi Star Palace is indeed the strongest in terms of overall strength, but other star palaces also have their own advantages. For example, the magic lineage of Yongye Star Palace is the most powerful, and students of Zhanzheng Star Palace are granted military ranks. Yanhuang Star Palace also has its special features, so there won't be a situation where everyone flocks to Tianyi Star Palace.

Gu Yi nodded. None of them objected to the fact that the central region accounted for half of the quota, because if the five major regions were assessed together, the eight central provinces would only take up more quotas!

Ninety percent of the resources of the Great Xia are concentrated in the central region, and the gap between the local provinces and the central region is too great to be comparable!

Gu Yi may not be considered top-tier in the eastern region, but he is still above average and has a chance to compete for one of the four hundred spots. However, in the central region, his strength is negligible.

In the central region, there have been students who have entered the Three Realms before!

"Don't worry, the five zones of the Battle Arena are not to be broken, so there's no need to worry about the situation in the central area," Fang Yuan reassured them. He was naturally quite familiar with the situation of the students in the central area, and even Ji Ming couldn't catch up with them in a short time.

In his view, Ji Ming should at least spend a year or two consolidating before he can catch up with those prodigies and geniuses who have reached the bottleneck of the major realm.

"Uncle Fang, how many people from the twenty-five eastern provinces are participating in the Star Realm Exam this time?" Ji Ming asked Fang Yuan.

Fang Yuan estimated, "About three thousand people!"

Upon hearing this, Ji Ming couldn't help but feel a sense of pressure. Three thousand talented professionals at least at the second or third level were competing for 400 spots. Even before arriving in the Star Boundary, he could already feel the cruelty of the grand exam.

Moreover, his goal is to be in the top ten, which makes it even more difficult, requiring not only skill but also luck.

Fang Yuan looked at the two of them, and a flash of light appeared in his hand, revealing several items.

He first tossed two jade bottles to Ji Ming and Gu Yi respectively, saying, "Inside are two Saint Healing Pills and five Rejuvenation Pills. It's not that I'm unwilling to give more, but this is already the limit stipulated by the major examination."

Holy Healing Pill?

Ji Ming was overjoyed. He had already experienced the effects of this thing in the Qingxuan Secret Realm. It was comparable to the Holy Healing Technique of a third-tier priest and was a life-saving artifact. The latter, the Rejuvenation Pill, could replenish vital energy in a very short time and was an indispensable item in prolonged battles.

The situation in the Demon Battle Arena must be extremely complex, and with these two kinds of pills, their margin for error will be increased by more than one level.

"The Star Realm Trial will only last for three days, and these pills should be enough."

Fang Yuan then said, "Next up are the weapons!"

"Martial artists who have not reached the third realm cannot nurture divine weapons, so they can only use alloy weapons."

"Here are two Grade A alloy weapons. Although they don't have any special enhancements, their strength is no weaker than a cultivator's second-tier magic weapon."

Fang Yuan then handed Ji Ming an alloy knife and Gu Yi a pair of alloy gauntlets.

"Thank you very much, Uncle Fang!"

"Thank you, Mayor!"

The two thanked them profusely; in this way, they could be said to be armed to the teeth.

Yes, martial artists are not allowed to wear armor, and body-refining martial arts skills are an important indicator in the assessment.

Different professions can use different external objects in the Astral Trial, and we will try our best to be fair.

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