Chapter 11

As Bai Qiuxue descended step by step, her black hair danced in the gentle breeze, and her exquisite beauty captivated everyone. With each step, she seemed to stir the hearts of those around her.

"An unparalleled beauty," many people thought to themselves, marveling at a woman who was not only stunningly beautiful but also exceptionally talented.

"I've heard that before Bai Qiuxue condensed her Star Soul, she was already a genius at the seventh level of the Body Tempering Realm. Now, she shines brightly in Tianyong City. If I could marry her, I would die content," someone sighed, inevitably thinking of Ye Wuchen, who was rumored to be marrying Bai Qiuxue. Perhaps only someone as outstanding in both status and talent as Ye Wuchen could match Bai Qiuxue. Qin Wentian from the Qin Family, on the other hand, seemed overly ambitious and deserved to be humiliated. However, the reason for the Qin Family's military action against the Bai Family was unknown.

Soon, Bai Qiuxue strolled to the center of the training platform, standing casually as if all the glory gathered around her. At that moment, there were already more than thirty people on the platform.

In the stands, the eyes of the four major martial academies shone brightly, fixed on Bai Qiuxue, while they paid little attention to the others, as they had come specifically for her.

Only Mo Shang's gaze flickered, and he said, "Is there anyone else? Don't miss this rare opportunity."

"Almost everyone is here," Tang Lin said indifferently, determined to win Bai Qiuxue.

At that moment, a figure emerged from the crowd and walked slowly toward the training platform, ascending the steps one by one. When the somewhat youthful face appeared, many people were taken aback.

"Qin Wentian?" Many people began to whisper. Qin Wentian had actually come and even stepped onto the platform. Did he not know the rules?

Bai Qingsong, clearly not expecting Qin Wentian to be there, looked at him and then at Qin Chuan nearby, thinking to himself that since the Qin Family had rescued Qin Wentian in the middle of the night and now both the Qin Family and Qin Wentian had appeared, everything would be easier today. Bai Qiuxue had not told Bai Qingsong about her encounter with Qin Wentian the previous night.

Mo Shang's eyes lit up when he saw Qin Wentian, narrowing into slits with a smile. He could abandon Bai Qiuxue if necessary, but he was determined to win Qin Wentian today.

Mo Shang glanced at Tang Lin, who wore a look of disdain. Mo Shang felt a surge of joy, thinking about how Tang Lin's expression would change when Qin Wentian revealed his true strength.

On the platform, Bai Qiuxue looked at Qin Wentian, her beautiful eyes flashing with a hint of surprise. "Qin Wentian, this is not where you should stand. Go down."

Qin Wentian looked at her, a cold smile forming on his lips, but he did not respond.

Seeing that Qin Wentian only stared at her, Bai Qiuxue frowned, clearly displeased. "Qin Wentian, I know you are unhappy, but there is an unbridgeable gap between us. We are destined not to be together. No matter how unhappy you are, don't act recklessly. The training platform is not a place for you. Leave."

"You really think highly of yourself," Qin Wentian replied coldly, then stood to the side, no longer looking at Bai Qiuxue. At sixteen, he felt a deep sorrow for his former self, who had genuinely cared for her as a family member and fiancée, only to realize she had been using him all along.

"Qin Wentian, my nephew," Bai Qingsong's voice came from the stands. Qin Wentian slowly turned his gaze and looked up. Bai Qingsong smiled and said, "Qin Wentian, my daughter Bai Qiuxue has been teaching you for years, hoping to guide you on the path of cultivation. Although she failed, she did her best. I never expected you to be so despicable."

"Teaching me? Despicable?" Qin Wentian was taken aback. Seeing Bai Qingsong's seemingly upright demeanor, he felt a chill. He had once respected this man like a father, but now he saw him for the despicable person he was.

"Though you and Qiuxue have a verbal engagement, you are not yet married. Yet, you attempted to do something disgraceful and even had designs on my younger daughter, Bai Qing. I am heartbroken, but in consideration of our past, I will not hold it against you. I hope you will not show your face to me again after today."

Bai Qingsong's calm voice revealed his true nature to Qin Wentian. This was not about forgiveness but a despicable attempt to break the engagement using underhanded means, just as he had once flattered the Qin Family for their power. This man would stop at nothing to achieve his goals, regardless of his reputation.

Hearing Bai Qingsong's words, many people looked at Qin Wentian with disdain, and various insults were hurled at him.

"Silence," Tang Lin said coldly, and the crowd fell quiet. He stared at Qin Wentian and said, "Even if you cannot cultivate, that's one thing, but to be such a despicable person, the head of the Bai Family is being lenient. Don't think you can act freely here. Get down."

"Junior Brother," a middle-aged man in elaborate clothing beside Tang Lin said, looking at him. Tang Lin replied, "Senior Brother, this person is a natural pulseless, unable to cultivate, and had a verbal engagement with Bai Qiuxue. It's hard to believe Bai Qiuxue endured such a person for three years."

The middle-aged man understood immediately. Tang Lin was trying to win Bai Qiuxue's favor, so he let him be.

Qin Wentian's expression turned cold. The Royal Academy, renowned in Chu State, had disappointed him with its behavior for Bai Qiuxue.

"I came to the platform for the recruitment of the four major martial academies. I don't think I've done anything excessive. Sir, you are from the Royal Academy. Even if you favor Bai Qiuxue, you shouldn't fawn over her so much. You haven't even determined if I qualify for the assessment, yet you are already humiliating and suppressing me. If everyone at the Royal Academy acts like this, it is truly lamentable."

"Ridiculous!" Tang Lin shouted angrily. "I personally confirmed it. Could I be wrong?"

"If you act based on personal preference, Qin Wentian has nothing to say," Qin Wentian stood straight and upright.

"Brother, what you say is reasonable. Tang Lin, your hasty judgment is unbecoming," Mo Shang said, feeling even more pleased by the conflict between Qin Wentian and Tang Lin.

Tang Lin glared at Mo Shang and replied, "I didn't expect Brother Mo Shang to deliberately protect this person. Since that's the case, I'll wait. If anyone is found unqualified during the assessment, don't blame me for being unfriendly."

"Let's start the assessment."

"It can begin."

The four major forces spoke, and soon, two vertical stone mirrors appeared on the platform. These stone mirrors had nine dim halos from top to bottom, similar in shape but different in nature. The left mirror emitted a faint aura of Earthly Energy, while the right mirror emitted a faint aura of Celestial Energy.

"The first round of the assessment will test your affinity for Earthly Energy and Celestial Energy. Start one by one," someone said. These stone mirrors, known as the Earthly Energy Mirror and the Celestial Energy Mirror, were used by major forces to assess disciples' talents.

On the Nine Heavens Continent, most people had a one-star affinity for both Earthly Energy and Celestial Energy, which could activate the lowest halo on the stone mirror. A one-star affinity for Earthly Energy was sufficient to absorb Earthly Energy for martial cultivation, but to become a Celestial Warrior, one needed a three-star affinity for Celestial Energy to activate the first three halos.

Therefore, while everyone on the continent could cultivate martial arts, becoming a Celestial Warrior was difficult.

The reason, many speculated, was that people were born and lived in the world, surrounded by Earthly Energy, making it easier to absorb. Celestial Energy, on the other hand, came from the Nine Heavens Star River.

Of course, both affinities could be improved through cultivation, which involved meditation and nurturing the spirit. The stronger the affinity, the better the talent. Many people with strong affinities for Celestial Energy delayed condensing their Star Souls to further enhance their affinity and connect with higher Celestial Stars.

At that moment, someone walked to the left Earthly Energy Mirror and placed their hand in a specially designed groove. Suddenly, three halos lit up from the bottom up.

"Three-star affinity for Earthly Energy."

The person then moved to the Celestial Energy Mirror and repeated the action, but only two halos lit up. The people from the four major martial academies shook their heads, indicating failure.

"You, go down," a person chosen by the four major martial academies said indifferently. The young man's face showed disappointment as he reluctantly left the platform, failing the first round of the assessment.

The second person had a four-star affinity for Earthly Energy and a two-star affinity for Celestial Energy, meaning they could become a martial cultivator but not a Celestial Warrior, and was also eliminated.

Soon, four people were eliminated, creating a tense atmosphere. The pass rate for the first round was surprisingly low, befitting the renowned martial academies of Chu State.