Chapter 158: Zhao Xing First, Shi Yong's Competitive Desire

As Liu Tianning's voice resonated, a strong wind swept across the Dharma Performance Plaza. Many materials floated over, piling up to form a small mountain in the center of the plaza.

"This pile of materials will serve as the standard."

"Within one quarter-hour, the activated figures must enter the hall. The higher their level and the greater their quantity, the higher the ranking will be."

"Begin now."

The moment Liu Tianning's voice faded, the hundred participants on the plaza immediately sprang into action.

The fourth round was a single-technique test, and the minimum requirement was one level-seven straw figure. Quantity and level were the criteria for ranking.

No one was willing to waste time, and they began to use the straw figure technique, racing against the clock.

Up to the third round, significant differences among the participants were not yet apparent. There wasn't a huge gap between the 100th-ranked participant and those in the 200s or 300s. Some might have even entered the top hundred simply due to good luck or arriving early.

However, this fourth round relied entirely on skill, and the disparities among the prodigies became clearly visible.

"Arise!"

In just ten breaths, a group of people successfully created level-seven straw figures. Li Feng was among this first group. He glanced around the plaza, noticed that nothing was visible in front of Zhao Xing, and subtly smiled. He was unaware, however, that Zhao Xing's first creation was an invisible straw figure, which was impossible to see.

Zhao Xing had no time to pay attention to others. Due to his habits, he immediately began to "analyze the problem," using his Five Elements Observation technique to scan the entire plaza. He discovered that while materials were plentiful, certain types were limited. To maximize the effectiveness of the straw figure technique, he needed to secure these limited, high-quality materials first.

"Arise!"

Zhao Xing shot a golden light from his finger. At the intermediate level of the straw figure technique, practitioners no longer needed to manually weave the figures; with strong control over wind, they could control the formation of the straw figures using only wind. During the initiation phase of the spellcasting, many streams of golden light collided.

"Bang bang crash crash crash!"

Intense collision sounds immediately erupted. Zhao Xing's golden light swept through the materials, pushing aside the spellcasting of others. Subsequently, a pile of good materials floated before him, quickly forming a straw figure.

"Bang bang bang bang bang bang!"

Many people casting spells simultaneously, some intentionally, some unintentionally, discovered the "good materials" and wanted to claim them. However, strength varied, and after two rounds of collisions, those who knew their strength was insufficient quietly backed off. They obediently chose the lesser materials.

"The difference became apparent all at once," Liu Tianning observed from inside the main hall of the Myriad Dharma Palace, watching the scene outside.

"During the spellcasting competition, the stronger ones claim the better spellcasting resources and space."

"Although everyone is only using the straw figure technique, its initiation also involves the use of Five Elements power," Lu Bang, who had appeared beside him at some point, added. "The prodigies who were strong before are still robust now."

Top-tier prodigies like Zhao Xing, Zhuang Ziqing, Shi Yong, Cao Shuang, and Feng Qiu were all able to secure the best materials immediately. Others, whose spells couldn't withstand the collisions, had to settle for lesser materials.

"Valiant, Juggernaut, Martyrdom, arise!"

After completing the invisible straw figures in the first round, Zhao Xing discovered the good materials. For his second wave of creations, Zhao Xing began to use higher-level straw figure techniques. Within half a quarter-hour, two figures each of the level-nine Valiant, Juggernaut, and Martyrdom types appeared.

By this point, more than half of the materials on the plaza were gone.

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh!"

Golden spell lights descended into the materials. Zhao Xing cast spells again, creating another twelve straw figures before the quarter-hour ended. However, these latter twelve straw figures had numerous flaws due to the rush and material limitations. Not all of them reached the level-nine tier; half of them were only level-seven straw figures.

"Time's up!" Liu Tianning's voice resonated. Then, any loose materials or incomplete straw figures on the plaza were swept away by a strong gust of wind.

"Ah, time's already up?"

"No, please! Just ten more breaths, and I could have finished!"

"Sigh, I only managed to create one level-six straw figure."

"I was too nervous. I could clearly create level-seven straw figures when practicing by myself, but now I made a mistake due to tension."

"It's over, I'm stopping at the fourth round."

Many participants on the field sighed. The time was simply too short. Moreover, only seven days were given for comprehension between the third and fourth rounds. While cultivating within the Myriad Dharma Palace could indeed lead to quick mastery of the straw figure technique, everyone's comprehension varied, and less than half were able to learn a single level-seven straw figure.

However, where some were disappointed, others were delighted.

"My straw figure technique hadn't reached level seven before midnight, but during the competition just now, seeing others cast their spells, I suddenly had an epiphany and reached level seven! It truly takes this kind of pressure and competitive atmosphere to make a breakthrough!"

"Hmm? I actually created a level-seven straw figure, and these materials... I never thought of using them before, but the effect was unexpectedly good?"

"Materials also determine the power of the straw figure. Strictly speaking, by the standards of the straw figure technique, I only know the level-six method, but the figure I created this time significantly surpassed level six in power. I wonder if it will pass."

When Liu Tianning announced time was up, everyone commanded their straw figures to move towards the palace.

Ouyang Song controlled his first invisible straw figure to ascend the steps, his heart filled with hope. But as soon as the straw figure stepped onto the first stair leading to the main hall, it wobbled. Upon reaching the second stair, the previously invisible straw figure revealed one leg. Before it could even reach the third stair, its true form was fully exposed.

"Bang!" The invisible straw figure was bounced away, and as it flew, it disintegrated into a pile of scrap, scattering at his feet.

"Failed." Ouyang Song's expression changed. In just one quarter-hour, he had only managed to create this one invisible straw figure. He felt the magical effect of the straw figure was somewhere between level six and level seven—it could be either. Now, seeing this, it was clear it hadn't reached level seven.

"Sigh, it seems I'll only get the reward for ranks fifty to one hundred." For ranks fifty to one hundred, there was only a thousand points. Ouyang Song was unwilling, but helpless. He could only move to the side and watch.

"No!"

"Is this a mistake? I clearly learned the level-seven method!"

"Ah, my fourth straw figure also exploded!"

Many straw figures, before even crossing the palace threshold, were flung back and exploded. In an instant, hundreds of straw figures exploded in the air above the plaza. The power of the Five Elements scattered, twinkling in the night sky as if a fireworks display was taking place.

"Go." Zhao Xing pointed a finger, directing his nineteen straw figures to rush up the steps.

Of the nineteen straw figures, four were invisible, three were illusory, and the remaining twelve consisted of four Valiant, four Juggernaut, and four Martyrdom types. According to Zhao Xing's own estimate, the invisible and illusory ones were all level seven, while the other twelve were level nine. However, there was some difference between practical execution and theoretical estimation. Zhao Xing was unsure whether the very last straw figure, created in the latter half of the quarter-hour, would truly count as level seven.

"Clatter clatter clatter."

The nineteen straw figures began to ascend the steps. The Valiant and Juggernaut straw figures immediately withstood immense impact. But the level-nine straw figures were completely unaffected, steadily climbing all the steps. The invisible straw figures experienced comparatively lighter pressure, as the impact was primarily intended to dismantle their invisibility spell effect. The same applied to the illusory straw figures; the pressure was even lighter but more comprehensive, as the magic array on the steps aimed to break down their transformation effect. The illusory straw figures now resembled real people; if they couldn't endure the impact, their true forms would be revealed.

All level-nine straw figures successfully entered the palace. The level-seven invisible and illusory straw figures, however, moved more slowly. The first one passed, the fourth one passed...

The very last invisible straw figure, after crossing thirty steps and just as it was about to enter the palace, suddenly revealed a single finger.

"Bang!" An invisible straw figure, having exposed its presence, was naturally considered a failure and was blown into the sky by a strong gust of wind, where it exploded.

"One failed, which is about what I predicted," Zhao Xing murmured to himself. He had anticipated this, as that last straw figure was indeed created in a rush. Even for a level-nine straw figure technique, if time was short and materials were lacking, the spell could ultimately fail or its power significantly decrease.

It was only then that Zhao Xing diverted his attention to observe others' situations. However, he couldn't immediately distinguish whose straw figures belonged to whom. He could only quietly await Liu Tianning's announcement of the results.

The explosions continued.

Zhuang Ziqing, Han Bing, Cao Shuang, and others approached. "Zhao Xing, how many straw figures did you get in?"

"Eighteen."

Cao Shuang's eyes widened. "You created eighteen straw figures in one quarter-hour, and every single one reached level seven?"

Zhuang Ziqing also paused in surprise. "Are you... are you not kidding?"

Han Bing said expressionlessly, "He doesn't look like he's joking. His expression makes it seem like he's saying you all are too weak."

Zhao Xing glanced at Han Bing. "Brother Han, please don't stir up animosity for me, alright? How can you interpret my expression like that?"

The others didn't mind Han Bing's dry humor; that was simply his personality. If Zhao Xing had Han Bing's poker face, it might indeed have had the effect of drawing animosity.

"How many did you guys get in?" Zhao Xing asked.

"I got seven," Cao Shuang said. "I originally had ten, but three invisible straw figures exploded."

"I got nine," Zhuang Ziqing said. "I thought Cai Jin was impressive, but I didn't expect you to have so many."

Zhao Xing couldn't help but look at Cai Jin. "Brother Cai, how many straw figures did you get in?"

Cai Jin shook his head. "Fourteen, far fewer than Brother Zhao."

Zhao Xing waved his hand. "It's not just about quantity, Brother Cai is being too modest." Cai Jin was from the Grand Repository Division and primarily studied the Intrinsic Self discipline, and this straw figure technique was an Intrinsic Self method, so his performance was perfectly normal.

"Shi Yong also got nine straw figures in," Zhuang Ziqing added. "I just don't know what level his straw figure technique has reached."

"Didn't pay attention," the others shook their heads. Time was too short; who had the mind to focus on others?

"Just wait. The straw figures are mostly in, and the rankings for the fourth round will be out soon."

Another quarter-hour passed, and no formed straw figures remained on the plaza. Those that could enter had entered, and those that would explode had finished exploding.

Soon after, everyone received the rankings for the fourth round via their Earth Mirrors.

First Place: Zhao Xing of the Divine Might ArmySecond Place: Cai Jin of the Azure Jade ArmyThird Place: Feng Qi of the Blazing Sun ArmyFourth Place: Wei Chen of the Sea Guard ArmyFifth Place: Shi Yong of the Tiger Dragon ArmySixth Place: Guan Junyang of the Black Armor ArmySeventh Place: Li Feng of the Tiger Dragon ArmyEighth Place: Yu Hao of the Azure Phoenix ArmyNinth Place: Zhuang Ziqing of the Tiger Dragon ArmyThirteenth Place: Cao Shuang of the Tiger Dragon ArmyTwenty-Fifth Place: Han Bing of the Divine Might ArmyThirty-Seventh Place: Jiang Tianming of the Blazing Sun ArmyFiftieth Place: Fang Yi of the Savage Slaughter Army

Liu Tianning only ranked the top fifty. Ranks fifty-one to one hundred weren't even listed by specific position because the reward for this tier was the same: only a thousand points. As for the top fifty, they could proceed to the fifth round of the test.

As soon as the rankings were announced, the plaza erupted in discussion.

"What? Zhao Xing of the Divine Might Army is first? Isn't he from the Earth Advantage Division? Why is his straw figure technique so powerful?"

"Damn it! This selection for the Grand Repository Division was won by someone from the Earth Advantage Division!"

"Cai Jin, Feng Qi, and Wei Chen are all from the Grand Repository Division, and none of them could surpass Zhao Xing?"

"Zhao Xing was second in the last selection; it's normal for him to be first this time, isn't it?"

"What do you know? The straw figure technique is a spell of the Intrinsic Self discipline. Being strong in Heavenly Timing or Earth Advantage doesn't necessarily mean being strong in Intrinsic Self. Didn't you notice Shi Yong is fifth and Zhuang Ziqing is ninth?"

"Could it be that Zhao Xing had researched the straw figure technique before? But why didn't he enter the Grand Repository Division then?"

"Who primarily studies the Intrinsic Self discipline? When Zhao Xing was assigned to a division, he could enter the Earth Advantage Division and receive top-tier resources; he would certainly not go to the Grand Repository Division."

"Brother Zhao is awesome!"

Upon the release of the rankings, the previously top-tier prodigies immediately became the center of heated discussion. Within the top ten, the Grand Repository Division accounted for five people. Within the top twenty, there were also many from the Grand Repository Division, some of whom were originally only B-tier, not A-tier. It was normal for prodigies specializing in the Intrinsic Self discipline to rank high in this selection round, but it was quite unexpected that first place was snatched by Zhao Xing of the Divine Might Army.

"He... he's actually first?" Li Feng was utterly shocked. "How did he do it? How is his straw figure technique also so strong?"

Li Feng ranked seventh in the fourth round. He had thought this time he could surpass Zhao Xing and vent his frustration. He never expected Zhao Xing to leap to first place!

"Even Shi Yong is fifth, yet he's first." Li Feng felt a deep hatred. When would he ever be able to vent this frustration?!

"Being strong in a single technique doesn't mean being strong in combined techniques. I still have a chance to surpass him!" Li Feng could only comfort himself this way. He placed his hopes on the subsequent rounds. "I already know the Three Techniques Combined, and I'm seventh; there's still hope to surpass him in this round."

Many people began comparing Zhuang Ziqing, Zhao Xing, and Shi Yong.

At this moment, Shi Yong, who had been waiting in the southeast corner of the plaza, couldn't help but take out his Earth Mirror and glance at it.

"I'm ranked fifth, Zhuang Ziqing is ninth."

"But Zhao Xing is first?"

Shi Yong looked at the first-place name on his Earth Mirror, a flicker of competitive drive in his eyes.

"The essence of the straw figure technique also involves the path of the Five Elements. I originally thought I could just casually learn it and get 50,000 points, but it seems I can't be half-hearted."

Shi Yong swiftly put away his Earth Mirror and flew towards the Grand Repository Division's 'Original Dao Field.'