132: Restless high school seniors!

“Wuwuwu, I'm really trash, my existence is just wasting air...”

Li Zhining was struck by the blow and simply lay on the ground, unwilling to move.

He felt that since there were Geniuses like Mo Fan and Mo Yingying,

A “mediocrity” like him seemed to have lost the meaning of existence.

Soon, the stone tablet lit up again, indicating that Mo Fan had started the fifth level of the trial.

Seeing this, Li Zhining quickly climbed up from the ground, staring intently at the stone tablet, and began counting silently.

“This time, how many seconds will Junior Brother Mo need to pass?”

Li Zhining focused his attention, eagerly anticipating Mo Fan shocking him once more.

Although being struck by a blow was uncomfortable,

he couldn't refuse the process; it was too thrilling!

However, he quickly reacted.

“Wait, this is already the fifth level—”

Li Zhining shook his head, checked the time, silently noted it down, and then ignored it.

No matter how fast the first four levels were,

the subsequent five levels could not be passed in a short time.

After all, the direction of the test was completely different.

Take Mo Yingying, for example.

She only used eleven seconds in total for the first four levels.

But the subsequent five levels took her more than twenty hours.

Of course, no matter which of the subsequent five levels it was, it contained a great Opportunity.

Even passing just one level would bring immense benefits for the future.

“Whether Junior Brother Mo can pass the fifth level or not, he won't be coming out anytime soon.

“Moreover, Junior Brother Mo has already met the extreme conditions.

“With such excellent performance in the first four levels, even if he only stops at the fifth level, he is qualified to become a Core Disciple directly.”

Thinking this, Li Zhining shook his head and stopped focusing on the stone tablet.

“While I have time, I should Cultivate properly—”

Saying this, he immediately sat down cross-legged and began to Cultivate.

After experiencing yesterday's events,

everyone's mindset had changed.

Putting aside everything else, at least in terms of Cultivation, they were more self-disciplined and proactive... Trial Tower Fifth Level.

Looking at the boundless pure white before him, Mo Fan frowned slightly.

“Did I return to the Initial Space?”

Yes, the fifth level was also a pure white space, a vast expanse of white, with no boundaries visible.

Yet, just as he was sighing with emotion,

a black shadow suddenly appeared beneath his feet.

“A shadow? Is this my shadow?” Mo Fan was stunned.

He was certain that there had been no shadow in this space before.

Just as Mo Fan was feeling confused, the shadow moved.

With a whoosh, the shadow climbed up from the ground and rapidly inflated, instantly becoming three-dimensional and the same size as Mo Fan.

Mo Fan tentatively waved his hand at it.

The shadow also waved its hand at Mo Fan; the movements and amplitude were identical.

Mo Fan frowned and jumped once.

The shadow followed and jumped once.

Mo Fan spun around.

The shadow also spun around.

Mo Fan wanted to punch someone; his fist glowed gold, and he instantly circulated the Vajra Fist Breathing Technique.

The shadow's fist also glowed gold, and the oppressive pressure belonging to the Vajra Fist instantly appeared.

“What the f*ck?” Mo Fan was dumbfounded. “It knows the Vajra Fist too?”

Next, Mo Fan circulated the Innate Art.

The shadow also circulated the Innate Art.

Afterward, Mo Fan circulated the Breath Concealment Art; his aura instantly vanished, and his presence dropped to the minimum.

The shadow also circulated the Breath Concealment Art; not only did its aura instantly vanish, but it immediately became transparent.

Mo Fan: “...”

“Is this thing really my shadow?

“So the opponent on this level is actually my shadow?

“Didn't they say the fifth level starts testing Comprehension Ability?

“What the hell does this shadow have to do with Comprehension Ability?

“Could it be that I'm supposed to follow him and learn the Cultivation Techniques and Martial Skills that I already know inside and out?

“With my Comprehension Ability, do I really need to learn from a shadow?”

Mo Fan's face darkened, and for a moment, he didn't know how to complain.

But at the same time, he perceived the shadow's specific condition.

It had the same cultivation aura as him.

It had the same monstrous physique as him.

Combined with the Vajra Fist and the Innate Art,

Mo Fan suspected this shadow was his clone.

Unfortunately, Mo Fan couldn't figure out what this level was testing or how to pass it right away.

If it were the first four levels, he wouldn't need to think; he would just charge straight through.

Defeating all visible enemies counted as passing.

But starting from the fifth level, the test was Comprehension Ability, and Mo Fan didn't know what to do for the time being.

“Don't tell me I really have to follow him and learn?” Mo Fan wondered.

“Am I supposed to perform a set of Vajra Fist, and then he performs a more perfect set of Vajra Fist, allowing me to learn from him?

“But the Vajra Fist is so simple; how much more perfect can it get?” Mo Fan scratched his head.

Finally, he thought seriously and prepared to perform a set of Vajra Fist according to this idea.

“I'll take it one step at a time.”

However, before he could circulate the Vajra Fist Breathing Technique, the shadow moved.

Its fist glowed, it took a step toward Mo Fan, and without a word, it smashed a punch down.

Boom!

Golden light overflowed, the space trembled, and was slightly distorted by this punch.

“Holy crap! This shadow doesn't follow martial ethics?”

Mo Fan was startled, quickly sped up his steps, dodged to the right, and narrowly avoided the punch.

However, his expression quickly changed, he instantly circulated his breathing, his fist glowed gold, and he fiercely raised his hand and smashed it out.

Bang!

The shadow's punch flew in and collided with Mo Fan's punch.

Golden light overflowed, the entire space was illuminated, and the violent Protective Aura caused the space to slightly distort, sending out ripples and producing harsh sounds.

Thump, thump, thump—

The shadow was knocked back two steps by Mo Fan's punch.

But Mo Fan himself... retreated seven steps!

“It's stronger than me?” Mo Fan was startled.

“The same Cultivation Technique, the same Martial Skill, the same Cultivation Realm and physical strength, why is it stronger than me?

“Could this be the key to passing the test?

“Find the reason why it is stronger than me, imitate and learn, and ultimately become as strong as it, or even defeat it?”

Boom!

Just as Mo Fan gained a slight clue, the shadow recovered and smashed its fist imprint toward Mo Fan again.

“Damn it!”

Mo Fan's face darkened, and he quickly circulated the Vajra Fist to clash with it.

Unfortunately, despite having the same cultivation and physical strength, Mo Fan was completely suppressed by the shadow and was beaten until he lost his temper.

Bang!

With a muffled sound, Mo Fan was sent flying after just a few moves, crashing heavily onto the ground, feeling a burning pain in his chest, and a trace of blood flowing from the corner of his mouth.

“What a disaster, I was actually thrashed by my own shadow—”

Mo Fan looked speechlessly at the sky.

Fortunately, he was already used to this feeling.

After all, being thrashed by the Red-Clothed Female Ghost in his dreams wasn't a new occurrence.

“So what if I'm thrashed by my own shadow? Heh heh, it's no big deal!”

Mo Fan's fighting spirit soared; he sprang up with a carp flip and actively attacked the shadow.

Bang, bang, bang!

The man and the shadow quickly engaged in battle; golden light overflowed, and the space roared.

However, before long, Mo Fan was sent flying again.

Mo Fan didn't care at all; he became braver with every setback, immediately getting up to continue fighting whenever he fell, while seriously contemplating and summarizing.

Slowly, he discovered the clue.

The reason the shadow was stronger than him was that every time it punched, it naturally brought forth a certain Concept.

The Concept was profound and mysterious; Mo Fan could only faintly sense it at first and couldn't clearly capture its state.

But gradually, his super strong Comprehension Ability came into play.

After the shadow had been knocked down seventeen times, Mo Fan finally captured that Concept and successfully integrated it with his Vajra Fist.

Boom!

Two Golden Fist Imprints clashed again; golden light overflowed, and the space violently trembled and slightly distorted.

Only this time, Mo Fan remained stationary, while the shadow was slightly scattered by the blow and retreated several steps in a row.

“It really worked!” Mo Fan was delighted, clenched his fist again, and prepared to press the attack while victorious.

However, at this moment, a mechanical, emotionless prompt sounded.

[Congratulations, Trial Taker, you have passed the Trial Tower Fifth Level test.]

[Please follow the instructions to proceed to the Trial Tower Sixth Level.]

The moment the prompt sounded, cracks appeared in the space before Mo Fan, and it rapidly collapsed.

Similarly, the shadow disintegrated inch by inch, scattering instantly, as if it had never existed.

A moment later, Mo Fan's consciousness returned, and when he opened his eyes, he saw the familiar metal ring.

He focused his mind, connected his consciousness to the Virtual panel, and checked his attribute information.

[Name: Mo Fan]

[Cultivation: Foundation Establishment First Level (+)]

[Cultivation Technique: Innate Art, Breath Concealment Art, Sword Nurturing Art (Complete Version) (Basic)]

[Martial Skill: Vajra Fist - Innate Chapter, Golden Body Art (Second Level)]

[Special Ability: Alchemy (Minor Success), Fist Intent (Embryonic Form)]

[Storage Space: 100 cubic meters (+)]

[Available attribute points: 200]

“I really did comprehend Fist Intent.

“It's a pity that it ended just as I comprehended it; it's merely a nascent Fist Intent.

“Give me a little more time, and I might be able to refine it further and become stronger.”

Mo Fan shook his head, feeling a bit regretful.

The Concept is actually very important, as it concerns the Breakthrough to the Transcendence Realm.

Under normal circumstances, one generally needs to reach Foundation Building Peak, with a fully mature martial dao foundation embryo, before having a chance to comprehend a Concept.

And the so-called Transcendence is about integrating the comprehended Concept into oneself, communicating with the mysterious will between heaven and earth, activating transcendent secret power, and elevating one's life level.

The Sword Pavilion's Sword Nurturing also follows this path.

However, the Sword Pavilion, through the Sword Nurturing Art, can prematurely give birth to Sword Intent and continuously strengthen it, eventually reaching an inconceivable level.

Therefore, no matter the situation, the Concept is crucial for a Martial Artist, as it concerns their future path.

“It's a pity I only comprehended a nascent form. If I had comprehended it a bit deeper, I would be able to Break through to Transcendence as soon as my Cultivation reached Foundation Building Peak.”

Mo Fan shook his head again, feeling regretful.

But soon, he felt relieved.

“It's fine, it'll be the same if I ponder it again after I go back. With my Comprehension Ability, it probably won't take much time.”

After figuring it out, Mo Fan smiled brightly.

“Indeed, starting from the fifth floor, the test is Comprehension Ability, and one can obtain certain benefits.”

Just the fifth floor alone could help him comprehend Fist Intent, saving an unknown number of Spirit Stones for his future promotion to Transcendence.

There are still four more floors after this.

What else can I gain?

Mo Fan couldn't help but feel a little excited.

Concentrating his mind, Mo Fan stood up according to the instructions on the ground and headed towards the sixth floor of the Trial Tower... Meanwhile.

Li Zhining, who had been Cultivating with his eyes closed, seemed to sense something and suddenly opened his eyes, looking towards the stone tablet.

At this moment, the stone tablet had dimmed.

A line of small characters appeared.

Fifth Floor: Passed.

“The fifth floor also... passed?

“How long has it been?”

Li Zhining was dumbfounded, his body trembling, unable to believe what he saw.

He took a deep breath, forced himself to calm down, and quickly checked the time.

“Thirty minutes? He only used thirty minutes for the fifth floor? How is this possible...”

Li Zhining was stunned.

“Even the exceptionally talented Junior Sister Mo wasn't that fast on the fifth floor, was she?”

Soon, Li Zhining paused, as if he remembered something, and quickly took out his communicator.

“This Junior Brother Mo is too much of a Prodigy! He might even clear the Trial Tower! Even break Junior Sister Mo's record!

“This is terrifying! In less than half a year! Another peerless Prodigy has emerged!

“Is this what they call surviving a great disaster leads to future blessings?

“Yuxu Academy faced a crisis of destruction yesterday, and today an invincible Prodigy Genius is born?

“Hiss! No! I must quickly inform Master!” Li Zhining quickly used his communicator to contact his Master, Xie Siyuan, who was far away on Demon Slaying Peak... Inside the Trial Tower.

Mo Fan quickly arrived on the sixth floor.

Finding the metal ring, he sat down and activated the Field with a voice command. Mo Fan immediately felt his vision blur.

When his vision recovered, Mo Fan found himself in the pure white space again.

“Hmm?” Mo Fan wondered, “Why is it still here? What is the test this time?”

As he wondered, three shadows slowly condensed beneath his feet.

Then, exactly like on the fifth floor, the shadows crawled up from the ground, rapidly expanded, and turned into three life-sized humanoid figures.

Mo Fan: “?”

Whoosh!

Before Mo Fan could react.

The three shadows attacked simultaneously.

Three Golden Fist Imprints struck from different directions, unleashing a violent Protective Aura in an instant, as if to shatter this space.

“Damn it! Can't you shadows have some martial ethics?”

Mo Fan's face darkened, and he quickly circulated Vajra Fist to resist.

Unfortunately, these three shadows on the sixth floor were much stronger than those on the fifth floor.

Coupled with being outnumbered, Mo Fan only lasted three seconds before being knocked to the ground.

However, Mo Fan was not angry; instead, he was delighted.

“Fist Intent! A much more profound Fist Intent than the shadows on the fifth floor! An Opportunity has arrived!”

...Outside the Trial Tower.

Li Zhining was on the phone with his Master, Xie Siyuan.

After a quick explanation, a gentle and amiable voice came from the communicator:

“I've told you countless times, no matter what happens, don't panic.

“No matter how fast you pass the first four floors, it's irrelevant. The main thing is to look at the situation on the latter five floors.

“If you think he's not bad, bring him back, and I'll observe him for a while before deciding whether to accept him into Demon Slaying Peak.”

“Master! He passed the fifth floor! It only took him half an hour!” Li Zhining said anxiously.

“Half an hour for the fifth floor?”

Xie Siyuan's gentle and amiable voice seemed to pause.

But soon, he regained his composure.

“Half an hour is nothing. After all, the fifth floor is the easiest of the latter five floors. I'm drinking tea, so don't disturb me unless it's important.”

With a beep, the communicator was hung up.

Liu Zhining: “...”

“Master is too casual, isn't he?

“How will our Demon Slaying Peak ever get Junior Brothers and Junior Sisters like this?”

Liu Zhi's face darkened.

But he had no choice.

If Master wasn't proactive, how could he, as a Disciple, take in a Disciple on behalf of his Master?

“Sigh, I really think Junior Brother Mo can clear the Trial Tower, but why doesn't Master take it seriously?

“Last time, Junior Sister Mo was chosen because Junior Martial Uncle Xu Chaomu from Chixia Peak was proactive and waited outside first...”

Li Zhining felt frustrated, thinking his Master was too laid-back.

Just then, he seemed to sense something, quickly turned his face, and stared at the stone tablet with an incredulous expression.

“Th-this, how is this possible? Am I seeing things?”

At this moment, the stone tablet, which had just lit up, slowly dimmed.

A line of small characters slowly appeared.

Sixth Floor: Passed.

“How long has it been?

“Five or six minutes, right?

“Passed the sixth floor in five or six minutes?

“Faster than the fifth floor?

“What a joke!

“Why is Junior Brother Mo not playing by the rules again?”

Li Siyuan took a deep breath, forced himself to calm down, and quickly took out his communicator again to contact his Master.

At this rate, Junior Brother Mo clearing the Trial Tower was a certainty!

Not only clearing it, but even breaking the record was a certainty!

Such a Prodigy Genius not joining Demon Slaying Peak would be an outrage!

With a beep, the gentle and amiable voice sounded again.

“I've told you how many times, don't disturb me unless it's important. Why don't you listen?

“Do you want to go to the Cliff of Contemplation again to face the wall?”

“Master! Sixth floor! Junior Brother Mo passed the sixth floor!”

“What?” The gentle and amiable Xie Siyuan couldn't help but be startled, “How could it be so fast?”

“Five or six minutes, this time it only took five or six minutes, Master, hurry up, if you're late, Junior Brother Mo will be snatched by other peaks!”

The sound of a teacup falling to the ground echoed.

This time, the gentle and amiable voice became somewhat hurried:

“Stand still, I'll be right there.”

With a beep, the communicator was hung up again.

Li Zhining was overjoyed.

“Great, Master is going to make a move, Junior Brother Mo belongs to our Demon Slaying Peak, hahaha—”

However, the next second, the smile on Li Zhining's face froze.

“Oh, another peerless Prodigy, are we Yuxu Academy finally turning our luck around?”

A clear and pleasant voice sounded, and a graceful and charming figure descended from the sky.

“Ju-Junior Martial Uncle Xu?” Li Zhining stood rooted to the spot, his face full of unwillingness.

What a disaster, Master is late again!

At the same time, a whistling sound came.

In Li Zhining's astonished gaze, figure after figure descended from the sky.

“Se-Sect Head?

“Se-Senior Martial Uncle Bai?

“Junior Martial Uncle Feng, Senior Martial Uncle Chen, Junior Martial Uncle Lu, Junior Martial Uncle Shen... why are you all here?”

The crowd ignored Li Zhining, their eyes fixed on the Trial Tower, filled with anticipation and excitement.

Li Zhining was completely dumbfounded.

In the blink of an eye, the Sect Head of Yuxu Academy and the Elders from all peaks had all arrived!

Only his own Master was still on the way... What a disaster!

I'm having such a tough time... (PS: I originally wanted to finish this plot in one go, but I'm a bit stuck, and it's almost 4 AM and I still haven't finished, so I'll go to sleep first and continue tomorrow...)