Free Web NovelChapter 514: Chapter 220: Top Five, My Master’s Name is Jiang Lan
"My master said the same. When my Mental Realm entered the third level, my Elixir Field Power evolved once. To evolve a second or third time, I’ll need to awaken at least eighty responses."
Yan Zhen chimed in.
"The more responses required, the greater your future achievements. I imagine you two don’t want to just easily break into the True Martial Realm, do you?"
Meng Xiaochuan said with a smile.
Qin Yu and Yan Zhen gave noncommittal nods.
Every realm has its strong and weak, and the True Martial Realm is no different. An expert who successfully breaks through to the True Martial Realm by awakening a greater number of responses will possess strength far surpassing others at the same level.
Of course, on the path of cultivation, everyone fears getting stuck at a bottleneck, unable to advance. If given the chance to enter the ranks of True Martial Realm experts sooner, few would refuse.
Most people hoped that after their Mental Realm transformed, awakening just a few responses would be enough to trigger another evolution of their Elixir Field Power, allowing them to effortlessly break through their Qi Sea and ascend to the ranks of True Martial Realm experts, becoming honored guests of the Court.
"Chu Lingguang, what about you? How many times do you think your Elixir Field Power needs to evolve before you can enter the True Martial Realm?"
Pu Shiyi asked.
"Well... to be honest, I only awakened my Elixir Field Power recently. I’m not even sure if I can reach the True Martial Realm."
Chu Lingguang said humbly.
His words made Qin Yu and Yan Zhen’s expressions stiffen. The two had just declared with conviction that awakening eighty responses was enough to essentially guarantee entry into the True Martial Realm, and then Chu Lingguang had to go and say something like that.
"Please, don’t misunderstand me. My foundation is rather shallow. I came to the academy this time just hoping to broaden my horizons and distinguish myself in the Imperial Martial Arts Examination."
Sensing the shift in their expressions, Chu Lingguang hurriedly explained.
"And what result would you consider ’distinguishing yourself’?"
Qin Yu asked.
"Ranking near the top, of course. It would be best if I could win the title of Hui Yuan."
Chu Lingguang answered honestly.
"You..."
"Hahaha!"
The other four didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. For Chu Lingguang to harbor such an ambition while claiming he wasn’t even sure about reaching the True Martial Realm—he was clearly joking around.
They all figured he was holding something back, and since they were all competitors, they didn’t press the issue. Only Yan Zhen felt something was off. He didn’t think Chu Lingguang would hide something like this from him.
’Could it be that Chu Lingguang really has no idea how many responses he needs to awaken to enter the True Martial Realm?’
Of the five, Qin Yu had the sharpest edge. He often brought up his master, and Chu Lingguang, genuinely curious, finally asked, "I’m curious, who is your esteemed master?"
"My master’s name is Jiang Lan."
After speaking, Qin Yu watched for Chu Lingguang’s reaction.
Chu Lingguang thought for a moment. He had honestly never heard of the man, but he still nodded respectfully. "So you’re a disciple of Master Jiang. Forgive my ignorance."
Qin Yu felt that something was off about his response but couldn’t quite put his finger on it.
After the group dispersed, many other candidates approached the five of them to ask various questions.
In response, Qin Yu turned everyone away. Meng Xiaochuan and Pu Shiyi offered a few brief words before hurrying off. While Yan Zhen wasn’t stingy with his guidance, he didn’t want to spend too much time on it. Only Chu Lingguang accepted all comers, answering every question he could to the best of his ability. He thought he could rack up a ton of Favor Points and earn some good rewards, but his approachability backfired. People began to doubt his advice, and very few even bothered to thank him.
They even started gossiping behind his back, claiming his fifth-place rank wasn’t legitimate.
After all, anyone who consistently remained in the top five would eventually receive guidance from an expert from Yuanchu Mountain. Why would Chu Lingguang be so kind as to help everyone else, unafraid of them snatching his position?
It was more likely he was just spouting nonsense to make it harder for everyone else to achieve a breakthrough.
Chu Lingguang’s Mental Realm was strong, but when he heard the gossip, his face still twisted with a mixture of anger, frustration, and helplessness. With a long sigh, he returned to his room to continue his training alone.
On his way back, he ran into a sullen-looking Tuoba Yunhong.
He remembered how, when they met in South City, this guy had been so arrogant, telling him he’d hoped to see him on Yuanchu Mountain. Still stewing with frustration, Chu Lingguang couldn’t resist asking Tuoba Yunhong, "Tuoba, is it true that only the top five in each round get guidance from a Yuanchu Mountain expert?"
"Of course, it’s true."
Tuoba Yunhong didn’t react at first. By the time the meaning sank in and his expression soured, Chu Lingguang was already long gone.
