Starry Sky Professional

After rummaging through his storage bag, Fang Xing felt quite pleased and decided to enjoy himself.

Once he finished soaking in the hot springs, he engaged in his daily practice by setting up the Great Dragon Pillar stance.

“Warriors at the Spirit and Courage Realm, who have opened the Niwan Palace, possess incredibly strong mental fortitude, capable of resisting the pollution from ordinary demonic deities...”

“The cultivation at the Spirit and Courage Realm emphasizes the martial intent!”

Fang Xing glanced at his attribute panel:

【Great Dragon Pillar: 102/400】

The proficiency in the Great Dragon Pillar did not increase without reason; each point added meant a corresponding strength in dragon intent.

This feeling became even more pronounced upon reaching the Spirit and Courage Realm!

“As one's intent continually strengthens, ultimately forming a domain... one can influence the material world with one's spirit, manifesting the internal scene externally... Achieving this naturally makes one a Realm of the External warrior.”

“However, knowing is one thing, doing is another... Many martial artists have struggled to elevate their intent to the 'Domain' level.”

“Even in the schools, most martial arts teachers hover around the fourth stage, with only Xia Long breaking through to the fifth stage, the Realm of the External...”

“But I’m different. As long as my proficiency steadily increases, one day I can elevate the dragon intent to the dragon domain! By then, I’ll be a man who enters with his own background music, and no one can defeat me with my own BGM!”

Fang Xing glanced at the 'Expert' level of his Dragon Elephant Art again.

“At this stage, I should be able to contend with Foundation Establishment cultivators... uh, as long as they don’t fly...”

“But it still isn’t entirely safe... When I train to the 'Master' level, able to disregard high-grade magical instruments, comparable to a second-stage body cultivator, I’ll look for a Foundation Establishment cultivator or a second-tier demon beast to spar with? Wait, I think there’s a target I can try...”

“It’s just a pity that the Golden Diamond Vajra Divine Power is still out of reach for me!”

Even upon advancing to the Spirit and Courage Realm, Fang Xing felt that this martial art was exceedingly difficult to comprehend.

“A bit frustrated, I feel like going out to spar and clear my mind... Hmm, I should find Su Ye.”

This female cultivator had just recently advanced to the Foundation Establishment stage and was even stuck in the Green Forest Market. It was certain that most of her skills, spells, and even magical items would be hard to upgrade to the second stage.

She was like a blank slate among Foundation Establishment cultivators!

Possibly even weaker than a demon beast of the same tier, Fang Xing felt she was a fitting match for him.

With this thought, he wiped his face, his joints audibly cracking, transforming once more into the fearsome visage of 'Fang Yun'.

Beyond the Qinglin Market…

"Fellow Daoist Fang, you were hard to find..."

Su Ye, clad in a teal robe and still veiled, emanated a faint spiritual aura as she looked at Fang Xing with a hint of uncertainty.

Having advanced to the Foundation Establishment stage, supported by her liquid mana, she believed she could see through the disguises of Qi Refining cultivators, even without the divine vision of a second-tier adept.

Yet… Fang Xing still appeared as an ordinary mortal!

This made her question whether 'Fang Yun' possessed some rare artifact that could specifically conceal his aura.

"Looking for me? Could it be that you've concocted the Boiling Blood Elixir again?"

Fang Xing's eyes brightened. Although his stockpile was still considerable, adding more would be advantageous.

He had initially not wanted to take everything and sell the rest off with spirit stones when they first met, only parting with half.

"That is not the case... I've prepared to leave this place with some individuals. According to our spiritual contract, I must inform you..."

Su Ye revealed a piece of news that surprised Fang Xing.

If not for the contract's restrictions, she would likely have left long ago.

"Going to the untamed lands, the journey is long, so I will not accompany you… provide me with the map, and you've fulfilled our agreement."

Fang Xing had already decided on his course of action.

"You intend to hold your ground here?"

Su Ye couldn't quite gauge Fang Xing's true cultivation level, but she quickly understood, retrieving a jade slip as green as jade from her storage pouch and handing it to him.

Fang Xing accepted it and, using his impressive spiritual sense, examined its contents, immediately frowning: "Is the journey really that far?"

"Opening up the desolate lands has always been fraught with danger…"

Su Ye sighed, though she wasn't surprised Fang Xing could read the jade slip.

Being adept in physical cultivation, he also had spiritual consciousness, though she still couldn't fathom why he favored pretending to be a mere mortal warrior!

"Then, consider this agreement fulfilled, fellow Daoist."

After Fang Xing finished speaking, Su Ye's face lit up with a smile, sensing that part of the binding power of the second-tier spirit contract had dissipated.

The two continued chatting about recent happenings in the market, and eventually, Fang Xing issued a challenge.

"Very well..."

Su Ye's bright eyes glimmered as she agreed without hesitation.

"Please!"

Fang Xing's body was enveloped in a layer of silver-white nano protective suit, resembling a silver armor. He then applied a 'Diamond Talisman' to himself.

With the awakening of his mental abilities, he had made breakthroughs in talismans, barely managing to activate first-tier superior talismans.

Such capability was something that many warriors could only dream of achieving in this world.

With a sudden step, his whole form blurred into a shadow, reaching Su Ye in an instant, striking out with his palm!

Sizzle!

Around Su Ye, a heavy, emerald green radiance materialized into a spherical shield with ancient runes faintly dancing across its surface.

Fang Xing's palm hit the green shield, causing countless runes to flicker madly before they finally settled down.

"After reaching Foundation Establishment, not only do you possess divine consciousness, but liquid mana can also transform into a 'true essence shield'. This is an essential technique for all Foundation Establishment cultivators..."

Su Ye smiled gently, understanding that Qing Dan Pavillion remained deeply resourceful, with several second-tier spells and even spiritual artifacts in reserve.

To drive the true essence shield with liquid mana was something that typical Qi Refinement cultivators could hardly breach.

Clearly, Fang Yun's attack was forceful enough to disturb the shield, showing that his power was comparable to the peak of Qi Refinement, possibly exceeding it.

"Please, do not hold back, fellow Daoist."

With a long howl, Fang Xing unleashed both his fists and palms, his strikes landing furiously on the true essence shield, causing it to groan under the strain.

In truth, he was holding back significantly. This battle was meant to test his own strength, thus he refrained from using his laser gun or the second-tier Azure Rainbow Sword.

"I didn't expect... you, fellow Daoist, to hold mortal martial arts in such high regard! However, while mortal martial arts may have some effect during Qi Refinement, they'll be less useful after Foundation Establishment... Be careful!"

Su Ye's bright eyes moved as she summoned a blue spiritual pearl.

This was a second-tier inferior spiritual artifact — the Azure Wood Spirit Pearl, capable of slightly gathering spiritual energy to aid cultivation.

Meanwhile, it can also assist foundation establishment cultivators in condensing three strands of 'Greenwood Sword Qi'!

In her dantian's sea of qi, a drop of liquid mana dissipated, causing the green spirit pearl to suddenly burst forth with dazzling light. A green rainbow-like sword streaked out in the blink of an eye, carrying an indescribable sharpness!

Swoosh!

Fang Xing had seen many flying swords released by qi refining cultivators, but compared to this foundation establishment-level Greenwood Sword Qi, it was like comparing fireflies to the blazing sun!

Splatter!

The green sword’s light was like a dragon, or a long rainbow, instantly appearing before him. The golden light from the Vajra Talisman, which shielded him, was as fragile as paper and was easily torn apart.

Though weakened by about thirty percent, the Greenwood Sword Qi remained unmatched in sharpness; the sword light ripped through the armor formed by his nanosuit protective gear and fell upon the dragon scales of his Dragon Elephant’s Armor Technique.

A sharp pain spread across his body. Fang Xing glanced at his right arm, seeing a red sword mark with blood oozing from it.

Under the attack of the second-tier spiritual artifact urged by the foundation establishment cultivator, he had still... been breached!

"Are you already at the level of a second-tier body cultivator?"

Unbeknownst to Su Ye, upon witnessing this scene, she widened her eyes in astonishment and silently thanked her luck for not having opposed him when hunting the Azure Rock Bull.

Otherwise, Fang Xing at that time could have easily defeated her.

Yet she did not know that Fang Xing was not as strong as he is now back then!

"No wonder he's a foundation establishment cultivator!"

Fang Xing was aware that Su Ye could unleash far more than just one strand of sword qi.

Taking one head-on had already breached his defenses; a few more would leave him seriously injured, perhaps even dying...

With a sigh, he spoke, "Next, I will use my strongest attack. Be careful, Dao Friend."

As the words fell, Fang Xing unleashed a punch.

Though it appeared ordinary, the surge of his qi and blood stirred the air, as if draconic roars and tiger cries were occurring!

—The Essence of the Dragon!

—The Essence of Subduing the Tiger!

For a martial artist at the level of the Pinnacle of Courage and Soul, their strongest attacks naturally accompany the resolution of martial will!

Fang Xing's radiant eyes briefly lost their focus, only to witness the protective barrier in front of Su Ye shatter into fragments under the force of his punch.

She instinctively flew into the sky, her Aoki Spirit Pearl transforming into a protective aura that safeguarded her without fail, finally allowing a sense of fear to creep in. "So, fellow cultivator, you also excel in spirit sense attacks? If I hadn't already cultivated my own spirit sense, I would've been at your mercy…"

Su Ye found it hard to believe Fang Xing could actually be a second-tier body cultivator!

Otherwise, how could a spirit sense attack be so overwhelming?

Seeing this, Fang Xing judged inwardly: 'As I thought, a Foundation Building cultivator who has cultivated their spirit sense will have a stable Sea of Consciousness in their Purple Mansion, making their defense far more robust than that of a Qi Refining cultivator... Without using a second-tier Azure Rainbow Sword, it would be difficult to break through her defenses at the moment she loses focus and kill her…'

"Thank you, fellow cultivator. Today's battle has been truly exhilarating…"

He had no intention of continuing the duel and voluntarily called a halt.

Su Ye, still somewhat shaken, landed gracefully. "Your strength is astounding, fellow cultivator. If we teamed up, our odds of leaving this barren land would greatly increase…"

"There's no need. I'm convinced those great sects won't abandon this place… I'll just wait here, even if it delays my cultivation."

Fang Xing waved dismissively, his demeanor steady.

"Is that so?"

Su Ye was a bit disappointed, her eyes suddenly gleaming. "Would you be interested, fellow cultivator, in exploring a certain secret realm with me?"

"The Myriad Laws Secret Realm, you say? Isn't that domain occupied by demons, possibly even hosting third-tier great demons?" Fang Xing's interest was piqued.

"Once the secret realm ceased to appear, the third-tier great demon that roosted in the Five Scorpions Valley has left…" Su Ye shook her head. "I suspect that great demon was drawn by the aura of a Core Formation cultivator and naturally departed once they left… If you and I join forces, we could definitely enter the secret realm and gain some rewards."

Fang Xing felt momentarily tempted, but quickly restrained himself.

The reasoning was simple: even though he possessed spiritual power, the usable cultivation materials were sparse.

Most cultivation items were meaningless to him.

For items of such low value, it was certainly not worth the risk. "I'm not interested in the Myriad Laws Secret Realm…"

He shook his head, though his gaze shifted. "Have you heard of the Nine-Eyed Bodhi or Vajra Fruit, fellow cultivator?"

"Nine-Eyed Bodhi is only a legend…" Su Ye, being an alchemist, was naturally well-versed in spiritual plants and spoke eloquently. "However, it's possible that Vajra Fruit exists within this barren land. But as a third-tier fruit, it would be heavily guarded by formidable demon beasts…"

Hearing this, Fang Xing couldn't help but sigh deeply.

]

87. Chapter 87: The Elite Star Alliance Exam Begins

A faint mist lingered in the air.

A group of cultivators appeared at the edge of the market.

To avoid being detected by demonic beasts, many had applied medicinal powder and used talismans to suppress their aura.

Leading them was none other than Su Ye.

She took a final glance at the majestic mountain peaks and the bustling market, then turned decisively: "Let's go!"

Xiao Rui, as a maid, naturally followed closely behind.

Alongside them were the guards of the Azure Pill Workshop and some rogue cultivators gathered during this period.

These rogues were not just cobbled together randomly; each possessed a special skill, representing the best of the market's remaining talents.

Some carried bamboo baskets, others shouldered poles, while a few pushed wooden carts, resembling refugees fleeing from disaster.

In reality, there wasn't much difference...

"Grandfather... are we really leaving?"

Ding Hongxiu carried a large bundle, mostly filled with prepared dry goods, and the spirit rice confections emitted a tantalizing aroma.

"Yes! We must leave!"

Ding Boushan balanced two baskets on a pole, filled with brewed spirit wine and other sundries.

Storage bags were rare in the world of cultivators; even those who had achieved full Qi Condensation couldn't possess them freely.

With most having capacities around one or two cubic meters, transporting bulk goods required using spirit beasts for caravans, unless it was something precious.

In the vast wilderness, major trade guilds had a strong market presence, each with a reputable history of operation and profit.

This refugee team lacked sufficient storage bags, so they had to rely on manual labor. Fortunately, being cultivators, their bodies were strengthened by spiritual energy and nourished by various talismans and pills, preventing exhaustion.

Suddenly, there was a commotion at the back of the group.

"Is it a demonic beast?"

"No, those damned hunters are luring beasts this way, seeking mutual destruction..."

"Kill them!"

The uproar reached them, but Ding Boushan, gripping both a pole and a gourd-shaped weapon, comforted his granddaughter: "Don't worry, the guards will handle it."

It's not the fear of lacking but the fear of inequality!

Su Ye couldn't save everyone; the larger the group, the more likely they would attract powerful demonic beasts.

Due to the rigorous selection, the group of refugees she had assembled was significantly streamlined.

This led to dissatisfaction and even disruption among the rogue cultivators left behind.

Over the past days, many had been suppressed or killed, yet there were still some who either attempted to follow from afar or, driven to madness, sought mutual destruction.

"Die!"

Han Qingyun wielded a mid-grade flying sword artifact, his cultivation shockingly advancing to the mid-stage of Qi Refinement.

This progress was the result of a breakthrough pill rewarded by Su Ye during a life-or-death encounter.

Together with several other guards, the sword flashed a blue light and decapitated one of the cultivators.

"Hmph, just a mere early Qi Refinement, coming to court death," another cultivator beside him sneered.

Witnessing this scene, Han Qingyun fell into silence.

The other party only wished to survive...

Soon after, the group set off again.

He and Hua Feiyue took one last look at the marketplace.

"Sister Hua, are you thinking about that friend, Fang?" Han Qingyun suddenly asked.

"Yes... I went back to check, and it's now a ruin. I don't know where the young master has gone... Oh well, this is a turbulent world, our lives but floating duckweed..." Hua Feiyue sighed, taking one last glance.

It seemed like an illusion, but she thought she saw a puppet bird perched on a treetop, silently watching them depart.

"They've gone?"

From within the cave, Fang Xing controlled the puppet bird, seeing the group gradually disappear into the dense forest...

With the loss of these last elites, Qinglin Marketplace fell into desolation, only occasionally disturbed by beast howls.

"Even if there are some who linger, once these craftsmen leave, I'm afraid life will be unsustainable too..."

Fang Xing sighed.

Previously, he had seized the last bit of free time to trade his spirit stones with other cultivators, amassing large reserves.

Not only that, but he had also set up several warehouses in and around the marketplace, using resources from the fledgling Eagle Star, ensuring he could endure the prolonged times ahead.

After all, whether those legendary Golden Core masters will attend is still uncertain.

What’s more, maybe they’ve already given up.

When the time comes, Fang Xing would just wait for the future, aiming to advance to the external realm, or even achieve the martial Golden Core, then rely on his own strength to cross the Wild Lands.

"However... in the marketplace, there will definitely be more and more demon beasts in the future. After all, this is a place rich in spiritual energy, naturally attracting nearby demon beasts to gather and even giving birth to some natural treasures. Without cultivators to slay the beasts, they will surely multiply in numbers…"

"Staying here will become increasingly troublesome. It's better to head to the temporary camp... It's just a pity for this spirit-rich cave residence."

He felt a bit reluctant to leave this environment, especially the hot spring.

"But lately, I don’t have much time to stay here… On the fledgling eagle star, the Hundred-Star Examination is about to begin. If I perform outstandingly, it will draw more attention. Coming here frequently in the future will become more difficult…"

……

Time slips away like water.

June arrived, bringing intense summer heat.

At Yucai High School, Fang Xing stood on the field along with other second-year students. They were vibrant, youthful, and stood as straight as pines, exuding vigor.

On the podium, Principal Lu Guangming was rarely in formal attire; his expression was solemn: "Students, the Hundred-Star Examination will begin tomorrow. I hope you all can perform beyond expectations and prove yourselves..."

"As for your results, there’s no need to force it. If just one student advances to the third round, I’ll be very pleased."

……

"What does he mean by he'll be very pleased if just one student advances to the third round?"

Fang Xing glanced at his classmates to his sides, unsurprisingly, he felt as if the comment was directed at him.

"Don’t you know? This time, the Hundred-Star Examination consists of three rounds... The first round is a cultural test, the second round is a martial examination specific to our planet... Only students with qualifying combined scores can participate in the final third round examination!"

Ouyang Qianqian whispered, "If luck isn’t on our side, it’s possible that our entire year group may not have a single student reaching the final examination…"

Due to the existence of 'Fledgling Star', which is notably out of the ordinary, historically, more than half of the final round spots in the Hundred-Star Examination come from that star.

If luck doesn’t favor you, it’s indeed possible to come away empty-handed.

"Not necessarily… How many people do they accept in this third round?"

Fang Xing asked with some curiosity.

"It's always ten thousand people!" Ouyang Qianqian confirmed.

"Even if Fledgling Star takes five thousand quotas, there are still five thousand quotas left for the other ninety-nine planets... Uh, I forgot there are so many schools on our fledgling eagle star.”

Fang Xing could hardly bear to look directly.

With so many examinees on a single planet, failing to secure even fifty spots was wholly a normal occurrence; a high school gaining nothing at all wasn't surprising.

The principal's anticipation might somehow be related to his presence.

At this thought, he couldn't help but think of Bai Lianyi and Liu Wei.

Both had hopes of advancing to the third round; one had been turned to ashes by him, while the other had joined the resistance... Truly, the affairs of life are unpredictable.

'Liu Wei likely has no idea Bai Lianyi was a disciple of the sect...'

'The boy's romantic path is full of obstacles; I wonder if there are any beauties within the resistance...'

Fang Xing's thoughts drifted aimlessly, amused by the notion.

The next day.

In the classroom.

The unfamiliar invigilating teacher paced back and forth, watching one examinee after another struggle with the questions.

"The Hundred-Star Unified Exam questions are indeed much harder than the usual tests..."

Fang Xing's pen flew across the paper, a confident smile on his face.

After unlocking his Niwan Palace, he had undergone a complete transformation.

His mental faculties, in particular, now turned him into a small prodigy.

Plus, with a little effort just before the exam, these liberal arts questions were a breeze.

As for the martial arts assessment?

Undoubtedly, he was first in his school's grade, no need to elaborate.

Moreover, the practical assessment had been upgraded, not matching him against others, but rather conducting a solo test.

Fang Xing walked into the test room with a particularly calm demeanor.

【Beep! Examinee Fang Xing, please enter your student ID!】

A luminescent beam appeared, scanning Fang Xing's entire body.

He remained expressionless as he quickly entered his ID.

【Iris authentication passed, examinee Fang Xing... Evolution path 'Martial Artist'! Fourth realm - Courage!】

【Physical examination complete, no internal injuries, evaluated as excellent!】

……

【Overall Evaluation: S!】

【The assessment is over, candidates please exit the arena in an orderly fashion...】

“Is that all?”

Fang Xing was a bit bewildered, and then he left the examination hall.

Xia Long was waiting outside, and upon seeing Fang Xing, he immediately approached and patted him on the shoulder, "How did it go?"

"It went alright. They scanned me and then just let me out."

Fang Xing replied truthfully.

“Oh... that’s normal. After all, you’ve broken through the fourth realm of martial arts... Even the strongest puppet here is only at the Jade level...”

Xia Long looked at this student, feeling quite a bit of emotion.

He knew Fang Xing would eventually break through the fourth realm, but he hadn’t expected it to happen so quickly!

When the principal first informed him of this, he was shocked and astonished for a long time.

“Oh... it seems that replicating martial arts realm is indeed difficult, constructing fourth-realm machines is tough, and they’re not used for teaching...”

Fang Xing immediately understood.

Simply put, his strength was too overwhelming, surpassing even the examiners...

“Hmm, with your ability, you will surely advance to the third round of the examination. This is a rare opportunity, so enjoy the experience of competing with the other geniuses. They will all be your rivals in the future college entrance examination...”

Xia Long advised him earnestly.

He felt that with Fang Xing’s current abilities, entry into a top-notch university was already assured.

With some luck, even aiming for a super-top-tier university was not out of reach!

‘Could it be... my path to alchemy actually has hope? Is it falling on this kid?’

Xia Long gazed at Fang Xing, with deeply complex emotions in his eyes.

Initially, he only saw potential in Fang Xing, offering him modest support, but never imagined such a rewarding outcome!

Fang Xing, however, remained oblivious.

To be honest, he felt as though participating in these exams seemed a bit like bullying others.

"But, I just love this level of suppression!"

"What's the point of always pushing yourself hard? It's so much more fun to dominate in an easy match..."

"I just wonder what kind of geniuses will appear in this Elite Star Alliance Exam?"

]

(End of Chapter)