Starry Sky Professional

073, the Trial Star.

This celestial body appears with a brown planetary surface in the vast universe, surrounded by a scattered ring of broken stars.

Above its orbit, a cosmic fortress floats, looming over the planet like a gigantic beast, surveying everything below.

Ships of various colors draw near, the flames of their propulsion engines slowly extinguishing, like sailboats arriving at a port, aligning themselves in rows to dock with the fortress.

*Hiss!*

With a steady halt, the spaceship opens its hatch, releasing a puff of white vapor.

Fang Xing strides across the bridge, the vast universe behind him, with a small asteroid beneath his feet and the cosmic fortress, a hundredfold larger than any spaceship, directly before him!

“It really makes one feel insignificant…”

He murmured, as he followed Teacher Xia Long to reach a large plaza.

This plaza was immense, already filled with a crowd of thousands.

What caught the eye most were the vibrant students clad in school uniforms.

They exchanged glances, their eyes sharp and spirited with a competitiveness that couldn’t be concealed.

In stark contrast, their accompanying teachers wore friendly smiles, engaging in conversation with their peers.

After all, opportunities for such a convergence of elite educational stars are rare, occurring only a handful of times a year, if that.

Even when they arise, an entire planet of teachers eagerly await their turns, not always coming quickly enough for them.

Xia Long was in lively discussion with a teacher who bore a resemblance to a gorilla.

Fang Xing didn't pay them much mind, his gaze sweeping through the students.

In his eyes, the majority were weaker than Song Jingang, mere pushovers.

Yet occasionally, a few stood out with impressive bearing and presence, catching his attention.

For instance, a blonde, white-skinned youth from Machine Star had half his body replaced with machinery, his muscles gleaming with a metallic sheen, even an eye replaced by a prosthetic one.

“A mecha-warrior, with such high levels of modification, aren’t they afraid of cyber psychosis?”

He quipped.

That half-metallic blonde student seemed to hear him, as the prosthetic eye flashed red, glaring at Fang Xing for a moment before approaching: “So, you're the leading star of Circling Eagle Star—Fang Xing? Nice to meet you, I’m Ross from Machine Star, looking forward to our encounter in the exam...”

He grinned, revealing a slightly manic smile.

“Got it, and then you’ll kill me, or I’ll kill you, right?”

Fang Xing rolled his eyes, amused by those mentally unhinged, less competent challengers…

“Ross!”

At this moment, a robust figure with a mature, bearded face approached, none other than Song Jingang!

He looked at Ross, a spark of battle readiness in his eyes: “I’d like to see the abilities of a mecha-warrior myself...”

"Looking so old, are you Song Jingang?"

Ross’s eyes flashed with a crimson glow.

"What do you mean old? It’s just that I developed a bit early..." Song Jingang explained, somewhat agitated.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, a strong wind blew.

A majestic creature with bluish-green skin, resembling an ancient pterosaur but with four fleshy wings, swept over Fang Xing and his companions' heads and landed in the open space of the square.

An indistinct pressure emanated from the beast, carrying an aura of higher life suppression.

"A Fourth Realm cosmic creature?!"

Song Jingang gritted his teeth.

The Martial Path’s Fourth Realm is a watershed; before the Fourth Realm, one is a warrior, but beyond, one becomes a martial artist!

This cosmic creature was clearly not in the state of raw talent and had already surpassed ninety-nine percent of the examinees on the square.

A graceful figure dismounted from the back of the pterosaur—a tall and slender girl.

She wore wind goggles, a leather jacket, and sported short hair, resembling an old-fashioned aviator.

"It’s Qi Lingzhen of Young Lin Star! A beast-taming prodigy!"

Song Jingang lowered his voice to explain to Fang Xing. When out in the world, students from the same planet often share a kindred spirit, ready to support each other in external matters.

Of course, if faced with competition, he certainly would not concede any ground to Fang Xing.

"To have tamed a beast comparable to the Fourth Realm while still only in the state of raw talent is indeed impressive…"

Fang Xing commented indifferently.

"I don’t know why, but hearing your lofty commentary always irks me, making me want to punch you," Song Jingang quipped beside him. "Breaking through the realms quickly isn’t that great…"

Fang Xing didn’t respond, only raising his chin slightly and pointing at the examinees in the square.

Hmm, most of these people were in the second or third realm.

Even the geniuses from Young Lin Star were the same.

"Alright, breaking through the realms quickly is indeed impressive... but I will soon catch up to you." Song Jingang gritted his teeth. In truth, he couldn’t possibly figure out why Fang Xing’s cultivation speed was so fast.

Especially the Intent Realm!

Without sufficient slaughter and real combat, without high-level resources, how could one break through so quickly?

He was still a natural human, with favorable family conditions, receiving various investments after awakening his ‘Diamond Body’ ability, yet still in the third realm. Fang Xing, who merely hailed from a biochemical background, was already in the fourth realm!

Song Jingang naturally didn’t know that Fang Xing had his secret tricks.

Fang Xing looked around, nodding in secret: "Indeed, my strategy is correct... after quickly breaking through to the fourth realm, now just by realm alone, I can overpower ninety-nine percent of the examinees here…"

The breakthrough comes swiftly, a testament to both talent and strength!

Boom!

As Qi Lingzhen arrives, another young girl descends from the sky.

She wears a radiant silver exoskeleton with metallic combat boots that eject flames, landing confidently beside Qi Lingzhen.

"It's Zhong Yuxiu, the genius mecha designer. They say she's capable of designing complex exoskeletons all by herself at such a young age..."

Ross gazes at Zhong Yuxiu, completely ignoring Song Jingang's provocations.

For those who tread the paths of martial arts and mechanical engineering, their rivalry is as natural as breathing, each critiquing the other's chosen path.

"The universe truly harbors countless talents..."

Staring at Zhong Yuxiu's youthful face, Fang Xing can't help but nod. It seems this exam will indeed be quite interesting.

"This year's sophomore class at Youlin Academy is said to be the best in ten years. Besides beast tamer Qi Lingzhen and mecha genius Zhong Yuxiu, there's also 'Apothecary' Liu Wei and the feared Ancient Sword Master, Gu Jiantong!"

Song Jingang sighs. "Liu Wei, I can handle, but Gu Jiantong... not so much."

"Come on, it's not about not having confidence—you're destined to lose..."

Song Jingang's face turns scarlet but he's silent. Ross is merely stating the truth.

Scanning the surroundings, Fang Xing identifies Liu Wei, guided by Song Jingang's directions.

Sporting long blood-red hair and a black robe, Liu Wei hides in a corner, exuding an aura of solitude.

"And where's Gu Jiantong?"

Fang Xing wonders aloud, slightly perplexed.

"I've heard he's quite arrogant... Perhaps he's planning a grand entrance?"

Song Jingang responds, uncertain. "Compared to Gu Jiantong, I’d rather meet Director Wei!"

Director Wei, heralded as the 'Minor Martial Saint,' is a master of the Golden Core's ninth transformation, an expert of the Great Vajra Realm.

His physique surpasses even the perfected 'Vajra Body' in strength!

To Song Jingang, Wei Shentong represents his future aspirations!

His 'Vajra Body' ability will be advantageous in the Vajra Realm. Combining it with a fierce physical technique like the Dragon Elephant’s Vajra Indestructible Technique could push his Golden Core up to eight or nine transformations!

"Minor Martial Saint..."

Fang Xing murmurs, feeling the weight of such a title.

Though martial arts may seem humble and expendable, achieving ranks like Martial Saint or Martial God allows one to stand proudly among other advanced evolutionaries atop the Blue Star Federation.

In the midst of contemplation, a beam of golden light flickers.

He looked up to see a student with long hair and eyebrows seemingly ablaze like golden flames, descending from the sky in an exceedingly arrogant manner.

“Gu Jiantong!”

“The star student of Youlin Academy! He's here!”

Other students and teachers buzzed with excitement, "This guy is nearly guaranteed to top the Grand Star Exam, he's only here to make an appearance..."

“Hmm? Isn't he a martial artist? How can he fly?”

Song Jingang was a bit shocked, “Could it be that his 'Photonic' ability has developed to such an extent?”

If developed later, photonic abilities could definitely enable flight, and at quite a speed.

But such capability shouldn't manifest at the fourth boundary.

“It doesn't seem to be an ability, but rather martial arts!”

Fang Xing's expression became slightly solemn, “This blonde-browed lad appears to have realized a martial art based on the 'Domain of Light'... He's even delved deeply into it, reaching the infancy of domain creation... Using this embryonic domain power, combined with his abilities, he can achieve flight!”

How does the internal vision manifest in the external? How does the spiritual influence the material?

Naturally, through the channel of domains!

Any profound concept will, in time, elevate into a 'domain'!

Take Xia Long, for instance; he clearly comprehended a lightning-related concept, forming a lightning domain, allowing him to unleash thunder and wind at will within it!

“Indeed, A Xing, your insight is impressive, spotting such a detail is proof of significant progress in your martial pursuit…”

Xia Long approached with large strides, looking at Fang Xing with a hint of appreciation and reflection.

Unexpectedly, this student continued his relentless advance after overcoming the Bravery Threshold, without a hint of stagnation!

Fang Xing, of course, merely smiled and moved on.

As his proficiency climbed, his understanding of conceptual power constantly grew richer.

In his estimation, when the next stage arrives, acquiring a domain would be no arduous task.

It won't even be an embryonic version like Gu Jiantong's, but a true domain!

This signifies holding the key to the fifth martial level—External Manifestation!

“Having both martial skills and abilities truly feels like cheating...”

However, Fang Xing held strong disapproval for Gu Jiantong's antics.

As a martial artist who believes in tangible effort, he detested those who flaunted themselves arrogantly in the sky.

If in another world, he might slap a 'Flight Seal' and ascend to teach Gu Jiantong a lesson in humility!

“Ahem...”

Hearing this, Song Jingang beside him felt a bit embarrassed.

After all, his path was quite similar to Gu Jiantong's, pursuing both abilities and martial arts in tandem.

“Why? Just because someone has an advantage, you want to deny them the right to use it?”

Xia Long's eyes widened. "Abilities are akin to physical divine powers, many of which are perfectly compatible with martial arts... Some pioneers have even created ‘Immortal Martial Arts,’ seamlessly integrating abilities into martial practices. Their might surpasses even that of typical S-rank martial arts!"

"In the Blue Star Federation, strength is paramount. As long as it benefits the Federation, humanity, and the fight against the extradimensional evil gods, all attempts are welcome... Even the canonical martial saints and martial gods didn't take on the evil gods bare-handed; many went into battle in mechas. So why can't we merge martial arts with mech technology?"

"You are correct, teacher. I was shallow in my thinking."

Fang Xing promptly admitted his mistake with sincerity.

Indeed, as long as one's strength grows, the path they choose should not be discriminated against, so long as it's one they own and control.

Xia Long's words were a revelation for him.

‘Now that I think about it, I also have an advantage, which is the accumulated experience of countless years from another great world…’

‘If I could incorporate this into my martial path and forge a path of ‘Immortal Martial Arts,’ it would surely be worthwhile!’

A strategy gradually materialized in Fang Xing's mind.

The Blue Star Federation is inclusive and eager for external knowledge, thriving by incorporating various alien technologies, propelling its rapid advancement.

Since I possess such talent and resources, I must have the courage to initiate my own path within the martial arts!

"To achieve the path of ‘Immortal Martial Arts’… the first issue is resolving the spirit root problem…"

Fang Xing pondered this internally, frowning slightly, "Alas… It seems my realm is indeed too low? I can't think of any solution… But even if it means creating a small path within the larger martial framework, at the very least, it requires a martial arts gold core, right? Does this path mean I have to wait until I reach the martial arts gold core before I can slowly explore it?"

Just then, a series of footsteps echoed.

Stomp! Stomp!

The sound of military boots striking the plaza resonated, each step seeming to tread upon the hearts of tens of thousands!

The plaza, which had been bustling due to Gu Jiantong's arrival, suddenly fell into a still silence.

It seemed that the only sound was that of the approaching footsteps!

Fang Xing turned to look and saw a strikingly young figure.

This person appeared to be in their early twenties, with a resolute face, clad in a federal military uniform. Each step was measured, precise as if they were gauged with a ruler.

‘Little Martial Saint’ Wei Shentong!

Fang Xing realized instantly that this imposing individual, even more so than Lu Guangming, could only be the legendary chief examiner.

“Greetings, students!”

Wei Shentong entered the plaza, a colossal shadow, a dozen meters tall, appearing behind him. His voice reached every student perfectly.

“The third round of the Hundred Star Federation Exams is about to commence officially… Currently, ten thousand candidates are participating, with no absentees…”

His eyes, as dazzling as twin stars, scanned each person present: "I must remind you that this exam is a live combat assessment and extremely dangerous. The Federation has death quotas… If you are afraid, you can withdraw now."

After a few minutes, not one student left.

“Good, this is what true seeds of martial arts are!”

Wei Shentong nodded with satisfaction. Behind him, a projection shifted to reveal the panoramic view of a planet:

"Trial Star 073… it’s quite an excellent examination ground, but this time will be a bit different than before. Have you all heard of the 'Secret Realm'? Your evaluation this time will take place within the secret realm on the trial star..."

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(End of Chapter)