Systemless Villain

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Chapter 57 Awakened Flames

At this very moment, three individuals dressed as cultivators walked onto the stage; they were the ones meant to assist students facing difficulties in awakening their martial spirits.

"Alright, let's go to the first participant. Han Cengkong, please step onto the stage," the emcee announced.

With that, a young man of average build stood up and made his way to the stage.

Upon reaching the platform, he was promptly guided by the instructors. "Place both your hands on the crystal and close your eyes."

"Just that?" Han Cengkong inquired to confirm.

"Yes," one of the instructors responded.

"Okay," Han Cengkong nodded and proceeded to place both hands on the crystal, closing his eyes.

Usuallly, when someone closes their eyes, they only see darkness, but it's different when they touch the crystal of awakening. It will reveal the true color or original form of their martial spirit.

However, in this moment, Han Cengkong felt... nothing. It was still darkness.

Meanwhile, the crystal outside emitted a faint glow, and after a few moments, the light faded away.

Han Cengkong truly felt nothing. He opened his eyes, only to find no martial spirit had manifested.

His expression instantly faltered. Observing students also deduced that Han Cengkong didn't possess a martial spirit.

"Regrettable, young man. You didn't posses a martial spirit," one of the instructors stated.

"Impossible, I definitely have a martial spirit. Let me try again, please?" Han Cengkong insisted.

"No, step down," the instructor ordered.

Han Cengkong's expression turned gloomy immediately. Not having a martial spirit in this world was akin to losing a bright future.

In the end, he could only descend with resignation.

Among the observing students, whispers of sympathy and scorn for Han Cengkong filled the air. Yet, it was a common occurrence. Every year, at least millions of students lacked martial spirits, and there were naturally more students who managed to awaken their martial spirits in comparison.

"Next up is Yang Liang," the emcee declared.

With that, a young man stepped forward and made his way to the stage.

He held the crystal with both hands and closed his eyes. Within him, a golden light emerged, granting him a certain hope.

Meanwhile, the crystal gleamed with a radiant white light. And a few seconds later, a colossal sword materialized above the young man, accompanied by a faint aura that spread throughout the area.

"Woah, that's a weapon-type martial spirit. He's quite fortunate."

"Judging by its form, it's undoubtedly an upper-level martial spirit, at least a C or B-Class."

"Yang Liang, huh? He comes from a fairly powerful family, so it's no surprise he can awaken a martial spirit."

Amidst the ongoing discussions, the inscription on the crystal's pedestal vibrated, and a text materialized.

[B-Class: Royal Greatsword Martial Spirit]

Simultaneously, a large screen not far from the event also displayed the same text: [B-Class: Royal Greatsword Martial Spirit]

Yang Liang wore a satisfied smile on his face. The Greatsword was a hallmark martial spirit of his family. Luckily, he could continue his family's legacy.

"B-Class martial spirit, let's give Yang Liang a round of applause," the host proclaimed.

With that, enthusiastic applause filled the air.

Yang Liang descended the stage with a lifted spirit, making his way back to his seat.

His friends promptly showered him with praise and congratulations, and he accepted them with delight.

*************

Time continued to pass, and now more than two hours had elapsed. A total of 30 students had managed to awaken their martial spirits, while 22 succeeded, and 8 fell short.

After waiting for hours, Long Tian didn't grow particularly bored; observing various types of martial spirits offered him a wealth of information. Moreover, he spent much of his time engaging in conversation with Liu Qian.

In this moment, a young man descended from the stage, wearing a gloomy expression. He didn't possess a martial spirit.

"Alright, let's proceed to our next participant: Qin Chen," the emcee announced.

At last, Long Tian's attention was captivated by the emcee's words. Though he was already familiar with Qin Chen's martial spirit, he couldn't ignore the changes that had occurred since his transmigration. Perhaps even Qin Chen's martial spirit had undergone some alterations.

Onstage, Qin Chen stood, his hands resting on the crystal, and he closed his eyes.

Within him, a sense of emptiness prevailed, akin to drifting in the vast expanse of space. Yet, an enigmatic force seemed to guide him toward a distant destination.

After a brief moment, a distant shimmer of light caught his attention. Gradually, he was drawn toward it, feeling himself approach a figure – an ancient cultivator, draped in antiquated attire, with long tresses and sharp, penetrating eyes. An aura of majesty and supremacy radiated from this presence.

Meanwhile, the crystal emitted a soft glow, and moments later, a manifestation materialized above Qin Chen.

It took the form of a human skeleton.

Whispers spread among the watching students.

"A skeleton? I had no idea such a martial spirit existed."

"I'd assume it's a lower-tier martial spirit, not particularly noteworthy."

"Well, at least he's got a martial spirit."

While many underestimated the appearance, Long Tian held a profound understanding of Qin Chen's martial spirit.

This wasn't a commonplace skeleton; it was the skeleton of an ancient emperor from ages past. This was Qin Chen's martial spirit. Even within the original storyline, Qin Chen could evolve it into an impeccable form, surpassing the S-Class threshold.

On the expansive screen, the text materialized: [D-Class: Human Skeleton]

Qin Chen opened his eyes, a tinge of disappointment shadowing his expression as he looked at the screen. He had hoped for a martial spirit of at least B-Class or higher, but if destiny decreed otherwise, there was nothing he could do. Yet, the image of the majestic figure he had glimpsed with his closed eyes lingered in his thoughts.

Observing from a distance, Han Yuan couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Qin Chen's D-Class result. He wished Qin Chen wouldn't be too disheartened and wouldn't overly fixate on the worth of his martial spirit.

Similarly, among the teachers, Ning Yuan shared the sentiment. She hoped Qin Chen would continue forging ahead, not allowing the classification of his martial spirit to define his journey.

"D-Class, not bad. Let's give Qin Chen a round of applause," the emcee encouraged.

Only a scattering of applause followed; most were unimpressed with the martial spirit.

As Qin Chen stepped down from the stage, the emcee smoothly transitioned, "Very well, now it's Liu Qian's turn."

Long Tian's warm smile remained as he softly murmured, "Best of luck."

Liu Qian reciprocated the smile and walked confidently toward the stage.

With graceful assurance, she placed her hands upon the crystal and gently shut her eyes.

Within her, a vivid blue blaze ignited. Simultaneously, the crystal radiated a soft glow, and the distant call of a bird echoed.

In mere moments, an ethereal blue fire emerged, coalescing into a sizable avian form with a long tail enshrouded in cerulean flames. An aura of strength and elegance emanated from the creation.

A collective gasp of awe rippled through the audience. The majestic bird, the intense blue inferno... There was no doubt – a Mythical type martial spirit had graced them with its presence!

Simultaneously, the big screen displayed the text: [S-Class: Blue Phoenix]

Gasps of sheer disbelief echoed throughout the assembled crowd.

"Am I seeing things or what? S-Class?!"

"Man, that's not just any martial spirit—it's a full-fledged Mythical type, a blue Phoenix!"

"Just yesterday, Liu Qian triumphed in the Roman Empire's competition, and now she's gracing us with a blue Phoenix martial spirit. She's truly favored by the gods."

Enthusiasm and commendation showered upon Liu Qian. The manifestation of a Mythical-type martial spirit was akin to witnessing an extraordinary cosmic event.

In a state of awe, Liu Qian herself struggled to digest the reality of her accomplishment—awakening an S-Class martial spirit. A mixture of disbelief and growing exhilaration painted her expression.

Long Tian, much like the others, couldn't quite fathom Liu Qian's summoning of a blue Phoenix martial spirit. In the original storyline, Liu Qian had only made sporadic appearances, her martial spirit left largely unexplained.

"Wow, absolutely breathtaking! An S-Class martial spirit: Blue Phoenix. Our school has truly given birth to a prodigy. Let's give her an uproarious applause!" The emcee's excitement reverberated through the air.

A crescendo of cheers and fervent claps resonated through the field. Liu Qian graciously accepted the acclaim, her tender smile an embodiment of her gratitude as she descended the stage, enveloped in a symphony of well-wishing voices and commendations from all directions.

Meanwhile, from a distant vantage point, Ye Chen gazed at Liu Qian, a blend of pride and elation swirling within him. His girlfriend had awakened a Mythical-type martial spirit—a crowning achievement, solidified by its S-Class status.

Despite the present strains on their relationship, an unwavering optimism stirred within him—a conviction that he could indeed awaken a potent martial spirit.

"Man, your girl is sending ripples through the school. I bet she'll be the talk of the town today," Xiao Lin quipped.

"Well, it's pretty much inevitable. Every year, news of martial spirit awakenings sends shockwaves. She might even rise to celebrity status," Ye Chen replied, sighed.

"But this puts more pressure on you, Ye Chen. Liu Qian is a blend of beauty and talent. A parade of top-tier geniuses will be vying for her attention, not just Long Tian," Xiao Lin noted, his tone earnest.

"That's why you need to hope for a high-level martial spirit awakening. It's a steep path, but not an insurmountable one. If fate smiles upon you, awakening an S-Class martial spirit is well within reach," he added.

Ye Chen didn't respond verbally, but he allowed Xiao Lin's words to resonate. He had to grow stronger to shield Liu Qian.

Despite the challenges ahead, an unwavering optimism stirred within him—a conviction that he could indeed awaken a potent martial spirit.

**********

Back in her seat, Liu Qian was greeted with Long Tian's gentle smile.

"A Mythical-type, huh? You certainly know how to spring surprises, Qian'er," he teased.

Returning his smile, Liu Qian mused, "It feels like destiny in its purest form. Though, I can't dismiss the role your potion played."

"Well, it was no ordinary potion—it was an evolution elixir. Crafted to catalyze martial spirit growth," Long Tian clarified.

"Really? No wonder I was able to awaken an S-Class martial spirit," Liu Qian mused.

"That's also because of you, Qian'er. The potion merely acted as a complement," Long Tian answered.

"Still, it wielded a profound influence on me. Thank you, Long Tian," Liu Qian expressed earnestly, her smile as soft as the finest silk.

Long Tian smiled back. If Liu Qian could awaken a blue Phoenix martial spirit with a mere sip of the evolution potion, his potential to awaken an even more formidable martial spirit was undeniable.

His expectations couldn't help but drift toward the realm of a super dragon or perhaps even a dual martial spirit...

"After witnessing the resplendent blue Phoenix, let's redirect our gaze to our next contender: Long Tian, please grace the stage," the emcee's voice rang out.