HPDBC Chapter 241: Special Training
Chapter 241: Special Training
Chapter 241: Special Training
Li Pin felt a tinge of regret. "He likely won't be able to vie for the King of the Century's throne?"
The last time Tianyuan claimed the King of the Century title was in the competition held four seasons back.
The King of the Century Competition was without a doubt the most significant event for showcasing national strength and boosting international influence.
It was precisely because of Tianyuan's utter defeat in the last competition that the prominent figures, having deeply reflected on the painful experience, launched a determined effort to seek out talented individuals from every corner. They eventually discovered Wang Liancheng, a man born with innate divine strength.
To nurture this promising candidate to claim the title, even Tianyuan's Supreme Expert, Fu Qingtian, personally mentored him. Other legends and Master Astral Cultivators would occasionally pitch in to offer their guidance.
Resources, manuals, and assistance of all kinds were provided without hesitation.
From the hints circulating from above, it seemed the higher-ups were very satisfied with Wang Liancheng's progress. They seemed confident in his ability to contend for the throne in the upcoming King of the Century grand battle.[1]
With just six months left until the battle, no one had expected such an incident to happen.
"What a pity," Li Pin lamented.
Zhang Yuesheng's regret was palpable. "Despite all the efforts and preparations of the federation, the Divine Adoration Cult's attack might have just ruined everything. We don't know what the higher-ups plan to do now."
Li Pin shared the same sentiment. If only the King of the Century competition could be held sooner....
If it were, he could appreciate the grandeur of the Extreme Martial Saints and complete the final chapter of his martial arts journey. Unfortunately, there was still a six-month wait. In that time, he would have fully mastered the Lifeform Force Field without relying on the legendary astral equipment.
The Lifeform Force Field exerted a tremendous suppressive effect on any life form whose qi and blood and mental spirit fell short of his own.
His qi and blood attribute had already reached fifty-four, and his mental spirit had risen to forty. Even if many people could withstand the suppression of the spiritual aspect of the Lifeform Force Field, they would still crumble under the pressure of his qi and blood. Not to mention, the Lifeform Force Field was essentially a combination of both forces.
He didn't know how much Wang Liancheng had managed to enhance his qi and blood. But as for those in the Dragon Gate Hall... unless Ye Chengyuan and the others were hiding their true strength, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the moment the Lifeform Force Field was unleashed, the battle would be over.
As for the Great Sun Chosen One, Zhao Yushi, or Song Wuya, the newly ascended Martial Saints whose qi and blood were around forty, they wouldn't even have the chance to make a move under its suppression.
Now that he had stepped into this extraordinary realm, fighting these Martial Saints of mortal bodies would feel more like a bullying session than a proper fight.
At that point, fighting these mortal Martial Saints after stepping into this extraordinary realm would feel like Astral Cultivators bullying martial artists.
For a moment, whether it was Zhang Yuesheng's previous mention of Cang Yunxiao defeating Liu Xuanming to claim second place on the Transformative Dragon list, or Wang Liancheng potentially missing out on the King of the Century title due to the attack, none of it stirred the same anticipation as before. All he felt was regret for Wang Liancheng.
After all... up until now, he had always viewed this Supreme Martial Saint as a target to surpass.
"By the way, isn't it about time for the Hidden Dragon and Transformative Dragon lists to be updated?" Li Pin asked.
"Yes," answered Zhang Yuesheng, nodding.
He hesitated momentarily before saying, "Theoretically, the rankings on both the Hidden and Transformative Dragon List are based on the member's performances over the past quarter.
"If Cang Yunxiao hadn't succeeded in challenging Liu Xuanming, you would've had a good chance of claiming the top spot on the Hidden Dragon list. But now... you'll probably remain in second place for a while longer."
"So, I should issue a challenge?" Li Pin asked.
"Exactly. That's the point of allowing challenges within the Dragon Gate Hall," responded Zhang Yuesheng. "If the one challenged refuses, it will affect the hall's evaluation of their potential. Of course, it depends on their situation. For instance, if they're in the middle of a crucial cultivation session or have just suffered an injury, refusing wouldn't negatively impact them at all."
Li Pin nodded. "I see."
Li Pin nodded. "The legendary astral equipment is indeed extraordinary. Even an auxiliary piece can amplify the spirit and perception to the extreme. In that state, it felt like my emotions could ripple out through the astral equipment and influence those around me, causing their emotions to sync with mine, almost like a hypnotic effect...."
Ran Dongsheng smiled and explained, "Hahaha, this is one of the basic abilities of Beast-Taming Astral Cultivators. They possess powerful hypnotic skills. Once they reach the High-Class level, they can master a technique called Soul Fire, which shakes or burns their opponent's spirit.
"They can also trick their opponent's senses, creating an effect similar to invisibility. The Top-Tier Astral Cultivators can even form a spiritual prison, trapping their opponents in confusion, making it impossible for them to escape."
Li Pin listened with a thoughtful expression.
The Beast-Taming path, originating from the Solar Radiance, along with the Astral Techniques path from the Great Shang, were both newly emerging systems. Although they appeared later than the Astral Equipment path, their growth had been extremely rapid.
Now that Li Pin had, to some extent, stepped into the realm of the extraordinary, he would undoubtedly face Astral Cultivators. Gaining more knowledge about these paths could only be beneficial.
Ran Dongsheng noticed Li Pin's interest and added more details, "I've heard that over in Solar Radiance, they've begun referring to the Beast-Taming Astral Cultivators as 'Sorcerors.' Meanwhile, in the Great Shang, they call the Astral Palace practitioners 'Mages.'
"Both paths avoid the risk of being 'assimilated' by integrating their will with Atomic Will. It remains to be seen how these paths will develop in the future."
At that point, Ran Dongsheng remembered why he had originally called Li Pin over, and he said, "By the way, I saw your application to use the legendary astral equipment. You can go over this afternoon."
He smiled, adding, "From now on, you don't need to bother with the application process. Just let me know whenever you want to use it."
"Thank you, Hall Master," Li Pin replied.
"The Dragon Gate Hall will always make exceptions for those truly outstanding."
After a brief exchange, Ran Dongsheng shifted to the main topic.
"Have you heard about the recent events in Tianyuan Imperial Capital concerning Wang Liancheng?"
"The attack on Wang Liancheng by the Divine Adoration Sect? Zhang Yuesheng mentioned it to me not long ago."
Li Pin was somewhat surprised. "Is it true? Wang Liancheng was so well protected, yet the Divine Adoration Sect still managed to attack him?"
"The attackers weren't Astral Cultivators, but Martial Saints," Ran Dongsheng explained. "We can monitor the movements of Top-Tier Astral Cultivators, even High-Class and Ordinary ones.
"But Martial Saints' ability to hide is simply too strong. Especially for reconnaissance missions, Martial Saints would have received enhanced training in stealth and infiltration. Given their deliberate efforts and our lack of awareness, even the forces surrounding Wang Liancheng were caught off guard."
Speaking up to this point, he looked a bit helpless. "It's just like in Dragon Gate Hall... We can't be sure there aren't Martial Saints from the Divine Adoration Sect hiding among us."
"Even in Dragon Gate Hall?" Li Pin asked.
Ran Dongsheng quickly reassured him, "You needn't worry. Astral Cultivators are stationed throughout Dragon Gate Hall. The Hall isn't exactly large. With us keeping an eye out, any major disturbances will be noticed immediately, and we can respond right away. So, you don't need to worry about your safety within the Hall."
Li Pin nodded.
Though the Dragon Gate Hall had an expansive floor area, for powerful Master Astral Cultivators, it was hardly considered vast.
"I've called you here because we've just received some news."
Ran Dongsheng looked at Li Pin, his eyes gleaming with intensity.
"Wang Liancheng's injuries are severe... he might not make it to the King of the Century Competition. The legendary figures have suggested a backup plan; to select a group of top-tier elites from across Tianyuan, give them intensive training during the last six months before the battle, and then... fight for the throne of the King of the Century!"
1. King of the Century grand battle is another way to describe the King of the Century Competition. ☜
2. Meat is still meat, implies that no one will complain about having more of something. ☜