Translator: CinderTL
Donghai Province, Donghai City.
In the suburbs, atop a towering, snow-white mountain peak that seemed to float in the air, stood a cluster of magnificent white buildings. This ethereal sanctuary, detached from the mundane world, was the ancestral home of the transcendent Li Clan.
Within a grand palace, a man in purple robes gazed at a holographic screen displaying a detailed report. The screen was filled with text summarizing the Twenty-Five Schools Alliance Genius Cup, including Li Qi's post-match medical report.
"Li Qi was grievously wounded?" the man murmured. "And defeated by a student from the Twenty-Five Schools?"
"Though my son Li Qi isn't the most outstanding member of the clan, his Raging Winter Domain should have allowed him to hold his own against even the Heavenly Pride with Dao Bone Aptitude," the man continued, his expression growing colder. "How could Jiang Ye, under the competition's protective mechanisms, inflict such severe injuries?"
Buzz!
A new notification flashed across the screen.
"About Jiang Ye?" the man clicked to view it immediately.
The next moment, the purple-robed man's pupils constricted slightly as he read the latest news. "Jiang Ye... not a Dao Bone Aptitude? But a Primitive Innate Talent?!"
After a moment, he picked up his communicator and dialed a number.
"Try to recruit the champion of this year's Genius Cup."
"Yes, the student named Jiang Ye."
He hung up.
The purple-robed man gazed out the window, his eyes deep and thoughtful.
A Primitive Innate Talent winning the Twenty-Five Schools Genius Cup? This was of immense significance.
Compared to this, even his son's grievous wounds seemed trivial.
The same scene played out in several other transcendent families: the Zhou Clan, the Chu Clan, the Chen Clan...
The reason was simple: the bombshell news was sweeping the globe at an astonishing rate.
"Primitive Innate Talent Jiang Ye Victorious in Genius Cup!"
A Primitive Innate Talent winning the Twenty-Five Schools Genius Cup? Such news was truly earth-shattering.
Every major media outlet was reporting on it frantically.
Of course, Jiang Ye remained completely unaware of all this.
Jiang Ye sat cross-legged in the training room, diligently refining the opportunity within him.
Time flowed.
In the blink of an eye, a day had passed.
Whoosh~
Jiang Ye slowly opened his eyes, temporarily halting his refinement.
"Refining this spiritual essence is proving quite challenging," he murmured.
"I've only managed to refine less than a fifth so far," he sighed. "But the effects are remarkable."
"My life level..."
"Has nearly doubled," Jiang Ye observed silently. "I'm not far from the late-second breakthrough."
Once he fully assimilated this harvest,
he might even have a chance to break through to the peak-second breakthrough!
"Satisfying," a smile crept across Jiang Ye's lips.
This trip to the Genius Cup had been far more rewarding than he could have imagined.
Buzz! His phone vibrated.
Jiang Ye opened it to find dozens of unread messages flooding his screen.
"Genius Cup news?" he wasn't surprised.
But his expression quickly shifted to astonishment. "Primitive innate talent? Did the school publicize that?"
A peculiar look crossed Jiang Ye's face.
He understood the school's actions.
Primitive's victory in the Genius Cup had indeed caused a sensation, not only skyrocketing Jiang Ye's fame but also bringing Penglai University global recognition.
It was a mutually beneficial situation.
But the problem was, Jiang Ye was no longer Primitive!
"After this commotion dies down, my innate talent might continue to improve," Jiang Ye muttered, his expression growing increasingly strange.
Still, it wasn't all bad.
The school likely wouldn't make him retest his innate talent.
He had already been tested at birth and during the College Entrance Examination, both results recorded in his personal file. There was no need for further testing.
"The school's hype is actually boosting my popularity," Jiang Ye quickly dismissed his concerns.
The more people acknowledged him, the greater the system's enhancement of his innate talent would be.
This was a good thing.
But to what extent could it improve? He would only know after this storm passed.
"Messages from Shen Changxi and Liu Wanxiao too?" Jiang Ye glanced at the holographic projection from his phone.
Liu Wanxiao, Shen Changxi, and others had sent messages, asking if the Primitive innate talent was real.
These classmates were unaware that Jiang Ye possessed the Primitive innate talent.
Jiang Ye could imagine the astonished expressions on their faces when they saw the news.
"The school is really putting me in a difficult position," Jiang Ye sighed, shaking his head. He didn't even know how to respond.
Buzz!
Suddenly, his phone vibrated again.
"The teacher's here?" Jiang Ye's expression shifted as he rose and hurried outside.
Moments later, two elderly figures stood in Jiang Ye's villa.
"Teacher Zhu, Elder Bai," Jiang Ye said, his eyes widening in surprise.
"Jiang Ye," Zhu Honglie greeted him, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You won the championship and didn't even tell your teacher?"
"Uh..."
"I'm sorry, Teacher," Jiang Ye said apologetically. "I just got back to school and immediately started refining my opportunity."
"Ha ha, no matter," Zhu Honglie waved his hand dismissively. He had already heard about Jiang Ye's performance at the Genius Cup.
"Congratulations on winning the championship!" Zhu Honglie beamed. "This time, you've truly made a name for yourself across the world."
"I owe it all to your guidance, Teacher," Jiang Ye replied sincerely.
Zhu Honglie nodded slightly, his gaze growing increasingly pleased.
He had predicted Jiang Ye would secure a top-three finish, perhaps even win the championship. But when the news finally arrived, it still filled him with a surge of joy. After all, Jiang Ye was the student he had personally mentored, investing the most time and effort into his training.
"Enough with the congratulations," Zhu Honglie said with a smile. "Elder Bai and I came here today to tell you a few things."
"Please speak, Teacher," Jiang Ye said, his ears perked up.
Zhu Honglie glanced at Elder Bai.
"Jiang Ye," Elder Bai began slowly, "after consulting with Old Zhu and Qiu Cang from White Dragon University, we've decided to arrange a life-or-death trial for you."
"The exact location hasn't been determined yet, but it will likely be within a Cosmic Void Passage."
"Prepare yourself," Elder Bai said solemnly.
"A life-or-death trial? A Cosmic Void Passage?" Jiang Ye was taken aback.
He had long known about the life-or-death trials—a rite of passage for every true genius. But he hadn't expected it to come so soon.
"Of course, not immediately," Elder Bai chuckled. "Perhaps next month, or at least after the Federal Memorial Day."
"Understood," Jiang Ye nodded.
"Regarding the Cosmic Void Passages," Elder Bai asked with a smile, "how much do you know about them?"
"Cosmic Void Passages?" Jiang Ye pondered. "Are they gateways to the Shadow Clan's nests?"
"Yes and no," Elder Bai replied, shaking his head.
Jiang Ye looked puzzled.
"The vast majority of Cosmic Void Passages are indeed outposts for the Shadow Clan's invasion," Elder Bai explained slowly. "But a few permanent Cosmic Void Passages lead not to the Shadow Clan's world, but to the worlds of other civilizations."
"Other civilizations?" Jiang Ye asked, startled.
Elder Bai nodded with a smile, but didn't elaborate immediately. Instead, he shifted the topic:
"Do you know how rare treasures like the Penglai Heavenly Tower and the White Dragon's Court came to be?"
"From the cosmos?" Jiang Ye guessed.
"Exactly."
"They aren't from the solar system. They originate from the distant cosmos," Elder Bai explained. "Some come from thousands of light-years away, while others come from tens or even hundreds of millions of light-years away."
"With humanity's current technology, we could never reach such places."
"But..."
"The Cosmic Void Passages have made this possibility a reality," Elder Bai said with a sigh.
Jiang Ye's heart surged with emotion.
Cosmic Void Passages connecting spacetime across millions of light-years?
It was inconceivable.
If it were a natural phenomenon, that would be one thing. But if it were artificial, what kind of grand design could have created such a thing?
"It's precisely because these Cosmic Void Passages contain astonishing opportunities," Elder Bai explained.
"That's why the Federation classifies them as opportunities."
"Some Cosmic Void Passages are even classified as Low A-Tier Opportunities," Elder Bai continued. "Venturing into these passages isn't just about facing life-or-death trials; it's also about obtaining unimaginable rewards."
"This time, we plan to arrange for you to enter a Cosmic Void Passage."
"We haven't decided on the specific location yet," Elder Bai chuckled. "It could be a C-Tier Opportunity or even a B-Tier Opportunity."
"C-Tier? B-Tier?" Jiang Ye asked, startled.
Why not A-Tier?
"Heh," Elder Bai chuckled. "Don't underestimate B-Tier."
"The Mountains and Rivers Secret Realm from the Genius Cup was only D-Tier, yet you reaped considerable benefits, didn't you?"
Jiang Ye nodded.
"A B-Tier Opportunity offers far greater rewards than the Mountains and Rivers Secret Realm."
"Of course, the risks are far greater as well."
"Take the 'Extreme Sea Star System Cosmic Passage,' for example. It leads to a Civilization Battlefield," Elder Bai explained. "These types of passages often contain enemies approaching the third breakthrough."
"In fact, you might even encounter true third breakthrough experts."
Jiang Ye felt a slight chill run down his spine.
He recalled his assessment at the White Dragon Royal Court.
Jiang Ye had once entered the Extreme Sea Star System Cosmic Passage.
He had also witnessed a massive invasion of the Extreme Sea Civilization's world by a large force of strong individuals from the Cangxu Civilization.
Previously, Jiang Ye had assumed it was merely an environment simulated by the system.
But now, it seemed that the war might have actually occurred.
"Elder Bai," Jiang Ye couldn't help but ask, "If it's a Civilization Battlefield, why were there only third breakthrough experts?"
"Heh."
"That's due to the Cosmic Void Passage's unique properties," Elder Bai chuckled. "Many Cosmic Void Passages have 'domain field suppression'."
"The higher one's cultivation realm, the stronger the suppression they face."
"Take the Extreme Sea Star System Cosmic Passage as an example."
"Even a seventh breakthrough expert entering it would be suppressed to the level of a newly advanced third breakthrough cultivator," Elder Bai explained with a smile. "That's why such places are often designated as life-or-death opportunities for younger generations to temper themselves."
"Otherwise, us old fogies would have already rushed in and plundered all the treasures."
"I see," Jiang Ye nodded in understanding.
No wonder the highest-level combatants in that Civilization Battlefield had only approached the third breakthrough realm.
So that was the reason.
"Speaking of treasures..."
"I might as well give you a hint," Elder Bai said with a smile. "B-Tier Opportunities typically contain astonishing 'Heaven and Earth Spiritual Treasures.'"
"For example, the Cosmic Void Passage in the Blazing Sun System contains the 'Blazing Sun Extreme Crystal.' Consuming it makes breaking through two minor realms in a single breakthrough quite feasible."
"And the Cosmic Void Passage in the Extreme Sea Star System holds the priceless 'Extreme Sea Primordial Liquid,'" Elder Bai continued.
Jiang Ye held his breath.
According to Elder Bai, the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Treasures in B-Tier Opportunity sites could greatly accelerate realm advancement.
Based on their effects, they were dozens of times more potent than those found in D-Tier Opportunities!
"Of course," Elder Bai shook his head, "these Cosmic Void Passages are extremely dangerous. You're still a bit too inexperienced to venture there."
"Therefore, we might assign you to a C-Tier Opportunity Cosmic Void Passage instead."
"We'll discuss the specifics in detail after Federal Memorial Day," Elder Bai concluded.
Federal Memorial Day fell on May 1st.
This holiday held significance comparable to the Lunar New Year, carrying profound meaning for everyone.
Penglai University granted students a five-day break for the occasion.
"Alright, that covers the life-or-death trials," Elder Bai continued. "The second matter concerns the Federation's newly discovered Upper A-Tier Opportunity: the Star Realm Sea."
"An Upper A-Tier Opportunity?" Jiang Ye's heart skipped a beat.
The Federation classified opportunities into four tiers: A, B, C, and D.
Even a B-Tier Opportunity offered astonishing benefits.
An Upper A-Tier Opportunity? There were only five such places in the entire Federation, each containing unimaginable opportunities.
It was even possible to directly break through an entire major realm within them.
"The Star Realm Sea Opportunity holds astonishing secrets."
"However, entry slots for each Upper A-Tier Opportunity are extremely precious, typically allocated by the Federation."
"Given your performance in the Genius Cup," Elder Bai smiled, "I suspect the Federation will grant you a slot."
"A Star Realm Sea slot?" Jiang Ye nodded.
Though he didn't know much about the Star Realm Sea, Elder Bai's words made it clear that such a slot was incredibly rare.
He also understood that this was something for the future.
The dangers of an Upper A-Tier Opportunity would undoubtedly far surpass those of the Cosmic Void Passage.
Before then, Jiang Ye needed to improve himself as much as possible to ensure he wouldn't waste such a precious opportunity when the time came.
"The Star Realm Sea is still distant," Elder Bai said with a smile. "But the third matter concerns the next few days."
"In the coming days, you'll likely be contacted by members of transcendent families. My advice is not to rush into any agreements."
"Transcendent families?" Jiang Ye asked, startled.
"Based on your performance at the Genius Cup," Elder Bai said, "you possess considerable potential, even by the standards of transcendent families."
"That's because you have a Primitive innate talent," Elder Bai explained.
Jiang Ye nodded in understanding.
Then he asked, puzzled, "Why advise me not to accept their offers?"
"The relationships between transcendent families are complex and fraught with conflict," Zhu Honglie said. "Without any family background or connections, joining them might not be in your best interest. Even if they promise you many benefits, you'll always be an outsider. In times of crisis, they'll likely use you as a scapegoat."
"I understand," Jiang Ye said, nodding solemnly.
His heart grew wary.
Indeed, for someone like him, transcendent families remained unimaginably powerful entities.
It was best to avoid provoking such forces.
"Alright, one last thing," Elder Bai said with a smile. "This concerns you directly."
"Please speak, Elder Bai," Jiang Ye replied, his expression shifting slightly.
"The spearmanship you demonstrated at the Genius Cup," Elder Bai inquired, "where did it come from?"
Jiang Ye paused, then answered honestly, "I developed it by modifying the Great Sun Spear Technique."
He had never intended to conceal this.
"Modified?"
"You modified it yourself?" Elder Bai and Zhu Honglie exchanged astonished glances.
Jiang Ye nodded.
Elder Bai and Zhu Honglie exchanged glances, their expressions growing even more moved.
"Remarkable."
"Jiang Ye, you're not the first to attempt improving the Great Sun Spear Technique," Elder Bai couldn't help but exclaim. "But to achieve such a successful refinement, you're the first in history."
"The first in history?" Jiang Ye was taken aback.
He hadn't realized that the cultivation technique he had refined on the fourth level of the Martial Dao Heavenly Ladder was so extraordinary.
Judging by its power, however, it certainly deserved such praise.
"What a pity."
"The founder of the Great Sun Spear Technique, 'White Dragon,' is no longer on Blue Star," Elder Bai lamented inwardly. "If he were to hear this news, he would surely be astonished."
After a moment, Elder Bai and Zhu Honglie turned and departed.
High in the sky.
"Old Zhu, what are your plans?" Elder Bai asked, glancing at the red-haired elder. "Are you going to recommend him to White Dragon University?"
"We haven't heard back from Qiu Cang yet," Zhu Honglie replied, shaking his head.
"No rush," Elder Bai said.
"This kid has improved the Great Sun Spear Technique. Once White Dragon University hears about it, they'll definitely take him in," Elder Bai remarked. "Jiang Ye would indeed be better off at White Dragon University than Penglai University."
Zhu Honglie nodded in agreement.
Jiang Ye's rate of progress had far exceeded his expectations.
White Dragon University was undoubtedly a more suitable environment for nurturing such a peerless genius.
Inside the villa, Jiang Ye had just seen off his two teachers when his phone vibrated.
Ding! He opened the holographic projection.
Dear Jiang Ye,
Your championship reward has been delivered to the gate of Manor No. 41 in the Heaven-Tier Zone. Please collect it promptly.
300 million federal currency has been credited to your account: xxxxx5679.
"The championship reward! It's finally here!" Jiang Ye's eyes lit up.
Without hesitation, he immediately rose to his feet and dashed out the door.
(End of the Chapter)
---------------------------------------------------------
Continue Reading (𝙎𝙔𝙎𝙇𝙄𝙈𝙄𝙏) on CinderTL• ⓒⓞⓜ
Read Ahead to Ch583 • 𝕱𝖗𝖊𝖊 𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘 • No Login
🎉 10,000 Chapter Discount is Live. Ends June 2.
---------------------------------------------------------