The attack power test was straightforward. Inside was a special crystal, and participants would strike it. If your attack power reached Grade A or above, you passed.
Attack power was divided into six levels: Exceptional, Excellent, Grade A, Grade B, Grade C, and Grade D. Anything below Grade A was a fail.
Ling Xiao wanted to use this chance to gauge his own abilities, so he had no intention of holding back.
“Begin,” the test instructor said, glancing at Ling Xiao’s file with a neutral tone.
Whoosh!
A sword light sliced through the air, and a Purple Lightning Sword appeared in Ling Xiao’s hand.
Boom!
The crystal flickered with light before shattering into dust.
At that moment, the crowd in the plaza outside the test hall stood dumbfounded, jaws nearly dropping to the ground.
They knew Ling Xiao was strong, but shattering the crystal? That was unheard of.
“This is insane! The attack test has never seen anything like this. His attack power is too overwhelming, even more terrifying than some Celestial Realm warriors,” someone exclaimed.
“No wonder Feng Yanran took a liking to him. Impressive!”
“Indeed, just his attack power alone is fearsome. Wait, he’s continuing with the next test?”
Amid the crowd’s chatter, Ling Xiao stepped out of the first door with a score of “Exceptional,” the highest possible evaluation.
He then entered the second door to test his defence.
The defence test was equally simple. An instructor would attack with increasing intensity, and your performance would be graded accordingly.
“Instructor, just use an Exceptional-level attack,” Ling Xiao said with a slight smile, respectfully.
“Are you sure? You could get hurt!” the instructor said, frowning.
“I’m sure, but please be careful. My defence is a bit unique and might cause injury,” Ling Xiao explained earnestly.
He was genuinely trying to warn the instructor.
But the instructor thought Ling Xiao was underestimating him.
The students outside were also indignant.
“This guy’s too arrogant. Even if his defence is Exceptional, injuring a Three Talents Celestial Realm instructor? That’s impossible,” one said.
“Exactly. His cultivation doesn’t even seem that high. He’s probably getting carried away,” another added.
“Alright, kid, be careful!” the instructor shouted, throwing a powerful punch.
Crimson Sun Feather Robe!
A shimmering garment woven from light suddenly enveloped Ling Xiao.
Boom!
The instructor’s punch landed on the Crimson Sun Feather Robe. Ling Xiao didn’t budge, but the instructor staggered back, his right hand slightly charred.
Of course, it wasn’t that the instructor was weak. He was only using an Exceptional-level attack for the test, not his full strength.
“Kid, you’re impressive. With such strong defence, why not join our defence department?” the instructor said excitedly, not angry at all.
“Forget it. His attack power is top-tier too. This kid’s born for the comprehensive department. The vice-dean’s found a gem this time,” an attack department instructor said, stepping in with a laugh.
“Top-tier in both departments? That’s talent even Divine Phoenix Academy doesn’t have,” the defence instructor sighed.
“Thank you for the praise, instructors. I’ll move on to the next test,” Ling Xiao said, clasping his hands before exiting the second door with an Exceptional score and entering the third.
“He’s going for the secret arts department? Is he out of his mind?” someone in the crowd said.
“Yeah, the secret arts test requires strong soul power. That’s rare among warriors,” another added.
“Maybe he’s got a knack for it,” someone else suggested.
“No way. His attack and defence are already so strong. How could his soul power be that strong too?”
Many found it illogical.
And it was indeed unusual, but Ling Xiao was an exception.
Among the crowd, Feng Yanran gave a wry smile. “Looks like he’s really planning to take all six department tests.”
“Is there something wrong with that?” Ji Mingkong asked.
“Don’t you think he’s overestimating himself, being a bit too greedy?” Feng Yanran said, surprised that Ji Mingkong, Lan Yuer, and others thought it was normal.
“You really don’t know him. This kind of thing is just another day for him. Keep watching, you’ll see,” Lan Yuer said, shaking her head with a smile. “He’s far more terrifying than you imagine.”
Feng Yanran was skeptical. “The soul power test is completely different. It has the lowest pass rate.”
Lan Yuer and the others said nothing more, just turned to the big screen.
When Ling Xiao stepped into the third door, the attack and defence instructors followed, curious.
The soul power test was indeed different.
“Before we start, I must warn you. This is a special artifact called the ‘Rubik’s World.’ Once your skin touches it, you’ll be plunged into illusions, experiencing various worlds—perhaps a dreamy celestial court or a brutal hell. If you get too immersed, you might never escape. If you can’t get out within half an hour, we’ll forcibly stop the test, which will damage your soul but save your life,” the instructor explained.
Indeed, the soul power test was dangerous.
The Rubik’s World was formidable.
“I understand,” Ling Xiao said, nodding without a trace of fear.
“Then begin. Once you enter the illusion, we’ll start timing. The sooner you escape, the better your score. If you’re still inside after half an hour, you fail,” the instructor said, slightly surprised by Ling Xiao’s calm demeanour, though he quickly regained his composure and announced the start.
Ling Xiao took a deep breath and touched the Rubik’s World.
Buzz!
In an instant, he found himself in the killing fields of the Holy City.
Warriors of the True Demon Empire were everywhere, their screams and battle cries echoing through the air.
The setting sun cast a blood-red hue over the world.
Beside him, a twelve-year-old warrior was beheaded, blood splattering onto Ling Xiao’s face, carrying the scent of defiance.
Then, the blade that killed the boy swung toward him…
From outside, Ling Xiao’s body twitched briefly before going still.
A quarter of an hour passed.
“Too bad, not Exceptional,” the attack instructor said, shaking his head.
“Close enough. Exceptional in attack and defence, a bit weaker in soul power—it’s normal,” the defence instructor said with a smile.
Inside the Rubik’s World, Ling Xiao stood drenched in blood, holding an enemy’s head, alone on a desolate battlefield surrounded by corpses and blood.
