C1336 Celestial Essence Spirit Testing Pillar
C1336 Celestial Essence Spirit Testing Pillar
Now, we proceed to the aptitude test. Please refrain from using any secret techniques to conceal your true nature, to ensure the test's accuracy."
Wu Tumie spoke with a benign smile.
He seemed like a harmless, ordinary old man from the mortal realm.
However, Lin Xuan was careful not to underestimate him.
The previous palm strike was clearly not a technique from the path of righteousness but leaned more toward the Demon Force.
This current equilibrium existed solely because of mutual interests and a rough parity in status.
Under different circumstances, the demeanor would likely be quite different.
Wait a second.
Hidden aptitude?
Lin Xuan was startled upon hearing this. The notion that a martial artist's natural talent could be concealed was new to him. He had traversed the entire continent, from Dongyuan to Tianyuan, and had never come across such information.
Even his own abilities were concealed through a system.
The breadth of the other's knowledge was alarmingly profound.
Lin Xuan's suspicions were confirmed; the man before him was far from simple and surely harbored significant secrets.
Outwardly, Lin Xuan remained composed.
Internally, he reached a decision.
This individual was clearly not on the same level as the Half-level Emperor powerhouses of Tianyuan Continent, such as Empress Jade Dragon and those imbued with Demon Aura.
His mysterious background and formidable strength were not to be taken lightly.
To gain his respect, Lin Xuan knew he had to reveal a higher tier of his Emperor's prowess.
Yet, he had to keep certain aspects concealed, like his True Dragon Bloodline and Spatial Ability. These were far too advanced and could potentially provoke malice.
He couldn't appear too weak, nor too exceptional.
Striking the right balance was key.
"Understood," Lin Xuan responded gravely.
His face betrayed no emotion.
With a mere thought, the attribute panel materialized before his eyes.
He then discreetly concealed his True Dragon Bloodline, all the Profound Meanings, Supreme Level techniques, and Spatial Ability.
Lin Xuan was left with only a handful of Emperor Level Martial Arts, False Profound Meanings, and talents worthy of an Emperor Level. He figured these should suffice for the challenges ahead.
Across from him, Wu Tumie produced a ten-foot white jade pillar and stood it before himself. This pillar was segmented into nine parts and bore a resemblance to those used for testing in the Tianyuan Secret Realm, yet this one was even more refined. Moreover, the aura it exuded was unmistakably that of an Emperor—a commendable Emperor Level Spirit weapon. The Tianyuan Secret Realm was indeed a treasure trove, a fitting legacy of the Sky Origin Temple that once reigned supreme over the continent. Even in ruins, the remnants were a testament to its former glory, far surpassing the wealth of the current rulers of the Central Essence Continent. Lin Xuan couldn't help but inwardly marvel at this fact.
Then, Wu Tumie's voice reached him, "Nephew Lin, all you need to do is place your palm on this white jade pillar." His tone was soft yet tinged with eagerness as he continued, "This is the Sky Origin Temple's most esteemed tool for assessing one's potential—the Celestial Essence Spirit Testing Pillar. It ranges from the Low-grade Emperor Level to the High-grade Supreme Level. You may not be familiar with the Supreme Level. Since the Middle Ages, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth has further dwindled, and the laws have become even more fragmented. Emperor Levels are a rarity, and Supreme Levels are virtually unheard of. Supreme Level beings are those who stand above Emperor Levels, and during the flourishing Martial Tao era of Ancient Times, they were exceedingly rare, known as the Emperor level warriors."
"Martial Nephew understands," Lin Xuan responded.
He stepped forward and placed his palm on the Celestial Essence Spirit Testing Pillar, an Emperor Level Spirit weapon. Instantly, the once crystal-clear white jade pillar grew misty, as if stirring the very winds and clouds. Lin Xuan could feel a coolness penetrating his body from the pillar, moving so swiftly that he couldn't pinpoint its path. As the cool air traveled through him, Lin Xuan was an open book, devoid of any secrets.
"The Celestial Essence Spirit Testing Pillar is truly formidable!"
Lin Xuan inwardly shuddered.
Thankfully, he had preemptively used the system to conceal his presence.
Otherwise, all of his secrets might have been laid bare.
Shortly thereafter,
The Spirit Testing Pillar beside Lin Xuan underwent a transformation.
A light at the base illuminated first.
Then, it surged upward at a rapid pace.
In a mere moment, it had surpassed three segments.
This pillar from the Sky Origin Temple was a relic used to test the highest levels of aptitude.
Only those with at least Emperor Level aptitude could trigger such a change.
Lin Xuan's performance indicated that he had reached at least Emperor Level.
Having surpassed three segments, he was now at Emperor Level.
Wu Tumie gave a slight nod upon witnessing this.
He wasn't surprised.
In this era, it was exceedingly rare for someone to possess Emperor Level aptitude within the Tianyuan Continent.
Yet, it wasn't unheard of.
He himself had once been of Emperor Level aptitude.
Moreover, Lin Xuan's combat prowess seemed even greater than his own in his youth.
Emperor Level was to be expected.
But Emperor Level did not meet his expectations.
He waited with anticipation.
His eyes were fixed intently on the Celestial Essence Spirit Testing Pillar.
The pillar did not cease its ascent.
It continued to climb.
Swish! Swish!
It quickly surpassed two more segments.
Now at High-grade Emperor Level.
Wu Tumie's breath grew heavy.
This level of aptitude was not inferior to his own.
It might even slightly exceed it.
But it still wasn't enough.
He watched the light on the Celestial Essence Spirit Testing Pillar, eager for further progress.
The glow from the pillar grew increasingly intense.
Whoosh!
Suddenly, it leaped over another segment.
At this moment,
The entire hall was bathed in a blinding white light.
It was so brilliant that it was hard to keep one's eyes open.
Wu Tumie, however, kept his gaze locked on the Celestial Essence Spirit Testing Pillar.
He could no longer contain his composure, his face alight with excitement.
Indeed, it was a Supreme Level talent!
It was truly incredible!
They had been waiting for this moment!
The continent had become so ravaged it was unrecognizable.
Not even those at the Emperor Level could make further breakthroughs.
Theoretically, it was impossible for anyone to possess a talent beyond the Supreme Level.
Yet, such a talent had now emerged.
Wu Tumie's suspicions were confirmed.
Lin Xuan had to be this continent's final act of defiance.
If he failed to break free now, he would be doomed to a complete downfall.
This was their last, and greatest, opportunity.
If they let it slip away...
The Tianyuan Continent itself would be beyond saving.
The Tianyuan Secret Realm, a subspace tethered to the Tianyuan Continent, would cease to exist as well.
Wu Tumie's gaze upon Lin Xuan was intense, filled with fervent expectation and hope.
What he failed to notice, however,
was that after reaching the seventh section, the Celestial Essence Spirit Measurable Pillar didn't stop.
The glow continued to intensify.
It wasn't as rapid as before, but it was steady.
And then, all at once.
Boom!
The light on the Celestial Essence Spirit Testing Pillar climbed even higher.
Eight sections were now illuminated.
The brilliance was so intense, it resembled a miniature sun.