Chapter 491: Everyone's Quite the Actor |
"So this is the Tower of Spirit?"
On the other side of the Heavenly Gate, the people from High Firmament walked out one after another.
In the distance, within the desolate Starry Expanse, a pyramid emitting a radiant glow floated impressively. Surrounding it were five metal platforms, and further out, there was no shortage of professionals with powerful auras, and even Morning Stars wandering about.
"The blockade has been lifted?" Su Chen scanned his surroundings and saw massive Interstellar Fortresses, which should be the deployments of the Machine Domain.
"Let's go. We're considered to have arrived quite early." Tang Huai waved his large hand, and everyone felt themselves wrapped in an invisible force, flying towards that Tower of Spirit.
Among the five metal platforms around, currently only one had people on it. It was exactly the people from the Machine Domain. Their overall number wasn't large either, less than twenty.
They landed on another metal platform. Tang Huai shook his head: "Let's wait."
"Heaven Lord Tang," Zhong Yue couldn't help but ask, "With so many people participating this time, what exactly is the process? How long will it last?"
"This has to wait for the Radiant Suns to decide." Tang Huai shook his head.
Su Chen's heart skipped a beat. Although he had used Nine Eyes' Primal Source power to conceal himself, the Remnant Spirit had also said that unless a Radiant Sun personally investigated, they absolutely couldn't see any clues. He estimated that if they just swept a casual glance, they shouldn't be able to see through it.
But if they took action personally, he definitely wouldn't be able to stop it either. The more Radiant Suns he saw, the greater the danger. He even had the thought of turning around and leaving.
"The Chosen won't be decided directly today, right?" Zhong Yue's tone was rushed. Such a grand spectacle made his imagination run somewhat wild.
But having not yet undergone the Azure Deity Metamorphosis, let alone advancing to Morning Star, he certainly had no chance.
"What are you thinking." Tang Huai shook his head. "With so many people, the number of Azure Deities alone exceeds ten, and it even involves Morning Stars. How could it be born in a short time?"
"Such a major event, and involving the Five Pillars, the Radiant Suns will naturally pay attention. However, those few are busy with other matters, so what will descend is not their Main Bodies, but only their Projections."
"That's good then." Zhong Yue finally relaxed.
A Projection? Su Chen also breathed a sigh of relief. That should be no problem.
"The people from Great Heaven are here," someone behind said. The crowd couldn't help but look, only to see that on a platform not far away, the void was suddenly torn apart, black mist billowed out, and figures walked out one after another.
"Twenty-five people?" Someone counted them and couldn't help being surprised. "The people of Great Heaven are still as unscrupulous as ever, bringing so many people."
Tong Zhuo was still keeping Xu Yingshen's previous mockery in mind, his voice cold: "Great Heaven is entangled with the Nether Realm. Except for specific professions, other professions all reject them. I'm afraid the Spirit of the Vast Sun won't give them any good looks either."
From Great Heaven's side, people also cast gazes over from time to time.
After waiting for a long time again, the people from the Buddha Land finally arrived. The Wheel of Salvation bloomed on the platform, and over ten people walked out from it.
"Hmm? Why isn't Kong Ming here? That person has the Azure God talent!" Zhong Yue swept his gaze around and was quite surprised.
"He already lost to Taixuan Hong in the Flare Realm long ago, losing his qualification to compete," Tong Zhuo said indifferently.
Only then did Zhong Yue react. He glanced at Tong Zhuo and didn't speak.
A moment later, Chang Geming arrived. The one who brought him was impressively the Radiant Moon he had seen last time—Chang Gexiao. There were only the two of them, looking weak and isolated.
"Added together, there aren't even eighty people." Su Chen carefully counted them again. This was far from the hundreds he had estimated.
Tang Huai had already gone to meet with the Radiant Moons of the other pillars.
A moment later, Su Chen suddenly looked down, and the others did the same.
They saw streaks of streaking light rising from the metal floor, gradually condensing above into a magnificent figure with a blurred and hazy face, resting his cheek as if leaning on something, his posture languid.
It was exactly Daoist Lord Lingxiao!
On the other metal platforms, magnificent figures similarly rose. Some sat cross-legged in the void, while others had profound figures, each standing in their respective directions, surrounding the Tower of the Vast Sun in the center.
"This method... it should really just be purely for spectating..." Su Chen looked up, feeling increasingly reassured.
Tang Huai had already returned and said: "According to the order on the Abyssal Star Ranking and the Star Potential Ranking, from highest to lowest, go forward one by one to seek the Spirit of the Vast Sun's recognition."
Having the experience from dealing with Taixuan Hong last time, they directly used it this time, saving the trouble of arguing.
Qin Guanyu frowned but looked towards the direction of the Buddha Land. A broad-shouldered monk with a thick waist had already walked out.
"This is... Mingxin..." Su Chen looked over. Thanks to the information he had just crammed, he actually recognized him.
Star Ranking 1756, Azure God talent, similarly quenched four Morning Fires, ranking even above Qin Guanyu.
Under the public eye, he didn't show the slightest restraint. With a stomp of his foot, he flew horizontally and landed directly at the top of the Tower of Spirit.
Roar!
In an instant, a high-pitched dragon's roar resonated simultaneously in everyone's hearts.
A thick purple dragon body emerged, vivid and lifelike. The crowd wasn't far away, and they could even clearly see the scales on its body engraved with numerous symbols.
It coiled around the Tower of Spirit, its massive head drooping from the top of the tower, its gaze indifferent and lonely.
Pairs of gazes filled with intensity, greed, and desire all converged, and everyone's minds couldn't help but be drawn in.
This was the Spirit of the Vast Sun. Receiving its selection meant having the chance to advance to Radiant Sun and stand at the very pinnacle of the Abyssal Domain!
Mingxin's footsteps paused slightly, and he pressed his hands together. Ripples similarly appeared in his eyes, seemingly somewhat nervous. He bowed slightly: "Mingxin of the Buddha Land greets the Spirit of the Sovereign of the Purple Zenith."
The Spirit of the Vast Sun lowered its head and cast down its eyes, seemingly inspecting him. A moment later, three dragon phantoms drifted from its mouth, circling Mingxin's left and right.
"Three Dragon Phantoms..." Mingxin was faintly disappointed. He knew that with his Azure God talent, he would inevitably obtain the recognition of Three Dragon Phantoms.
What he hoped for was that the Spirit of the Vast Sun would reveal some other reactions, such as appreciation or joy.
Unfortunately, it did not.
"Great Monk..." Qin Guanyu smiled faintly. He had already soared into the air, turning into a streak of light and landing straight at the Tower of Spirit. He said proudly: "Qin Guanyu of High Firmament has come to seek selection!"
He spoke with impassioned fervor, but the Spirit of the Vast Sun only lowered its head and cast down its eyes, spitting out three dragon phantoms.
Qin Guanyu's expression changed slightly, and he secretly snorted coldly.
"Uh... why is this Senior Brother suddenly so spirited?" Su Chen was somewhat surprised.
"He's probably trying to attract the Spirit of the Vast Sun's attention this way?" Zhong Yue curled his lip.
"Attracting the Spirit of the Vast Sun's attention... isn't the highest recognition Three Dragon Phantoms?" Tan Qingzhu beside them was puzzled.
"Exactly because of this." Zhong Yue said: "There are at least ten Azure God talents standing here."
"When the difference isn't big, whether one can catch the eye of the professional spirituality is extremely important, especially for an existence with extremely high spirituality like the Spirit of the Vast Sun."
"As more and more people get recognized later, how can it work if you don't leave some impression."
Su Chen lightly "tsked". Although he knew that a professional spirituality's autonomous inclination was very important, he didn't expect this group of people to try and gain an advantage right from the start.
"But isn't strength still the main focus?" Tan Qingzhu remained puzzled.
"True, but also not entirely true..."
Tong Zhuo interjected, starting to play the role of a considerate eldest senior brother. He pointed: "With so many people here, there's definitely more than one person who can complete the minimum requirements of the Ordained Path. If someone can gain the Spirit of the Vast Sun's favor, they don't actually need to defeat everyone."
Tan Qingzhu suddenly understood. She truly didn't understand these things, and couldn't help but say: "So that means, you might become the Chosen without even having to face a Morning Star."
"That's not exactly it..." Tong Zhuo shook his head. "Generally speaking, only when things are almost identical will the Spirit of the Vast Sun decide based on its own inclination."
"If an 8th-tier and a Morning Star complete the Ordained Path at the same time, its choice will highly likely lean towards the Morning Star, not the 8th-tier."
"So we still have to face Morning Stars?" Tan Qingzhu was helpless, but Tong Zhuo said no more.
"...If I obtain the position of the Chosen, I will inevitably help Taixuan Ye take revenge..."
A voice came from the tower, and Su Chen couldn't help but look. It was a Morning Star from Great Heaven with a hunched figure, currently making a promise.
The Spirit of the Vast Sun carried a hidden scrutiny, still spitting out three small dragons, but didn't show any disgust.
"They're even using the Painting a Pie technique. This group of people really is..." Su Chen didn't know how to describe it.
Next, each Morning Star had their own methods. Either painting a pie, or flattering, or feigning aloofness.
The crowd also found it eye-opening. Everyone present, including those Radiant Moons, was witnessing the Spirit of the Vast Sun's recognition process for the first time.
Whether these types of methods were actually useful or not, no one could really say for sure. But if others used them and you didn't, you'd always feel a step behind.
A total of 27 Morning Stars came. Only fourteen obtained Three Dragon Recognition. The remaining thirteen all got Two Dragons.
Although there was still a probability of upgrading to Three Dragons, in reality, under this situation, everyone knew that Two Dragons meant not even having the qualification to enter.
After the Morning Stars finished going through the motions, it was the Potential Stars' turn.
But at this moment, on the metal plate belonging to the Buddha Land, the World-Honored One's figure sitting cross-legged in the void suddenly disappeared.
This immediately attracted the attention of many people, and the other Radiant Suns also seemed to cast their gazes over.
"The World-Honored One has important matters to handle. Everyone, please continue," the Old Buddha from the Buddha Land's voice echoed.
Everyone's expressions flickered, each having their own guesses, but the formalities had to continue.
The first to step up was Chang Geming. He didn't play any tricks, simply walking up, receiving the Three Dragon recognition, and then withdrawing.
Xu Yingshen... Xuan Kai... went up in turn.
"Su Chen, it's your turn."
After Kong He from the Buddha Land, Tang Huai suddenly spoke. Tong Zhuo already had an experience and naturally didn't show anything unusual this time.
"Yes..." Su Chen slowly exhaled, soared into the air, and descended towards the Tower of Spirit.
"Isn't it Tong Zhuo? Who is this?" On the surrounding metal platforms, a few Morning Stars didn't know Su Chen and were quite puzzled.
After getting explanations from the people around them, their eyes couldn't help but change, exclaiming in amazement: "A True Radiance, not even thirty years old, can actually reach this stage?"
Some also sneered: "One piercing through ten? High Firmament really has nobody left."
"...Facing Taixuan Hong, he actually surrendered like Chang Geming? Interesting..."
"Su Chen..."
Daoist Lord Lingxiao, who hadn't moved at all, suddenly moved, changed his posture, and his gaze fell on that figure.
After making contact with High Firmament and learning about this matter, he was also quite astonished. If his Main Body hadn't yet returned to High Firmament, he would definitely have summoned him for an audience.
Hmm?
Suddenly, his eyes narrowed slightly. He saw that on the Tower of Spirit, the Spirit of the Vast Sun suddenly lowered its head, its nostrils flaring as if sniffing the aura on Su Chen's body.
"This..." On the surrounding metal platforms, whether it was those waiting to undergo recognition or the guys who had already obtained recognition and were plotting how to take a further step to become the Chosen, all simultaneously cast doubtful and uncertain gazes.
"This kid is only a True Radiance, right? Why would he make the Spirit of the Vast Sun treat him differently?"
Even when facing the various Morning Stars earlier, it had at most only frowned or blinked. This reaction was way too blatant.
Qin Guanyu furrowed his brows, greatly puzzled.
Tong Zhuo's eyes twitched... This guy...
Zhong Yue's expression changed a few times but quickly restrained itself.
Su Chen looked up at the Stingy Dragon right in front of him, his heart also skipping a beat. Pulling strings is for the final moment, not now!
This guy couldn't have misunderstood, right?
The next moment, the Stingy Dragon withdrew its head again, spat out three dragon phantoms, and nodded quite satisfied.
"It's good to be young," Chang Gexiao suddenly spoke up, sighing.
"Young?" Hearing this, everyone was stunned for a moment, and then finally reacted.
That's right, although this person was a True Radiance.
Compared to his rank and strength, his age was excessively young. For a professional spirituality, this was simply the best seedling imaginable.
In the Buddha Land, someone spoke: "This person is too young. Although he is only a True Radiance, it's not guaranteed he can't undergo the Azure Deity Metamorphosis. I'm afraid he's a guy with extreme competitive potential. It's best to seize the position of the Chosen before he undergoes the Metamorphosis."
"Young..." Qin Guanyu's expression was indifferent. He had heard Tong Zhuo say that this person hadn't started the Azure Deity Metamorphosis yet. It was nothing more than getting someone to block him; he didn't pose a threat.
"Good, good..." Seeing that the Stingy Dragon didn't take a further step, Su Chen breathed a sigh of relief and withdrew. He could already clearly sense pairs of gazes, either veiled or blatant.
"Youth is capital..." Tang Huai's eyes were profound as he nodded.
Su Chen nodded. Actually, the Stingy Dragon pulling this stunt wasn't entirely without benefits. It could be considered a setup, making it less abrupt when he finally became the Chosen.
Hmm?
He suddenly looked up, but could only see a hazy streaking light from the phantom image of the Dao Sovereign above his head.
Su Chen frowned slightly and retreated into the crowd.
"Mm..." Daoist Lord Lingxiao's face was blurred, but contained thought. "So young, perhaps the probability of success is very high. Azure Deity Metamorphosis... It's just that the time since Bronze Heaven joined is a bit too short..."
Next was Tong Zhuo. Unsurprisingly, it was also Three Dragon Phantoms, but it didn't elicit any excessive favor from the Spirit of the Vast Sun.
The Potential Star formalities were also quickly completed. Those who obtained Three Dragon Phantoms were about thirty-five people, adding up to a total of forty-nine people, which was indeed more than half.
Among them, there were thirteen who possessed the Azure God talent, five of whom were Morning Stars.
After it was over, there was silence all around, all waiting for the next step.
Soon, Daoist Lord Lingxiao's indifferent voice echoed: "The preliminary screening has been decided. Starting from today, this place is open to all who have been recognized, and you may come and go as you please."
Not restricted to having to stay here... Su Chen's heart stirred slightly. That's quite good; he still had things to do.
"As for whether you can become the Chosen, it all depends on your respective performances."
"Depends on our respective performances?" Su Chen was stunned. He had thought there would be some extremely detailed rules, but it turned out there was nothing?
Not just him, probably many people changed their expressions, especially the 8th-tier professionals. They had no way to contend with the Morning Stars.
"Dao Sovereign..." Zhong Yue felt anxious in his heart and couldn't help but speak.
Before he could finish speaking, Daoist Lord Lingxiao continued: "The Spirit of the Vast Sun has extremely high autonomy. It won't recognize rules made by outsiders, so you can only fight for it yourselves."
"However, if Morning Stars attack those of a lower tier, the Spirit of the Vast Sun will not recognize it. You still have a chance."
Su Chen's expression was somewhat strange, but he also gradually understood. Picking a Chosen was the Spirit of the Vast Sun's business.
No matter how detailed or fair the rules made by the Five Pillars were, if the Spirit of the Vast Sun didn't recognize them, it was useless. They might as well just let them act freely. Anyway, the meat was in the pot; no matter what, it would be born from the Five Pillars.
If they could act arbitrarily, the methods they could use were too many.
Some were happy, some were worried, and the crowd was still pondering what to do next.
Su Chen, however, saw a figure dart out. It was none other than Qin Guanyu, descending straight towards the eighth layer of the Tower of Spirit, picking a palace and disappearing into it.
Su Chen raised an eyebrow. The first, second, and third layers were 7th-tier trials, four, five, and six were for the 8th-tier, and seven, eight, and nine were naturally Morning Star.
It was evident that this guy didn't drop straight into the single palace on the ninth layer.
"What is he doing?" Many people were somewhat puzzled.
Soon, there were no changes at the hall doors. To Qin Guanyu, this eighth-layer trial was nothing.
He pushed the door and walked out, standing tall and imposing. His loud voice rang out: "I am waiting for challenges from all of you!"
Above, the Spirit of the Vast Sun lowered its head. The slyness in its eyes flashed past, and a joyful dragon's roar sounded.
Instantly, the expressions of many people turned ugly. "He reacted really fast." Mingxin snorted coldly. This high-spirited posture had clearly won the favor of the Spirit of the Vast Sun.
Once you entered the Tower of Spirit, you couldn't refuse challenges from others. But if you could withstand every challenge, you would probably really become the Chosen.
"Truly worthy of being Senior Brother Qin..." Tong Zhuo gave a hollow smile.
Su Chen's expression was somewhat strange. This Stingy Dragon was quite full of drama too.