Gao Wu: Become stronger by grinding Erlang Shen's talents

Chapter 697 The Divine Eye Clan and the Illusion! (Seeking monthly votes)
The audience erupted in cheers upon hearing the announcement from the intelligent voice system.

"Lin Qi from the Blazing Sun Starfield has actually made it into third place again!"

"He's truly the biggest dark horse in the third round of this Deep Space Genius Competition!"

"However, he comprehended the Law of Gold, so his third place is understandable."

"By the ninth level, he might not be able to make it into the top five!"

"The final ranking probably won't be very high!"

……

Above the contestants' area, 108 supervisors were also discussing the matter.

The head of the Dragonspine Star Region was a plump middle-aged man who said with a smile:

"Xi Yuan, it seems that your Lieyang Star Region has produced two quite good geniuses this year."

"Especially Lin Qi, who has emerged as a dark horse and is now in third place."

"It can be said to be quite extraordinary!"

"And Yaoyu is also ranked 6th!"

“Tusa, Lan from your Youming Star Region is only ranked 9th now, which is quite a bit behind Lin Qi and Yao Yu from the Lieyang Star Region.”

Upon hearing this, Tusa, who resembled a savage, turned ashen-faced and stubbornly retorted:

"There's one last hurdle. The trial of the mind isn't over yet. The rankings change dramatically in the final hurdle of each year."

The others immediately smiled upon hearing this.

Xi Yuan laughed and said, "You'll find out as you keep watching!"

"However, I feel that the ninth level won't be too difficult for Lin Qi either!"

Even Elder Xing Yu, who was sitting not far away, couldn't help but speak up at this moment:

"Lin Qi has a very good will. Even if he is eliminated in the next match, he still has great potential!"

Even the elders said so, which means that Lin Qi's talent is indeed higher than we imagined!
……

Day 24, the last second has passed.

The intelligent voice system announced once again that the eighth trial had ended, and all those who failed were eliminated.

On the ninth trial planet!
On the giant screen in the sky, the number of survivors instantly decreased by tens of thousands.

[Number of survivors: 15890/108]

Jiang Tao, who was sitting cross-legged, opened his eyes, looked at the screen, and couldn't help but sigh:

"After passing through eight checkpoints, there are now less than 20,000 people left!"

"More than 10 contestants have been eliminated again. It's too cruel!"

Jiang Miaoyin looked exhausted as she said, "But by now, everyone's mental and physical energy is completely depleted!"

"The further along you go, the less time you have to recover!"

"I feel like I've recovered less than 50%, especially mentally; my thinking speed has slowed down!"

"The final stage is extremely dangerous!"

"If someone uses illusion magic on me, it will be very difficult for me to break free!"

Sun Sheng nodded and said, "I'm so tired. I've never experienced anything like this before. My physical strength and mental energy have only recovered to less than 50%."

"It really comes down to pure willpower!"

"The final test is still the illusion. Everyone knows that if you are too mentally exhausted, you can easily get caught up in the illusion!"

Everyone nodded solemnly, including Lin Qi.

His recovery is much better than everyone else's; he has recovered nearly 70%!

They will have a stronger ability to resist illusions.

[Trial of the Soul, Ninth Stage: Trial of Illusion]

[Trial Content: All participants will ascend Yunmeng Mountain, which has ten steps. Each step will present a different illusion. By the end of the 27th day, the participant who successfully navigates all ten illusions and reaches the summit will have passed the Trial of the Mind!]

……

After reading the test, Lin Qi also frowned.

The test consists of 10 layers of illusions, and there are only three days, or 72 hours, to complete it.

Each illusion trial lasts only 7.2 hours.

Once you become trapped in the illusion, you will be completely eliminated before reaching the end if time passes and you haven't reached the destination.

He looked at the giant mountain in front of him!

This is a giant mountain, hundreds of meters high, covered entirely by bluish-gray cloud-patterned rocks. Fine silver-white light patterns flow across the surface of the mountain, like a galaxy falling into a stone vein.

At the foot of the mountain, right in front of everyone, was a milky white mist.

The 100-meter-high mountain is divided into ten platforms and is made of translucent glass.

Strange plants resembling eyes grow along the edge of each step, their emerald-colored petals opening and closing, emitting an eerie luster.

This is the ninth trial – Yunmeng Mountain.

At this moment, Jiang Tao spoke up:

"According to the information provided by Blade Master, the final stage of each year is extremely difficult!"

"If they were at their peak, quite a few people would have made it through the final stage!"

"However, after the ordeal of the previous eight stages, even top geniuses inevitably fall into complacency when exhausted."

"If you're not careful, you'll fall into the illusion."

"You must be fully aware that you are in a hallucination. Once you lose your composure and your emotions fluctuate wildly, you're doomed."

The God of War then spoke:

"However, mentalists will have a huge advantage in this hurdle!"

"Their mental strength is immense!"

"It has strong resistance to illusions."

"As long as you can persevere to the ninth level, passing the mental trial will not be difficult!"

Li Tianxing stepped forward and said, "There aren't many mental cultivators left who can persist until the ninth level!"

Previously, due to his status as a mentalist, his ranking was very low, several thousand places below.

Now that he's reached the final stage, he has a chance to break into the top 100!

"The trial has begun!"

While everyone was talking, some people had already begun their trials!

A figure appeared to float in the air and landed on the first step!
Behind him followed three men and women, all of whom shared a common feature: a third eye that was open between their eyebrows.

"He's a genius of the Divine Eye Clan!"

Someone revealed their origins!

"The Divine Eye Starfield is named after the Divine Eye Clan, who are the overlords of the entire starfield!"

"The entire Divine Eye Starfield ranks among the top ten in our universe's 108 human starfields!"

"Their strongest force is the Divine Eye Clan. This race is born with three eyes, three eyes between their eyebrows, and are natural-born spiritual masters!"

"Although the number of Divine Eye Clan members is small, most of them become top geniuses after reaching adulthood!"

"It is said that the third eye possesses divine power, granting them extremely strong mental talent and the ability to unleash powerful mental shocks!"

"If you're not careful, your soul can be pierced!"

"In addition, they also have an extremely strong ability to resist illusions!"

"It is difficult for people of their race to have special physical characteristics because their talents are concentrated in their third eye."

“The most capable people will undergo a transformation in their third eye, gaining talent that rivals that of those with special physical constitutions.”

"They were ranked low before, but now that they've reached the final stage, they have a significant advantage and might be able to achieve an even higher ranking!"

“Especially He Mo, the strongest genius in the Divine Eye Starfield, who used to hover outside the top ten!”

"He should be able to challenge for first place in this round!"

Everyone looked at the first man. He had delicate features, white hair, and all three of his eyes were silver!

"Let's go!"

"It's time for us to begin the illusion trial!"

Following the Divine Eye Clan, the other contestants also descended onto the first step.

Yao Yu, Mo Jun, Meng Nuo, Bai Lan, Gu Tao, Lan and other star-domain level geniuses with special physiques have also begun to ascend to the first level!
On Blue Star, they also set off, their bodies hovering in the air!
Lin Qi, clad in black and gold armor, hovered above the first step and landed.

"As expected, we can't fly to the second step!"

"You must pass through the first illusion to break free of your shackles and fly to the second step."

The God of War beside him spoke slowly.

Lin Qi wanted to fly, but he felt that the space around him was confined, and he couldn't fly even if he wanted to.

Even moving has become extremely difficult.

"huhu"

Just as he was sensing his physical condition, he also noticed a change in his surroundings and the atmosphere around him!

"Hoohoo!!"

An invisible white mist filled the surroundings!
All the surrounding players vanished.

The surrounding scenery began to distort, and Lin Qi unknowingly fell into a strange illusion.

"boom!!"

"Brother Qi!!"

"Wake up! Something terrible has happened!"

When Lin Qi came to his senses, Jiang Tao's dark face appeared in front of him. He looked nervous and was pressing his shoulders.

He sensed his surroundings and found himself in a classroom, where everyone was wearing familiar school uniforms.

"This is the classroom of the elite class at Tianhai No. 2 Middle School!"

Lin Qi looked around and instantly recognized that this was his classroom at Tianhai No. 2 Middle School.

"Has the illusion already begun?"

In an instant, Lin Qi came to his senses and realized that he was in an illusion.

"This illusion is so realistic!"

Lin Qi sighed inwardly, this illusion was far more powerful than the illusion released by the Mother Light of the Insect Clan in Lieyang Mountain!

This illusion was just like the real thing; every detail was exactly the same as what he remembered.

"According to the latest reports, a spatial rift has appeared in Rongshan Residential Area of ​​our city, triggering a massive horde of monsters!!" "All students in the vicinity, please proceed to the shelter immediately!"

The entire classroom descended into chaos.

Zhang Cheng, the burly martial arts instructor, also ran to the door and shouted loudly:
"All students, proceed to the shelter!"

Jiang Tao also shouted:
"Brother Qi, let's head to the shelter immediately. Your uncle and aunt will be blessed by heaven!"

Even though Lin Qi knew it was an illusion, he couldn't help but feel worried when he heard this.

There were some emotional ups and downs.

He went to the shelter with everyone else and watched the news in the closed shelter.

At this moment, Rongshan Community was completely reduced to ruins, and countless enormous calamity beasts burst out from the huge spatial gate.

They wantonly destroyed the surrounding environment.

Ordinary people around were devoured by the monstrous beasts, their blood splattering on the ground.

A scene of hell on earth!

"You beast...!!"

Countless students had tears in their eyes.

Even though Lin Qi knew it was an illusion, seeing this scene still stirred up a nameless anger within him.

He remained rational and did not become completely immersed in it.

"I have to go now!"

"Oh!"

Lin Qi took a deep breath and looked up at the ceiling. Everything around him instantly turned into countless fragments.

When he came to his senses, he was back on the first step of Yunmeng Mountain.

"I've passed the first hurdle!"

As Lin Qi recalled the contents of the illusion he had just experienced, a surge of resentment began to rise within him.

This kind of illusion can really cause intense emotional fluctuations.

He even had an urge to rush out and frantically kill all the calamity beasts!
The people around them, all from Blue Star, wore expressions of intense emotion, including resentment and sadness, which had overwhelmed them.

In addition to these, other contestants also entered the illusion.

"Only half an hour has passed!"

Lin Qi glanced at the time. He entered the illusion, and before he knew it, half an hour had passed.

Time flies!
The first level is over, time to move on to the second level.

His body levitated, and he indeed flew up.

They flew directly to the second step, and after landing, they saw several figures.

Among them were four members of the Divine Eye Clan, who had passed the first level of the illusionary trial early on.

Now we are facing the second test!

Besides the four members of the Divine Eye Clan, there are also Meng Nuo from the Tianyuan Star Region, Mo Jun from the Tianjiao Star Region, You Wu from the Gulun Star Region, Bai Lan from the Yongshuang Star Region, and Yao Yu.

There are 11 people in total, and he is now in 12th place!
Lin Qi surveyed the surroundings. With his strength, if he opened his Heavenly Eye, he was confident he could pass all 10 trials within an hour.

However, his Heavenly Eye is his trump card, and he would not reveal it for the sake of a mental trial.

He was also confident that he could defeat the other contestants and take first place in this final round.

Thinking this, he was unknowingly surrounded by white mist, and he entered the illusion once more.

"Brother Qi!"

"Brother Lin Qi!"

"Don't come any closer, it's too dangerous!"

When Lin Qi opened his eyes, Jiang Tao was still in front of him, looking anxious and hugging him tightly.

Jiang Miaoyin, who was standing nearby, was also trying to persuade herself.

"boom!!"

"Roar!!"

He saw that the surrounding environment had been turned into ruins, and he arrived at the Rongshan residential area, which had become a ruin.

The earth shook violently, and the roar of a monstrous beast echoed through the air.

The shadow of a colossal creature loomed over him.

Lin Qi subconsciously tried to gather his Golden Emperor Qi, but found nothing.

He has now returned to his high school self, and hasn't even broken through to the second realm.

"Pfft~"

Suddenly, a laser beam shot out from a distance, piercing through the body of the calamity beast. Blood gushed out, and the beast collapsed with a thud, shaking the ground and making the three of them lose their footing.

"Brother Qi, let's go quickly, it's too dangerous here!"

"Your aunt and uncle will be alright!"

"Brother Lin Qi, let's go look for him together after this is over!" Jiang Miaoyin pleaded desperately.
"Ow~"

Just then, a massive wolf howl erupted, its powerful aura sending chills down the spines of the three.

"It's a Greyback Giant Wolf!" Jiang Miaoyin's expression changed drastically.

Lin Qi also saw the other party. It was a giant wolf over three meters long, with a lithe body, like an elephant. It was a level three disaster beast, the Grayback Giant Wolf.

In the past, killing these monstrous beasts was as easy as crushing an ant for him.

However, he is currently only a first-level martial artist with only a training spear in his hand, making it impossible for him to kill his opponent.

"Brother Qi, let's run!"

Jiang Tao held Lin Qi's hand, his whole body trembling!
"Ow~"

Just then, the Greyback Giant Wolf stomped its feet on the ground and suddenly lunged out, its body carrying a storm of blood and gore, its sharp claws tearing through the air.

"Ruined!"

Jiang Miaoyin hugged Lin Qi, and Jiang Tao pulled Lin Qi back forcefully. They felt despair and closed their eyes.

At that moment, Lin Qi pulled his hand away and used the strength of his arm muscles to push the two of them away!
A strong killing intent surged forth, and Lin Qi also sensed the danger.

He couldn't care less about illusions now; his body reacted naturally.

Time seemed to stand still around us!
Lynch swung the training rifle in his hand, his muscles and cells working together, all his strength converging in his arm.

Muscles bulged, veins stood out, power was poured into the spear, the tip trembled, and it spun at high speed!
"Chi~"

The sharp spear tip tore through the surrounding air and pierced through the belly of the gray-spine giant wolf with lightning speed!

"Pfft~"

The spear tip pierced straight through the gray-spine giant wolf, like a barbecue, piercing through its body!

Blood dripped onto Lin Qi's body.

"Ouch!"

"Crack, bang!"

The training staff snapped, and the gray-spine giant wolf's body crashed to the ground.

Lin Qi looked at the gray-spine giant wolf lying on the ground and the broken spear.

Is this what martial arts are all about?

Lin Qi was also shocked. With his first-level physical abilities and sixth-level spear techniques, he was able to kill a level three calamity beast using an ordinary training spear.

"Brother Qi!"

Jiang Tao and Jiang Miaoyin, who were lying on the ground, widened their eyes in disbelief upon seeing this scene.

Lin Qi smiled when he saw the two of them.

"Even though I know it's an illusion, it felt pretty good to vent my frustrations!"

"Brother Lin Qi, what are you talking about?" Jiang Miaoyin asked, puzzled.

Lin Qi didn't speak. After Miao Yin finished speaking, everything around them shattered like glass.

Lin Qi snapped back to reality, and all he could see were the emerald-colored plants and the other martial artists.

"We've passed through another illusion!"

Lin Qi thought about the illusion he had just experienced and had to admit that it was incredibly realistic.

Almost instantly, he became completely absorbed in it.

Once you become completely immersed in it, you lose track of time and will ultimately fail the trial!
Although he was immersed in the experience, he still maintained his rationality, as if he were playing a game.

No matter how realistic it is, it's not real.

He wanted to break free of the illusion, and he could do so at any time!

"The illusion is less effective on me than I thought!"

"Could it be the effect of the Heavenly Eye?!"

"Even without opening my third eye, my resistance to illusions is still incredibly high!"

Lin Qi was quite surprised; the ninth trial of the mind was not as difficult as he had imagined.

He looked at the big screen; an hour had already passed!

This alarmed Lin Qi, as time in the illusion passed at a completely different rate than time in the real world.

This is no easy task for others.

He looked around and saw that dozens of contestants had already reached the second step.

This includes Feng Hao from the Triangle Clan.

He is a mentalist, and his previous rankings were not high.

However, he now has a strong advantage in the ninth level.

Now we've reached the second stage.

He is currently immersed in a fantasy world.

Lin Qi's body floated up and continued flying towards the third step.

When he landed on the third step, five people had already arrived.

Two geniuses from the Divine Eye Clan, along with Meng Nuo and Shen Tu Zhen from the Tianyuan Star Region, and a tall woman, all exuded strong mental fluctuations and were also mentalists.

Lin Qi glanced at the five people; his next goal was to challenge for first place.

With this thought in mind, surrounded by white mist, he entered the illusion once more.

……

(End of this chapter)