Chapter 315
Chapter 315: Making Amends
That creature was none other than the Three-Legged Black Tortoise, a being whose cultivation was known to none. It was said that the reason Cold Mist Crossing served as the entrance to Qingming River wasn’t due to the crossing itself, nor even due to the Gui Clan—but solely because of the Three-Legged Black Tortoise.
Whoever obtained the Three-Legged Black Tortoise would have the key to entering Qingming River.
How could the Gui Clan possibly offer the Three-Legged Black Tortoise as dowry? Wasn’t this the very foundation upon which Cold Mist Crossing rested?
“Surely Lady Xiao Die jests,” someone voiced disbelief.
“Lady Xiao Die, even your esteemed brother wouldn’t dare utter such words.”
“Lady Xiao Die’s pride is understandable, but don’t joke lightly about the Black Tortoise, or it may come back to bite you,” another teased, clearly amused by the chaos.
Gui Xiao Die made no reply. Within the drifting mist, a massive head slowly rose. In that instant, unparalleled pressure descended, shortening the heavens by a measure. The stars trembled, the earth quivered, and the countless rivers boiled fiercely. Everyone present felt a crushing, invisible force pressing upon them, causing them to cough blood.
This was the Three-Legged Black Tortoise.
Its immense eyes swept over the crowd, as if responding to their earlier mockery.
“Don’t scare them too much; that’s enough,” Gui Xiao Die calmly instructed.
Only then did the Three-Legged Black Tortoise slowly lower its head, retreating into the mist once more.
The crowd finally breathed a sigh of relief. Faces pale with shock, they stared in awe. Just moments before, cultivators of every realm had been forced to cough blood, suppressed by the tortoise’s mere presence. Yet the Three-Legged Black Tortoise clearly sided with Gui Xiao Die.
Gui Xiao Die could command the obedience of the Three-Legged Black Tortoise.
“Does anyone else still doubt me? I can have Ah Gui talk it over with you,” Gui Xiao Die sneered coldly.
From the riverbank, a figure stepped forth, voice aged and solemn: “Lady Xiao Die, your three conditions are indeed not excessive. But those eligible to seek your hand today are young, and most are still in the Full Star Realm. For cultivators at such a stage, your demands are far beyond difficult.”
“Thus, if I may dare to ask, are these three conditions absolute? If someone achieves first place at the Starry Martial Meet, would you grant him a chance?”
Countless gazes turned to the speaker.
Gui Xiao Die asked curiously, “And who might you be?”
“I am merely an old servant of the Armor One Sect, asking on my master’s behalf.”
“From which of the three families?”
“Not of the three families,” came the reply.
“Interesting. Very well, if someone truly claims first place, he may come to me. I’ll give him that chance.”
“Many thanks, Lady Xiao Die.”
Others nearby quickly announced their identities as well, hoping to leave an impression, but Cold Mist Crossing gradually faded into the distance.
“We’ve passed Cold Mist Crossing. Enlightenment Tea can’t be far now.”
“Each Starry Martial Meet, the Star Dome Visage grants Enlightenment Tea to heaven’s chosen prodigies. At most, thirteen cups have been granted, and at fewest, merely five. I wonder how many cups they’ll grant this time, and how many unexpected prodigies will arise.”
“Star Dome Visage’s insight is unmatched. Those who’ve tasted Enlightenment Tea always rank within the top twenty, and among the top three, there’s always at least one who’s had it. Everyone’s curious about which hidden talents will appear this time.”
“Soon enough.”
…
Inside the Thunder Well, Wang Jie opened his eyes, gazing down at the thunder patterns covering his skin. Half a year had passed, and the patterns had shifted from azure toward crimson. Now, these thunder patterns could withstand attacks with a force of three hundred thousand. For someone in the Full Star Realm, a single thunder pattern defending against such power was extraordinary. His qi had steadily grown, the lock force continued to fuse into his body, and his Sword Rain Technique had reached the stage of manifesting six swords. His progress was impressive, but he had to press forward.
No one could foresee just how many terrifying prodigies might emerge in the Starry Martial Meet.
[I must continue.]
Only two and a half years remained.
Time flowed onward, gently yet relentlessly.
As Wang Jie advanced steadily, the outside world grew increasingly heated, everyone preparing fervently for the Starry Martial Meet.
The competition wasn’t always one-on-one battles. Its format varied—sometimes even erupting into chaotic free-for-alls. Hence, gaining fame beforehand was essential. The greater one’s reputation, the greater the intimidation factor, potentially keeping many troubles at bay. Of course, too much fame might provoke others into forming alliances against you.
However, this latter possibility was largely dismissed. If mere numbers could overcome quality, no cultivator would reach the final stage.
Still, reducing potential troubles along the way was clearly more beneficial. Countless ambitious newcomers hoping for sudden fame had been schemed against and eliminated long before reaching the end.
Star Dome Visage began extensive coverage, highlighting prodigies rising from all corners—some from renowned forces, others completely unheard of. Intelligence networks from all powers mobilized swiftly, gathering information about these prodigies and preparing thoroughly.
At Lock Path Interval, the Blue Star cultivators closely followed these developments. Wang Jie was still in the Full Star Realm, certain to compete fiercely in the upcoming Starry Martial Meet.
Though Lock Path Interval was isolated from outside news, Du Xian’s connections remained extensive.
She was exceptionally considerate toward the people of Blue Star.
As a staff member of Star Dome Visage, Du Xian had a unique path, separate from the Observers and Analysts.
“Here it is. Have a look—this is what you’ve been waiting for,” Du Xian handed numerous reports to Hong Jian and the others.
They quickly took them, eager to see.
“These are reports from my Star Dome Visage, along with various bits of gathered news. Of course, many rumors aren’t accurate,” Du Xian explained.
Qing Zheng asked curiously, “Even Star Dome Visage can have inaccurate information?”
Du Xian smiled lightly. “Consider it entertainment. If these reports were completely accurate, why bother holding the Starry Martial Meet? Star Dome Visage could just declare the winners ourselves.”
Qing Zheng realized her point and eagerly turned to the reports.
Upon reading, everyone’s expressions grew solemn.
Hong Jian’s expression darkened as he asked grimly, “Is all of this true? Are there really so many extraordinary people even within the Full Star Realm?”
Star Dome’s reports continued to surface one after another—
Star Dome Report:
A top contender for the Starry Martial Meet championship has emerged: Shao Gu Chen from Sincere One Dao, the Southern Bridge Pillar.
This genius of the Shao family practices the legendary Three Tribulations Bone Bridge technique. Previously, he shattered thirteen stars at the Breaking Star stage.
Star Dome Report:
Qin Xiao Shu from Bu Zou Observatory, Eastern Bridge Pillar, officially announces his self-created technique, the Void Swallowing Stomach. He boldly declares, “At the Starry Martial Meet, whoever stands in my way, I shall devour.” Rumors say Qin Xiao Shu has never eaten since joining the observatory, yet has never felt hunger. People now jokingly call him Qin Bao Bao.
Star Dome Report:
The old servant on Thousand River Bank has been found. He made no attempt to hide his identity, openly revealing his master to be Han Lin, an ordinary inner disciple of Armor One Sect. With increased attention from all sides, Han Lin’s past has gradually surfaced.
Han Lin is the son of Chong Zhen, patriarch of the Heavenly Insect Clan. After his mother was murdered, Han Lin faked his death and, aided by the old servant, joined Armor One Sect. Although seemingly average in skill, there’s now a ninety-percent certainty he secretly cultivates the Heavenly Insect Clan’s forbidden technique—Thousand Venomous Gu Hands.
Star Dome Report:
Gu Shang has finally emerged from her seclusion. She had remained inside the character of Gu Xun Yi for years, even during the Twin Winds Line battle. Upon exiting seclusion, her strength was immediately detected to surpass five hundred thousand, with no one able to perceive her true limits.
Star Dome Report:
Li Ao from the Dou Huo Clan arrogantly proclaimed he would defeat everyone and become champion. His clan possesses an eleventh seal, unattainable by ordinary humans.
Star Dome Report:
Du Mu’s disciple Xi Ci will enter the Martial Meet wielding the Seventy-Two Shang Qing Swords.
Du Mu, the legendary elder of the Eastern Bridge Pillar, has countless tales surrounding him. One in particular fascinates countless young cultivators: his disciple Qing Huan is among the renowned Four Traveling Gods. Since all wandering gods were once Du Mu’s disciples, expectations are high for Xi Ci’s performance. After all, even Qing Huan couldn’t master the Seventy-Two Shang Qing Swords. Countless eyes watch, waiting to see if Xi Ci might become the next wandering god.
As these reports and endless discussions spread, more and more names appeared, filling hearts with tension and unease.
At last, Du Xian spoke calmly, “Actually, there’s no need to dwell on these. Just wait for the Enlightenment Tea to be distributed.”
“Enlightenment Tea?” Hong Jian and the others were confused.
Du Xian gazed toward the stars, explaining softly, “Star Dome integrates all information and predicts potential winners, sending Enlightenment Tea in advance as congratulations. Historically, every single recipient of Enlightenment Tea has ranked at least within the top twenty.”
She smiled faintly at them, “The champion is most likely among them.”
…
On Great Star Mountain, another half-year passed quietly.
Wang Jie found the improvement of his Thunder Pattern increasingly slow. Although he was still progressing steadily, he had grown used to leaps in his battle strength. Such slow growth could no longer satisfy him.
He climbed out from the Thunder Well.
Luo Yan had been waiting nearby patiently. Upon seeing Wang Jie emerge, Luo Yan’s eyes brightened, and she hurried over, saying, “Lord, you finally left seclusion.”
Wang Jie nodded slightly, sensing urgency, “What’s happened? Something seems amiss.”
Luo Yan replied quickly, “The outside world is in chaos over the Starry Martial Meet. Everyone argues endlessly about who can enter the top hundred, who can reach the top three, and who could claim the championship. I’ve organized some information here—does my lord wish to review it?”
“No need,” Wang Jie said calmly. He understood clearly these bits of news were deliberately released by various factions, many intentionally misleading. They couldn’t be trusted.
Only his own strength mattered.
Luo Yan quietly put away the information, adding, “It’s good timing you emerged now, my lord. The Enlightenment Tea will soon be distributed.”
“Enlightenment Tea?” Wang Jie echoed curiously.
Luo Yan nodded, briefly explaining its significance.
Wang Jie hadn’t realized Star Dome had such a tradition. This custom not only helped talented individuals—after all, it was Enlightenment Tea—but also showcased Star Dome’s authoritative intelligence at the greatest martial gathering of the Four Bridge Pillars. It was truly killing two birds with one stone.
He had never underestimated Star Dome, but now saw he’d still underestimated them.
Such confidence meant Star Dome had absolute faith in its intelligence and analytical prowess.
“When will it be distributed?” Wang Jie asked.
“Within the next few days, people outside predict.”
“How coincidental.”
“Oh, and Lord, someone came looking for you earlier. But when they saw you still inside the Thunder Well, they left.”
“Who?”
“Zhi Shu.”
Wang Jie was startled, looking curiously at Luo Yan.
Luo Yan nodded, confirming, “Indeed, it was Zhi Shu. She didn’t say anything specific, just asked whether you’d come out.”
If Luo Yan hadn’t mentioned her, Wang Jie would have nearly forgotten this woman existed.
Presently, she no longer qualified as his opponent. So why would she seek him out now?
For the moment, Wang Jie didn’t plan to return to Thunder Well. He too wished to see how extraordinary those recognized by Star Dome truly were.
Receiving Enlightenment Tea practically guaranteed a place within the top twenty.
The value of this tea was certainly considerable.
Two days later, Zhi Shu returned and met with Wang Jie.
“I’ve come to apologize,” she said directly.
Wang Jie raised an eyebrow curiously, “Apologize? For what reason?”
Facing Wang Jie solemnly, Zhi Shu bowed deeply, explaining, “For past grievances. If you cannot forgive me, name your request. Whatever I can accomplish, I will not refuse.”