Chapter 317
Chapter 317: Feeling the Pressure
Many people had witnessed the battle during the Blue Star Trial. If Wang Jie had truly died back then, the news would have faded into silence.
But now, as Wang Jie stood once more before countless eyes, all attention fell upon him, and naturally, his past was no longer hidden.
Du Xian knew Wang Jie was extraordinary. She had investigated him before but found nothing. Yet she had never imagined just how exceptional he was.
This was Shu Mu Night, Sixth of Sky Azure, the legendary cultivator who had rebuilt his cultivation three times, each time becoming a Star Guardian—and even he had lost to Wang Jie. It was shocking beyond belief.
“What gives him the right? Du Mu’s disciple Xi Ci, Young Master Xiao of Armor One Sect, Yuan Mu of Sword Court—none of them received enlightenment tea. Why was Wang Jie chosen?”
“Indeed! That Li Ao is a Cosmic Giant Beast with eleven seals and extraordinary talent, yet even he didn’t receive enlightenment tea.”
“And Han Lin, who boldly boasted at Qian Jiang. I can’t stand the guy, but even he seems stronger than Wang Jie, who is just a Lock Force cultivator.”
“You should look at the latest news. Wang Jie is no simple character.”
“What’s so special about him? Becoming Black White Heaven’s Six Dao Wanderer in the Full Star Realm is impressive, sure, but among geniuses, that’s common enough.”
“He defeated Shu Mu Night.”
Countless eyes stared in disbelief at the news. “Impossible. Absolutely impossible. This must be fake.”
“Shu Mu Night is a Star Guardian of Sky Azure—how could this guy win?”
“The information comes from Armor One Sect, Three Chan Heaven, and other major forces. Star Dome Visage has confirmed it. It’s definitely real.”
“Even Sincere One Dao didn’t deny it.”
“Damn it, where did such a fierce monster come from?”
…
In Armor One Sect, Wen Zhao sat beneath the starlit sky, smiling faintly. [Wang Jie, it’s been a long time.]
Knock, knock, knock.
“Come in.”
Insect Ruo Ruo burst in, shouting excitedly, “Wang Jie is alive! That guy is still alive!”
Wen Zhao smiled gently, replying, “I already know.”
Insect Ruo Ruo glared at her. “How can you smile? That guy pretended to be dead and tricked all of us. I even felt sad for a while.”
Wen Zhao looked strangely at her. “You felt sad?”
“Oh, no, not sad. I mean annoyed. Yes, annoyed. Hey, don’t give me that look—I don’t have feelings for him! Brother Xiao is the only one in my heart. Don’t misunderstand.”
“It has nothing to do with me.”
“Aren’t you two lovers?”
Wen Zhao’s face flushed lightly. “Don’t speak nonsense. There’s nothing like that.”
Insect Ruo Ruo rolled her eyes. “I think you do have feelings for him.”
Wen Zhao shook her head. “He’s just a comrade in arms.”
Insect Ruo Ruo leaned closer, marveling, “But he really is something else. He nearly killed Shu Mu Night in the Blue Star Trial, and now he’s receiving enlightenment tea at the Starry Martial Meet. Do you really believe he’s just an ordinary native?”
Wen Zhao smiled softly. “Some people, no matter how deeply they hide, cannot conceal their brilliance.”
…
Within Sincere One Dao, Shao Ling’er stared in astonishment. “It’s him?”
A middle-aged woman before her nodded gravely. “This young man defeated Shu Mu Night, causing him to miss the Bridge Law. Yet, back then, this Wang Jie clearly died. Armor One Sect wouldn’t lie to us—so why is he alive now?”
“Didn’t we send someone later to search Blue Star’s location?” Shao Ling’er asked. “But Blue Star was gone.”
The woman replied, “We assumed Blue Star vanished due to Armor One Sect’s bridge-building. But now it seems likely that it was moved away.”
“Armor One Sect?”
“Uncertain. We must investigate further.”
Shao Ling’er watched Wang Jie’s image on the light screen, recalling the club’s past battles. If she had known earlier he defeated her senior brother, he would never have returned alive. What a pity.
She turned around, leaving quickly.
“Ling’er, what are you doing?”
“Going to find Gu Chen and pass on some orders.”
“This youth was granted enlightenment tea—his strength is significant. Don’t create trouble for Gu Chen. Prioritize the martial meet.”
Shao Ling’er paused briefly. “I understand.”
…
Elsewhere in the starry skies, in a place filled with flowers and birdsong, Ting He hummed cheerfully. Her long pink hair cascaded beautifully over her shoulders.
She had just received good news: Wang Jie was alive.
[How wonderful.]
…
In Sky Azure, a teasing voice echoed with glee, “Guess what I’ve learned? Shu Mu Night, you were beaten by someone! Hahaha!”
“Who? Shu Mu Night was beaten? This won’t do. Apart from me, no one else can beat him.”
“Shu Mu Night, tell us—how did Wang Jie beat you?”
Shu Mu Night’s calm voice replied, holding a hint of amusement, “He slapped me across the face.”
Sky Azure fell silent.
“Anyone else have more questions?”
No one replied.
Ban Xia opened his eyes, shocked. [Wang Jie? Did he really do something like that?]
…
After the news of enlightenment tea spread, Wang Jie once again descended deep into Thunder Well. He wasn’t rushing to cultivate; he merely wanted some peace.
He had never before stood so openly under the gaze of so many. Now, with the enlightenment tea bringing forth his entire past, he no longer had any secrets.
Armor One Sect and Sincere One Dao would surely keep close watch on him.
And those extraordinary figures of the Four Great Pillars—including Shu Mu Night—would also have their eyes on him.
He didn’t know Shu Mu Night’s current strength, but it was said he had returned to Sky Azure as a Star Guardian. Undoubtedly, he was terrifyingly powerful.
Being suddenly thrust from the shadows onto center stage was no small burden.
As he pondered deeply, Shu Rang appeared ahead.
Wang Jie was unsurprised by his master’s sudden arrival. “Master, your disciple feels pressured.”
Shu Rang took a sip of wine, his expression troubled. “Your master feels pressured too.”
Wang Jie looked puzzled.
Shu Rang looked at Wang Jie, speaking with seriousness: “Your master has an enemy, powerful beyond imagining, so powerful that even I must hide here in this corner of Black White Heaven just to survive. With your brilliance now, and your connection to the Star Path Master becoming known, if my enemy learns of you…” He shook his head and said nothing more, his expression growing even graver.
The Star Path Master was mysterious and unfathomably strong.
To the outside world, the Star Path Master was known for solving any trouble, no matter how severe.
But Wang Jie’s own master was different. He had openly told Wang Jie the reason he took him as a disciple and explained why he hid in Black White Heaven. He never pretended or hid anything from Wang Jie.
Wang Jie bowed deeply to him: “It’s because of disciple that master must face such trouble.”
Shu Rang waved a hand lightly: “All is predestined by heaven. Enough.” Then, he fixed his gaze upon Wang Jie and continued: “Don’t worry about me. Right now, you must lay low. Keep your fame hidden from the outside.”
“Others may seek glory, but you must not.”
“You must wait.”
Wang Jie grew curious: “How long must I wait?”
“One year and a half.”
“Until the Starry Martial Meet?”
Shu Rang nodded: “Correct. Wait until the Starry Martial Meet. When that time comes, all eyes across the universe will be watching. Whether my enemy comes or not, he wouldn’t dare stir trouble during such an event, or else he would invite disaster upon himself.”
“At that time, you need not hide. Quite the opposite—the more brilliant and famous you become, the safer you will be. Of course,” his gaze grew deep, “this depends upon you entering the highest ranks, perhaps even…” he paused, “claiming the title of champion.”
Wang Jie clenched his fist tightly, “By becoming champion, I will wield the prestige of endless souls across the cosmos to resist your enemy?”
Shu Rang nodded again: “The higher you climb, the more hesitant my enemy becomes. If you become the champion, you will even open the next Wandering Star Martial Meet, and he definitely won’t dare to act.”
“This disciple understands clearly. I won’t disappoint master’s expectations,” Wang Jie’s expression turned serious, as another reason to claim victory at the Starry Martial Meet now weighed heavily upon him.
Shu Rang was pleased: “For your next steps, proceed as you wish. The Star Path Master’s techniques can only be taught once you’ve reached Wandering Star Realm, so even I cannot yet guide your growth. No one knows you better than yourself, thus you must cultivate alone for now.”
“When the Enlightenment Tea arrives, you can choose one path to focus upon, drawing out its fullest potential.”
Wang Jie nodded firmly: “Yes, master.”
Shu Rang departed.
Wang Jie stayed where he was, carefully reviewing all the powers he currently possessed as he waited patiently for the Enlightenment Tea to arrive.
After some time had passed, the Enlightenment Tea was delivered.
Zhi Xing Xue personally brought it.
Wang Jie stood outside Thunder Well and received the Enlightenment Tea.
Zhi Xing Xue sighed thoughtfully: “Only Star Dome Visage knows the location of the Enlightenment Tree, occasionally distributing Enlightenment Tea and inviting others to taste its wonders. Yet, its benefits for mighty ones at the Star Refining Realm or even World Realm pale in comparison to those at your stage.”
“Wang Jie, don’t waste this chance.”
“All of Black White Heaven eagerly awaits news of your triumph at the Martial Meet.”
Wang Jie asked, “How many from Black White Heaven are participating?”
“Not few. Likely dozens.”
“That’s not too many,” Wang Jie remarked lightly.
“Do you think just anyone is qualified? Those too weak only bring shame. The sect would prefer fewer participants if possible. This time, the sect’s greatest hopes rest entirely upon you. Whatever you need, just ask. If the sect can provide it, we surely will.”
“For now, there is no need.”
To receive was to repay, and Wang Jie preferred asking for resources from the sect only after the Martial Meet concluded.
Zhi Xing Xue left.
Wang Jie returned once more to the Thunder Well. In his heart, he had already chosen the power he intended to comprehend using the Enlightenment Tea, praying it wouldn’t disappoint him.
…
In a flash, more than a year passed by.
Only thirty days remained until the Starry Martial Meet.
Wang Jie emerged from the Thunder Well and headed toward Lock Path Interval.
During this period, the outside world grew lively. Everywhere, countless talents had appeared, rising rapidly and competing for glory. Among the brightest were those gifted with Enlightenment Tea.
Gui Xiao Die left the Cold Mist Dock.
Her beauty captivated countless hearts. And when she revealed her astonishing strength, everyone was shocked.
With a single move, she defeated three recognized geniuses from the outside world.
Since then, even more fell under her charm, and those three geniuses became her constant companions.
Shao Gu Chen, who had also received Enlightenment Tea, faced a joint challenge from powerful rivals—not ordinary figures, but Li Ao from the Dou Huo Clan, born with eleven innate seals, and Blood Vine.
Blood Vine, a cosmic giant beast from the Eastern Pillar of Dou Bridge, was known for its extreme resilience and unmatched teamwork as living armor. The more blood it consumed, the tougher its defenses became.
No one knew how Li Ao convinced Blood Vine to ally with him, but they challenged Shao Gu Chen together.
The battle occurred unseen. Afterward, Li Ao’s pride was utterly crushed. He dragged away a severely injured Blood Vine, both of them visibly weakened.
Du Mu’s disciple, Xi Ci, wandered through the stars, gaining fame by using the Seventy-Two Swords of Shang Qing to slay a senior Wandering Star Realm expert whose combat power exceeded five hundred thousand.
Qin Xiao Shu of Bu Zou Guan openly professed his love to Qing Kong, declaring before all that her purple eyes had already captured his heart.
Five Full Star Realm cultivators from Three Chan Heaven boldly ascended Rebel Delusion Mountain, hoping to witness the legendary Wu Ming. Shockingly, Wu Ming forcibly broke through their realms, instantly promoting all five to Wandering Star Realm.
This unbelievable result astonished the universe. Three Chan Heaven directly lost five top cultivators who had qualified for the Starry Martial Meet.
Wu Ming simply remarked: “These five have decent comprehension!”
The whole universe watched in stunned silence.