Star Martial Era: The Way of Star Light Cultivation

Chapter 1890: Chapter 796: Final Rankings and the Dark Horse

In the void of the Daoist Palace, True Monarch Tianzhang, True Monarch Yuanling, and True Monarch Bixuan were exchanging words intermittently.

As for why three True Monarchs attended a Daoist examination, no one delved into it deeply.

But each True Monarch had different expectations in their mind.

Among the three, True Monarch Yuanling had the lowest expectations.

Before coming, True Monarch Yuanling had communicated with Yuan Chengfa, and their opinions strangely matched: certain defeat!

There was no possibility of victory.

After all, a few months ago, Xu Jin already had a track record of a direct battle with Star Monarch, likely in a two-on-one scenario.

Over the past few months, Yuan Chengfa had made great progress, breaking through his cultivation level, and already possessed the strength to defeat an ordinary Star Monarch.

However, killing and defeating are two entirely different levels of combat power.

Furthermore, Xu Jin had also been continuously improving over these months.

So before the battle, both Yuan Chengfa and True Monarch Yuanling knew that this encounter was a certain defeat!

The outcome was already set, but they were more concerned about the process.

Yuan Chengfa wanted to know how much of a gap there was between him and Xu Jin.

Meanwhile, True Monarch Yuanling wanted to know exactly how strong Xu Jin was and where his upper limit lied.

Thus, at this moment, Yuan Chengfa’s defeat did not surprise True Monarch Yuanling or even True Monarch Tianzhang and True Monarch Bixuan.

What was surprising, however, was the speed of the defeat!

Too fast!

Instant kill!

All three were quite taken aback.

Even True Monarch Tianzhang, who prided himself on knowing Xu Jin, was very surprised.

Because from his observations, today’s battle between Xu Jin and Yuan Chengfa was fought with normal combat power, not explosive combat power!

If normal combat power was so powerful, then what about explosive combat power?

This thought made True Monarch Tianzhang’s heart skip a beat.

Under explosive combat power, Xu Jin might be able to kill a Star Monarch effortlessly.

On the other side of the void, True Monarch Bixuan’s deep gaze was fixed on Xu Jin, full of apprehension.

The threat posed by this viscount was growing, and under an explosion, he could definitely kill a Star Monarch.

If allowed to grow further, then what?

”We must expedite our actions. I wonder when Ding Moqiu will create a suitable opportunity for me. We can’t delay any longer; within three to five years, we must resolve this viscount!

Otherwise, this viscount might attain the combat power of a First or Second Tribulation True Monarch. Dealing with him would be even harder!” True Monarch Bixuan mused.

Among the three, True Monarch Yuanling was the most shocked.

He considered the certainty of Yuan Chengfa’s defeat, possibly not lasting more than ten breaths.

But he didn’t expect an instant kill!

This was with the protection of a Life Replacement Token.

Without it, Yuan Chengfa would have been turned to ashes by Xu Jin!

”Is the gap between Chengfa and Xu Jin really this wide...”

True Monarch Yuanling’s gaze at Xu Jin had completely changed, throwing a casual glance in the direction of True Monarch Tianzhang, understanding somewhat the reason for Tianzhang’s frequent overtures to Xu Jin lately.

”Old Su has the sharpest insight!”

”Unfortunately...”

True Monarch Yuanling originally intended to use Yuan Chengfa to test Xu Jin’s combat limits.

Unexpectedly, not only did he fail to find the limit but couldn’t even touch the edge.

By contrast, the expressions of the Daoists and the many Star Lords and guards watching from all directions were truly exaggerated.

Many were genuinely slack-jawed!

Eyes full of disbelief!

Including Lu Zhen, Li Qingchen, and others, they expected Yuan Chengfa would lose, but not be—instantly killed!

Especially Li Qingchen, watching the scene, his forehead broke out in cold sweat.

Already regretting his arrogance during the feast, he even felt a warning within.

Because he remembered another terrifying scenario: that day, he sparred with Xu Jin in a peaceful and friendly setting without using Star Power, and Xu Jin hadn’t given his full effort.

But what if it were a battlefield encounter?

That would mean death!

Complete obliteration!

”In the future, encountering people and matters, I must first be cautious threefold—no, sevenfold; I must not be arrogant, nor negligent. This time was luck; the next time may not be...” Li Qingchen admonished himself internally.

All the onlookers’ amazement paled in comparison to Yuan Chengfa’s shock as the person involved!

At this moment, Yuan Chengfa’s mouth was full of bitterness.

A year ago, he fought Xu Jin, and Xu Jin was not yet his match.

In just one year, Xu Jin progressed rapidly, and he knew he would be defeated.

But he didn’t anticipate being instantly killed!

He speculated about the combat power gap between him and Xu Jin but didn’t expect it to be this wide!

So wide that it gave him a feeling of inexplicable despair!

A despair of never being able to catch up!

For a moment, Yuan Chengfa felt a darkness blurring his vision, so dark...

”Fool!

Competing is for you to discover your shortcomings and thereby become stronger. Rankings are just incidental!

A thousand miles begins with the first step.

With your talent, as long as you are resilient, day after day, cautious and meticulous, you will surely catch up and surpass Xu Jin!

It might take ten years, perhaps a hundred!

But if you persevere, you will surely surpass him!”

True Monarch Yuanling’s transmission suddenly echoed in Yuan Chengfa’s mind, but a few words couldn’t break his mental barrier at the moment.

”Old ancestor, is it true?”

”Of course it is! If you are unwavering, an Emperor is within reach in the future! You are far stronger than I ever was; at your age, I was still struggling for my Lifebound Spiritual Treasure!

Remember, temporary strength means nothing; the one who smiles last is the real expert!

A year ago, Xu Jin was not more than a defeated rival under you!

Now it’s just a cycle, and in the next cycle, who wins or loses is uncertain.” True Monarch Yuanling said once again.