Nine Revolutions Star Transformation-Chapter 66: The Second Trial Begins

The testing area was a massive round platform, with numerous furnaces and pill furnaces. There were also many iron basins filled with water, all serving as tools for the participants to showcase their abilities.

"Now, will the participating students please come up in sequence? Alchemists to the left, Swordsmiths to the right. The first test involves the Artifact Fire; if you can boil the water in the iron basin within ten minutes, you pass."

"What’s Artifact Fire?" Chu Linfeng quietly asked Xue Jin Mountain.

Xue Jin Mountain rolled his eyes at Chu Linfeng, thinking this kid was really ignorant. "Artifact Fire is a unique flame exclusive to Swordsmiths and Alchemists. Some people can’t become a Swordsmith or Alchemist simply because they lack Artifact Fire."

By this time, dozens of people had already ascended the platform, each standing before an iron stand holding a basin of water. The first round of testing commenced.

Chu Linfeng widened his eyes, eager to see just what Artifact Fire was.

He watched as one student moved their hands continuously in front of their chest, seemingly channeling their Star Power. With a wave of their right hand, a red flame sprang from their fingertips.

"Did you see that? That’s Artifact Fire. However, that flame is too small. It’s impossible for him to boil the water in the basin," Xue Jin Mountain said with a chuckle. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

For a moment, dozens of people on the platform began using Artifact Fire to heat their basins. Chu Linfeng noticed four or five people who had no Artifact Fire at all, standing there helplessly.

But one person’s flame was unusual, it was blue and very fierce. In less than a minute, the water in the basin started to steam.

Lin Ruoxi said nothing, but just like Chu Linfeng, her eyes were glued to the people on the platform.

"That person’s Artifact Fire is impressive, reaching blue in color; among these people, he might be the only one to advance," Xue Jin Mountain said with a smile, hardly concerned about the first round.

The ten minutes flew by, and as expected, only the boy with the blue Artifact Fire was promoted.

On the platform, several judges gathered as if discussing something. After a few breaths, an elder in a gray robe said:

"It seems like many of the participants don’t even have Artifact Fire. Celestial Dragon Academy certainly won’t accept such people. Those without Artifact Fire should leave voluntarily. Don’t waste anyone’s time; otherwise, bear the consequences."

Chu Linfeng understood the elder’s words; many probably came hoping for a fluke. Although these two professions can’t compare to a Martial Artist, they are definitely good ways to make a living, which is why they came.

At this point, many people in the crowd began to move; those who couldn’t produce Artifact Fire. Celestial Dragon Academy’s punishments were severe, and it was quite normal to even execute useless people.

In an instant, more than half had left, leaving fewer than two hundred people, which surprised Chu Linfeng.

Xue Jin Mountain chuckled at Chu Linfeng’s expression, "No more than fifty people will pass the first round. You think everyone can have Artifact Fire? If so, Swordsmiths and Alchemists would be everywhere!"

The test continued tensely. For some, despite initially strong flames, the water hadn’t boiled before their Star Power was exhausted.

Others worried about overusing their Star Power and did not use their Artifact Fire to fully ignite the iron basin, so the water hadn’t boiled by the time expired, leaving them angrily stomping on the platform.

Xue Jin Mountain performed moderately; his flame neither too big nor too small, completing the task in about eight minutes.

After several hours of testing, only fifty-seven people successfully passed the first round, roughly as Xue Jin Mountain had predicted.

"Today’s test ends here. Participants who passed, please proceed to the rest area. Testing on Swordsmithing and Alchemy will begin tomorrow. Those who did not pass, please leave," an elder announced.

"Lin Feng, isn’t this academy too indifferent? Look, it’s so late now. Once these people leave, it’ll be dark soon. Where are they supposed to find accommodations?" Lin Ruoxi asked worriedly.

"Celestial Dragon Academy only recruits elites; it’s natural not to concern themselves with others. In a world where the strong prey on the weak, who cares about the fate of the weak?"

"Brother, congratulations on advancing. Let’s go; there’s more testing tomorrow!" said Chu Linfeng as he noticed many people had already left.

The rest area consisted of dozens of temporary wooden houses, each with several rooms, each room containing four small beds, with complete bedding for sleeping.

The women’s rest area was separated, as men and women were still distinguished, and at the far end was a larger temporary dining hall, convenient for those about to become disciples of the Celestial Martial Academy to dine.

Being a woman, Lin Ruoxi was reluctant to stay in a place full of men for long. After having some meal with Chu Linfeng and the other three at the dining hall, she returned to her rest area.

Chu Linfeng and Xue Jin Mountain were assigned to the same room. Perhaps due to the days of rushed travel, Xue Jin Mountain was exhausted and soon fell asleep.

Chu Linfeng, meanwhile, quietly went to an isolated spot to absorb Star Power.

The night passed without incident, and the next day’s testing commenced. Everyone who had passed stood early at the Martial Arts Training Ground waiting.

When the sun was high, the voice of the vice principal from the previous day came, "Today is the Wen Pass test. I hope you all fully utilize your knowledge; the elimination here remains brutal,

so prepare your hearts. Celestial Dragon Academy only accepts elites forever.

The rules of the test are simple. A passage will appear on the screen; use your Star Power to write your answer on it. The screen will light up for a correct answer; otherwise, you’ll be eliminated. Start queuing up and choose your line."

"Ruoxi, how many do you think will be left this time?" Chu Linfeng had no confidence in the Wen Pass, having loathed poetry and literature, showing no interest in it.

"That’s hard to say, probably less than a hundred. Honestly, this Wen Pass could be skipped, but with so many people here, some elimination is necessary. The fear lies in accidentally eliminating a talented disciple, which would be unfortunate."

Lin Ruoxi laughed, "Are you not confident? That doesn’t sound like you!"

"I’m still a bit worried; I really dislike these things. If I had to memorize an ancient text, I’d rather practice Martial Skills all day."

"Haha! I’m the same. Maybe the Wen Pass will eliminate me, and it saddens me!" Niu Tian said, expressing his feelings as he unknowingly reached Chu Linfeng’s side.

"You, you, you dead head! Can’t you speak like me instead of ’I, I, I,’ it’s uncomfortable to hear," Chu Linfeng joked, looking at Niu Tian’s furrowed brows.

"Get in line; let’s talk when we pass the test. Have confidence in yourself!" Lin Ruoxi urged as others started lining up.

Chu Linfeng and Niu Tianhe and Lin Ruoxi were naturally in the same group, though they didn’t see Tang Li, who might be with a friend.

Chu Linfeng was second in line; no one wanted to be first since the first position was the most nerve-wracking and carried the most pressure.