Chapter 977: Testing for Potential

Translator: Larbre Studio Editor: Larbre Studio

After the sacrifice, the lord of the Heaven Heavenly Palace began reading the rules of the Deity battle.

Actually, the rules were the same each time. The 15 candidates present already knew the rules by heart.

The battle for the Deity position mainly looked at two aspects: combat ability and potential.

Combat ability was a Monk’s physique and talent. Those of the same plane who had stronger combat ability would naturally be more qualified to become the Deity. Potential was the highest level a Monk could reach in the future.

There were nine levels of the Blood God Altar. The higher a candidate could climb to, the more potential he had.

A candidate who’d completed the Heavenly Realm reached the bottom of the altar first. Stepping on the bones, he quickly reached the first level. This man was Huo Xin. He was the youngest of the 15 candidates and was popular amongst the newest generation.

“Huo Xin has already completed the first step by reaching the first level,” Sun Dadi said. “Even if he can’t reach the second level, he’s already proved his potential.”

At the same time, four other Deities rushed toward the altar. Amongst them, three reached the first level. Only one failed the first trial of the test.

All candidates had been picked from thousands of people, but even then, some still couldn’t reach the first level of the Blood God Altar. It was evident that reaching the first level wasn’t anything easy.

Zhang Ruochen was unconvinced. “You’ll have a chance to become the Deity if you can reach the first level?”

Sun Dadi nodded. “Climbing the altar is only a test of our potential. However, there are too many factors affecting our potential. There are many variables as well, so the test of potential is only for reference.”

“So combat ability is the critical point?” Zhang Ruochen asked.

“Indeed.”

Zhang Ruochen continued asking, “Then how will they test a candidate’s combat ability?”

The various candidates had very different cultivations. Some were only in the Heavenly Realm. Others were already ninth level Half-Saints. They couldn’t use a simple duel for the test.

“The Blood God Altar’s power is very mysterious,” Sun Dadi said. “It can simulate all past Deities. If a candidate can defeat any past Deity throughout the history of the Blood God Sect, they’ll pass the second test.”

Zhang Ruochen nodded thoughtfully.

Sun Dadi crossed his arms before his chest and smiled. “Shall we go try now?”

“We can still wait a bit,” Zhang Ruochen said.

Seeing how unhurried Zhang Ruochen was, Sun Dadi also forced himself to be patient and continued observing.

At the moment, there were already four candidates in the first level of the Blood God Sect. One of them was Bai Yu.

The four didn’t start the second test immediately. Instead, they tried climbing to the second level. If they succeeded, they could further prove their potential and be even more eye-catching. However, other than Huo Xin, the other three all failed.

Bai Yu retreated to the first level of the altar, quite upset. “How can a mere 20-something-year-old kid have such strong potential?”

Huo Xin’s performance was indeed shocking. After reaching the second level, he started climbing to the third.

Below the altar, Wei Longxing’s eyes blazed. Glancing at Hai Lingyin, he said, “If we don’t start climbing, the show is going to be stolen by a kid.”

With that, Wei Longxing yelled and used a physical technique. He instantly shot to the first level of the altar like an aggressive dragon.

Hai Lingyin also started climbing the altar. He was practically shoulder to shoulder with Wei Longxing. Their speed was so shocking. They quickly reached the second level, caught up with Huo Xin, and then surpassed him.

“So fast.” Looking at Hai Lingyin and Wei Longxing rush to the top, Huo Xin was shocked. He felt extreme pressure.

Hai Lingyin and Wei Longxing’s performance naturally excited all the disciples on the bottom.

“There are 15 candidates, but actually, only Hai Lingyin and Wei Longxing are the true candidates.”

“The next Deity will definitely be between Hai Lingyin or Wei Longxing. Let’s just see who will win.”

“I heard that Wei Longxing had participated in the previous Deity battle. He was only a step away from the fifth level of the altar. It was also that step that made him lose to Mei Lanzhu.”

“Mei Lanzhu drank the Supreme Saint Heavenly Tea and improved his potential greatly. That’s why he could reach the fifth level of the Blood God Altar. Otherwise, he’d have no chance to become the Deity.”

“Let’s just see if Wei Longxing can surpass himself this time and cross that step. If he can, the Deity’s position will be his.”

…

As the crowd discussed intently, Wei Longxing and Hai Lingyin had already reached the fourth level of the Blood God Altar. They slowed down considerably and approached the fifth level step by step.

Each step was very difficult.

Many people felt that the critical moment had arrived. Whoever reached the fifth level would become the Deity. Both of them had strong combat abilities, so the second test wouldn’t be very hard for them. If they performed as usual, they would definitely pass.

Thus, this first test of potential was especially important. Whoever did better than the other would have a higher chance of becoming Deity.

They got closer and closer to the fifth level. They were only a few steps away. All the Monks present held their breaths. They were extremely nervous.

They weren’t the only ones. Even the Saints at the top of the altar looked serious. They paid close attention to the two climbing the Blood God Altar.

Finally, Wei Longxing made the last step and successfully reached the fifth level of the Blood God Altar.

Success!

After taking the last step, Wei Longxing exhaled deeply. He was ecstatic inside. He’d finally surpassed the limit of his potential. Amongst the most talented Deities throughout history, the fifth level was above average.

Thunderous cheers and roars sounded under the Blood God Altar. Wei Longxing reaching the fifth level made many people extremely excited.

Saintess Shangguan Xianyan’s pretty eyes also flashed with something different. Wei Longxing seems to be more powerful than Mei Lanzhu, she thought. He can actually surpass his own potential. This means that his future potential has no limit.

In comparison, Mei Lanzhu had reached the fifth level because he’d drank the Supreme Saint Heavenly Tea. In a way, he was already weaker than Wei Longxing.

However, before Wei Longxing could be happy for long, Hai Lingyin actually reached the fifth level too. He stood before Wei Longxing.

Wiping his sweat, Hai Lingyin chuckled and said, “Seems like we can only compete in the second test. Which of us can become the Deity?”

“That depends on whose combat ability is stronger in the same plane.”

Wei Longxing was very confident and confronted Hai Lingyin.

Below the altar, Sun Dadi touched his chin. “Neither of them is easy to deal with. They all have potential to become Saint Kings and may even try for the Supreme Saint Realm. Usually, if a talent like them exists, it’s a sign of future prosperity.”

“The grand era is here,” Zhang Ruochen said. “Every force is filled with geniuses.”

Ji Shui used a physical technique and whooshed over like a bloody streak. Appearing behind Zhang Ruochen and Sun Dadi, she barked, “What are you two muttering about? Hurry up and climb the altar. Do you want to give up on the battle?”

Of the 15 candidates, only Zhang Ruochen and Sun Dadi hadn’t started climbing.

Sun Dadi turned around. Seeing Ji Shui’s true features, his eyes gleamed and he started drooling. “Truly a goddess…”

Zhang Ruochen wasn’t shocked at all. He just smiled at Ji Shui. Then he pulled Sun Dadi toward the Blood God Altar.

Seeing Wei Longxing and Hai Lingyin’s powerful performance, Ji Shui didn’t have much hope for Zhang Ruochen. However, since he’d comprehended the Blood God Map, he might really have a chance to create a miracle.

Ji Shui showing her true appearance at the Deity battle was also Discipline King Haiming’s idea. After all, he knew that Gu Linfeng was lustful. He might be able to dig up his potential by having Ji Shui stimulate him.

Zhang Ruochen and Sun Dadi traveled together. They climbed the first level without hurrying.

Zhang Ruochen already felt a subtle pressure the moment he made his first step. That pressure was strange. It seemed to repress his physical body, but also seemed to suppress his spiritual mind.

“The pressure doesn’t seem very strong.” Zhang Ruochen seemed composed. He easily dissolved the pressure on him.

Sun Dadi seemed relaxed too. He reached the first level at the same time as Zhang Ruochen. There were nine candidates on the first level now.

After Bai Yu looked at Zhang Ruochen, he scoffed. “I didn’t think that you could reach the first level too.”

Ignoring him, Zhang Ruochen started for the second level.

“You overestimate yourself. You’re actually going for the second level?” Bai Yu looked with disdain. He didn’t believe that Gu Linfeng could reach the second level at all. He thought that the other would return very soon.

After all, many of the candidates had stopped at the first level. As of now, only Hai Lingyin, Wei Longxing, and Huo Xin had reached the second level.

However, Bai Yu waited a long time without seeing Gu Linfeng return. He started getting nervous. Thus, he looked up and saw that Zhang Ruochen and that red monkey had actually reached the second level already.

“How is this possible?” Bai Yu couldn’t believe his eyes.

He’d always thought that he was better than Zhang Ruochen. How could he take this hit?

At the moment, most people’s eyes were on the fifth level, watching Hai Lingyin and Wei Longxing’s every move. They didn’t notice that two more candidates had reached the second level.

When Zhang Ruochen and Sun Dadi reached the third level, people finally discovered them. “Look!” someone exclaimed. “Someone has reached the third level and is climbing toward the fourth level.”