Systemless Villain

Chapter 189 Rising Sun and Shattered Dreams

As time marched on, the sun ascended higher, marking 1:00 PM on the clock.

On this particular day, martial arts schools across the expansive Han Empire engaged in the intense selection process for the annual survival competition.

While the empire boasted over 20,000 high schools, only approximately 1200 were dedicated to the disciplines of martial arts and cultivation.

From this subset of 1200 institutions, the selection unfolded. Notably, Tianzhou High School, a public institution, actively participated in this challenging endeavor.

In the current scene within the Tianzhou High School premises, regular classes remained suspended, granting a week-long break to first and second-year students.

The atmosphere buzzed with vitality as numerous students occupied one of the four designated fields. Imperially attired figures, handpicked instructors from the empire, oversaw the selection process, ensuring adherence to established standards and preventing any attempts at deception. Given the annual rarity of this grand event, the selection procedures were notably stringent.

Under the relentless gaze of the scorching sun, students engaged in vigorous warm-ups, preparing themselves for the imminent announcement of their names.

At this moment, a commanding voice pierced the air. "Next!" The resonant command echoed from one of the vigilant instructors.

In response to the authoritative call, a male student ascended the stage. The platform featured a substantial rock, towering two meters high at its center, and a prominent screen above, displaying the minimum strength requirement: an imposing 5000 pounds. Positioned near the rock were two instructors.

"Are you acquainted with the rules?" queried one of them.

"Yes," affirmed the student.

"Proceed, then," granted the instructor.

The student nodded, assuming a poised stance with clenched fists. His gaze remained unwaveringly fixed on the substantial rock.

Bulging veins in his arms betrayed the gravity of his determination.

With formidable strength, he delivered a powerful blow to the rock's surface, the collision producing a resounding sound.

Awaiting students observed with rapt attention, their focus then shifting to the overhead screen, which continued to display rotating numbers.

The student, too, gazed at the screen with hope, anticipating that his strength would meet the established standard.

After a brief but intense moment, the numbers came to a halt, revealing [Strength: 892 pounds - did not pass].

Confronted with the outcome, the student collapsed to the ground, eyes widened with a potent mixture of disappointment and helplessness. Scoring 892 out of the requisite 5000 pounds, he had faced a resounding failure.

The awaiting students maintained a thoughtful silence. Truthfully, they were collectively surprised, not anticipating the stringent requirement of 5000 pounds for the minimum strength. This initial trial marked only the commencement of the selection, with three subsequent tests that were undoubtedly more challenging.

Meanwhile, the two instructors sighed audibly. Four hours had transpired, and not a single participant out of the approximately 100 stepping forward had managed to succeed.

They grappled with the perplexity of how this public high school secured a coveted quota from the empire.

Despite the circumstances, one instructor declared, "Su Qin, did not pass," projecting his voice with sufficient volume for all to hear.

In response, Su Qin descended from the stage, wearing an expression of helpless defeat. His aspirations for participating in the survival competition had been shattered.

"Next!" echoed the instructor's voice, prompting the graceful entrance of a silver-haired female student onto the stage.

Anticipation filled the air as students, most of whom were familiar with the girl—Li Yue'er—watched attentively.

Now positioned in front of the rock, her focused gaze intensified as she tightly clenched her fists.

After a few measured breaths, she unleashed a powerful strike upon the rock, creating a resounding impact that reverberated through the surroundings.

Spectators marveled at the display, discerning the formidable strength behind the punch.

Their attention then shifted to the expansive screen above, which continued its rotation of numbers.

After a brief pause, the numbers ceased, revealing [Strength: 6221 pounds - passed].

Witnessing this outcome, astonishment and admiration rippled through the spectators. Even the teachers and instructors found themselves taken aback by the unexpected feat.

"Wow, surpassing 6000 pounds... No wonder she's my goddess!"

"Undoubtedly, my goddess would triumph in this selection!"

"Sigh, 6221 pounds... Seems like I'll need to practice for a hundred years to attain that strength."

Conversations buzzed among the students, predominantly expressing admiration, particularly from the male students.

Meanwhile, Li Yue'er beamed with a satisfied smile, thoroughly pleased with the outcome. Acknowledging that this marked only the initial stage, she remained aware of the three subsequent tests required to qualify for the selection.

"Li Yue'er, passed. Kindly proceed to field number 2 for the next test," announced the instructor.

Li Yue'er responded with a nod and gracefully descended from the stage, guided towards field number 2 by several pleased teachers.

"Next!" resounded the instructor's prompt.

With that, the atmosphere swiftly regained its liveliness, fueled by the renewed hope sparked by Li Yue'er's successful passage.

-----

As time elapsed, it felt as though more than two hours hadn't passed. Presently, in the field area, approximately 100 students still awaited their names to be called.

During the wait, the majority of them engaged in practice, diligently preparing for their turn.

At this juncture, the large screen showcased [Strength: 5223 - passed].

Spectators observed the result with awe, as most had anticipated it, though not everyone.

The student who underwent the test, a well-presented and somewhat muscular young man, expressed a content smile at his achievement.

The instructor promptly declared, "Hu Jin, passed! Kindly proceed to field number 2 for the next test."

With those words, Hu Jin descended from the stage and made his way to another field. Since Li Yue'er's success, he was the sole individual to have passed.

"Next!" proclaimed the instructor.

In response, a student with a respectable appearance approached the stage. His face was quite familiar, and he was none other than Lin Fan.

Positioned in front of the rock, he concentrated while clenching his fists, channeling his strength into them.

After a brief moment, he struck the rock, generating a somewhat resonant sound.

On the large screen, the numbers spun until they came to a halt, revealing [Strength: 2111 pounds].

Few remarks were made regarding this outcome. Lin Fan himself, upon witnessing it, simply sighed. He was aware that he might not pass, although a glimmer of hope persisted.

Regardless, he found contentment in his strength exceeding 2000 pounds, especially considering his cultivation base was confined to the realm of body tempering.

"Lin Fan, did not pass!" declared the instructor.

With that, Lin Fan gracefully stepped down from the stage. No traces of disappointment adorned his face; instead, a resolute determination to grow stronger emanated from within.

At this juncture, a student of the same age approached him. Lin Fan recognized the student, who happened to be his friend, Xiao Jun.

"More than 2000 pounds... Man, you have impressive strength," Xiao Jun remarked.

Lin Fan simply smiled, "It's nothing, Xiao Jun. I failed in the end," he admitted.

"But it's still noteworthy, considering you're only in the realm of body tempering. You have a bright future, buddy," Xiao Jun expressed, a smile gracing his face.

Lin Fan shook his head modestly and smiled. "Well, after this, let's head to town," he suggested.

"For what? Searching for beautiful girls?" Xiao Jun chuckled.

"That's not entirely wrong, but I'd prefer exploring antique items," Lin Fan replied, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Come on, those are mundane things. It's better if you join me tonight for an auction. Fortunately, I have two tickets," Xiao Jun proposed.

"An auction?" Lin Fan raised an eyebrow. His mind immediately delved into the possibilities of rare items that might be auctioned. And considering his golden eyes' ability, it was indeed a promising idea.

His smirk widened, "Well, let's attend it tonight," he agreed.

"Okay, I'll pick you up tonight," Xiao Jun responded.