Chapter 63: The Test of Perception
While these five self created soul techniques might become widespread within a few years, for now, they gave the Heavenly Path Academy a considerable advantage as the only academy offering detailed training on them. This exclusivity could draw many applicants seeking advanced training, cementing the academy's reputation among ordinary soul masters.
At the end of the day, the various faction representatives left with the two textbooks they'd managed to "borrow" from the academy, delivering them to their respective powers. The current Heaven Dou Emperor held the two books with a look of deep thought.
"Ye Wen may not have the highest cultivation, but his theoretical prowess is remarkable. These five techniques, though not particularly powerful, compensate for weaker soul techniques among lower tier soul masters. Shadow One, bring me any new theories from Master Ye Wen immediately."
"Yes, Your Majesty," replied a shadowy figure kneeling in the corner.
This scene was repeated among the top powers across the continent. All those with power recognized the importance of Ye Wen's self created techniques. Though simple in concept, they could notably strengthen the fighting ability of common soul masters.
Curiosity arose about the remaining three techniques in the "Six Techniques" series, yet none of these elite powers would breach etiquette by directly asking, as it was an unspoken rule not to pry into others' self created techniques. Such offenses could quickly escalate to conflicts.
The most delighted by these techniques were the members of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. While self created techniques were not uncommon, most were linked to specific martial soul heritages, such as the Clear Sky Sect's "Nine Absolutes" or the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect's secret dragon transformation technique. Auxiliary type soul masters in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had long struggled with a lack of personal combat abilities, relying on guardians for protection.
Even though the Six Techniques were weaker than top tier self created techniques, they provided auxiliary soul masters with a newfound sense of security.
"I wonder if I could discuss obtaining the remaining three techniques from Ye Wen," mused the sect master. He quickly dismissed the idea, wary of provoking the jealousy of other factions. "Our sect is in a fragile state right now. It's better to wait and see."
The following day, one hundred students stood at attention, brimming with energy after resting overnight. Having passed yesterday's endurance test, they were recognized by their peers for their impressive martial souls and willpower. Observers noted this group's prowess, recalling the intense gravity resistance test that they themselves had struggled with.
"Now, the second round begins: the Test of Perception," Ye Wen announced from the podium.
He gestured toward a field. Unlike a standard running track, the one he'd designed was uneven, dotted with stakes every few meters. Each stake held a set of jointed, red painted rods attached to mechanisms, creating simple yet unpredictable "striking arms." Once triggered, these would swing at random, resembling a chaotic pendulum effect.
"Everyone who passed the first test has proven to have good physical endurance," Ye Wen explained. "This test will require that, but will also challenge your observation and reflexes. Here are the rules:
"First, each group will consist of ten students, determined by lot. Second, you must complete one lap within two minutes to avoid disqualification. Third, each participant's ranking will depend on the number of impact marks they receive. The fewer marks, the higher the rank. The top twenty participants will proceed to the final Combat Test."
The track was only three hundred meters long, and even an auxiliary type soul master could finish it in about thirty seconds. Though the terrain was uneven, running the lap itself would be simple. The challenge lay in evading the random swings from the stakes.
Onlookers quickly realized how this test would work. It was a highly effective way of training students' perception and evasion abilities.
"Activate the mechanisms!" Ye Wen ordered.
The prospect of winning weighed on each student's mind. Having experienced the benefits of training in the outer parts of the Blue Silver Forest, they all dreamed of gaining access to the core, a privilege that would enhance their talents and speed up their cultivation. They knew the core's benefits must be even greater if it had been chosen as the prize.
In a flurry of competition, the twenty most perceptive and agile students finally emerged. Ye Wen observed these twenty carefully. They represented the academy's most physically capable talents and would be promising faces of the school.
"These twenty should receive special training," Ye Wen thought, scanning their records. Unsurprisingly, most of them came from noble backgrounds, with thirteen out of twenty being from noble families, including a representative from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect. Although the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had sent a representative as well, that student's performance was underwhelming he failed to complete the lap on time and bore the most impact marks, indicating poor reflexes. His results reflected his pampered background, much like Ning Rongrong's early struggles in the original story.
The remaining seven talents were all from commoner families. "These are good seeds," Ye Wen mused. "They mostly have advanced martial souls, likely inherited from strong soul masters within their families."
After examining the records, Ye Wen set them aside and took a walk around the academy to see how classes were progressing. The academy's guests, observing the lessons, were curious about the academy's unique approach. Though this was only the second official day, Ye Wen refrained from rigorous training, giving students a chance to acclimate to their surroundings before tomorrow's final competition round. The Six Techniques would be introduced later, as optional skills.
Mastering all six was too challenging for most students, so for now, they were practicing basic soul power control by climbing trees and walking on water. Ye Wen noticed that the top twenty students, particularly, quickly grasped these foundational skills, moving with impressive ease. The others struggled, but persevered with difficulty.
"Natural talent plays a significant role," Ye Wen reflected, watching the students. The saying "There are no weak martial souls, only weak soul masters," a notion once touted by Yu Xiaogang, was a delusion. If Yu Xiaogang's martial soul wasn't weak, why would he be forever stalled at Rank 29?
(End of Chapter)
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