The day of the Shenxia Tower''s annual trial had arrived.


    The towering Shenxia Tower, hundreds of meters tall, descended andnded in the central square of Xiajing Academy. Majestic and grand, the tower emitted a faint, ethereal glow, its presence awe-inspiring.


    Vast waves of energy rippled outward from the tower, spreading inyers. Even peak-level ss users above level 80 felt insignificant in its presence.


    The Shenxia Empire was renowned for its three legendary towers: the Demon Extermination Tower, the Shenxia Tower, and the Trial Tower. These treasures were cornerstones of the empire''s strength. Lin Moyu had encountered two of them but had yet to see the Demon Extermination Tower, which was stationed at Fortress No. 9. To witness the Demon Extermination Tower, one had to travel there specifically. For most people, only the Shenxia Tower and the Trial Tower were within reach during their lifetimes.


    The Shenxia Tower opened its gates once a year, granting ess to 500 individuals. As the tower was under Xiajing Academy''s jurisdiction, the academy controlled all entry slots, managed by Meng Anwen. Not even the empire could interfere.


    The 500 tickets were distributed as followed: 100 were auctioned by Xiajing Academy; 100 were awarded through academy trials and tasks; 100 went to the top three institutes—Chuangshen, Chuangshi, and Yanhuang; 100 were allocated among the academy''s remaining institutes; 100 were reserved for the military.


    A month prior, fiercepetitions were held in each institute. Only the academy''s best earned a chance to enter the tower.


    Now, with the tower''s descent, a massive crowd had gathered, filling the area for hundreds of meters around. Those without tickets could only gaze longingly from afar.@@novelbin@@


    Among the crowd, a group of 400 students advanced, led by several instructors. These were Xiajing Academy''s chosen elite, their powerful auras and confident smiles radiating pride. Earning entry to the Shenxia Tower was a rare honor, a testament to both skill and status. The envious stares of onlookers underscored the significance of their achievement.Thud, thud, thud!


    The synchronized footsteps of another group resonated with imposing precision. Each stepnded in unison, creating a singr,manding beat.


    The atmosphere shifted as they approached. Serious expressions and an unyielding aura marked the neers.


    “It’s the military.,” Someone murmured, their voice tinged with reverence. Instantly, the crowd saluted in unison.


    The Shenxia military, the empire’s strongest force, was a symbol of sacrifice and resilience. Stationed on the frontlines, they held back the relentless assaults of the Abyssal Demons, earning them the title of true heroes.


    The military’s hundred-strong contingent stopped beside the academy group. Though smaller in number, their overwhelming aura rivaled—and nearly overshadowed—that of the academy elites. The two groups stood side by side, separated by an unspoken but palpable distinction.


    The Shenxia Tower had yet to open, leaving everyone waiting in eager anticipation. Whispers broke the tense silence.


    “I wonder who will be this year’s champion.”


    “Historically, the championse from the top three academies. This year shouldn’t be any different.”


    “Don’t be so sure. The military has imed the championship several times as well.”


    “This year looks particrly fierce. The military has three individuals who’ve achieved ss sublimation!”


    “So does the academy—three of their entrants have also undergone ss sublimation.”


    Within both groups, several figures stood out, their presence distinct. Those with experience instantly recognized the hallmark aura of ss sublimation, a radiant brilliance visible even to the untrained eye.


    In the distance, Xia Xue, Feng Xiu, and Zuo Mei observed the scene.


    Xia Xue’s eyes lingered on the figures gathered near the tower, filled with envy, “Feng Xiu, has your brothere as well?”


    Feng Xiu nodded, gesturing toward the military group, “He’s right there.”


    Coming from a prestigious military family, Feng Xiu was destined to follow in their footsteps. Although currently enrolled at Xiajing Academy, his futurey in the military. Among his generation, he was the youngest. His older brother, several years his senior, had already joined the military. He had amassed considerable military merit, earning him the rank of eight-star lieutenant.


    Following Feng Xiu’s gaze, Xia Xue and Zuo Mei spotted a soldier carrying a sword on his back. He bore a striking resemnce to Feng Xiu, sharing the same imposing aura and upright posture. At the same time, a dazzling, starlight-like aura radiated from him, marking him as a mid-tier legendary ss user.


    Xia Xue’s expression betrayed a mix of envy and determination. Back in Xihai City, she had been hailed as a prodigy. Yet, arriving at Xiajing Academy opened her eyes to the sheer number of geniuses in the world. Here, she felt unremarkable.


    Initially disheartened, she quickly regained her resolve. As an Elemental Mage—a superior ss user—she believed that with her second ss awakening, she could achieve ss sublimation and ascend to the ranks of legendary ss users. She might not rival mid-tier legendary ss users, but ultimately, it woulde down to who could progress further.


    “I won’t lose to anyone!” Xia Xue vowed silently, clenching her fists. Then, an image of Lin Moyu shed in her mind, and she added begrudgingly, “That guy is an exception!”


    Zuo Mei, who had been quietly observing, turned to Feng Xiu with a curious look, “Xiu, your ss seems a little different from your brother’s.”


    Feng Xiu replied, “It’s actually the same. My ss is Divine Swordsman, and so was my brother’s. It’s a superior ss. Our family’s bloodline is unique. During the second ss awakening, we automatically advance to Sacred Light Swordsman. If we’re lucky enough to trigger ss sublimation, we can further ascend to Sacred Word Swordsman.”


    Surprise flickered across Zuo Mei’s usually cid face, “A bloodline like that actually exists?”


    Feng Xiu nodded, “Yeah, that’s how it works for us.”


    Xia Xue, intrigued, asked, “Doesn’t that mean everyone in your family ends up as a legendary ss user?”


    Feng Xiu chuckled, “Of course not. Most of the people in my family awaken the ordinary Swordsman ss. Not many awaken the Divine Swordsman ss.”


    In Feng Xiu''s family, awakening the ordinary Swordsman ss meant that, even with the support of their bloodline, the best one could achieve during the second ss awakening was promotion to Sacred Swordsman—a transition from an ordinary ss to a superior ss.


    However, someone like Feng Xiu, who was a Divine Swordsman, had a guaranteed path to bing a legendary ss user. Furthermore, there was even the potential for ss sublimation, allowing a direct leap from a superior ss to a mid-tier legendary ss.


    Zuo Mei’s eyes glimmered with a trace of envy, “So, you’re likely to be a mid-tier legendary ss user in the future?”


    Feng Xiu nodded thoughtfully, “It’s possible, but not guaranteed. ss sublimation is incredibly difficult to achieve.”


    Xia Xue muttered under her breath, “I wonder how Lin Moyu is doing. His second ss awakening should be approaching soon. I wonder if he can achieve ss sublimation.”


    Feng Xiu interjected, “He’s already a godly general. For him, ss sublimation shouldn’t be an issue.”


    In the entire empire, godly generals were exceedingly rare—far rarer than mid-tier legendary ss users. Each year, many achieved ss sublimation, but a new godly general might only emerge once every few years.


    Xia Xue’s feelings grew increasinglyplicated as she thought about her ssmate. Lin Moyu had already be a godly general, a figure of immense prestige, while she was still struggling at level 28. Frustration and envy churned within her. She clenched her teeth, feeling a sudden, irrational urge to grab Lin Moyu and bite him out of sheer exasperation.


    Suddenly, Zuo Mei looked ahead and eximed, “It’s Lin Moyu!”


    Their eyes turned toward the figure in the distance. Lin Moyu walked with quiet confidence, radiating a dazzling brilliance. He had achieved ss sublimation, but the aura surrounding him was far beyond ordinary. His radiance was akin to the zing sun, overshadowing everyone else.


    At that moment, every gaze locked onto him.


    Lin Moyu moved with an air of majesty, the purple badge on his shoulder shimmering with light.


    Rustle!


    The soldiers, as one, saluted sharply, “Salute the Godly General!” They shouted, their unified voices echoing across the square. Their eyes were filled with fervor and awe.


    To soldiers, godly general was the pinnacle of aspiration. Even Feng Xiu’s brother, a mid-tier legendary ss user, gazed at Lin Moyu with undisguised admiration.


    Lin Moyu acknowledged the salute with a slight nod, then continued his steady march toward the Shenxia Tower.


    As he approached, the billowing energy around the tower parted, creating a clear path for him.


    The crowd held their breath, watching in reverent silence as Lin Moyu entered the Shenxia Tower. No one dared to speak. The weight of his title alonemanded absolute respect. If anyone had been foolish enough to make a careless remark, the hundred soldiers present would have swiftly silenced them.


    Once Lin Moyu crossed the threshold, the Shenxia Tower erupted in radiant light.


    A powerful,manding voice echoed from within the tower, carrying an intimidating pressure. It was Meng Anwen, his authority unmistakable.