Showy Display

On a stage filled with anticipation, the spectators craned their necks, their eyes locked onto a seemingly empty space. The echo of drumbeats lingered in the air, and an electrifying surge of energy filled the atmosphere, capable of sending shivers down even the bravest souls.

Seifer, a student from the Royal Academy, couldn't contain his thoughts as he watched in awe. "A true demoness! No wonder Ye WuQue of the Ye Clan was willing to forsake his engagement to the royal family for her. Autumn Snow, a phoenix among women, her future accomplishments will undoubtedly rival those of Ye WuQue."

The competition for Autumn Snow's talent was fierce among the academies. Seifer was determined to bring her to the Royal Academy.

"Autumn Snow, if you choose the Royal Academy, I can offer you a Yuanfu-Graded Cultivation Technique and three exquisite innate-level techniques. What do you say?" Seifer extended an enticing offer.

Not to be outdone, the Divine Wind Academy chimed in. "We, too, are eager to have you. We'll provide a Yuanfu-Graded Cultivation Technique, three innate-level techniques, and personal coaching from a Yuanfu Realm elder."

The Seven Star Academy joined the bidding war, offering even more. "Choose us, and you can select from three Yuanfu-Graded Cultivation Techniques, along with three innate-level techniques. Plus, we'll grant you special enrollment privileges for five of your family members."

The Emperor Star Academy, not to be left behind, welcomed Autumn Snow as well. It seemed like the four great academies were competing fiercely for her talents.

Autumn Snow, however, remained calm and composed. She turned towards Qin Wentian, her gaze unwavering. "Do you understand now?"

Qin Wentian was puzzled. "Understand what?"

"Our so-called engagement was a joke from the beginning. Our lives, destined to run parallel, were never meant to intersect," Autumn Snow stated calmly. Her words hung in the air, leaving everyone curious about her decision.

But before anything else could happen, a voice rang out, commanding attention. Autumn Snow turned back to see Qin Wentian, his eyes holding a mischievous glint.

"My examination isn't over yet," Qin Wentian announced, taking everyone by surprise. He had decided to participate in the test as well.

Qin Wentian approached the enormous drum, his current cultivation at the 5th level of the Body Refinement Realm. With the extraordinary power of his Heavenly Hammer Astral Soul, his strength surpassed that of an average 5th level cultivator.

The crowd watched with bated breath as Qin Wentian, with determination in his eyes, struck the drum with all his might.

"Boom, Boom, Boom..." The drum echoed three times, a respectable result, but nothing extraordinary. However, it left many spectators stunned. Qin Wentian, the young man with previously crippled meridians, had reached the third reverberation, indicating a strength level of 30 bulls.

"Wentian!" Qin Chuan couldn't contain his excitement. His son had achieved this with just seven days of cultivation after absorbing the Yuan Qi of Heaven and Earth. It was a remarkable feat.

Talon, Bai Qingsong, and Autumn Snow were shocked but soon regained their composure. It was only three reverberations; he must have cultivated as a Martial Cultivator and absorbed Yuan Qi from the environment.

Meanwhile, in Qin Wentian's body, bones cracked as his body underwent a transformation. The Stellar Meridians formed a spiral tunnel, channeling Astral Energy through his body. He unleashed the Dragon Subduing Fist, further boosting his strength.

"Raging Dragon Leaving the Oceans!" Qin Wentian roared, his fist embodying the power of a dragon surging from the depths of the sea. His strike resounded like thunder, causing pain in the spectators' eardrums.

"Boom..." The drum echoed five times, surpassing Autumn Snow's record. It was evident that Qin Wentian had made great strides.

But he didn't stop there. Qin Wentian drew upon his Astral Energy, forming a powerful spiral within his arm. With the strength of a raging dragon and the force of a heavenly hammer, he struck the drum with all his might.

"Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!" The drumbeats continued relentlessly, and the crowd watched in astonishment as Qin Wentian broke records. He reached the eighth reverberation, surpassing Autumn Snow and matching the heavens.

Autumn Snow, who had been confident, now stood in awe of Qin Wentian's talents. His Astral Soul was brighter and more resplendent than hers. He had reached the 8th reverberation and condensed an Astral Soul from the 3rd Heavenly Layer.

"The Emperor Star Academy retracts its invitation to Autumn Snow," declared Mustang, the representative. His decision was met with agreement from the other academies. Qin Wentian's talent had outshone Autumn Snow's.

The crowd was left in shock. Qin Wentian had stolen the spotlight with his exceptional performance. He calmly addressed Autumn Snow, "I wish to question the Bai Clan: When did I ever have bad intentions towards Autumn Snow? And as for you, Autumn Snow, do you even have the abilities needed to guide me?"

He didn't wait for a response, his Astral Light radiating. An Astral Soul, brighter and more magnificent than Autumn Snow's, appeared on his forehead. The crowd gasped in awe.

"The Emperor Star Academy welcomes your enrollment," Mustang repeated, his gaze filled with admiration.

But Qin Wentian seemed uninterested in their offers, his focus entirely on Autumn Snow. "Next, in the second round of the examination, I will truly show you how great the divide is between you and me."

He left Autumn Snow with a challenge and a newfound realization. Her earlier pride now seemed feeble compared to Qin Wentian's brilliance. The tables had turned, and the sleeping genius had awakened.

The spectators were left speechless by the astonishing turn of events. Today's show had been nothing short of spectacular.