I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, So I’ll Max Out My Defense

Chapter 596: Chapter 597: Everyone Present is Trash
The third-ranked family head’s gaze was calm, sweeping over everyone before he subtly nodded toward the direction of the Situ Household’s Patriarch, bringing a sense of reassurance to the other family heads.

As it stood, no unexpected developments had arisen. The cultivators from the Sea Clan who had come over were merely two ordinary Great Crossing Realm masters protecting Long Xue; they showed no intention to take part in the disputes among the people present.

“Fellow Daoists, today we gather our elite contestants from various clans, and even cultivators from overseas and the Sea Clan’s saintess have honored us with their presence, signaling a truly grand occasion. Let’s not dwell on pleasantries, and begin the grand competition immediately.”

“Inside this token, you will find information about your respective opponents, assigned randomly. Simply follow the directions on it to ascend the stage for battle.”

Standing on the high platform, the third-ranked family head Master Rong completely obscured the Great Family Head, his powerful aura enveloping the entire venue so that the cultivators could only see him, utterly ignoring the presence of the Great Family Head.

Leaders of various families, spearheaded by the Situ Household, were delighted to see this. It was a signal that the third-ranked family head was no longer discreet about his aggressive intentions.

The grand competition on the stage was a gala affair in Aolai Country; in past years, it had always been presided over by the Great Family Head. Today, however, the third-ranked family head stood front and center, stealing all the limelight without giving the Great Family Head a chance to show his face.

Even the most short-sighted could see that something was off by now. The third-ranked family head was laying all his cards on the table, no longer mindful of the Great Family Head’s authority.

The sapphire blue belt fluttered in the air, as Master Rong waved her hand slightly and hundreds of exquisitely ancient tokens were distributed to the hands of disciples from each clan.

“In this competition, the emphasis is on showcasing what you have learned, to verify and inspire each other, rather than determining who is superior. As long as you gain some insight, your trip will not have been in vain. However, remember, accidents happen in combat, and injuries are sometimes inevitable. Try to exercise restraint as much as possible.”

“Outstanding performers on the stage will be rewarded with one hundred thousand top-grade Spirit Stones, a Great Crossing Realm Technique scroll for cultivation, and various Magic Treasures for Transcendance Tribulation Stage cultivators. I hope you all perform to the best of your abilities,” said Master Rong, her hands folded behind her.

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“Thank you, third-ranked family head. We will certainly give our all and leave a lasting impression!”

The disciples below were excited and thrilled. One hundred thousand top-grade Spirit Stones was equivalent to the annual income of a small Sect, not to mention a scroll of a Great Crossing Realm Technique. If one could obtain it, the path of cultivation ahead would be smooth sailing!

A fierce glint appeared in Situ Guixiong’s eyes. He had little regard for the Spirit Stones, but a cultivation technique that could lead directly to the Great Crossing Realm was something worth learning from. Even the Situ Household had few such treasures. The third-ranked family head didn’t deal in mundane objects, and if he could study just one or two of these priceless techniques, his future accomplishments might even surpass those of his father.

“However, before that, you will need to undergo a test. Only those who pass this test may step onto the stage to compete. Disciples who fail will miss out on the grand competition.”

Master Rong said this with an indifferent tone.

This was a way to reduce the number of participants. It couldn’t be helped; there were too many disciples attending. Having over a hundred people compete one by one was too time-consuming. She had other matters to attend to later.

By eliminating the less capable disciples first, leaving only the elite to compete against each other, the competition would not only be more exciting but also more efficient.

Many cultivators understood this point and had no objections. This year’s attendance had exceeded that of previous years significantly. Almost all the clans had arrived, largely due to the third-ranked family head, and they all wanted to witness a historic change.

“What kind of test is it?”

A disciple asked.

“Withstand the pressure of the Great Elder of the Punishment Hall for the duration of an incense stick; those who succeed will proceed to the competition. Otherwise, they’ll be disqualified,” Master Rong replied nonchalantly.

“Good!”

“Let the Great Elder proceed. Giving these proud youngsters a setback is a great idea!”

“Indeed, they’ve been strutting around arrogantly day in and day out. Today they will learn that there are always others above them and heavens beyond the sky!”

On the high platform, various family heads spoke lightly and laughed, heavily praising Master Rong and showing no inclination to speak with the Great Family Head.

Looking at the increasingly cold expression on Huahuo’s delicate face, they chuckled inwardly, sensing that the Great Family Head was thoroughly suppressed, a picture of silent anger, his dominance waning.

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“Since that’s the case, Great Elder, we are in your debt.”

Master Rong nodded to the Great Elder and said with a slight smile.

“I understand. All of you, please step onto the platform.”

“I will exert pressure from the Divinity Transformation Stage to the Transcendance Tribulation Stage incrementally. Those cultivators who can’t withstand it may voluntarily jump off the platform, which will be considered a forfeiture. After an incense stick’s time has passed, the cultivators who remain on the platform will gain the qualifications for the great competition.”

The Great Elder spoke solemnly; many of these prodigies did not possess the cultivation level of the Transcendance Tribulation Stage. To endure till the end would likely be a laborious effort.

“Understood.”

“This disciple will strive to endure to the end.”

The faces of those chosen few turned somewhat unpleasant, while the pressure of the Divinity Transformation Stage was manageable, they were not sure they could withstand the formidable pressure of the Transcendance Tribulation Stage indefinitely.

This platform was incomparable to the spiritually enriched Linglong Pagoda. With the spiritual power in the outside world not being as dense, if they depleted the energy within their Dantian, descending from the platform would be the only option left.

If they had known there would be such a barrier, they would have prepared enough elixirs before coming!

Atop the platform, the numerous cultivators frowned and sat cross-legged, awaiting the arrival of the oppressive force.

Li Xiaobai found a corner and sat down. Withstanding the pressure for the duration of an incense stick was tantamount to free attribute points, a benefit. Unlike the other anxious chosen ones, he was not only unafraid, he actually wanted the Great Elder to exert more pressure.

“Alas, I wonder if I can endure it this time.”

“To be honest, even in a place as rich in spiritual power as the Linglong Pagoda, I couldn’t reach the third floor. Facing the Great Elder’s prolonged pressure in the outside world, I fear I will not have sufficient spiritual power to continue.”

“What a coincidence, it’s the same for me. The time of an incense stick is at least half an hour, isn’t it? With my Divinity Transformation Stage Level 6 cultivation, I’m not sure if I can hold on.”

“If I had known this, I would have asked my family for more elixirs to restore spiritual power before coming.”

“Indeed…”

Listening to the whispers and complaints of the surrounding cultivators, exchanging words among themselves, Li Xiaobai’s eyes lit up, seeing an opportunity to profit!

“Young Master Li’s cultivation is unfathomable. I believe you can easily resolve even this minor pressure trial.”

Situ Guixiong looked at Li Xiaobai, his words loaded with meaning.

“That is natural, pardon my bluntness, but everyone present, including the Great Elder, is trash. If you have the ability, let the storm come more fiercely!”

“Crush me with all your might!”

Li Xiaobai looked at the Great Elder, his eyes filled with provocative intent.

“Silence!”

“Shameless scoundrel!”

“Naive child, the Great Elder’s cultivation is profound and inscrutable. Who are you to provoke him?”

“Hurry up and apologize to the Great Elder!”

As soon as these words were spoken, the expressions of everyone present changed. Li Xiaobai was challenging the Great Elder at such a critical moment, was he deliberately making the trial harder?

If the Great Elder was angered, they might start at a difficulty level akin to hell!