Chapter 1248 - 1274: Wen Pass Ends
Beneath the arena stood tens of thousands of young boys and girls, and upon hearing the old man’s words, each held a piece of white crystal stone. This stone had no energy but was very common in the Netherworld for recording divine sense imprints. It was called the White Memory Stone.
Many people ascend to the Netherworld, coming from various planes. Some are too old to qualify for participation and can only watch the selection tournament from the stands. Though somewhat unwilling, there’s nothing they can do.
A large screen appeared on the arena at this moment, pure white, over two meters wide and three meters long, quietly emitting a faint white glow.
Chu Cheng was among the crowd, confident about the selection tournament. To gain strong power in the Netherworld, one must cultivate, but cultivation requires sufficient time, a stable environment, and plenty of Nether Stones.
𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖
The first two are easy to manage, but the latter, Nether Stones, are a challenge for many, especially for someone like Chu Cheng, who recently ascended to the Netherworld. Even if you possess rare talent, without Nether Stones to absorb, you remain like everyone else.
This talent selection tournament aims to solve the immediate predicament of such individuals, which is why many have come. Chu Cheng hadn’t thought about Princess Qingyou before arriving; he only wished to be selected.
This way, he could gain Nether Stones and also take care of Aunt Yiyi. Princess Yiyi’s strength was at least two realms weaker than Chu Cheng’s, making her participation in the selection tournament hopeless. She wasn’t willing to appear publicly, so she didn’t register for the tournament.
Chu Cheng was confident about the selection tournament, and now, seeing his father increased his confidence further. He would perform exceptionally to make Chu Linfeng proud.
The old man on the arena conjured a white light in his hand and swiped it across the screen, causing immediate changes to occur. Tens of golden characters appeared, constituting the topic of this Wen Pass.
"Esteemed disciples participating in the selection, the topic for this Wen Pass is now displayed on the screen. We hope everyone will record the answers using their divine sense in the White Memory Stone. Those who answer correctly will pass directly; those who answer incorrectly will be eliminated, so be mentally prepared.
Additionally, no whispering or discussion is allowed during the answering; those caught speaking will be disqualified. Keep these rules in mind. Let’s begin; you have an hour to answer the difficult questions on the screen," the old man said with a voice like a resonant bell to everyone below.
The screen showed a sentence addressing Princess Qingyou and the selection tournament as a subject to write a couplet. However, at the end of the sentence, there were small characters explaining the response content.
For many people, this task was very simple; anyone who had read a few books could answer, and naturally, they could explain the meaning of their answer.
Upon viewing the characters on the screen, Chu Cheng immediately fell into deep thought. Princess Qingyou was renowned for her exceptional beauty in Qingyou City; the selection tournament was related to her betrothal and the tournament itself. A couplet had to revolve around these two points, necessitating careful consideration.
After pondering for a while, Chu Cheng had an answer and slowly injected his divine sense into the White Memory Stone. Others also infused their answers into the Stone, and the process lasted for about half an hour.
However, many people showed anxious expressions, uncertain of what to answer. The old man on the arena clearly prohibited whispering or discussions; violations were considered cheating and led to elimination.
Failing to respond correctly also resulted in elimination, prompting some to write random answers on the White Memory Stone. Shortly after, the old man spoke again.
"I trust everyone has answered by now. Because the number of participants is vast, having everyone come up one by one would take an excessive amount of time. You can directly input Nether Power into the White Memory Stone, thereby revealing your answer on the screen.
Correct answers will leave a record on the screen, while incorrect ones will be eliminated. Do not doubt the screen’s judgment; it was crafted by the best alchemist in the Netherworld and is completely accurate.
There are various possible answers, and the screen will evaluate each individual’s response. Whether to advance or retreat depends on personal fortune. Now, input your Nether Power into the White Memory Stone."
Chu Linfeng and Princess Yiyi watched Chu Cheng from beneath the arena, slightly worried about him. "Are you concerned whether Chu Cheng can answer correctly?" Jade Immortal Emperor asked.
"A bit, considering Cheng’er was previously quite obstinate and likely uninterested in poetry or other such topics. Though I don’t know what the screen’s topic is, seeing many people below display disappointed expressions indicates it’s somewhat difficult," Chu Linfeng said with a bitter smile.
"Lin Feng, you’ve got it wrong. Cheng’er indeed had a careless past, but that was before. After you left, he seemed like a changed person, constantly practicing martial skill, and when tired, reading extensively. This can’t stump him.
I am unconcerned about his Wen Pass test but am worried about the ensuing Martial Pass. Cheng’er hasn’t ascended for long; despite his exceptional talent, he lacks Nether Stones. Many in this crowd are stronger, and I’m afraid he might get harmed," Princess Yiyi said.
"Passing the Wen Pass is satisfactory; the Martial Pass is merely procedural. Young Master Qingyou will definitely select Chu Cheng in the end, I’m certain. Otherwise, King Zhao couldn’t account for it," Chu Linfeng expressed.
Various answers appeared on the screen at this point. The old man looked at some responses, finding amusement mixed with helplessness. Be it a couplet or a poem based on Princess Qingyou and the selection tournament, there were countless answers.
Someone wrote, "Qingyou Qingyou, how lovely; your pretty face captivates me. Who prevails at the selection tournament? None shall surpass me, the man of the hour."
Another penned, "Princess Qingyou’s beauty unmatched, came to compete at this dual challenge. Thousands of opponents all too weak; poetry and martial prowess, yours truely leads."
While another stated, "Princess Qingyou indeed is so beautiful, this youngster overcame Wen Pass for her, alas, the topic was too profound, this attempt is nine deaths and only one life."
The screen flooded with absurd answers; few managed to pass. Chu Cheng’s answer appeared, and the old man smiled slightly, showing an expression of satisfaction.
"Alright, this concludes the Wen Pass test. Those who answered correctly will have their White Memory Stones emit white light; incorrect responders will be eliminated, so prepare yourselves.
Disqualified individuals should not despair; King Zhao will still favor everyone. Those with decent strength may join the army, ensuring a chance for prominence. The Nether Stone supply won’t be lacking," the old man stated.
Suddenly, discussions flourished below, and within several breaths, numerous stones in the crowd emitted white light...
PS: Evening update will be very late; today I need to change medicine! Stuck terribly while writing without a proper state!