As soon as the warning from the Merit Book echoed, Chu Sheng felt a powerful force instantly transport him to an unfamiliar space. Before him lay an expansive area shrouded in white mist, surrounded by dozens of massive stone pillars, each covered in mysterious runes, standing like a group of silent giants guarding this enigmatic place. The air was thick with an ancient and solemn atmosphere, making one instinctively hold their breath.
"This is the secret training base of the Warrior Association." The President's voice came from behind, carrying a hint of gravity. "Zheng Shen's power cannot penetrate here. You can train with peace of mind, kid. Make sure to seize this opportunity."
Chu Sheng looked around, the swirling mist creating an ethereal ambiance, yet there was an indescribable sense of oppression. He took a deep breath, striving to remain calm. Not far away, Lin Yue had also been transported here. She maintained her usual frosty demeanor, her sharp gaze scanning the surroundings as if assessing potential dangers. However, Chu Sheng caught a fleeting glimpse of concern deep in her eyes, indicating that this place was indeed extraordinary.
"Next, I will introduce you to a special mentor. You better pay attention," the President said with a mysterious smile, gently clapping his hands.
From the mist emerged a figure whose steps were neither hurried nor slow but carried an innate aura of authority. It was an ordinary-looking old man clad in a gray robe, the edges fluttering gently in the breeze. His expression was serene and kind, yet his eyes were deep like ancient wells, seemingly capable of seeing through everything in the world, making it hard for anyone to meet his gaze.
"This is Xuan Lao, one of the most mysterious mentors of the Warrior Association. He rarely takes on disciples, so you must cherish this opportunity," the President introduced with a tone laced with reverence. "He will be responsible for your special training from now on, kid. You need to put in some effort."
Just as Chu Sheng intended to respectfully bow, he saw Xuan Lao suddenly raise his hand. An invisible force struck him instantly, sending him flying at such speed that he barely had time to react. With a loud thud, Chu Sheng crashed against one of the stone pillars, spitting out blood and feeling as if his internal organs had shifted.
"Your reaction is too slow; your control over power is poor, and your mental strength is utterly lacking," Xuan Lao shook his head, his tone flat as if critiquing a dish, yet each word cut deeply into Chu Sheng's vulnerabilities. "With this level of skill, do you think you can stand against Zheng Shen? Kid, you have a long way to go!"
Struggling to rise and wiping the blood from his mouth, Chu Sheng's gaze sharpened. He hadn't expected this seemingly ordinary old man to possess such immense power! With just one move, he had rendered him—an expert at the Fourth Rank Ship Realm—completely defenseless. This left him both shocked and exhilarated; it seemed this special training would be a transformative experience.
At that moment, the Merit Book suddenly vibrated: [Special Task Triggered: Pass Xuan Lao's Test. Reward: Unknown]. This unexpected prompt ignited a glimmer of hope within Chu Sheng; it appeared that not only would this training enhance his strength but also grant him Merit Points as a reward.
"Kid, I know you have that Merit Book as your golden finger; don’t think I’m unaware," Xuan Lao said casually as if seeing through Chu Sheng’s thoughts. "But do you really believe that just relying on this will allow you to confront deities? You're too naive! External tools are ultimately just that—external tools; your own strength is what truly matters."
Before he finished speaking, Xuan Lao's figure suddenly vanished like an illusion. The next moment, Chu Sheng felt a sharp pain at the back of his neck and was sent flying once again. This time he learned from his previous experience; mid-air he adjusted his posture and rolled with the force before finally landing steadily on the ground.
"Just barely passing, but at least there's some progress," the voice of Xuan Lao echoed from all directions, elusive and hard to grasp. "Now, let me see where your limits lie! Kid, don't disappoint me."
Suddenly, the runes on the stone pillar lit up, weaving beams of light into a net that enveloped the entire training ground, exuding an ancient and mysterious aura. Chu Sheng felt his body sink as if he were carrying a thousand-pound burden, making even breathing difficult.
"This is the Gravity Formation; it can simulate various intensities of pressure. Feel it well," Xuan Lao explained. "You will fight against my clones under this pressure. Show me your true abilities!"
As soon as he finished speaking, dozens of figures identical to Xuan Lao emerged from the white mist, each radiating a terrifying aura like evil spirits crawling out of hell, sending chills down one's spine. Chu Sheng's heart sank; these were not mere clones but embodiments with equal strength! This old man truly showed no mercy!
"Let’s begin; show me what you’re made of," Xuan Lao said as the figures moved simultaneously, launching fierce attacks with lightning speed that dazzled the eyes.
Chu Sheng was instantly thrown into a fierce battle. Faced with so many formidable foes, he could only rely on the perfect coordination of his four abilities to barely hold on. Fireballs, ice arrows, wind blades, and earth walls—he wielded his abilities with great skill, stirring up waves of energy storms in the training ground. However, as the battle wore on, he gradually realized Xuan Lao's intention—this extreme combat was forcing him to unleash his abilities to their fullest potential!
"Not bad; you’re starting to understand. At least I didn’t waste my efforts," Xuan Lao's voice rang out again, laced with a hint of praise yet sharp with underlying challenge. "But this is still far from enough! Kid, you need to work harder!"
The gravity suddenly doubled, and Chu Sheng felt as if all his bones were about to shatter under an immense weight pressing down on him. Just then, Lin Yue rushed into the battlefield and stood by his side to fight together.
"Let’s train together," she said briefly, her gaze resolute without a hint of hesitation.
Chu Sheng was taken aback for a moment but then smiled. With Lin Yue as a powerful ally by his side, things improved significantly. The two coordinated seamlessly—one launching strong attacks while the other maneuvered to distract their opponents—balancing offense and defense as they gradually found their rhythm against Xuan Lao's embodiments. The fusion of ice and fire, the response of wind and earth—their abilities complemented each other, amplifying their power to the point where they began to subtly suppress Xuan Lao's manifestations.
At that moment, the Merit Book suddenly vibrated violently. Chu Sheng felt a peculiar energy surge from within him, being absorbed by the Merit Book as if something was being nurtured.
[Special Function Unlocked: Merit Points can be exchanged for Ability Enhancement Items]. The notification from the Merit Book resonated in Chu Sheng's mind like a heavenly sound.
Chu Sheng's eyes lit up. He immediately exchanged for an Amplification Talisman and placed it on his chest. Instantly, the power of his four Abilities surged, erupting like a volcano, unstoppable. His physical attributes also received a significant boost, with strength, speed, and endurance all greatly enhanced, making him feel filled with power.
"Interesting, your Merit Book does have some tricks," Xuan Lao finally revealed a hint of a smile, his eyes shining with approval. "However, the training ahead will be even more brutal. Are you ready? Kid, don't fall down easily."
Chu Sheng wiped the sweat from his forehead, his gaze resolute and fighting spirit high: "Bring it on! I'm ready for anything!"
White mist surged as more avatars emerged from it, flooding towards Chu Sheng and Lin Yue like a tide. Chu Sheng and Lin Yue stood back to back, bracing themselves for the new round of challenges.
The Merit Book vibrated again: [Warning: Unknown energy fluctuations detected, proceed with caution]. This sudden warning sent a chill through Chu Sheng's heart, an ominous premonition rising within him.
At that moment, the training ground's space suddenly twisted, and a chilling aura quietly descended, as if a demon from the depths of hell had arrived, bringing with it endless malice. Xuan Lao's expression instantly turned serious, a trace of concern flashing in his eyes: "Not good, something has broken in!"
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