Extra Story:

Lihua and Tengfei pulled the strings of a complicated contraption before releasing confetti to you.

The princess then coughed before saying, "Go ahead Tengfei, greet the person!"

"Have you ever heard? Ladies first?"

"Then play rock paper and scissor with me! The winner would do it!"

After having three consecutive loss, Tengfei turned towards you before saying loudly, "Happy New YEAR!"

Lihua bent a little forward, kept her hands to the back before happily saying to you, "~Happy ~Happy New YEAR~"

After they were done, Tengfei tapped on Lihua's shoulder before whispering, 'Come on Lihua, we don't have enough time to enjoy the modern sweets...'

The princess nodded before both of them went away.

Chapter 38, Starting of a legend

~/``````````````````````/~

Looking at Zhou Huan basking in praise and awe, the Knight couldn't help but ask confusingly, "Is that young man considered talented?"

Lou Jun crossed her legs, rolled her eyes, before replying, "Go figure that out yourself."

Farengoth sternly commanded, "I'm asking you a question."

"...Yes, he's is the cream of the crop. Any sect would try to own him. Having a possibility of owning three mana ponds... that's something really special. Being able to use different kinds of inscription papers which boosts his variety and use."

Farengoth nodded, "Alas, I am an enhancer so I don't really get the full scale as to how talented he is."

The Knight then stared at the talented young man who was being dragged pitifully by men.

Seeing that he looked somewhat familiar.

'He doesn't look like Kian to me. Quite odd.'

Lou Jun saw how concentrated Farengoth is, "...You know him?"

"No, but for some reason I have a feeling..." He then after a moment of silence, concluded his sentence, "Never mind."

Lou Jun then pointed at the next contestant before saying, "That's the man I'm talking about. He told out his alias, 'Fei Baocai'."

"Him? He looks like a spoiled brat." Farengoth spat.

"He is a playboy who would try all means to bring anyone he likes. Using drugs and defiling them afterwards. And..." Lou Jun then stared at a man far away in the spectator's place before continuing, "His younger brother also has the same personality but much smarter."

Farengoth squinted his eyes before saying, "Two of them, huh?"

"Though they're nothing but weak maggots of 'that' group." Lou Jun fixed her hair inside which was turning a mess by her hood.

"Are they any strong in terms of combat?"

Lou Jun gritted her teeth, "Shit head, do you think I know everything about them?"

Farengoth ignored the insult before stating, "Well, by the looks of his affinity and mana grade... I believe he's above average? Am I right?"

"...Isn't that obvious? Mr.Smartass." Lou Jun said while glaring at him.

Lou Jun then turned to face Farengoth before saying, "Oh how I wish I could rip out your head right now..."

The knight smiled in response.

~/````````````````````/~

It was Tengfei's turn to try out.

He looked around, not minding the curious eyes from people. Looking around the place, there seems to be a tree calling out for him. As if it was speaking to him to come. Like a living being.

He walked towards it. At first his steps were light but it became steadily stronger as he got closer. As if feeling nervous from the weight of pressure coming from the countless flying eyeballs around.

When he reached nearby the tree, he searched through his bag but couldn't find the knife he prepared. Though luckily, he found a spare one which Lihua prepared for him.

'And here I thought I would use this for cooking.'

Before he cut himself, Tengfei heard remembered that he had to introduce himself to the crowd.

Nothing extravagant like the previous contestants as he just yells out, "Tengfei is my name!! From the borders of Xuanqihar!"

His line was so horrible that Lihua busted out in laughter in the spectator's place.

~/````````````````````/~

When he mentioned his name, a middle-aged lady from the audience room whispered to the man beside her, "That must be him, right?"

The white haired, worn by age, man then replied, "Yeah, but your brother specifically told you to not touch him."

"If he's here... then my niece must be nearby? How come those people couldn't find her?"

"It's kind of getting complicated. Due to an individual hindering our men's way."

"Since that troublesome Assasin's guild was trampled over by those pesky knights... Then that only leaves my brother... Definitely."

To her side, the old man nodded.

~/``````````````````/~

The announcer then replied back to the contestant, "A young man from Xuanqihar! Go ahead and try out!"

Tengfei nodded before slicing bot his hand. He made sure to grit his teeth when doing it.

When he saw that his hands were dripping sufficient amount of blood, he then placed his hands on the tree before thinking, 'My fate will change from this.'

The tree glowed with a dim light before a hole slowly appeared on the bark. Larger than any before.

A ball made of bright light escaped from the hole. Floating towards Tengfei.

The ball of light then grew one wing before entering him.

Once it entered, Tengfei's consciousness disappeared as he was awoken in a greenery plain.

Filled with grasses and flowers everywhere. Even the farthest reach of his eyes could only see greenery. With a long flowing river.

His attention then focused at the large waterfall in front of him and the small one-winged ball of light.

The ball of light revealed a familiar giggle before saying, "Follow me." It then gone through the waterfall.

A door then emerged from the back of the waterfall which split the water into two. Flowing from both side of the door. As if it was made to do that.

The old looking door being very large with lots of runic engravings on it.

A voice came from the ball, "Fate is truly weird... Isn't it Tengfei?"

The young man with gray hair showed a bitter smile before replying, "Yeah, it is... Tinia."

"Hah, I'm surprised you still remember me."

"Even if you broke my heart, you can't expect me to forget the first girl I loved."

"And, not anymore?"

Tengfei revealed a bitter expression before replying, "...Yeah."

The ball of light remained silent for a while.

"I'm glad that someone better than me is in your heart now. Anyhow, please follow me." Said the light ball.

Tinia, the light orb, gone and fit herself inside a small circular place on the door before unlocking it.

A large clank could be heard before the door slowly opened.

Tengfei approached it before awaiting the little ball of light beside him.

As if the ball of light was tired, it landed on his shoulder before saying, "Don't you resent me?"

"I'm more confused about your act then occupied of resenting you, but somehow I forgive you later on. Because I understood later on... The reasons of what you wanted. Even if it were to trade in your friend's life. To have a better life"

The light remained silent before saying, "That's one part of the reason... And if we meet again, I'll tell you the rest." By the end of her words, the ball of light disappeared.

Tengfei rubbed his eyes before walking inside the large door.

~/`````````````````````/~

When Tengfei regained his conscious, he was still standing in front the tree.

Without him knowing, a ball of light entered inside the ring on his index finger.

His body was engulfed in light but it slowly dissipated with time.

Though his head felt dizzy, he can't help but feel like people were laughing at him. Before he knew it, the voices were louder than before.

The announcer's voice was unmotivated as he says, "Affinity being light... And Mana grade of 'E'."

At that moment, Tengfei realized that he was being made fun of due to his... Incompetence.

He looked up with a shocked look before he hung his head. 'Looks like I was not gifted... After all.'

Slowly going past through the contestants who said to him,

"What a failure."

"Being an elemental cultivator but still shit."

"Nothing but trash."

"Light? Pfft, a male being a healer!"

Tengfei's eyes grew hazier each moment.

Zhou Huan came and said worriedly, "Brother... Don't let this get you down..."

"Looks like one of us was better suited on this path." Tengfei said before revealing a forced smile.

A man wanted to tease Tengfei but before he could speak, Zhou Huan already punched him.

The announcer then said out loud, "Well that's it for the aptitude test. We're going to have a short break now."

Tengfei decided he didn't want to stay at that place and so he walked into the portal which had the label exit on it.

He returned back to the beginning island before taking a sit behind a column.

Looking at the sky, he asked himself, "Am I really that unlucky?"

~/`````````````````````````/~

In the spectator's room

Lihua witnessed as to how many people mockingly laughed at Tengfei’s aptitude.

She couldn't take it anymore and so she gave Li Meixiu’s pet back before telling her, “I need to go.”

The lady replied back with a nod.

As she watched Lihua's back, she couldn't help but think, ‘That young man found a keeper.’

Lihua made her way with haste towards the beginning place.

When she exited, her master told her that Tengfei was around that pillar.

She found him with a sad look on his face and couldn’t help but remember her past friend.

It felt like she was in a similar situation. But now, different than before, she will act and help him out.

She sat beside him before saying, “Tengfei, I’m here...”

Tengfei raised his head and looked at her before asking, “...I was never meant to cultivate, right?”

Lihua pinched his nose, “A simple aptitude test shouldn’t keep you down, silly.”

Tengfei shook his head before saying, “But all those people... their looks and words...”

The princess gritted her teeth, “If I gained power in the future, I would make them all grovel before you!”

The young gray-haired man, showed his usual wry smile while having a soft look at her. Though his smile left when he said, “Am I useless?”

Lihua sighed before answering to his question, “If you’re truly useless, then I don’t know what to call myself. Don’t belittle yourself as you were the one who saved me numerous times. Forcing me to act as the damsel in distress in all those scenarios.”

Tengfei then rebuked, “I too was saved in equal amounts.”

Lihua leaned her head on his shoulder before saying, “Don’t leave me Tengfei like how my best friend did.”

Tengfei asked, “Best friend? I never heard you mention of that person.”

The princess grimaced before saying, “She was my only friend when I was young. The one who was so girly that made me puke rainbows. Her smile and laughter were so bright. Her dreams were so common to any girl. She would force me to wear frilly clothing and then hug me a lot. Calling me super cute. Though one day, she did her aptitude test... and that’s when everything changed. She stopped playing with me and would refuse to go out her room. There was a chance where I could talk her out... but I remained still and watched her before it was too late. Her death almost broke me. It was so devastating that I holed up in my room for a long time in depression.”

Tengfei listened carefully with a mood getting damper. He realized why the princess had that type of personality before.

Lihua held his hand before saying, “So please don’t make me experience that again... Or else I will join you...”

Tengfei smiled before flicking her forehead. He then said, “I never thought of dying you know? So, what if I’m useless in terms of talent. I finally became an elemental cultivator.”

Lihua rubbed her forehead before saying, “Somehow you became spirited again.”

Tengfei stood before patting her hair, “It’s thanks to you. I thought I was an unlucky man... but to be blessed with someone like you... I’m starting to reconsider whether I am.”

Lihua also stood before saying, “Trying to act charming after finding your weak and depressed self? Huh? Well I can't blame you as you get to meet and love a future Queen! Of course, you would be lucky.” She then revealed a mischievous smile.

Tengfei looked at her before raising his hand upon her cheek.

He then slowly approached her face with his. Lihua sensed it and also did the same but with a slowly growing red look.

Though the unexpected occurred as their... nose bumped instead. They both felt flustered before moving away each other.

Both their hearts beating so fast. Lihua then thought, ‘Why did that had to happen... Wuuu so embarrassing.’

Tengfei covered his face while he thinks, ‘I ruined it... I ruined it...’

Though a very loose smile crept up to Lihua’s face as she thinks, ‘He engaged the act... H-He loves me... I think I might faint...’

Before Tengfei could say anything, the announcer came and yelled out, “The next stage is about to start soon, so contestants enter the portal’

Lihua hearing this, went up to Tengfei, straightened his clothing before giving a peck on his cheeks, “I’ll be waiting for your confession later, my prince~”

Though she sounds confident but in reality, her inner self is screaming. She gave no chance to see Tengfei's reaction before running off.

Tengfei touched his cheek before thinking, 'I see... My bitter past unconsciously activated a safe mechanism where I wouldn't get that close to females...'

Seeing the running back of Lihua, he continued, 'But somehow, she destroyed it to pieces. Now I can't help but feel attracted once again. This is the real Lihua, she'll not betray me. And if I ever become wrong in the future... I'll just make her properly love me again.'

Thinking about these past weeks, Tengfei thought that it helped him see something new, "Thanks again, Lihua."

~/````````````````````````/~

While Lihua was running, her master asked her, '...You didn't mention about the reason why his mana grade was bad? Didn't you?'

Lihua shook her head before replying sadly, 'I'm just scared that he'll hate me for that...'

Her master remained silent before saying, 'There's still a long way in your relationship. I guess.'

Lihua remained silent.

~/```````````````````````/~

Returning back to the previous place, Tengfei looked around before finding Huan.

Huan was surprised to find see that he was back too soon. He went up to Tengfei before asking, "Wonder what happed? As you definetely look better than before..."

Tengfei gave heartful laugh which further baffled his brother.

When whispers which were directly aimed at criticizing Tengfei, could be heard... Unlike before he didn't slump shoulders but instead straightened them. He didn't lower his head but faced them.

He then yelled out, "So WHAT if I'm not as lucky as you people!? So, WHAT if I don't have a decent affinity and mana grade!? Even if I'm at this state... I'll become the BEST! Just to brag about it in the future to my cute and adorable girlfriend!"

Some of the contestants were bweildered. Some started laughing. And some were just so bitter as they couldn't help but curse the young man for having a girlfriend.

Even Lihua who just recently returned in the spectator's room, was trying to hide herself from everyone's view. '...This is beyond embarassing..'

Zhou Huan was amazed due to how his brother is brimming with confidence all of a sudden. At the same time, he's curious as to what caused him to have this change.

A pink snake head could be seen popping out of Tengfei's clothing. She looked around before slithering back inside his clothing, taking her precious deep sleep.

The announcer then mentioned out loud, "Please follow the administrators to the second part of this island's stage."

Tengfei looked at his brother before nodding alongside him.

They then followed the man who was beckoning them.

Red Sin came back in time, as she appeared from the portal. Though traces of blood, could be seen on her mask and gloves. She gave out a pleasant and happy vibe. As if she laughed to her hearts content, just recently.

~/``````````````````````/~

After a long walk, they finally reached their destination.

A place surrounded by dense trees.

Though all of their attention was on the circular arena type place on the ground. A large section dugged with countless of cages in it. Each cage having a fierce looking monster in it.

"You might be wondering why is there an arena in the middle of nowhere?"

Hearing that none of the contestants replied back, the announcer grew annoyed. Though he held it back as he continues, "This place here is where you people would face with beasts that we have captured. One by one, each of you would go down the ladder that leads to the place. Where you would face your foe. Killing or subduing it would result in you moving on to the next stage. Forbidden to use any other weapon, inscription, hidden techniques or anything other than the things we provide you. If moved out of the arena, it's counted as a disqualify. As long as you abide the rules, you'll be good to go."

Zhou Huan hearing all of this, made a comment in his head, 'Won't this take so much time?'

The announcer then mentioned out loud, "Fei Baocai please receive the weapon from the administator next to you. Afterwards please go down the arena."

Fei Baocai showed a smirk when he heard that his name was called upon. Though his smirk died immediately when he saw the weapon that was presented to him. A weapon imbued by a mere tier 1 beast's core. He showed a distasteful glance at the man holding the blade. Though the administrator didn't budge but instead said, "Either this or you in there with nothing except your fists."

Fei Baocai cursed before lazily grabbing hold on the blade. He then heads down the arena where some flying eyeballs are looking at him.

A cage then opened where a beast came out. Having white fur, six arms, two strong hind legs, and bulging muscle. It was what people call, 'Frost Wild Ape'. Being only at middle tier two, it still proves High Apprentice users a challenge due to its cunning mind.

Seeing that it was this kind of beast, Fei Baocai was really annoyed.

'A shitty weapon for a monster like this?'

Seeing that his weapons at least matches his 'Earth' attribute, he then continued his thought train, 'It's managble I guess... But I have to move carefully.'

After some time of fighting, Fei Baocai managed to slay the beast. His was body was tired as wounds could be seen all over his body.

He can't help but think, 'Hey, at least that beast... is dumber... than usual. And if it weren't for the fact that it was this hard to supply mana to the weapon... then I would've have killed it earlier.'

The announcer then said out loud, "Fei Baocai has successfully triumphed over his foe!! He earned the right to keep the weapon and also proceed to the next stage."

Zhou Huan, after seeing the fight, gave a thought towards how the man faught. 'He's not nimble but the strength he possesses and endurance, allowed him to prevail. It seems like he struggled when activating his weapon. Though I got to admit... earth imbued weapons were quite cool. Having the weapon covered in earth before freely changing its size and shape. Since I'm of Earth affinity too... Will I get something like that? But I'm an elemental type...'

Tengfei seeing how the bloody fight went... He could feel the cold sweat forming on his back. He then thought, 'Hah... What am I going to use to fight a beast like that? do light affinity even have offensive techniques?'

Afterwards, Tengfei witnessed lots of fights between contestants and the very the same beast. Some were successful in slaying or immobilizing their foe but some were... unfortunate. Their deaths were not simple as even one time, Tengfei witnessed the monkey like beast, ripped away the face of a man with its teeth. One even had his intestines pulled out before his body was devoured.

A woman was currently trying to run away as she realized that she couldn't beat the beast. Alas the ape was quick and managed to grab hold on her leg as she climbed up the ladder. She was then slammed to the ground. Not once, not twice but countless times. Blood flew here and there, causing some of the contestants who witnessed the scene to vomit their previously eaten food.

Tengfei felt fear welled up, but he tossed that fear aside as he asked the administrator nearby, "Are you just watching them die!? Is this even a contest!? Or is this some sort of sick carnage!?"

Some people even backed up Tengfei as they too felt fear.

The administrator shrugged before saying, "You can leave if you want too, no one is forcing you to stay... You know?"

Tengfei hearing this caused him to immediately walk out. Though his movement stopped when he hears Zhou Huan say to him, "I'm not stopping you, but you must ask yourself again. Whether or not you would regret ever walking away from this. And not to forget, you even witnessed it yourself. Without power, people would scorn you. Without power, you can't protect the people you cherish."

"Even if you said that, brother. Going to an early death is not something wise. If I get to live another day, then perhaps there would be a time when I would get strong again."

"Are you sure the chance will arise again? I think not."

"..."

"You have to make a decision if you want to save your lover from the people threatening her. Unless you want that princess to have a faith similar to her mother? Even if she's strong now... Someone alone can only cover a certain amount. Especially since she was born pampered and not accustomed to how the real-world functions."

"...You're right. But I'm not some type of hero in some sort of play. I wouldn't gain a mysterious power up from just being cornered."

Zhou Huan tapped his brother's forehead before saying, "Use your head and memorize the reach and ways it attacks. This stage relies on luck. The longer someone watches other contestants fight, the more they understand the beast's method of fighting. See, look at those two." He then pointed at the closed eyes individual and burly man. Vino Pheol, the fire elementalist and Gongsun Mu, the earth and water enhancer (Physical cultivator).

Zhou Huan then continued, "They're not wasting a single moment in order to familiarize themselves with the beast."

Tengfei nodded, "Maybe I should do the same as thos-"

Before he could finish his sentence, the announcer called out, "Tengfei, please proceed to descend the ladder and fight the beast. Though before that, take the ring we provided from the administrator next to you."

Tengfei became silent as he stared at the ring in front of him. He was bewildered by the fact that his unluckiness wouldn't end.

Even his sworn brother, Zhou Huan, couldn't help but admit that he's unlucky.

The administrator then said, "If you're not sure about yourself, you can leave right now."

When those words were said, an individual who called herself 'Red Sin', observed carefully as to what Tengfei would answer.

Tengfei grabbed the ring before wearing it.

He then said, "It's too late to back out now, I guess."

The administrator observed him before saying, "Since your mana grade is quite low, this ring I gave you would last only with five tries. The rest... You have to figure it out yourself."

Tengfei gave a forced smile before heading out.