Chapter 143: Keep Going!

Though Jiang Zihe was brimming with confidence, the pressure bore down on him heavily and tangibly. His pace had slowed considerably; with every step, he had to pause, carefully adjusting his body's condition. He regulated his breathing, modulated the flow of primordial energy through his meridians, and adjusted his stance in an attempt to conserve energy as he tackled the first stage of the trial.

This was merely the opening challenge. Even though Jiang Zihe believed he could surge through in one go, he couldn’t ignore the two grueling tests that lay ahead. If he exhausted too much of his strength on the appetizer, how could he face the main courses to come? The second stage would demand tremendous effort to pass, and although the third was the shortest, it was also the most formidable. Without maintaining at least seventy to eighty percent of his full capacity, defeat was almost certain.

He must succeed—and claim first place, to enter the Storm Guard with glory and honor! Jiang Zihe recalled the scorn, insults, and immense psychological pressure he had endured the last time he failed to secure the top spot. This time, victory was non-negotiable.

Even if he was a collateral descendant of the Jiang family, not from the city lord’s main branch, he could not afford to lose to anyone.

Glancing back at the two brothers from the Hua family, the two from the Han family, and the two from the Ling family, Jiang Zihe knew his primary competitors stood before him.

The remaining members of these three great clans, along with disciples from various sects, clustered in the second tier, climbing diligently. Some among them might barely reach the two hundredth step, but pushing beyond even ten more steps would be near impossible.

No—except for that Luo Tian.

Jiang Zihe narrowed his eyes. This disciple from the Divine Sun Sect had somehow managed to enter the first tier. And yet, he exuded an air of composure and ease, as if this exertion cost him nothing. Watching Luo Tian steadily approach the one hundred and fiftieth step, clinging to the rear of the first tier, Jiang Zihe couldn’t help but feel disdain. Though Luo Tian’s rank wasn’t the highest, his expression and demeanor were the most carefree.

Hmph, what a show-off!

Jiang Zihe despised him deeply. Even he expended some effort to cross the one hundred and fiftieth step—how could this mere first-stage Meridian Flow Realm disciple manage it so effortlessly? The truth was clear: this fellow must be squandering vast reserves of primordial energy just to maintain such a natural façade. He was suffering for appearances alone.

Luo Tian made no particular effort to speed forward, nor did he attempt to test his limits here. Once inside the Storm Guard as a formal member, he would have all the opportunities he needed.

Yet, every first-place finisher in the Storm Guard trials received generous rewards—benefits no one could afford to ignore.

First place.

Looking ahead at the distant leader, Jiang Zihe, Luo Tian nodded lightly. Surpassing this second-place figure would guarantee him the top spot. He only needed to be a little stronger.

“Isn’t this Luo Tian just putting on an act?” Feng Renliang hung near the tail end of the second tier, pushing himself hard but unable to overtake those ahead. It was understandable; the second tier mainly consisted of outstanding youths from the three great clans who weren’t the absolute elites, plus hopeful disciples from the four major sects. The Feng family was merely a second-rate house in Wanfeng City; reaching this stage was already commendable.

Still, seeing a freak like Luo Tian emerge from the Divine Sun Sect filled Feng Renliang with frustration.

Just ten more steps!

The light in Jiang Zihe’s eyes burned ever brighter, his spirit surging. An endless force seemed to flow within him, propelling him forward as he once again crossed the two hundredth step.

In his previous attempt at the Storm Guard trial, though he passed the first stage, he lingered near the back of the first tier. Now, returning with renewed vigor, Jiang Zihe was determined to shine brilliantly.

Having experienced the trial before, Jiang Zihe bore far less psychological pressure than others. His confidence was unwavering, and backed by his formidable strength, he claimed the first-place reward as his own without hesitation.

This time, who could possibly stop me?

As Jiang Zihe stood on the five-step platform, ready to shout his name with full pride and spirit, another formidable rival appeared unexpectedly.

Originally in second place was Hua Zefeng, the strongest of the four sent by the Hua family this time. Already a second-stage Meridian Flow cultivator nearing the third, he had long been suppressed by Jiang Zihe but remained undeterred.

Jiang Zihe, both a Jiang family member and veteran of the trial, wielded greater strength; it was only natural that others paled in comparison. But Luo Tian—a mere first-stage disciple from the Divine Sun Sect—how could he be so close?

Hua Zefeng was sturdy and mature beyond his years. He was well aware that many forces resented the Hua family’s standing in Wanfeng City, whispering that their rise had only come after changing their surname—from an insignificant house to an untouchable power.

So whenever possible, Hua Zefeng fought with all his might to prove himself, to restore honor to the Hua name.

The Hua family’s influence in Wanfeng City rested on the strength and achievements of its youth. Losing to a Jiang family member was acceptable—it was expected and accepted—but losing to other clans or sects was inconceivable.

The orange glow enveloping Hua Zefeng intensified, his footing firmer. Though it required extra effort now, he refused to lose face.

Even if Luo Tian’s goal was to risk everything in the first stage to snatch a good result he could boast about in his sect later, it was unacceptable!

In Wanfeng City, the Hua family ranked just beneath the Jiang family. Losing to Jiang was one thing; losing to anyone else was unthinkable.

With the eyes of many behind him—some astonished, some disdainful, some jealous, some puzzled—Luo Tian finally reached the same step as Hua Zefeng at one hundred and ninety.

Simultaneously, Jiang Zihe’s name rang out proudly at the two hundredth step, filled with pride and confidence: “Jiang Zihe!”

The Storm Guard member present responded faintly before turning away.

Hmph, I’ll shock you all soon enough!

Jiang Zihe sneered inwardly at the ungrateful man but pressed on, refusing to stop despite growing fatigue. He would not only claim first place but do so in such a way that all others would feel hopeless by comparison—triumphant and far ahead.

Panting, he glanced back at the fierce contest unfolding between Luo Tian and Hua Zefeng for second place, a cold smile curling in his heart. Those behind would never rise above this; forever stuck in Jiang’s dust.

Even if they became Storm Guard members, their future achievements would be limited. What kind of prominence could they ever hope to attain?