David Bolton had come to understand that this spiritual pressure and spiritual sight were, in fact, perfectly suited to restrain him. As for the latter, as long as he avoided direct eye contact with her, he could manage, but there was nothing he could do about the spiritual pressure technique.

For someone like him, whose soul was weak and spiritual power low, this was truly the most difficult spiritual art to deal with. If he wanted to contend with this girl, he would have to increase his spiritual energy beyond that of ordinary people in a short period of time.

After thinking it over carefully, David Bolton still put away the seven Spirit Ascension Pills in his pocket. He wasn’t the type with an overblown sense of pride who would ignore the goodwill of others. He also knew that this girl was most likely hoping that if he could win first place in this martial trial, his chances of staying on as a formal disciple would increase. Even if he didn’t pass in the end, he might still be specially selected by the Transmission Hall of the Sun and Moon Profound Sect.

And the number of Spirit Ascension Pills was just right—enough to last until the day, seven days later, when the martial champion would be decided.

It should be noted that Spirit Ascension Pills were forbidden once the second trial began. But before the second trial, the examiners wouldn’t interfere, so it wasn’t considered a violation.

Seeing David Bolton obediently accept them, Emily Clark’s face, puffed up like a little bun, finally broke into a smile. Then she forcefully dragged David Bolton by the hand toward the east side of the martial arena. “Let’s hurry to the dormitory. My classmate said if we go too late, there won’t be any spots left.”

David Bolton also straightened his expression and quickened his pace.

According to the rules of the martial trial, the selection for the losers’ bracket would take place over the next two days, while the winners’ bracket matches would be held two days later. After four consecutive rounds in two days, the top thirty-two would be determined, and on the seventh day, the martial champion would be decided.

During these seven days, all 2,500 of them would stay in the nearby dormitories. The losers’ bracket would have two people per room, while the winners’ bracket would have one person per room.

There were enough rooms, but if they arrived too late, it would indeed be hard to find a dormitory to their liking.

However, as the two walked along, he noticed countless gazes turning toward him—some filled with awe and admiration, some with envy and jealousy, some with shock, and some with disbelief. At first, David Bolton thought it was because of Emily Clark beside him, but he soon realized that many people were even more focused on him, David Bolton, himself.

With just a little thought, David Bolton understood what was going on. This must be the stir caused by his victory over Mason Hall. It made the corners of his mouth curl up—he thought to himself, this “Mad Blade” of his had finally become famous, hadn’t it?

……

Although David Bolton had expected to attract everyone’s attention, he didn’t know just what kind of storm and waves his name and deeds were stirring up among the many trial disciples at this moment.

“That’s David Bolton?”

“He’s the one who defeated Mason Hall?”

“This is simply unbelievable. Mason Hall could project his spiritual energy and had mastered three spiritual arts, yet he lost to him? He was the ninth-ranked in this year’s Spirit Gathering Class.”

“He was the last one up the Spirit Ladder before…”

“Advancing both intent and manifestation before the age of twenty? Why him, of all people?”

“Heh, even if he’s advanced in both, I doubt he’ll pass the three entrance trials!”

In the crowd, Olivia Hall was also resting her hand on her sword, watching the backs of David Bolton and Emily Clark.

“You’re saying that just now, with a single strike, he saw through the reality and illusion of your Spirit Jade Shield?”

Mason Hall was still lying on a stretcher, his face pale and weak. Although a spiritual master had performed a great healing technique on him, he still hadn’t recovered.

The loss of vital energy was secondary; the main thing was that the feeling of being beheaded with a single blow had left too many shadows in his mind.

But at this moment, Mason Hall was still forcing himself to recall every detail of that battle.

“Not only that! When I used the Spiritual Light Slash, he dodged a step ahead, as if he already knew the direction before I even cast the spell.”

“Knew the direction in advance? That’s like the cicada sensing the wind before it moves—almost as if his intent moved before the action.”

Olivia Hall fell into deep thought. “He didn’t see through your Spirit Jade Shield with the first strike, but sensed it as he struck, and his body reacted first. Think about it—when he used ‘Autumn Wind Rises, White Clouds Fly,’ didn’t he use a shock force with the first strike?”

Mason Hall thought carefully, then suddenly understood. “That’s right! No wonder…”

“Such an opponent is truly interesting!”

The originally cold look in Olivia Hall’s eyes now showed a burning intensity. “To be so close to intent preceding action before the age of twenty—I’ve never met anyone like him before. I really want to fight him.”

“Then you’re sure to win. His spiritual energy is just too weak!”

Mason Hall shook his head. “As long as you use the spiritual pressure technique, even if he reaches the tenth battle realm and achieves unity of man and nature, he’s bound to lose.”

Olivia Hall didn’t comment, but looked again at the back of the girl beside David Bolton. She thought to herself, this person is bound to lose, but if he loses too easily, it won’t be any fun.

Chapter 0009: Profound Origin of Spirit Ascension

David Bolton and Emily Clark arrived at the East Courtyard dormitory neither early nor late, but when they got there, Matthew Cooper had also followed them. Previously, he hadn’t been able to make it in time due to the schedule, but as soon as his match ended, he started following them around like a shadow.