88 How Could That Be Me?

The geniuses on the Darkness Altar all had black fog—which seeped into their bodies—rising from beneath their feet.

Meanwhile, Ji Yuantong regained consciousness. Ji Yuantong’s gaze swept around him. Only nine people have been eliminated? His heart sank. I’m ranked 92nd out of a hundred people?

How proud was he?

He had been supercilious towards his peers since he was young. He couldn’t care less about his siblings. His family clan also nurtured him with all their might, hoping that the Ji family would produce another powerful Godfiend.

He had regarded Meng Chuan as his only competitor in Archean Mountain’s entrance examination. However, he was ranked near the bottom for the final assessment.

But following that, Princess Li Ying and Jin Huan—whose speed was second only to Meng Chuan—stopped at the 39th step.

“What?”

“The three of them stopped in succession.”

King East River and the others frowned slightly. Other than Yan Chitong, those with robust Godfiend foundations numbered ten. They were none other than Chu Yong, Yan Feng, Meng Chuan, Yan Jin, Zong Sha, Li Ying, Jin Huan, Ning Yibo, Dong Fang, and Ji Yuantong. Apart from Yan Feng having a fortuitous encounter, the rest were specially nurtured by their family clans.

Their cultivation realms and Godfiend foundations were extremely profound. Ji Yuantong had broken many people’s hearts after halting on the 17th step. Chu Yon had stopped at the 37th, while Li Ying and Jin Huan had stopped at the 39th step. Their results were below average. Soon, the brawny Dong Fang stopped at the 43rd step. He was considered average, ranking fiftieth.

“Out of the ten geniuses with robust Godfiend foundations, half of them are below the 50th step.” The Godfiends watched calmly. This was something they had expected. One’s Godfiend foundation and talent had nothing to do with willpower. Of the 100 geniuses, 61 didn’t reach the 50th step. It was normal if half of those—with strong Godfiend foundations—to fail to reach the 50th step. The ratio was expected.

…

Time passed.

The geniuses advanced up the altar step by step.

Fear and despair filled his heart.

Eventually, he was the only human alive on the battlefield! All his comrades lay dead as countless demons charged at him ferociously.

There was no hope! It was over!

How can this be me? So weak and so fearful! How can this be me?

An angry roar sounded in his heart.

He felt pure anger.

He was angry at his weakness, angry that this was all fake!

Even if I—Meng Chuan—were to die today, I’ll continue killing until I drop. If I can kill one demon, I’ll kill one. If I can kill ten, I’ll kill ten. Meng Chuan roared inwardly. I, Meng Chuan, will never fear demons! Even in death!

Meng Chuan’s will condensed, and he escaped the illusions. His perception of his body grew clearer. Meng Chuan regained some control over his mind, and his memories became much clearer.

He remembered that he was still walking on the Darkness Altar.

Continue walking. Remember Eastcalm Prefecture. Remember those weak civilians that used their bodies to block the demons for their children. Remember how Third Elder sacrificed himself for the young clansmen.

For generations, people have charged forward. I’m also one of them. How can I be afraid of demons? I once swore an oath to kill all demons! I’ll first sever my weakness and fear!

Meng Chuan’s will continued to condense as he continued climbing the altar.