Floating Island - Triple S Talent

After the meal ended, people returned to their respective places. However, some curious officials chose to leave their residences, eager to witness the battles up close.

In the direct Tier-2 duel area, Meng Hao floated in the air, his sharp gaze sweeping over the thousands of battle platforms below. For a moment, a frown appeared on his forehead as he observed the details of the ongoing fights.

"How is it possible for them to have high-tier weapons at their level? Are they really that wealthy?" he muttered, finding it hard to believe what he was seeing.

Mid-tier weapons, usually considered rare treasures for fighters at their realm, were being used casually by nearly every Tier-2 participant here. No one fought with bare hands or worn-out weapons. Everyone appeared well-equipped, as if they came from great clans or had exceptional financial backing.

"No wonder the Guardians were willing to halt the entire annual event for this competition," he murmured lightly, a glimmer of understanding flashing in his eyes.

He glanced at a sheet of paper in his hand, where the numbers of the remaining participants were listed. The third selection round was in progress.

In the alchemy duel environment, Hua Ling sat gracefully on the highest platform, observing the alchemists busily concocting their medicines. The vast arena buzzed with activity as participants carefully processed ingredients and controlled energy during the pill-making process.

Hua Ling's sharp gaze locked onto a silver-haired elf girl concentrating in the corner of the arena. Her slender fingers moved swiftly, carefully adjusting the energy to maintain the balance of the potion within her alchemy cauldron. Sweat trickled down her forehead, her teeth clenched—she endured the pressure, unwilling to give up before perfecting her concoction.

"A tenacious girl," Hua Ling commented softly, a slight glint in her eyes.

However, her attention was soon drawn elsewhere. A man in luxurious robes stood confidently, his hands hovering in the air, precisely manipulating the potion's energy. But what caught her attention was not just his skill—it was the faintly engraved rune symbol on his alchemy cauldron.

Hua Ling scoffed softly. "Tch… I should have added a rule that prohibits the use of runes," she muttered in half-annoyance.

Suddenly, a voice broke her focus. "Madam Hua, I have completed my concoction!"

A participant called out eagerly from a nearby platform. Hua Ling shifted her gaze and, with a casual motion, waved her hand. The participant's pill floated gently toward her.

On a jade plate, five blue pills gleamed with a lustrous sheen. Their surfaces were so smooth that they reflected Hua Ling's face.

She picked up one pill with her slender fingers, observing it briefly before nodding slightly. "Good… You pass to the next round."

In alchemy duels, unlike blacksmithing, where rune engravings had to be perfected in a single breath, success in pill-making had a simple requirement—as long as the pill didn't break or explode during the process, the participant would advance to the next stage.

While the other participants remained engrossed in their ingredients, Hua Ling leaned back once more, enjoying the sight of the arena. She knew the next round would be far more challenging, and only those with true talent would endure. Stay updated via My Virtual Library Empire

Far from the Tree of Life Resources, atop a towering mountain, a special duel for master and grandmaster-level combatants was about to begin.

In the middle of a vast field, the core members of the World Market Trade Alliance had gathered alongside participants from the Cui race and the Forest Elf race. They stood in an orderly formation, their eyes filled with anticipation and determination. Before them stood three figures exuding immense authority: Aleron, Lein, and Tauriel.

"Lord Lein, Lady Tauriel… I will take the lead," Aleron said respectfully.

After receiving their approving nods, Aleron leaped into the center of the field. His steps were firm, his powerful aura radiating naturally, sending a ripple through those around him. His arrogance had lessened significantly since meeting Lein, yet his charisma and commanding presence remained undeniable.

His sharp eyes swept over the participants. He paused for a moment, letting the silence linger, creating a tension that made everyone hold their breath.

"I thank you all for coming and participating in this duel." His voice was calm yet carried an undeniable force.

Some of the older participants, despite their extensive battle experience, stood in alert postures. They were not merely seeking a challenge—Lein's promised reward was something they could not ignore.

Aleron took a deep breath before continuing, "I know you all desire this prize, but I must warn you that the dangers within the Trial Realm are immense."

His gaze deepened, exerting an invisible pressure on those listening.

"More than that, if you fail to complete the trial within two days, you will be trapped there forever. You will not be able to escape until the portal reopens at its designated time."

As he spoke, Aleron raised his hand and retrieved several runes from his spatial ring. Twelve golden runes floated into the air, slowly rotating like tiny stars dancing in the night sky.

"This Trial Realm is the Hell of the Dead Mountain," he continued, his voice lower but filled with unwavering resolve. "I obtained it during an inter-realm battle against the Undead Elves and Ancient Giants."

While speaking, he channeled energy into the runes. Their glow intensified, forming intricate patterns in the air, radiating an aura so powerful that the surrounding air began to tremble.

After ensuring the energy had reached its optimal point, Aleron produced a small vial containing a thick, crimson liquid. With practiced movements, he poured the liquid onto each rune, causing them to glow even more intensely, as if absorbing strength from the essence.

"Lord Lein, Lady Tauriel… Please stand guard."

His words were light, yet carried significant weight. Aleron then began the main ritual to open the portal, and immediately, the surrounding energy started to surge.

The sky above them trembled, and in the middle of the field, a vortex of light began to form—The sky was splitting open.