"Fire as punishment, lightning as judgment, the heart is the will of heaven, anger is heavenly majesty..."
In the private box, Chong Jingtian and the other two seated themselves, currently digesting the information they had just learned.
However, there was not much sense of relief in their expressions; instead, it added a few more traces of anxiety.
"To gain recognition or even be chosen, it is best to have held a fire element class and its variants, a lightning element class and its lightning variants, and it's best if they were top-tier classes..."
The one speaking was Jiang Shumo. Leaning back in his seat, his fingers tapped rhythmically, making a thump-thump-thump sound. His brows were slightly furrowed:
"Just these alone require at least four tiers as a foundation. High-tier class requirements are very difficult. Being able to complete them during the lower tiers is best."
"The troublesome part is that there is only one chance. If the spirituality does not acknowledge you, even if you make preparations later, there is no second chance. It's simply..." Jiang Shumo couldn't help shaking his head, not expecting it to be so complex.
These were not actual class requirements; they could only increase the probability of gaining recognition or becoming the Chosen One.
"The probability of men gaining recognition is higher than that of women." A strange look appeared on You Shan's face. "What is this? Does the spirituality also have gender discrimination?"
Chong Jingtian shook his head: "Some fiercely strong-yang classes are innately unsuitable for women to take on. The Crimson Flame Responding Thunder Great Exaltedâone thought of crimson flame burns the firmament, one thought of wrathful thunder tears the sky."
"Just hearing the name, it's fierce and domineering. Leaning towards males is also understandable."
You Shan looked thoughtful. She wasn't actually dissatisfied because of this; she was just deducing the truthfulness of the information.
"Wu Chenpei said that one also has to gain recognition before the age of thirty. But as to why there's an age requirement, he couldn't explain the reason for it either."
"Before the age of thirty, practically confines it to only 4th-tier professionals."
Jiang Shumo pondered and shook his head: "He also said at the end that this information was inferred by Yuandu and there is no solid proof. Moreover, exactly how much of it is true and how much is false is hard to say."
"What he said actually sounds reasonable," Chong Jingtian countered, his eyes flickering. "According to what those three people from the Royal Court said at the time, a Morning Star Tier class is a convergence of the will of all spirits, and will only be born on planets with numerous living beings and considerable power."
"Deducing from this, his final pointâthat only native residents of Crimson Thunder Planet can gain recognitionâalso makes logical sense."
The three fell silent for a moment before You Shan broke the quiet, "Then does Su Chen have a chance?"
"Hmm..." Chong Jingtian thought briefly. "Besides the class requirements, he satisfies the other conditions, but these only increase the probability."
"Wu Chenpei also said the higher the talent, the better. He was already hinting that even if Su Chen defeated Hong Xuan and his strength is slightly superior at the same tier, his talent ultimately falls short."
"Su Chen focuses on wind and thunder. He still has the opportunity to incorporate a fire element class later, so that's not a problem," You Shan considered. "It's just this talent... is it possible to raise it a bit higher for him?"
Su Chen defeating Hong Xuan allowed the three of them to see hope, but the gap in hardware still existed. The preparations Yuandu made to let Hong Xuan gain recognition couldn't be leveled out in a short time.
Chong Jingtian nodded: "The only things capable of raising talent are those few classes obtained from the Ruins. Su Chen has likely already taken on all the ones he could. The Class Decoding Department recently acquired the Spirit Adept controlled by Yuandu; perhaps we can try that."
You Shan asked, "But he is still at the 3rd tier. Is there not enough time to wait for him to advance to the 4th tier?"
Chong Jingtian frowned: "I have already contacted Lieyang and Tianqing. We will drag this out until Su Chen advances to the 4th tier. With his speed, factoring in the class requirements, if he doesn't strive for a top-tier class, it'll take one year at most."
Now that there was hope, he had to let Su Chen try no matter what, otherwise he wouldn't be resigned to it.
"Not letting him strive for a top-tier class?" You Shan sighed. "That's tough on him."
Chong Jingtian couldn't help but explain, "It's not that I won't let him; it seems he himself isn't preparing to seek a top-tier class."
Hearing their conversation, Jiang Shumo hesitated for a moment before saying, "There is another problem. Su Chen is a survivor of Yashan City."
"Back then, Yashan was corrupted by the Evil God Cults. An order from the Council of Elders caused at least tens of thousands of innocent people to suffer, and hundreds of thousands were forced to migrate to other cities as refugees."
"Among the people affected, it's hard to say whether Su Chen's parents and family were involved."
"Su Chen is a survivor of Yashan?" You Shan's expression turned subtle. She truly didn't know about this.
Chong Jingtian, naturally, had known about this for a long time. There was no change in his expression. "The Council of Elders' order was beyond reproach. Our immediate trouble is the Holy Banquet; it's a matter of life and death."
"In the event that Su Chen truly replaces Hong Xuan and becomes someone valued by the Royal Court, if he wishes to seek revenge at that time, let him be."
Compared to Hong Xuan, someone from Yuandu, Chong Jingtian leaned towards Su Chen no matter what.
You Shan responded, "Su Chen's personality is not extreme. Yuan Chenyang's recognition of his worth, Xia Hanshi's protection, and the Adjudication Court's cultivationâI imagine he will keep all of this in his heart."
You Shan had stayed in the Adjudication Court all this time. Her student, Ming Lin, also had a good relationship with Su Chen and she often heard Ming Lin mention him. Her impression of Su Chen was quite good.
Jiang Shumo said no more. Bringing this up was merely dictated by his cautious nature.
Since he could investigate the origins of Su Chen's identity, he could naturally also investigate everything that happened in Nanfeng City. It could be said that everyone related to Su Chen had 'risen to the heavens upon a dog or a chicken's ascension'âmeaning they prospered together.
Knowing that Su Chen was not an ungrateful person, even though he had found out earlier that Su Chen was a survivor of Yashan Town, he had not mentioned it much. Raising it now was merely due to his naturally cautious character.
As they were speaking, the three of them shifted their gazes and looked toward the door. Not long after, a knock sounded.
"Come in," Chong Jingtian called out loudly.
Su Chen pushed the door open, entering and greeting them one by one: "Chief, Chief Inquisitor You, Chief Inquisitor Jiang..."
"You did very well." The color on Chong Jingtian's face was vastly better compared to when Hong Xuan was standing outside the door. He nodded in praise:
"You hid your strength quite deeply. Ordinary 4th-tier professionals are no longer your match. If it weren't for this incident, we wouldn't have even known."
Chong Jingtian inquired with considerable curiosity, "Just how many special classes have you taken on?"
Some special classes could be recognized at a glance, while others could not.
However, with his broad horizons, during Su Chen's battle, the operation of the energy on Su Chen's body, and the aura that suddenly weakened and then surged back stronger...
As well as that powerful burst that far exceeded the 3rd tier, all of it allowed him to deduce quite a few clues.
"Uh... Teacher wouldn't let me say." Su Chen revealed a troubled expression, tossing the blame back onto Old Xia again.
"This Xia Hanshi..." Chong Jingtian snorted coldly, but he did not press the issue aggressively. He was simply curious.
Changing the subject, he added: "Chief Inquisitor Jiang will be departing soon. The pure Eye of the Thunder God you need will be fetched for you very shortly."
Eh??
Jiang Shumo looked blankly at Chong Jingtian, but as soon as his brain worked it out, he knew what was going on.
In front of Su Chen, he naturally couldn't slap away Chong Jingtian's face, so he could only reply: "Yes, I will be departing soon."
This kind of matter wasn't troublesome; it was merely a waste of time.
"Many thanks to the Chief, and many thanks to Chief Inquisitor Jiang." Su Chen first strictly responded according to proper etiquette, then revealed a curious look. "Chief, what did that Holy Envoy mean earlier when he said, 'Accept defeat gracefully in a bet'?"
Hearing his inquiry, Chong Jingtian let out a laugh. "And here I thought you squatted in your residence all day and didn't have any curiosity."
Su Chen smiled bashfully, remaining silent.
"About this matter..." Chong Jingtian pondered for a moment. He didn't answer directly, and instead said, "I heard from Old Pu that you've always been extremely curious about that incomplete stone slab."
Su Chen's heart jumped. Before he could respond, he heard Chong Jingtian continue, "It should have been Old Xia who told you, right? Because recorded on that stone slab is a legendary class."
Su Chen had a guess in his heart: "Did your bet with that Holy Envoy involve that stone slab?"
"Correct." Chong Jingtian nodded. "We already know its name is Crimson Flame Responding Thunder Great Exalted."
They know the name?
Su Chen was surprised. If they knew that much, it turns out that Yuandu had actually grasped a considerable amount of information.
Thinking this, he revealed a contemplative expression. "The name sounds like it has a very deep relationship with the deity that Yuandu worships."
"Indeed..." Chong Jingtian's face turned cold. "We bet on whether Hong Xuan could continue winning. If Yuandu won, we would give them the Saint class. If we won, he had to tell us the related information."
"Then you already know it?" Curiosity rose in Su Chen as he showed a probing look.
"Yes." Chong Jingtian hesitated for a moment, then without the slightest concealment, he plainly told Su Chen the information he had just learned.
"Talent, professional foundation, gender, age... and even having only one chance..." Su Chen was also surprised after hearing it all. After all, these weren't class ascension requirements, but merely the prerequisites to gain recognition.
"Can recognition only be gained through the stone slab?" he asked again.
"Naturally. The important part isn't the stone slab itself, but the spirituality residing upon it," Chong Jingtian emphasized.
"I see..." Su Chen muttered in his heart, feeling even more uncertain about whether he actually counted as being 'recognized'.
He was even more unsure if, aside from learning the class information, there were any other abnormal phenomena associated with gaining recognition.
Even if he wasn't technically recognized, as long as he knew the class information, with the might of his panel, taking on the class after satisfying the requirements would definitely be no problem, right?
"It is the Morning Star tier, after all." Chong Jingtian paid no mind to his surprise. "Do you have confidence?"
"Confidence?" Su Chen paused for a moment, then understood. "Are you asking me to try and gain recognition?"
Chong Jingtian nodded. "Old Pu had originally agreed to let you take a look at it once you reached the 4th-tier, but he didn't harbor much hope."
Su Chen did not voice any opinions on this. If he didn't account for his panel, he also felt it would be extremely difficult for him to gain recognition.
As for the matter that he had already obtained a piece of class information, it wasn't that he was deliberately hiding it. First off, this matter was impossible to explain.
The spirituality only existed on the stone slab. He hadn't even seen the stone slab, so how could he have gained recognition?
Furthermore, he didn't know if gaining recognition came with other powers. If the time came and his situation didn't match what Yuandu described, making a fool of himself would be a minor issue, but losing their trust would be a major one.
Moreover, the 4th tier was right before his eyes. When the time came, he would be able to directly face the stone slab. He could see what the situation was then before considering his next move; it wouldn't be too late.
Chong Jingtian then inquired: "I looked at the records. The classes you selected for the 4th-tier are Calamity Walker and Law Envoy. Do you want to try switching them and add a fire element class?"
Switching?
Stop joking around. Su Chen felt resistant in his heart. He had already poured resources into them, and the class ascension requirements for both classes were almost fully completed.
"Chief..."
Before he could finish speaking, Jiang Shumo interjected, "Changing classes isn't something that can be done with just a word. Besides, even if he temporarily adds a fire element, how much will that actually increase the probability?"
Hearing this, Chong Jingtian fell silent for a moment, then shook his head. "It seems I was being impatient. Just stick to your original plan."
Su Chen let out a sigh of relief and said, "I appreciate the Chief's intentions."
Chong Jingtian then brought up another point: "The talent-enhancing classes, Sage and Scholar, have you taken on both of them?"
Su Chen's heart stirred faintly. He nodded and said, "Under my teacher's guidance, I barely managed to succeed."
No matter what the issue was, throw it to Old Xia first. If you have opinions or suspicions, go ask Xia Hanshi first.
"Unsurprisingly, your original talent should have been Red Gold. Only after taking those on did you barely reach Ink Jade." Chong Jingtian nodded. "The requirements for the Saint are too harsh, let's not mention that for now. As for the Spirit Adept controlled by Yuandu, Pu Zhenghong said you are already aware of it."
Could it be... Hearing Chong Jingtian bring this matter up proactively, a certain guess surfaced in Su Chen's heart. He immediately revealed a bitter smile and said, "I know about it, but the requirements are far too difficult. I tried entering the Nether Realm a few times, but came back empty-handed."
"That Essence of Spirituality is just too hard to find."
"Essence of Spirituality?" You Shan looked over in astonishment. "It actually requires that thing? The vastness of the Nether Realm is unimaginable. As soon as the Essence of Spirituality is born, it gets devoured by the nearest Nether Realm creature."
"But Yuandu must have successfully let Hong Xuan take on the class." Chong Jingtian lowered his head in thought. "They must have a method to find the Essence of Spirituality."
Right... exactly, this is the thought process. Su Chen speculated in his heart, could it be that Old Chong wants to help me fetch it?
"What do you mean?" Jiang Shumo also caught the underlying meaning in Chong Jingtian's words.
Chong Jingtian said tepidly, "Since they covet the Saint class, we will use the Saint as a condition for an exchange, to see if they still have any Essence of Spirituality left."
"An exchange?" Jiang Shumo frowned. "The fact that Wu Chenpei wants it so badly indicates that the Saint is extremely important to them. Is a trade really..."
Strictly speaking, the two sides couldn't be considered enemies, but under the current circumstances, whatever the other party wanted was exactly what they ought to obstruct.
"Our disadvantage is too great..." Chong Jingtian shook his head, having his own considerations. "The requirements for the Saint class are extremely harsh. Even if we give it to them, Yuandu probably won't be able to figure out a way to force or barely manage the ascension in the short term."
"Even if they do figure it out in the short term, it would merely raise Hong Xuan's probability of recognition by another margin. Even if it goes from ninety percent to a hundred percent, the difference isn't that big."
"But we can raise Su Chen's probability from zero percent to ten or twenty percent. Although there can only be one Chosen One, the number of people who can gain recognition is not limited to one."
After hearing this, Jiang Shumo looked thoughtful. "What you're saying makes sense."
This trade with Hong Xuan would do nothing more than stack advantages for him, yet it might give Su Chen the chance to be recognized. For them, it could be considered a profitable exchange.
They actually want to fetch it for me?
Hearing their conversation and verifying his own guess, Su Chen's first reaction wasn't the pleasant surprise of reaping without sowing, but rather growing suspicion.
It looked like they were too anxious, which made it a little hard for Su Chen to figure out.
Gaining recognition, and even becoming the Chosen One, sounded quite impressive.
But the problem was that the Morning Star tier was placed entirely after the 8th-tier. Wasn't that a bit too far away from his current standing? Was there a need to be this anxious?
Although he paid quite a bit of attention to that stone slab, it was mostly out of curiosity. If one were to talk about urgency, he truly didn't have much.
Thinking about it this way, Su Chen really did sense that something wasn't quite right.
Yuandu seemed to be acting very urgent as well.
(End of this chapter)