Library of Heaven’s Path 2: Eternal Destiny

Vol 2 ch 98: Kong Shiyao's Help

"So arrogant!"

The crowd collectively gasped when they heard Yan San-shisan declare he would challenge both the first and second-ranked on the Star River Potential List simultaneously.

"In a hurry? A hurry to die?"

Su Yunzhe's earlier smile vanished, replaced by a cold, grim expression. "Since you don't know your place, let me show you that your so-called talent is worthless before me!"

Fei Ling, equally displeased, strode forward with heavy steps.

Seeing his intent to act, the crowd quickly parted, leaving a large open space in the hall. Zhang Xuan and his group were pushed to the back amidst the commotion.

"What's with all the talk? Hurry up and get on with it! The Destiny Assessment will begin soon..." Yan San-shisan shook his head and stepped forward. Without any superfluous moves, he extended his right hand. His five fingers immediately covered a five-meter radius like crackling bolts of lightning.

Fei Ling, initially dismissive, could no longer afford to underestimate him. His expression tightened as he stepped forward with his signature move, the "Kui Xing Seal." The technique resembled an exquisite seal pressing down, symbolizing a bright and prosperous future.

Yan San-shisan's expression didn't change. His fingers flicked lightly, sending streaks of lightning-like energy slashing toward the Kui Xing Seal. At the same time, he stepped forward and struck down with his other hand in a seemingly crude but overwhelming motion, as if tearing the very fabric of the heavens and earth.

"You..."

Under the immense pressure of this move, Fei Ling's expression shifted. He dared not meet it head-on and hastily retreated. But no matter how fast he was, Yan San-shisan was faster. The energy radiating from his fingertips lashed like a whip.

Rip!

Fei Ling's robe was torn open, and with a muffled groan, he staggered back seven or eight steps, clearly at a disadvantage from just one strike.

"So this is the number one on the Star River Potential List? Not much of a challenge!" Yan San-shisan sneered. After forcing Fei Ling back with a single move, he turned to Su Yunzhe. "I told you to come at me together. Alone, neither of you can win!"

"Since you wish to die, I’ll oblige!"

Recognizing the opponent's unusual strength, Su Yunzhe growled coldly and stepped forward. Before he arrived, his folding fan had already darted forward, targeting several of Yan San-shisan's vital points. Beneath its obvious trajectory lay a hidden technique—a feint designed to exploit the opponent's lack of awareness and ensure a decisive advantage.

Yan San-shisan, seemingly unaware of the trap, bellowed loudly. Behind him, a Dharma Aspect materialized, its shadow merging with his body. He launched a punch devoid of technique but filled with raw, overwhelming power—999 horsepower.

The blast of energy surged forward like a tidal wave. Su Yunzhe, ready to execute his feint, found his technique utterly nullified in the face of such crushing might. It was like a surfer attempting to ride graceful waves only to be overwhelmed by a category 16 hurricane's tsunami. There was simply no contest.

Boom!

The air erupted with a resounding bang as Su Yunzhe groaned, staggering back over ten steps. Like Fei Ling, he couldn’t withstand even one strike.

With just two moves, Yan San-shisan defeated the top two on the Star River Potential List. Standing calmly, his breath steady, he left the crowd speechless. Everyone had anticipated his strength but never imagined it would be so overwhelming.

"Impressive indeed..."

Watching from the back, Zhang Xuan nodded subtly. "This guy is nearly as strong as I was before grasping the Pathos of Heaven's Fate."

"Together!"

Seeing that all eyes were fixed on this outsider, Fei Ling and Su Yunzhe exchanged a glance and stepped forward simultaneously, their pride taking a backseat to survival.

"The first and second-ranked teaming up to take on the third? Shameless!"Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Kong Shiyao snorted coldly, her voice brimming with disdain.

"Enough, it’s none of our business. Stay out of it!" Zhang Xuan frowned.

"Understood!"

Though Kong Shiyao fell silent, her words had already reverberated throughout the hall, turning the crowd’s gaze on Fei Ling and Su Yunzhe with disapproval.

The Star River Potential List was revered for showcasing young talent and courage. For the top two to gang up on the third simply to secure victory was disgraceful.

Fei Ling's face flushed red, then white. Unable to bear the shame, he cupped his hands and bowed. "Yan, your strength is formidable. I admit defeat and accept my loss wholeheartedly."

With that, he turned and left in embarrassment.

"I..."

Su Yunzhe was stunned by Fei Ling’s abrupt departure. Reflecting on Yan San-shisan's technique, he realized he, too, had no countermeasure and sighed deeply. "I am no match for you either."

He left as well.

What had been a volatile confrontation dissipated into nothingness thanks to a single remark from Kong Shiyao. All eyes turned toward her.

"Thank you!" Yan San-shisan also looked at Kong Shiyao and cupped his hands in gratitude.

"It’s nothing. I just don’t like shamelessness."

Kong Shiyao smiled faintly. As a descendant of Kong Shi, she had been raised with extraordinary talent and a strong sense of justice, and such behavior was the antithesis of her principles.

"Fair enough..." Yan San-shisan nodded. His gaze shifted to Zhang Xuan and the others, and he shook his head slightly. "Everyone here is hoping to pass the assessment. Typically, younger candidates have a better chance of success. Yet, the youngest among you looks over twenty. Your talent isn’t bad, but compared to mine, it’s a world apart."

After a moment's thought, he turned to Kong Shiyao. "You helped me out today. I’d feel uneasy if I didn’t repay you. During the Heaven's Fate Energy Tide later, stay behind me. I’ll help you find a suitable fate as repayment."

"No need. I’ll stay with my teacher; he’ll protect us," Kong Shiyao replied with a shake of her head.

"Teacher?"

Yan San-shisan looked at the group, puzzled, unable to identify someone who fit the role.

"I’m her teacher," Zhang Xuan said with a smile.

"You?"

Yan San-shisan studied the calm young man before him. Though Zhang Xuan’s cultivation was unclear, his composure and demeanor hinted at hidden depths. Yan nodded without comment.

At that moment, an elder strode into the hall, his voice loud and clear. "The Destiny Assessment begins now. Groups of ten will enter to endure the Heaven's Fate Energy Tide and receive the baptism. Everyone has their own destiny. Grasp the one most suited to you for success. Outside the Tide Chamber, the stone tablet will display the results. If your name lights up in red, it means you’ve succeeded. Otherwise, it won’t appear. The mental pressure during the energy tide is immense. Persist if you can, but leave immediately if you can’t to avoid long-term damage."

"Yes!"

The crowd responded in unison.

Zhang Xuan, having studied this process in advance, had briefed his group, who all nodded in understanding.

"Let’s begin. First group, step forward as I call your names: You Menghua, Lu Jiaxi, Deng Xiangyu..."

Ten people moved into the chamber, ranging in age from under twenty to their early thirties. After a brief period, the stone tablet outside emitted a red glow, revealing a single name—Deng Xiangyu!

When the group exited, all ten appeared pale and drained. Only one had succeeded.

"One success out of ten?" Zhang Xuan was mildly surprised. He had known becoming a Destiny Master was challenging but hadn’t expected the odds to be so low.

Three more groups followed, and only two more succeeded, making it three out of forty—less than ten percent. These were elites chosen from the best, yet success remained elusive.

"Next group: Yan San-shisan, He Mingsheng..."

The elder read off names until his tone turned perplexed. "Huang Sisi? Zhang Dao Li? Kong Shiyao...?"

The names were peculiar, especially "Huang Sisi" and "Dao Li," which sounded like a joke.

His confusion deepened when a small yellow chick strode out from the crowd, its wings crossed and chest puffed indignantly. A token dangled from its neck.

"You’re... Huang Sisi?"

The elder rubbed his eyes, astonished. Just as he was about to speak, a horse in the corner neighed and revealed a similar token around its neck.

"You’re here for the assessment too?"

The elder was utterly dumbfounded.

The elder’s shock was evident as he glanced between the small yellow chick and the horse.

Author's Note