C179 An Earthshattering Discovery!(3)

Despite the ever-changing landscape and the emergence of many top-tier geniuses, the public had faith that the team at A Lang Web had anticipated this, armed with ample data to back it up. Yet, they still favored Chu Yi as the frontrunner for the title of champion. It's clear just how much they admired him!

Initially, there may have been skeptics, but after the first day of the third stage of the assessment, those doubts transformed into profound admiration. Chu Yi's abilities were beyond the mere descriptor of "strong." To qualify for this third stage, one had to be at least a peak Silver-level genius, and there were plenty of Gold-Level prodigies as well. But who else stood out in the end, aside from Chu Yi?

Chu Yi was the sole genius capable of clashing with the Protector. No one had forgotten the Protector's rank—a Diamond-Level Great General! Even at the Elementary Diamond level, it's still Diamond. And Chu Yi's ability to battle on par with such a foe was proof of his near-Diamond-Level prowess. With such strength on a national platform...

"He's bound to be the champion!"

"I'm convinced that Chu Yi will be this year's Martial Examination champion!"

"Yes, I share that belief!"

The number of believers was growing. Chu Yi's prior performances had truly dazzled them...

...

"Chu Yi, what are you looking for?" Lee Zi had been trailing behind Chu Yi for quite a distance. She had expected today to be similar to yesterday, with Chu Yi holding the line and herself engaging in combat. But from the moment he woke up, Chu Yi had been relentlessly on the move, pausing briefly in various places before pressing on. If Chu Yi was hunting for Demonic Beasts, Lee Zi would have understood. But Chu Yi seemed to have no interest in fighting, even in the territories of the Gold-Level beasts, which puzzled Lee Zi. It was clear that Chu Yi was searching for something.

"Nothing, just taking a stroll," Chu Yi said, offering Lee Zi a gentle smile.

Just strolling? Lee Zi wasn't buying it. However, just as she was about to question him further, she caught Chu Yi casually gesturing towards the camera on his body. In that moment, Lee Zi had her revelation.

Chu Yi must have discovered something, as he was now actively searching for it. He spoke in hushed tones, wary of eavesdroppers.

Lee Zi's gaze flickered subtly. The rapport between them was unparalleled by others. With just a slight indication from Chu Yi, Lee Zi grasped the entire message.

She discreetly pulled out a piece of paper and scribbled something down where the cameras couldn't capture. Lee Zi wouldn't dare to read it openly; if she did, it would be as if everyone else had seen it too. So she stole only quick glances with her peripheral vision.

After reading, Lee Zi felt her heart stir. She had sensed that Chu Yi had stumbled upon something significant, but the content of the note still sent a wave of shock through her. Chu Yi had previously mentioned the Origin Substance to her.

The Origin Substance was, arguably, the ultimate treasure of the universe. This remarkable entity could transform the very essence of things, enabling true evolution!

Terrifying? Absolutely.

Indeed, the goal of all life is to elevate their realm, which fundamentally alters their essence. If one's essence could evolve, their power would naturally surge.

For instance, why were the Demonic Beasts stronger than humans at the Bronze Level? Chu Yi had clarified this to Lee Zi already, so she understood perfectly.

The Origin Substance, however, could alter your essence without the need to advance your own level. Hence, Chu Yi's designation of it as the foremost treasure was by no means an exaggeration.

Now, Chu Yi had revealed the presence of the Origin Substance here, possibly in great abundance, which made Lee Zi's eyes sparkle with anticipation. She trusted Chu Yi implicitly; his word was as good as gold.

With the knowledge of the Origin Substance's value, Lee Zi could hardly equate the government's rewards with its worth. Consequently, she dedicated the following days to aiding Chu Yi in his relentless quest.

Naturally, Lee Zi's interjection prompted Chu Yi to reconsider his approach. His method of searching was too conspicuous and could easily raise suspicions.

To circumvent any unforeseen complications, Chu Yi had already modified his strategy.

Although Chu Yi continued his search, it had evolved beyond mere searching.

He was simultaneously honing his skills and seeking out targets.

Yesterday, Chu Yi engaged in combat with Lee Zi solely to aid in her development.

As a result, the Gold Demonic Beasts they sought were all of comparable strength.

They were neither overwhelmingly powerful nor exceedingly weak.

Today, however, Chu Yi and Lee Zi were on a rampage!

They cut down any Gold Level Demonic Beast they encountered.

If they came across a beast of similar strength, Chu Yi would let Lee Zi handle it.

But when facing a top-tier Gold Demonic Beast that was beyond Lee Zi's capabilities or would take her too long to defeat, Chu Yi stepped in.

Indeed, the battles of the afternoon were not fought by Lee Zi alone.

Chu Yi had joined the fray.

Together, Chu Yi and Lee Zi had vanquished over ten Gold Level beasts!

To put it in perspective, Lee Zi had managed to defeat only four the previous day!

"He truly lives up to his reputation as a leading candidate for top scholar; he's definitely of that caliber!"

"If Chu Yi were to take them on by himself, he could probably slay at least twenty in one afternoon!"

In the end, Lee Zi had slain three Demonic Beasts, while Chu Yi had dispatched seven.

And yet, Chu Yi had spent far less time defeating his seven Gold Demonic Beasts than Lee Zi had with her three.

That was the measure of the gap between them.

Finally, as evening approached, Chu Yi came to a halt.

Lee Zi paused, a flicker of excitement passing through her eyes as she sensed something significant.

However, when she looked at Chu Yi, she noticed a certain gravity in his expression.

"This is..."

"A top-notch Demonic Beast..."