Counterattack System appeared when I'm already At The Mahayana Realm

Chapter 772: Side Story: The First Human Emperor Candidate Test

In the Nine Provinces, in front of the Nameless Secret Realm, cultivators trickle in one after another.

If one were to closely observe, they would discover that the cultivators heading for this place are all exceptionally gifted and talented individuals. Despite their young age, they are far more advanced in their cultivation than their peers.

These gifted and talented individuals look at each other cautiously, each viewing the others as future competitors. Only by defeating everyone else can they succeed the Human Emperor and become the next Emperor.

“Ghost Moving Mountain, the closed-door disciple of the Corpse-Driving Sect Master, Elder Sister Meng Youyou of the Union Sect, and Xuanyuan Gang, who, like Sword Lord, also possesses the Spirital Root… all familiar faces.”

The talented individuals were quickly able to identify the others’ identities. Each one of them is famous among their peers, boasting unique skills, more than enough to stand out among their generation.

They slightly straighten their chests, confident in their ability to defeat all opponents and become the 72nd Human Emperor.

A white-robed young man with a noble bearing strides onto the scene, a sword tied to his waist. His arrival prompts the surrounding cultivators to gather around.

“Quickly, look! That’s Bai Hongtu from the Dao Sect. I knew he would definitely be among the candidates for the Human Emperor!”

“I’ve heard that he is said to be the most outstanding talent of the Dao Sect in nine thousand years, excelling in formation, alchemy, and artifact refining. And in Sword Dao, no-one can match him. Not long ago, he stood out in the Sword Lord’s Sword Tomb, sitting quietly there for three days. When he stood up, his eyes shot out golden light, his sword qi reached thirty thousand miles, and six out of eighteen steles were cut off. Even Xuanyuan Gang had to yield to him!”

Bai Hongtu carries an air of nobility with a confident smile gracing his face. His glowing aura makes him a beloved figure among female cultivators, truly worthy of the title of the most outstanding talent in the Dao Sect.

Soon, another aloof female cultivator arrives and quickly draws the crowd’s attention.

However, many who wanted to build a relationship with her were put off by her aloof and unapproachable presence.

Bai Hongtu and the aloof female cultivator nod at each other in greeting.

“That must be Yu Yin, the Crown Princess Consort of the Tianyuan Royal Family. I’ve heard that within the territory of the Tianyuan Emperor Dynasty, no one of her generation could match her. Even when confronting the elder generation, she has won numerous times!”

Upon hearing the discussion about her, Yu Yin shot a cold glance at the speaker, who immediately fell silent.

“Yu Yin, you’re still as indifferent as ever. Be careful, or you will have no friends left.” A young man with an unfamiliar face arrived, just in time to witness this scene. He laughed and spoke.

Most people were unfamiliar with him: “Who is he? Do you guys know him?”

“Never seen him before. However, to become a candidate for the Human Emperor, his talent is unquestionable. His unfamiliarity could be due to two possibilities: either he is some faction’s hidden disciple, or he is a loose cultivator. The latter would be harder to deal with.”

Yu Yin was not surprised by the unfamiliar young man’s arrival. “Jiang Li, you’re also a candidate for the Human Emperor as expected.”

Jiang Li said with a smile, “The earth pulse likes me.”

“Jiang Li? I remember that name. I heard that he was the best graduate of the Great Zhou Dynasty Family Academy. After graduation, many organizations wanted to recruit him, but he rejected them with the excuse of travel. It’s unclear where he went after that.”

“It seems that he also visited the Sword Tomb when it was opened.”

“Could he be a sword cultivator as well?”

“Highly likely. Sword cultivators are hard to deal with in close combat, so be careful.”

Jiang Li turned his head to see Bai Hongtu and enthusiastically greeted him, “Old Bai, even someone of your level got in?”

Upon seeing Jiang Li, Bai Hongtu walked over, responding with the same enthusiasm, “Once I become the Human Emperor, I will surely promote you to be a commander.”

The two laughed heartily. Yu Yin was a bit puzzled, unable to figure out whether they had a good or bad relationship, “You guys know each other?”

“Of course, a while ago, during the opening of the Sword Tomb, I also went to see the excitement, that’s when I met Old Bai. Old Bai, this is Yu Yin, also a friend I met in the Secret Realm.”

“I know Yu Yin, the gifted cultivator from the Tianyuan Emperor Dynasty. Nice to meet you.” With Jiang Li there, Bai Hongtu’s greeting to Yu Yin no longer felt as formal as their initial head nod.

Yu Yin was a little unaccustomed to the enthusiastic Bai Hongtu.

“You were at the Golden Core Stage during the opening of the Sword Tomb, now you’re at the Nascent Soul Stage. Your cultivation speed is quite fast.” Bai Hongtu sized up Jiang Li. One of the conditions to becoming a Human Emperor candidate was reaching the Nascent Soul Stage.

“It’s amazing that you also became a Human Emperor candidate. Don’t waste your talent. After the test is over, I will recommend you to my master, and see if you can study for a while at the Dao Sect.”

Jiang Li was greatly moved, “Thank you.”

Bai Hongtu waved his hand, “Showing respect to the wise and talented is the right thing to do.”

“Get lost!”

Yu Yin spoke earnestly, “I had been thoughtless. You helped me in the Secret Realm, so I owe you a favor. If you need it, I can make a copy of the explosive cultivation techniques of the Tianyuan Royal Family for you.”

In the Secret Realm, Yu Yin had seen Jiang Li’s extraordinary combat power and forgotten that he was a loose cultivator, lacking a sect and cultivation techniques. After hearing Bai Hongtu’s words, she realized her mistake.

“They’re not secrets that are not to be divulged, right?” Jiang Li asked cautiously.

“Don’t ask too many questions.”

“All three of you know each other?” Another voice rang out. It was the last candidate for the Human Emperor, Ji Zhi.

Jiang Li shot Ji Zhi a look: “Using the Trice Eyes to gaze into the future, you’re always here before our teacher.”

As soon as Ji Zhi arrived, a kindly old man appeared in the air.

Everyone bowed and shouted in unison, “Greetings, Human Emperor.”

The 71st Human Emperor, Lu Yu.

Lu Yu beamed at those who had just been chosen as candidates for Emperor, very contented.

They are all the future of Jiuzhou.

“The reason I gathered everyone here today has no deeper meaning. Firstly, to introduce one another. To become the Human Emperor, you must pass many tests, so you all definitely need to interact with each other more.”

“Secondly, to test your abilities. The secret realm before you is a Nameless Secret Realm I stumbled upon by accident. Later, I will give each of you three wooden tokens that you may compete for. You can take a token each time you win. Whoever gets the most tokens is the victor.”

Everyone discovered three small wooden tokens appeared on their waists, which could not be placed in the Storage Ring.

The others went into the Nameless Secret Realm one after another, while Jiang Li’s group was the last to enter.

Before entering, the four were held back by Lu Yu.

“Jiang Li, do well.”

A year ago, while traveling in the Martial Emperor Dynasty, Jiang Li encountered a disciple of the Qingtian Sect who was bullying the weak. They argued, and by chance they met Lu Yu, who was visiting incognito.

Lu Yu appreciated Jiang Li very much. Later, the two ate noodles together on the street, and Jiang Li even gave him some garlic cloves.

“Bai Hongtu, the Immortal has mentioned you to me, saying that if the Immortal Ladder still existed, you might become the second Dao ancestor.”

There was another sentence that Lu Yu didn’t say, that the Immortal had told him that if he found Bai Hongtu displeasing, he could strike him, and the Dao Sect would not object.

Lu Yu found this strange. He found Bai Hongtu quite pleasing to the eye, and he didn’t know why the Immortal would say this.

“Yu Yin, I have understood your background. The Imperial Palace can help you sever ties with the Tianyuan Royal Family.”

“Thank you for your kindness, Lu Yu. I can handle this matter myself.”

“Ji Zhi, your father told me that the power of your Trice Eyes is too strong to test your true level, so he suggested that you only use them during combat.”

“Yes.”

After saying a few words, Lu Yu let the four enter the secret realm.

The secret realm was vast, with lakes, forests, and mountains. Once entered, it was hard to find one’s trace again.

“It seems like a secret realm left by a Transcendance Tribulation Stage or Immortal. It’s been too long, even the original function of the secret realm has disappeared.”

Ji Zhi analyzed, “To obtain the wooden tokens, we inevitably have to fight. The terrain of the secret realm is complex, and once we start fighting, it tests our ability to respond on the spot.”

Without saying a word, Yu Yin rushed straight into the thicket, disappearing from sight. Soon, the sound of battle came from that direction.

“I’ll make a move first.” Ji Zhi realized the urgency of time, and vanished from sight.

“We were initially planning on teaming up, but in the blink of an eye, everyone was gone?” Jiang Li was a bit dissatisfied, seeing no team spirit at all.

“Do you have a plan?” Bai Hongtu asked.

Jiang Li shared his plan and Bai Hongtu nodded frequently, finding it to his liking.

Soon, Jiang Li and Bai Hongtu also decided to act separately in seeking other people’s tokens.

From time to time, battles occurred within the secret realm. The cultivation level of all Emperor candidates was suppressed at the initial stage of the Nascent Soul by Lu Yu. But when it came to real combat, each of them exhibited strength far surpassing the initial stage of the Nascent Soul.

Most notable was Yu Yin’s savage fighting. Whenever he came face to face with someone, regardless of who they were, he chose to fight. After winning three consecutive battles, people chose to avoid his aura, not wanting to waste energy on Yu Yin – it was not worth it.

“Xuanyuan Gang, we meet again. Let me see how much skill you’ve picked up from the sword lord.” Bai Hongtu brandished his sword and chuckled lightly. Already five tokens were hanging around his waist.

In just half an hour, Bai Hongtu had grabbed two tokens.

Xuanyuan Gang faced him gravely. With a natural talent for the Sword Dao, he had always thought himself unparalleled, but after the battle at the Sword Lord’s Tomb, he realized there were mountains beyond mountains.

The reputation of the Dao Sect was well deserved!

“Let’s fight!”

The two Sword Dao cultivators engaged in a great battle amidst the dense forest, uprooting trees along the way. Bai Hongtu held an edge in skill, defeating Xuanyuan Gang again and taking away a token.

Bai Hongtu faced his opponents with his swordsmanship, even defeating the legendary Xuanyuan Gang from the Sword Pavilion and grabbing a token from him.

“See you later.”

Bai Hongtu hurried to the anticipated rendezvous point.

“So you are Jiang Li? Nothing but a fame earned from cramming, you should obedient… Don’t you dare hit my storage ring, do you have any idea how many spirit stones I spent to buy it from Mount Sumeru… My token!”

“Fight honorably, and don’t hit the storage ring… Don’t steal the token!”

“Wait, I shouldn’t have hung the storage ring on my chest… Don’t you know the difference between men and women!”

Jiang Li’s process of robbing the token was very smooth, the only problem was that it aroused too much emotion from people.

They had never seen such a shameless tactic. Attacking the position of the storage ring without saying a word, seizing the token while they were preoccupied with the storage ring.

Jiang Li’s actions provoked public anger. One victim after another followed Jiang Li.

“Catch up, don’t let this jerk escape!”

Jiang Li was running for his life. Looking back at the momentum of the mob, Jiang Li suspected that if he was the slightest bit slower, he would be pinned to the ground and hammered by his pursuers.

Fortunately, Jiang Li had plenty of experience with being chased and wouldn’t be caught.

“This jerk can really run. Let’s split up and surround him. I, from the Union Sect, have a secret method that can prevent us from being detected when we communicate over short distances!” Union Sect elder sister Meng Youyou commanded the other victims.

The crowd thought Meng Youyou’s idea made sense, and they dispersed to form a circle of encirclement.

The encirclement gradually narrowed, and finally surrounded a lake, which was the rendezvous point for Bai Hongtu and Jiang Li.

“Should we go in?”

“Bai Hongtu is there. Let’s wait and listen to what they’re saying.”

In terms of fame, Bai Hongtu is definitely the most famous candidate for Human Emperor. Tao Sect is the strongest among all sects, it goes without saying how prestigious its members are.

…

“Thankfully I run fast, otherwise I would have been caught.” Jiang Li breathlessly said, being chased by top-tier talents naturally required him to exert his utmost efforts.

“Tsk tsk, your popularity really is not good.”

“Enough talking, how many tokens have you gotten?”

Bai Hongtu triumphantly took a few tokens out of his bosom: “When it comes to the number of tokens, you certainly can’t beat me… Eh, it fell into the lake!”

Without much caution, a token slipped out of his hand and fell into the lake. Just as Bai Hongtu was about to jump into the lake to retrieve it, an anomaly occurred.

Waves rippled across the calm lake’s surface, and it was as if a golden fountain burst forth, carrying two tokens up.

“Why are there two!” Bai Hongtu was very surprised.

Jiang Li arched his eyebrows: “Did you accidentally drop two inside?”

That being said, Jiang Li also tossed in a token, a miracle appeared again, the golden fountain once again hold up two tokens.

Jiang Li pondered for a moment and suddenly looked up and exclaimed: “The golden fountain sprays, all things are in pairs, could this be the Treasure Gathering Lake left over from an ancient legend?”

Bai Hongtu was taken aback, but then a moment of realization dawned on him: “I remember now, the Taoist Scripture Library has a book called ‘Celestial World Anecdotes’ which records the strange and miraculous events of the Immortal Realm. There was an Earth Immortal who achieved immortality through wealth, named Wealth Gathering Immortal. His treasure pot could duplicate all things, which is very strange.”

“Wealth Gathering Immortal was an immortal from 160,000 years ago who laid to rest 60,000 years ago. If he left this secret territory, it’s only normal that it would become desolate after 60,000 years.”

Jiang Li nodded: “After all, this is a secret territory personally selected by the 72nd Human Emperor Lu Yu. It is normal to have such a history.”

“My awareness was narrow. I thought Lu Yu just wanted us to fight with each other. It seems that the test is also about knowledge and uncovering the essence of the secret territory.”

“The 72nd Human Emperor Lu Yu is thoughtful, we can’t just look at the surface.”

“You’re right.”

Jiang Li threw two more tokens in, but it didn’t produce four tokens. He picked up the two tokens that did appear.

“It seems that a person can only use the treasure pool once. You and I have had our chance, Yu Yin and Ji Zhi don’t know about this. Let’s contact them separately, they have many tokens, which can be duplicated.”

Jiang Li and Bai Hongtu departed, and Meng Youyou and the others didn’t stop them.

…

After the two left, Meng Youyou and the others were watching the lake, their hearts pounding.

Such a good thing.

“This Jiang Li with his extensive reading does come in handy. Who has heard of ‘Celestial World Anecdotes’?” Ghost Moving Mountain of Corpse-Driving Sect asked.

Everyone shook their heads.

“Fine, there are so many books in the world, it’s normal not to have heard of some. The collection of our sect can’t possibly compare with the Great Zhou Dynasty Family’s academy and the Dao Sect.”

“I’ll have to read more books in the future.” Dream Yu Yu made up her mind.

“Forget about this. Hurry up and throw the wooden token in.”

“Exactly, exactly, this is the most important thing.”

“Just now, Jiang Li proved with actual evidence that each person only has one chance, then we all should throw our tokens in. This way, we will get the most.”

“Alright.”

Several Human Emperor candidates threw their wooden tokens in at once.

The lake surface calmed for a moment, then the formation at the bottom of the lake emitted a radiant display. The wooden tokens were connected to form a barrier-shaped figure, jumping out of the water and flying towards Jiang Li and Bai Hongtu, who were hiding not far away.

The two of them caught all of the wooden tokens and sprinted away. This time, if they were caught, they would face more than just a beating.

The crowd’s faces changed dramatically, immediately realizing they had been duped.

“Chase! After I catch them, I’m going to strip them and hang their clothes on a tree!”

The chase began. Jiang Li and Bai Hongtu ran for their lives while the crowd pursued relentlessly, intent on chasing them down to the end.

When the test ended, the crowd still hadn’t caught up with Jiang Li and Bai Hongtu.

“The Human Emperor, save us! They want to sell us to the Union Sect!” The two men called out to the Human Emperor as they spotted him at the exit.

The Human Emperor’s eyes twitched as he had seen everything.

Bai Hongtu had laid out the arrangement under the lake, Jiang Li had drawn all the hatred, and the two had met at the lake’s edge. They had played a good act pretending that here was Treasure Gathering Immortal’s Treasure Gathering Lake. For maximizing their gains, people would surely throw all the tokens in. As a result, the formation was activated, and all the tokens fell into Jiang Li’s and Bai Hongtu’s hands.

He finally understood what the elder meant by “feel free to fight”.”

Forget about the Human Emperor candidates wanting to bash someone, he wanted to do so too!

You were supposed to demonstrate your adaptability in the test, and this is your ability – deceit?

With that said, the Human Emperor still sheltered the two behind him, like a hen protecting her chicks.

“Alright, enough nonsense. Admit to the inferiority, beware next time.”

With the Human Emperor saying this, the crowd could only suppress their anger.

There was no reward for this test, only ranking, so there was no actual loss for the crowd.

But they were still angry.

“And you two, stop making faces to taunt them.” The Human Emperor reprimanded Jiang Li and Bai Hongtu heavily; these two guys were making faces behind his back, he couldn’t stand it.

“Don’t do this again next time.”

The trial results were based on the number of wooden tokens, Jiang Li and Bai Hongtu tied for first place, and Yu Yin ranked third.

Yu Yin wrinkled her brow slightly. She didn’t know how Jiang Li and Bai Hongtu managed to do it. She had been fighting and winning the whole time. She should be the one with the best performance.

“The trial has ended. I hope everyone will reflect on their deficiencies, adjust their mentality, and keep working hard. This trial was just a little warm-up. The next one will be held in a month. Dismissed.”

When the Human Emperor concluded, he glared at Jiang Li and Bai Hongtu, who were showing off their achievements to Yu Yin and Ji Zhi.

He would have to adjust the rules for the next trial. He couldn’t let them exploit loopholes again.

…

Early in the morning, the leader of the Imperial Palace saw that the lights of the Sutra Collection Pavilion were still on, as though someone had been reading from night till morning and had forgotten to extinguish the candle.

“Has Kong Hu finally decided to read?” The leader was pleased, the books in the Sutra Collection Pavilion were all classics, and Ma Zhuo and his wife wouldn’t be interested in them.

Upon entering the Sutra Collection Pavilion, he found the Human Emperor flipping through the books.

“Your Majesty, what are you…?”

The Human Emperor moved his neck: “Oh, it’s you, leader. Those two little scoundrels Jiang Li and Bai Hongtu told me that a Treasure Gathering Immortal was recorded in ‘Celestial World Anecdotes’. I felt their story was plausible and not made up, but I’ve been searching for this book and the Treasure Gathering Immortal all night and found nothing.”

“Do you think I should go to the Taoist Scripture Library to search?”

After a moment of silence, the leader tentatively responded: “Perhaps, I mean, perhaps, there’s no such thing as ‘Celestial World Anecdotes’ or Treasure Gathering Immortal.”

The Human Emperor was stunned and then said, grinding his teeth:”Those two rascals!”