Light Fortress Chapter 1690 - 371: Judging People and Causality

The recruitment trials are unfolding with a clear sense of order.

Considering Gu Shen’s current capabilities, a review of this initial combat stage would reveal no uncertainty.

As his gaze swept across the participants.

The skill level of these hundreds of young individuals was readily apparent.

With a minor expenditure of spiritual power and a brief simulation within his Heart Lake, the approximate standings for the recruitment trials could be rapidly determined within the Spirit Sea.

Several of these youths displayed considerable talent, possessing a strong likelihood of successfully passing the Judgement Institute’s selection process.

Even if the Judgement Institute were to overlook them, it posed no great issue, as each recruitment event drew the attention of numerous influential clans.

True talent, after all, would eventually find its recognition.

Gu Shen had no intention of offering guidance to the two judges present. His presence today was purely as an observer, and he intended to maintain that role until the conclusion of the event.

At this moment, he indeed existed in a state of profound detachment.

The affairs unfolding within Changye City, and indeed across much of the East Continent, were not matters he would actively interfere with.

This perspective stemmed from the understanding that a higher vantage point affords a broader view.

Despite the formidable power of the three institutes and five great families, their influence could not completely encompass all emerging prodigies. Errors in judgment were an inevitable part of the world’s operational dynamics.

The deeper one delved into Extraordinary Cultivation, the more palpable the influence of 'fate' became.

Naturally, those who achieved Transcendence existed within this world, and every individual breath theoretically influenced the intricate web of 'cause and effect.'

Gu Shen’s principle of 'non-interference' specifically meant refraining from acting against the natural flow of cause and effect.

Should he choose to reveal his identity and instruct Guan Ji and Lian Du to bypass the trials and directly enter a particular judge’s domain, there would, of course, be no opposition…

However, engaging in such 'counter-intuitive actions' might not yield the most favorable outcomes.

Therefore, he simply observed from the sidelines.

Yet, if despite his inaction, 'cause and effect' still drew him into the fray, Gu Shen’s intervention at that juncture would carry little significant weight.

This underlying principle was the very reason he had resolved Xu Fang’s personnel placement quandary through the 'list.'

"Guan Ji only managed to reach the fourth round…"

Old Yu’s eyes were clouded with visible regret.

Among the young disciples he had brought for this trial, Guan Ji had demonstrated the greatest potential.

Regrettably, he had encountered a formidable contender early on and was eliminated in the fourth round. Guan Ji’s opponent was a cultivator of the Strong Attack Type, trained by a mid-sized clan from the deep water region of Jiuning District. In the initial stages of combat, Strong Attack Types held a significant advantage, as this phase of Extraordinary combat often hinged on sheer physical power – essentially, whose 'fists' were mightier.

The Spiritual Transcendent had not yet honed the necessary skills for effective offense.

Furthermore, elemental abilities proved even less impactful; the vast majority of fire-type Transcendents at this stage could at best conjure a formless, diminutive flame… a limitation that even Gu Shen could not escape.

"It doesn’t signify much; reaching the fourth round is already a commendable achievement."

Xu Fang offered a gentle chuckle, leaning in to provide comfort. "Guan Ji is merely sixteen. Even if he isn't selected by the Judgement Institute… other influential families would undoubtedly seek to recruit him."

His own disciple, 'Lian Du,' had successfully advanced beyond the fourth round.

Based on this outcome.

He had evidently won their earlier wager.

"To be candid, I didn't rely on 'Little Junk's' hint this time,"

Xu Fang declared with a touch of pride, giving his small pendant a flick. "The disciple I have nurtured is slightly more capable than yours, not by a substantial margin, perhaps? Be prepared to treat me to meals for a full week later!"

"Alright, alright, restrain your boasting."

Old Yu responded with a helpless shake of his head.

Having known each other for many years, their relationship was built on a foundation of deep camaraderie, making any trivial disputes over such matters naturally nonexistent, though he did harbor a touch of disappointment. His initial estimation was that Guan Ji could have at least progressed to the fifth round, and with a stroke of luck, perhaps even the sixth, potentially securing a spot among the top eight.

Ultimately, his journey had been halted at the fourth round.

"While I admit I don't fully grasp the Judgement Institute's specific 'recruitment standards,' I believe rankings shouldn't be the sole determinant."

Gu Shen offered a smile, his words carrying a thoughtful tone. "Guan Ji’s potential is certainly praiseworthy. Elemental practitioners often start at a disadvantage, lacking early offensive superiority; falling to a Strong Attack type is quite normal… encountering a top contender early might not be entirely detrimental, as it allowed him to showcase his abilities prominently in the recent match. If the Judgement Institute’s assessors possess discerning eyes, they shouldn't overlook this promising young individual."

These words had the effect of significantly lifting Old Yu’s spirits.

Sitting beside this enigmatic Mr. Xiao Gu had profoundly altered his perception of Changye City. His initial encounter with him in the elevator had left him with an impression of reserved demeanor.

Now, after a few exchanges, a comfortable familiarity had blossomed between them.

"Did you observe? Mr. Xiao Gu possesses a genuine eye for recognizing talent."

Old Yu remarked with considerable good humor, "Rankings are indeed not the sole factor in the recruitment review process!"

"My primary concern revolves around those forthcoming meals."

Xu Fang chuckled nonchalantly, "If Guan Ji gets accepted by the Judgement Institute, wouldn't you treat me even better?"

"..."

A brief silence followed, then Old Yu retorted heatedly, "You're incorrigible, you'd eat yourself into a stupor!"

Their bond was truly profound.

Gu Shen observed the scene with detached amusement, finding it quite captivating.

It felt remarkably... vibrant.

Confined within the Ice Sea for six years, he had become estranged from the world, untouched by its mundane affairs, only to immediately journey to the West Continent upon returning to solid ground...

Now, he was experiencing what it truly meant to be "alive."

Even as a mere "spectator," it was far better to be one amidst the countless everyday occurrences of life, rather than a reluctantly imprisoned observer beneath the abyssal sea. To live among mortals was to witness myriad expressions of joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. Drawing near allowed one to hear their voices; each countenance was genuine.

Whether prominent or humble, all were human.

Regardless of observation, their lives unfolded.

"Once the recruitment trials conclude, I'll treat everyone."

Gu Shen spoke up, "I have ’a modest amount saved up,’ primarily because I'm aware of the prime locations in Changye, making it convenient for hosting."

"Mr. Xiao Gu, isn't that perhaps a little improper?"

Despite his words, Xu Fang's expression betrayed no hint of disapproval. He affectionately unscrewed a bottle of wine, took a swig, and laughed, "Since we're all comrades from Qinghe District, I won't stand on ceremony with you!"

As Transcendents, currency held little significance.

The fifth round of trials swiftly concluded, with Lian Du being halted in this stage... a respectable outcome, securing him a spot within the top thirty-two for the year, significantly increasing his chances of selection by the Judgement Institute.

"What a shame; with a little more fortune, Lian Du might have reached the top sixteen, and by then, he would have surely been recruited by the Judgement Institute," Xu Fang mused, taking a sip of the mediocre Lion Awakening Wine. He caressed his pendant, his tone laced with regret, "Had I known prior, I would have lent this 'trinket' to Lian Du before the matches; who knows if it might have made a difference."

The Judgement Institute's recruitment assessment, while not solely dictated by rankings.

Higher-ranked individuals were certainly more likely candidates for recruitment... Typically, breaking into the top sixteen, provided a clean background check, offered a pathway to remain at the Judgement Institute. Following a period of cultivation, a Judge would then make the final selections.

Should one's talent and dedication prove sufficient, they could join the Dojo and become an official member of the Changye Court.

Lian Du had been eliminated.

This effectively marked the end of trials for all the young Transcendents brought from the Qinghe District by the White Dam Judgement Institute.

Just as Xu Fang prepared to rise.

"Hold on."

Old Yu suddenly gestured for him to sit back down, his brow furrowed as he asked, "Look... did Liu Quan also advance?"

"???"

At this question, Xu Fang nearly choked on the wine he had just taken.

He sank back into his seat, his gaze fixed blankly on the electronic display above the Dojo, showing the continuously scrolling list of the top sixteen contestants...

Having been so absorbed in his disciple Lian Du's progress, he hadn't paid heed to the battles unfolding on other stages.

Upon seeing Liu Quan's advancement, Xu Fang stared at Gu Shen as if confronting a specter.

Old Yu's expression was equally filled with astonishment, "Mr. Xiao Gu... how did you foresee this?"

"That young man, Liu Quan, despite his seemingly weak spiritual power, possesses a remarkably steady state of mind," Gu Shen replied with a smile. "I surmise he's a solitary individual, preferring to cultivate alone... For the most part, his performance is consistently average."

Old Yu and Xu Fang exchanged a look.

It was true; they had barely registered this young man's presence.

Recalling the journey to Changye for the recruitment, which required passing the White Dam Judgement Institute's preliminary evaluation... Liu Quan had indeed joined the recruitment contingent with a performance deemed 'average'.

Observing their reactions, Gu Shen knew his deduction was accurate.

"Maintaining a consistently average performance level... suggests he possesses a strength far exceeding everyone's expectations," Gu Shen stated calmly. "This young man harbors his own 'secrets' that he is reluctant to reveal prematurely, thus he has conserved all his trump cards for today's engagement in Changye."

He had noticed that the young man's breathing rhythm differed from the others.

It was evident that Liu Quan had already grasped the fundamental essence of the breathing technique.

When Spiritual Transcendents engage in their 'breathing technique' repeatedly, it signifies that their Extraordinary Cultivation is progressing favorably... During this phase, a precisely executed 'Spiritual Spike' in battle can easily overcome those who rely solely on brute force.

In the top sixteen trials, Liu Quan emerged victorious once more, securing a spot in the top eight.

Subsequently, the top four!

Old Yu and Xu Fang watched, stunned, from the sidelines, disbelief etched on their faces. Could the most underestimated young man truly perform so exceptionally?

"It appears he is determined to remain in Changye..."

Gu Shen offered a faint smile, "A shame that in this round, he faces the 'prodigy' who defeated Guan Ji – a Strong Attack Type Transcendent honed by a prominent family, adept at evading spiritual assaults."

Typically, regular recruitment trials conclude once the top sixteen are determined.

However, today presented a different scenario.

The presence of two esteemed Judges marked the occasion; both were intent on selecting disciples for their respective Dojos.

Consequently, every hopeful youth exerted their utmost, striving to become an apprentice under one of the Judges!

"Can Liu Quan still advance?"

Old Yu inquired anxiously, his gaze unconsciously shifting towards Gu Shen. A peculiar feeling emerged, as if the outcome of this contest had already been foreseen by this 'Mr. Xiao Gu,' and perhaps the answer could be directly obtained from the man beside him.

After a period of casual conversation.

He began to entertain suspicions about Mr. Xiao Gu's true identity...

Despite Mr. Xiao Gu stating he was not affiliated with the Judgement Institute Dojo, it seemed improbable that someone with such astute insight would lack connections within the Judgement Institute, wouldn't he?

"Highly unlikely."

Gu Shen responded with composure, "Liu Quan's current strength has reached its zenith, making it quite probable that he cannot overcome the prodigy nurtured by the prominent family. However... he appears to possess a sealed item."

His observation had been consistent from the beginning.

Liu Quan habitually touched the pocket on his side.

A young man wise beyond his years, already grasping the significance of concealing one's capabilities, would certainly not engage in futile combat maneuvers during life's most pivotal battle... therefore, this gesture of touching his pocket could only signify one thing.

A hidden weapon.

Or perhaps, a hidden trump card.