Chapter 38: The Rampaging Bloodline of Niu Wujie

With sharp eyes, Hao Hu swept his gaze over all the disciples present. “Furthermore, there is one important matter. In the Broken Mountain Range, there are no rules—save for one: you must not harm your fellow disciples. If we discover anyone doing so, their candidacy will be revoked immediately! That is all I have to say. Now, I hereby declare the first round of the sect competition, the survival trial, officially begins!”

No sooner had Hao Hu finished speaking than five hundred disciples dashed toward the Broken Mountain Range, each eager to be the first to reach the finish line. Yet as they raced toward the mountains, many began to grumble.

“They only announced the venue for the first survival trial just now? The Broken Mountain Range is crawling with monsters! It may not rival the Misty Forest, but for us, it’s still perilous. The elders’ schemes run deep!”

“If they’d revealed the location ahead of time, people would’ve prepared traps in advance—where’s the fairness in that? Clearly, the sect wants to select only the most elite disciples.”

“Exactly. This is the headquarters’ way of choosing the cream of the crop. The weak are destined to be eliminated!”

“….”

“Form teams! Form teams! Led by a brother at the fourth Martial Master realm—teams limited to five people. Join up quickly!”

“Here, we’re led by a brother at the fifth Martial Master realm. Form teams now!”

“….”

Before entering the Broken Mountain Range, many disciples hurried to form teams, for venturing alone was far too dangerous. Encountering a beast solo meant certain disadvantage; with numbers, there was strength.

Wu Tian entered the Broken Mountain Range at an unhurried pace, and not a single disciple wished to team up with him. Many cast scornful glances his way, seeing him as nothing but a useless burden—joining forces with him would only drag them down.

Of course, Wu Tian had no need to join a team. He’d entered the Misty Forest alone before, without fear—the Misty Forest was far more treacherous than the Broken Mountain Range.

“Niu Wujie, you’re just a mere sixth-level Martial Disciple, and you think you can join our team? Our team requires at least first-level Martial Masters. You, an eighth-level Martial Disciple, can go play elsewhere!”

“Exactly! With such weak cultivation, you dare join the sect competition? You’re just courting death!”

“Among everyone here, apart from that useless Wu Tian, you’re probably the worst. Get out of here—I’m recruiting others for my team!”

As Wu Tian approached the entrance to the Broken Mountain Range, a skinny disciple was being mocked by several senior brothers.

“Tch! If you don’t want me, so be it. I’ll go in alone! I refuse to believe I can’t pass the first trial,” the skinny youth named Niu Wujie retorted, curling his lip in disdain.

“Ha! I’d like to see how you make it through the Broken Mountain Range. Don’t end up as monster fodder!” The senior brothers burst into laughter, clearly doubting the skinny youth would survive the first round.

Uninterested, Niu Wujie waved them off and, since no one would accept him, prepared to enter the mountain range alone. At this moment, Wu Tian walked up beside him. Seeing Wu Tian, Niu Wujie felt a sense of familiarity and patted Wu Tian’s shoulder.

“Hey, brother! You look familiar. Oh, right—you’re Wu Tian, the number one genius of the Celestial Heaven Sect, aren’t you?”

“My name is indeed Wu Tian, but I wouldn’t call myself the number one genius.”

Niu Wujie grinned and waved his hand. “Exactly—you’re not the number one genius. I am! Just joking. So, you’re actually participating in the sect competition?”

“Do you think I’m here just for fun?” Wu Tian found the youth amusing.

“Brother, let me warn you—the Broken Mountain Range is extremely dangerous. I admire your resolve to compete despite your shattered dantian, but entering is truly risky. You could lose your life!” Niu Wujie shook his head and offered his advice kindly.

“Thank you for the warning, but I’ve decided to participate,” Wu Tian shrugged.

Niu Wujie shook his head, then patted Wu Tian’s shoulder. “Since no one’s teaming up with you, how about I—the number one genius—help you pass the first trial?”

Wu Tian was a little surprised. This fellow knew his dantian was shattered and his cultivation ruined, yet still offered to team up. Although Niu Wujie’s strength was mediocre, Wu Tian felt the youth had a good heart.

“Are you sure?”

“Of course! Worst comes to worst, if we meet a monster, I’ll use you as bait and run away, haha!” Niu Wujie laughed at his own joke. “Just kidding. Most people have already entered the mountain range. Let’s hurry and go!”

Ding!

“Niu Wujie invites you to join his team. Do you accept?”

“Accept.”

Since arriving in this strange world, Wu Tian had been surrounded by little more than mockery—he had no friends. Now, this not-so-powerful Niu Wujie wanted to team up with him, and Wu Tian found himself intrigued.

Once Wu Tian accepted the invitation, his status panel displayed Niu Wujie’s information.

“Niu Wujie, level: 6 (sixth-level Martial Disciple), Berserk Bloodline (hidden).”

Seeing this, Wu Tian was startled. What was this Berserk Bloodline? He consulted the system, which quickly explained:

“Berserk Bloodline—a bloodline that enhances combat ability. Upon awakening, the skill ‘Berserk’ is unlocked, doubling all attributes for half an hour.”

“Damn! That’s incredible—born to be a battle maniac!” Wu Tian was shocked. He hadn’t expected this skinny youth to possess the hidden Berserk Bloodline. Once awakened, all attributes would double, multiplying combat power. The effect was less obvious at low levels, but at higher levels, it would make him a god of war among gods.

“Impressive, brother!” Wu Tian exclaimed, patting Niu Wujie’s shoulder.

Niu Wujie looked proud, a smile blooming on his thin face. “Of course! I’ve worked hard for eighteen years to finally reach sixth-level Martial Disciple!”

Wu Tian smiled but said nothing. Clearly, Niu Wujie hadn’t realized his own potential, and Wu Tian had no intention of telling him—he feared it might delay his awakening.

The two entered the Broken Mountain Range together. Though Niu Wujie’s cultivation was not high, he was a chatterbox, constantly babbling in Wu Tian’s ear.

“Wu Tian, we’re about to truly enter the Broken Mountain Range. Monsters will appear—be careful!”

…

As Wu Tian entered the Broken Mountain Range, He Jiang, standing in the corner of the arena, watched Wu Tian’s back with a dark expression and a strange smile curling his lips.

Meanwhile, deep within the Broken Mountain Range, several figures sped through the forest.

“Our target, Wu Tian, has entered the mountain range. Tonight, we’ll likely cross paths. Prepare for the assassination!” A black-robed figure spoke to three subordinates.

“Yes!” The three responded and instantly split up.