Zhou Leng said, "How about letting Nandi be the leader? Her understanding of the Ancient River Ruins surpasses ours."

Zhao Nandi shook her head and said, "My combat abilities are lacking, I'm more suited as a strategist, not as a leader."

"Zhang Xinglie, you should do it. You're well-versed in both literature and martial arts, top of Yunhua's first tier, no one here can beat you, the hexagonal War God," said Zhou Leng.

Zhang Xinglie smacked his lips and said, "Honestly, back at school, I was indeed considered well-versed in both, even doing better in academics than Li Shenkong. But here in the ruins, I'm nothing. Can't speak Dwarf language, can't speak Giant language, and I can't read Divine Text either. Every time I venture out with Zhou Leng, I feel like a fool, and my self-esteem takes a severe hit."

Everyone laughed, not expecting the top student to have weaknesses too.

Song Juesi said, "Going by that, it can only be Zhou Leng. Although Zhou Leng's martial arts are slightly inferior to Zhang Xinglie, and his Divine Text slightly inferior to Zhao Nandi, on average ability, Zhou Leng is undoubtedly the best. More importantly, we all know Zhou Leng, and I, for one, am reassured by him."

"Me too," said Li Yuanhe.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Those who had entered the Ancient River Illusion Realm had seen the Blood of Tyranny praise Zhou Leng multiple times.

Zhao Nandi looked at Zhou Leng, a smile flashing in her eyes; she didn't expect her little apprentice to have such prestige outside.

"He got a perfect score on the High-level Divine Text exam, I approve," Zhao Nandi said.

"A perfect score in the Divine Text exam?" Everyone looked at Zhou Leng.

Song Juesi said, "Don't refuse anymore, it's settled then, otherwise we'll waste more time."

Zhou Leng nodded and said, "Okay, I won't refuse. But let's get this straight, since I'm the captain, if anyone makes a mistake, don't blame me for being unkind."

"The stricter, the better," everyone supported.

Zhou Leng said, "Regarding the Ancient River Trial, everyone is groping in the dark. My first suggestion, let's compile all our information into a collaborative document, editable by anyone. First, let's have a clear understanding of the Ancient River Trial, then discuss the next steps."

"Alright."

"First, join the Ancient River Sect group." With that, Zhou Leng invited four people into the group.

Song Juesi, Zhang Xinglie, Zhao Nandi, and Rao Mingxian clicked Zhou Leng's link and joined the group.

The group had reached 15 members.

"Rao Mingxian, you're in charge of record-keeping," said Zhou Leng.

"Alright, I'll handle voice input and post-processing checks and edits," Rao Mingxian replied.

Zhou Leng said, "First, let's have Sister Nandi give an overall introduction, and then we'll fill in the details later."

Zhao Nandi glanced at Song Juesi first, then cleared her throat and said, "In the face of Divine Text, we should all remain humble. Since you all trust me, let me share the overview of the Ancient River Trial..."

Zhao Nandi spoke while everyone listened, and Rao Mingxian was responsible for recording and organizing.

After Zhao Nandi finished, everyone added various related rumors.

Finally, they compiled a complete collaborative document, and everyone read it silently first.

After everyone finished reading, Zhou Leng said, "The second step, express your opinions. List all the preparations, possible encounters, and viewpoints thoroughly, then categorize them for discussion. This method was taught by Zhang Xinglie."

Zhang Xinglie laughed and said, "Don't give me too much credit, what you learn is yours. I learned it from someone else."

Then, everyone recorded what they wanted to say in turns and sent the document to Rao Mingxian, then spoke in counterclockwise order.

The discussion was far-reaching and only half-completed when it reached the later part of the night.

Everyone had to pause and go to sleep.

At the door, Zhou Leng was about to say goodnight to Zhao Nandi when Zhao Nandi opened Zhou Leng's door and smiled mysteriously, "Come to your room, I have something to talk to you about."

Zhou Leng looked at Zhao Nandi in confusion and walked inside together.

Zhao Nandi sat on Zhou Leng's bed and stretched first.

"Explain the process of how you met Elder Song," Zhao Nandi said.

Zhou Leng briefly recounted the encounters at the mine and the battles at Demon City.

When Zhou Leng first mentioned Liang Baiyin, Zhao Nandi showed slight surprise, and every time Liang Baiyin was mentioned afterward, her mouth would slightly curl up.

Zhao Nandi squinted her eyes and thought for a while, then said, "You've heard of the Mysterious Master who deciphered the Ancient River Stele, right?"

"Of course."

"I suspect Song Juesi is the Mysterious Master, or at least a friend of the Mysterious Master."

"What?" Zhou Leng looked at Zhao Nandi, thinking her ideas were quite imaginative.

Zhao Nandi smiled confidently and said, "I don't know who the Mysterious Master is, but I know they were given five anonymous Ancient River Trial Tickets from above. Such anonymous tickets are fewer than twenty nationwide."

"And coincidentally, all five of you have anonymous tickets, all given by Master Song Juesi. Also, why would such an elderly person suddenly enter the Ancient River Trial? Of course, for the research of Divine Texts."

Zhou Leng was silent for a moment and then slowly said, "It makes sense. Nandi Sister, your IQ must be at least 150."

"Not that high. I tested once, only 130, a bit less than a genius, but sufficient," Zhao Nandi said.

Zhou Leng didn't know how to respond.

Zhao Nandi said, "Now I understand why you're so good with Divine Texts. Firstly, you're intelligent and eager to learn; secondly, you've experienced many Divine Text related trials. But most importantly, it's because you have a great teacher like Song Juesi. You two must have talked a lot about Divine Texts, right?"

Zhao Nandi leaned back with her hands on the bed behind her, crossed her leg, gently swaying her foot, and had a knowing and profound look on her face.

"We've talked quite a bit, but Elder Song said not to let outsiders know of his Divine Text proficiency, to just consider him as a Divine Text enthusiast, and he only discussed it with me," Zhou Leng began to make excuses.

"As expected. But don't worry, since the Mysterious Master doesn't wish to expose his identity, we'll help him play along. Once he's tired of it, we'll pretend to suddenly realize and amuse him. After all, he sees potential in me, just like I see potential in you."

Zhao Nandi became more and more pleased, finding her apprentice even more likable, as she didn't expect her student to attract the Mysterious Master she respected the most.

Zhou Leng tried to hold back his laughter, channeling all his qi, and managed to avoid bursting out.

"Sister Nan Di has foresight like Zhuge Liang of Divine Texts, a modern Sima Yi." Zhou Leng said seriously.

Zhao Nandi smiled calmly, stood up, and said, "Alright, I'm off to bed. Remember, don't give us away."

After saying this, she left cheerfully.

Zhou Leng smiled helplessly, knowing that Zhao Nandi invested all her wit into the Divine Texts.

In the following days, everyone prepared with all their might for the Ancient River Trial.

Zhao Nandi occasionally attended institute meetings.

Many of the confidential contents from the institute were openly shared with everyone by this tattler.

She even justified it by saying, "Anyway, sooner or later, I'll be a disciple of the Ancient River Sect."

Days later, the team had made thorough preparations, even purchasing a batch of supplies from outside.

Yet there was no movement at the Ancient River Stele.

The originally moved Ancient River Jade Stele was also temporarily returned, for fear of delaying the Ancient River Trial.

Nobody was anxious, and Zhou Leng and Zhao Nandi frequented the archaeological site daily.

Zhao Nandi occasionally invited Song Juesi, and Elder Song, as per Zhou Leng's instruction, maintained a masterly demeanor, observing silently.

Zhao Nandi grew increasingly confident in her judgment.

Zhao Nandi and Zhou Leng spent every day together, with a growing mentor-student rapport. Zhao Nandi even occasionally helped Zhou Leng tidy up his clothes, brushing off dust and serving food.

Researchers and trial takers watched with envy, their eyes green with jealousy.

A full week passed, but still, the Ancient River Stele showed no change.

There were already more than three hundred trial takers gathered at the Ancient River Ruins Research Institute.

The Innate Major General guarding the institute had to organize collective cultivation among the trial takers to prevent any boredom-induced trouble.

Song Juesi also became a temporary instructor, guiding everyone.

Such expert coaching was rare, and everyone dove into learning and cultivation with enthusiasm, forgetting to miss home.

Despite his reduced cultivation time while frequenting the archaeological site, Zhou Leng enjoyed himself tremendously.

Much of the previously acquired knowledge of Divine Texts and ruins came from images.

Now, with on-site exploration and direct interaction with artifacts, theory and practice combined, making the knowledge of Divine Texts rapidly improve.

Crucially, cultivation was not disrupted.

The Spiritual Qi here was particularly active, making the cultivation efficiency of the Sea Suppressing Technique over ten times usual.

Zhou Leng even considered staying here until the Sea Suppressing Technique broke through.

The Sea Suppressing Technique had reached the Extreme Realm, with the next step being the legendary Divine Communication.

Divine Communication is the ultimate limit of all cultivation techniques.

It can significantly enhance martial strength and future Martial Arts ability.

In the morning, Zhou Leng, as usual, got up to cultivate, then rested, replying to Xu Qingjin afterward.

After having a meal with Zhao Nandi, the two left the cafeteria.

Zhao Nandi said, "Come with me, I've gotten special permission from the director to take you into Pit Nine."

"Is that the core pit where the two ancient steles were discovered?" Zhou Leng asked.

"Yes. Those old scholars are reluctant to open it to outsiders, claiming it's to prevent damage. When I showed them your high-level Divine Text examination scores, they had no excuse."

"What's so different about Pit Nine? It's always been so mysterious."

"It's different in size, for one."

Zhao Nandi said, walking along.

"Also, it contains many buildings and artifacts returned for the Ancient River Trial."

"Some Grandmasters and Martial Saints have been there, and they say the experience there feels unique, carrying a special martial aura, and some people are slightly inspired."

"This is a critical time, and it wouldn't normally be open to the public, but I got you an official role through the Divine Text Bureau, as my student, participating in my research, so all formalities are in place, not considered cheating."

Zhou Leng thought to himself that with the Mysterious Master's permission, he had direct access inside, so it indeed wasn't cheating.

Outside Pit Nine, three layers of doors were guarded by three shifts of guards.

Approaching the first door, the lieutenant on duty saluted, using the Demonized Watch to scan the two of them.

Even though Zhao Nandi had entered multiple times, they still conducted a thorough check.

After checking Zhao Nandi, the lieutenant reviewed Zhou Leng's records.

Intermediate Divine Text Researcher, Apprentice Martial Guard, Martial Arts Brigade Honorary Captain, Second-Class Merit Award recipient, Rucheng Martial Arts Model, Martial Guard Department Flying Eagle Plan participant, Dragon Country New Qing Fund member, fourth on Rucheng Qi Blood Chart... and lastly a freshman Martial Arts School Student.

This series of identities was so strange that it seemed real rather than fake.

After hesitating for a while, he called the Martial Arts Brigade to verify the identity.

Upon confirming its authenticity, the lieutenant saluted and let the two of them pass.

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