As the voice of the Yunyang Sect official echoed, everyone was surprised and turned their gaze toward Wang Guang of the Wang family, who had not attracted much attention until then.

A seventeen-year-old ninth-level warrior, only one step away from becoming a martial master. Although not as dazzling as a spiritual practitioner or a triple-system martial artist, this talent was extremely terrifying.

"My God, a seventeen-year-old ninth-level warrior, what a terrifying talent."

"Among those present, Wang Guang's strength is probably the highest."

The onlookers were abuzz with astonishment and surprise. A seventeen-year-old ninth-level warrior was indeed rare, and such strength should make entering the top five no problem at all.

"Head of the Wang family, your family has really kept a deep secret," the other family heads said in surprise, looking at a middle-aged man in a yellow robe.

"Head Wang, you have really surprised us," the head of the Yang family, Yang Xiangfeng, said.

"Head Yang, Yang Miao has also kept a deep secret, only now revealing a dual-system martial artist. I had no choice but to reveal, my apologies for any amusement this causes," the man in the yellow robe said with a laugh, but his expression carried a bit of pride. His son had been concealing his edge for so long just for this day.

"Wang Guang must be considered a dark horse in this competition, a ninth-level warrior. There are not many who can match him," Li Lin thought to himself. Among those present, Wang Guang's strength was undoubtedly the strongest.

"Li Shaohu, sixteen years old, dual-system of Earth and Wood, third-level warrior, exceptional talent." Li Shaohu then underwent verification, which showed no difference from the Li family's assessment.

A dual-system warrior with exceptional talent also caused quite a stir, with many from the Li family screaming in excitement, including Zhao Hui, Li Nan, Zhou Lixing, and others sitting in the spectator seats, showing smiles.

"Li Dong, your Li family is really something this time," the judges couldn't help but comment.

Finally, it was Li Lin's turn. He stepped forward slowly, placing his right hand on the crystal ball. This time, Li Lin was prepared not to use all five elemental attributes, only manifesting the wind, fire, and earth attributes that had already been revealed. The Qi injected into the crystal ball immediately caused it to display three different glows.

"It's better to hide some strength," Li Lin thought to himself. He was now at the level of a fourth-level warrior, while the last assessment at the Li family had him as a third-level warrior. He could completely hide his strength, as the difference between a third and a fourth-level warrior was significant.

Controlling the Qi in his hand, Li Lin kept the output around the level of his initial third-level warrior stage, considering Uncle Jiang had mentioned that ordinary people couldn't discern his cultivation level with the Yin-Yang Spirit Martial Art.

"Li Lin, sixteen years old, tri-system martial artist of Earth, Fire, and Wind, third-level warrior, top-tier talent," the Yunyang Sect's middle-aged official couldn't help but be moved as he spoke. A tri-system martial artist, in his entire life, he only knew of one, and within the Yunyang Sect, there was only that monstrously talented individual who was a tri-system martial artist.

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"A tri-system martial artist, and top-tier talent at that."

The crowd once again erupted, even more so than for the Qin family's spiritual practitioner. A tri-system martial artist was rare to see.

"Li Dong, this time your Li family is truly remarkable. Li Zhong's two sons are both of astonishing talent," the heads of the major families were surprised. A tri-system martial artist, they knew very well what that represented.

Watching Li Lin cause another sensation, Li Shaohu nearby had a gloomy face, his eyes filled with coldness.

"The last one, Du Gu Binglan," the middle-aged official said, with only Du Gu Binglan left to be verified.

Li Lin was curious about Du Gu Binglan, unable to see through her and wondering what level she had reached.

Du Gu Binglan gracefully moved to the crystal ball, extending her arm from her sleeve, her delicate hand lightly touching the ball. Immediately, the ball emitted a dazzling blue glow.

"Du Gu Binglan, eighteen years old, ninth-level Water system warrior, excellent talent."

"A ninth-level warrior." Li Lin was slightly surprised, having already sensed Du Gu Binglan's extraordinariness. A ninth-level warrior, like Wang Guang, not many among the attendees could match her.

"Another ninth-level warrior, it seems the competition for the top five is going to be intense." Many people commented. With such strong talents emerging this time and Qin Tianhao having already secured one of the five Yunyang Sect spots, only four remained, yet there were more than four with strong talents and aptitudes, making the competition inevitable.

"Head Elder Bai Mei, Tianbao Gate has not participated in previous years; how come Du Gu Binglan is participating in the competition this time?" Yang Xiangfeng from the Yang family inquired at the judges' seat.

"I'm not sure myself; Miss Du Gu from Tianbao Gate participating was arranged by the sect. This time, Qingyun Town has many promising young talents, making my trip here worthwhile." Seeing so many talented youngsters, especially a spiritual practitioner, a tri-system martial artist, and two dual-system martial artists, Elder Bai Mei smiled, finding these one-in-a-million talents very promising.

Li Lin watched as the first round ended, and from the original fifty-two participants, only thirty-eight remained, with fourteen eliminated.

These thirty-eight all had at least above-average talent, though their strength varied, with high and low among them. High talent didn't necessarily mean strong combat ability.

"Now we begin the second round. Do you see the stone platform behind me? You can freely make your moves once you're up there, but remember, no lethal attacks, or you'll be disqualified. The last eight will proceed to the third round, go on up now," the Yunyang Sect official announced.

The contestants had already noticed the stone platform behind the official, standing over two meters high and about two hundred square meters in area.

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh..."

With the official's words, several figures leapt towards the platform, knowing from the rules that occupying a position near the center increased their chances of staying till the end.

"Binglan, I'm going up," Yang Miao said lightly, then leaped up. Her youthful and graceful figure wrapped in light red attire jumped onto the platform, and as she was about to land, she was surrounded by a red Qi, drawing a ninety-degree arc in the air before landing in the center under the heated gaze of many.

Wang Guang watched Yang Miao, his expression slightly darkening. His Qi vibrated as he leapt onto the platform, his body light as a snowflake, spinning as he descended in a graceful posture, landing without a sound, causing many young girls among the onlookers to scream in amazement.

"Lin'er, let's go up," Du Gu Binglan said with a slight smile, her Qi vibrating as she beautifully arched through the air, her hair and dress dancing gracefully, winning much applause.

Without a ramp to the platform, Li Lin planned to jump up. His Qi vibrated, and with a push from the ground, he leaped towards the platform.

At that moment, Li Shaohu's eyes flashed coldly as he shot up like lightning, intentionally slamming hard towards Li Lin.