"Trouble? Right, have I been overcomplicating the 'Sunlight Pervasion' technique?" Chen Feng sighed, having intended to discuss cultivation matters with her but unexpectedly encountering tears. "Perhaps I can't achieve full-field attack right now, but I can certainly focus on localized attacks! A localized strike only affects a portion of the field, meaning the damage I sustain will be lower!" Having grasped one principle, Chen Feng felt an immediate sense of enlightenment washed over him.

It seemed the last three days had been wasted; he had been stubbornly fixated on 'Sunlight Pervasion' as an all-range attack, constantly devising ways to attack broadly, never once considering a localized application!

With this realization, Chen Feng hesitated no longer. He returned to his room and plunged into the 'Divine Mansion of Light,' aware that unleashing such a powerful move prematurely within the confines of the ship's cabin would likely result in the cabin's destruction.

"No... this isn't right either..." Chen Feng began the arduous process of deep contemplation.

A day later, the ship docked smoothly. Officials were already waiting on the shore to receive the fleet. It seemed the two fugitive Magic Tutors had not dared to return since their flight that day, and the Duke and his retinue appeared completely unaware of the accident the fleet had encountered en route.

However, soon enough, the crew spread the news, and everyone involved in the welcoming party for the Duchy learned of the incident.

All present loudly cursed the two fleeing Magic Tutors while expressing profound gratitude towards Chen Feng and Ling Feng.

Chen Feng emerged from the 'Divine Mansion of Light,' feeling somewhat weary, but an unconcealed excitement shone in his eyes.

The flash of inspiration from a day prior confirmed it: a localized field application of the 'Sunlight Pervasion' technique was viable, but his current Second-Grade Dou Zun cultivation was too low to execute it effectively. If he reached Sixth-Grade Dou Zun, it could be deployed with ease!

When fully unleashed then, even a Ninth-Grade Dou Zun caught within it would be instantly annihilated!

Stepping out, he saw Ling Feng waiting quietly, resembling a lotus just emerged from the water. Her long hair fluttered slightly in the shore breeze, making her seem like an ethereal fairy untouched by the mundane world.

He walked quietly toward her, observing the busy crowd around them, breathing the fresh air, and felt an immediate lift in spirits.

"No wonder the Overseas Continent has so many experts; the Heaven and Earth Yuan Qi here is twice as dense as in the Four Great Empires!" Chen Feng's spiritual sense swept over the area, immediately uncovering the secret.

One shouldn't underestimate that doubling of Yuan Qi. In the Four Great Empires, those who couldn't even feel the Heaven and Earth Yuan Qi, unable to cultivate, could now practice in this dense environment.

This practice dramatically increased the base number of potential cultivators, fostering a distinct atmosphere—it explained why there were so many masters.

As Chen Feng and Ling Feng descended from the large ship onto the dock, several figures in official attire approached them.

"I am Baron Lynas, affiliated with the Kenit Duchy. I have been specifically entrusted by the Duke to welcome Your Excellencies to the Ducal residence as guests!" the leading official stated, offering a bow.

"Not interested," Chen Feng replied coolly, and he and Ling Feng walked past the official, exiting the area.

He deeply disliked social obligations.

They walked on, leaving the official standing stunned in his spot.

But high-level experts often possessed peculiar temperaments, so the officials took no offense; after all, it was exceedingly difficult for a Duchy to win over a Dou Zun expert.

After immense effort, the entire Duchy had managed to recruit only six Magic Tutor powerhouses. To maintain secrecy, four of them had been placed on the forward fleet and had already returned.

Unexpectedly, these two youths had uncovered the deception. If not for their intervention, the ore painstakingly acquired over several years would likely have fallen into the hands of another nation.

Sighing, the official watched the direction Chen Feng and Ling Feng had taken. "Truly principled experts are hard to keep, while those without principle flee the fastest when danger arises..."

………………………………………………………………………

Chen Feng and Ling Feng walked through the streets. The prosperity here far surpassed that of the Great Empires, and the wares sold were bewilderingly varied.

Many stalls even peddled various methods for cultivating magic, powerful Dou Techniques...

Some larger shops were auctioning off magical artifacts; items like the 'Azure Bracelet' were considered the lowest grade here.

The building materials were not exclusively bluestone; many structures incorporated special coatings, making the residences appear more uniform and tidy.

It was clear why this place was so much more prosperous—it lived up to its reputation.

"Need any help, sirs?" A quick-witted young man approached them. "I can serve as your guide for just three Low-Grade Crystal Stones!"

This was a port city, naturally frequented by people from various nations, thus supporting professions like this guide service.

Chen Feng glanced at him and nodded in assent.

The currency used on the Overseas Continent was not gold coins but Crystal Stones, with the following exchange rates: 1 High-Grade Crystal Stone = 100 Middle-Grade Crystal Stones. 1 Middle-Grade Crystal Stone = 100 Low-Grade Crystal Stones.

This mirrored the exchange rate of gold, silver, and copper coins in the Four Great Empires; the purchasing power was broadly similar, just presented in a different format.

Chen Feng possessed a fair amount of gold coins and tens of thousands of Crystal Stones. From Douglas’s space ring, he had also salvaged nearly ten thousand High-Grade Magic Crystals, making him moderately wealthy.

"What about your identification cards here?" Chen Feng asked.

"An Identity Card certifies a person's identity. It's very difficult to purchase things without this certification," the guide explained. "However, if you possess a Lingshi Badge, you can bypass identity verification!"

"Lingshi?" Chen Feng, hearing this profession mentioned for the second time, couldn't help but inquire.

"Lingshi is a title reserved for those with significant cultivation. Many places have specialized Lingshi certification agencies. Lingshi receive different levels of privileges based on their rank; higher ranks can purchase advanced Dou Techniques, and even low-level beginner Dou Techniques!" The guide spoke with unconcealed envy.

The guide then detailed the specific grading and system associated with Lingshi.

It was only then that Chen Feng understood the immense power implied when the burly man had spoken of a Fifth-Grade Lingshi.

The Overseas Continent was controlled by three major powers, but there were numerous independent experts and rebels. To alleviate pressure, the three powers introduced an extremely tempting lure: the Lingshi system.

Free experts could apply for Lingshi certification, but they had to start at the First Grade. The higher the rank achieved, the greater the privileges granted, allowing the purchase of superior armor, better Dou Techniques, and magic.

Many free experts, lacking established factions, couldn't access good Dou Technique or magic inheritances. To advance their strength, they joined the Lingshi system. Once inducted, promotion was contingent upon completing missions, meaning the three powers could effectively use the Lingshi system to recruit more independent experts to suppress dissenting forces!

They consolidated their rule without expending a single soldier. The deep-rooted nature of the three powers clearly relied on such mechanisms.

Because every mission was difficult, Lingshi progression was extremely arduous. Reaching the Fifth-Grade Lingshi level almost certainly required surviving over a hundred battles.

Any Lingshi who endured a hundred fights without dying was undoubtedly an elite among elites.

No wonder the burly man had spoken of his brother with such pride; there was a deeper context to it.

Despite understanding the might of a Fifth-Grade Lingshi, Chen Feng remained entirely unconcerned. Having already offended the entire Purple Garden Demonic Territory, a mere Fifth-Grade Lingshi meant nothing to him.

It was akin to daring to provoke a superpower like the United States; naturally, he wouldn't fear a common street thug.

After hearing the guide's explanation of the Lingshi system, Chen Feng decided to apply for a Lingshi Badge. Obtaining one would greatly facilitate movement; regardless of where he went, he wouldn't be subjected to checks, saving considerable hassle.

Furthermore, Lingshi enjoyed specific privileges in purchasing goods. The most detailed maps, even those charting the arrangements of islands beyond the mainland, could only be bought in Lingshi-exclusive trading venues.

Moreover, numerous long-distance magic arrays were open only to Lingshi; ordinary people had no right to use them.

It was these considerations that solidified Chen Feng's decision.

"And you?" Chen Feng asked Ling Feng beside him.

Ling Feng had intended to return to the Phoenix Domain upon arriving at the continent, but without finding a corresponding magic transportation array, it was fruitless. She nodded in agreement.

"Take us to the nearest Lingshi testing location," Chen Feng instructed after making his decision.

"To the Lingshi testing site? You don't mean to test for Lingshi, do you? It's very difficult!" the guide cautioned.

"Just lead the way," Chen Feng replied, unwilling to waste words.

"I'm telling you the truth; many people fail after ten attempts, some even after forty or fifty!" the guide said regretfully. "The privileges of a Lingshi are so substantial that if it were easy to pass, the system would lose its meaning! I mean, you both look quite young. Perhaps you should come back after thirty? I know that no one currently testing for Lingshi is under thirty."

Chen Feng was surprised by the guide's persistence. "Hurry and lead the way; we just want to test our luck!"

Seeing he couldn't dissuade them, the guide relented. "Fine, I'll guide you!"

The trio walked for nearly an hour before they could glimpse a towering, majestic structure in the distance. The building was the size of half a football field and stood sixty to seventy meters high, squatting like a behemoth in the center of the town.

"This is the Branch Pavilion for our port area; this is where Lingshi are tested! I'll say it again, many people die during the Lingshi examination. Those who survive ten or even fifty attempts are either incredibly lucky or possess special life-saving means. If you aren't afraid, go inside!" The guide, having developed some rapport with Chen Feng, offered one last warning.

Chen Feng tossed him a Middle-Grade Crystal Stone without turning his head, and he and Ling Feng walked directly into the towering edifice. (To be continued. For subsequent events, please visit www**m for more chapters, supporting the author and genuine reading!) First Release