Chapter Forty-Seven: Passing the First Trial, Entering the Second

Countless showers of arrows vanished, and everything returned to tranquility once more.

Though calm had settled around Yang Feng, within the examination hall, several proctors stared in utter disbelief.

In less than ten minutes, Yang Feng’s score had soared like a rocket, leaping from 6,000 to 7,000 points.

This meant that another hundred or so Forest Bears had fallen at Yang Feng’s hands.

Such a scenario had now occurred twice, which made many things clear.

“Could it be that Yang Feng possesses an area attack skill?”

“What exactly is this Cursesmith’s class? How can he be this formidable?”

“His skills are already so powerful, and now even his area attacks are incredible!”

“It’s not just his skills—his summoned creatures are equally impressive.”

“I believe the Cursesmith class deserves to be ranked among the most elite professions.”

“It’s too early to decide that now. After all, Yang Feng’s level is still low—we need to see how he develops in the future!”

After all, being powerful at a low level does not guarantee equal strength at higher tiers.

From past experience, some classes seem unimpressive early on, but as their level rises, their might increases dramatically.

There are also classes that appear useless until a crucial moment, when they can prove decisive.

Should such a professional appear in wartime, it would bring tremendous benefits to the overall victory.

At this moment, Yang Feng was oblivious to the thoughts swirling in the minds of the examiners.

Suddenly, the ground began to tremble violently.

In an instant, all the monsters’ corpses vanished as if swept away.

At the same time, the smell of blood in the air grew denser, mingled with a thick aura of death.

The blend of blood and death was so nauseating that it made one want to retch.

The sky darkened further and further, and a heavy, oppressive air filled the atmosphere, making it hard to breathe.

“Is this the second stage?” Yang Feng looked up at the sky, murmuring to himself.

Yet he felt no discomfort from this atmosphere. On the contrary, he found it rather pleasant.

This was likely related to his class as a Cursesmith.

By nature, Cursesmiths were associated with ill-omen; death itself did not unsettle Yang Feng.

It was only the scent of blood that he found somewhat distasteful.

The earth’s tremors ceased, and Yang Feng ordered his Raven Warriors to circle overhead, staying vigilant.

Moments later, the sound of footsteps echoed from afar.

“They’ve finally arrived!” Yang Feng couldn’t help but speak aloud.

Soon, a mass of monsters appeared, surging towards him from all directions and encircling him completely.

[Death Forest Bear]
[Level: 17]
[Forest Bear Archer]
[Level: 17]

In addition to the ordinary Forest Bears, there were Death Forest Bears and Forest Bear Archers—both level 17 monsters.

At least four or five hundred Forest Bears now surrounded Yang Feng.

Upon entering the second stage, not only had the monsters’ levels increased by one, but their numbers had also doubled.

Despite this, Yang Feng felt no fear. To him, these were merely level 17 beasts.

Even without using Fireball, relying solely on his Raven Warriors, he could slaughter them all.

At this moment, Yang Feng was pondering a question.

“At this difficulty, it’s unlikely other professionals can clear the second stage.”

“Even if they can, it would require tremendous effort and time.”

To Yang Feng, the first stage had not been difficult. With enough time, most professionals should clear it.

But the second stage was another matter. Despite only a single-level increase in monster strength, their numbers had doubled, making the challenge more than twice as hard.

Moreover, the presence of Forest Bear Archers posed a significant threat to Yang Feng.

After all, archers were particularly dangerous for mage-type classes.

The second stage would force many mage candidates to abandon the exam.

In truth, Yang Feng’s guess was on point. In the history of the Great Summer Empire’s college entrance exams, there had been very few candidates who managed to clear the second stage in the fifth round.

The fifth round was also the final stage of the exams.

The fifth round was divided into five phases.

The most outstanding candidates had only ever reached the fourth stage, and even those were from centuries past.

For the past several hundred years, no one had managed to clear the fourth stage.

At this moment, the examiners of Jiangnan Province were all speculating whether Yang Feng could break the record for the fifth round.

“I believe Yang Feng stands a chance at clearing the fourth stage!”

“Though I don’t know his full strength, his performances so far have been extraordinary!”

“Extraordinary doesn’t even begin to describe his combat power—monstrous is more like it.”

“Perhaps Yang Feng has awakened an innate skill!”

“Every class has its limits; it shouldn’t be possible to be this powerful!”

“If Yang Feng has awakened an innate skill, it would be a huge boon for our province.”

“To awaken an innate skill on the first job change means there’s a high chance of awakening another in the second.”

“Innate skills are rare and coveted by every professional. I think you’re all getting ahead of yourselves.”

“Who can predict the future?”

The examiners continued to discuss heatedly.

Though they chatted, their eyes remained glued to the big screen, tracking each candidate’s score changes.

Yang Feng’s score fluctuated the most dramatically of all.

Meanwhile, within the instance dungeon, new Forest Bears had already respawned.

Yang Feng adopted his previous strategy, summoning all his Raven Warriors.

There was little need for elaborate tactics against these monsters; efficiency was key.

Yang Feng had his Raven Warriors draw the bears’ attention, then cast Fireball himself.

Having used this method several times, he found it extremely effective.

The Raven Warriors lured the Forest Bears together, and when enough had gathered, Yang Feng gave the order to attack.

Level 16 Forest Bears were quickly dispatched.

Afterward, Yang Feng unleashed Fireball.

Boom!

Boom!

Boom!

A series of violent explosions erupted.

After about half an hour, calm returned to the forest.

By this time, Yang Feng’s score had risen by another thousand, reaching 8,000 points.