"What do you plan to do next?"

Tang Ruobing asked.

Although superficially, Ye Mingqiu and Qing Yu fought tooth and nail, in reality, this was based on Ye Mingqiu not using his full strength. Just as Qing Yu was unwilling to go all out in a placement match, Ye Mingqiu wasn’t willing either, was he?

If nothing else, Tang Ruobing at least knew the Active Effect of the Lord of Light and Shadow. [Divine Majesty] can directly and forcibly cut Qing Yu’s base 20% All Attributes and All Resistance, and losing 20% Agility would mean instant death for him.

Losing 20% Resistance would be even more terrifying, consecutive controls, combined with reduced Agility, would likely result in a one-hit KO.

"Challenge the top-ranking Spiritualist."

Ye Mingqiu answered.

"Is that so?"

Tang Ruobing opened a notebook and, while looking at the records, said: "Your opponent is very strong. I’ll give you a brief introduction. This time, there’s no need to hold back; your opponent is the strongest contender at this stage."

"Mm."

"Codename Zhen Yue, Profession is Apocalypse Paladin, Legendary Level, the higher-level profession of Apocalypse Knight and Holy Knight, so it’s the Legendary Level higher-level profession of Tian Qing and Lei Peng, excelling in both offense and defense with extremely strong comprehensive abilities."

Tang Ruobing’s gaze gradually became serious, continuing: "Zhen Yue’s Talent is the Black Tortoise Sacred Body, granting a super high Defense Power bonus. Combined with his profession, his tankiness can reach an unbelievable level. More importantly, he reached Level 8 three months ago and is the 15th on the leaderboard; by now, he should have reached the Tier One Limit."

Her expression turned more solemn as she continued: "You understand what I mean, right?"

"Mm."

Ye Mingqiu nodded slightly and said, "Then, if he encounters Qing Yu with [Time Acceleration] ability, how would he counter him?"

"He has a Rebound passive, not afraid of Assassins."

"Understood."

Ye Mingqiu noted down the Rebound passive; indeed, it’s an effective way to counter [Time Acceleration]. Although Qing Yu is still very strong without [Time Acceleration], he is not invincible. Ye Mingqiu has five ways to take him down in a short time.

Previously not using them was because Qing Yu’s damage was too low to threaten him, and his opponent’s combat experience was rich, so he could battle and simultaneously think of ways to improve as a form of training to boost his strength.

As proven, this form of battle training is indeed effective; Ye Mingqiu’s Combat Specialty Level improved, and he even learned the Short-Weapon Specialty. If he continues fighting, he might even upgrade his Short-Weapon Specialty Level to Level 2.

"Mm, the Celestial Ladder Arena resets status after each battle, so you don’t need to consider cooldowns of Professional Skills and equipment skills. Except for [Divine Majesty], which should be kept as a trump card, you can use other skills freely," Tang Ruobing said.

"Got it."

...

Start the third placement match.

[Note: Please select your challenge target]

[Current challenge targets available: Celestial Ladder Ranking 1-17 places]

[Current Rank: 18]

Challenge the first place.

[Confirm challenge? Yes/No]

Yes. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

In an instant, Ye Mingqiu returned to the Celestial Ladder Arena. This time, the venue was different, a vast and boundless forest, and he stood on one side of a clearing.

Standing on the other side was a man over two meters tall, with a robust build. He wore Heavy Armor and held a Steel Giant Shield in one hand and a Great Sword adorned with Holy Patterns in the other, exuding a powerful and steadfast aura.

This was Zhen Yue, currently the strongest Tier One Spiritualist.

"Divine Monarch, I’ve long admired your name."

Zhen Yue smiled politely, his steel-like firm face showing a gentle smile, exuding a sense of inner stability that is the charm of a top-tier Tank System.

"Likewise, Zhen Yue."

Ye Mingqiu replied politely.

"Your strength is remarkable, extremely strong, with quite a few passives stacked, but... the Active Skills you currently possess seem insufficient to handle various complex environments comfortably, right?" Zhen Yue continued smiling as he asked.

"What are you trying to say?"

Ye Mingqiu asked simply and directly.

"I wrote a book called ’Tank’s Self-Cultivation,’ recording some combat insights since I’ve become a Spiritualist and thoughts on skill combinations. For just 200,000 Spiritual Points, why not consider it?" Zhen Yue asked with a smile.

"... No need."

[Note: The battle will commence in 3 seconds]

3!

Ye Mingqiu tightly gripped the Blood Spear, red crystalline patterns spreading along the arm. During the battle preparation phase, the link with the Blood Spear was completed since this is not a battle preparation skill, just a simple link.

Based on prior combat with Qing Yu, Ye Mingqiu had become alert, preparing in advance to avoid potential unexpected events.

2!

Ye Mingqiu squinted his eyes, his Battle Intent gradually ignited, a pure desire for combat set ablaze.

[Battle Intent Value: 100/100]

1!

The battle begins!

"Ha!!"

Ye Mingqiu let out a violent roar, the unique wave of [War Roar] instantly erupted. Zhen Yue at the other end of the battlefield instinctively blocked, squinting at Ye Mingqiu’s direction, his brow slightly furrowing.

[Note: Control check failed, you resisted this Spiritual Control Effect]

Simultaneously, Ye Mingqiu’s body instantly swelled in a very short time, a menacing and terrifying aura released madly, like raging waves crashing upon Zhen Yue. Yet, he stood like an immovable rock, silently releasing skills and Talents, amplifying his Defense Attribute.