Chapter 309: Survivorship Bias Results In Death!
Spine-chilling!
This scene unfolded right in front of everyone.
It was a total of five ocean race prodigies, and each of them was above the Nascent Soul stage.
No matter from which race one was, those with cultivation levels above the Nascent Soul were already counted as powerful upper-level cultivators.
However, regardless of Demon Venerables or renown treasures, they were all vulnerable before the Chaos Array—they were unable to withstand even a single blow. What a joke!
Νo matter what kind of extraordinary technique or astonishing secluded treasure they might be, the chaotic aura would instantly disintegrate them into nothingness once it engulfed them.
It was useless even if one did succeed in entering Chaotic Star Island as they would only be cursed to become animals without intelligence.
“They should be cultivators that were older than 500 years old but still tried to secretly deceive the Chaos Array.”
The Mermaid Princess seemed to be unable to bear such a sight. “Every time the Chaotic Star Island trial begins, there will always be such people.”
No matter the world, they never lacked people that would try to challenge the law personally.
The Chaos Array allowed only prodigies below the age of 500 to enter. Once one was older than that, they would be attacked by the array.
However, even though everyone was aware of this matter, many prodigies would still succ.u.mb to their greediness and make a futile attempt to deceive Chaotic Star Island’s array.
Some of the methods they used were cultivating again by undergoing Nirvana, changing their bones’ age, stealing others’ bodies, and cultivating certain forbidden mystic arts.
In fact, it was not that none had succeeded using such mystic arts to enter Chaotic Star Island.
On the contrary, there were quite a number of successful cases.
Almost every time the Chaotic Star Island trial began, news of people who were obviously older than 500 years old but still succeeded in entering the array would spread.
Meanwhile, the method for their success was basically the same as what the other cultivators had done.
It seemed to be based purely on luck whether one would be able to deceive the array.
Well, no one would think that one’s luck was bad—they would all believe that they were the lucky ones.
Because of such a mindset, many people would choose to take the risk whenever Chaotic Star Island opened. It had already become a common occurrence.
Survivorship bias resulted in death.
...
“How did a Demon Venerable turn into a small fish?”
Wu Wudi’s interest was piqued as he watched the small fish, which was swimming happily within the ocean, even looking a little foolish.
He bent down slightly in front of that small fish and directly lifted a ball of water with the little fish inside after forming seals. He then looked at that small fish curiously.
That little fish had silver scales, and only the scales on its tail were red. It looked kind of like a carp, but it did not emit any aura of a powerful being at all.
It was as if it was just a normal fish.
He stretched out his hand to poke the fishtail.
“Would this fish be able to revert to its original form even though it’s cursed by the chaotic aura?”
The White Prince said helplessly, “Someone had tried to bring a few fish that were cursed out of Chaotic Star Island. In the end, those fish directly turned into nothingness.
“Let it go! Since they’ve chosen to take the risk to enter this array, they should have been prepared to be attacked by the array.
“Although a few people succeed each time, the number of people who fail surpa.s.ses 90%.”
The Turtle Prince instantly lost all interest. “Then, this fish is useless?”
The White Prince was caught between laughter and tears. “Don’t let your guard down. Although this fish has lost all intelligence, its cultivation level before becoming a fish is still—”
Tui!
Before the White Prince could finish, the small fish which was floating in mid-air due to the Turtle Prince’s technique suddenly spat out seawater, directly splashing Wu Wudi’s face.
Immediately after, the small fish’s red tail smacked Wu Wudi.
At that moment, everyone seemed to have seen a red longsword slash at Wu Wudi.
Before Wu Wudi could wipe his face clean of the water, that longsword had already slashed onto his turtle sh.e.l.l.
Boom!
Bright sparks could be seen flying everywhere.
The tail sent Wu Wudi flying more than 1,000 feet away. There were obvious cracks on the turtle armor on his chest, and even his fat could be seen through it.
Meanwhile, marks could also be seen on Wu Wudi’s face. It looked someone had stomped him, leaving a glaring footprint.
He, a Black Tortoise prince, had actually been smacked until his whole head was swollen. The small carp’s sudden slap made the Turtle Prince tremble in anger.
“Wahhh!”
Wu Wudi’s whole body radiated Qi Aura, while his turtle armor shone brightly in black light.
It was like a black sun had suddenly appeared in this ocean. Everyone could sense a powerful pressure on them.
“You still dare to offend me after turning into a fish? Eat my Turtle Fist!”
Although Wu Wudi looked just like a young man who was only slightly older than Ao Wu, his cultivation level was formidable.
When he used the Black Tortoise race’s exclusive mystic art, Turtle Fist, the aura engulfing his fists suddenly surged.
Bang!
Bang bang bang!
Bang bang bang bang!
A humongous Black Tortoise head would be formed and shoot toward that small fish with each punch.
Although he was only in the Golden Body realm now, his true battle prowess and attainment in fist techniques were quite powerful. He could indeed be on par with various Nascent Soul pract.i.tioners.
The impact of Wu Wudi’s Black Tortoise’s Turtle Fist knocked that small fish back into the sea in an instant.
And that was all. The Black Tortoise race was best in defense, so their attacking power was not amazing. Thus, he was unable to teach that fish a lesson.
After the fish dropped back into the sea, it directly dived into the depths of the ocean and disappeared.
The only thing left was the marks on Wu Wudi’s face.
...
“That fish’s battle prowess did not decrease even after being cursed by the Chaos Array!”
The Pure Heavenly Eye between Qi Shaoxuan’s brows shone as if trying to see through something. Unfortunately, he didn’t find anything.
“I have used my Pure Heavenly Eye to examine it, but that fish did not emit any aura. It seemed just like a normal fish.” His face was solemn. “Strange, very strange! Brother Shen, what do you think?”
Shen Tian replied calmly, “Just as the Dragon elder said, such mutated beasts might appear anywhere in Chaotic Star Island and would look completely identical to normal beasts. Therefore, everyone needs to be extremely careful when exploring. Remember not to be rash. Or else, if a problem really arises, it will be extremely troublesome.”
Yu Pianxian nodded. “I’ll follow anything Brother Shen says.”
She... even looked as if she was infatuated with Shen Tian.
As compared to her att.i.tude previously in the Heavenly Music Parlor and to other prodigies, countless people would turn green with envy if they saw her att.i.tude now.
The four princes looked at Shen Tian with resentment. Frankly speaking, if their clans were not on good terms with Black Dragon Island, they might even be unable to resist the urge to join Kun Ming’s side.
Not only does he attract girls from the human race with his handsomeness, but he has also come to spread his charm to our female demons?
Does he really think that it’s not difficult for North Sea’s male demons to find a partner!?
Shen Tian took a look at Yu Pianxian’s head before smiling and saying, “Since everyone trusts me, then follow me!”
After saying that, a pair of golden wings appeared behind Shen Tian, and he flew north. He could clearly sense that he was oppressed within this domain. His Feather Immortal Metal could reach only 10 to 20% of its original speed. Also, he had to be on guard and avoid the chaotic aura.
Although the chaotic aura scattered in the air was not a lot, it was extremely troublesome to dodge. One could easily meet with a mishap.
Everyone followed Shen Tian here and there. They saw quite a few islands on the way.
Most of the outer islands were only filled with thin chaotic aura and were basically safe for cultivators. Thus, they were crowded with cultivators.
Unsurprisingly, there were basically no precious treasures after years of looting. At least, not enough to move Shen Tian.
...
As everyone gradually got into Chaotic Star Island’s deeper parts, the chaotic aura also started becoming thicker.
If one looked into the distance, they would see a vast expanse of whiteness hundreds of feet away. It was challenging to differentiate one’s directions.
Had all prodigies on the island not brought along Tracking Stones to determine the entrance’s location, they might even lose their way.
Meanwhile, the inner islands would be gradually surrounded by thick chaotic aura, their interior no longer clearly visible.
Cracks would periodically form on the dense aura barrier during the period this array formation was open.
Such a moment was the best chance for cultivators to enter the inner islands to explore and search for treasure.
Nevertheless, such an opportunity was fleeting. Maybe one might only encounter the aura barrier opening once in a few days.
One would need to be fully concentrated while waiting. It was not easy to endure.
At the same time, the cracks on the aura barrier would only last for a few seconds. As such, if one left halfway, they would directly miss the chance to enter the island.
One should avoid giving up halfway as it was pointless.
Well, even if the chaotic aura barrier opened, it was not that simple to enter the island. One also needed to endure a powerful repelling force.
It was extremely difficult to forcibly enter the island when there were a strong repelling force and only a small window of a few seconds.
If one was too weak, they might even be engulfed by the chaotic aura while entering the island and turn into mutated beasts.
That was also the main reason many prodigies would die in the Chaotic Star Island trial.
Greed, conceit, and hesitation would cause one to obtain nothing from Chaotic Star Island. They might even lose everything.
“Brother Shen, we’ve already pa.s.sed by quite a few star islands. Why not go and take a look?”
The Crab Prince was full of reluctance. The Golden Crab race were natural-born merchants, so the most unbearable thing was the possibility of missing any treasures.
Even though they pa.s.sed by two or three islands enshrouded by chaotic aura, Shen Tian continued leading the way.
Such a mentality was not good as many a time, powerful prodigies would think that the further they traveled, the better the fortuitous opportunities in the star islands.
In fact, each island surrounded by chaotic aura might have astonishing fortuitous opportunities hidden within or maybe only normal spirit herbs.
Thus, a wise decision would be to treasure the islands one encountered.
Shen Tian revealed a mysterious smile. “Don’t worry. As long as you follow me, I will not disappoint you.”
As he spoke, he took a look at Yu Pianxian. His eyes were burning with pa.s.sion.
Yu Pianxian’s heart thumped vigorously.
Brother Shen has secretly glanced at me countless times along the way.
Although it seems like Brother Shen was looking at my forehead instead of my face each time, he’s definitely interested in me. He’s been sneaking glances at me so frequently!
Yeap, it’s definitely like this. I’m so smart!
Just as Yu Pianxian was turning red from letting her imagination run wild, Shen Tian suddenly stopped in front of an island.
This island was surrounded by thin chaotic aura and kept on moving as the array operated.
This star island looked completely normal. There was no difference between this star island and other star islands.
However, just as they reached the island, Shen Tian revealed a mysterious smile. “I think there should be quite a number of treasures on this island.”
The more Yu Pianxian looked at Shen Tian’s confident smile, the more infatuated she became.
“That’s right, I also think there’s definitely treasure on this island.”
You too?
Is the Mermaid race this amazing?
You can even sense the treasures through the chaotic aura barrier?
Shen Tian was stunned. His evaluation of Yu Pianxian’s ability improved by another level.
...
Since Shen Tian had chosen this island, Qi Shaoxuan and the others stopped, waiting for this aura barrier to open.
Actually, if they wanted to maximize the benefits, the easiest way would be to plunder others’ fortuitous opportunities or for everyone to explore different islands. They would obtain immense benefits.
Sometimes, things were not so simple, however.
That was because one’s ability to defend against dangers when searching for fortuitous opportunities alone would be much weaker.
Once one encountered mutated beasts’ attacks or other dangers, the aid of one’s comrades might save their life.
Also, although there were countless islands around Chaotic Star Island, there were many North Sea demons.
It’s possible for different cultivators to choose the same island, and in such an isolated place, seizing treasures through slaughter was common.
Let’s take for example someone exploring an island alone in search of fortuitous opportunities. After said cultivator risked their life to finally enter the star island and obtained the fortuitous opportunities within, they would happily decide to leave the island.
However, just as said cultivator exited the island, they might run into four or five powerful cultivators. By then, not only would said cultivator be taken advantage of and lose all their treasures, said cultivator might even lose their life.
In fact, in the North Sea trials a long time ago, many cultivators had done so.
Thus, many prodigies could only nurse a grievance!
In Shen Tian’s group, only Shen Tian and Qi Shaoxuan truly belonged to the rank of top-notch prodigies that entered the trial.
As for Ao Wu and the four princes, they were only relatively strong cultivators. Ao Wu and Wu Wudi were too young, not even 100 years old.
As for the other three princes, their bloodline talent was far below that of Ao Wu’s. Reaching such a cultivation level was already considered pretty good.
There was also the Mermaid Princess. Given her battle strength, she could just be a... cheerleader.
...
Everyone stayed outside this star island and silently waited for the aura barrier to open.
A total of three days pa.s.sed as they waited. Other cultivators had also pa.s.sed by during that period.
However, once they saw that the people in front of the island were Shen Tian and Qi Shaoxuan, they all made a wise decision to leave directly. After all, Qi Shaoxuan was a human prodigy that had dared to challenge Kun Ming. On the other hand, the Divine Firmament Saint, a Golden Core/Body cultivator, had even insta-defeated the Nirvana Er Tongtian.
Other than Kun Ming, basically, no one else would dare to provoke such a team.
As they meditated, three days pa.s.sed in the blink of an eye. A crack that was tens of feet wide finally opened in the aura barrier.
Everyone’s eyes lit up, and they simultaneously flew toward that crack, trying their best to enter.
Huff!
After everyone pa.s.sed through the crack, they appeared in this star island’s air s.p.a.ce.
In that instant, endless Spirit Qi surged toward them.
Everyone seemed to be reveling in the Spirit Qi of this island.
The amount of Spirit Qi was simply too astonishing!