Chapter 82 - Arc 7: Dragon Ascension Gate | Chapter 82: Bet
Translator: Lynn
As soon as Xu Ziqing opened his eyes, he noticed that Yun Lie, still in his white attire, remained seated across from him, unchanged from before entering meditation. Surprised by this, Xu Ziqing wondered why Yun Lie hadn’t returned to his space. Before he could think too much, the restriction was touched.
Yun Lie waved his sleeve, causing the golden light of the restriction to dissipate, and he also vanished from the room.
At that moment, Xu Ziqing lifted the restriction and found that only Su Xin had come to seek him out at this time.
He saw Su Xin leaning in, his head propped up, riding a red flying sword, with a smile on his face and picturesque eyebrows. Su Xin greeted, “Brother Ziqing, how did your night go?”
Xu Ziqing smiled, “I was in meditation just now and didn’t hear you calling me. I apologize.”
Su Xin also smiled and replied, “I knew you were cultivating diligently, so I didn’t want to disturb you.”
Shaking his head, Xu Ziqing assured, “You didn’t disturb me, Brother Ah Xin. Did you come to look for me with something specific?”
Su Xin sighed, “We have the fights today, and I want to go with you to witness the excitement and gain some experience. What do you think, Brother Ziqing?”
Considering for a moment, Xu Ziqing responded, “That sounds good. There are many talented disciples here, so it would be beneficial for me to go and observe, and perhaps learn something.”
Su Xin nodded and smiled, “That’s true.”
With their decision made, the two of them were determined to stay and learn from the fighters, which would prove to be more valuable. Xu Ziqing stood up and walked out, where a floating object naturally appeared beneath his feet.
Outside, the spiritual energy was not as abundant as in the cave, so he didn’t feel as refreshed as before upon exiting.
Su Xin sighed, “Indeed, it’s difficult to transition from luxury to frugality.”
Xu Ziqing replied, “Even though the aura is less, it is still much stronger than on Tenglong Peak.”
Su Xin chuckled, “That’s true.”
After uttering those words, Su Xin pulled Xu Ziqing onto his flying sword and said, “Use my flying sword. It’s getting late, and if we don’t hurry, we might be late and anger Senior Tang.”
Xu Ziqing didn’t mind the informality and stored away his spells before standing behind Su Xin. Su Xin invoked a sword technique, and the flying sword soared through the air. As they set off, a burst of light emanated from another cave, revealing Elder Peng and Elder Wu following closely behind to protect them.
Soon, they circled to the front of Tenglong Peak, and below them stood the majestic hall. The flying sword descended rapidly, landing in an open space in front of the hall.
By this time, monks had already started making their way to the hall one after another. It turned out that the fights were going to take place inside the hall.
Xu Ziqing and Su Xin walked side by side into the hall. The seating arrangement inside remained the same as the previous day, so they didn’t hesitate to take their seats. Elder Peng and Elder Wu stayed behind, offering no further remarks.
Xu Zitang had arrived earlier and nodded to the two as they entered. Xu Ziqing returned a gentle smile in response. However, Xu Zitang’s older brother, Xu Zifeng, sat with his own sister this time, though the reason for this change was unknown.
Not long after, the hall was filled with seventy or eighty individuals. Alongside those who had emerged victorious in the Wendou matches, some of the defeated participants also attended, presumably with the intention of observing. The pursuit of the spiritual vein seemed to have waned.
Some believed that the accumulation of spiritual power was crucial, while others emphasized techniques and moves. There were no objections voiced.
As everyone settled down, a mist drifted in from outside and headed straight for the main seat.
When it arrived at the first seat, the mist dispersed, revealing a handsome young man dressed in white and brocade robes—Tang Wenfei.
Having heard Yun Lie mention the techniques practiced by the Xiaoshui Immortal Sect, Xu Ziqing pondered to himself as he witnessed the scene. He thought, “Indeed, his demeanor is as elegant and carefree as flowing clouds, exuding calmness and elegance.”
A smile graced Tang Wenfei’s lips as he gazed at the crowd with a jade-like face devoid of any smoke. He spoke, “Everyone has gathered here for the fights. We aim for a friendly match, without rushing to kill.”
The monks present responded heroically, their ambition evident as they replied, “We will follow Senior Tang’s wishes!”
Su Xin approached Xu Ziqing and whispered, “I heard Master say that there are often casualties in every Dragon Gate Assembly. I wonder how it will be this time.”
Surprised, Xu Ziqing remarked, “Senior Tang only mentioned reaching a certain point…”
Su Xin shook his head twice and clarified, “Just focus on the first half of the sentence; the second half is the crucial part.”
Baffled, Xu Ziqing questioned, “…Don’t recklessly kill?”
Su Xin confirmed, “Exactly. During the martial arts competition, you can seriously injure your opponent without killing them, and it won’t be considered a violation of the rules.”
Puzzled, Xu Ziqing inquired, “The casualties…”
Su Xin sighed, “Injury techniques are also a skill. Besides, it’s a real fight. Once you initiate an attack, how can you be sure you can hold back? While the gatekeepers have intervened in the past to prevent casualties, losing an extra person increases the chances for others. So, during the fights, all the monks scheme and strike at vital points or employ various tactics. As long as they don’t kill in the temple, who will care about what happens after the fight?”
He continued, sharing more insider information about using magic weapons to make opponents appear less injured than they actually are. However, such internal injuries are difficult to heal. If one engages in multiple fights, they may have to admit defeat to protect their own life. There are also cases where individuals who were severely injured in the fights had no accidents within the temple but suddenly died in their caves due to improper healing. Tricks like these are not uncommon.
Xu Ziqing frowned upon hearing this and expressed, “This is too despicable.”
Looking at Xu Ziqing, Su Xin felt somewhat helpless and said, “Although it may seem that way, who doesn’t want to stay? Each day of cultivation here is equivalent to ten days of practice outside. One year of cultivation here is comparable to ten years outside. Immortal cultivators aspire to break through barriers and prolong their lives, not to mention that entering the big world through this opportunity is highly coveted. Naturally, no one wants to let it slip away.”
Internally sighing, Xu Ziqing felt a tinge of unhappiness but ultimately accepted the situation. He believed that it was better to be open and honest, as it would help maintain a stable state of mind.
According to Xu Ziqing’s thinking, resorting to any means would inevitably give rise to inner demons and potentially damage one’s Taoist heart. However, in the matter of cultivation, one must remain steadfast. As a mere student who hadn’t even established a foundation yet, how could he discern what is truly good or bad? It was better not to dwell on it.
Without further ado, the fights were about to commence in the hall.
Tang Wenfei tapped his left palm with his index finger, and a white jade stick appeared in his hand. Inside, there were dozens of neatly arranged jade sticks that emitted a pleasant chime when lightly shaken. He said with a gentle smile, “Write a person’s name on each stick. When a stick is shaken, the person whose name is on it will be chosen.” With those words, he threw the stick into the air.
A series of ding-dong sounds echoed as bursts of light emanated from the stick. Clearly, it was also a magic weapon. Suddenly, the lottery tube came to a halt, and two lottery sticks shot out from it. These two sticks flew rapidly towards the left and right sides, seemingly on a collision course with the faces of two monks!
Having defeated numerous opponents in the Wendou battles, how could they be easily defeated? The two monks remained calm, raising their hands and catching the lottery sticks in their palms.
This determined the first match.
Tang Wenfei stated, “Since you have drawn the first lot, please step forward.”
A person emerged from the left and right sides, standing in the middle of the hall. Tang Wenfei extended his finger and drew two arcs in the air. Thin clouds formed along his path, moving toward the two individuals. Then, the clouds dissipated, transforming into two layers of incredibly light white mist that disappeared soundlessly before the astonished onlookers on both sides.
All spectators felt their vision blur, and in the next moment, they sensed something peculiar. It was evident that Tang Wenfei had set up restrictions to ensure everyone’s safety. They turned their attention to the two individuals standing opposite each other in the field.
The person on the left was tall and sturdy, a resolute man in his thirties. With bronze skin and well-built muscles, he carried a long knife behind him. At first glance, he didn’t resemble an immortal cultivator, but rather a worldly swordsman. However, one could never mistake him for an ordinary swordsman. The man exuded a sword-like spirit and a domineering aura. The long knife, black with hints of red, bore witness to the countless lives it had claimed, displaying the courage of its wielder.
He clasped his fists and introduced himself, “Zhang Tiantai from the Shendao Sect, reporting in!”
On the right stood a woman with an oval face, beautiful eyebrows, and a captivating smile that could enchant anyone who beheld it. She possessed a delicate and graceful figure, resembling a slender willow swaying in the wind. Her arms were adorned with brocade, which wrapped around her slender limbs several times, enhancing her allure.
This woman didn’t resemble a monk pursuing immortality, but rather a delicate and fragile young lady from a boudoir. Under normal circumstances, with her appearance, she could easily disarm the other party and gain the upper hand.
The woman pursed her lips into a smile and whispered softly, “I am Ji Banlian from Jingle Palace. I have long admired Brother Zhang’s reputation… Please.”
Xu Ziqing recognized these two individuals as outstanding cultivators who had reached the tenth floor of Qi refining during the Wendou match. Unexpectedly, they were matched up in the first match. He wondered how it would unfold. Just as he was lost in thought, he felt someone beside him and turned to see Su Xin.
Surprised, Xu Ziqing asked, “Brother Ah Xin, why are you here?”
Su Xin replied with a smile, “Since you want to watch the fight, why not sit closer so we can talk? It wouldn’t be as enjoyable to watch alone.”
Shaking his head, Xu Ziqing responded, “It’s not for enjoyment…”
Amused, Su Xin chuckled, “Brother Ziqing, you’re always so serious. That won’t do, that won’t do.” Realizing his comment might be inappropriate, he quickly added, “I mean, watching the battle and engaging in discussions can help you gain insights, not just for pure enjoyment.”
Hearing his repeated explanation, Xu Ziqing couldn’t help but laugh and agree, “What Brother Ah Xin said is true.”
Satisfied, Su Xin stood up but then had another idea, “You see, these two competitors are quite well-known. Would you like to place a bet with me?”
Momentarily taken aback, Xu Ziqing laughed and replied, “This… you just said it wasn’t for fun, but now you find it fun again. Su Xin, you really can’t stay idle for a moment. Alright, let’s make a bet. But the two of them haven’t started yet, so how do we bet?”
Su Xin explained, “Let’s watch the fight for a while, and then you and I will each bet on one side. As for the terms… ” He smiled mischievously and said, “Regardless of which side wins, the loser has to accompany the winner in practicing a technique for three days. How about it?”
Xu Ziqing pondered for a moment before responding, “Sounds fair.”
Su Xin agreed, saying, “Deal!”
The two made their bet and became increasingly excited as they watched the match.
Meanwhile, the two competitors in the field had already exchanged greetings and were about to make their moves.
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