Chapter 156 - Arc 11: The Sect's Grand Competition | Chapter 156: Match 3
Translator: Lynn
After this round of competition, winners would advance while the defeated would depart in disappointment.
Inevitably, some individuals would lament their ill fortune, having encountered opponents of higher cultivation, leading to their defeat due to the evident disparity.
Speaking of the Black Dragon Token, originally just a mystical tool, the arbitrary grouping of foundation-building period cultivators during the Immortal Road’s early stages made it less fair, resulting in such situations.
Yet, the path to immortality stretched long, and achieving one’s desires was never easy.
Becoming an immortal was a matter not solely dependent on talent and determination, but also intertwined with luck.
Those with favorable fortune could experience luck even in their death, while those cursed with bad luck would face repeated setbacks.
This was the natural order of things.
However, some insisted on defying fate, displaying unwavering determination. Even if they faced adversity from the outset, their perseverance allowed them to reverse their fortune, transforming misfortune into prosperity. Conversely, if their Dao heart wavered, countless opportunities would go to waste. Subsequently, their glory would fade, and when their luck ran out, the bad luck once suppressed would resurge completely.
Hence, these disgruntled losers often indulged in complaints without self-reflection, squandering the heavenly bestowed luck.
Master Qiu He observed many young cultivators before him, including his two direct disciples. The younger one was being excellently tutored by the older one. Although their talent left him feeling unfulfilled, he was broad-minded and paid no heed to it. Instead, he turned his attention to the new acquaintances his second disciple had made.
After the first round of competition, Qiu He had gained some insights about them.
Yue Jun appeared outwardly romantic but was internally virtuous, a person of integrity with a solid cultivation foundation and sharp intellect—a promising prospect.
Qiu Ze possessed a stable temperament, radiating warmth and cheerfulness. He was straightforward and honest, maintaining his simplicity without sacrificing adaptability.
Long Xuan may have a rough personality, but within that rough exterior lie subtleties. He possesses a bold style and unwavering loyalty.
On the other hand, Luo Yao, despite his deep thoughts, exudes an air of confidence. He prefers straightforwardness over deceit and doesn’t appear to harbor ill intentions toward others. He compensates for his own weaknesses with his talisman expertise, showcasing his dexterity.
These four individuals each have their unique strengths and talents.
However, in the vast Wuling Immortal Sect, with millions of inner disciples alone, competition is fierce, and numerous qualified individuals abound. Unless one’s excellence reaches the level of Yun Lie, considered the chosen one, ordinary disciples must rely on their efforts to make a name for themselves in the eyes of esteemed cultivators. This is the path they must tread.
Even if these four possess talents, they may not stand out in such a large second-rank immortal sect. Their qualifications may not even surpass those of Xu Ziqing, who possesses only a single spiritual root, yet he managed to catch the attention of an expert.
Luo Yao sought Xu Ziqing out due to his fervor for talismans, willing to risk severe injury or death. Xu Ziqing, known for his gentle nature, appreciated his sincerity, and the two became friends.
Qiu Ze and the others, knowing Xu Ziqing through Luo Yao, also garnered some attention from Master Qiu He due to their association with Xu Ziqing.
Master Qiu He, having assessed their characters individually, was beginning to value them somewhat. Although he harbored some concerns, he knew it was premature to address them. He needed to see how they performed in a few more rounds of competition before making any decisions.
After the first round, the Black Dragon once again emitted its black light to determine the matchups for the second round.
This time, Xu Ziqing was placed in the eighth group, a rather high position.
Soon, it was his turn once more.
With a gentle smile, Xu Ziqing ascended the stage.
His opponent was shorter in stature and wielded a gleaming green dagger, clearly poisoned. Xu Ziqing was aware of the danger.
Unfortunately for the opponent, they faced Xu Ziqing, who possessed a single wood attribute.
Individuals of the wood attribute not only possess immunity to all poisons but also excel in detoxification compared to cultivators of other attributes.
Xu Ziqing didn’t underestimate his opponent, knowing that while he might not fear some toxins, getting caught in them could still be troublesome.
As soon as the other cultivator made a move, Xu Ziqing sensed a difference.
This opponent’s skills were rather lackluster, relying mainly on agility and the toxin-laden dagger. Clearly, they were opportunistic.
Xu Ziqing’s demeanor remained unchanged as he analyzed the situation. It appeared that this opponent’s victory in the first round was likely due to a fortunate strike.
Without hesitation, Xu Ziqing’s expression turned cold, and he swiftly broke through the little cultivator’s defenses. He placed a steel and wooden sword at the cultivator’s neck.
However, the tenacious little cultivator didn’t give up. In a sudden and agile motion, he twisted his arms like a serpent, and his dagger, akin to a venomous snake, struck at Xu Ziqing’s throat with lightning speed – his ace in the hole!
It must be acknowledged that this little cultivator was clever. Despite his limited aptitude and skills, he knew how to exploit his opponent’s vulnerabilities.
Against an ordinary foe, they might have relaxed their guard slightly while controlling their opponent, providing an opportunity for a counterattack. Unfortunately for the little cultivator, Xu Ziqing was no ordinary adversary.
Having trained diligently in the Sword Cave’s Five Elements Wind Gust for an extended period, Xu Ziqing had honed his ability to react swiftly to any threat, countering from the smallest of angles.
Consequently, when the short cultivator’s murderous intent suddenly surfaced, Xu Ziqing, who was intimately familiar with such intentions, executed a subtle wrist movement, deflecting the attack aimed at his throat.
A clear “ding” echoed as the little cultivator missed his mark.
Without further restraint, Xu Ziqing exerted his left hand, thrusting the “Muhua Finger” technique through the air and striking the little cultivator’s shoulder. The potent force from the finger attack sent the cultivator tumbling off the martial platform.
Regardless of whether the cultivator had truly intended to end his life or not, attempting to strike at his throat left Xu Ziqing with no choice but to retaliate with force.
Unquestionably, Xu Ziqing emerged victorious once more.
Just like him, Yue Jun, Qiu Ze, Long Xuan, and Luo Yao engaged their respective opponents one after the other. Perhaps owing to their good fortune, except for Long Xuan, who encountered a formidable adversary and had a protracted battle, the remaining three had a devastating performance, each vanquishing their opponents within a brief moment.
Xu Ziqing cast a glance at Yun Lie, a faint smile on his lips.
Yun Lie remarked, “As you progress further, caution becomes paramount.”
Xu Ziqing nodded and replied, “Indeed, I will heed Shixiong’s advice.”
In the third round, Xu Ziqing faced a formidable male cultivator who specialized in fire techniques.
This individual could soar through the air, propelled by flames, and charge downwards with incredible force.
Xu Ziqing, on the other hand, had leaves sprout from his feet, gently swaying upwards to meet his opponent.
Fire had the upper hand against wood.
Recognizing that he was facing a natural adversary, Xu Ziqing also noted that his opponent’s cultivation level was only at the early stage of foundation establishment, which meant he had a chance to prevail.
The three sword techniques he possessed—Spring Rain Mengzi Stance, Summer Storm Jiaozi Stance, and Autumn Wind Shouzi Stance—all served to augment his opponent’s fire abilities, which he couldn’t afford to do.
He had one remaining technique: Winter Snow Zangzi Stance, capable of obliterating all and defeating the enemy.
With his sword in hand, Xu Ziqing took to the air and confronted the fiery-haired male cultivator.
The opponent also wielded a sword, radiating fiery light from it, a technique known as the “Flowing Fire Sword Technique.”
Xu Ziqing engaged him in several rounds, forcing his essence onto the sword’s edge. In an instant, the sword’s brilliance transformed into countless snowflakes, emanating an intense cold.
Although the red-haired male cultivator possessed formidable firepower, his inexperience showed as he remained unaffected by Xu Ziqing’s tactics. Xu Ziqing then skillfully employed the “Muhua Finger” technique, repeatedly striking down the fire wheel beneath the opponent’s feet.
The red-haired male cultivator was on the verge of plummeting, having lost his talisman. He attempted to employ the Flowing Fire Sword Technique, but Xu Ziqing relentlessly pursued him. Swiftly, the sword’s shadow grew denser, and before he could regain his composure, he had already descended from the martial stage.
Once again, Xu Ziqing emerged victorious!
In the fourth round, Xu Ziqing was facing against an earth-attribute cultivator.
This cultivator had the ability to manipulate the ley lines’ power, causing the ground to crack and ensnare his opponents.
Xu Ziqing hesitated for a moment, but then a multitude of lush green grass burst through the ground, firmly stabilizing the terrain.
The earth-controlling cultivator summoned his flying sword to engage in combat with Xu Ziqing’s long sword. Unexpectedly, a vine emerged from beneath his feet, swiftly entwining and restraining him.
Although these vines were rather ordinary and couldn’t hold a foundation-builder for too long, they still caused a momentary delay. At that critical juncture, Xu Ziqing’s long sword was closing in, and the cultivator’s vision blurred. Just as he was about to retaliate, a powerful force struck his lower back. In the next instant, he was sent tumbling off the stage!
Xu Ziqing secured his fourth victory!
In the fifth round, Xu Ziqing skillfully thrust his long sword into the waist and abdomen of a wild-looking man wielding a massive knife, forcibly ejecting him from the stage.
Xu Ziqing notched his fifth win!
In the sixth round, Xu Ziqing encountered a cultivator who wielded a soul-relief bell, attempting to shake his consciousness. He closed his own consciousness and employed his Five Elements Wind Gust-trained perception to swiftly shear off the cultivator’s hair crown, causing his opponent to concede.
Xu Ziqing celebrated his sixth victory!
In the seventh round, Xu Ziqing faced a burly man brandishing a colossal axe, whose true energy seemed endless. They engaged in combat for a grueling hour, and Xu Ziqing, relying on the support of steel-wood sword, managed to wear down his opponent and, with his last ounce of strength, sent him hurtling off the stage.
At this point, Xu Ziqing had secured seven consecutive victories.
As the rounds continued, the intervals between battles grew shorter, and each bout became increasingly protracted. Many cultivators had to resort to consuming elixirs to replenish their true essence, barely enduring the matches.
With seven consecutive victories, Xu Ziqing was utterly drained. After his seventh battle, he flew back to the elevated platform and landed unsteadily.
A white figure moved swiftly towards him, and Yun Lie halted, extending a hand to support him.
Luo Yao and the others, who were also approaching, took a step back when they saw Xu Ziqing was fine, retracting their outstretched hands.
Xu Ziqing slowly straightened himself, his face pale but determined. “Thank you, Shixiong,” he expressed his gratitude. He then added with a bitter smile, “I consider myself fortunate this time. If my opponent had been stronger, I might have lost.”
Yun Lie reassured him, “Your opponent’s cultivation was on par with yours. Winning or losing is normal. After this battle, you should have gained valuable experience.”
Xu Ziqing nodded, saying, “Yes, I’ve learned a lot from it.”
Yun Lie released his hand and advised, “Take a moment to recuperate; tougher battles lie ahead.”
Xu Ziqing agreed, saying, “Yes,” before obediently sitting down next to Yun Lie, crossing his legs to focus on restoring his energy.
In the current stage of the competition, those who have made it this far have demonstrated their skill and prowess. Luck alone couldn’t have carried them through; they must have faced formidable opponents along the way.
Among the contenders, Xu Ziqing’s cultivation was among the highest, with Wang Fu being the only one who matched his strength. Their previous bout could even be considered a preliminary championship clash.
Two more rounds of battles remained, but Xu Ziqing’s upcoming opponents were not expected to pose a significant challenge.
Yun Lie’s reference to a “hard fight” pertained to the battles against other contestants on the martial arts stage in the subsequent rounds.
Unlike Xu Ziqing, Qiu Ze and the other four fought valiantly but were not all able to reach the final stages. Longxuan’s martial prowess was the most formidable, allowing him to fight all the way through. However, Qiu Ze and Yue Jun encountered exceptionally skilled opponents early on, forcing them to withdraw prematurely. Surprisingly, Luo Yao managed to persist due to his abundant talismans and resourcefulness.
However, it seemed that Luo Yao’s luck had run dry. In his Yanwutai battle, he was faced against Du Zihui in the first round.
Translator’s Notes:
I won’t be able to update tomorrow, so Wednesday’s update will be doubled. See you~
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