Chapter 164 - Arc 11: The Sect's Grand Competition | Chapter 164: Match 11
Translator: Lynn
The ten martial arts arenas conducted their grand competitions, and the conclusion was quite uniform in timing. In a short span, all the martial arts arenas had completed their battles, and the hundred-man competition slots were already designated.
Sitting on the stage, Xu Ziqing felt the life force surging from all directions, the immense pressure immobilizing him, leaving him in awe.
At this very moment, a telepathic message resonated in his mind, chillingly familiar—it was Yun Lie.
Yun Lie’s voice reassured him, saying, “Stay calm.”
Though somewhat eased, Xu Ziqing couldn’t help but inquire, “Yun Shixiong, what’s happening?”
Yun Lie responded, “We’re simply changing venues.”
Indeed, within moments, the towering stone walls surrounding them seemed to dissolve into dust and haze, unveiling a vast expanse and expanding their view.
Countless martial arts platforms sprawled in every direction, extending into the distance, likely numbering in the thousands or tens of thousands.
Each martial arts platform stood impressively tall, with numerous elevated platforms nearby. Golden Core cultivators were stationed on them, and disciples from the Huayuan and foundation periods were scattered around each elevated platform, seated or standing.
It was safe to say there were countless individuals.
However, compared to before the grand competition, the crowd was significantly smaller due to injuries sustained during the event, preventing some from continuing to spectate.
Before anyone could scrutinize the others on the martial arts stages, these stages began to move!
It was as if an invisible colossal force drew them closer and kneaded them vigorously.
In an instant, the resounding rumble filled the air, and the scene before them underwent a drastic transformation!
However, within mere breaths, the thousands of martial arts platforms were pressed together, leaving only fifty elevated and expansive platforms standing in the midst of the sky and land.
These elevated platforms were exceptionally robust and resilient, seeming nearly indestructible.
This was the battleground for the Bairen Competition!
At this realization, Xu Ziqing felt relief and awe.
The forthcoming competition would involve hundreds of participants, and being confined to the fifth martial arts arena wasn’t suitable. It dawned on him that this change of venue was in preparation for the upcoming large-scale competition.
However, he wondered who orchestrated this grand maneuver—it was astounding to witness such an extensive transformation!
He even contemplated that during the competition among cultivators in the foundation building and Golden Core Transformation stages, they would all have to confine themselves to the martial arts arena. Now, with experts shaping the arena into this form, they might have to redefine the arenas after the hundred-person competition. Nevertheless, upon further thought, he recognized that what seemed complex to him might be a trivial matter for an expert, accomplished effortlessly with a mere gesture; it shouldn’t be a significant ordeal.
Setting aside Xu Ziqing’s musings, after the completion of the fifty battle platforms, he felt a wave of relief coursing through his body. The oppressive force that had left him breathless was now withdrawn.
In the airspace, ten black dragons stretched their bodies, reaching a length of no less than hundreds of miles, while ten puppet black vultures, each bearing a black-clothed officer, circled audaciously.
These ten black-clothed officers all possessed at least the middle stage of Golden Core cultivation, emanating a pervasive sword energy that swept across all directions. They were the enforcers responsible for the top ten seats of Sixing Peak. With them overseeing, no one dared to act recklessly on their own!
Since Xu Ziqing was among the hundreds of participants, after the battle platform was constructed, Master Qiu He intervened and moved the elevated platform they were on to a location closer to the battle platforms.
Yet, just before the commencement of the hundred-person competition, he suddenly sensed two venomous gazes aimed at his back—who could they be?
In a sudden turn, Xu Ziqing’s pupils contracted.
It was Li Cai!
Li Cai, at this moment, was markedly different from when Xu Ziqing had last seen him. Despite still carrying a somber countenance and a dark demeanor, the aura surrounding him was over ten times more potent than when he was recruiting disciples! The traces of power that occasionally leaked, although not reaching the Golden Core Transformation period, were undoubtedly at their peak in the late foundation establishment stage!
Given his aptitude, his progression to this stage was highly unusual.
Xu Ziqing was even more astonished to find that Li Cai had secured a spot in the Bairen Competition. Having traversed the same path, he knew the amount of strength required to reach this juncture. How could Li Cai, a man of uncertain temper and a penchant for bullying, possess such abilities? It was incredulous. Yet, in the next moment, Xu Ziqing composed himself.
Regardless of how unbelievable it seemed, the reality was undeniable. Regardless of the methods Li Cai employed, since he made it, Xu Ziqing had to overturn his prior perception of Li Cai and adjust his mindset. Otherwise, underestimating the enemy and losing to Li Cai would leave him deeply dissatisfied.
When Xu Ziqing locked eyes with Li Cai, who was still brimming with resentment, he pondered a lot. However, he responded with a gentle smile and turned away. He was well aware that downplaying the situation would further fuel Li Cai’s resentment, given his temperament. It was a form of subtle revenge.
As expected, Li Cai’s gaze turned even more venomous, as if it could sear Xu Ziqing’s back.
Yet, Xu Ziqing remained unruffled.
Soon, ten black dragons exhaled black sticks, each landing in the hands of every monk participating in the competition, revealing their opponents for the first round.
Upon receiving the draw, Xu Ziqing arched his eyebrows.
The ways of the world always carried a certain artistry. His opponent turned out to be Li Cai.
Xu Ziqing smiled and then turned to ask, “Yun Shixiong, you mentioned that Li Cai and others were confined in a water prison according to their cultivation levels and would be released before the Grand Competition. However, if that’s true, it would only take a day or two. How could he have progressed so much and even secured a spot in the Bairen Competition?” He murmured at this point, seemingly speaking to himself, “And in the first round of the competition, he happens to be matched against me. It’s quite the coincidence that we’ve crossed paths…”
Yun Lie remained impassive and said slowly, “If the Patriarch of Jile Peak intervened.”
Xu Ziqing smiled, choosing not to comment.
Indeed, if the Patriarch of Jile Peak had intervened, releasing Li Cai earlier would not be a challenge. And in this competition of hundreds of people, everyone was elite, each a true martial artist, encountering various opponents… It was natural. There would always be individuals willing to curry favor with Nascent Soul Patriarchs to save face, right?
Soon, the Bairen Competition commenced. After the black lots were distributed, the hundred contestants leaped without hesitation and made their way to the fifty battle platforms, ready to face their opponents from a distance.
The battle platforms were several times larger than the martial arts platforms, making one feel diminutive upon standing on them.
When Li Cai ascended the stage, a flick of his right hand summoned a fire dragon. He stood atop its head, gripping its horns, dressed in majestic green armor. His body surged with real energy—now hot, now cold, sometimes intense, sometimes violent. The diverse auras emanating from him caused unbearable pain to anyone who came in contact.
Incredibly, Li Cai’s real energy formed a Taiji wheel, harmonizing water and fire. The temperature alternated between hot and cold seamlessly, enhancing any technique he utilized.
While Xu Ziqing watched Li Cai’s fierce display, he was lost in thought.
Given this display of power, it’s no wonder he secured a place in the Bairen Competition.
…one really can’t underestimate him.
With a focused mind, Xu Ziqing’s feet began to glow with a strong blue light.
This light swiftly transformed into countless leaves, vines, and grass stems, intertwining rapidly. They vaguely took on the shape of a long dragon.
Soon, the outline of the long dragon became more distinct and robust. In the blink of an eye, it materialized into a green flying dragon, with Xu Ziqing perched atop its back, becoming one with the dragon.
Li Cai’s expression shifted, his eyes growing more sinister.
Being repeatedly defeated by Xu Ziqing had deeply humiliated him. The failure and humiliation also strained his relationships with senior brothers who had always supported him, threatening his status. Adding to the torment was his time in the water dungeon, an experience he had never endured, accustomed as he was to a life of luxury.
Thus, his resentment toward Xu Ziqing coalesced into a strong determination, driving him through the pain to reach his current level.
Li Cai’s current cultivation was fueled by this hatred, inextricably linked to his lineage.
Ever since his release from the water prison, the second senior brother had given him a fierce look, prompting a swift retreat. Even the ancestor scolded him, leaving him sweating and terrified.
Fortunately, while the ancestor was angry about his strength, he didn’t fault his attitude. Despite the scolding, the ancestor hadn’t completely given up on him. Upon hearing that Li Cai would face Xu Ziqing in the Grand Competition, the ancestor decided to invest in improving his strength.
Li Cai had taken the rejuvenating elixir gifted by the ancestor. This elixir was incredibly rare, meant to be used only once in a lifetime. It not only refined a monk’s body, purging impurities, but it could also seal a miscellaneous spiritual root, creating the effect of “false dual spiritual roots” for Li Cai.
In his case, the dual spiritual roots manifested as water and fire, resembling thick intertwining lines. Initially, this limited his natural aptitude. However, under the skillful guidance of his master, it became an advantage. He was taught the “Water and Fire of the Same Origin Method,” a high-grade, mysterious-level exercise with immense power and mystery.
Even though comprehending such a high-level exercise was typically challenging for foundation-building period monks, the ancestor insisted on infusing Li Cai’s understanding of this technique directly into his sea of consciousness. While it didn’t grant mastery, it sufficed for his current level of cultivation.
Furthermore, the Patriarch of Jile Peak empowered Li Cai by channeling century-old true essence into his body, taking control and forcefully elevating his cultivation to the peak of the late foundation establishment period.
Not to be overlooked, the ancestor also bestowed numerous magic weapons and protective artifacts upon Li Cai, fortifying him both internally and externally. With the blessings of these enhancements, Li Cai was able to survive up to this point and participate in the Bairen Competition.
It was only at this juncture that Li Cai faced significant difficulty utilizing the magic weapon to ascend rapidly. To avoid encountering formidable opponents that might hinder his confrontation with Xu Ziqing, the ancestor used all available means to ensure Li Cai participated in the first round of the competition against Xu Ziqing.
Therefore, Li Cai harbored intense hatred, fueled by the cumulative experiences from his numerous previous battles. He was determined to severely humiliate Xu Ziqing.
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