Chapter 167 - Arc 11: The Sect's Grand Competition | Chapter 167: Match 14
Translator: Lynn
Li Cai seethed with anger, unleashing a barrage of magic weapons in rapid succession.
Among these weapons was a crimson scepter, searing with intense heat. On impact, it bore thrice into the bone, consuming flesh and blood in its fiery wake. A golden cord accompanied it, possessing unmatched prowess in ensnaring individuals. Once it touched flesh, it clung like gangrene to bone, defying all attempts to cast it off. And then there was a silvery whip, capable of rending skin to shreds if it struck the head.
“Peng Peng Peng”
Yet, Xu Ziqing remained unfazed. He let the Qingyun Needle ensnare the dual mother-child blades, while his enormous Muhua Finger Technique continually swatted the magical implements, determined to seize and mark them similarly. All were eventually gathered.
The Patriarch of Jile Peak had truly favored his descendant, bestowing upon him a plethora of spiritual weapons, each of at least middle or higher quality. It was a pity that Li Cai proved inadequate in retaining these magical treasures. Should he encounter Xu Ziqing, who held no regard for him, they would be swiftly confiscated.
In reality, the ancestor had exerted effort in a bid to elevate Li Cai, essentially an act of “protecting one’s own.” The aim was to provide an outlet for his frustration. Initially, they believed Xu Ziqing to be a mere fledgling cultivator, recently attaining the mid-level of foundation establishment, while Li Cai had already peaked in the late stage of foundation establishment.
The ancestor aspired to resolve this matter prior to the Bairen Competition, but Xu Ziqing’s swift advancement disrupted these plans, thrusting him into the Bairen Competition. Consequently, they adjusted their strategy, ensuring Li Cai barely made it into the competition and setting the stage for an initial confrontation with Xu Ziqing.
Now, both Xu Ziqing and Li Cai have achieved the late stage of foundation establishment. However, their experiences differed significantly: one possessed a firm and accumulated foundation, while the other’s foundation remained shallow and insufficient, revealing itself more prominently in the face of the magical weapons. This left Li Cai with a false sense of substantial improvement, further adding to his embarrassment.
Several magical weapons fell under Xu Ziqing’s control. Li Cai was not entirely foolish; he recognized that the most potent magical weapons had been dispatched. Even the weaker ones were futile. As a result, he didn’t dwell on it too much, dedicating himself to controlling the Zimu Sword and countering the Qingyun Needle. Alas, despite his attempt to focus, Xu Ziqing would not allow it. Xu Ziqing swiftly manipulated the situation, creating a tempest of cyan claw shadows enveloping Li Cai from all directions.
However, a swift glint on Li Cai’s verdant armor deflected many of the claws. A contemptuous smile played on Li Cai’s lips as he taunted, “If you’re capable, try grabbing the armor bestowed by our ancestor!”
Xu Ziqing responded with a grin, “I’m here to catch you!” With that, another enormous palm descended from the air, significantly larger than the previous one, nearly covering the entire battle platform.
Li Cai suddenly felt a darkened sky above him and an immensely powerful pressure that struck him fiercely, even imprinting his armor into the ground.
This strike utilized 70% of Xu Ziqing’s genuine energy. While most of the force was absorbed by the armor, it still left Li Cai’s chest aching. He grumbled, “You—” But Xu Ziqing pressed his right hand heavily, and the azure palm followed suit, firmly subduing Li Cai.
Poor Li Cai was so flattened that he couldn’t even muster the effort to manipulate his talisman. The Zimu Sword slipped from his control, clattering on the ground.
Xu Ziqing made a gesture with his left hand, prompting the Qingyun Needle to respond to his movement. He pointed at it again, and it shot out swiftly, landing gently between Li Cai’s eyebrows. He smiled faintly, “Brother Li, do you concede?”
Li Cai, completely immobilized, found the Qingyun Needle close to his eyes. It seemed like if he said “no,” the needle would pierce his flesh, rendering him a wooden sculpture. The humiliation would only escalate if he actually transformed into that state and was kicked off the stage.
After struggling against his reluctance for a while, a glint of acquiescence flashed in Li Cai’s eyes. He forced out a word through gritted teeth, “…I concede.”
Xu Ziqing nodded slightly upon hearing this. “In that case, I have won this battle.” After saying this, he retracted the blue palm, and the Qingyun needle floated by his side.
Angrily, Li Cai got up, raised his hand, and summoned back the Zimu sword. Perhaps to salvage his pride, he never demanded Xu Ziqing return his magical weapon. He took a deep breath and shamefacedly exited the stage.
Observing this, Xu Ziqing prepared to depart.
However, in the next instant, Li Cai abruptly turned around and struck his chest armor—
In a split second, an immensely violent force erupted, chaotic yet roaring with the intent of a powerful explosion!
In an instant, he was closing in on Xu Ziqing!
This was precisely the water and fire tai chi technique Li Cai had employed against Xu Ziqing earlier, but the power contained in this amalgamation of water and fire tai chi exceeded that of Cai’s previous attempt by more than tenfold!
Finally, a malevolent grin crept across Li Cai’s face, and he shouted sharply, “Xu Ziqing, today is the day of your demise! You are my victory, hahahaha—” However,
Xu Ziqing raised his hand, nearly simultaneously unleashing an unseen force from between his fingers—icy cold and piercing, carrying an unstoppable intent to kill!
I observed this imperceptible entity clash with the water and fire Tai Chi, erupting into a brilliant light.
“Boom—”
Following the resounding noise, a chilling sword energy dispersed, and the frigid intent froze the air on the entire battle platform. A potent air current surged, instantly dispelling all opposing forces.
It was the essence of sword intent!
Li Cai’s raucous laughter abruptly ceased, replaced by sheer panic and dread etched onto his face. “No! What is this? How do you possess sword intent? Ah—” Enveloped in boundless fear, all he could do was witness the approaching sword intent, the surging murderous aura flooding into his consciousness. In mere moments, he knew no more.
As the gust of murderous intent gradually subsided, one person stood while the other lay on the battle platform. The one standing was, of course, Xu Ziqing, while the fallen was Li Cai, who had been “plotting but ultimately fell victim.”
The sword intent was too pure, beyond manipulation, simply released. Consequently, it harbored no emotion and adhered to no bounds.
Hence, after shattering the water and fire Tai Chi, the lingering sword intent swiftly choked Li Cai’s will and consciousness. In his current realm of consciousness, only emptiness prevailed. In essence, all that remained on the ground was Li Cai’s lifeless body.
Xu Ziqing sighed, then shook his head. “Brother Li, why push it?”
Although Li Cai’s ancestor had empowered him and bestowed numerous magical weapons, Xu Ziqing also had his master and brethren looking out for him.
The sword intent was formidable, not to be retained without specific materials. Time was fleeting within the grand competition, leaving no room for preparations. Therefore, upon securing a slot in the Bairen competition, Yun Lie had stored a sword intent in Xu Ziqing’s storage ring. Such measures were in place to guard against individuals whose elders entrusted them with power.
Li Cai conceded, but Xu Ziqing was wary, fully aware of his disposition. Moreover, despite Li Cai’s attempts to conceal his murderous intent, someone as astute in perceiving killing intent as Xu Ziqing could hardly be deceived. Just as Li Cai was about to act, Xu Ziqing swiftly launched his counterattack.
The water and fire Tai Chi formation exhibited formidable might, amalgamating potent forces. It wasn’t a supernatural ability but rather a fusion of individual strengths. The extent to which Li Cai drew upon the power, whether from his ancestor or a certain elder, remained unclear. However, the sword intent was resolute and carried an immense sense of death. It encompassed all Yun Lie’s comprehension of his sword technique, making the Water and Fire Tai Chi unable to contend with such a merciless killing intent.
In this clash between mentors and disciples, Xu Ziqing emerged victorious.
Without dwelling on Li Cai any further, the surrounding onlookers were unharmed. A law enforcement officer was present to handle the aftermath. Xu Ziqing ascended into the air and returned to the elevated platform.
Witnessing Xu Ziqing’s return as the victor, everyone wore smiles, offering their congratulations.
Xu Ziqing expressed some remorse, saying, “I’m afraid Li Cai’s incident may have troubled all of you.” A few
young cultivators exchanged glances and shook their heads, assuring him, “It’s all right; it’s not your fault.”
Master Qiu He chimed in, “Why fret, Ziqing? Would a teacher like you dwell on such matters?” He then looked at his senior disciple with a warm smile, “Yun’er enhanced Ziqing’s sword intent—well done.”
Xu Ziqing returned the smile, saying, “Truly thanks to Shixiong. Without him, I might have sustained severe injuries.”
Yun Lie didn’t say much, merely pointing a finger to store another sword intent in Xu Ziqing’s storage ring. He advised, “Only use it sparingly, unless it’s a life-or-death situation.”
Xu Ziqing nodded, reciprocating the smile.
The atmosphere settled into a peaceful and joyful mood, although a trace of concern for the Nascent Soulancestor lingered.
Despite Li Cai being backed by the Jile Peak ancestor, the pursuit of longevity had rendered them unafraid. Today’s events were clearly an unjust act against Li Cai, and the ancestor of bliss had no reason to intervene. Caution was essential in their living spaces, ensuring they wouldn’t be ensnared by others seeking to exploit vulnerabilities.
With this victory, Xu Ziqing’s ranking surged, propelling him into the top fifty.
Daoist Qiu He and You Rongyan wore cheerful expressions as they shared, “In the previous sect’s grand competition, Yun’er was deeply engrossed in cultivating within the sword cave, hence he didn’t participate and missed the event. It truly warms our hearts as teachers to witness Ziqing standing out amidst the multitude of participants.”
Reflecting on the past, Yun Lie had dedicated himself to cultivation, eschewing the limelight despite his unmatched level of cultivation for his age. He secluded himself, refraining from garnering attention in the sect’s grand competitions. Even now, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of embarrassment upon its mention.
Observing this, Xu Ziqing felt a sense of relief and reassured them, saying, “With such strength, there’s no need to seek fame. Take Yun Lie, for instance; he holds the fifth position on the dragon list today. Is there a young hero who isn’t aware of him? Master, there’s no need for concern.”
Another newcomer, Qiu Ze, chimed in, echoing the sentiment. “Second senior brother is absolutely right. Master, consider this: young cultivators only have the opportunity to partake in the sect’s grand competition once every fifty years. The first time they join, their cultivation is usually at the foundational or transformation stage. But senior brother isn’t even a hundred years old yet and has two chances. While he missed the first one, upon his return for the second, he had already achieved the golden elixir realm. His progress surpasses others by a considerable margin!”
With the encouragement from these two direct disciples, Daoist Qiu He’s initial regret swiftly faded, replaced by contentment and an increased fondness for the two.
Xu Ziqing smiled once more, sweeping his sleeves and revealing five or six dazzling magical weapons, each exuding a potent and vibrant aura.
Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.
Support me on ko-fi for faster releases ^^