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Join the ServerI hope it hasn’t affected him. That’s good. After all, Senior Brother Ouyang is a truly good person… Wait, haven’t I thought this exact sentiment before?
Regardless of whether this particular incident had truly impacted Ouyang Xiu, it had undeniably prevented her from witnessing Peak Hall’s afternoon semi-finals.
‘Perhaps it’s best not to meet Senior Brother Ouyang for a while. He needs space to process things and grow, as everyone must.’
Having read for a while longer, Lian Yueying performed a few cycles of spiritual circulation before finally settling down to rest.
The Bamboo Hall semi-finals, though perhaps lacking the fierce intensity of Peak Hall’s, still warranted attention, especially for someone from the comparatively weaker Lake Hall.
Positioned at the edge of the training ground, closer to the mountain forest, Lian Yueying’s exceptional vision granted her a panoramic view, sparing her the need to contend with the jostling crowds.
Both semi-final matches proved to be quite captivating. Lian Yueying diligently noted the names of the participants, especially one disciple who displayed remarkable prowess with a saber.
The Thousand Jin Saber and the Grand Momentum Saber, both prominent saber techniques within the sect’s core cultivation methods, naturally allowed those proficient in their use to unleash formidable power.
Curiously, while sabers proved more effective than swords in the mortal realm, the inverse held true in the cultivation world. A sword’s emitted sword qi functioned as a tangible extension of its very blade, rendering every thrust, cleave, parry, and flourish lethally effective. Sabers, on the other hand, offered a significantly limited repertoire of spiritual energy-infused techniques, thus lacking the sword’s versatile agility.
The Grand Momentum Saber amplified this disparity even further. Its techniques, designed to crush opponents with overwhelming force, could unleash a staggering twelve-tenths of its true potential, yet simpler actions like parries and horizontal slashes only achieved eight-tenths of their effectiveness. This inherent imbalance was precisely why, even among those specializing in martial weaponry, sabers were seldom chosen by the sect’s disciples.
And yet, the disciple currently performing in the arena…
[Cai Xiangcheng, ninth level Qi Condensation. The Grand Momentum Saber, when wielded by him, is imbued with the very momentum of the saber itself. In terms of raw power, it far exceeds the Thousand Jin Saber Zhou Yan utilized previously.]
It was strikingly evident that Cai Xiangcheng’s opponent had been utterly suppressed from the outset. They spent a full eighty percent of the match on defense, with the remaining twenty percent dedicated not to counter-attacking, but purely to desperate evasion.
[Hiss, his opponent, also at the ninth level, is being utterly thrashed. I’ve witnessed this person’s previous matches; they are by no means inept in combat… This Cai Xiangcheng is a truly formidable adversary. The Grand Momentum Saber, when he wields it, genuinely embodies the essence of “Grand Momentum.”]
Recognizing the principle of “a single saber strike breaking myriad techniques,” Lian Yueying knew in her heart that she could not withstand this person’s relentless offensive. His sole discernible weakness appeared to be his less-than-blazing speed.
With a clear understanding of the unfolding situation, Lian Yueying cast a brief glance, discerning that Cai Xiangcheng’s victory was virtually assured. She then shifted her attention to the other match, which featured a male and female disciple. To her astonishment, the female disciple had yet to be defeated.
She remembered the female disciple’s name as Li Yu, and the male disciple’s as Liao Zhibamboo.
It was not out of disrespect for the woman, but rather because her opponent was a cultivator at the Great Perfection stage of Qi Condensation. Recalling more closely, this man was the very Bamboo Hall Senior Brother who had once attempted to trade two thousand spirit stones with Lian Yueying for a Harmonizing Breath Fruit.
[An eighth-level cultivator battling a Great Perfection stage for such an extended period, and yet I still cannot perceive the true depth of this Bamboo Hall Senior Sister’s abilities.]
Graceful and perfectly executed — these were Lian Yueying’s prevailing impressions of Li Yu. Every single movement the woman made was impeccably timed and measured, a clear demonstration of her meticulous study and mastery of her opponent’s style.
The disciples observing from below created a bustling throng, with many from Peak Hall among them. Lian Yueying, positioned too far away, could only discern muffled sounds. After a moment’s consideration, she decided to venture closer into the training ground, only then beginning to comprehend the unfolding situation.
“Senior Sister Yu and Senior Brother Liao, how many hundreds of matches have they fought by now?”
“At least five hundred by now. They hold a minor bout every three days and a major one every five; I dare say they’re more familiar with this training ground than their own homes. It’s truly a shame they’ve been pitted against each other in the semi-finals; otherwise, we could have enjoyed more of their individual performances.”
[So, they’re clearly familiar with each other. Yet, it appears Li Yu possesses a slightly deeper understanding of Liao Zhibamboo’s style.]
Driven by a desire for further insight, Lian Yueying edged closer and inquired, “Senior Brother, if you’d be so kind, why do these two always seem to be sparring?”
The Bamboo Hall disciple turned, and his eyes merely brightened with a fleeting appreciation for Lian Yueying’s beauty, displaying no other particular reaction. This subtle detail immediately set her mind at ease.
[It’s fortunate that I’m only moderately known within Lake Hall. Few disciples in the other two halls recognize me.]
“This Junior Sister, your face seems new to me.”
“Ah, I hail from Lake Hall. I’ve come specifically to observe and gain some insight.”
“Ha, then you’ve certainly come to the right place! Their matches invariably showcase the most bizarre and wonderful techniques. As for why they’re always sparring, I’ve heard Senior Sister Yu is Senior Brother Liao’s…”
As he spoke, a nearby female disciple squeezed forward, her brow furrowed in a frown. “Don’t spread malicious gossip about Senior Sister Yu! She has never once claimed to like Senior Brother Liao.”
“But it’s an undeniable fact that they are, in fact, husband and wife.”
A rather significant piece of gossip was inadvertently dropped, yet neither individual seemed particularly moved, as if it were the most ordinary affair. The female disciple then continued, “We cultivators have long since shed the shackles of the mortal world; betrothals made from birth naturally hold no sway. Senior Sister Yu once remarked that my smile was truly adorable; she clearly likes me!”
[Good heavens, there’s a lesbian here.]
Even though the affections weren’t directed at her, Lian Yueying harbored no desire to entangle herself in their affairs. Seizing the opportunity while the two were still deep in debate, she sought out a secluded corner where she could still discreetly overhear conversations, and from there, she resumed observing the match.
Every individual capable of cultivating to the Great Perfection stage of Qi Condensation possessed their own distinctive combat techniques. Lian Yueying’s keen observation wasn’t solely for strategizing for the upcoming grand competition; more profoundly, she was there to learn, to distill the essence and discard the dross.
Moments later, both matches reached their conclusion, with clear victors emerging. The Bamboo Hall semi-finals, largely devoid of suspense, ultimately saw Cai Xiangcheng and Liao Zhibamboo claim their victories.
****
The third day dawned, bringing with it the Lake Hall semi-finals.
As the other two halls had only their finals left to contend with, the number of disciples attending Lake Hall’s matches had noticeably increased. At this moment, the four semi-finalists stood poised in the center of the training ground, their gazes fixed upon Du Cheng, the Head of Bamboo Hall, and the four bamboo slips he held.
From the semi-finals onward, the heads of each hall were expected to be in attendance. However, Junior Uncle Yue was conspicuously absent, leaving Du Cheng to officiate in her stead. This was, in fact, a frequent occurrence for Lake Hall, to the point where its own disciples would humorously refer to themselves as merely a branch of Bamboo Hall.
As the four disciples stood ready, Du Cheng executed a gentle sweep of his hand. The four bamboo slips instantly coalesced, spinning at a dizzying speed imperceptible to the naked eye. Not only the disciples, but even the nearby Foundation Establishment cultivators found themselves unable to discern their individual movements.
“You are not merely the exceptional talents of Lake Hall, but indeed within the entire sect. Always remember, when competing against fellow disciples, cease your attacks before causing serious injury, and under no circumstances should you ever damage the bonds of camaraderie that unite us.”
“Yes, we shall respectfully heed Senior’s profound teachings.”
Following the four disciples’ unified affirmation, the quartet of spinning bamboo slips gracefully drifted towards Zhou Zhongchen’s outstretched hand. He then took control, gradually decelerating their rotation before randomly distributing them among the four participants.
Lian Yueying adeptly infused spiritual energy into her bamboo slip, causing its tip to glow a vibrant red. Her gaze then swept across the other three, and to her surprise, she discovered that Li Ming’s slip also bore the same crimson hue.
[This is problematic. Facing Li Ming, my prospects are grim, but…]
Lian Yueying’s mind instantly conjured a potential escape route, yet she swiftly dismissed the thought.
[I cannot afford myself a path of retreat. If I am to fight, I must fight with all my might, just as I did against Senior Brother Ouyang that day. Furthermore, the current me is vastly different from before; I refuse to let Senior Huang Qi’s painstaking efforts be wasted, nor will I allow the path of talismans to be disparaged.]
When Li Ming’s gaze met Lian Yueying’s, there was no trace of condescension. The four pairs ascended the training platform. After exchanging respectful bows, Li Ming remarked, “I’ve long heard from Junior Brother Zhou that Junior Sister Lian possesses a remarkable talent for talismans, and I’ve certainly witnessed your prowess recently, though I haven’t yet had the chance to experience it firsthand. It is fortunate that the semi-finals have matched us; otherwise, I would most likely have had to seek a separate opportunity to challenge you.”
The subtext was unmistakably clear: Zhou Yan, with his formidable Tuoshan technique, and Li Ming were both considered prime contenders for the championship. Lian Yueying, a dark horse in this competition, only attracted such widespread curiosity because her appearances were rare; at best, she might vie for third place, with her chances of claiming the championship remaining exceedingly slim.
Echoing Li Ming’s unspoken sentiment, the surrounding disciples clearly harbored similar thoughts.
Though Lian Yueying paid no mind to the prevailing opinions of the onlookers, her peripheral vision caught Yun Meng watching her from a short distance. As their eyes met, Lian Yueying received a spiritual transmission from Yun Meng.
“Good luck. Pay no heed to the judgment of others; simply unleash your inherent strength.”
Lacking the ability to transmit spiritual messages, Lian Yueying could only return her gaze to Li Ming.
“In that case, I humbly request Senior Brother to show me some mercy.”
Whether she managed to elicit disdain from Li Ming or not was ultimately inconsequential. As the spiritual energy barrier slowly ascended, and at Du Cheng’s resounding command, the match officially commenced.
Lian Yueying was the first to produce a spiritual talisman, holding it poised and ready. Her gaze was solely fixed upon Li Ming across the arena, and she could distinctly feel him mobilizing his spiritual energy, a palpably oppressive wave of fluctuations.
[This is the true essence of Great Perfection Qi Condensation, utterly distinct from Wang Zhi’s level.]
Nevertheless, Wang Zhi, despite his Great Perfection cultivation, possessed a formidable spiritual sea. Judging solely by his ability to fend off over a hundred Azure Edge Shuttles from the trap, this match would undoubtedly prove to be a hard-fought battle.
Li Ming, executing a swift遁术, charged forward, traversing half the training ground in a mere blink. He forewent any tentative probing, launching three Grand Momentum Sabers directly at Lian Yueying. Unflustered, Lian Yueying countered with a series of Five-Element spells conjured from her talismans, deflecting the assault while simultaneously invoking a Tuoshan Shield for defense, then evading the remaining attacks with her own遁术.
However, instead of retreating, she met his charge head-on.
This aggressive strategy stood in stark contrast to Lian Yueying’s previously demonstrated attrition tactics, leaving Li Ming momentarily bewildered as to her intentions. Retreat was not an option, so he continued to circulate his cultivation technique and unleash further spells.
[This is precisely the effect I desired!]
Lian Yueying balanced risk with calculated stability. The twenty-odd True Talismans tied into her ponytail were her true ace. She used a True Talisman to block his attack, then immediately activated the Confluence Sea Art.
Sea Uplift!
An immense surge of spiritual energy suffused her entire being. As the Grand Momentum Saber formed from her True Talisman held off Li Ming’s assault, a Grand Momentum Saber, radiating a terrifying aura, rapidly materialized before Lian Yueying.
The disciples below erupted in a clamor of astonishment. On the platform, Li Ming’s perception was far more direct. This single saber strike contained three-tenths of Lian Yueying’s spiritual energy. Even at the seventh level of Qi Condensation, this technique had been fearsome; now, at the eighth level, its power far surpassed any Grand Momentum Saber he himself could wield.
Regardless of how Lian Yueying achieved this, their proximity was too close. Witnessing the Grand Momentum Saber bearing down, he had no means of evasion. He could only exert his utmost effort to manifest a Tuoshan Shield and brace for impact. As the Tuoshan Shield took form, he hastily conjured several earthen spears, thrusting them from the sides.
The earthen spears were clearly no ordinary spell, maintaining the earth’s inherent density while moving with surprising agility. However, against a Grand Momentum Saber a full zhang in length, they amounted to little.
The Grand Momentum Saber struck with an unstoppable force. Li Ming’s fully-powered Tuoshan Shield managed to temporarily hold it back, yet the saber’s terrifying momentum persisted, forcing Li Ming to deploy other spells.
On the other side, Lian Yueying, seizing the moment while Li Ming was occupied, forcibly suppressed a wave of dizziness. She used a spiritual talisman to manifest a Tuoshan Shield, plastered it thoroughly with more talismans, and then kicked it towards Li Ming’s back.
The sound of the flying Tuoshan Shield was unavoidable to Li Ming’s ears. After several desperate blocks, he finally exhausted the Grand Momentum Saber’s spiritual energy, only to see Lian Yueying continuously unleashing spells from talismans to assail him, some of them powerful True Talismans.
He deeply suspected a trick, yet he had no choice but to treat them seriously. In almost an instant, he repelled Lian Yueying’s offensive, only to feel a surge of spiritual energy behind him. A Grand Momentum Saber, accompanied by Five-Element spells, appeared from seemingly nowhere, attacking him.
Under assault from both front and back, the venerable Great Perfection cultivator Li Ming naturally would not be caught unprepared. With a shift in his aura, numerous stone spears instantly erupted around him, scattering Lian Yueying’s offensive and pushing her back.
However, just before she was blasted away, one Grand Momentum Saber, formed from a True Talisman, managed to break through the encirclement, striking his protective golden light with a solid blow and forcing him to retreat several steps.
Thus, less than half a quarter-hour had passed since the match began. Zhou Yan and Yu Cheng’s match was still in its probing stages, while this one had nearly resulted in a mutual defeat.
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