"Second Brother, this is something you must decide for yourself!"
With a sigh, Laozi found it difficult to pass judgment at this moment, even though Yuanshi Tianzun had asked him directly.
After all, no one had expected Duobao and Guang Chengzi, the chief Direct Disciples of the Chan and Jie Sects, to choose surrender at such a time, abandoning their sects' honor for their own interests.
This might have seemed reasonable, but it was clearly unacceptable coming from the two chief Direct Disciples. Even Yuanshi Tianzun and Sect Master Tongtian found it impossible to accept.
Especially Yuanshi Tianzun, who cared greatly about appearances.
Guang Chengzi's actions were a blatant slap in the face. It was already merciful that Yuanshi Tianzun had not simply destroyed him. Naturally, there was no chance of allowing him to remain a Direct Disciple and the senior brother of the Chan Teachings.
"What about you, Third Brother?"
Not receiving a satisfactory answer from Laozi, Yuanshi Tianzun felt somewhat disappointed.
However, he soon shifted his gaze toward Sect Master Tongtian. After all, the latter was in the same situation as him. He was still unsure whether he should make such a decision outright.
"I will not immediately strip him of his position as a Direct Disciple."
After glancing at Yuanshi Tianzun, Sect Master Tongtian pondered briefly before saying, "However, I will remove his status as chief Direct Disciple. Once we return, I will choose another chief Direct Disciple at a later time!"
"Duobao's strength is indeed decent, but he still falls far short of Gui Ling and Kong Xuan. So there will not be much of an issue on my side!"
Yuanshi Tianzun's mouth twitched at those words.
Although he now looked down on Guang Chengzi, he could not deny that Guang Chengzi was indeed the strongest among the Twelve Golden Immortals.
Huang Long and Yu Ding had also performed well, but defeating Guang Chengzi would be extremely difficult. Especially if Guang Chengzi made it into the top three afterward, he would receive an Innate Spirit Treasure. By then, it would be truly hard to find anyone among the Second Generation Disciples capable of fighting and defeating him.
However, Yuanshi Tianzun soon made up his mind and looked toward the arena. "In that case, I shall follow your plan as well, Third Brother!"
"As for the disciples' strength!"
At that, Yuanshi Tianzun hesitated briefly before declaring decisively, "Huang Long is qualified to cultivate the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Technique, and Yu Ding is no exception!"
"When the time comes, I will grant them the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Technique. Once they complete their conversion, they should be able to grow stronger quickly and defeat him."
"Break!"
While the Three Pure Ones spoke, Li Yun and Yu Ding had already been fighting for some time.
With a low shout, Li Yun struck out with his palm, landing it squarely on Yu Ding's chest.
With a muffled groan, blood trickled from Yu Ding's lips, and the Magical Power around him stalled for a moment.
Only after a long while did Yu Ding come back to his senses. Seemingly realizing something, he raised his head and gave Li Yun a complicated look before getting to his feet and bowing. "Thank you for showing mercy, Daoist Li Yun!"
"I have lost this Combat Tournament!"
After saying that, Yu Ding felt as though a burden had been lifted from him, yet he was also deeply grateful to Li Yun.
Others might not have noticed, but as the person involved, he had realized that after several hundred exchanges, he had already been unable to hold on and was even struggling to defend himself.
Yet at that point, Li Yun had voluntarily withdrawn part of his strength, allowing them to battle fiercely until now.
It could be said that although he had lost this exchange, Li Yun had helped him preserve both his pride and his gains. He now owed Li Yun a favor.
[Defeated Yu Ding. Reward Trait: Seven Orifices Exquisite (Red)] [Seven Orifices Exquisite (Red): After equipping it, one can focus on seven tasks at once without any interference between them~]
"Not bad!"
"This Trait is extremely valuable!"
Li Yun nodded in satisfaction, delighted with this gain.
Although he himself could split his attention between two tasks, he could not truly do so without any interference.
For example, when controlling the True Dragon Soul, attempting to use other methods at the same time would become somewhat awkward. The previous Three-in-One method had been the same.
But if he could equip the Seven Orifices Exquisite Trait, he could fully maximize its value. Unfortunately, he no longer had any Empty Trait Slots. Otherwise, he could equip not only this Trait that allowed him to focus on seven tasks at once, but also Traits such as the Domain he had obtained before.
"Empty Trait Slot!"
"When will I receive another one as a reward?"
Li Yun muttered inwardly, though outwardly he remained calm. Cupping his hands in salute, he said, "Senior Brother Yu Ding, thank you for yielding."
Li Yun then swept his gaze across the surroundings and said, "Are there any senior brothers or senior sisters from the Chan and Jie Sects who wish to offer guidance?"
As he spoke, Li Yun looked toward Duobao and Guang Chengzi.
Although those two had already surrendered, he was still quite eager for the Traits on them.
Unfortunately, no one answered him. Duobao and Guang Chengzi offered no response either, simply turning their heads away and refusing to look at him.
Seeing this, Li Yun knew the matter was over.
Though it was not entirely satisfactory, he had obtained so many powerful Traits that his gains were still considerable.
With that in mind, he no longer intended to keep fighting. Turning toward the Three Pure Ones atop the platform, he bowed and asked, "Master, two Martial Uncles, does this mean your disciple has won the Combat Tournament?"
"Of course!"
Before Laozi could speak, Yuanshi Tianzun spoke first. "Martial Nephew Li Yun has overwhelmed the disciples of both sects and claimed first place. I am extremely pleased and approving!"
As he spoke, Yuanshi Tianzun waved his hand, and a Mirror appeared in his palm.
Yuanshi Tianzun then tossed it to Li Yun. "This is the High-Grade Innate Spirit Treasure, the Yin Yang Mirror. It is not a reward for this Exchange Meeting, but a reward for your performance this time."
"Hiss—"
Upon hearing this, the disciples of the Chan and Jie Sects all sucked in a breath of cold air.
The Twelve Golden Immortals in particular stared with burning eyes.
They had never expected Yuanshi Tianzun to do this—to directly give Li Yun a High-Grade Innate Spirit Treasure and specifically state that it was not the reward for this Combat Tournament.
What did that mean?
It meant Li Yun would still receive another High-Grade Innate Spirit Treasure afterward. This was simply...
"Thank you, Second Martial Uncle!"
After a brief daze, Li Yun reached out and caught the Yin Yang Mirror, then bowed deeply.
This item should originally have belonged to Guang Chengzi. Li Yun had not expected Yuanshi Tianzun to give it to him.
Especially from Yuanshi Tianzun's words, Li Yun could hear his dissatisfaction and frustration at someone's failure to live up to expectations.
Of course, it was not directed at him. More likely, it was directed at the item's original intended owner: Guang Chengzi.
Moreover, Li Yun saw that aside from his master Laozi, Sect Master Tongtian's expression had also become extremely grim.
In an instant, Li Yun's thoughts raced. Well, damn.
Guang Chengzi and Duobao had really messed this up!
Their little schemes could not fool the Saints, but they had enraged them instead. I'm afraid...
Before you continue