Admitting Defeat

In this battle, Qin Fengming truly displayed all his skills and strategies. Although the young man wielding a spear opposite him wasn't one of the four individuals his Master had mentioned as being able to defeat him, he was by no means a pushover.

Some exhaustion was inevitable. However, what puzzled Qin Fengming was that no matter how tired he became, a brief period of meditation would completely restore his stamina.

He observed that while other disciples could also recover their stamina quickly through meditation, it took them several times longer than it took him. This situation left Qin Fengming deeply perplexed.

By the morning, the top eight contenders in both the winners' and losers' brackets had been decided.

After lunch, the losers' bracket only needed to determine the top four. Qin Fengming's group, the winners' bracket, was tasked with deciding the first-place winner.

Qin Fengming still held the number seven token and, after one match, he was called to the stage again.

Standing before Qin Fengming this time was a young man holding a wooden staff. The youth had a composed expression, and a certain gravitas resided in his eyes. At first glance, Qin Fengming was startled. This young man was undoubtedly a formidable opponent.

When the announcer introduced both contestants, Qin Fengming learned that his opponent's name was Lin Yongfeng. Hearing the name, Qin Fengming was taken aback; he had heard his Junior Sister mention this name before. He knew that Lin Yongfeng's Tiger Subduing Staff Technique was incredibly elusive.

The reason Qin Fengming was so wary of him was that Lin Yongfeng was indeed one of the four individuals who had a strong chance of defeating him.

Gazing at the young man before him, Qin Fengming felt a sense of unease. However, this feeling was fleeting. His task of reaching the top ten had already been accomplished; now, he just needed to fight with all his might.

Looking at the boy, who was only twelve or thirteen years old, Lin Yongfeng already knew he possessed real skill. Therefore, he harbored no intention of underestimating Qin Fengming.

Although Qin Fengming wasn't among Lin Yongfeng's predetermined opponents, his performance over the past two days, reaching the top eight among so many skilled fighters at such a young age, indicated how difficult he would be to deal with.

After observing Qin Fengming for a moment, Lin Yongfeng made up his mind: he absolutely could not treat his opponent as an ordinary boy. He would have to be extra cautious during the match and fight with all his effort to remain undefeated.

As the announcer signaled the start, Qin Fengming's most challenging battle since he began martial arts commenced.

As soon as the match began, both fighters appeared very cautious. While they exchanged blows and defended, their actions were mostly probes. The atmosphere lacked the intensity of the morning matches.

Qin Fengming unleashed the Thirteen Forms of the Willow, his movements elusive and his advances and retreats precise. His sword followed his body, creating a blur of white light that spun rapidly on the high platform, making it impossible to discern his form.

Lin Yongfeng also wielded his long staff, his Tiger Subduing Staff Technique manifesting layers of illusory shadows that protected him. His technique was seven parts defense and three parts offense, prioritizing caution over aggression.

The two figures spun on the platform, engaged in a lively exchange. They fought for nearly half an hour. Although neither was desperately trying to win, their endless stream of exquisite moves drew continuous cheers from the audience below.

Despite their back-and-forth struggle, neither could gain the upper hand.

As they fought, Qin Fengming stole glances, observing the opponent's incredibly refined staff techniques. Even with his full effort, he couldn't be sure he could defeat him. His Master's words were proving true; this opponent possessed the strength to defeat him.

This stalemate became increasingly disadvantageous for Qin Fengming. However, to defeat his opponent quickly with his full strength seemed unlikely. After some thought, Qin Fengming resolved to concede.

At this point, the outcome of the match held no allure for him.

After another fifty exchanges, Qin Fengming suddenly retreated about ten feet. He stopped, sheathed his sword, cupped his hands, and said loudly:

"Junior disciple deeply admires Senior Brother Lin's Tiger Subduing Staff Technique. I admit I cannot defeat Senior Brother Lin. This match, therefore, belongs to Senior Brother Lin."

Having said this, Qin Fengming bowed again to the astonished Lin Yongfeng and gracefully stepped off the stage.

On the high platform, Qin Fengming's Master smiled without a word. Even Sect Master Sima, seated in the center, showed a look of admiration.

The disciples who had come with Qin Fengming and were standing below erupted in cheers at his voluntary surrender. No one felt disappointed by his decision to concede.

Qin Fengming's performance in this match had deeply moved everyone. Not only the younger disciples but even those from the previous two intake years greatly praised his performance. The way they looked at him no longer held the contempt they once did.

Meanwhile, the matches on the high platform continued without pause until nightfall, when all the contests were concluded.

The winner of this grand competition was Lin Yongfeng, who had fought Qin Fengming. The second place went to Hu Shuheng, and surprisingly, third place was taken by Cui Liang, who was in the same group as Qin Fengming. Cui Liang had used only his bare hands in all his matches, without any weapons, and securing third place deeply impressed Qin Fengming.

"With this, the Hundred Refinements Hall Grand Competition has concluded. The disciples who placed in the top twenty will enter the Elite Hall for further advanced studies. Gather below Danyun Peak at the si shi hour tomorrow to officially report to Wangyue Peak. Other disciples will continue their training in the Hundred Refinements Hall, striving for better results in the next competition."

Elder Wang, standing on the high platform, spoke loudly, his stern expression silencing the crowd's chatter.

Following Elder Wang's words, the Hall Masters from the central platform rose and departed, disappearing into the valley.

Qin Fengming did not return to their living quarters with Duan Meng and the others. Instead, he headed directly to Hundred Zhang Cliff.

Facing the praise from his Mistress and Junior Sister, Qin Fengming blushed slightly. He responded obediently, showing no hint of pride.

After staying for dinner with his Mistress, his Master and the long Hall Master returned excitedly. The moment he saw Qin Fengming, his Master's face lit up with joy.

"Fengming, this Hundred Refinements Hall Grand Competition, because of you, has brought great honor to us officials. Earlier, I spoke with Sect Master Sima about having you specially admitted into the Dark Night Hall. Although the Sect Master did not immediately agree, he said he would consider it carefully. You just need to study diligently in the Elite Hall from now on and not neglect your martial arts."

Hearing his Master's words, Qin Fengming's young heart was filled with joy. Even though the Sect Master hadn't agreed to his entry into the Dark Night Hall, being accepted into the Elite Hall at this age was still several years ahead of his peers. This was a rare occurrence in Luoxia Valley, happening perhaps once in a century.

"Hall Master Li of the Elite Hall is a friend of mine. If you have any questions about martial arts, you can certainly ask him for guidance. Tomorrow, there will be some rewards for the victorious disciples; I hope you seize the opportunity. You must be tired, go back and rest," his Master instructed, then waved him away.