Xuan sat in the Rest Area, watching the matches.
He carefully observed everyone's fighting styles, habits, and weaknesses, silently committing them all to memory.
He considered how he should fight if he encountered any of them on the Arena.
The next match was Dapeng against Gui Ling.
Dapeng wore a relaxed expression as he stepped onto the Arena. His opponent was the reincarnation of the Mystic Tortoise, only a Golden Immortal—two major realms below him.
He felt certain of victory and was even considering what pose he should use when making his exit after winning.
Gui Ling stood across the Arena in a profound yellow Daoist robe. She carried no weapon, and no Spiritual Power rippled around her. She simply stood there quietly, like a stone.
Dapeng felt even more assured. Just a stone—one flap of his wings would send her flying.
The referee swung down his Command Flag.
Dapeng instantly burst forward, transforming into a golden afterimage as he charged straight at Gui Ling.
The watching disciples and Matriarch Yuanshi saw only a flash of golden light. Dapeng was already before Gui Ling, reaching for her shoulder.
Before his hand could touch her, his feet suddenly sank. A ring of yellow light burst from the ground, and an Earth Wall rose from within it, slamming solidly into Dapeng's chest.
Dapeng was sent flying. He flipped twice in the air, crashed to the ground, and rolled several times before stopping.
He staggered to his feet and dusted himself off. I was careless. Gui Ling has a defensive Dharma Treasure.
Gui Ling remained where she was, her expression unchanged. She had not even looked at him.
Dapeng came again.
This time, he had learned his lesson. Rather than charging head-on, he circled around from the side.
After moving behind Gui Ling,