Chapter Eighteen: Absolute Power Collides (This Chapter Is Free)
Bi Fan had been keeping an eye on the matches. A few disciples were quite capable, having cultivated to the Inner Breath Realm.
However, when Bi Fan compared himself with them, he found that he was considerably stronger.
His confidence soared. He had never known just how strong he was and had always thought his abilities were nothing special.
"Jade Maiden Peak's Bi Fan, Arena Three."
At last, it was Bi Fan's turn to take the arena.
"Bi Fan, do your best! Don't let Jade Maiden Peak down." Yu Xiao Feng waved her little fist and cheered him on.
Bi Fan strode onto the arena, his confidence and spirits both at their peak.
His fighting spirit blazed, his battle intent soared to the heavens.
As soon as Bi Fan stepped onto the arena, the disciple waiting there saw the fierce battle intent on his face and began to feel uneasy.
That disciple had already won two matches. He needed only one more victory to advance to the next round, and he was absolutely unwilling to lose. His own fighting spirit flared up like a raging fire.
After the two exchanged bows, the match officially began.
As if by unspoken agreement, both used the Myriad Ancestor Fist at the same time. Their fists whistled through the air, their power impressive; clearly, both had practiced the technique to perfection.
Thud! Bi Fan finally met his opponent's fist head-on.
Bi Fan stood firm as a mountain, while his opponent stumbled back several steps before managing to steady himself.
One hard clash was enough to reveal who was stronger.
But his opponent refused to admit defeat. He thrust both fists forward, aiming straight for Bi Fan's chest.
Myriad Ancestor Fist—Bear-Slaying Fist.
Bi Fan's move had no frills. He simply swung a fist straight at his opponent's chest.
He didn't even dodge, letting the other man's attack land on him.
Both men were struck, but Bi Fan only swayed slightly and was otherwise unharmed.
His opponent fared far worse. Bi Fan's punch sent him flying more than two meters before he hit the ground, unable to get back up.
"Jade Maiden Peak's Bi Fan wins!"
The loser left the arena, and another competitor took his place.
Bi Fan continued to use the Myriad Ancestor Fist, winning just as easily. The match was practically decided with a single punch.
At the very beginning of cultivation, everything else was hollow. One could overcome a hundred techniques with sheer strength—power was what mattered most.
Besides, novice cultivators didn't know any martial techniques. Even if they'd learned a move or two, they couldn't bring out its full power.
Bi Fan's strength was close to four cloudstones, putting him among the very best of the Registered Disciples.
Iron Bull was born with immense strength, yet even he was slightly weaker than Bi Fan.
The only ones Bi Fan needed to watch out for were the few Registered Disciples who had cultivated inner breath. Inner breath gave them tremendous explosive power, and one careless mistake could get him knocked off the arena.
After three consecutive victories, Bi Fan advanced with ease.
"Bi Fan, well done!" Yu Xiao Feng gave him a pat and said excitedly.
Yu Xiao Feng's affectionate gesture left Bi Fan momentarily dazed, but he quickly came to his senses. He refused to dwell on it, and didn't want to.
Yu Xiao Feng was a goddess high above him. Bi Fan was only a lowly young medicine boy; their status, standing, and strength were worlds apart.
Bi Fan wasn't the sort to indulge in fantasies.
Soon, the first round ended. To everyone's surprise, only twenty-eight people advanced to the second round.
The rules changed for the next round. Competitors drew lots and faced off in single-elimination matches, with the winner advancing.
Bi Fan drew number fifteen. His opponent was the person who had drawn number sixteen.
The matches continued simultaneously on all three arenas, so it wouldn't be long before Bi Fan's turn came.
Iron Bull drew number three and would compete on Arena Two. He was among the first to take the stage.
Iron Bull's opponent was no weakling, either; his strength was close to two cloudstones.
After exchanging formal bows, Iron Bull let out a loud shout, charged forward, and wrapped his arms around his opponent in a bear hug.
"Ah... ah..." The man struggled for a long time, but it was no use. In the end, he could only admit defeat.
Iron Bull won. He flashed a grin, revealing a mouthful of big, yellow teeth. His appearance was rather frightening, and the female disciples all turned away rather than look at him.
Among the Registered Disciples in the second group to take the stage were two who had cultivated to the Inner Breath Realm, including Li Shu. Both advanced with ease.
Bi Fan was up in the third group, also on Arena Two.
By an unfortunate coincidence, Bi Fan's opponent was named Wang Feng—and he, too, was an expert in the Inner Breath Realm.
Their eyes met, both filled with battle intent.
Wang Feng had seen how agile Bi Fan was and didn't dare underestimate him. He stood ready, waiting for Bi Fan to make the first move.
Bi Fan knew what Wang Feng was planning, but paid it no mind. Before absolute power, every scheme was just a paper tiger.
Myriad Ancestor Fist.
Bi Fan rubbed his chin, then took a long stride forward. Riding his momentum and bearing the might of heaven, he drove a punch toward Wang Feng.
Before the punch even landed, the gust of wind it brought cut across Wang Feng's face like a blade.
Wang Feng's expression changed dramatically. He didn't dare take the punch head-on and dodged to the side.
Bi Fan leaned his upper body sharply to the left, yet kept his fist trained on Wang Feng's front.
It was only because Bi Fan had learned the basic footwork of the Misty Dance that he could change direction so quickly and bend his body so nimbly. An ordinary person could never have managed such a feat while rushing forward at full speed.
Wang Feng couldn't dodge in time. He swung a fist, and it collided with Bi Fan's.
Thud! Bi Fan drew on his full strength, but only took a single step back before steadying himself.
Wang Feng had met the blow in a hurry, and Bi Fan's punch sent him staggering back five or six steps.
Bi Fan hadn't used his inner breath. Otherwise, Wang Feng might already have been sent flying off the arena.
"Take this!" Bi Fan shouted, unleashing his inner breath while still using the Myriad Ancestor Fist.
This punch was even faster and fiercer. In Wang Feng's eyes, Bi Fan's fist swelled larger and larger, until it was right in front of his face.
"I'll risk it!" Wang Feng was already near the edge of the arena and had nowhere left to dodge or retreat.
He poured all his inner breath into a punch of his own.
Their fists collided again. Both men grunted. Bi Fan was sent flying backward, and it took him more than ten steps to steady himself.
Wang Feng fared even worse. He flew straight off the arena and lost the match.
The difference in strength was obvious: Bi Fan had the upper hand.
"Bi Fan wins!"
Bi Fan had beaten an Inner Breath Realm expert, Wang Feng, in just two moves. He'd made a name for himself again, and the stands erupted in cheers.
But in a corner, a stout man stared coldly at Bi Fan, wishing he could tear him to pieces.
It was Zhu San. After hearing from Da Niu that Bi Fan hadn't died in the Myriad Snake Den and had grown much stronger, he had been unable to put his mind at ease.
He had come to watch the Registered Disciple selection and happened to spot Bi Fan. Bi Fan really had changed into a completely different person, just as Da Niu had said.
Zhu San was shocked, and his murderous intent toward Bi Fan deepened. But Bi Fan was already stronger than him. Getting rid of Bi Fan would be very difficult; he would have to plan carefully before acting.
Bi Fan's senses were exceptionally keen. Feeling someone watching him, he turned and spotted Zhu San.
Bi Fan smiled at Zhu San, but the sight sent a chill through Zhu San. He hurried away.
"He actually noticed me. This is trouble. I have to find a way to deal with him as soon as possible. He has to die," Zhu San thought as he walked.
Bi Fan ignored Zhu San and strolled back to Yu Xiao Feng's side.
Zhu San was a nobody. If Bi Fan wanted to, he could crush him to death right now.
Bi Fan had already become a Registered Disciple. If he performed exceptionally well in the ranking competition, the Qingyang Sect's higher-ups might take him as a disciple. His status would rise considerably, and by then, no one would do anything to him for killing a steward among the Outer Disciples.
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