The Aftermath: A Reputation Takes Shape

Silence held for several breaths.

Then cheers and applause erupted from the Dongyue Clan. The Li Family wore smiles too, though they were more restrained, exchanging looks of relief. Three victories in three matches—especially Li Longyue's crushing triumph in the last—had set the tone for the entire exchange and dealt a fierce blow to the Mountain-Suppressing Sect's arrogance.

The Mountain-Suppressing Sect, by contrast, looked utterly dejected. Someone had helped Yue Ling and Yue Feng up and given them pills to aid their recovery, but their faces remained pale and their eyes dull. Their confidence had clearly taken a heavy blow. Yue Qing was hurt worst of all: bones in both arms had shattered, and his internal organs had been shaken. Supported by two disciples, he clenched his teeth and kept his head down, not daring to meet Elder Yue Qianshan's eyes.

Yue Qianshan's face shifted between red and ashen. Shock and anger churned inside him. The three young fighters the Li Family had fielded had each been stronger than the last. Li Longyue in particular, with his Mountain Dragon King Martial Soul and level seventy-seven cultivation, had far exceeded Yue Qianshan's expectations. He was likely among the very best in the entire tournament. And his own disciples had failed him. They had lost all three matches, and lost badly. The Mountain-Suppressing Sect had left its dignity by the side of this road.

He drew several deep breaths, barely suppressing his anger and alarm. Then he clasped his hands toward Dongyue Qingxuan and Li Xuansheng and said hoarsely, "Elder Dongyue, the Li Family... truly lives up to its reputation. Your young talents are outstanding. Our disciples were outmatched today. Sorry for the trouble."

The words plainly cost him, but he had at least maintained a shred of courtesy. With three Limit