When the opponent Qu Zan drew was Chilie, Jiumo said, "You need to be careful. That fellow is different from the others. When you face him, you'll find yourself easily influenced by his mind.
"His words become heavy, and his stature seems to tower in an instant."
Namkha said worriedly, "Junior Brother Gyatso, perhaps you should refuse to debate him as soon as you go up. That fellow must have mastered some strange method."
"Admitting defeat and surrendering means leaving yourself at his mercy," Jiumo said.
Qu Zan, however, gave neither man's words any consideration.
He thought, That monk named Chilie must have studied a Mind Secret cultivation method-
Mind Secret cultivation could strengthen a practitioner's mind and consciousness, allowing them to influence and control others through their gaze or movements.
Qu Zan and Chilie sat cross-legged on bamboo couches, facing each other.
The Scholar Monk named Chilie looked utterly ordinary and drew no attention. He was the sort who would be impossible to find once dropped into a crowd.
Yet his gaze was so piercing, like two great stars. His eyes revealed that his mind and consciousness were immensely powerful.
He shows his edge far too openly, Qu Zan judged inwardly. Then I'll lure the snake out of its hole!
"Senior Brother!" After going up, Qu Zan bowed with his palms pressed together and said, "I hope you'll show me mercy."
With gauze wrapped around his arm, Jiumo had already been eliminated. He asked Namkha in bewilderment, "Why is Junior Brother Gyatso showing weakness to his opponent before the debate even begins?"
Chilie said mildly, "We debate our learning and investigate together. There's no question of showing mercy."
When the referee monk announced the start of the debate.
Chilie's eyes widened, his entire presence surged, and a scorching gleam