In the arena of White Frost Ancient City, drums thundered once more, signaling the official start of the second round of drawn matches. The grand elder waved his hand. Golden light flickered through the formation patterns, and the lot cylinder spun in midair. The first pairing drawn was-Pure Fragrance Garden vs. Swordside Snow.
The disciples of both sects took the stage in succession. Pure Fragrance Garden's side radiated a fierce presence; all five ranged from initial entry into the Qi Condensation Realm to its middle stage, each wearing a contemptuous smile. Swordside Snow's disciples looked restrained. Though they too had reached the Qi Condensation Realm, they were clearly at a disadvantage in presence.
"Begin the match!"
Boom!
Pure Fragrance Garden's disciples erupted in unison, spiritual light soaring skyward like a torrent of intertwining flames and storms. The first man to fight formed seals with both hands, and the phantom of a crimson spirit fox appeared behind him. Foxfire rained down, turning into dozens of flaming blades that slashed toward Swordside Snow's disciple.
The Swordside Snow disciple hurriedly drew his sword and activated his sword art, weaving layer upon layer of sword light to defend himself. But when the flaming blades fell, the sword light was instantly burned away. He was driven back a hundred feet, his sword split in two, his face deathly pale.
In the second match, a woman from Pure Fragrance Garden stepped forward and swept her sleeves. Spiritual Qi became jade-green waves that filled the air, washing over the entire arena like an ocean tide. Her opponent used the Water Spirit Art to counter it, but the gap in strength was too great. The disciple was instantly overwhelmed and swept straight off the platform.
The third match struck with the crushing might of thunder. One of Pure Fragrance Garden's disciples had actually cultivated a rare lightning technique. Spiritual Qi condensed into an enormous lightning halberd that cleaved down with a crash. Before the Swordside Snow disciple opposite could react, the tremendous force struck, sending blood and Qi surging through the disciple's chest and leaving them collapsed, unable to fight.
Match followed match, with almost no suspense.
Within a mere hour, all five Swordside Snow disciples had lost. Pure Fragrance Garden's disciples had won every match.
The result left many sect disciples below exchanging glances. Swordside Snow was not a top sect, but it still possessed centuries of heritage. No one had expected Pure Fragrance Garden to sweep it aside so easily.
Discussion broke out around the arena:
"Pure Fragrance Garden has come on strong this time. Every disciple looks like they've fought their way through slaughter."
"Swordside Snow is going to lose every scrap of face."
"Looks like Pure Fragrance Garden will definitely advance this round."
Among Cloud-Leveling Hall's disciples, Yang Zheng could not help whispering to Qin Yu, "Brother Yu, Pure Fragrance Garden really isn't easy to provoke. If we face them, it might be even harder than the fight against Luo Chuan."
Qin Yu's gaze was deep as he slowly nodded, growing even more wary of that demoness, Liu Hongzhuang.
The drums sounded again, and the second pairing appeared in the air-
Cloud-Soaring Sect vs. Heavenly Secrets Sect.
The crowd immediately stirred as the two sects' disciples stepped onto the platform. The Cloud-Soaring Sect was renowned for its swordsmanship. Most of its disciples cultivated the Cloud-Soaring Sword Art, their sword momentum fierce enough to split the heavens. The Heavenly Secrets Sect was famed for its unconventional formations and uncanny control of spiritual artifacts. Its disciples often trapped enemies in formations and enjoyed a considerable reputation.
"Second round, begin!"
In the first match, Zhou Heng of the Cloud-Soaring Sect faced Su Ran of the Heavenly Secrets Sect. The moment Zhou Heng appeared, he drew his sword. Sword light poured down like a celestial river, his Spiritual Qi oppressively sharp. Unhurried, Su Ran took out dozens of bronze talismans and scattered them into the air. They instantly formed a green protective formation, its flowing runes standing before him like a wall.
Boom!
Sword light crashed against the protective formation, sending light soaring skyward. The spectators saw turbulent Spiritual Qi roiling across the platform as fierce winds howled. Moments later, Zhou Heng's sword intent surged. One thrust pierced the formation, its remaining force tearing a slit in Su Ran's clothes and driving him back repeatedly until he fell off the platform.
One victory for the Cloud-Soaring Sect.
In the second match, Liu Lan, the Heavenly Secrets Sect's formation expert, took the stage. He held a bronze mirror whose surface flashed with light. The projected images instantly became three illusions, obscuring his true body's location. Unable to distinguish truth from falsehood, the Cloud-Soaring Sect disciple was trapped among them. Liu Lan seized the opportunity to activate his talismans. A flame talisman formation erupted, and a sea of fire engulfed the platform.
"Boom!"
Firelight illuminated half the arena. The Cloud-Soaring Sect disciple was burned straight off the platform and defeated.
The Heavenly Secrets Sect pulled one back.
In the third match, both sides sent out their strongest disciples-the Cloud-Soaring Sect's sword cultivator Chu Feng against the Heavenly Secrets Sect's spiritual artifact master Lu Qing. As Chu Feng drew his sword, sword light shot into the heavens, piercing the highest skies. Sword intent encircled him, making the spectators' hearts tremble. Lu Qing spread his hands and summoned a high-grade spiritual artifact, the Sky-Splitting Hammer. Dark light flickered across it, and it exuded extraordinary pressure.
They attacked almost simultaneously. Sword light cascaded like a boundless river of stars, while the Sky-Splitting Hammer descended like thunder, its roar deafening.
Bang!
Formation patterns flashed wildly around the platform, and the barrier shook violently. The spectators held their breath and focused. Sword light and spiritual artifact clashed, their shock waves sweeping in every direction. In the end, Chu Feng's sword momentum surged like a rainbow, forcibly suppressing the Sky-Splitting Hammer and driving Lu Qing back dozens of steps. Blood seeped from the corner of Lu Qing's mouth. He was utterly defeated.
The Cloud-Soaring Sect won two to one and advanced to the next round!
Cries and applause immediately erupted below, and many disciples whispered:
"The Cloud-Soaring Sect's swordsmanship really is overwhelmingly domineering. Even the Heavenly Secrets Sect's formations and spiritual artifacts couldn't contend with it."
"By the looks of it, the Cloud-Soaring Sect definitely ranks among the top five in outer disciples' strength."
"But Pure Fragrance Garden... might be even harder to deal with."
Cloud-Leveling Hall's disciples nodded inwardly as well. Qin Yu was also weighing things up: the Cloud-Soaring Sect and Pure Fragrance Garden were both opponents they would have to face in the future.
As the drums thundered once more, the third pairing appeared in the air:
Qianyuan Sect vs. Spirit Origin Sect.
Heated discussion immediately swept through the crowd. The Qianyuan Sect was known for its domineering fist techniques. Its disciples possessed powerful physiques and mostly used Spiritual Qi to strengthen their bodies; a single punch could shake a mountain. The Spirit Origin Sect leaned toward spiritual spell cultivation. Its disciples generally excelled at ranged attacks, skillfully condensing Spiritual Qi into spells whose assaults were dazzling and fierce.
First match:
Hong Yan of the Qianyuan Sect faced Li Xuan of the Spirit Origin Sect. As Hong Yan took the stage, he resembled a small giant, his muscles knotted and crimson flames burning around his fists. His imposing presence made many lower-ranked disciples below breathe rapidly. Li Xuan looked stern, dozens of swords of light formed from Spiritual Qi hovering around him, killing intent biting cold.
"Begin the match!"
Boom!
Hong Yan roared and stamped down, shaking the platform. He lunged like a fierce tiger, his flaming fists smashing toward Li Xuan. The swords of light shot out together, instantly engulfing Hong Yan. The spectators thought he would be pierced through, but the next instant, flames soared skyward. The swords shattered inch by inch. Hong Yan forced his way through the sword formation and punched Li Xuan in the chest, blasting him off the platform!
One victory for the Qianyuan Sect!
Second match:
Su Wan, a female disciple of the Spirit Origin Sect, took the stage. She raised a slender hand, and spiritual flowers filled the sky, carrying a delicate fragrance mingled with sharp fluctuations of Spiritual Qi. Zhou Kang of the Qianyuan Sect sneered and faced her bare-chested, meeting them head-on with iron fists.
This time, however, things were different. Su Wan's spiritual flowers were not illusions but blades formed from Spiritual Qi. Every petal cut like a sharp blade, bypassing his defenses to strike his vital points. Before long, Zhou Kang was covered in bleeding cuts and could not get close. Countless spiritual flowers finally blasted him off the platform.
The Spirit Origin Sect pulled one back!
Third match:
Shi Lin, a core disciple of the Qianyuan Sect, took the stage. He had reached major accomplishment of the Qi Condensation Realm. Spiritual Qi covered him like armor, and his muscles bulged, making him resemble a moving spirit-stone colossus. The Spirit Origin Sect sent out its ace-Zhao Yuan, also at major accomplishment of the Qi Condensation Realm. His Spiritual Qi surged outward like a tide, and the faint phantom of a spiritual pool appeared behind him, its pressure astonishing.
The two stared at one another. Spiritual Qi thundered, and a standoff immediately formed on the platform.
"Come on!" Shi Lin roared, bringing his fists down like mountains. The platform cracked inch by inch.
"Break!" Zhao Yuan shouted coldly, thrusting both palms forward. The spiritual pool phantom became a torrent, raising a thousand layers of waves that crashed down.
Rumble!
Enormous forces collided, illuminating the entire arena. The spectators held their breath as Shi Lin forced his way against the torrent and shattered the spiritual pool phantom with one punch. Its remaining force raged on, driving Zhao Yuan to the edge of the platform. Zhao Yuan spat blood and nearly fell, steadying himself with all his strength, but his breathing was already disordered. Shi Lin pressed his advantage, bringing both fists down with thunderous roars. Zhao Yuan had no strength left to fight back and was blasted clean off the platform!
The Qianyuan Sect won two to one and successfully advanced!
The entire arena erupted. Qianyuan Sect disciples raised their arms and shouted, their voices deafening.
Many disciples watching from other sects discussed quietly:
"The Qianyuan Sect's fist techniques really are domineering. Even the Spirit Origin Sect's spiritual pool phantom couldn't stop them."
"But Zhao Yuan wasn't weak either. He just lost out in physique and head-on strength."
"Looks like the Qianyuan Sect is definitely one of the strongest to advance this round."
Among Cloud-Leveling Hall's disciples, Yang Zheng whispered to Qin Yu, "Brother Yu, the Qianyuan Sect's disciples really are powerful. If we face them, we'll probably suffer badly in a direct clash."
Qin Yu narrowed his eyes, silently weighing his options: if he truly fought a Qianyuan Sect disciple, he would have to combine speed with sword and spear, not meet force with force. With the final drumbeat, the group stage of White Frost Ancient City's grand tournament came to an end. The formation patterns in the arena dimmed, and the magnificent barrier gradually faded, leaving cracks across the ground and lingering fluctuations of Spiritual Qi, as though still recounting the fierce battles before.
The officiating elder stepped onto the platform in a long robe. His powerful voice rolled like thunder across the ancient city's entire square:
"Today's group matches are all complete! Next comes the most crucial stage-the elimination rounds!"
Boom!
The tens of thousands of disciples erupted at once. Their impassioned cries soared into the clouds, their momentum like collapsing mountains.
The referee waved his hand. The lot cylinder rose into the air, blazing with light. Swirling spiritual power cast the plaques of all the advancing sects inside, and the draw slowly began.
A golden plaque appeared and hovered in midair:
"Cloud-Soaring Sect."
Immediately afterward, another spiritual glow appeared:
"Qianyuan Sect."
Earthshaking discussion instantly erupted throughout the arena:
"The Cloud-Soaring Sect's swordsmanship against the Qianyuan Sect's fist techniques! This is a head-on collision between sharpness and brute strength!"
"This match will be a battle of dragons and tigers. Who knows who'll have the last laugh?"
Without changing expression, the referee drew again.
A pale golden spiritual light rose from the cylinder, revealing two large characters:
"Cloud-Leveling Hall"!
In an instant, every Cloud-Leveling Hall disciple stood, shouting to shake the heavens, their eyes fixed on the spiritual light above.
The next moment, the second plaque appeared in a bewitching crimson glow:
"Pure Fragrance Garden."
Boom!!!
The entire arena seemed to catch fire. Disciples from every sect turned their eyes toward them, crying out without end:
"Cloud-Leveling Hall actually drew Pure Fragrance Garden! This is practically Mars colliding with Earth!"
"Pure Fragrance Garden swept Swordside Snow last round, while Cloud-Leveling Hall's three great warriors-Qin Yu, Nangong Heyao, and Yang Zheng-also made their names in a single battle. This fight will shake heaven and earth and make ghosts and gods weep!"
"Especially that demoness Liu Hongzhuang... if she really faces Senior Brother Qin Yu, it might be a fight to the death."
Cloud-Leveling Hall's disciples burned with excitement, clenching their fists and shouting:
"Victory to Cloud-Leveling Hall!"
"Bring glory to the sect!"
Qin Yu, Nangong Heyao, Yang Zheng, and Zhao Xinyu stood shoulder to shoulder, their gazes meeting in the air. Nangong Heyao said gravely, "Junior brothers, in this battle, our Cloud-Leveling Hall must not retreat."
Qin Yu's eyes were cold as he slowly nodded. "It's time to settle things with Pure Fragrance Garden once and for all."
The atmosphere grew utterly tense. Everyone knew-this elimination round would be the tournament's true watershed.
Drums thundered, and formation patterns lit up across the platform. A curtain of light slowly rose, enveloping the entire battlefield. The disciples of the Cloud-Soaring Sect and Qianyuan Sect stepped forward together. Killing intent and fighting spirit collided in midair, and low rumbles seemed to echo through the air.
For the first match, both sides sent out their strongest opening fighters.
Taking the stage for the Cloud-Soaring Sect was Chu Tiance, a sword cultivator at major accomplishment of the Qi Condensation Realm. Dressed in white, he held a longsword that exuded a chilling edge before it even left its sheath. Sword intent flickered around him, as though he were a keen blade piercing the heavens.
The Qianyuan Sect sent out its disciple with the strongest physique-Hong Ba. His upper body was bare, his bulging muscles seeming cast from rock. A pale golden glow shone on his skin, as though his were an iron-walled battle body refined to the utmost with Spiritual Qi. Merely by standing there, he seemed to make the entire platform tremble.
"Let the match-begin!"
At the referee's shout, Chu Tiance instantly drew his sword. Sword light shot skyward, forming dozens of blue-white sword shadows that poured down like a celestial river, their momentum incomparably fierce.
Hong Ba roared and shook his fists. Golden light erupted around him, and Spiritual Qi condensed into substance, forming the phantom of a raging lion behind him. Amid its roar, he resembled a golden giant. He stamped heavily, shattering the ground with a crash, and charged like thunder.
Boom!
Sword light and golden fists met in midair, erupting in blinding light that terrified countless disciples outside the barrier. As the sword shadows shattered, fierce Sword Qi carved several bloody wounds across Hong Ba. Yet he roared and met the attack head-on, swinging mountainlike fists as savage power crushed forward.
Chu Tiance's expression was cold. He sharply shook his sword, and dazzling light flowed across its blade-
Cloud-Soaring Sword Art: Heavenly River Falling Shadow!
Countless streaks of sword light converged in the air, forming a thousand-foot river of swords that cleaved down with a crash. At that moment, the entire sky seemed to fall with the sword's momentum, its sheer might suffocating.
Hong Ba roared in response, Spiritual Qi surging wildly. His fists became the claws of a golden lion, meeting the river of swords as though he meant to withstand the power of the heavens with his flesh.
Boom!!!
The terrifying impact of Spiritual Qi tore the platform apart in an instant. The barrier shook violently, and the disciples outside held their breath. The river of swords and lion claws remained locked for several breaths before exploding, light soaring skyward.
When the dust cleared, Hong Ba was kneeling on one knee, blood streaming across his chest, his presence feeble. Chu Tiance's robes fluttered, his sword tip still pointing steadily forward, his sword intent undispersed.
First match, victory to the Cloud-Soaring Sect!
Thunderous applause and cheers instantly swept through the arena.
"The Cloud-Soaring Sect truly deserves its reputation as a great sword sect. Its sword intent is incomparably fierce!"
"The Qianyuan Sect's bodies may be strong, but they still lost beneath that sword momentum!"
The Qianyuan Sect disciples looked livid, while deafening cheers erupted from the Cloud-Soaring Sect's camp.
At the sidelines, Nangong Heyao said quietly, "The Cloud-Soaring Sect's swordsmanship really is extraordinary." Qin Yu's gaze sharpened as he silently weighed countermeasures.
After the first defeat, a heavy atmosphere hung over the Qianyuan Sect's camp. Yet its disciples were not discouraged; their killing intent only grew stronger. At a stern shout from their elder, the second disciple slowly took the stage.
It was Tie Kui of the Qianyuan Sect. Though only at the middle stage of the Qi Condensation Realm, he was renowned for his sturdy body and brutal fist techniques. His shoulders and back were as thick as city walls, his arms like pillars holding up the sky. The ground seemed to tremble as he walked.
The Cloud-Soaring Sect sent out the sword cultivator Gu Qingfeng, also at the middle stage of the Qi Condensation Realm. Sword in hand, his presence was as light as the wind. If Chu Tiance's sword momentum resembled a celestial river, Gu Qingfeng's blade was like wind and thunder, nimble and swift.
"Begin the match!"
Tie Kui roared and struck his fists together. Spiritual Qi erupted, forming the phantom of an enormous armored ape whose roar shook the heavens. He stamped down and shot forward, his fists thundering toward Gu Qingfeng.
Gu Qingfeng snorted coldly and swung his sword. Sword light raged like a violent storm, instantly becoming over a hundred streaks that wove into a sword net, sealing every direction.
Boom, boom, boom!
Tie Kui's fists thundered like enormous drums. Every strike shattered swathes of sword light as he forcibly tore through the net and charged up to Gu Qingfeng.
"Mountain-Splitting Fist!"
Tie Kui roared, striking with both fists together. Spiritual Qi erupted, his fists smashing down with momentum that could collapse mountains and split peaks.
Gu Qingfeng's pupils contracted. He instantly unleashed his sword art-
Cloud-Soaring Sword Art: Wind-Thunder Flash!
Lightning coiled around the blade, turning it into a blue-white bolt that shot straight toward Tie Kui's throat, swift as lightning!
But Tie Kui's gaze was ferocious. His chest suddenly swelled, and golden light surged around him. He endured the sword light piercing his shoulder without slowing his fists, smashing them into Gu Qingfeng's chest.
Boom!!!
Gu Qingfeng instantly flew backward a hundred feet, coughing blood. He crashed heavily at the edge of the platform, unable to fight again.
The entire arena burst into an uproar!
"The Qianyuan Sect's physiques... are terrifying! He actually took the sword light head-on and still counterattacked to win!"
"The Cloud-Soaring Sect's swords may be fast, but there's little they can do against an iron-bodied monster like that!"
The referee announced loudly:
Second match, victory to the Qianyuan Sect!
The Qianyuan Sect disciples roared in unison, their momentum sweeping across the arena like a tide, completely reversing their disadvantage.
In the Cloud-Soaring Sect's camp, Chu Tiance's gaze sharpened slightly. He said coldly, "Tie Kui is only one of their mainstay disciples. The truly tough battle comes next."
With each sect having won a match, the atmosphere throughout the arena reached its peak.
The referee's voice thundered:
"Third match-begin!"
The Cloud-Soaring Sect sent out its strongest outer sect sword cultivator-Lin Jianxin, at major accomplishment of the Qi Condensation Realm.
He wore black, with a longsword on his back. Before it was drawn, sword intent already soared skyward. Mountainlike sword pressure forced the watching disciples to hold their breath. Before his sword moved, it already seemed as though ten thousand swords were ringing together.
The Qianyuan Sect sent out its fist tyrant-Shi Kuangshi, likewise at major accomplishment of the Qi Condensation Realm.
He was as massive as a towering pagoda, his skin bronze. Spiritual Qi condensed across his body, as though forming a natural suit of battle armor. Every step deepened the cracks in the platform. Before his fists gathered momentum, his strength already dominated all directions.
The two faced one another. The presences of sword and fist collided, faint rumbles echoing through the air as Spiritual Qi twisted and boiled between them.
"Draw your sword!"
Shi Kuangshi roared furiously and clenched his fists. The phantom of a golden lion appeared behind him, its sky-shaking roar tearing through the heavens.
"As you wish."
Lin Jianxin spoke calmly. His scabbard trembled, and a sword's cry pierced the firmament. Sword light surged skyward, shooting straight into the clouds.
-BOOM!!!
The arena's formation patterns suddenly blazed, and its protective barrier flickered wildly. Clearly, their presences alone were enough to shatter the battlefield.
Shi Kuangshi moved first. With a stamp of his foot, he blasted a huge crater into the arena. He shot forward like thunder, his fists wreathed in towering golden light as they smashed down, threatening to pulverize heaven and earth!
Lin Jianxin raised his blade. Spiritual Qi gathered, and in an instant, a hundred-zhang sword radiance condensed at its tip.
"Cloud-Soaring Sword Art: Heavenly Firmament Mountain Severing!"
Sword light plunged like a heavenly waterfall, cleaving the air as though it would cut the entire sky in half.
BOOM, BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!!!
The clash of fists and sword unleashed towering shockwaves. The arena's barrier flashed wildly, its protective formation runes twisting inch by inch.
The golden lion phantom roared, its massive claws tearing through the sky; the sword radiance thundered through the heavens, crushing every obstacle.
Every disciple held their breath as blinding brilliance erupted at the center, like a small sun suddenly rising to illuminate the entire tournament grounds!
A moment later, a tremendous crash rang out. The aftershock swept outward, churning the Spiritual Qi around the arena like a surging tide.
When the dust cleared, Shi Kuangshi knelt on one knee, blood dripping from both fists, the bronze luster on his body dimmed. Lin Jianxin pointed his sword forward, his robes snapping in the wind, his sword intent still soaring into the sky.
"Third match-victory to the Cloud-Soaring Sect!"
Thunderous cheers erupted throughout the grounds!
"Cloud-Soaring Sect! Cloud-Soaring Sect!"
"Now that is the true might of a sword sect!"
"The Qianyuan Sect may be strong, but it still fell before the Cloud-Soaring Sect's sword Dao!"
The Qianyuan Sect disciples looked livid, yet had no choice but to acknowledge their defeat. The Cloud-Soaring Sect disciples raised their arms and cheered, their cries shaking the ancient city.
Qin Yu watched from the sidelines, inwardly growing solemn:
The Cloud-Soaring Sect's swords are this fierce... truly extraordinary.
In the square of White Frost Ancient City, the protective formation's light gradually faded. The dust had finally settled on the first group's contest. The officiating elder's eyes blazed like torches, and his thunderous voice resounded throughout the grounds:
"First group-victory to the Cloud-Soaring Sect! They advance to the finals!"
Boom-!
Thunderous, deafening cheers instantly erupted from the Cloud-Soaring Sect's seats. Sword light circled above their ranks, and the cries of swords echoed without end.
The elder continued:
"The three advancing to the finals-Chu Tiance, Lin Jianxin, and Gu Qingfeng!"
As the three names were called, the Cloud-Soaring Sect's ranks erupted once more. Its disciples shouted their sect's name, their momentum soaring like a rainbow. Countless disciples from other sects discussed it outside the arena:
"The Cloud-Soaring Sect's foundations really are terrifying. Three sword cultivators, two at major accomplishment and one at the middle stage-every one of them is a first-rate fighter!"
"Probably only the White Cloud Sect, Cloud-Leveling Hall, or that strange Pure Fragrance Garden could stop them."
With the Cloud-Soaring Sect advancing, every gaze returned to the arena.
The officiating elder waved his hand, and the second group's light slowly appeared:
"Next, the second group-Cloud-Leveling Hall versus Pure Fragrance Garden!"
A roaring wave of voices instantly swept across the grounds!
Everyone had long awaited this. The clash between these two sects was destined to be Mars colliding with Earth.
The elder's tone was steady, but he could not conceal the gravity in his voice:
"The results of the draw are as follows-"
Spiritual light shimmered, and the golden matchups appeared in the air one after another:
Zhao Xinyu (Cloud-Leveling Hall, middle stage of the Qi Condensation Realm) vs Huo Caixu (Pure Fragrance Garden, middle stage of the Qi Condensation Realm)
Yang Zheng (Cloud-Leveling Hall, Spirit Awakening Realm greater accomplishment) vs Liu Hongzhuang (Pure Fragrance Garden, major accomplishment of the Qi Condensation Realm)
Nangong Heyao (Cloud-Leveling Hall, major accomplishment of the Qi Condensation Realm) vs Lan Lengqing (Pure Fragrance Garden, middle stage of the Qi Condensation Realm)
Qin Yu (Cloud-Leveling Hall, major accomplishment of the Qi Condensation Realm) vs Luo Yilin (Pure Fragrance Garden, major accomplishment of the Qi Condensation Realm)
When all four matchups had fully appeared, an uproar like collapsing mountains and surging seas instantly erupted outside the arena!
"This lineup... they're all heavyweights!"
"Liu Hongzhuang... she's finally going head-to-head with Cloud-Leveling Hall!"
"Qin Yu against Luo Yilin? That's a head-on clash between two cultivators at major accomplishment of the Qi Condensation Realm!"
Among Cloud-Leveling Hall's ranks, the disciples shouted excitedly:
"Cloud-Leveling Hall will win!"
"Bring glory to the sect!"
From Pure Fragrance Garden's ranks, however, came cold, sharp laughter. The female disciples' gazes were icy, their killing intent flickering in and out. Liu Hongzhuang in particular stroked her long sleeve, a mocking smile curling her lips, while her eyes fixed on Qin Yu and Yang Zheng like a venomous snake, as though declaring:
"You won't escape."
At that moment, the atmosphere in the tournament grounds was heavy, with murderous intent surging beneath the surface. Everyone knew that this group's outcome would determine who could ultimately stand at the summit.
When the four matchups on the light screen finally settled into place, the atmosphere among Cloud-Leveling Hall's ranks abruptly tightened. The second match in particular-Yang Zheng against Liu Hongzhuang-sent a jolt through everyone's heart.
Zhao Xinyu was the first to frown, worry in her eyes. "This is bad... Liu Hongzhuang won't show any mercy. She'll definitely use this opportunity to kill and establish her might."
Nangong Heyao looked grave as he told Yang Zheng in a low voice, "Junior Brother Yang, listen carefully. You absolutely mustn't fight her head-on in this match. Surrender the moment you step onto the stage. Don't try to act tough! Otherwise, she'll definitely strike to kill!"
Qin Yu's expression was the coldest of all. His gaze fixed on Yang Zheng like a sword, his voice low and firm:
"Senior Brother Yang, this isn't cowardice. It's about the bigger picture. Cloud-Leveling Hall's victory or defeat rests on Senior Brother Nangong and me. If you rashly fight her head-on, you could very well die on that stage. The most important thing right now is to protect yourself. Junior Sister Zhao and everyone else don't want you to suffer any harm..."
As he finished, Qin Yu's gaze involuntarily fell on Zhao Xinyu. She nodded lightly, a trace of complexity and resolve flashing through her eyes.
Yang Zheng clenched his fists, his expression struggling before he gave a bitter smile and said quietly, "Sigh... at this stage, practically everyone is an expert at major accomplishment of the Qi Condensation Realm. Even you've reached major accomplishment, Brother Yu, while I'm only at Spirit Awakening Realm greater accomplishment. Fighting head-on would just be courting death..."
He let out a long breath and raised his head to look at the three, a trace of relief and resolve flashing through his eyes:
"I understand. The finals aren't the time for me to act tough. For Cloud-Leveling Hall's greater good, I'll surrender."
Qin Yu reached out and patted his shoulder, his tone steady. "This isn't backing down. It's for our ultimate victory."
Zhao Xinyu added gently, "Senior Brother Yang, making it this far already puts you ahead of many people. Leave the rest to us."
Nangong Heyao nodded firmly, his voice ringing with conviction. "Exactly! If we face Liu Hongzhuang, leave her to Junior Brother Qin and me."
At that moment, the four were completely of one mind. Because of this, the atmosphere among Cloud-Leveling Hall's ranks instead grew even steadier and more resolute.