Chapter 413 - 151: Another Victory, Advancement
Zhang Hengyi and Chen Xuexiang held nothing back, sharing all the information they knew.
They knew very well that with their strength, they would at best make it to the top sixteen. It would be difficult to advance any further.
They figured they might as well share this information with Yang Jing. Not only would it put him in their debt, but it would also create more opportunities for Lingxi Peak.
...
「Meanwhile.」
In the Thunder Peak disciples’ contingent below the Cyan Qilin Platform.
Li Mao was squinting toward the Lingxi Peak disciples, his gaze finally landing on Yang Jing.
Yang Jing had made quite an impression on him.
Before this, that name had never once appeared on the stage of the Cyan Qilin Battle.
He was clearly a newcomer participating for the first time, yet he had managed to stand out in the very first round.
Not only had he defeated the veteran expert Zhang Han, but he had now jumped to seventh place among the top eighteen.
Such a meteoric rise was proof that his strength was anything but simple.
When Li Mao learned that his opponent in the next round was Yang Jing, he wasn’t very confident.
He had seen the match between Yang Jing and Zhang Han clearly. Not only had his opponent won with ease, but he had seemed completely relaxed the entire time, obviously holding back.
To be able to do that was enough to prove Yang Jing’s strength was unfathomable.
Just as Li Mao was lost in thought, the Steward from Thunder Peak walked over, clapped him on the shoulder, and also looked toward Yang Jing. In a low voice, he asked, "Your next opponent is that new disciple from Lingxi Peak, Yang Jing. Are you confident you can defeat him?"
Hearing this, Li Mao stiffened slightly. He then turned his head, a grave expression on his face as he slowly shook his head.
He didn’t try to put on a brave face, instead answering honestly, "I’m not very confident about facing Yang Jing. He’s very strong."
He paused for a moment, then tightened his grip on the Iron Rod in his hand. A sharp light flashed in his eyes as his tone suddenly grew firm. "But if he wants to defeat me, he’ll have to pay the price. I’ll make sure he loses a few teeth, at least!"
The Iron Rod creaked in his grip, a clear sign he was ready to give it his all.
...
「At the same time.」
Over where the Yunxi Peak disciples were gathered, Yuwen Mingjue also glanced in Yang Jing’s direction. He tapped his fingers against his palm, a sliver of surprise rising within him.
’I really didn’t expect this kid, whom I considered beneath my notice, to actually make it this far in the Cyan Qilin Battle.’
’From the initial strength assessment to defeating Zhang Han and advancing to the top eighteen, and now to being ranked seventh by the Elders.’
’Yang Jing’s performance has exceeded my expectations time and time again.’
Yuwen Mingjue had to admit it. ’I really did underestimate Yang Jing before.’
However, the surprise only lasted for a moment. The corner of his mouth curled into a cold sneer.
’If Yang Jing had lost to someone else, that would have been the end of it. But no, he had to struggle his way here.’
’If he really runs into me in the upcoming matches, then he can only blame his own bad luck!’
...
「Time flew by.」
In just an hour, the clamor around the Cyan Qilin Platform gradually subsided.
The disciples, now rested, roused their spirits and gazed intently at the high platform.
The Main Peak Steward in charge of the competition once again strode onto the Cyan Qilin Platform.
He stood in the center of the platform, his gaze electric as he slowly swept it across the crowd below. Once all eyes were on him, he announced in a clear voice, "The second round of the Cyan Qilin Battle now officially begins!"
As his voice fell, a low cheer erupted from the crowd.
The Main Peak Steward cleared his throat and continued, announcing the participants for the first match. "First match: Yuwen Mingjue of Yunxi Peak versus Zhang Huailiang of Yunxi Peak!"
"Heh heh, interesting. It’s an internal fight within Yunxi Peak."
"Now this will be a good show."
A buzz of discussion immediately rose from the audience, who were clearly intrigued by this duel between disciples from the same peak.
Upon hearing the announcement, Yuwen Mingjue slowly strode out from the Yunxi Peak ranks, his brocade robes whipping in the wind.
Zhang Huailiang followed close behind. His expression was complicated, but he still hurried onto the Cyan Qilin Platform, bowed to Yuwen Mingjue, and said in a serious tone, "Greetings, Senior Brother Yuwen. Please grant me your guidance!"
Yuwen Mingjue gave a slight nod in acknowledgment, his face otherwise devoid of expression.
The Main Peak Steward announced the start, and the two engaged.
Yuwen Mingjue was clearly holding back. He didn’t use the essence of his All Things Return to Origin Fist, merely employing some basic fist techniques to engage with Zhang Huailiang.
Even so, Zhang Huailiang was still forced into a steady retreat.
In just five moves, Yuwen Mingjue found an opening and struck Zhang Huailiang on the shoulder with his palm.
Zhang Huailiang felt a surge of powerful Inner Strength wash over him, and his body staggered back uncontrollably. Knowing he was no match, he declared decisively, "I surrender!"
The Main Peak Steward ascended the platform, loudly announced Yuwen Mingjue as the victor, and then read out the names for the second match.
Zhao Chong of Celestial Derivation Peak was a burly man, and he unleashed his full aura the moment he stepped onto the platform.
The wind from his Sky-Splitting Fist howled. In just six or seven moves, he forced his opponent, Li Zhongshuai, into a continuous retreat. A final Heavy Fist struck with such force that the webbing of his opponent’s hand split open. Knowing he was outmatched, Li Zhongshuai simply surrendered, giving Zhao Chong an easy victory.
The third match was between Qin Wenbao of Thunder Peak and Chen Xuexiang of Lingxi Peak.
Qin Wenbao’s Sea-Covering Palm unleashed a Palm Force like a surging tide, its waves crashing one after another to completely suppress Chen Xuexiang’s Body Technique.
Although Chen Xuexiang’s Body Technique was nimble, he could not break through the momentum of Qin Wenbao’s palms. After just eight moves, he was struck in the chest. His qi and blood roiled, and he had no choice but to helplessly surrender.