Chapter 422 - 152: Peak Master Lingxi’s Thoughts
Yang Jing nodded. Of course, he knew Wei Dongting would be a tough opponent.
On their way over, they had heard many disciples discussing the day’s top-nine matches. Wei Dongting’s name came up frequently; many praised his Fiery Sun Palm as immensely powerful, making him one of the favorites to reach the top three.
"I will do my best," Yang Jing replied solemnly, a flicker of fighting spirit in his eyes.
Fearing he was under too much pressure, Zhao Xuexiang clapped him on the shoulder and said reassuringly, "Junior Brother Yang, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. With your talent and potential, even if you don’t make it to the top three this time, there will be plenty of other chances."
Yang Jing just smiled and shook his head.
He didn’t say anything more, but he thought to himself, ’Potential, in the end, is a nebulous thing.’
’I’ve never believed in some promising future. The only thing that matters is the strength I can display in the here and now!’
Before long, the top nine disciples from the Main Peak and the other peaks competing in the Cyan Qilin Battle had all arrived. They stood in their designated areas below the Cyan Qilin Platform, their expressions varied.
Beyond the railings, a dense sea of spectating disciples had gathered. A quick glance suggested there were at least several hundred people, all with their eyes glued to the Cyan Qilin Platform, eagerly awaiting the start of the matches.
The Main Peak Elders who had judged the previous day’s matches were already seated on the stone chairs in the judges’ area, their imposing gazes sweeping across the arena.
Just then, the Main Peak Steward responsible for hosting the Cyan Qilin Battle strode onto the Cyan Qilin Platform.
He stood at the center of the platform, gathered his Inner Qi, and announced, "The second day of this month’s Cyan Qilin Battle officially begins now!"
In that instant, hundreds of pairs of eyes focused on the Cyan Qilin Platform. Even the mountain wind seemed to pause for a moment. The uproar gradually subsided, and everyone seemed to hold their breath.
The Main Peak Steward stood at the center of the platform, his voice booming like a great bell as he announced, "The first match: Yuwen Mingjue of Yunxi Peak versus Jiang Lin of Celestial Derivation Peak!"
As his voice faded, two figures moved in response.
Dressed in a brocade robe, Yuwen Mingjue stepped onto the Cyan Qilin Platform with an unhurried gait. His expression was calm, yet tinged with an arrogance that spoke of his confidence in victory.
Jiang Lin also made his way onto the platform. He had sustained considerable injuries in yesterday’s fierce battle, but after taking an Elixir and resting for a night, he had now mostly recovered.
....
「At the same time.」
In a small, octagonal pavilion far from the Cyan Qilin Platform, a group of powerful figures had already gathered.
Peak Master Lingxi, Peak Master Yunxi, the Celestial Derivation Peak Master, and Peak Master Qingxu. The four sat around a stone table, their gazes all fixed on the distant Cyan Qilin Platform.
The small pavilion was built on high ground in a mountain pass, offering a wide, unobstructed view. Every move on the Cyan Qilin Platform could be seen with perfect clarity.
Peak Master Qingxu was the first to break the silence. He lifted his teacup for a sip, his eyes landing on Bai Bing as he said with a wry smile, "Peak Master Bai, you seem to be in high spirits today, specially inviting us all here to watch the Cyan Qilin Battle."
As he spoke, his gaze shifted, landing precisely on Yang Jing below the Cyan Qilin Platform. He chuckled softly. "If I’m not mistaken, that must be the only disciple from Lingxi Peak to make it into the top nine this Cyan Qilin Battle, correct? His name is Yang Jing? I heard Lingxi Peak included his name on the list of disciples recommended for special cultivation, only for him to be rejected by the Main Peak."
As soon as he said this, the atmosphere in the pavilion grew delicate.
Peak Master Yunxi and the Celestial Derivation Peak Master exchanged a glance, a flash of realization in their eyes. They instantly understood why Bai Bing had suddenly invited them to spectate today.
All their gazes fell upon the straight-backed, white-robed figure below the Cyan Qilin Platform, filled with both scrutiny and a hint of curiosity.
Bai Bing gave a faint nod. Her cool voice betrayed little emotion, yet it carried an unmistakable certainty. "I invited you all here for a simple reason. I want you to see for yourselves whether this disciple of mine is truly qualified to be on that list."
While they spoke, the match on the Cyan Qilin Platform had already begun.
...
In just fifteen moves, Yuwen Mingjue found an opening in Jiang Lin’s defense and struck him in the chest with his palm.
Jiang Lin grunted, was sent flying backward, and crashed heavily onto the platform. Unable to rise again, he had no choice but to gloomily concede defeat.
The second match was next: Zhao Chong of Celestial Derivation Peak versus Wang Lie of Fen Yang Peak.
Zhao Chong’s Sky-Splitting Fist was ferociously powerful. His fists whistled through the air, and each punch seemed to rip through the very atmosphere with a sharp crack.
Though Wang Lie’s Horizontal Training Skills were formidable, he couldn’t withstand such a ferocious onslaught. In a mere seventeen moves, a single punch from Zhao Chong shattered his protective Inner Strength, and he collapsed to the ground.
The third match was arguably the most intense battle of the day so far.
It was Qin Wenbao of Thunder Peak against Lin Chunyu of the Main Peak. No one had expected the seemingly unassuming Lin Chunyu to be hiding such profound strength.
Her Body Technique was as nimble as a butterfly, and her palm style was cunning and unpredictable, locking her in a fierce stalemate against Qin Wenbao’s Sea-Covering Palm.
The two traded over two hundred moves, a blur of interwoven palms and fists sending powerful shockwaves across the platform and drawing repeated gasps of astonishment from the disciples below.
In the end, Qin Wenbao proved to be the more skilled of the two, landing a palm strike on Lin Chunyu’s shoulder. However, he was also caught by the force of her own palm technique. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth; he, too, had sustained considerable injuries. By the time he staggered to regain his footing, his face was deathly pale.
One match after another concluded, and the cheers from below the Cyan Qilin Platform rose and fell in waves, the atmosphere growing increasingly electric.
With the dust settled on the third match, it was time for the fourth match of the round.
The Main Peak Steward who was hosting took the platform once more. He cleared his throat, gathered his Inner Qi, and announced loudly, "The fourth match: Wei Dongting of the Main Peak versus Yang Jing of Lingxi Peak!"
His voice faded.
Below the Cyan Qilin Platform, two figures stirred.
Yang Jing and his opponent, Wei Dongting, both ascended the Cyan Qilin Platform.
At the same time, all eyes fell upon the two of them.
Farther away, the gazes of Peak Master Lingxi, Peak Master Yunxi, the Celestial Derivation Peak Master, and Peak Master Qingxu also turned toward them.
To the side, Si Jiawen subconsciously clenched her fists.