by Shian Jeen
Watching Xie Puti draw the number one stick and the heated discussions coming from all around, Huwang Xiao remained calm and unperturbed.
Xie Puti’s first opponent was Huwang Yiping from the Scarlet Pearl Kingdom.
They shared the same surname, Huwang Yiping and Huwang Xiao.
Huwang Yiping’s cultivation was not weak, reaching mid-Xiantian First Order.
In this year’s competition, there was a total of one thousand three hundred and sixty-two people, with two hundred and fifteen among them being Xiantian realm experts.
After the elimination on the first day, the one hundred remaining had proven their strength, and all of them were Xiantian realm experts.
Every year, those who successfully entered Duanren Institute were Xiantian experts. Throughout history, people that managed to enter Duanren Institute while still at the Houtian realm were scarce in number.
The moment Huwang Yiping stood on the stage, he summoned his martial spirit and soul transformed in the same instant, launching an attack towards Xie Puti in the most straightforward manner.
Huwang Yiping displayed a low-grade Earth rank battle skill named Earth Razing Finger.
In general, there weren’t many finger-based battle skills available, and a low-grade Earth rank finger-based battle skill was even more rare.
Huwang Yiping’s finger targeted Xie Puti as if it was the tip of a sharp blade, leaving a mark across the stage floor and raising a screen of stone-riddled dust on the stage as he moved.
These ten battle stages were made of a kind of rock granite that average weapons couldn’t even scratch, yet Huwang Yiping did just that by using his finger. The power of this attack was evident.
However, just as Huwang Yiping’s finger attack was about to stab Xie Puti, Xie Puti raised his palm, instantly ceasing Huwang Yiping’s motions. His palm struck forward: “Get down!”
Phoenix fire erupted like a volcano, spilling out like raging waves of lava.
Huwang Yiping turned white, staggering backwards repeatedly until he reached the edge of the battle stage. Both his palms suddenly struck forward, and borrowing the rebound force, his body flew out of the battle stage.
Huwang Yiping—lost!
Even if they already knew the result, seeing how effortless Xie Puti defeated Huwang Yiping still triggered a wave of shock in the hearts of many geniuses below the stage. Outside the battle stage arena, the crowd’s excitement instantly grew to a frenzy.
After a short period of time, the first group of ten that included Xie Puti finished their turns. came the second group, then the competition quickly moved on to the third group in which Huwang Xiao was participating.
Since Huwang Xiao’s number was thirty-one, he too headed towards stage number one.
Standing on the stage, Huwang Xiao faced his opponent, Chen Fusheng, who was on the other side with an aloof and indifferent attitude. Chen Fusheng was tall, reaching a height over six foot two, close to two meters. His four limbs bulged and he had dense coarse hair covering his skin, similar to beastmen.
From Chen Fusheng’s outward appearance, either his parents or ancestor were likely beastmen.
“Huwang Xiao, although I know I’m not your opponent, I will not throw in the towel.” Cheng Fusheng looked at Huwang Xiao, the apprehension in his eyes gradually receded and was replaced with a surging desire for battle.
A dazzling light subsequently burst out from his body as a brilliant red, long sword that was enveloped by a layer of azure flame appeared, floating above his head.
This was Chen Fusheng’s martial spirit, Azure Flame Sword!
This variation type grade ten martial spirit was infinitely close to a superb talent martial spirit.
Without wasting time, Chen Fusheng soul transformed instantaneously after summoning his martial spirit. Multiple sword lights continuously swirled around his body. These were blade lights that burned with an azure flame!
Chen Fusheng’s body blurred into afterimages as he shot forward as if he was a long sword, reaching the front of Huwang Xiao figure almost instantly, then launched an attack.
“Azure Flame Sword Formation!”
Chen Fusheng swung out with both of his hands.
In that split second, multiple sword lights merged into a huge Azure Flame Sword. The Azure Flame Sword spun in the air, creating a cross-shaped sword formation as it flew towards Huwang Xiao.
Chen Fusheng was a mid-Xiantian First Order expert. The level of his attack was on par with Huwang Yiping’s Earth Razing Finger, the person who fought against Xie Puti earlier.
All eyes were staring fixedly at Huwang Xiao, including Xie Puti. He too wanted to see how Huwang Xiao was going to break Chen Fusheng’s attack.
No matter how strong Huwang Xiao’s physical defense was, it was impossible for him to fully receive this attack using his body alone.
Huwang Xiao watched as Chen Fusheng executed his attack, the Azure Flame Sword that was flying in his direction. He clenched his fingers into a fist and punched out using a Collapse Fist onto the center of the rotating Azure Flame Sword Formation.
From Huwang Xiao’s attack, space seemed to wrinkle like a crumpled blanket from the force as his fist piercing through the air.
BOOM! A thunderous explosion resounded and the Azure Flame Sword Formation shattered, sword light splinters ricocheting violently in all directions. The trajectory of Huwang Xiao’s punch continued to shoot forward, striking Chen Fusheng on the chest. One solid punch landed heavily.
A low grunt escaped Chen Fusheng’s throat as his body inverted before he was thrown out and then landed on the ground outside the battle stage.
Chen Fusheng—lost!
Even Fei Hou would have difficulty taking a full blow of Collapse Fist from the current Huwang Xiao, what more a mere Chen Fusheng.
A second after Chen Fusheng fell to the ground, loud cheers and applause erupted from the spectators outside the battle stage.
Xie Puti looked on calmly after seeing this result, whereas Yanggang and Pang Yu’s expressions were ugly to the extreme.
Huwang Xiao returned to his seat after walking down from the stage.
Cui Li looked at Huwang Xiao with a complicated expression. After hesitating, she spoke: “Xiao, how about you make a trip to Yao Manor this evening?”
“To Yao Manor?” Huwang Xiao was baffled as he looked over to Cui Li.
Cui Li said, “Go and apologize to Heartless Young Noble.”
Go apologize!
Huwang Xiao frowned, shaking his head inwardly. Even though this irritated him, he understood she was saying this for his benefit. Thus, he did not say anything else.
Seeing Huwang Xiao keep silent, Cui Li did not pursue the matter and could only resort to sighing to herself in her heart.
Soon, the first round of battles ended with fifty people eliminated. Lots were drawn once again to decide the upcoming round of opponents.
After the second round elimination, there were twenty-five people left. With an odd number, the same rule as the first day applied—the person who drew the blank stick would get to sit out, entering the next round. The person who drew the blank stick was still Xie Puti.
Very quickly, the list of names for the top ten came out.
As per everyone’s expectation, Xie Puti, Yanggang, Huwang Xiao, Pang Yu, Cui Li, and Dai Shanni had all made it onto list. The remaining four people were Jin Desheng, Jiang Damin, Han Dong, and Hu Zhi. These four people possessed a top grade ten martial spirit, and all four of them were at peak late-Xiantian First Order cultivation levels!
The curtain fell on the second day's competition.
The third day would be the decisive battle for first place. It was also the most exciting battle, the fight between the strongest ten!
Outside the battle arena, the crowd slowly dispersed. When the crowd lessened, Huwang Xiao, Zhao Shu, Yu Ming, and Fei Hou made their way back to the inn.
However, just as the four of them arrived at the inn, the inn owner came
out running to them with an embarrassed look. The owner looked at Huwang Xiao and said, “Young Noble Huwang, many apologies, I’m afraid you cannot stay here anymore.”
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“Cannot stay here anymore?” Huwang Xiao repeated with a slight furrow on his forehead.
The inn owner’s head cast down in a flustered manner, then he abruptly knelt down before Huwang Xiao, “Young Noble Huwang, I’m very sorry! I really cannot let you stay in my inn anymore, I—!”
“Because of Heartless Young Noble?” Huwang Xiao interjected as he looked at the inn owner, voicing a question in an icy tone.
The inn owner stiffened when hearing the name but he neither confirmed nor denied. Yet, silence meant acquiescence.
“You’re afraid of Heartless Young Noble, but you are not afraid of us?” Fei Hou’s eyes narrowed coldly with menace as a fleeting murderous intent flickered passed, “Then, I shall end your life now!” Fei Hou stated and readied to keep his word.
Both Zhao Shu and Yu Ming also wore a cold expression on their faces.
But Huwang Xiao raised his hand to stop Fei Hou.
The inn owner kowtowed as he begged Huwang Xiao, “Young Noble Huwang, please spare me, I have no other choice, I’m forced to do this!”
Watching the inn owner knock his head onto the ground repeatedly, Huwang Xiao said to Zhao Shu, Yu Ming, and Fei Hou, “We’ll leave.”
He knew the inn owner was not the one at fault in this matter. Anyone faced with pressure from someone like Heartless Young Noble would have chosen the same path.
Before leaving, Huwang Xiao told Fei Hou to settle the money for the past ten days’ accommodation.
Seeing that Huwang Xiao was willing to leave, the inn owner kowtowed again gratefully as he watched the four figures walk away.
Outside the inn.
Huwang Xiao looked at the prosperous bustling streets. Pedestrians shuttled back and forth while carriages moved in a long single file line which appeared reminiscent of a dragon. He looked back towards the three people behind him with a faint smile and said, “Looks like we will need to sleep in the streets tonight!”
Huwang Xiao assumed the result would be the same in other inns or restaurants, no place would dare do business with him.
This Heartless Young Noble truly acted fast!
A sharp light glinted in Huwang Xiao’s eyes.
“Young Lord, how about I make a trip to the Yao Manor?” Zhao Shu inquired.
Huwang Xiao shook his head, “Not now.”
Since that Heartless Young Noble made his move, then Huwang Xiao would play a little game with him. If he squashed him to death immediately, where’s the fun in that? Moreover, the Yao Family had more than two thousand years of foundation, its roots ran deep. It was highly likely they had a Saint realm expert guarding the Yao Manor, and perhaps even more than one Saint realm expert at that!
For the time being, Huwang Xiao did not want to expose Zhao Shu’s strength.
I should arrange for Mom, Dad and everyone else to travel here earlier than planned. Huwang Xiao thought.
To prevent any mishaps, it would be best to bring the Huwang Family over to the Imperial City. With Zhao Shu and Yu Ming’s protection, their safety was not an issue.
In conclusion, Huwang Xiao decided that once the Imperial City Battle ended, he would purchase a place in the Imperial City and arrange to move his family from the Luo Tong Kingdom.
Leaving the inn, Huwang Xiao’s group of four strolled along the streets, enjoying the night scene of Duanren Empire’s Imperial City.
An hour or so passed and the four of them came back around to Duanren Square. Finding a spot, all four sat in a meditative position, adjusting their breathing as they waited for morning to come.
Time passed and night gave way to the morning light.
The amount of people arriving at Duanren Square increased slowly as time passed. It seemed as though the crowd had grown even bigger compared to the second day. Practically every Patriarch from small and large Imperial City families attended, and nearby kingdoms had rushed over to watch the final day’s battle.
Every square inch of ground outside the battle arena was littered with people.
By the time the imperial guards were in position guarding the battle arena perimeter, Huwang Xiao arrived and became the first person to enter. He walked towards the same seat he sat on for the last two days whereas Zhao Shu, Yu Ming, and Fei Hou waited outside with the rest of the crowd.
Today, there were only ten people battling, and Huwang Xiao arrived earlier than any of the other nine participants.
The battle arena area was totally empty. Neither Duan Wuhen, the ministers, or any participants arrived as early as Huwang Xiao. Thus Huwang Xiao became the center of attention because he was the only one inside.
The gathering crowd grew bigger and noisier, talking and staring intently at Huwang Xiao.
Of course, all of their discussions mainly shifted back and forth around who would win first place this year!
But then again, this topic was constantly discussed for the last several days in a row, yet the excited fervor only burned with increasing intensity.
A short while after Huwang Xiao took his seat, Cui Li arrived and walked into the arena area.
Seeing Huwang Xiao, Cui Li hesitated briefly, but this time, she no longer took the seat beside Huwang Xiao. Instead, she chose a different empty seat about thirty meters away from Huwang Xiao and sat down.
Watching this, Huwang Xiao smiled wryly in his heart.
Obviously, due to the pressure from Heartless Young Noble, this woman needed to maintain a certain distance from him. Despite that, Huwang Xiao did not mind.
Then, the next one to arrive was Yanggang.
And the first thing Yanggang noticed was Cui Li’s distance from Huwang Xiao. Watching this scene, Yanggang gloated complacently to himself as he made his way to the empty seat next to Cui Li. Deliberately shielding Huwang Xiao’s face from Cui Li’s view, he leaned in close to Cui Li saying, “Li’er, you look beautiful today!”
Cui Li wore a long violet dress, emphasizing her innocent beauty and underlying charm. The hint of worry in her eyes only added to her charm. She indeed looked beautiful.
Cui Li shot Yanggang an icy glare, stood up from her seat and walked away to another empty seat a dozen meters away.
Being treated this way, Yanggang stood there looking embarrassed, flames of anger flickered deeply in his eyes.
This cheap slut, a day will come when he would make her kneel in front of him, begging him to take and enslave her!
In that short moment, Xie Puti, Pang Yu, Dai Shanni, and the rest arrived one after another.
With that, all top ten were present!
All ten of them arrived but the main platform was still empty. It was some time later when Duan Wuhen and a group of ministers appeared, after which each took their places.
Cheng Jian stood at the front of the main platform, stating rules that each participant needed to be mindful of before finally announcing the day’s competition start.
In the group of ten people, five walked up to draw lots.
The first opponent Huwang Xiao drew was… Yanggang!
Yanggang!
When Huwang Xiao read the name written on the stick, he was stunned for a moment. And then, a faint smile tilted up the corner of his lips.
Even Yanggang was surprised to see his first opponent for the day was Huwang Xiao. In the next moment, a ruthless light gleamed in his eyes; he had been waiting for this battle for two days, it was finally here.
Still, Huwang Xiao and Yanggang would need to wait, for they were in group three.
The first battle was between Cui Li and Jin Desheng, the second was Xie Puti versus Han Dong.
The fourth group was Pang Yu against Jiang Damin, and the last group was Dai Shanni versus Hu Zhi.
When the list came out, everyone outside the battle arena broke out in a commotion. Discussions sounded everywhere in an attempt to
predict the outcome of each group.
The most talked about was none other than Huwang Xiao versus Yanggang, and it was also the most debated with half supporting Huwang Xiao while the half thinking Yanggang would be the victor.
On the main platform, Duan Wuhen lightly tapped the armrest as he spoke with Cheng Jian, “Cheng Jian, what do you think about Huwang Xiao and Yanggang’s battle?” Duanren Empire did not interfere with the line-up of today’s battle, thus when Huwang Xiao drew Yanggang’s name, he was genuinely surprised.
Cheng Jian hesitated, “This one doesn’t know how to judge.”
If this was before, he would surely pick Yanggang as the winner between the two, but now, it was hard for him to judge which one of them was stronger.
At this time, a general beside Duan Wuhen spoke, “Whoever His Imperial Highness Second Prince says will win, then that person will win!”
Duan Wuhen exposed a slight smile at those words.
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While the crowd was still immersed in their excited discussions, the first competitors, Cui Li and Jin Desheng, made their way onto the stage.
The crowd quieted abruptly as both of them stood face to face on the battle stage. Anticipative silence filled the air.
In a split second action, blinding lights engulfed their silhouettes, each summoning their martial spirits.
On the last day of battle, neither kept their true strength hidden.
Cui Li had an average grade eleven martial spirit, the Lightning Devouring Beast. The space immediately surrounding her body was instantly filled with flashing bolts of lightning the moment it emerged. An atmosphere of terrifying destruction permeated the area.
On the other hand, Jin Desheng had a top grade ten martial spirit which was infinitely close to a superb talent martial spirit, and it’s name was Giant Black Water Ape.
Judging from its outer appearance, the Giant Black Water Ape was five to six times larger than the Lightning Devouring Beast, but in actuality, the Giant Black Water Ape’s strength was innately suppressed by Cui Li’s martial spirit. Pressured by the surrounding lightning, the Giant Black Water Ape’s bright water sphere’s radius continuously shrunk in on itself.