by Feng Yise
Chapter 259 - Instant Victory!
In the second round, Ye Yuan's opponent was No. 49.
Due to Ye Yuan winning the first round, he automatically entered the victor's group.
The martial artists in the victor's group established the position of core disciples.
While the disciples who were defeated in the first round must undergo the duel in the loser's group. The loser group likewise had to continue competing nonstop, all the way until five failures were produced in the final round. They would undergo a match with the top five outer-sect disciples!
The victors continue to retain core disciple status while the losers would automatically be eliminated and become an outer-sect disciple.
The victor's group had to continue competing similarly, all the way until the top three were born.
The top three disciples would carry out a duel with the last three among the elite disciples. The victor would advance to elite disciple, and the loser became core disciple.
Such a cruel ranking system, no matter how talented you were, you would also not dare to slack off at all.
Just ease up slightly, and you would be surpassed by others.
Even a loafer type core disciple like Ceng Yu would also spend large amounts of time to cultivate. Or else there would come a day where they would be eliminated.
If Ye Yuan won this round again, he would enter the top 50!
Do not look at how there were 200 core disciples. All of those who could win two consecutive rounds and enter the top 50 were all formidable people.
People who try to fish in muddied waters would basically be eliminated in the second round even if they were lucky enough to past the first round.
Ye Yuan's opponent was called Wang Dong, an Eighth Level Spirit Condensation Realm martial artist.
The Pill Barracks' Yang Hao was similarly at the Eighth Level Spirit Condensation Realm. But his strength was not even worth mentioning when compared to Wang Dong.
Wang Dong's strength was in the upper tier in the Earth Barracks. Other than those Ninth Level Spirit Condensation Realm and peak Ninth Level Spirit Condensation Realm experts, Wang Dong was basically considered the strongest.
In the last grand competition, Wang Dong had a crushing defeat in the second round.
Now that his strength had another substantial improvement, the goal he set for himself this grand competition was to enter the third round!
When he saw the Fourth Level Spirit Condensation Realm Ye Yuan opposite, he could not help feeling greatly relieved.
This was truly a gift from heaven!
"Eh? You're No. 52?" Wang Dong suddenly recalled. Wasn't his opponent the No. 52 who was the first to win in the first round?
Ye Yuan knew what he was thinking about and could not help chuckling and saying, "Of course. Otherwise, why would I be standing here?"
Wang Dong could not help being greatly astonished as he said, "Fourth Level Spirit Condensation Realm strength. How were you the first to pass the first round? To actually be faster than Senior Apprentice Brother Tian Yu?"
"My opponent just happened to have fought with me a few days ago. He knew that he was not my match, so he directly admitted defeat," Ye Yuan did not conceal it and answered honestly.
"Ah? So that's the case. Then your luck is really too good! I reckon that your opponent was one of the weakest few from the Human Barracks, right? Otherwise, with your strength, it would be very hard to win." Wang Dong involuntarily sighed emotionally.
He was sighing that Ye Yuan's luck was good and also that his own luck was good.
To be able to meet such an opponent in the second round, wasn't this heaven's will?
Wang Dong could not help fantasizing that if his luck was slightly better and the opponent he bumped into during the third round was slightly weaker than him, perhaps he could even enter the fourth round!
This would be a historic moment in his life!
Ye Yuan's name was already wide-spread among the Pill Hall elders. But among the core disciples, he was not actually all that famous.
While there were elders finding him non-stop these few days, Ye Yuan had never shown his face. Hence, there were not many people who really recognized Ye Yuan among the core disciples.
Of course, even if Wang Dong knew Ye Yuan, it would not affect his judgment of Ye Yuan's strength.
Trash like Ceng Yu, Wang Dong could settle him with one hand. Although this junior apprentice brother's strength was incredible and could cross ranks to battle, he was clearly still a little too unskilled to try to cross four minor realms to fight him.
How could Ye Yuan not know Wang Dong's little scheme? He did not expose it and just said with a smile, "Yeah. Luck is indeed not bad."
The other party was happy that his luck was good. How was Ye Yuan not filled with emotions with his good luck too?
There were a number of rounds for this sect grand competition. The opponents at the back would become increasingly stronger. If he directly bumped into an expert, the exhaustion would be huge.
Those peak Ninth Level Spirit Condensation Realm and half-step Crystal Formation Realm opponents were not so easy to defeat.
And presently, Ye Yuan's goal was none other than Tian Yu and the other two.
Right at this moment, Elder Feng's voice echoed once again, "Round two begins now!"
Ye Yuan and Wang Dong saluted each other. The second round officially began!
After saluting, Wang Dong did not move. He stood with his hands behind his back and said generously, "Junior Apprentice Brother, make a move first. I'm afraid that after I make a move, you won't have the chance anymore."
Perhaps he felt somewhat apologetic for coming across such a weak foe, Wang Dong felt that Ye Yuan should attack first.
Ye Yuan did not expect Wang Dong to be so generous to pass the initiative to him. He could not help being stupefied as he asked, "You sure?"
Wang Dong nodded. "Of course! I, Wang Dong, never go back on my words!"
Ye Yuan said uncertainly, "Then, I won't be courteous."
As his voice fell, Ye Yuan's figure instantly transformed into nine.
"Nine Swords Stance!"
Ye Yuan gave a light cry. Nine streaks of swordlight flew out disorderly and headed straight for Wang Dong.
Wang Dong still had the bearing of an expert in the beginning, but when he saw the nine sword beams blotting out the skies and earth as they flew over, he immediately cried bitterly.
If he took the initiative, he could still tussle with Ye Yuan for a while.
But how could Wang Dong ward off Ye Yuan's big killing move from a defensive position?
One had to know when Ye Yuan was still at the Essence Qi Realm back then, he once used this move to force Yuan Fei back!
Now that Ye Yuan was already at the Fourth Level Spirit Condensation Realm, how could the Eighth Level Spirit Condensation Realm Wang Dong defend against the might of this stance?
Wang Dong dodged three sword beams and used his weapon to block two sword beams before finally being hit by the sixth sword beam.
Then, the seventh, eighth, and ninth sword beam opened up wounds on his body like easily breaking a dead branch from a tree. The enormous impact directly sent him flying out of the platform.
If not for Ye Yuan showing mercy, he would already be a corpse now.
In a twinkle, from the time Ye Yuan struck to Wang Dong flying out, not even a breath of time had passed.
Crushing with one blow! Instant victory!
"Platform No. 49, No. 52 wins!" Elder Feng's voice was the first to sound out again.
"No way? Who is this No. 52? Why is he the first to win again?"
"If the first round was luck, then how do you explain the second round? Just where did this unknown No. 52 pop out from?"
"Too peculiar! Senior Apprentice Brother Tian Yu and Senior Apprentice Sister Yu-er haven't won yet, and this No. 52 won already?"
Ye Yuan's victory caused another uproar.
Tian Yu
's expression fell slightly, and the sword in his hands accelerated.
After three moves, Tian Yu sent his opponent flying.
Victory!
Tian Yu's foe in the second round was a Ninth Level Spirit Condensation Realm. His strength was quite good. He f.o.r.c.i.b.l.y hung on until the tenth blow before being defeated.
Compared to Ye Yuan's victory in one move, he was naturally much slower.
On Platform No. 2, a graceful silhouette danced along with the wind.
But when she heard Elder Feng's voice, her movements clearly lagged for an instant.
Immediately after, only to see that lithe figure speed up multiple times!
Similarly, after three moves, Tang Yu-er won!
Chapter 260 - Unexpected Opponent
If would be fine if Elder Feng did not call out, but since he did, it became tragic for those disciples who were challenging the top 10.
Hearing this voice, the top 10 disciples' combat power soared vertically like they were on stimulants!
This was the second round. The opponents faced by the top 10 would not be too strong.
Once they erupted, how could ordinary disciples withstand it? With a one and two count, they were all defeated.
On Platform No. 1 and the adjacent Platform No. 2, the aloof Tang Yu-er took a rare trip over to Platform No. 1 and started chatting with Tian Yu.
"Tian Yu, after the first round ended, I think I saw you go and look at the other matches?"
Tang Yu-er had always wanted to surpass Tian Yu and viewed him as her sole rival. Hence, she never called him Senior Apprentice Brother Tian Yu.
Tian Yu was currently recuperating with his eyes shut. Seeing that Tang Yu-er posed a question, he opened his eyes and looked at her, saying with a faint smile, "No. 52 is an interesting opponent. Perhaps, he will become the greatest dark horse in this grand competition! Junior Apprentice Sister Yu-er, you have to be careful."
Honestly speaking, Tian Yu originally still looked down on Ye Yuan a little. But upon hearing that Ye Yuan comprehended the elementary form of true intent, this underestimation was naturally put away.
All those who could comprehend the elementary form of true intent were remarkable geniuses!
Furthermore, crossing ranks to battle were as easy as eating and drinking after comprehending true intent.
He already learned from Elder Feng about Ye Yuan's opponent this round. Although Wang Dong's strength was not much, to be instantly defeated by Ye Yuan also indicated many issues from one side!
Ye Yuan truly had the qualifications to sit and debate about Dao with him!
Surprise flickered across Tang Yu-er's eyes. She had never seen Tian Yu with such fighting intent.
Didn't that mean that Tian Yu was very much looking forward to fighting with that mysterious No. 52?
But, was this possible?
Everyone was clear on the strength of these sect disciples long ago. Those who could have emerged would have already emerged. Why would they wait until today?
Could this No. 52 be new?
With Tang Yu-er's strength and status, her eyes would forever be fixated on the position of elite disciple only. As for whatever disciple that was new to the sect, she could not even be bothered to follow. She naturally did not know Ye Yuan and Long Tang.
Except, how could newcomer disciples possibly be Tian Yu's match?
If a new half-step Crystal Formation Realm expert came, it was impossible for her to not hear anything about it, right?
Tian Yu did not elaborate on his words, and Tang Yu-er remained puzzled.
"You know this No. 52's identity? Who is he?" Tang Yu could not help asking curiously.
"He's called Ye Yuan. As for what kind of person he is, I'm not sure either. But I believe that you and I will know very soon. To be able to defeat Wang Dong instantly, he might be a formidable foe to us!" Tian Yu said coolly.
Tang Yu-er's pretty eye became intent as she revealed an astonishment look.
She had also suspected previously whether or not this No. 52 was lucky and bumped into rookies.
Tang Yu-er knew Wang Dong's name as well. His strength was exceptional among the Eighth Level Spirit Condensation Realms. To be able to instantly kill Wang Dong, he most likely had the strength to clash with her!
"Alright. Go back and rest well. Adjust your condition to its peak! This grand competition will be more interesting than any others in the past!" Tian Yu said to Tang Yu-er with a faint smile.
. . . . . .
At the same time, many people were speculating who this No. 52 was. Some who were acquainted with Wang Dong went up to him.
"Wang Dong, I remember that you're No. 49? Then was your opponent No. 52? Who is this No. 52, to actually be the first person to win for two consecutive rounds?"
Wang Dong had a gloomy face as he said, "How would I know who he is? Either way, his age is not old; younger than both you and I. Should be a newcomer. But his strength is absolutely formidable! In my opinion . . . he can at least enter the top 10!"
That person had an incredulous look when he heard that and said, "Are you joking?! Who can shake the position of the top 10? You aren't finding an excuse for your loss, right?"
Wang Dong snickered coldly when he heard that and said, "Watch if you don't believe! Putting aside other things, just based solely on that ultimate move of his, to instantly transform into nine silhouettes and unleash nine sword beams, each stronger than the other! Just based on that one move, he can also enter the top 10!"
That disciple was greatly startled when he heard that and said, "No way? So incredible? Can it be a newly emerged half-step Crystal Formation Realm expert?"
Wang Dong shook his head and said, "That's a no. He's only at the Fourth Level Spirit Condensation Realm."
That disciple burst into laughter when he heard that and said, "Wang Dong, did he bash your brain? Did you lose to a Fourth Level Spirit Condensation Realm? And you even say that he can enter the top 10?"
The corner of Wang Dong's mouth twitched, but he said disdainfully, "Didn't you lose in the second round too? Since you've nothing to do anyway, follow me to watch that No.52 compete and you'll see."
Having said that, that disciple became even more curiously and naturally would not reject. Hence, he went to find Ye Yuan's competition platform together with Wang Dong.
. . . . . .
The third round was 50 going to 25. If one passed the third round, it would also mean that they could enter the top 25 rankings!
Although there were some who were occasionally rather lucky earlier and encountered weaker opponents, after two rounds of filtering, the disciples who entered the third round were all rather powerful.
Even if there were those with weaker strength who were fortunate enough to pass two rounds, the possibility of passing the third round again would be virtually nil.
This third round was actually a dividing line. To be able to pass the third round meant that they belonged to the top echelon among the core disciples.
While other disciples were no less outstanding, compared to the disciples who passed the third round, the disparity became very obvious.
After two rounds of filtering, many disciples who were defeated no longer needed to take part in matches anymore. Quite a number of them gathered at some popular platforms to spectate the upcoming matches.
And currently, the platform where Ye Yuan was about to start his match was already surrounded by many disciples. This made him somewhat baffled.
Ye Yuan thought that the most popular platform should be Tian Yu's. Why were there so many people gathered over on his side?
Could it be that his opponent was very popular, that was why it attracted everyone to watch?
Speaking of which, Ye Yuan's opponent this round was No. 14. It should be an extremely powerful foe.
"Hey, did you guys hear? This No.52 is that newcomer disciple who snatched Ceng Yu's points right after entering the sect. He's called Ye Yuan!"
"En, I heard i
t too! I really did not think that a Second Level Spirit Condensation Realm could actually pass two consecutive round! Furthermore, be the first to win! This fellow is truly perverse!"
"Tch, still Second Level Spirit Condensation Realm? He was Fourth Level Spirit Condensation Realm long ago! Don't you know yet? After he snatched Ceng Yu's points, he went to the A-grade cultivation rooms to enter seclusion for five days. After he exited, he was Fourth Level Spirit Condensation Realm!"
"What? There's really such a thing? Incredible! Truly incredible! I didn't think that such a monster actually entered the sect this time! How are we going to survive? But, even if he broke through to the Fourth Level Spirit Condensation Realm, how was it possible to clear two rounds consecutively with such strength? Moreover, be the first to win?"
"Hehe, weren't we competing earlier? Now, I want to take a good look at what areas this No.52 surpasses others in! Do you know who his opponent this time is?"
"En? Who?"
"This opponent, No. 14, is the number one figure in the Earth Barracks, Zhang Jing!"
Chapter 261 - Purple Yang Clear Howl!
Do not look at how Ceng Cheng and Qiu Peng caused huge scenes normally. Zhang Jing sat firmly on the top seat of the Earth Barracks the whole time.
Zhang Jing was also the disciple who arranged for Ye Yuan to stay in the Earth Barracks on the day he entered the sect.
When Ye Yuan saw Zhang Jing on the platform, he was involuntarily dumbstruck. Zhang Jing was similarly stunned when he saw Ye Yuan.
The two stared at each other speechlessly.
After a while, Zhang Jing looked at Ye Yuan with a bitter smile and said, "I really didn't expect the mysterious No. 52 to actually be you!"
"En? What do you mean? When did I become the mysterious No. 52?" Ye Yuan felt baffled after listening to Zhang Jing's words.
Zhang Jing was stupefied and said, "You've already become everyone's focal point after two rounds of competition. Don't you know that? Look at all those seniors and juniors below the platform."
"Ugh, I thought that they came here for Senior Apprentice Brother Zhang." Ye Yuan said helplessly.