This was his first time facing a demonic tunist. Even though the other party's Soul Depth couldn't be compared to his, the other party's fighting prowess was much higher. Even with his full strength, he was still unable to withstand the other party's attack.
As such, Zhang Xuan didn't expect that the pale-faced man before him was Elder Wu. He thought that someone was intending to launch a sneak attack on him.
Exerting all of his strength, Zhang Xuan executed the Heaven's Path Spear Art and charged forward.
Elder Wu heaved a sigh of relief, but before he could react, he saw a spear heading straight for him. His eyes narrowed, but it was already too late for him to dodge. He was struck squarely in the chest, and he was sent flying.
Padah!
His body was plastered onto the wall, forming a 'big' character.
"The heck!"
No one could have expected such a turn of events. Their eyes bulged out of their sockets, and their faces reddened. They were on the verge of spurting blood.
That was Elder Wu, the only demonic tunist in Myriad Kingdom City, a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle expert, an existence feared by all. Yet, he was plastered onto the wall with a single spear strike...
Did it have to be so exaggerated?
"Elder Wu, why did you... follow me? I really didn't do it on purpose..."
Hearing the shocked cries of the crowd, Zhang Xuan also recognized the other party, and his face reddened in embarrassment.
Wasn't this a test of Soul Depth? Why did you come here? I thought that you were up to no good...
"Cough cough!"
Coughing two large mouthfuls of blood, Elder Wu finally recovered. He struggled down from the wall with a frenzied look on his face.
What the heck was this?
The pavilion master told him that this was just a test, and he thought that it would be a simple one. Thus, he came here excitedly. Never in his dreams did he expect that he would nearly lose his life.
The other party had been attacking the flaws of the Demonic Tune of Psychosis nonstop, and if he didn't retaliate, his soul would surely be damaged. Thus, he could only step closer and closer to increase the strength of his attacks...
Yet, the sound wave that even the hall master feared was nothing more than a toy to the other party. Not only was it completely ineffective, the other party didn't even notice that its might had grown stronger!
What the heck!
To be able to resist even the demonic sound without being affected in the slightest … What kind of monster did Su Fan and Ling Hengyu find?
The intense frustration he felt made him doubt his life.
"Forget it, I don't blame you …"
Elder Wu knew that it was impossible for either of them to suppress the other party in a clash of sound waves, and this wasn't the other party's intention either. Taking two deep breaths, he adjusted his condition before waving his hand.
Even though he was filled with resentment, there was nothing he could do. As an elder, he couldn't possibly go and find trouble with that fellow!
Furthermore … he was already in such a miserable state even without looking for trouble. If he were to really go … he was afraid that he might not be able to return alive!
It was better to … just forget about it!
"Let's test it!"
Taking down the formation plate on the wall, Zhang Xuan passed it over to the master teacher in charge of inspecting the formation.
"Yes!"
Taking the formation plate, the master teacher carefully counted the lines on it before announcing, "431 strokes. Every single stroke is of equal weight and strength!"
"431 paintings? Isn't it the same as Ruohuan gongzi's? "
"It's really … using a spear to forcefully create so many paintings?"
"I thought he was just knocking randomly. I didn't expect him to really knock out the pattern. That's amazing!"
"The same stroke, then … who is the second? Or tied for second place? "
…
Upon hearing the results, everyone was stunned for a moment before an uproar broke out.
They thought that Zhang Xuan was just randomly knocking on the formation plate to make up the numbers, and they thought that the patterns on the formation plate would be messy and messy. Never in their dreams did they expect that the other party's results would be exactly the same as Ruohuan gongzi's!
Given that the both of them had a stroke less than Feng Mosheng's … how could they determine the ranking?
It couldn't be that there were two second places, right?
"He also … 431 paintings?" Not expecting Zhang Xuan to have such a result, Ruohuan gongzi's face darkened.
He detested life and death with his carving knife, and that was why he was able to create so many strokes. On the other hand, the other party was able to create the same number of strokes with his spear. Was this for real?
"Looks like we've underestimated him. That fellow isn't that simple!"
Ruohuan gongzi's eyebrows shot up.
When he heard that the other party was only a 2-star master teacher, he didn't think that the other party would be a match for him. However, from the looks of it, the other party was much more formidable than he thought.
To use a spear to carve a formation plate several meters away … If it was in the past, he would have never dared to imagine such a feat.
Even though he was witnessing it with his own eyes, he still found it inconceivable.
"However … it won't be that easy for him to tie with me!" Ruohuan gongzi sneered coldly.
So what if the other party's strokes were the same as his? He still had a trump card in his hands. He didn't think that a country bumpkin from a rural kingdom could compare with him.
"Incredible!"
Feng Mosheng was impressed as well.
Even with his carving knife, he only managed to carve a single stroke more than the other party's. As expected of a figure recommended by an elder, fearsome!
He thought that he could be considered as a dark horse in this selection, but compared to the other party, he could only be considered as a black donkey.
…
Amidst the discussions of the crowd, the six formation plates were placed on the table. They were filled with strokes, reflecting the results of the previous examination.
"Pavilion master, please judge them!"
The master teacher in charge of the examination clasped his fist and bowed to Pavilion Master Kang.
"Un!" Nodding, Pavilion Master Kang, Elder Su, and the others walked up to take a look at the formation plates.
"I'll now announce the results of the first round."
Sweeping his gaze across the crowd, Pavilion Master Kang announced, "Feng Mosheng took first place with 432 strokes, Jun Ruohuan and Zhang Xuan took second place with 431 strokes, Fu Xiaochen took fourth place with 427 strokes, Luo Xi took fifth place with 411 strokes, and Du Hu took sixth place with 407 strokes!"
"To think that Feng shi would take first place!"
"That Zhang Shi sure is formidable. To be able to tie with Ruohuan gongzi as soon as he appeared!"
"Indeed. I thought that he was just a fame-seeking fellow, but to think that he would be so capable!"
…
A commotion broke out below.
Everyone thought that Ruohuan gongzi and Fu Xiaochen would emerge victorious. Who could have thought that the two dark horses, Feng Mosheng and Zhang Xuan, would appear instead?
"Alright, the first round is over. Let's move on to the second round …"
After announcing the results, Pavilion Master Kang scanned the surroundings. Just as he was about to move on to the next round, a voice suddenly interrupted him.
"Pavilion master, I think that there's a problem with the results just now!"
Everyone turned their gazes over and saw Ruohuan gongzi walking up with a smile on his face.
"Oh?" Pavilion Master Kang turned to look at him.
"Before the first round, Elder Wu said that the one who carves the most exquisite lines under the influence of the Demonic Tune of Psychosis would be the champion!" Ruohuan gongzi said. "May I know if that's true?"
"I did say that!" Elder Wu nodded.
At this moment, he had already recovered significantly after regulating his breathing. However, his face was still slightly pale, and his spirit was a little sluggish.
"That's right. You only counted the lines, but you didn't … observe them closely!" Ruohuan gongzi chuckled.
"Observe them closely?"
Everyone was taken aback. Even Pavilion Master Kang frowned.
How was one supposed to observe them closely?
Was it to see who could carve the most exquisite lines? This had nothing to do with the depth of the carving knife, not one's state of mind!
"That's simple. I didn't just carve the lines on the formation plate … Everyone, please take a look!"
Walking up to the formation plate, Zhang Xuan flicked his wrist, and a carving knife appeared. Then, he began carving several dozen strokes on it.
These strokes were extremely simple. All he did was to connect the various lines together. However, the moment he did so, the messy lines on the formation plate immediately changed.
Weng!
A crisp buzz sounded, and a massive peony flower appeared before everyone's eyes. Surrounded by spiritual energy, it bloomed.
"To think that … it's a painting!"
"Ruohuan gongzi actually managed to carve a fifth level painting under such circumstances!"
"It's no wonder why he was so confident despite having fewer strokes than Feng shi!"
"A fifth level painting … That's something that only a 3-star painter is capable of. I've long heard that Ruohuan gongzi is a painter, and from the looks of it, that seems to be the case!"
"Incredible …"
…
Everyone was in an uproar. Even Pavilion Master Kang couldn't help but take a glance at Zhang Xuan.
To be able to bestow spirit to the flower and create a fifth level painting under the influence of the Demonic Tune of Psychosis … Ruohuan gongzi's state of mind and state of mind had already reached an unfathomable level!
It was no wonder why he was so confident!
Carving lines was just a simple demonstration of one's ability. On the other hand, to carve lines and form a painting … That was true strength.
Under normal circumstances, it would be difficult for one to create a fifth level painting within three minutes. Yet, the other party was able to do it under the influence of the Demonic Tune of Psychosis … Be it his talent, ability, or state of mind, all of it was frightening!
"Not bad, not bad!"
Pavilion Master Kang's eyes lit up, and he nodded his head in agreement.
His supporting occupation didn't include painting, so he wasn't able to see through Ruohuan gongzi's ability. However, after seeing the peony flower with his own eyes, he could tell how difficult it was.
Ruohuan gongzi was his direct disciple, and he was gratified to see the other party's outstanding performance.
"Feng shi only inscribed 432 lines on the painting. The reason why I didn't inscribe enough lines isn't because I couldn't inscribe them, but rather … I managed to create a painting. I'll have to trouble Pavilion Master Kang to decide who is better!"
Ruohuan gongzi declared confidently.
"Un!" Pavilion Master Kang nodded. Then, he scanned the surroundings and asked, "May I know the opinions of the other elders?"
"Even though he only lacks a single stroke, but … he managed to create a painting. Clearly, Ruohuan gongzi is superior!"
"To be able to create a fifth level painting under the influence of the Demonic Tune of Psychosis, his state of mind is truly admirable!"
"I think that Ruohuan gongzi should be the first!"
…
Soon, the elders expressed their opinions. Jun Ruohuan was the first.
None of the master teachers present had any objections to the decision. Even Feng Mosheng expressed his agreement.
Even though he had inscribed many lines, the other party was much more meticulous than him. Every single stroke had its own purpose. Clearly, the other party was much better than him.
"Alright, since no one has any objections, I'll announce that Ruohuan is the first, Feng Mosheng the second, Zhang Shi the third, Fu Xiaochen the fourth, Luo Xi the fifth, and Du Hu the sixth!"
Seeing that no one had any objections, Pavilion Master Kang announced loudly.
"Ruohuan gongzi is indeed strong. As expected of a popular contender for the champion seat!"
"He easily obtained the first place in the first round and maintained his advantage. Now, it's time to see the results of the subsequent rounds!"
…
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Seeing that he had obtained the first place, Ruohuan gongzi chuckled softly. Turning to look at Zhang Xuan, his eyebrows shot up. "Zhang Shi, I'm sorry, but it seems like I won't be able to share second place with you!"
Didn't you cause a huge commotion earlier? So what? Didn't you still lose to me obediently and become the third?
"Ah …"
Not expecting this fellow to trample on him even after obtaining the first place, Zhang Xuan shook his head helplessly. Turning to Pavilion Master Kang, he asked, "This … As long as I'm more meticulous, my results will be better, right?"
"That's right!" Pavilion Master Kang was taken aback for a moment before nodding his head.
"Ah, that's good then!"
After which, Zhang Xuan turned to look at the formation plate on the table, and his face darkened. "It's already been half a day, what are you putting on an act for? Hurry up and get to work!"
Weng!
Right after he said those words, the crisp sound of Spirit Agitation echoed. The formation plate he had just inscribed started operating, and the spiritual energy in the surroundings was drawn in frenziedly, forming a massive vortex.
"Spirit Agitation … This is … a sentient 4-star Spirit Gathering Formation?"
Elder Wu narrowed his eyes.
As a 4-star formation master, Elder Wu had a deep understanding of formations, and he knew how difficult it was to inscribe a formation plate.
Even with his strength, it would take him at least a week to inscribe a 4-star Spirit Gathering Formation plate.
Yet, the other party was able to inscribe a formation plate in just three minutes with a spear … More importantly, it was sentient!
T-this … This was way too heaven-defying!
A grade-3 blank formation plate could only be used to inscribe grade-3 formations. Yet, not only did the other party inscribe a grade-4 formation plate, it even possessed a sentient spirit … How deep was the other party's understanding of formations?
At the very least, he couldn't match up to the other party!
What was even more frightening was that … the other party had done it in the midst of a battle.
He had been knocked unconscious from the impact, spurting large mouthfuls of blood. Yet, not only was the other party completely fine, he even managed to inscribe a grade-4 formation plate with sentience …
Elder Wu felt incredibly stifled, and his entire body felt unwell.
"Inscribing a formation plate is extremely complicated. Every step has to be meticulously planned, and not the slightest mistake is allowed. To inscribe it with a spear …"
"Ruohuan gongzi's fifth level painting can't even compare to this!"
"Indeed, the difference is simply too huge …"
…
Seeing the gathering of spiritual energy, everyone in the room widened their eyes in shock, as though they had seen a ghost.
"You …"
Ruohuan gongzi's body trembled uncontrollably, and he was on the verge of going insane.
He thought that creating a painting was already an incredible feat. Yet, to think that this fellow … would be able to create a grade-4 formation!
Even a 4-star formation master without the Demonic Tune of Psychosis would find it difficult to achieve such a feat. Yet, a young lad who wasn't even in his twenties was able to make Elder Wu spurt blood while doing it …
This was too heaven-defying!
More importantly … the formation plate had a sentience!
Even though both of them possessed sentience, his painting was still worlds apart from the other party's.
They were two completely different concepts.
He was still thinking that he would surely be the champion this time around, but who could have thought that he would be flipped to the ground in the blink of an eye, and even be stepped on several times …
Ruohuan gongzi felt like crying.
If only he had known that this would happen, he wouldn't have been so smug earlier. He had just said that he couldn't share second place with the other party, but in the end … he was the only one in second place …
What a slap to his face!
Just as Ruohuan gongzi was feeling frustrated, the other party's voice sounded, "Should my formation be considered as exquisite?"
"Cough cough, it should be!"
Pavilion Master Kang's face reddened.
The other party had already inscribed a formation, and yet, he couldn't see through it. How embarrassing!
More importantly … to change the results of a single competition twice … What kind of figures were the ones participating in this selection round?
"For the first round, Zhang Shi will be awarded six points; Ruohuan will be awarded five points; and so on and so forth …"
Knowing that he would only embarrass himself further if he were to continue arguing, Pavilion Master Kang quickly announced the results. Seeing that there were no more objections, he heaved a sigh of relief and said, "Alright, let's begin the second round of the examination — cultivation!"
"To become a master teacher, one's cultivation is of utmost importance. Master teachers are known to be invincible among their peers. Not only are they able to see through one's flaws, more importantly, they are able to reinforce one's cultivation and enhance one's strength!
"Of course, one's cultivation is also related to one's resources and the guidance of a master teacher. Given that all of us have different backgrounds and cultivations, it would be unfair for all of us to compete against one another!"
Everyone nodded.
Ruohuan gongzi, on the other hand, was from the Jun Clan, the head of the Four Great Clans of Myriad Kingdom City. Furthermore, his teacher was Pavilion Master Kang. As such, he had been given the best conditions from the very start.
On the other hand, Luo Xi and Du Hu were from a remote kingdom, and their cultivation conditions were far inferior to his. On top of that, they were slightly younger as well. Thus, it would be unfair for them to compete against them.
"Thus, after discussing with the other elders, we decided to have Elder Bai suppress her cultivation and battle with them. Under the same level of cultivation, the more rounds one can last, the stronger one is. This way, not only can we assess the other party's cultivation, we can also see the other party's judgment and decision-making when they are in danger... "
Pavilion Master Kang continued.
"Suppressing one's cultivation?"
"Since the cultivation of those participating in the selection test is different, it wouldn't be good for them to fight one on one. Take Fu Xiaochen for example, he has reached Transcendent Mortal 3-dan pinnacle. On the other hand, that Zhang Shi is only at Transcendent Mortal 1-dan pinnacle. Even without a battle, it's clear that there's no doubt who will emerge victorious. "
"Indeed. Having Elder Bai suppress her cultivation and battle with the other party of the same level of cultivation, the one who can last the most rounds will be the victor. This would be fairer..."
"As a 4-star master teacher, Elder Bai's comprehension and comprehension of battle techniques are far above that of the others. Even if they were to suppress their cultivation to the same level, it would still be impossible for them to emerge victorious. On the other hand, judging the number of rounds one can take to determine one's strength, not bad! "
"Un. Other than Pavilion Master Kang, there's no one who can match Elder Bai's fighting prowess. On top of that, it's fair and impartial. I have no objections to this rule!"
Hearing the rules of the second round, everyone nodded in agreement.
Since the six participants were of different cultivation realms, it was impossible for them to compete fairly. Since that was the case, they would have an elder suppress their cultivation and battle with them separately.
Suppressing one's cultivation to the same level and determining the ranking based on the number of rounds one can take.
This could be considered the fairest method.
Seeing that everyone had agreed, Pavilion Master Kang nodded. Then, he turned to an elder and said, "I'll be troubling you then!"
"It's nothing much!" The elder stepped forward.
Elder Bai, Bai Heng!
"Don't worry. After suppressing my cultivation, I'll give it my all in the battle. I won't go easy on anyone! The number of rounds one can last will be the number of rounds one can take. I, Bai Heng, swear on my dignity as a master teacher that I won't cheat! "
Walking up to the crowd, Elder Bai's eyebrows shot up, but there was no expression on his face.
"Elder Bai is a fair and impartial person, we have no doubts about that!"
Ruohuan gongzi, Fu Xiaochen, and the others hurriedly said.
Elder Bai was a reputable elder in the entire Mingshi Tang Academy. With a cultivation of Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle, he was only slightly weaker than Pavilion Master Kang. He was a fair person, and on top of that, he had sworn on his dignity as a master teacher. There was no way he would go easy on the other party.
He was trustworthy.
"Since there are no objections, then make your preparations. Everyone can use weapons or bare hands. Use the moves that you are most proficient in to fight Elder Bai. However … for the sake of fairness and confidentiality, the battle will be held in a sealed environment. The specific moves will be displayed on the wall using a special formation, and it won't be falsified. Furthermore, the details of the battle won't be revealed to the public! "
Pavilion Master Kang continued.
Hearing this arrangement, the other master teachers nodded in agreement.
Every single master teacher had their own trump card that they didn't wish for others to know about. If they were to display it before the eyes of the crowd, news of it could easily spread. At that time, their trump card would be rendered useless.
In a sealed environment, only the moves would be displayed, and it would be much safer.
"I'll wait for you!"
Waving his hands, Elder Bai turned around and walked into a small room in the hall.
"Alright, which one of you wants to challenge first?"
Seeing that Elder Bai was ready, Pavilion Master Kang turned to the six of them.
"I'll go first!"
Fu Xiaochen stepped forward.
He had the strength to challenge for the championship, but in the end, he only managed to get fourth place in the first round. This left him feeling stifled and stifled.
In terms of Soul Depth, he might not be able to match up to Feng Mosheng and Ruohuan gongzi, but he was confident that he wouldn't lose out to any of them!
"Un, be careful!" Pavilion Master Kang nodded his head in satisfaction.
"Thank you for your reminder!"
Fu Xiaochen walked into the room.
Weng!
The moment he entered, a light flashed on the white wall, and a series of numbers appeared.
One!
Two!
Three!
…
Ten …
The numbers continued to climb, and soon, it reached 'ten'.
"It has already started!"
"Even if he were to suppress his cultivation to the same level as Elder Bai, that Fu shi is indeed formidable to be able to withstand ten moves from Elder Bai!"
"Isn't that obvious? Fu shi is Elder Hai's student, and he has already mastered the Thousand Seas Fist. No matter how invincible Elder Bai is, it would still take him at least fifteen moves to defeat him! "
"That's right, the Thousand Ocean Fist, the endless waves, the endless sound of the tide, is indeed powerful …"
"I wonder how many moves he can withstand."
…
Looking at the numbers on the wall, the crowd knew that the battle had already begun, and they clenched their fists tightly in agitation.
Even if Elder Bai were to suppress his cultivation, being able to withstand ten moves from him was already something to brag about!
Even if the other party was of the same cultivation as you, their comprehension of battle would be on a completely different level. How could those with lower cultivation possibly win?
Hu!
Before everyone's shocked eyes, the jumping numbers finally came to a halt.
Thirty-one!
Following which, the door to the room opened, and Fu Xiaochen walked out. Even though he looked a little unkempt, his eyes were gleaming with excitement.
Only after experiencing it firsthand did he realize how powerful Elder Bai was. Even though he had suppressed his cultivation to the same level as him, he still wasn't a match for the other party.
If not for the fact that he had used all of his trump cards and used all of his strongest moves, it would already be a miracle if he could withstand twenty moves.
Even if he couldn't clinch the first place after thirty-one moves, he would still be able to secure the top two spots.
"Incredible!"
Looking at the young man walking over, Ruohuan gongzi's expression turned grim.
After fighting for so many rounds before being defeated, even he felt extremely pressured.
"Ruohuan gongzi, let me see your results!"
Walking up to the crowd, Fu Xiaochen looked at Ruohuan gongzi with gleaming eyes.
"Alright!"
Taking a deep breath, Jun Ruohuan gritted his teeth and walked into the room.
Hu hu hu hu!
Not too long later, a series of numbers appeared.
"How many moves do you think Ruohuan gongzi can withstand?"
"I'm not too sure about that. His strength is roughly on par with Fu shi, and since the latter was able to withstand thirty-one moves, he shouldn't be too far behind!"
"Let's hope so!"
Seeing the numbers increasing, the faces of the crowd turned grim.
Jun Ruohuan and Fu Xiaochen were the two most popular contenders in the selection round, and they were idols of the younger generation. Everyone wanted to know who had the greater comprehension of battle.
"Fu Xiaochen should be the one who lasted longer!"
Pavilion Master Kang said.
"Oh?" Elder Su turned to look at Pavilion Master Kang doubtfully.
"Xiaochen's state of mind is stable, and he specializes in defense. On the other hand, Ruohuan's arrogance stemmed from his wealthy background. In the face of danger, he would only resort to more ferocious attacks. Such attacks might be useful against others, but against … Elder Bai, they aren't too effective!"
Pavilion Master Kang analyzed.
"That's true!" Su shi and Ling shi nodded in agreement.
Jun Ruohuan's title as the head of the Four Great Gongzi wasn't a mere compliment. He had fought his way up from the younger generation with his fists.
It was precisely because he was too strong that he was arrogant.
Arrogant people tended to be weaker in defense. Under such circumstances, those of the same cultivation realm might not be able to notice it, but against the experienced Elder Bai, he was bound to be at a disadvantage.
Hu!
While the few of them were discussing, the light on the wall slowly faded away, and a series of numbers appeared before everyone's eyes.
Thirty!
Just as Pavilion Master Kang had guessed, Ruohuan gongzi's results were beneath Fu Xiaochen's. He couldn't withstand thirty moves, a difference of a single move.
"A difference of a single move?"
"Do you think that, just like in the first round, he might have left some sort of trump card up his sleeves, allowing him to achieve victory despite the difference of a single move?"
"How is that possible? A duel is a real battle. Every single move is a result of a single move. There's no way to resort to trickery! "
"That's true!"
…
Just like before, upon seeing the thirty moves, there were some who were doubtful. However, they soon came to a realization.
The martial arts competition was different from the previous carving of array discs. One more move was one more move, and there was no way to fake it.
Jiya!
Amidst the discussions, the door opened and Ruohuan gongzi walked out. Shaking his head, he smiled bitterly.
Even he didn't expect to lose to Fu Xiaochen despite lacking a single move.
However, there was nothing he could do about it. Even though Elder Bai had suppressed his cultivation to the same level as him, his attacks were still relentless. Even if he were to use all of his strength, thirty moves was already his limit. He wouldn't be able to withstand even a single move.
A loss was a loss, and it wasn't a loss at all.
"Allow me!"
Upon seeing Ruohuan gongzi walk out, Feng Mosheng took in a deep breath and walked in.
A light flashed, and a series of numbers appeared on the wall. Not too long later, Feng Mosheng walked out with a pale face. The number stopped at twenty-eight.
Upon seeing his result, Fu Xiaochen and Ruohuan gongzi heaved a sigh of relief. Then, they turned their gazes to Zhang Xuan.
The three of them had already completed the examination, and the one who was most likely to turn the tables around was this fellow.
Even though they didn't know how his fighting prowess was, the fact that he was able to drive Elder Wu into a frenzy through music meant that he wasn't a simple figure.
However, what disappointed them was that Zhang Xuan was not in a hurry to enter the room. Instead, it was Luo Xi and Du Hu who went in first. What was even more surprising was that Du Hu, who had the worst result the previous time, actually lasted twenty-eight moves this time, the same as Feng Mosheng.
As for Luo Xi, she fared slightly worse. After all, she was a female, so she was at a disadvantage in terms of stamina. Thus, she only lasted twenty-four moves before being defeated.
"It's Zhang Shi's turn now …"
"Indeed, I wonder if he'll be able to become the greatest dark horse in the examination, just like in the first round!"
"I don't think so. The closer one's cultivation is to Elder Bai's, the stronger one's comprehension of battle will be, and the longer one can last."
"That's true …"
…
Seeing Zhang Xuan walking into the room, the crowd whispered softly.
Suppressing one's cultivation wasn't as fair as one thought. It was much easier for a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan expert to suppress one's cultivation to 1-dan than a Transcendent Mortal 3-dan cultivator.
It was just like how a graduate student might be able to complete an examination paper for a university student, but it would take some effort. On the other hand, it would be much easier for a Transcendent Mortal 3-dan cultivator.
Given that Zhang Shi's cultivation was the weakest among them, it would be much easier for Elder Bai to suppress her cultivation by three cultivation realms.
"How many moves do you think he can last?"
Pavilion Master Kang turned to Su shi and asked.
"This … I'm not too sure either. However, I'm well aware of Elder Bai's strength. If she were to suppress her cultivation to Transcendent Mortal 1-dan pinnacle … she would be able to kill even a Transcendent Mortal 2-dan intermediate stage expert easily. Zhang Shi probably won't be able to last long!"
Su shi hesitated for a moment before replying.
Even though he was confident in Zhang Xuan, the person inside was Elder Bai, a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle expert.
Such a person's control over their strength and comprehension of battle techniques had reached an unfathomable level. Even if they were of the same cultivation realm, he wouldn't be a match for the other party. Given so, it would be difficult for Zhang shi to remain undefeated for so long!
"Indeed. To advance by three whole realms in just twenty days, no matter how talented he is, his control over his strength is bound to be a little shaky. If I'm not wrong, he should be defeated within ten moves!" "That's right.
Pavilion Master Kang analyzed.
Su shi had already said that this young man was able to advance from Zongshi realm to Transcendent Mortal 1-dan pinnacle in twenty days. Even if he was a Celestial Master Teacher, his strength would still be a little shaky!
Saying that he would be defeated within ten moves was already the most optimistic estimate.
"I think so too, but … Zhang Shi has always been a person who can't be judged using common sense. No one can predict what will happen …" Ling shi interjected.
Even though he felt that Pavilion Master Kang's analysis wasn't wrong, and under normal circumstances, Zhang Shi wouldn't be able to last more than ten moves. But … as long as the results weren't out, no one would be able to guess what Zhang Shi would do.
"Look, it's starting!"
They weren't the only ones who were anxious. Everyone in the hall couldn't help but turn their gazes over as well. A number had appeared on the smooth wall … 1!
"Hmm? Why isn't it growing anymore? "
Upon seeing the number '1', everyone thought that it would grow rapidly and stop after reaching a certain number, but to their astonishment, it seemed to have been imprinted on the wall.
"It can't be that … the observation formation is spoiled, right?"
"That's impossible! This formation was set up by Elder Wu personally, and it was still working perfectly at the start. How could it be spoiled for no reason?"
"Then … why isn't the number moving?"
"Could it be …"
Recalling something, everyone froze on the spot in disbelief.
"He … was defeated in a single move?"
Ruohuan gongzi's eyes lit up, and he clenched his fists tightly in excitement.
On the other hand, Fu Xiaochen's face lit up in delight as well.
The two of them had been worried that this dark horse would amaze the world with a single feat, just like before. Never in their wildest dreams did they expect him to be defeated in just a single move.
But that was to be expected. How could a Transcendent Mortal 1-dan lad withstand Elder Bai's attack?
They thought that this fellow would be the greatest obstacle to them clearing the selection, but from the looks of it now, they were overthinking things.
"Isn't his result a little too bad … How can such a person participate in the Master Teacher Tournament?"
"Even though one's strength isn't the crux of the tournament, it's still extremely important. Even Beauty Luo Xi was able to withstand twenty-four moves, and yet, he was defeated in a single move … Isn't that a little too fast?"
"Indeed. Without sufficient strength, what's the point of having a strong Soul Depth? If he were to participate in the tournament, he would be eliminated very quickly!"
Realizing what was going on, a commotion broke out among the crowd.
In the first round, that fellow was so outstanding that even Elder Wu was driven into a frenzy. They thought that even if his performance in the second round wasn't as good as before, they would still be able to leave behind a decent result. Never in their dreams did they expect that … it would actually be so bad!
Defeated in a single move!
Putting aside master teachers, even ordinary cultivators would be able to withstand at least a few moves from him!
"This …" Pavilion Master Kang, Su shi, and the others glanced at one another in bewilderment.
They had calculated that Zhang Xuan wouldn't be able to withstand more than ten moves, but … what the heck did he mean by being defeated in a single move?
"Zhang Shi is a person who likes to surprise others. This result is truly surprising …"
Smiling bitterly, Su shi said.
Every single time, Zhang Xuan seemed to be able to pull off unexpected feats. Just like this moment, they had thought of many possible outcomes, but they didn't expect him to lose in a single move, let alone so thoroughly.
"Alright, since the results are out, I'll announce the results now!"
Shaking his head, Pavilion Master Kang scanned the crowd and announced, "Fu Xiaochen is the champion after enduring thirty-one moves. Ruohuan gongzi is in second place with thirty moves. Feng Mosheng and Du Hu are tied for third place with twenty-eight moves. Luo Xi is in fifth place with twenty-four moves. As for Zhang Shi … he only lasted a single move, so he's in … "
But before he could finish announcing the results of the second round, 'jiya!', the door to the room suddenly opened.
Turning around to take a look, Pavilion Master Kang's eyes widened in shock, and he couldn't help but exclaim in shock.
"The heck!"
(Author's Note: I worked overtime until 2 PM last night. Damn, I had to hurry home after invigilating the examination at 5 PM to edit it. Of the two chapters, one of them was added by our Library of Heaven's Path's 29th Alliance Head, 【Meng Hongchen 〃】. Also, from tomorrow onwards, I'll be updating at night. The first update will be at 7 PM and the second update will be at 9 PM. Lastly, I'll be begging for monthly votes! I hope that you can vote for me. Thank you!)
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