Chapter 876 - 93: Challenge Again

Chapter 876: Chapter 93: Challenge Again

"Elder Wang." Kui Ma and Tang Feng stood up and cupped their hands in greeting as they saw Wang Zhigao approaching.

"Elder Tang, Elder Kui." Wang Zhigao was arrogant but not discourteous, though he often couldn’t be bothered to put on a show.

"Today’s match is quite exciting. With your support, the business at Jiuxiao Building has been doing well." Tang Feng laughed.

"It’s not because of me. I just like scolding people. Everyone gets what they need. Today is the last event, and I’m done after this." Wang Zhigao said.

"You seem upset, Elder Wang. Is Martial Heart Sect difficult to deal with?" Kui Ma asked with a smile.

Wang Zhigao was about to start cursing but held back, "Ahem, they’re decent. They’re good kids; they just need some honing."

Tang Feng and Kui Ma also held back their laughter, not wanting to expose him. After all, this old fellow had thin skin; if provoked, he’d surely fly off the handle.

The seductive woman’s sword dance from the Jiuxiao Sect began. This time, they deployed eighteen inner sect disciples. The enchanting movements paired with the elegant sword dance left the audience cheering in delight.

For a while, glasses clinked. Finally, Yun Yu and Yun Le appeared together, "Thank you to all the distinguished guests for attending tonight’s martial arts tournament. Our main guests are still Elder Wang Zhigao, Elder Tang Feng, and Elder Kui Ma."

The trio appeared one by one, receiving thunderous applause, especially Wang Zhigao, who had many enthusiasts. People were enjoying his scolding immensely. While hearing others curse was unpleasant, his scolding was delightful. Not just anyone qualified to be scolded by him.

Five matches, with the final trios as the main event, and the other four cultivators were of much higher standard than before. Some were strong contenders for the top ten on the Red List, and a few were already in the top ten.

The first match was between Leng Ren of Cold Sword Mountain and Feng Xiaoshan of Wind Concealment Sect. Leng Ren was an Ice Spirit Root cultivator, while Feng Xiaoshan had a Wind Spirit Root. Their battle was intense: the Ice Spirit Root excelled in freezing and paralysis spells, and once caught, it was easy to be taken down in one move. On the other hand, the Wind Concealment Sect was extremely fast, with agile movement techniques. Both sides understood each other’s styles, and in the end, Feng Xiaoshan narrowly won.

In the past, the loser would step down, and the winner would receive applause. But now, the audience was silent, awaiting the guest commentary segment.

Tang Feng and Kui Ma each commented on the strengths of the two, giving both parties face.

When it was Wang Zhigao’s turn, he looked at Leng Ren with indifference, "Are you sure you’ve studied at Cold Sword Mountain? Why are you chasing a Wind Spirit Root opponent? You got anxious halfway through your strategic patience and exposed a flaw when baited into attacking. If you don’t lose, who will? Why join a sect if not to correct your bad habits. Idiot, treating your opponent like a fool."

Ashamed, Leng Ren turned red, while the victorious Feng Xiaoshan chuckled. It felt more satisfying than winning. He had long admired Elder Wang’s skillful insults, and today’s encounter was certainly extraordinary.

"Idiot, what are you laughing at? You’re a top-grade Wind Spirit Root, yet you fought evenly with an idiot and narrowly won. How shameful! If I were you, I’d find some tofu to hit my head with. Either your master misled you, or you haven’t been diligent. Hurry up and get lost; stop showing off. People might think you’re in the top ten already!" Wang Zhigao scolded.

Before Leng Ren could step down, Feng Xiaoshan, face flushed, left. His top-grade Wind Spirit Root was a well-kept secret. Some on-site were suspicious but couldn’t be as certain as Wang Zhigao. Speaking without accuracy could lead to disgrace, and judging from Feng Xiaoshan’s expression, Wang Zhigao’s words hit the mark.

Top-grade Spirit Roots are extremely rare in any sect. While having one doesn’t guarantee becoming a top master, the potential is immense. All those who advance to the top ten invariably possess top-grade Spirit Roots.

If Feng Xiaoshan had a high-grade Spirit Root, there’d be nothing more to say. If it were a middle-grade Spirit Root, he’d deserve praise. But having a top-grade Wind Spirit Root and performing like this is worse than losing.

Although Leng Ren had felt awful after being scolded, as he stepped down, he began to smile. Even his fellow Cold Sword Mountain disciples felt victorious, as this was proof of their sect’s prowess.

With the precedent set by the first match, the cultivators in the next three matches rallied their full efforts. It wasn’t just about personal honor; it was about the sect’s reputation. Wang Zhigao was audacious enough to say anything, making it a rare opportunity for them.

The matches were exciting, and Wang Zhigao’s scolding was equally entertaining. Everyone present felt they got their money’s worth, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

On the rooftop, Bao Yu’Er watched the lively scene quietly, her emotions hidden beneath her veil.

During the intermission, the main event loomed ahead.

Li Xin entered the preparation area. His first opponent was Chu Zhan.

Listening to the mockery of the Three Pristine Sect around him, Jiang Jinyue’s eyes were fierce. The series of matches between Chu Zhan and Duan Zhengyang had nearly tarnished the Three Pristine Sect’s reputation. Yet Chu Zhan remained aloof and unashamed.

Yun Yu and Yun Le sisters appeared together, "Dear guests, the most anticipated triple challenge of the evening is next. Please welcome Chu Zhan of the Three Pristine Sect!"

Chu Zhan took the stage, relaxed, devoid of the anxiety and anger typical of losers.

"Wow, this guy’s mindset is really something. You’d think he was the winner."

"The Three Pristine Sect sure has a thick skin. Losing recently and showing up again so quickly."

"Chu Zhan is indeed a skilled member of the Three Pristine Sect. If he can’t win, then it’s up to Jiang Jinyue. It seems the sect is out of options."

"Next up is Loose Cultivator Ren Yanli."

Li Xin took the stage amidst a chorus of boos. In Jiuxiao Building’s promotions, Ren Yanli’s name was already tarnished. No matter where, outsiders and country folks were supposed to keep their heads down. Speaking loudly could be seen as provoking. Li Xin, proposing a triple challenge upon arrival, seemed to disregard Divine Land. Unfortunately, Divine Land had yet to secure a victory.

Li Xin paid no mind to the surrounding noise, sizing up Chu Zhan, "You’ve recovered well, so why are you here again?"

Chu Zhan smiled slightly, "Thank you for your guidance last time, Brother Ren. Our Three Pristine Sect faces enormous pressure in this year’s grand competition. Before others catch on, I intend to seize more opportunities. I hope you won’t hold back, Brother Ren."

"We’ll see if you have anything new." Li Xin responded with a smile.

"Since I’m here, I won’t let you down, Brother Ren. Please!"

"Please."

Yun Yu looked at Li Xin with a complex expression, "Let the match begin!"

Chu Zhan drew his long sword, "I’ll skip the warm-up. Brother Ren, be careful."

The next moment, Chu Zhan dropped his playful and relaxed demeanor. His expression shifted, transforming the entire atmosphere in the Martial Arts Arena, as murmurs gradually quieted. The terrifying Thunder Power enveloped Chu Zhan.

Many cultivators present had watched the previous match. At that time, Chu Zhan was strong, but not this strong. His Spiritual Ability now wove with thunder and brought forth added composure and confidence.

Hell, losing actually led to improvement.