Chapter 2200 - 2197: The End of the Group Stage

Chapter 2200: Chapter 2197: The End of the Group Stage

"Alright, don’t think too much about it. Your arms have been saved, but you will need some time to heal. Fortunately, an Ancient Martial Artist’s physique is stronger than that of ordinary people, so there won’t be any aftereffects." Lin Tian waved his hand, not wanting to dwell on the issue of elixir any longer, and gestured for Miss to leave together.

As the few of them reached the door, Yan Zhijie suddenly called out, "Mr. Lin, why not establish a new sect? We support you as the Sect Leader. Us Loose Cultivators don’t want to be scattered and bullied by the likes of the Situ family anymore."

Miss and Ling Shuiyao stopped simultaneously, looking at Lin Tian. Lin Tian waved his hand elegantly, refusing Yan Zhijie’s request.

The three of them arrived outside, and Miss couldn’t help but ask, "Lin Tian, why did you reject his proposal? An Ancient Martial Artist’s highest achievement is no more than three: writing and establishing teachings, founding a sect, and reaching the peak. With your current reputation and strength, you are entirely qualified to establish a sect."

Miss’s statement was indeed correct. Like the Hundred Schools of Thought during the Spring and Autumn Period, those great talents established sects, wrote, and created the flourishing era of contention among hundreds of schools, leaving many immortal legends and spreading through the ages.

The thoughts from that time spanned thousands of years, and even in modern times, they still have high status and profound influence.

"Come on, I’m still a student. If you want me to be a Sect Leader, what will happen to my studies?" Lin Tian joked.

"Now you have everything you want, standing higher than those in the upper circles of the secular world. Why do you still want to study?" Ling Shuiyao was very puzzled.

In her view, people in the secular world study for fame and fortune, and once you have fame and fortune, do you still need to study?

"For nothing but a wish." Lin Tian said faintly.

Miss knew why, but Ling Shuiyao blinked, not understanding what this meant. However, she felt Lin Tian didn’t want to discuss more, so she didn’t ask.

Although she was quirky, her attention to detail was no less than other girls.

The three of them quickly returned to the martial arts tournament site. During the time they left, several groups had already decided outcomes.

Xiao Manxuan and Yun Xiaotian were watching the scene, especially Yun Xiaotian, who, upon seeing Lin Tian return, excitedly said, "Brother Lin, my brother has advanced to the elimination round!"

Lin Tian was slightly taken aback and asked curiously, "So soon? We’ve only been away for an hour, and Ghost has already competed."

"Ghost won against the group’s competitors and took first place," Xiao Manxuan said as well. She and Lin Tian still habitually called Yun Tian the Ghost.

"I said he could do it; now Xiao Tian can relax." Lin Tian smiled and suddenly said, "By the way, where is that guy? He didn’t come to meet us after the competition."

"My brother said he wouldn’t return to the venue before the elimination round; he wants to quietly cultivate." Yun Xiaotian explained.

"Cultivating? This guy is so diligent, still cultivating during the competition." Lin Tian said in surprise.

Yun Xiaotian blinked and replied, "Brother seems to say that ever since he saw your Xuanwu Meditation Technique, every time he meditates and cultivates, he gains new insights. He doesn’t want to miss these inspirations, so he continues to comprehend."

"I see, Xuanwu Meditation and Withered Wood Zen have similar aspects. He must have been inspired, which is a good thing. We shouldn’t disturb him." Lin Tian immediately understood what was going on.

Just as they were discussing Ghost, a black-faced man approached and said respectfully to Lin Tian, "Are you Mr. Lin?"

"I’m not Mr. Lin; I’m Lin Tian." Lin Tian said, amused and helpless. With the old people, it’s fine if they call him Mr. Lin, but it feels awkward when young people use such formal titles in conversation.

The black-faced man was stunned, his initially tense expression relaxed a bit. He rubbed his hands and said seriously, "I’m Hei Shunzi; they all call me Lao Hei. I’m a friend of Yan Zhijie, and I heard you just went to help the Fifth Elder treat Yan Zhijie. How is he?"

"Lao Hei?" Xiao Manxuan blinked her big eyes, seeming to remember something, and said, "You’re the one from the fair who..."

"The young lady has a good memory indeed. Yes, I’m the one who competed in swordsmanship, and my sword broke." The man scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed.

Lin Tian also recalled those two amusing people, not expecting one of them to know Yan Zhijie. He casually said, "It’s fine, he salvaged his arms; it won’t affect future cultivation."

"Really?" Lao Hei exclaimed, somewhat in disbelief. Upon regaining his senses, he quickly clasped his fists toward Lin Tian, sincerely bowing, "I thank Mr. Lin on behalf of Ajie. If Mr. Lin ever needs me, Lao Hei will not hesitate to go through hell and high water."

His words were rather agitated, so his voice was somewhat loud, drawing the attention of many around him. Soon, everyone knew Lin Tian had saved Yan Zhijie’s arms.

Such a kindness is akin to a rebirth favor for Ancient Martial Artists.

"It’s incredible that Yan Zhijie’s arms were that broken and can still be recovered."

"I watched his acupuncture for everyone, and it was extraordinary. His medical skills are indeed brilliant."

"Strong ability and excellent medical skills; I think Lin Tian truly is the top of the younger generation."

...

The audience began to discuss again, and these words reached the ears of some family disciples, whose expressions were unnatural. Li Wenfeng furrowed his brows, his eyes flickering, and it was unknown what he was thinking.

The big shots each had their own thoughts too. However, Ling Zishan and Wang Wanxi smiled contentedly, evidently more pleased as Lin Tian’s reputation rose; unlike the Situ family and others, who could only envy and be resentful.

The competitions in the arena continued, progressing faster than everyone expected. Except for a few contestants who were at a standstill, many quickly decided the winner, some even in a single move.

Partly because the group stage was just starting, and they didn’t want to expend too much energy, but also because a one-tier gap leads to a significant difference in strength, especially for those Ancient Martial Artists without good weapons. Overcoming levels is almost impossible.

It was already past midnight, with the elder walking onto the stage again and announcing the results: "The group stage has ended, and the list of those advancing has been displayed."

At this point, Ling Family Disciples brought up the notice board, which still showed the list of competitors, but there were far fewer names now. Only two per group advanced, which meant that 80% were eliminated, appearing rather harsh.

However, harsh as it was, if one’s strength wasn’t equal to others’, being eliminated left no room for argument.

"Today’s competition ends here; take overnight to rest and fight again tomorrow. All advancing contestants should note that the elimination round will not be by groups but a completely random draw. Who you encounter in the arena will be entirely random."

"Furthermore, you only have one chance; once you lose in the elimination round, there will be no opportunity to compete again!" The elder glanced around, coldly announcing.