Chapter 49
Chen Ren kept his eyes fixed on the arena platform, maintaining his focus despite the noise coming from the crowd. The city official, serving as the referee, stepped forward, his voice loud and clear as it echoed across the massive arena.
"After many interesting and exciting battles, where cultivators displayed their strength, and willpower to challenge even the heavens, only four remain!" he announced, his jubilant voice drawing cheers from the audience. He looked around with his hands extending to the four corners where the four participants were being kept. "These four have caught the attention of not just the City Lord but also the esteemed elders of the Soaring Sword Sect. But the question is—can they make it to the finals and win the tournament? Let's find out!"
The official paused dramatically, letting the crowd's energy build. A lot of people stood up from their seats and cheered for the competitors. "First up, we have Li Xuan! Last year's champion and an inner disciple of the Soaring Sword Sect, his sword techniques are famous throughout the region. Will he defend his title, or will one of the others take the crown this year?"
All eyes shifted toward a corner of the arena, where Li Xuan stood with a calm and composed stance, his gaze fixed downwards and hands clutched behind. To Chen Ren, Li Xuan seemed indifferent, as if he already believed the victory was his.
Before Chen Ren could dwell further on Li Xuan, the official continued. "Challenging him foremost is the young master of the Cang Clan, Cang Rui! Known for his mastery of the void element, he's considered the most dangerous contender among the semi-finalists. Rumor has it, he already has some unfinished business with the third contender. Can he dominate the competition? We'll see soon!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement growing. Cang Rui, surrounded by a group of other young masters, smirked confidently. He shot a venomous glare at Chen Ren, but he simply ignored it, turning his focus towards the official once again.
"And now," the official said, his voice rising once more, "we have Chen Ren! An unexpected semi-finalist who has already shaken the betting market. Those who placed their faith in him are walking away much richer. We haven't seen much of his abilities yet, but many are eager to see if he has more surprises up his sleeve. Will he rise to the occasion or falter here? That's what we're about to find out!"
At the mention of Chen Ren's name, the crowd didn't cheer. Instead, a wave of boos echoed through the arena. While it was true that he had made some people rich with unexpected victories, he had also caused many others to lose money—those who had bet on his opponents, confident that Chen Ren would lose.
He stood tall, unbothered by the noise. He didn't show any emotions. The jeers didn't faze him, but beside him, Tang Xiulan and the children from the noodle stall shifted nervously, their worry evident on their faces.
The official didn't dwell on the crowd's reaction, quickly moving on to the next name. "And now, the last semi-finalist—someone who has truly surprised us all! Regarded as the dark horse of this tournament, he is Gu Tian, a wandering sword cultivator! Though only at the sixth star of the body forging realm, his deadly techniques have carried him all the way to the top four. Let's give him a well-deserved round of applause!"
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, their enthusiasm a sharp, bold difference from the reception Chen Ren had received. His eyes followed the official's gesture to where Gu Tian stood and a flicker of surprise flashed on his face. This was the same man Chen Ren had locked eyes with earlier. The same man who'd given him an eerie feeling with a simple eye contact.
At first glance, Gu Tian didn't seem particularly impressive, his aura plain and unassuming. Yet, as Chen Ren continued to observe him, he couldn't fathom how this cultivator had managed to fight his way to the semi-finals.
Gu Tian, seemingly unaware of—or uninterested in—Chen Ren's scrutiny, raised his hands in acknowledgment of the crowd. Their cheers grew louder, and the entire arena buzzed—no, shook with excitement. Chen Ren hadn't watched any of Gu Tian's matches, but judging by the crowd's adoration, they must have been thrilling. He must've given something worthy to watch.
After all, everyone loved an underdog—a dark horse capable of taking down stronger opponents—and Gu Tian had clearly done justice to their expectations.
As Chen Ren continued to study Gu Tian, the official stepped forward again, holding a small bag in one hand while another man stood beside him with an assortment of chits inside. "Now," the official announced, his voice commanding attention, "let's determine who will face each other in the semi-finals!"
The arena immediately went silent. The tension was palpable as all eyes turned to the official, waiting for the matchups to be revealed. Without another word, he reached into the bag, pulling out two chits.
He unfolded them and called out, "The first match will be between Chen Ren and Cang Rui! That means the second match will pit Li Xuan against Gu Tian. Let's give a round of applause!"
The crowd soon started cheering, the chaos from before surfacing once again. Chen Ren's eyes flicked toward Cang Rui, who stood grinning at him. It wasn't a pleasant smile—it was bloodthirsty, filled with malice and confidence. Chen Ren didn't react, brushing it off with no expression. This match was inevitable, and it was better to face Cang Rui now rather than later.
Still, Chen Ren couldn't ignore what he had observed. During the tournament, he had made it a point to study Cang Rui's matches. The man might have been an arrogant young master, but his strength was undeniable. The void element was incredibly rare, even rarer than Chen Ren's own lightning element. It was swift, mysterious, destructive, and brutally efficient. Most of Cang Rui's battles had ended quickly, his opponents became overwhelmed before they had the chance to mount a defense.
Chen Ren's thoughts were interrupted by a voice behind him. "Thinking about something?"
He turned to see Qing He approaching, her arms crossed and a faint smirk playing on her lips.
"Senior Qing He," Chen Ren greeted, a bit surprised. "I never thought you'd leave your tea shop to come watch my match."
Qing He shrugged. "Eh, I felt trapped in there. Besides, I wanted to see if all that training of yours has paid off, or if you're just going to eat dirt in this tournament." Her smirk widened as she added, "And it seems you've managed to get yourself a strong opponent. The difference in cultivation alone is quite the hurdle. Add the void element to the mix, and you've really outdone yourself this time. You have a talent for making your life difficult, kid."
Chen Ren ignored the jab, keeping his focus. "Do you have any advice for me? You must have seen void cultivators before."
Before Qing He could respond, another voice cut in from his left. "The void element may be rare and destructive, but it's also unstable—especially for someone who's not fully in control of it. If you can disrupt your opponent's emotional stability, their element can spiral out of control."
Chen Ren turned toward the speaker and blinked in mild surprise. It was Anji, standing with her arms folded, her sharp gaze fixed on him.
Qing He chuckled. "The kid's right. That's your best bet to win this battle."
Chen Ren nodded, filing the information away. He looked back at Anji, curious. "How do you know that?"
Anji tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable. "I once served a cultivator who used void as his element. I learned it from him."
Chen Ren mimicked her action and tilted his head in return. "Can you tell me more about it?"
Anji's face hardened, and she shook her head. "No. I'd rather keep certain things to myself."
Though her answer left him with more questions, Chen Ren respected her decision and gave a nod. As he glanced at Anji, his senses subtly probed to determine if she was a cultivator. Yet, as always, he found nothing. It was as though he was reading too much into her, but that was what unsettled him the most.
Anji's knowledge of cultivation techniques and elements far surpassed what any commoner should know. Even Yalan, had been unable to provide any insight. When Chen Ren had asked about her, the cat had simply flicked its tail and replied that Anji displayed no signs of cultivation whatsoever.
Yet, here she was, speaking with confidence about the void element as if she had firsthand experience.
The mystery surrounding her tugged at the edges of his mind. Was she telling the truth, or was there more to her than she let on? Chen Ren couldn't decide, and the unknown made him uneasy.
But now wasn't the time to dwell on it. His gaze shifted back to the arena platform, where the crowd literally moved as one. The match against Cang Rui was ahead, and that was where his focus needed to be.
***
Chen Ren sat quietly, meditating with his legs crossed, his mind focused on the energy stirring within him. His dantian, the center of his qi, felt as though it was bubbling up with power. This surge of qi had started after his recent ice cream and chips sales and only continued to grow from there. The energy felt different, like it had its own movements, but it was growing stronger by the day. Chen Ren knew he had to use this opportunity to grow stronger before the battle with Cang Rui.
As he closed his eyes, he felt himself slip back into his star space. The familiar sight of countless stars above him greeted him once again. He could feel the eyes of the stars watching over him, their light guiding his cultivation. He had unlocked two new stars recently, and now he focused on them, feeling their energy intertwining with his own.
Chen Ren turned his attention inward, observing the qi that was gathering inside his body. The energy, like a liquid, moved through his meridians, filling him with strength. It began to feel like his muscles were tightening, his bones growing stronger, and every part of him becoming more resilient. The sensation was intense, but it felt right—this was the progress he needed.
But as the energy grew inside him, so did the pressure. His dantian felt full, as though it might burst from the force of the qi. Sweat started to bead on his forehead, and his breath became shallow. He could feel his chest tighten, the strain building. It was almost overwhelming, but Chen Ren forced himself to stay calm, to keep his focus sharp.
Seconds soon bled into minutes and the energy only continued to grow, and swirl inside him in circles. It was hard, but he knew it was essential.
He reminded himself that this was part of the process. He reached for the Dao of Money, the connection that had always helped him find balance in his life. Drawing on this, he focused his mind on using the qi properly, making sure it flowed without spilling over or causing damage.
With each breath, he slowly absorbed more and more of the energy, his body growing stronger with every passing moment.
As the pressure built, he fought the urge to stop. His stomach churned, and his body felt as though it might burst, but he pushed through, focusing all his will on keeping the energy contained.
Slowly, gradually, the flow of qi began to settle, the intensity easing as he absorbed the power.
Chen Ren's breath steadied, his body relaxing as he reached the limit of the energy he could take in for now. He had done it.
I did it! He gasped out aloud.
The qi had settled within him, strengthening his body and mind. All the extra qi he felt were now… much calmer, under control.
I did it… he thought to himself again and slowly opened his eyes, the room around him coming back into focus. He looked down at his sweat-soaked body and clenched his fists. The power that coursed through him felt surreal. Even his fingertips—felt powerful. A quiet mutter escaped his lips.
"Ninth star of the body forging realm. I finally achieved it."
The moment of win was brief, interrupted by a knock at the door.
"The semi-final is about to begin. They need your presence out there," came a voice from the other side.
"I'm coming," Chen Ren replied, and sighed. Relief filled his bones as he stretched his neck. Rising to his feet, he quickly pulled himself together, wiping away the sweat and shrugging off his clothes before stepping out of the room.
As he walked past the official, the muffled sounds of the arena grew louder until they became an overwhelming roar. Cheers and boos mixed together in a chaotic symphony, filling the air with energy.
Chen Ren stepped onto the arena platform, the ground beneath his feet solid and familiar. The crowd erupted with renewed fervor, some voices shouting for his defeat while others cheered him on. He ignored the noise, his focus remaining on what was about to come, and his eyes scanned the stands.
In the lower section, he spotted Yalan sitting calmly, her amber eyes locked on him. Catching her gaze, he gave her a slight nod and a confident smile.
She responded as she got the hint of his breakthrough and raised her paw. Chen Ren smiled at her and turned back to the arena.
He continued to walk, ignoring the slight stage fright as his ears buzzed with the shouts of the crowd. He had felt it before, but it was clearly hard to get used to it.
Chen Ren wondered if this is how performers must feel. Under so many eyes—Wait no, he couldn't allow himself to get distracted. He pulled his focus back on the task at hand. The cheers and jeers around him soon blurred into the background.
Cang Rui stood in the center of the arena with his trademark arrogance, his eyes gleaming with contempt. When Chen Ren finally reached the platform, the young master's lips curled into a mocking smirk.
"I was wondering if you had already run off," Cang Rui scoffed loudly. "You made me wait a long time."
"Obviously not, Young Master Cang," he replied, his words carrying just the right amount of sarcasm. "I wouldn't dream of disappointing you—especially after you helped me reach the semi-finals by flexing the might of your family. Not even my own family has been so generous."
Cang Rui's smirk faltered, replaced by a flash of pure fury. A low murmur ran through the crowd as some of the onlookers caught the subtle jab, and a few began to cheer. It was clear from the shift in the atmosphere that they understood the implications of Chen Ren's words.
The young master's anger ignited when the crowd kept cheering for Chen Ren. His qi flared, swirling in dark, violent tendrils around him. The void element, dangerous and unpredictable, rippled in the air, crackling. He clenched his fists at his sides, and his gaze narrowed, turning icy.
Chen Ren didn't know why it made him so angry, but was glad that it did his job.
"You dare speak to me like that?" Cang Rui hissed, "I will make you kneel before me and beg for mercy. Then I'll kill you."
Chen Ren didn't flinch, instead he continued to look at him with the same stare. He had expected this—Cang Rui's anger was his fuel, and it was precisely what he needed. The more enraged his opponent became, the easier it would be to unsettle him during the fight.
Just as Chen Ren thought of replying, the official stepped forward, raising his hand to silence the crowd. His voice rang out.
"Enough! Listen to the rules, both of you!" The official paused, allowing the words to settle in the air. "From this round onward, fatal strikes are allowed. You may cripple your opponent and kill them. If you manage to do so, whatever items the fallen cultivator has will be yours. Other than that, the same rules as before apply: once you're out of the stage, you lose, once you surrender, you lose and well, once you are killed, you lose. Now, if both of you are ready…"
The official's eyes moved between the two fighters, gauging their readiness. With a final sweep of his arm, he declared.
"Begin!"
Chapter 50
As Cang Rui rushed at him, his purple-coloured qi swirled around his legs, moving around like an eye-catching trail. It wasn't just for show—his speed was astonishing.
Chen Ren's eyes struggled to follow the movement. He couldn't understand why it was happening, Was it because of their difference in cultivation realms? Or was the movement technique itself leagues ahead of his own? Likely both. He barely managed to twist his body, the wind of Cang Rui's attack brushing past his shoulder.
Cang Rui came dangerously close, his nose scrunched up. "You're too slow," he growled, thrusting his hand forward. Purple qi surged around his fingers, forming a pointy claw.
Chen Ren reacted on instinct. Lightning qi surged through his legs, and he pushed off the ground in a blinding leap backward. His feet hit the stone platform with a dull thud, the faint crackle of lightning still dancing around his calves. Fortunately, the arena was wide. He had plenty of space to move around. If there was one thing Chen Ren was good at, it was staying out of reach.
The purple claw slammed into the ground where he had stood moments ago, splintering the stone into small, spiky chunks.
Dust scattered everywhere, but Chen Ren kept moving. The purple claw seemed to have the strength to crush him in one slash. Therefore, his main intention was to not be caught. The claw kept chasing him, tearing through the platform. But he kept moving. Shards of rock flew past his face, but he didn't stop.
Each dodge brought a faint stirring within his core, a sensation of his qi shifting, growing. It was almost as if a breakthrough was near—he wasn't exactly sure, but he clung to the feeling. If he could hold out long enough, it might just tip the scales in his favor.
On the other hand, Cang Rui's frustration was clear. His snarls grew louder with every failed attack and his movements—they were getting reckless.
"Why won't you stand still?" he shouted, his voice echoing across the arena. The purple claw flickered and vanished. In its place, five violet Jian blades shimmered into existence, hovering in the air, menacingly.
Chen Ren's heart sank. He had seen this technique before while watching Cang Rui's previous fights. The blades were sharp enough to slice through iron and fast enough to catch an unprepared opponent. If even one hit him, it was over.
The blades shot forward without warning, streaking through the air. Chen Ren moved, lightning crackling through his legs as he dashed away. The first blade struck the ground behind him, an explosion of energy and stone following. The shockwave sent a wave of heat against his back, but he gritted his teeth and pushed forward.
The second and third blades came in rapid succession, forcing him to zigzag across the platform. Both the explosions sent shards of stone flying, grazing his arms and legs. By the time he dodged the fourth, sweat dripped down his face, his breaths coming in short, sharp bursts.
As the fifth blade closed in, Cang Rui suddenly appeared in front of him, moving faster than Chen Ren could process. His claw, burning with purple void qi, rose high, ready to strike the finishing blow.
Chen Ren didn't hesitate. "[Lightning Frenzy]!" he yelled, letting his qi explode outward. Bolts of lightning erupted from his body in a storm of crackling, raw energy. The arena lit up with the blinding flashes, forcing Cang Rui to pause for a split second.
One of the bolts struck the claw directly, detonating in a small but powerful blast. The force knocked both of them backwards, Chen Ren skidding across the stone platform while Cang Rui staggered, his eyes lit up in shock.
The crowd roared around them, their cheers echoing through the arena, shaking the ground. The boo's that had filled the air just some minutes ago were gone, now in its place were loud applause and shouts of excitement, just what the crowd had wanted.
A thrilling fight that was worthy of their bets.
And it was clear now—this wasn't just a one-sided fight. Cang Rui's attacks were undeniably stronger, his cultivation and techniques overpowering, but Chen Ren's ability to endure and fight back showed a skill that couldn't be ignored.
Even Cang Rui seemed to acknowledge it. A void blade materialized in his hands, its edges shimmering with purple qi. He smirked, his eyes filled with arrogance. "You've already exceeded my expectations," he admitted. Then his grin widened. "But I'm not going to hold back anymore."
Chen Ren wiped the sweat from his brow, his lips curling into a smile. "You can try all you want," he said and shrugged. "I'd be damned if I lost to someone like you."
The words, as cliché as they were, seemed to ignite a fire in Cang Rui's eyes. His smirk twisted into a scowl, and without another word, he launched himself forward. His sword moved so fast that it seemed to multiply, slashing at Chen Ren from every direction at once.
Chen Ren felt the pressure immediately. Lightning qi surged through his veins as he planted his feet firmly on the ground, choosing not to dodge this time. He countered with his fists, the punch crackling with lightning electricity as it met the void blade head-on.
The clash of their techniques sent sparks flying through the air. Chen Ren's punch connected with the blade mid-swing, but the sheer force behind Cang Rui's strike was overwhelming. The impact hurled Chen Ren backwards, his body skidding across the rough stone.
Before he could fully recover, Cang Rui was already closing in, his sword raised high for a finishing blow. Chen Ren rolled to the side just as the blade came crashing down, the impact shattering the stone where he had been moments before.
Fuck, that was a close call.
Gritting his teeth, Chen Ren pushed himself up, but another void Jian blade appeared in the air, its purple energy vivid as it shot toward him. He barely had time to react, his movement technique activating in a burst of lightning. His body blurred out of the way just as the blade slammed into the ground, leaving behind a deep, smouldering crater.
Cang Rui gave him no chance to breathe. He rushed forward, his sword moving in a flurry of strikes while his movement technique made him faster than ever. The void qi from his attacks filled the air, making it feel like blades were coming from every direction at once.
Chen Ren was forced on the defensive, dodging frantically. His lightning qi flared with every movement, his body a blur as he avoided strike after strike. But the pressure was immense. Every swing of Cang Rui's blade brought him closer to death.
Then Chen Ren remembered Yalan's advice: Don't just watch your opponent—feel the qi in the air. Let it guide you.
He closed his eyes for a brief moment, trusting his instincts. The air around him felt heavy, filled with a murky, destructive qi that carried the essence of the void. It wasn't random—there was a pattern to it. He shifted his focus, feeling for the direction the qi was flowing.
As another strike came, he moved—not away from the blade, but toward the gap where the qi felt weakest. The void blade missed him by inches, slamming into the ground behind him.
Chen Ren opened his eyes, suddenly feeling twice as confident as he was before. He could feel it now. The destructive qi swirled like a storm, but within the chaos, there were moments of stillness—openings he could use.
Within the next few strikes, he moved with more accuracy, narrowly avoiding Cang Rui's attacks.
The crowd erupted again, their cheers growing louder as Chen Ren turned what seemed like an impossible situation into one of survival.
But the battle was far from over. Cang Rui's attacks showed no sign of slowing, and the void qi in the air only grew heavier. Chen Ren clenched his fists, his lightning qi sparking around him as he prepared for the next move.
It would have been far harder to dodge if Cang Rui had used a qi aspect like wind or fire. Those elements mixed too easily with the atmosphere, making their flows harder to detect. But Void qi was different—its destructive, hollow nature stood out sharply against the natural energy around them. Chen Ren used this to his advantage, dodging them.
In hindsight, every missed strike made Cang Rui's frown deepen.
Veins began to bulge on his forehead, his frustration turning into visible rage. To make it worse, the crowd was having even more fun, watching Chen Ren avoid Cang Rui's attacks. He would narrowly miss the latter's attacks, or they would brush past his skin without causing real damage.
Despite the increasing pressure, Cang Rui couldn't land a single solid hit. His voice finally burst out in anger. "Why the fuck are you moving so much?"
Chen Ren smirked, his breathing steady. "Do you really expect me to just stand here and let you kill me?" he asked in a mocking tone. "It seems like your brain's stopped working in all that anger."
The jab struck deeper than the blade ever could. Chen Ren's sharp eyes noticed the void qi surrounding Cang Rui's weapons and techniques beginning to flicker and lose cohesion. Anji had been right—anger made it harder to control qi, especially one as volatile as void. This was true for all elements to some degree, but void was particularly unforgiving.
Seeing the cracks in Cang Rui's focus, Chen Ren decided to finally make his move. He relaxed his stance, letting his arms fall to his sides as he took an intentional step backwards. "Alright," he said, his voice carrying clearly over the noise of the arena. "You want me to stand still? Fine. I'll stay in one place for you."
Cang Rui's eyes lit up with fury, his lips curling into a vicious smirk. "You'll regret that," he snarled, void qi surging around him as he dashed forward. His speed was blinding, the oppressive energy of his attacks crashing toward Chen Ren like a tidal wave.
But just as he was about to strike, Chen Ren muttered, "Idiot."
Before Cang Rui could react, he found himself slamming into an invisible wall. The force of the impact made him stagger back, and his gaze shot upward to see a shining barrier trapping him inside. He pressed his hands against the glowing surface, confusion turning into disbelief.
He looked down where he saw a white line surrounding him.
The announcer's voice boomed across the arena. "Incredible! Chen Ren seems to have created a barrier array while dodging those strikes! Who could have seen this coming? He's an array learner! But the question remains—can Cang Rui break through it?"
Cang Rui's shock quickly gave way to anger as he drew his sword and began slashing at the barrier with all his might. He continued his thrashing with powerful attempts, Void qi crashing against the glowing barrier like a hammer on glass. After a few strikes, a thin crack appeared, and a confident smirk spread across his face.
"Do you really think something this flimsy can stop me?" he shouted. "I'm far too powerful to lose to a trick like this!"
Chen Ren stood calmly outside the barrier, his arms crossed as he watched Cang Rui struggle. He tilted his head slightly and frowned. "You're really stupid," he said flatly.
Cang Rui paused mid-swing, his smirk faltering.
"Why do you think I'm just standing here while you're busy breaking the barrier?" Chen Ren continued, "Do you really think I created it just to hold you?" He gestured downward with his chin. "Look at your feet."
Cang Rui stared in confusion, his brows furrowing as his gaze shifted downward. His eyes widened in alarm when he spotted multiple fire talismans stuck to his body. They clung to his robes and armour, their dim light throbbing forebodingly.
Panic set in, and he scrambled to rip them off, but before he could, Chen Ren acted.
"Too late," Chen Ren muttered.
He thrust his hand forward, and unleashed his attack, Lighting Frenzy, his most reliable technique, roared to life. Massive arcs of lightning surged from his fingertips, crackling with raw energy as they slammed into the barrier. The lightning travelled through the crack that Cang Rui's sword had made moments earlier, weaving its way toward one of the talismans. The talisman sparked and ignited instantly, its flame spreading like wildfire.
Cang Rui reacted instinctively, summoning void qi to form a barrier around himself. But his anger and desperation made the energy wild and unstable. The void qi clashed with the igniting talismans, triggering a violent chain reaction.
Boom!
The explosion ripped through the air, shaking the entire arena. Flames and dark, murky void energy swirled together, creating a storm of destruction that made the audience gasp and recoil in shock.
The ground trembled beneath the force, and smoke shot upward, obscuring the centre of the arena
.
The man was hurled into the air, limbs flailing helplessly at his sides. The sound of bones cracking cut through the chaos, and the nasty stench of burning flesh filled the air. Soon, with a sickening thud, Cang Rui's charred body crashed to the ground. The force of the body rolled lifelessly before coming to a halt.
Chen Ren didn't hesitate. He moved towards Cang Ruin immediately, his breathing heavy but controlled. The crowd watched in stunned silence as he got closer. Suddenly, it was almost as if everyone had collectively lost their voice.
The man lay sprawled on the ground, his body battered, bloodied and broken. His once-pristine robes and leather armour were nearly gone, reduced to smouldering scraps.
Burn scars covered his face, and his chest rose and fell weakly as he groaned in unconscious pain. He tried to move, but his hands faltered every time he made an attempt.
Chen Ren looked down at him, and stared at the man for a moment. "I won," he whispered.
Straightening up, he turned his attention to the announcer, who stood frozen, mouth slightly agape. Realising the match was over, the announcer quickly snapped out of his daze.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" the announcer's voice was loud, trembling with excitement. "Cang Rui is out! Chen Ren has won the round and is advancing to the finals! Let's hear it for this budding array and talisman master who has shocked everyone in the arena today!"
The crowd immediately stood up, cheering for Chen Ren and it was far louder than anything he'd heard before. There were no boos this time, no insults hurled his way, no accusations of cheating. Only pure admiration and excitement filled the air as they chanted his name.
Chen Ren's eyes swept across the stands, taking in the sea of cheering faces. But he wasn't looking for his friends or allies. His eyes locked onto the VIP section, where the city lord and other dignitaries sat.
Among them was a man with the shade of purple hair as Cang Rui—his father. Cang Huasheng's face had gone pale. Yet when their eyes met, Chen Ren gave him a small, almost imperceptible nod.
It was a message: I could've killed him, but I didn't. Consider this a favor.
The latter's lips tightened, his fists clenched at his sides. But he nodded back, acknowledging the unspoken gesture.
Without another glance, Chen Ren turned and walked away from the arena.
***
Chen Ren trudged back to his assigned room in the arena, his legs heavy with fatigue. The cheers of the crowd still echoed faintly through the hallways, but he barely registered them—his mind was already clouded by exhaustion and the lingering adrenaline of the fight. Pushing open the wooden door, he stepped inside and shut it behind him, finally allowing his shoulders to sag.
The room was small and sparse, with a single chair, a bed, and a basin of water on a stand. He made his way to the chair and sank into it heavily. For a moment, he sat still, staring blankly at the floor, before a sharp twinge of pain reminded him of the toll the battle had taken.
"Hsss!" He let out a painful yelp as he leaned back too quickly, aggravating the wounds he had sustained. Gritting his teeth, Chen Ren reached up to untie his robe. Blood had seeped through the fabric in several places, sticking it to his skin. Peeling it off was excruciating, but he managed, tossing the torn and bloodied garment onto the floor.
His torso was a mess. Cuts crisscrossed his chest and arms, some shallow, others deep enough that fresh blood trickled from them. Bruises had begun to form along his ribs, dark patches that ached with every breath. He grimaced as he touched a particularly deep gash on his shoulder, the edges ragged where Cang Rui's Void-enhanced blade had grazed him.
Chen Ren rummaged through a pouch at his side, looking down briefly at the medallion he had kept close after getting it from Feng Ming, and pulled out a small vial. Inside were the pills Yalan had given him before the match—healing pills that were designed to accelerate recovery and bolster his body. He popped one into his mouth, grimacing at the bitter taste that spread across his tongue as he bit down.
"Ugh, disgusting," he muttered, swallowing it with a wince. Almost immediately, a warm sensation spread through his chest, dulling the pain and slowing the bleeding. He let out a sigh, leaning back in the chair, though the motion still made him wince.
His mind wandered to the fight. One wrong move, one misstep, and he would've been dead. Cang Rui hadn't held back, and Chen Ren doubted the man would have hesitated to kill him if he'd gotten the chance. But sparing him had been the right call.
Cang Rui's clan would've come for my head if I killed him, Chen Ren thought, his fingers brushing absentmindedly over the gash on his side. But that doesn't mean I'm safe. He won't forget this, but with his father owing me a favour, he wouldn't try anything.
He sighed again, running a hand through his sweat-matted hair. His eyes flicked to the remaining pills in the vial. One more fight.
If his assumptions were correct—and they usually were—he'd be facing Li Xuan in the finals. The man had fought with clinical precision in every match so far, barely breaking a sweat. Unlike Cang Rui, who relied on brute strength and fury, Li Xuan was methodical, dismantling his opponents piece by piece.
Chen Ren clenched his fist, bringing it back from the hair, his nails digging into his palm at the thought of what was about to come. It's going to be hard. Probably the hardest fight of my life—
"I never expected you to win against Cang Rui,"
Chen Ren's head shot up at the voice, his tired eyes narrowing as they landed on the figure in the doorway. Li Xuan stood there, his arms crossed, his posture relaxed yet exuding confidence.
"Especially after the last time I defeated you."
Chen Ren blinked, surprised. Of all people, Li Xuan was the last he'd expected to see right now. I was just thinking about him, he thought. But it wasn't just the man's unexpected appearance that caught him off guard—it was the realiSation that Li Xuan remembered him.
"You… remember me?" Chen Ren asked.
"I remember everyone I foughtt against," Li Xuan replied, his tone matter-of-fact. "It's just that not many of them show such rapid improvement in a couple of months."
Chen Ren couldn't help the smirk that tugged at the corner of his lips. "You yourself have advanced. Reaching the qi refinement realm since the last time we met is no small feat."
Li Xuan's eyes gleamed with confidence. "You and I aren't the same," he said dismissively, the air around him practically radiating superiority.
"Yes, I know that," Chen Ren said, leaning back in his chair. "And as you saw, I've learned some tricks to make up for my… lack of talent. Trained hard for this." He paused, tilting his head slightly. "But I don't understand. Why are you here? To remind me of the last time we fought, when I lost?"
Li Xuan shook his head. "No. I'm here to tell you to prepare." He took a step closer, his voice dropping slightly. "My match is next. Once I defeat Gu Tian, we'll be fighting in just a couple of hours."
Chen Ren raised an eyebrow.
Li Xuan's gaze sharpened, his tone steady but firm. "I held back a lot the last time we fought. But I won't be doing the same this time, especially not after seeing how much you've improved. I don't want to end up like Cang Rui." He paused, a small smirk playing on his lips. "So, make sure you've got more tricks lined up. Because I'll be prepared for the ones you've already shown."
With that, Li Xuan turned on his heel and walked out, leaving Chen Ren staring after him, his expression caught between amusement and exasperation.
"What's with him?" Chen Ren muttered, shaking his head. His lips quivered into a hesitant smile. "Is he actually a Xianxia protagonist, spouting those cliché lines?"
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck before leaning back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly as his smirk grew.
"Bad for you, Li Xuan," he murmured. "I haven't even shown half the tricks I've prepared."
Chapter 51
As the pills did their work, Chen Ren moved to the arena stands where his people were sitting for the second round of the semifinals. The matches were all scheduled for the same day, largely due to the mounting tension from recent demonic cultivator attacks and the city wanting to wrap up the tournament quickly.
As Chen Ren moved through the crowd to where Tang Xiulan and others should be, a few spectators recognised him. Not only did they do, but some cheered for him with their fists in the air.
He also noticed a group of kids looking at him with wide, sparkling eyes. Some kids among them had their mouths hung open. Cultivators were revered in Cloud Mist City, thanks to the proximity of the Soaring Sword Sect, and these children undoubtedly dreamed of one day reaching such heights.
Their sparkly eyes filled him with an odd sense of pride and awkwardness as if he were a fabled hero plucked from a storybook. Heavens, he was not.
Still, he offered them a small wave and moved past, scanning the stands for familiar faces.
Fortunately, he didn't have to search for long. Tang Xiulan stood near an improvised stall, selling ice cream and fried chips alongside Anji. Qing He and Tang Yuqiu sat nearby, with Yalan sprawled lazily on Qing He's lap.
Despite her relaxed posture, Yalan stirred the moment Chen Ren approached, cracking one eye open. Chen Ren gave a small nod to her and looked around. The kids stood on their seats, craning their necks for a better view of the arena grounds.
Everyone was excited for what was about to come, and so was he. When he got closer, Xiulan approached. Her eyes widened in concern as she looked for any scratch or injury on his face. "Young Master! Are you okay? Congratulations on your victory, but are you really uninjured?"
"Minor scratches," Chen Ren replied with a faint smile. "I took a pill. I'll be fine before the next match. Don't worry about it now. Did you shut off the noodle stall?"
Xiulan nodded. "Yes, young master. The kids were begging me to let them watch the semifinals and finals. They've been working hard, so they missed all the earlier rounds. Besides, most people are here to see the end of battles anyway."
"That's okay," Chen Ren said with a shrug. "I'm curious about who I'm going to fight next, too."
Xiulan smiled, pulling out a scoop of ice cream and holding it out to him. "Then you should sit and watch. Relax for a bit and eat this. The heat's unbearable."
He considered brushing it off—the heat didn't bother him much thanks to his cultivation—but thought better of it. Ice cream is ice cream, it takes a fool to say no to ice cream. Taking the scoop, he moved to sit next to Qing He and Tang Yuqiu.
"Congratulations on your victory," Yuqiu greeted him, smiling "Thanks to you, I'm going to make a killing in the betting market. Don't forget to win the finals too."
"Against Li Xuan?" Chen Ren arched a brow, biting into the ice cream. "Even I'm not sure I can win against him."
Tang Yuqiu laughed, waving off his doubts with a dismissive hand in the air. "Just do your best and don't lose within the first five minutes. I've got my reputation as a savvy bettor to maintain!"
Qing He leaned back, her eyes never leaving the arena grounds as she spoke in a very pointed tone. "It's not decided that you're going to fight him. People who assume things before they happen often find themselves... surprised."
Chen Ren glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "Are you saying Li Xuan's going to lose? Or is this just another one of your old lady proverbs?"
Qing He scoffed, her lips tightening to a thin line. "Take it however you want."
Yalan, still draped lazily on Qing He's lap, chimed in without opening her eyes fully. "She's right, though. Even if I think Li Xuan should win, you never know what an opponent might have up their sleeve. You surprised Cang Rui, didn't you?"
"Yeah, that's true," Chen Ren admitted, his gaze drifting toward the arena below.
His thoughts raised questions and possibilities about the way these women looked at the tournament. He couldn't blame them—there was some truth in their words. No one knew what would come, and every fight seemed to reveal different beasts hidden in these cultivators. However—
A loud clap echoed through the air, drawing their attention. The official stepped into the centre of the arena, his booming announcement silencing the crowd. Chen Ren's eyes narrowed as he spotted Li Xuan and Gu Tian entering from opposite sides, their auras already clashing as they looked at each other with narrowed gazes.
Soon, the official spoke. "After the first semifinal, only one spot remains to challenge Chen Ren! Will Li Xuan maintain his title as the city's prodigy, or will Gu Tian, the dark horse of the tournament surprise us all with an upset? Let's find out!"
After the introduction that got him a lot of cheers, the official launched into an explanation of the rules—the same ones that were announced before he fought, but Chen Ren's focus remained on the two competitors. Li Xuan stood on one end, his blade glowing faintly. Gu Tian stood on the other end, the man's face devoid of any emotions, only primal hunger in his eyes.
By the end of the rules, both of them were gripping their weapons tightly, eager to begin the fight.
"Begin!" the official yelled, stepping back.
Gu Tian wasted no time. With a devastating shout, he dashed forward, his sword raised high. "I've been waiting to fight the city's genius! Let's see how long you last!"
Li Xuan smirked, raising his own sword to block the strike. Sparks danced along his blade as lightning surged to meet the impact.
"You talk too much for someone this weak," Li Xuan said and smiled. "Credit where it's due—you've made it this far. But this is the end."
With a sharp twist of his wrist, Li Xuan
deflected the blow and surged forward, his blade crackling with lightning as he countered with blistering speed. The air thrummed as his sword arced toward Gu Tian—but the strike found only empty space.
Chen Ren blinked, his breath catching as Gu Tian's figure blurred, reappearing a split second later behind Li Xuan. The sharp clang of steel echoed as Li Xuan twisted just in time to intercept the next strike.
"He moved so fast," Chen Ren muttered under his breath, his eyes fixed on Gu Tian's fluid movements.
"It's not an ordinary movement technique," Qing He explained while squinting her eyes to take a better look at what was happening. "I've seen something like it before. Cultivators who specialize in stealth use it. That one's at least Earth grade."
Chen Ren frowned. An Earth-grade technique? Where did he get that?
Back in the arena, the battle intensified.
Lightning surged from Li Xuan's blade—sharp and crackling, making the air thick static as the ground scorched beneath his attacks. But Gu Tian moved between the strikes, his movements seamless, each dodge bringing him closer to his opponent. It was clear that Li Xuan wasn't able to keep up with Gu Tian's movements and was blindly attacking him.
With a sudden burst of speed, Gu Tian finally closed the gap, his sword cutting a clean line through the air and striking Li Xuan's side. The crowd was suddenly on their feet, and the entire arena erupted into gasps and cheers as the prodigy staggered, his face scrunched up with disbelief.
Chen Ren leaned forward as he tried to analyse the incoming strikes. The fight was far from over, but one thing was clear—this battle was going to be much closer than anyone had expected.
Gu Tian's blade connected, but instead of tearing flesh, a golden light flared around Li Xuan's body. The impact reverberated through the arena, and Gu Tian was forced to leap back as sparks scattered from his strike.
Li Xuan sneered, his sword glowing as he stepped forward. "You think brute force is enough to pierce my shield?" His voice was loud, and his confidence flared, making the crowd roar in response.
Without hesitation, he raised his blade high, lightning crackling along its edge. "One Slash Strike!"
The air seemed to split as his sword came down, a blazing arc of energy tearing toward Gu Tian. But just as the strike neared, Gu Tian's body twisted impossibly. With a burst of acrobatics, he vaulted into the air, flipping over Li Xuan's head with breathtaking precision.
As he landed, Gu Tian spun and lashed out with a sharp kick, his heel slamming into Li Xuan's back. The force pushed the prodigy forward several steps, and his eyes burned with fury as lightning began to surge wildly around him.
"You'll regret that!" Li Xuan roared.
The storm intensified, streaks of lightning shooting out from his body, moving through the ground and forming a shimmering cage around the arena. The electricity crackled menacingly, the energy radiating so fiercely that the ground beneath their feet began to scorch visibly.
Chen Ren leaned forward, his fingers gripping the edge of his seat. "He's trapping him," he murmured.
Gu Tian's movements faltered as the lightning struck him from all directions, crackling against his skin. His eyes narrowed, as if he was surprised for a moment by Li Xuan's tactic. But instead of collapsing, his body began to change. A dull sheen coated his form, his skin hardening like tempered steel. It glistened all of a sudden, making the man look unnatural.
"Impressive," Li Xuan said, closing the distance between them in an instant. "But it won't save you."
With a shout, he swung his blade in another One Slash Strike, the power radiating from his weapon enough to send visible ripples through the air.
Then, just as the strike was about to land, Gu Tian smirked. In one swift motion, he tilted his head back and spewed a dark, viscous liquid from his mouth.
The crowd gasped as the black substance splattered across Li Xuan's body. His movements faltered instantly, his limbs trembling as his sword dropped slightly.
"What is this?!" Li Xuan growled, staggering back. His previously fluid movements became sluggish, his breathing labored.
"Out of nowhere, Gu Tian has sprayed what appears to be poison on Li Xuan!" the official shouted, his voice echoing across the stunned arena. "Will the reigning champion recover?"
The lightning cage dissipated, its crackling energy fading as Li Xuan's control wavered. Gu Tian wasted no time. He lunged forward, his blade a blur as it slashed into Li Xuan's stomach.
Li Xuan gasped, blood staining his robes as his glare locked onto Gu Tian. Lightning surged from his hand in a desperate strike, but the once-deadly arcs fizzled weakly, lacking their usual precision and force.
Gu Tian sidestepped the attack with ease, his movement technique allowing him to flow like water. He struck again and again, each blow chipping away at Li Xuan's defenses.
Chen Ren watched in tense silence, his eyes darting between the fighters. "That poison... it's affecting his qi flow. He can't channel his energy properly."
Gu Tian pressed his advantage, raising his blade for the finishing blow. Just as the sword came down, Li Xuan's head in its path, Gu Tian froze.
For a moment, the arena was silent except for the faint hum of dissipating lightning. Gu Tian's expression hardened, a flicker of hesitation crossing his face. Then, with a growl, he stepped back and drove his foot into Li Xuan's chest, sending the champion sprawling out of the bloodstained arena floor.
The official, his face a mix of shock and awe, stammered. "Gu Tian... wins! Last year's champion, Li Xuan, has fallen!" He yelled the last part.
The crowd erupted, their cheers shaking the arena. "It's been a tournament full of surprises!" the official continued, his voice climbing over the noise. "For the first time in years, two young cultivators will face off in the finals. Who will claim victory?!"
Chen Ren sat back, his heart pounding as he stared at the battered form of Li Xuan being carried off the field. He kept the ice cream bowl away and inhaled deeply. He couldn't drag his eyes away from the bloodied spot where Li Xuan had been dragged off moments ago. His mind churned with questions as he turned to Qing He and Yalan, his brow furrowed.
"What kind of poison was that? And why didn't it affect Gu Tian, considering it was in his mouth all this time?"
Qing He crossed her arms. "It's likely Black Veil Poison. It's infamous for paralyzing the body and making it nearly impossible to channel qi. It's hard to defend against, especially when applied like that—directly to the skin." She paused. "As for why Gu Tian wasn't affected, it might be because he—"
Yalan cut her off. "Thousand Poison Tongue," she said, drawing Chen Ren's attention. "It's an alchemical technique. Rare, dangerous, and borderline insane to practice. The method is basically exposing your tongue to countless poisons over the years, forcing your body to develop immunity. Eventually, the tongue becomes numb to toxins, allowing the practitioner to handle deadly substances like they're nothing." She purred as if this was an interesting topic of conversation. "Mastering it means walking a thin line between life and death countless times. Gu Tian must have gone through hell to achieve that level of immunity."
Chen Ren's jaw tightened as he processed her explanation.
Yalan's voice broke through his thoughts. "You need to be prepared. Li Xuan is strong, but he's predictable. He fights with overwhelming power, and that works—most of the time. Gu Tian, though… I can't fathom how he clawed his way to the finals, but he's not someone to underestimate. Against him, it'll come down to tricks. Your tricks against his. Whoever has the better surprises will win."
Chen Ren nodded. He looked back at Gu Tian, who now met his gaze with an unsettling calm, a faint smirk playing on his lips. He soon turned around and waved at the raging crowd with an eerie calmness.
The crowd's cheers echoed in Chen Ren's ears, but all he could hear was the sound of his own heartbeat.
***
Gu Tian's gaze followed the city guards as they carried Li Xuan's paralyzed body from the arena. The defeated champion still managed to glare at him, his eyes burning with anger. But Gu Tian had already stopped caring. Li Xuan was a nuisance, no more. What truly gnawed at him now was the bitter frustration of being denied the kill.
His jaw tightened as he thought, "Why did you stop me from killing him? It's allowed in these matches. And by the rules, his possessions would've been mine. That sword of his… It's a good one."
A voice echoed in his mind, ancient and rough. "You're an idiot," his master spat. "That's the city lord's son you just fought. Killing him would've brought the entire city down on your head. And don't forget the Soaring Sword Sect—do you want them hunting you too?"
Gu Tian's lips curled into a sneer. "Aren't we already against the righteous sects? What's one more enemy? Besides, you've always said I'm like a cockroach—hard to kill. Let them come. I can always run and grow stronger."
His master's voice was cold and cutting. "Cockroach or not, you're overestimating yourself. Do you truly think you can escape if a group of Foundation Establishment cultivators comes after you? You're not invincible. Not yet."
Gu Tian chuckled darkly. "You weren't saying that when I survived eating all those poisons to master the Thousand Poison Tongue."
"Surviving doesn't mean thriving," his master shot back. "Stay focused. The real target is within your grasp. We've finally located the medallion, and I'm not about to let you ruin this opportunity with your arrogance. One mistake, and we're back to square one or worse."
Gu Tian's grin faded as he exhaled deeply, his gaze sweeping over the stands. "It'll be soon," he thought to himself.
His mind drifted to the moment of revelation. His master had sensed the medallion during a casual stroll through the arena stands, its faint, unique qi signature unmistakable. Fate, it seemed, had aligned perfectly. It was with the one opponent standing between him and victory: Chen Ren.
Gu Tian's eyes darkened. He had infiltrated countless clans, risked his life in the shadows, and endured endless failures in his quest to find the medallion. Yet now, it was right in front of him, within reach.
"One battle," he thought, his fists tightening. "One fight, and I'll have it. Then the gate to immortality will open for me. I'll ascend, grow stronger, and claim my place at the apex of all realms. As an immortal."
He whispered aloud, a smirk tugging at his lips, "Just one battle more."