Chapter 19: Xiao Chen, I've Found Your Weakness!
The next afternoon.
The plaza of Wendao Institution was packed with people.
Everyone was gathered around a single arena to watch the first quarterfinal match: Xiao Chen versus Tang Feng.
Starting from the top ten, all matches were held on the same arena, so that everyone could witness the clashes between elites.
On the arena.
Tang Feng looked completely battered, his robe full of holes.
He stared at Xiao Chen, who stood unmoving with a longsword in hand not far away. Though his heart was filled with unwillingness, he still closed his eyes and said,
"I lost."
Upon hearing that, the judge shouted, "The winner of this match—Xiao Chen!"
A wave of cheering erupted from below the arena.
"Senior Brother Xiao is incredible! He beat Senior Brother Tang in just three strikes!"
"Senior Brother Xiao will take first place for sure!"
"…"
Tang Feng stumbled down from the stage looking utterly defeated. He had paid a steep price for this battle.
Aside from a top-grade Vajra Talisman, he also brought a high-grade defensive magic tool. Even the clothes he wore were mid-grade magic garments.
And yet, against Xiao Chen, he lasted only three sword strikes. The Vajra Talisman and high-grade tool were all destroyed.
Not far from the arena.
Lin Qingyu and Jin Gang were also watching the fight.
Both of them regarded the monstrous Xiao Chen as their strongest rival.
"Jin Gang, do you have confidence in defeating Xiao Chen in tomorrow's match?" Lin Qingyu was the first to speak.
"Of course I do. Though Xiao Chen looks like an unstoppable force now, cutting down gods and buddhas alike, his weakness has already been exposed."
Jin Gang spoke confidently.
Lin Qingyu smiled and said, "So you noticed too—Xiao Chen's three sword strikes all used basic sword techniques. The exact same slash each time. Seems like he only learned that one sword move at the Miscellaneous Dao Institution."
"As expected of you. Only took you three strikes to spot Xiao Chen's weakness. Too bad for you, though—the top spot in this tournament is mine."
After speaking, Jin Gang turned and left.
Lin Qingyu watched his figure disappear into the crowd, the corners of his lips lifting slightly as he thought to himself:
'Jin Gang, I'd like to see what method you'll use to block Xiao Chen's sword qi.'
'Once the two of you are both battered and bruised, the title of champion will fall right into my hands.'
In the stands, the bigshots had also noticed Xiao Chen's shortcomings, but none of them pointed it out.
Right now, everyone was secretly competing to recruit Xiao Chen into their institutions.
The fact that Xiao Chen had flaws was actually a good thing—it gave them an edge in figuring out ways to attract him.
Back on the arena, the quarterfinals continued.
There were no upsets—Lin Qingyu, Jin Gang, and Mo Qingwu all smoothly advanced to the semifinals.
The results were as expected by most.
Their respective followers had already begun celebrating, even deciding where to drink after their champions won the finals.
As the saying goes: some rejoice, while others worry.
In the Alchemy Institution—
Cao Youqian approached his clan's ancestor with a troubled look.
"Your descendant greets you, Ancestor."
The Xuanhuo Alchemy King looked at the young man before him—almost a mirror image of his own youth—and his mood instantly lifted.
"You've come to visit me today, Qian'er? Are you preparing to break through to the True Fate Realm?"
As a master alchemist of his generation, giving a junior a few pills to break through the True Fate Realm was no problem at all.
If he was willing, he could even throw pills at the kid until he reached the Heaven Origin Realm.
But since the boy didn't ask, the old ancestor naturally wouldn't offer.
After all, a flower raised in a greenhouse couldn't withstand real wind and rain.
"No…"
Cao Youqian shook his head, wearing a miserable expression. "Ancestor, I came to ask if that guy Xiao Chen really has a chance to take first place in the tournament?"
"You don't want Xiao Chen to win?" Xuanhuo Alchemy King looked a bit puzzled at his junior.
"To be honest, Ancestor…"
Cao Youqian then told him about the bet he had made with Xiao Chen.
"That's it?"
Xuanhuo Alchemy King scolded, "It's just a few spirit stones. Even if you can't pay it all, I could've helped you cover some. But you'd better be prepared to put your whole fortune on the table—can't have people saying the Cao family doesn't know how to play fair."
???
Cao Youqian was dumbfounded. 'That's what you focused on?'
Seeing his grandson's expression, the Xuanhuo Alchemy King couldn't help but show a knowing smile. "Alright, although that boy Xiao Chen may look invincible right now, it doesn't necessarily mean he'll win the championship.
If I'm not mistaken, Jin Gang, Lin Qingyu, and Mo Qingwu have already noticed his weakness.
It won't be easy for Xiao Chen to take first place."
Phew…
Hearing that, Cao Youqian let out a long sigh of relief. If even the old ancestor said it'd be difficult, then Xiao Chen probably didn't stand a chance.
"Thank you for the guidance, Ancestor. This junior will take his leave."
"Mm, go on."
Xuanhuo Alchemy King waved his hand. Watching his great-grandson leave, his face took on a thoughtful look. Soon after, his eyes lit up and he revealed a fox-like smile.
"If that boy Xiao Chen really does take first place, then I'll do this!"
…
The next morning.
The semifinals of the outer court grand competition officially began.
The first match was between Jin Gang and Xiao Chen.
Almost all the outer court disciples had gathered here.
Even some inner court disciples appeared at the plaza.
In the stands, aside from the nine heads including Chu Feng, many inner court elders were also present.
This was truly a match that drew everyone's attention.
Xuanhuo Alchemy King looked at the two on the stage and smiled as he turned to Chu Feng. "Xiao Feng, what do you think? Can Xiao Chen make it through this one?"
Chu Feng replied with a smile, "Of course. As long as Xiao Chen takes it seriously, defeating Jin Gang won't be a problem."
His words instantly drew several cold, angry stares—all coming from the elders of the Body Cultivation Institution.
Chu Feng didn't care at all. He simply sat there, sipping his tea in peace.
'The results will be clear soon enough. There's no point in arguing right now.'
On the arena.
Jin Gang clasped his hands arrogantly toward Xiao Chen. "Brother Xiao, please guide me."
Xiao Chen returned the courtesy. "Brother Jin, please go easy."
After the greetings, the judge announced, "Begin!"
Clang!
Xiao Chen instantly drew his longsword.
A wave of sword qi swept out.
"Hmph!"
Jin Gang snorted coldly. Standing his ground in a firm horse stance, he raised his fists in a starting pose. At the same time, a golden barrier of light appeared around him.
Boom!
Just one sword strike—and Jin Gang's Golden Bell Barrier shattered.
He was forced back several steps. Just as the sword qi was about to strike his body, something unexpected occurred.
A burst of golden light suddenly enveloped him again, deflecting the sword qi.
"That move again."
Xiao Chen muttered and swung his sword again.
Clang, clang!
Two more sword strikes fell, but the golden light on Jin Gang remained intact. A smirk appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"Xiao Chen, I've found your weakness! Peerless Fist!"
As his voice dropped, he suddenly hurled both fists forward. A terrifying force exploded out, roaring straight for Xiao Chen's vital point...
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