In the next few games, several disciples came to power in order to defeat Li Ye, but all of them were blown away by Li Ye in one punch, even without a round!
"Who is this kid? He's obviously only peak Level Four. How is he so formidable!"
One or two matches won may be considered luck, but after four or five wins, people began to be wary of going up the arena on a whim. Those who could become outer disciples were usually well-known figures from the clan; the weakest had at least Level Four while the strongest ones could break through Level Five and enter Level Six.
By then, no one else dared to go up again.
"That's the famous piece of trash from three years ago, right? How is that even possible? It's amazing that the piece of trash became so strong now!"
Even the stronger outer disciples were starting to feel hesitant.
All those whom Li Ye defeated earlier were Level Four, with the sole exception coming in the form of Li Gua. By right, those who were Level Five might not face much of a problem.
The crux however, was that it was entirely reasonable for one's state to be raised if one won. If one were defeated, then the outcome would be similar to Li Gua—becoming the butt of everyone's jokes!
"Bunch of cowards! He's just a piece of trash, why are you all so frightened!"
A petulant and mocking voice was heard. The strongest outer disciples glared and looked at the person who spoke. "Who said it! Show yourself!"
One of them snorted. Although they were hesitant to fight Li Ye, it did not mean that others could just insult them like that!
After seeing who the speaker was, the person was afraid to say any more and looked rather embarrassed. "It's you, Young Master Yuan. But what Young Master Yuan said just now crossed the line a bit. It's not that I'm waiting not to battle, but it isn't our turn to battle with Li Ye!"
Everyone noticed that it was the strongest disciple who spoke up. Martial Spirit Level Six! He could even fight toe-to-toe with one of the inner disciples.
"Li Yijian, pity that you claim to be the first-place among outer disciples. You're so scared of the slightest thing that you're thoroughly embarrassing all sword cultivators!"
As it turned out, Li Yijian was a martial arts practitioner who leaned toward the Sword Way. He had a sword on his back—it was not just any old sword, but one that was made of refined steel.
"So, that's Li Yijian. I heard that he had once fought with Li Huo, the sixteenth-placed inner disciple, a year ago. He defeated Li Huo in barely half a move and made a reputation for himself from then onward! Now that a year has gone by, no one knows how strong he's become. "
Li Ye also had some knowledge of Li Yijian. His strength alone could propel him into the inner disciples, with little to no obstacles keeping him from entering the top twenty.
As for the other person who spoke mockingly earlier, Li Ye could not help but sneer after finding out who it was. The person was none other than Li Yuan! Young though he may be, his words were cutting. At the same time, no one knew what fortuitous encounters he had in recent days, for it seemed that his strength had improved by leaps and bounds.
Li Yuan's remarks made Li Yijian somewhat unable to maintain a straight face, but he did not show it after considering Li Yuan's status. After all, Li Yuan was the Third Elder's son, whose status was much higher than that of ordinary inner disciples. Li Yijian first-place rank among the outer disciples was commendable, but it lagged far behind Li Yuan's status.
"Huh! Since you're not going to make a move at this piece of trash, I'll be the one to kick him out!"
Li Yuan jumped abruptly onto the arena. He looked fiercely at Li Ye and smirked, saying softly, "Trash, I heard that your old man ruled over Wu Prefecture City and no one could rival him. God knows how you inherited that puny little bit of your old man's skill! Don't get kicked off the arena by two or three times of my attacks, or else you'll be embarrassing your old man! "
Li Ye's expression became cold after hearing his opponent's taunts.
"Are you ready? Trash, just watch as I toy with you! You're brave enough to come back even though you're a piece of trash. You think you're high and mighty now? Your old man is no longer in this era!"
Boom! Li Yuan's body emitted a powerful vigor at once.
"Martial Spirit Level Six! How is that possible!"
Everyone exclaimed in sheer disbelief.
Even Li Ye was startled. Li Yuan had only just broken through to peak Level Three, yet he was already three states higher than before! It was absolutely unusual!
Even Li Yijian, the first-placed outer disciple, had a solemn look on his face.
Li Huangran smiled faintly up in the stands. No one could discern his thoughts, but an elder around him seemed to remember something and whispered, "Could it be the millennium-old Snow Ginseng?"
Li Mo, too, noticed that scene from one side. He snorted coldly in his heart, 'Using external elements to raise one's cultivation is the heretical school of opinion after all! It's no cause for concern! However, the efficacy of the millennium-old Snow Ginseng is truly overwhelming! It brought about a direct increase of three levels!'
On the other end, Xiao Qing and Li Yating looked at each other and saw the surprise in each other's eyes.
"There were indeed three pieces of millennium-old Snow Ginseng within the clan that year. It had always been kept by the Supreme Elder. I didn't expect Li Yuan to obtain one of them! It's a pity that his state is too low. If Level Seven cultivator took it, the person's state would be directly elevated to peak Level Nine! "
In Li Yuan state, it was plainly a waste of resources to take the millennium-old Snow Ginseng.
"Third Elder, Li Yuan's current strength seems to guarantee him a place with the inner disciples."
The elders who were cordial to Li Huangran congratulated him.
If both his sons made it to inner disciples, Li Huangran would have something to boast about.
By then, Li Yuan had already made his move. Icy vital force began erupting from his body.
"Ice Crystal Fist! Although it was not as frightening as Li Xuan's execution, it's enough to slow down anyone below Level Six, even to the extent of causing frostbite from the frost and cold air!"
People began analyzing once they saw Li Yuan's attack. They did not think that Li Ye could win that battle with Li Yuan. It may even be difficult for Li Ye to protect himself.
After all, one had a Martial Spirit of peak Level Four while the other hand was at Level Six. Although their vital force was still unable because it had just only surfaced, the two-state difference coupled with Li Yuan's use of a Yellow Rank Advanced technique meant that Li Ye had no room for mistakes.
It was no surprise then that Li Ye discovered his actions to be affected by his opponent's frostiness. His speed was at least thirty percent slower. In spite of that, everyone underestimated the advantage he possessed in terms of speed. All they saw was a blur, followed by Li Ye's sudden appearance behind Li Ye!
"So fast! He still has tremendous speed even though he's within the Ice Crystal Fist's range of attack!"
"In speed alone, Li Ye isn't any weaker than a Level Six cultivator. He might even be stronger than a Level Seven heavyweight!"
Li Yuan was similarly surprised that Li Ye could escape his attack with such ease. It was far too late to turn around and defend himself!
Huh!
Li Ye struck a blow on Li Yuan's back, but it felt like hitting a piece of meat that had been kept frozen for a very long time.
The next moment, a gust of wind rushed to his face and forced him to give up his intentions of continuing the attack. He then retreated by floating backward.
"Li Yuan actually shifted the frost effects of his Ice Crystal Fist over to his back, thereby increasing his defenses. He's a genius!"
Some of the observers saw the move and nodded to themselves. As the Third Elder's son, Li Yuan was not the kind who only knew how to eat, drink, and play—his talents in cultivation were certainly not weak either.
"Li Ye! You trash! You don't have a chance!"
Li Yuan initially wanted to kill Li Ye in one shot, so by then he was beginning to get anxious. He disregarded the repercussions of consuming the millennium-old Snow Ginseng because he wanted to defeat Li Ye in front of everyone! He could not bear his earlier loss at the hands of a piece of garbage during the first round of testing! He therefore wanted nothing more than to prove himself.
However, Li Ye was already evaluating the situation after being exposed to a few Li Yuan's moves. " Li Yuan's vital force is unstable. Although he has Level Six cultivation, the most he can exert is around peak Level Five. The only issue is the freezing effect of his Ice Crystal Fist, but at least it's still within my ability to deal with it!"
After making such a consideration, Li Ye finally began striking back.
The crowd could only see a blur in front of them. Only a few of the stronger ones could vaguely discern his advances.
Li Yuan, on the other hand, was completely unable to grasp Li Ye's movements. He could only deliver a barrage of attacks, but none of his strikes managed to hit the target.
"That'll be it, Li Yuan!"
A voice came suddenly from behind him as Li Ye was beginning to approach him. Li Yuan did not panic and simply sneered. A layer of frost seemed to envelop his body, making his muscles rigid!
"Li Ye! Trash like you can't beat someone like me!"
Sure enough, Li Ye's attack was directly like striking hard steel. Although Li Yuan sent flying by the punch, it had no substantial effect on him.
"Li Yuan's truly a prodigy. The Ice Crystal Fist is used as an offensive technique, but he's capable of wielding it to such an extent."
By then, even a heavyweight like Li Yijian—the first-placed outer disciple—could do nothing except lament to himself. He nonetheless remained confident of dispatching Li Yuan with three moves of his sword if it was him instead of Li Ye who stood in the arena!
"My lack of combat skills makes it impossible for my attacks to catch up with his state!"
After several attempts, Li Ye understood his weaknesses at once.
Although his state was only peak Level Four, his strength was not inferior to that of peak Level Six. Speed was his greatest advantage and it was enough for him to win against a Level Seven cultivator!
His only weakness was in his attacks. Lack of combat techniques meant that he could only use brute force. He did not have Li Datou's natural-born divine power either!
Just then, Li Ye suddenly felt a stinging in his eyes.
He then discovered that each and every one of Li Yuan's moves slowed down. At first, he thought it was merely seeing things, but it soon occurred to him that it was not the case.
"My eyes?"
He did not use his bloodpupils' illusionary technique because that was his trump card. It was something to be used only when essential. He was afraid that someone there could see through it, so he held out on using it. The likes of Li Yuan would have been disposed of quickly if Li Ye chose to use it!