Tong Yuling's heart surged with waves of shock. The young man before her suddenly seemed towering and inscrutable.
She had kindly reminded Chen Yu to be wary of the wheel battles from Le Feng and others.
Unexpectedly, Chen Yu's aspirations were beyond the top three that Le Feng and others contended for. He even intended to enter the competition for the dual dragon championship, reaching for the crown of the "Great Competition's First"?
Regardless of his strength, this confidence and boldness already exceeded the few ahead of him.
"I challenge the tenth place, Cao Lei."
A sweet and charming girl was the first to step forward and launch an attack against the top ten.
This girl was Jiang Yun'er, who ranked twentieth.
In the second round of ranking battles, it was usually those who ranked lower who initiated the challenge.
Originally, Jiang Yun'er had the capability to break into the top fifteen; however, due to her defeat to Chen Yu, she suffered tremendous humiliation, and her subsequent performance was ordinary.
As soon as she came on stage, she pointed her sword at the top ten.
But, after less than ten moves, Jiang Yun'er was pushed off the stage by Cao Lei without any suspense.
The gap between the top ten and the top twenty was quite significant.
After her.
The nineteenth... the eighteenth… the seventeenth-ranked individuals successively launched their first-round challenges.
Their targets were mostly those like Cao Lei and Huang Yuan within the top ten.
Facts proved.
The ranking determined by the knockout matches still held a certain level of prestige. Those ranked after the fifteenth who challenged the top ten were defeated one by one, with a significant gap.
Even so, the top ten remained the target of everyone's challenge.
Because.
Only the top ten in the outer sect competition received rewards. While the top ten might not have as good a chance as the top three to be selected into the inner sect, their exposure was at least higher.
The competition only became truly fierce until the eleventh and twelfth places.
The eleventh and twelfth places were occupied by Yang Fan and Fang Xing, respectively, tied in rank.
These two were originally ranked ninth and eighth in the previous competition, but in this competition, they were squeezed out of the top ten.
The main reason being.
In this competition, three dark horses emerged: Chen Yu, Tong Yuling, and Cao Lei.
"I challenge the first place, Tong Yuling!"
Yang Fan, holding a long spear, stepped onto the stage, pointing at the first place.
In this competition, he was quite unlucky, squeezed out of the top ten, and was very annoyed.
Instead of challenging people like Cao Lei and Huang Yuan, he directly aimed at the temporary first place, "Tong Yuling."
At present.
Among the six tied for first place, only Tong Yuling seemed slightly weaker.
"As you wish."
Tong Yuling smiled sweetly and floated onto the stage.
The two of them exchanged several moves quickly, immediately engaging intensely.
In less than ten moves.
"Go!"
Tong Yuling's soft sword flashed with blood-red light, raising an astonishing chill of inner energy. The sword shadow surged like a wild wave, knocking Yang Fan's long spear off.
Wow!
Yang Fan spat out a mouthful of blood, looking utterly shocked.
How did Tong Yuling become so formidable, especially with such terrifying inner energy carrying a domineering aura of blood?
"This girl seems to carry some opportunity with her."
The Yunyue Sect Master cast a glance at Tong Yuling.
"In this world, rare treasures are innumerable. It's beneficial if used well; however, excessive reliance could stifle one's innate potential, even causing self-destruction," said Fairy Xia Yu with a nod.
Opportunities like that of some disciples were not uncommon in the sect world. Just look at these elders here; each had considerable opportunities to reach their current level.
Behind Yang Fan, the eighth place from last time, Fang Xing, issued a challenge.
He challenged Cao Lei and was defeated after dozens of moves.
Thereafter.
The challenges from those outside the top ten concluded with none successfully breaking through!
Immediately following.
The seventh to tenth-ranked individuals, Yuan Beiting, Cheng Yun, Huang Yuan, and Cao Lei, could issue challenges.
These four were essentially tied in their scores, each losing only once in the knockout stages.
"I challenge Huang Yuan."
One of the three dark horses, Cao Lei, was the first to issue a challenge against the seventh-ranked Huang Yuan from the last competition.
Iron Sand Palm!
The pinnacle and perfect hand technique of Cao Lei sent waves of hot air rolling, and his palms turned a flushed red.
This battle went on for nearly a hundred moves.
In the end, Huang Yuan, relying on greater strength and thick inner energy, barely defeated Cao Lei.
The competition among Yuan Beiting, Cheng Yun, Huang Yuan, and Cao Lei from seventh to tenth was very intense.
In the end.
Both Huang Yuan and Cao Lei's challenges failed, with Yuan Beiting and Cheng Yun temporarily leading.
However, Yuan Beiting and Cheng Yun did not immediately compete for rankings, as their gazes were fixed on Chen Yu.
"Chen Yu!"
Yuan Beiting's massive figure, like an iron tower, stood on the stage, his eyes wide, fists clashing with a thundering sound, the strong momentum intimidating all.
Le Feng, Hu Yiba, and Cheng Yun all showed a slight smile.
According to the plan, Yuan Beiting was the first to lead the charge.
"Big guy, just in time."
Chen Yu smiled faintly and floated onto the stage.
Ever since merging with the mysterious heart, his physique and strength had been significantly enhanced. In most situations, including the previous battles, his strength had been deliberately restrained, not fully exerted.
At this moment.
His opponent was the "First Hercules" of the outer sect, Yuan Beiting, who was truly endowed with Innate Divine Strength.
Chen Yu genuinely wanted to know the difference between his Acquired Divine Power and Yuan Beiting's Innate Divine Strength.
"Let's see whose strength is greater!"
Yuan Beiting's voice rumbled like thunder, as he slowly raised his fists, thick inner energy vibrating with a low hum.
Mountain Opening Fist!
A punch like a millstone slammed out, with fierce wind rushing forward, stirring up a wave of dust on the ground, carrying a heavy oppressive force.
"Good!"
Chen Yu didn't fear but instead was delighted. His heart beat steadily within, and as he threw a punch, a surging force burst forth.
As soon as his fist exerted force, a layer of copper sheen naturally appeared.
Boom!
The two forces collided fiercely, and the sheer strength caused the stage to tremble slightly.
In an instant.
Centered around the two of them, an invisible shockwave swept a few yards around.
Everyone below the stage held their breath, shocked by the terrifying exchange of power, as if witnessing two iron bulls colliding.
In terms of physique.
Chen Yu, at his age, was already considered tall and robust; Yuan Beiting was half a head taller than the average person, resembling a giant ape.
However, at the moment of their fists colliding, Yuan Beiting's body swayed, revealing a glimpse of astonishment.
Step, step, step!
Both Chen Yu and Yuan Beiting retreated a few steps. Yet, Chen Yu's breathing and steps appeared more stable.
This scene astonished all the disciples.
"Chen Yu's strength reached this level? Surely Yuan Beiting didn't use his full power."
Wang Lingyun found it hard to accept.
"Hahaha! You managed to take a hit with seventy percent of my strength. I didn't expect to meet a match in strength."
Yuan Beiting laughed out loud.
He was full of flush excitement, took a deep breath, his whole body's muscles expanded suddenly, birthing an even stronger explosive force.
Mountain Opening Fist!
Yuan Beiting's subsequent punches reached a new level of power.
Chen Yu showed no fear, as his heart beat rhythmically within, erupting with power, his entire skeletal structure and flesh seemed to awaken, exuding astonishing strength.
He hadn't advanced the Copper Statue Technique to the copper tendon level, as he wanted to explore the secrets of his heart.
Bang, bang!
Amid the repeated clashes, Chen Yu felt a refreshing comfort throughout his body, with a continuous outburst of force.
In no time.
The two on stage exchanged one hundred to two hundred blows, producing an awe-inspiring fight, with each hit causing a slight ground tremor illusion.
Faintly, Chen Yu explored some techniques for using the mysterious heart through exertion.
Combined with breathing, the mysterious heart could store power. For example, taking a deep breath to store energy could unleash a punch far beyond normal.
Additionally, under external pressure and stimulation, the heart's rapid beating could instantly boost explosive strength.
This instant boost was akin to when he annihilated the Bandit King with a punch, unleashing "Condensed Fist Qi," a high-level power beyond its class, a few days back.
"If this continues, Chen Yu's stamina and vitality will be greatly consumed."
Hu Yiba and Cheng Yun both smiled.
However.
Le Feng felt a vague unease in his heart, recalling the miracle of Chen Yu enduring fifteen minutes with the Bear King while at the Body Refining Stage.
After two hundred moves.
Chen Yu's breathing was steady and unhurried, while Yuan Beiting's forehead was already dotted with sweat.
"It seems the biggest advantage from the mysterious heart is not the strength, but its recovery in terms of physique, healing, and durability."
Chen Yu thought to himself.
Even though Yuan Beiting had immense power, after exerting maximum strength with each punch, he was beginning to lack subsequent force.
"It's over."
Chen Yu suddenly murmured, activating the Copper Statue Technique.
Buzz!
A layer of metallic copper sheen coated his skin, outlining fluid sculpture-like copper muscle textures, causing his entire being to expand slightly.
Instantly, an invisible physique aura brought a powerful pressure from the blood and energy.
"Transformed... Does this guy also know some sinister art?"
Yuan Beiting's breath halted as he looked at the drastically altered Chen Yu, his gaze slightly dazed.
"Copper Statue Technique!"
The sect's high authorities and several elders expressed surprise.
"This kid's Copper Statue Technique has actually reached the copper tendon level, at least the initial copper tendons!"
Elder Nangong and Elder Mao were taken aback.
The two elders exchanged glances, appearing pleasantly surprised.
With a "bang," Chen Yu's copper-patterned hand, like that of a copper statue buddha, punched Yuan Beiting, who lacked subsequent force, sending him flying several yards.
"Stop, stop... The title of the First Hercules in the outer sect is yours."
Yuan Beiting hastily jumped off the stage.
In the hard-hitting contest just now, the more he fought, the more disadvantaged he became, and Chen Yu's final punch in his transformed state truly stunned him.
Below the stage.
Le Feng, Hu Yiba, and Cheng Yun exchanged glances.
"As planned, I'll go first. He should have consumed some stamina and energy."
Cheng Yun nodded.
After speaking.
He proposed his challenge to Chen Yu to the referee.
"Chen Yu, you have just been challenged; you are allowed to postpone it by one match."
The referee inquired.
"Hmph, what difference does it make to postpone it by one match?" Wang Lingyun secretly sneered.
Some quick battles concluded in just over a dozen moves.
"No need."
Chen Yu sneered, "You guys want to challenge me? Then line up and come all at once, finish it in one go, save the trouble!"
What!
Yuan Beiting, Le Feng, and Cheng Yun's faces turned grim.
This Chen Yu was truly arrogant. Knowing it was a wheel battle, yet he boldly told them to line up.
On Cloud Sky Peak, in a corner.
"Brother Yu, this competition concerns your fate; how could you be reckless..."
Mu Xueqing's eyelashes trembled slightly, her beautiful and moving eyes flickered with traces of worry.
For some reason, she harbored an intense hope: If the Chen Yu she had admired and relied on since childhood could enter the inner sect and pursue martial arts alongside her, how wonderful would life be?
Clang! Boom!
At this moment, the dual figures on stage exchanged a few rapid blows.
With a "clang," a giant copper-made hand, as heavy as ten thousand pounds, directly knocked Cheng Yun's treasured sword away.
How quick!
Mu Xueqing, along with the nonchalant Seventh Prince beside her, was surprised.
Below the stage, there was an uproar.
Cheng Yun, ranked sixth in the outer sect, couldn't withstand even ten moves against Chen Yu.