Standing outside the stage, Yang Bin donned a wooden armor with a slight frown on his face.. The other youths around him were also donning a similar wooden armor.
In front of him was a stage. On the far end of it was a stand where the referee, Yang Yugang, would be seated.
Behind him, separated by a fence, Yang Bin's family waved encouragingly at him. He was unable to break through to the ninth rank and wasn't selected as a "top five contestant." Even though this was within his expectations, he was slightly upset that he couldn't just wait in the audience stand like Yang Mengyao.
The rules of the tournament were simple. On top of the elevated stage, there were five circular platforms spaced apart where the battles would take place. There were four platforms on the outside, forming a square, and one in the center. Each one held their own mini elimination tournament. The starting battles were determined by drawing lots, and then they kept track of the victors to determine the consecutive battles. After the victor of each platform was decided, the top five strongest would fight them. The loser had the right to challenge the victor of another platform.
Victory was determined in three ways: when one participant admitted defeat, when one participant got pushed out of the platform, or when one participant's armor got destroyed. Since the clan didn't want any participants to get too injured, they provided wooden armor that covered the vital organs. The armor was light and durable; the average sixth rank body tempering cultivator would have difficulty breaking them. Any strikes above the armor, the head and neck, were prohibited, but the arms and legs were allowed.
The clan also provided some basic weapons as well: swords, spears, axes, and even a bow, but they were cheap and unreliable. If they broke during a match, the contestant does not receive another for that match.
Fortunately, Yang Bin doesn't need a weapon. He only uses his fists. His plan for the upcoming battles was very simple. Make everything a battle of attrition. With three extraordinary meridians opened, he was certain not even the top three could compete with him in endurance.
"Everyone, take a slip!" Yang Yugang declared. He waved his hand and many golden orbs shot forth. It drifted towards the crowd.
Stretching out his hand, Yang Bin caught one. The orb in his hand turned into a folded slip of paper. He looked at the slip of paper, and his expression changed. It read A2. This meant that he was fighting the first battle. There were eight competitors on each platform, so Yang Bin would fight three battles before challenging one of the top 5.
Naturally, Yang Bin wasn't bothered by the number of fights. Everyone was given an hour of rest to recover before every fight, which was plenty of time for Yang Bin to replenish his depleted qi. His only concern was that platform A was the platform Yang Bai was fighting.
Even though Yang Bin had not met her in a while, he was sure she was the most difficult opponent in the exam. His current strength was only slightly greater than hers four months ago.
Around him, there were groans of disappointment or sighs of relief, as everyone received a slip. The commotion was silenced by Yang Yugang's thunderous voice.
"May the contestants with the numbers 1 and 2 come onto the stage!"
Yang Bin slowly walked up the stairs of the stage along with nine others, while the rest made themselves comfortable on the ground. At the top of the stage, he curiously studied the platforms. Each one was about ten meters in diameter and had a large letter in the middle. As Yang Bin moved to the center platform with the letter "A", he took note of his opponent who was approaching him.
He was a tall muscular man that looked a lot older than his age. He wore a cotton vest underneath his armor that exposed his tanned arms. As they stood on the platform face to face, Yang Bin felt a little intimidated due to their build difference.
"Contestants, bow and introduce yourself."
"Yang Qiang. Seventh rank body tempering." A deep voice rumbled from Yang Bin's opponent, as he cupped his fist and bowed.
Yang Bin blinked in surprise. Oh, he's only at the seventh rank. I'm stronger than him. He hurriedly bowed as well. "Yang Bin. Eighth rank body tempering."
"Take your positions!"
Yang Bin and Yang Qiang went on opposite sides of the platform.
"Match begins!"
Instantly, Yang Qiang sprung forth. His shoulder turned bronze, as he performed a shoulder charge at Yang Bin. Faint tremors passed the ground, as he stampeded forward. A second later, he was in front of Yang Bin.
Like usual, Yang Bin used Phantom Tracks to dodge, but after slipping away from Yang Qiang, he frowned. His foot was at the edge of the platform. One small step and he would be disqualified. The size of the platform was too constraining. It wasn't large enough for his Phantom Tracks to really shine.
While Yang Bin was repositioning himself, Yang Qiang was about to rush off the platform. At the last moment, he planted his foot firmly and heavily onto the ground. Tiny cracks formed, but that was enough to stop him right at the edge.
Yang Bin didn't pass up on this opportunity. "Let me send you off!" Lunging forward, his fist turned silver, as he punched out with all his might.
Unfazed, Yang Qiang brought his arms together in front of him and adjusted his stance.
Bang!
The impact was so strong that Yang Bin had taken a step back to stabilize. On the contrary, Yang Qiang didn't budge at all. He stood unmoving like a mountain.
Yang Bin was surprised. Just then, he felt like he was punching a giant boulder instead of his arms. Studying his opponent closely, he realized that it wasn't just Yang Qiang's shoulders that had turned bronze, it was his entire body.
"Did you reinforce your entire body with qi?" Yang Bin asked incredulously.
Yang Qiang didn't respond. He simply charged again.
Dodging his charge again, Yang Bin was amazed. Judging by actions, it appears that the technique he is using to reinforce his body not only makes his defenses stronger, but also makes him heavier. Amazing defense and powerful attacks. Surely, this technique would cost a lot to maintain, right?
Under normal circumstances, Yang Bin would have been correct, but Yang Qiang specifically cultivated his physique to be able to efficiently enhance his body with qi. While other seventh rank body tempering cultivators would have only lasted three minutes, Yang Qiang can maintain this for more than ten minutes.
Since Yang Bin didn't know this, he continued to run circles around him over and over again. As the minutes passed, the outcome of other platforms were being determined, yet Yang Bin and Yang Qiang were locked in a stalemate.
How strange. I think I've been running around for about six or seven minutes now, but there is still no change in Yang Qiang's actions. Yang Bin thought. Seems like he still has a lot of qi left. Continue waiting it out.
A minute later, Yang Qiang became irritated. Since tackling had failed, he tried to grab him, but every single time, Yang Bin was able to narrowly get away. Stomping his feet, he bellowed, "Stop running and face me!"
Yang Bin looked around. All the other platforms had finished their battles, and all eyes were on them now. The battle had dragged out for quite long, and he wasn't sure if Yang Yugang would simply disqualify them both if this continued on. There was no rule about a tiebreaker. After contemplating, Yang Bin agreed. "Fine."
He shot forwards with a speed much faster than before.
Seeing this, Yang Qiang immediately regretted his words. "Wait, wait!" He tried to say.
Yang Bin ignored him. Extreme Piercing Finger! He raised his arm and stabbed out, aiming for his opponent's armor. A total of four afterimages was trailing behind it.
Frightened by the speed, Yang Qiang hastily put his arms up to block his chest. He could tell that if Yang Bin's attack landed, his armor would instantly be broken.
Yang Bin was shocked. He didn't think Yang Qiang would be crazy enough to take his devastating attack with his body, but it was too late for him to stop now.
There was a soft thud as Yang Bin's finger connected.
Hm?
Yang Bin blinked in surprise and confusion. He was certain that this attack would punch a deep hole, but in actuality, his deadly attack was only able to leave a small puncture on Yang Qiang's arm. Did he overestimate himself? He swiftly jumped back before Yang Qiang was able to grab him.
Failing to grab Yang Bin, Yang Qiang quickly adjusted his stance to not give Yang Bin any openings. The pain in his arm kept him alert but also gave him fear. It wasn't as deep as he had expected, but nonetheless, it would disrupt his technique.
Not wanting to poke any more holes into Yang Qiang's body, Yang Bin said, "Just surrender. Even if you somehow manage to beat me, it's still very unlikely for you to earn a spot."
Yang Qiang grit his teeth. He knew Yang Bin was right, but he didn't want to give up. Instead of responding, he assumed a fighting stance.
Yang Bin could only shake his head at his stubbornness. So be it.
He lunged forwards and used Extreme Piercing Finger again, aiming for his chest.
Yang Qiang put his arms up in front of him, bracing himself for the pain. But it never came. Suddenly, he heard the sound of wood splintering behind him. Glancing behind, he saw Yang Bin.
"It's over. My win." Yang Bin simply retracted his hand.
"Battle is over! Victor is Yang Bin!"