The top 32 participants were divided into 16 pairs, and at this stage, everyone was taking it very seriously. There were no mediocre contenders among the top 32, and they all wanted to gather more information about their opponents. It was a valuable opportunity to do so. Although they had been aware of each other for a while, as their opponents grew stronger, they would inevitably reveal more of their capabilities, right?
The initial matches were fought by others, and Zhuge Xiang observed attentively from below the stage. He identified several opponents who required his special attention. Despite the power of his Super Game System, Zhuge Xiang had only been practicing Qi Force for half a month. Compared to individuals who had been cultivating it for half a year, his foundation was still somewhat lacking.
Lei Potian was the most formidable competitor Zhuge Xiang had encountered thus far. He wielded a massive axe that instilled fear in anyone daring to face him head-on. According to the comments circulating among the spectators, Lei Potian's axe was a two-star Dharma artifact. He was one of the top geniuses who had started comprehending Qi Force six months ago. Moreover, rumors had it that he had already successfully cultivated the Bloodthirst Technique, although no one had witnessed him employing it thus far.
Lei Potian had reached the third level of the Qi Nourishing stage and possessed a two-star offensive Dharma artifact. He had achieved this level of mastery without relying on the Bloodthirst Technique. It was undeniable that Lei Potian was the most favored candidate for first place in the competition. Naturally, the reason Zhuge Xiang paid the utmost attention to him was that after defeating his opponent, Lei Potian had directly pointed at Zhuge Xiang on the dueling platform, vowing to demonstrate his own Bloodthirst Technique to him.
Faced with Lei Potian's provocation, Zhuge Xiang cast a helpless glance at Lu Yuling, clearly expressing his hostility towards him. However, Lu Yuling only smiled in response and did not offer any reply.
Apart from Lei Potian, there were a few other opponents worth noting. Despite being at the second level of the Qi Nourishing stage, Hua Nongying had attained mastery in the Ghostly Steps, making her the only disciple who had fully grasped the martial arts cultivation path. When she employed the Ghostly Steps, she moved like a phantom, making it nearly impossible for fellow disciples at the same cultivation level to lay a hand on her.
Another opponent to keep an eye on was the saber expert, Ling Wufeng. However, unlike Zhuge Xiang's machete, Ling Wufeng wielded a small flying saber.
With his cultivation at the third level of the Qi Nourishing stage, his adversaries often saw nothing but a dazzling saber beam before being swiftly defeated. This throwing knife technique appeared to be a unique martial art from the Martial Storage Pavilion. Apart from his throwing knives, no one knew what other martial arts he had acquired from the Martial Storage Pavilion, nor had anyone witnessed them in action…
Lei Potian, Hua Nongying, Ling Wufeng, and Lu Yuling emerged as Zhuge Xiang's strongest competitors. These individuals possessed either powerful Dharma artifacts or their own unique martial arts techniques. The rest of the participants were slightly inferior in comparison. Although there were numerous disciples at the third level of the Qi Nourishing stage, they appeared to be more average, although it was also possible that some of them were concealing their true abilities. In short, no one could afford to be careless.
Soon, it was Zhuge Xiang's turn to compete in the top 32. However, upon seeing his opponent, Zhuge Xiang secretly frowned. Although his opponent was a disciple at the second level of the Qi Nourishing stage who had made it to the top 32, it was evident that even within the second level, his opponent was exceptional. Yet, for Zhuge Xiang, not being able to fight opponents of a higher level meant missing out on bonus experience.
"Phew, I'm lucky. My opponent is you." Zhuge Xiang was secretly dissatisfied with such an opponent. However, Zhuge Xiang's opponent looked like he was rejoicing.
Since Zhuge Xiang's cultivation was only at the second level of the Qi Nourishing stage and he had been severely injured by Ji Wuxue earlier, he had not yet fully recovered. In his opponent's view, Zhuge Xiang was clearly an easier target to deal with.
With a frown, Zhuge Xiang had no intention of ending the battle swiftly. He continued to put on an act, controlling his speed and attacks to a more dangerous level. The two of them exchanged blows, engaging in a highly intense fight. Within moments, both of them were covered in wounds. Such intense battles were what others enjoyed witnessing the most, as regardless of the ultimate outcome, both participants would suffer heavy losses.
It is worth noting that the Asura Sect did not provide any form of treatment, be it for consumption or injuries, to the competing disciples unless they were defeated.
According to the Asura Sect's philosophy, while battle was of utmost importance, one had to know how to conserve their strength and endurance in a round-robin competition. Furthermore, the victors did not receive any form of treatment, ensuring a fair playing field.
Although both sides sustained injuries, Zhuge Xiang always managed to avoid vital areas, only suffering superficial wounds. Moreover, he had also inflicted injuries upon his opponent. The blood-sucking attribute of the Blood Refined Saber seemed to be on par with the opponent's abilities. In reality, Zhuge Xiang's injuries were not severe at all. He narrowly emerged victorious in the final move. Zhuge Xiang appeared drained of energy as he descended from the stage. As expected, the disciple at the second level of the Qi Nourishing stage only awarded Zhuge Xiang 60 EXP, and nothing else dropped.
Following in Zhuge Xiang's footsteps, Lu Yuling also took the stage. After careful observation, Lu Yuling employed the Clear Wave Palm technique, swiftly entangling his opponent with its coordinated movements. He landed a series of consecutive slaps, sending his opponent flying.
Although the Clear Wave Palm mainly focused on entanglement, it also had some offensive power. Furthermore, Lu Yuling's cultivation level had already reached the third level of the Qi Nourishing stage. Even an ordinary palm strike, when infused with the inhalation and exhalation of Qi Force, carried significant offensive potential that should not be underestimated.
Regarding Lu Yuling, Zhuge Xiang believed that her strength extended beyond what she had displayed thus far. Clear Wave Palm with the aid of silk threads? Was this her full power? Based on Zhuge Xiang's understanding of her, she must have a hidden card up her sleeve. Although he didn't know what it was, Zhuge Xiang was certain of its existence. It was similar to how Lu Yuling refused to believe that Zhuge Xiang was truly injured. That's how they perceived each other.
Among the top 32 competitors, only 12 were at the third level of the Qi Nourishing stage, while the majority remained at the second level. Soon, the battles for the top 16 commenced once again. To Zhuge Xiang's dismay, he ended up facing another disciple at the second level of the Qi Nourishing stage. After putting on a performance and exerting significant effort, he finally managed to overcome his opponent in a hard-fought victory. He gained 63 EXP, but no items dropped.
63 EXP, three points more than before. This realization made Zhuge Xiang understand that even among disciples at the second level of the Qi Nourishing stage, there were varying degrees of strength. Therefore, defeating different opponents would yield different amounts of EXP. He glanced at his character panel and saw that he still needed another 500 EXP to make a breakthrough. Currently, he was approximately 200 EXP short.
However, by this time, the top eight had already been determined. The individuals that Zhuge Xiang had been paying close attention to had indeed successfully advanced. Lei Potian, Hua Nongying, Ling Wufeng, Lu Yuling, Zhuge Xiang himself, and three other disciples at the third level of the Qi Nourishing stage.
Among the top eight, only Zhuge Xiang and Hua Nongying were at the second level of the Qi Nourishing stage, while the others had reached the third level. Furthermore, due to Zhuge Xiang's injuries, if one were to assess the weakest contender among the top eight, Zhuge Xiang would undoubtedly be deemed as such. Some even remarked that if Zhuge Xiang hadn't been fortunate enough to face opponents at the second level of the Qi Nourishing stage in succession, he would have been eliminated long ago.
Although Zhuge Xiang's battle with Ji Wuxue had brought him fame, the top eight comprised top-tier geniuses who were highly regarded by all the disciples. Whether in terms of reputation or cultivation disparity, in the eyes of everyone, Zhuge Xiang, despite being a dark horse, still ranked slightly lower than his competitors. Moreover, his injuries added to his disadvantage. It took considerable effort for two disciples at the second level of the Qi Nourishing stage to barely defeat him.
Zhuge Xiang paid no heed to others' opinions and directed his attention towards Hua Nongying, who had made it to the top eight. A sense of helplessness washed over Zhuge Xiang. Given his exceptionally fortunate luck, he wouldn't encounter another disciple at the second level of the Qi Nourishing stage, would he? If that were the case, he would be at a loss. Not only would he fail to gain any experience from fighting opponents above his level, but his previous acting would also be in vain.
Fortunately, the host promptly announced the names of the top eight competitors. Three relatively weaker disciples at the third level of the Qi Nourishing stage would face off against Zhuge Xiang, Lei Potian, and Lingwu Feng. As for Hua Nongying, the competitor whom Zhuge Xiang was most concerned about, she would be pitted against Lu Yuling.
"Alright, the list of the top eight has been revealed. Now, the top eight contestants should step down and rest. The battle for the top ten will take place in the grand competition. In order to ensure that the top eight can compete in optimal condition, we will arrange for the eight contestants who were eliminated in the top sixteen to continue competing for the ninth and tenth places…"
The host on the stage spoke, not about determining the rankings for the top positions, but rather for the lower ranks. This decision caught many slightly off guard, but they accepted it. After all, the top eight were the primary focus, and they needed proper rest to deliver an exhilarating battle. That's what everyone hoped for. Additionally, it could serve as motivation for the following disciples to cultivate.
"So, the ninth and tenth places will be decided first? Then, after the initial eight battles, the winners will have time to rest while the remaining contestants compete for the fifth to eighth places, right? If this pattern continues, will the final battle be for the first place?" Zhuge Xiang contemplated as he listened to the host's words on the arena.
Nonetheless, it was a well-devised plan. The better condition his opponents were in, the more experience he would gain. As for Qi Force consumption? Up until now, Zhuge Xiang had not even utilized two Energy Recovery Pills.