When Zhuge Xiang faced off against Yuan Kai, nobody believed he had a chance of winning. Despite Yuan Kai's slightly inferior strength compared to Ling Wufeng, Lei Potian, and Lu Yuling, it was important not to forget that Zhuge Xiang was severely injured. Moreover, his cultivation level was only at the second level of the Qi Nourishing stage. How could he possibly stand a chance? With his weakened body, he believed he would likely be at the bottom even in the top eight battles, right?
"Regardless, it's already an impressive feat for him to secure the eighth position in the competition after only half a month of comprehending Qi Force," a few individuals made more sensible judgments amidst the prevailing belief that Zhuge Xiang was destined to lose.
This statement stunned many onlookers. Zhuge Xiang had only been cultivating Qi Force for half a month, yet he had already overcome numerous challenges and emerged among the top 10 contestants. Such accomplishments were enough to make anyone proud. Considering his rapid progress, how much stronger would Zhuge Xiang become with time? It would not be surprising if he surpassed even Lei Potian and the others, would it?
As this thought circulated among the crowd, they became even more astonished. Although Zhuge Xiang had started cultivating Qi Force relatively late, he proved himself to be a genuine prodigy in the realm of battle. Perhaps he would be hailed as the greatest genius of the year. If it were someone else who had only practiced Qi Force for half a month, they would likely struggle to comprehend even a single martial art, let alone achieve the remarkable results like Zhuge Xiang had.
Zhuge Xiang did not care about what the people below were thinking. Whether they believed he would lose or felt he had already achieved enough, it made no difference to him. He had only one objective—to defeat his opponent and become stronger.
Yuan Kai's agility with the Yuenyeung Sabers was extraordinary. The relentless onslaught of his dual sabers made it challenging for Zhuge Xiang to cope with the speed of the attacks. After all, Zhuge Xiang wielded only a single Blood Refined Saber, and combined with his cultivation at the third level of the Qi Nourishing stage, he found himself immediately suppressed by Yuan Kai upon their initial engagement. Forced into a defensive position, he could only passively block and defend against the relentless barrage.
Facing Yuan Kai, Zhuge Xiang realized he had to unleash his full strength while also conserving his energy. Despite his high fighting spirit, he understood the need to preserve his strength, considering the formidable opponents awaiting him. Even someone as powerful as Lei Potian had resorted to activating the Bloodthirst Technique to swiftly end battles.
"Hey, you're seriously injured. Don't push yourself. Save some energy. You might secure a good ranking in the top eight battles later on," Yuan Kai remarked to Zhuge Xiang, frowning as the Yuenyeung Sabers continued to suppress him. With a pair of boots that enhanced his movement speed by 30%, it was clear that Yuan Kai couldn't defeat Zhuge Xiang quickly. He did not want to deplete too much of his own Qi Force in this matchup.
"I'll return the favor," Zhuge Xiang replied calmly, showing no signs of panic despite his weakened state.
"A combat genius? He's relentless. He's too stubborn," Yuan Kai cursed inwardly in response to Zhuge Xiang's retort.
Yuan Kai understood that Zhuge Xiang, putting it politely, was a combat genius. He would never give up on the hope of winning. Bluntly speaking, he would be a nuisance and refuse to surrender. Even if he won this duel, his chances of defeating Lei Potian, Lu Yuling, and Ling Wufeng were slim. However, Yuan Kai was willing to give it a try. Furthermore, the top four and the bottom four were completely different. The treatment one received within the sect would also vary.
"Hey, regardless of who wins, the subsequent battles will be perilous. Why don't we make a pact and determine the victor in three moves?" Yuan Kai suddenly recalled the agreement between Zhuge Xiang and Ji Wuxue. He suggested this in order to avoid wasting any more time.
"Alright!" Zhuge Xiang only hesitated for a moment before nodding. He took a few steps back, distancing himself from the range of the Yuenyeung Sabers.
Decide the winner in three moves? Upon hearing the conversation between Zhuge Xiang and Yuan Kai, the onlookers below began discussing the matter. After the intense battle with Ji Wuxue, now Zhuge Xiang wanted to determine the outcome in just three moves? It seemed that even in his injured state, Zhuge Xiang was prepared to unleash his full strength. The battle was about to become truly exhilarating. However, many people secretly speculated how many moves Zhuge Xiang could withstand against Yuan Kai.
"Yuenyeung Saber Technique, 18 Chain Cuts!" Yuan Kai's joy was evident upon hearing Zhuge Xiang's agreement. The most powerful move of the Yuenyeung Saber Technique was unleashed, slashing towards Zhuge Xiang with lightning speed. The relentless onslaught of the dual sabers intensified.
Three moves to determine the victor did not necessarily mean that a party had to defeat the other party within three moves. After all, it was too difficult. The objective was to either suppress the opponent or inflict severe injuries within three moves, making it challenging for them to recover or maintain their combat strength. In essence, the outcome depended on whose performance in these three moves was superior.
"Bang, bang, bang…" Faced with Yuan Kai's eighteen consecutive slashes, Zhuge Xiang staggered backward. He wielded the Blood Refined Saber in his hand, doing his best to block the opponent's attacks. Dealing with the onslaught was draining, exacerbating Zhuge Xiang's injuries. He grunted, his face turning pale, and a trickle of blood escaped from the corner of his mouth.
Seeing that Zhuge Xiang was reaching his limit, Yuan Kai's Yuenyeung Saber danced even faster. "Secret technique, Mountain Breaking Strike."
Seeing Zhuge Xiang's injuries resurface, Yuan Kai unleashed his martial arts technique, instantly amplifying his combat power. With the sound of rushing wind, Yuan Kai's saber transformed into a devastating saber light. It was evident that he intended to use this move to secure an instant victory.
Frost Headband. Witnessing this incoming move, Yuan Kai, eager for a swift triumph, sought to win in an instant. Driven by his desire for victory, he loosened his vigilance and activated the Frost Headband's speed reduction effect.
"It's here…" Lei Potian, Ling Wufeng, and Lu Yuling narrowed their eyes upon noticing Yuan Kai's sudden decrease in speed. They had witnessed this move before. Zhuge Xiang possessed an enigmatic ability that instantly diminished his opponent's speed. However, the method behind it remained unknown. The mysterious aspect intrigued them the most.
Bloodthirst Technique!
The opportunity had come. Zhuge Xiang was naturally very decisive. The moment he activated the Frost Headband function, he activated the Bloodthirst Technique. All his attributes instantly increased by 50%. Sharp Qi Force suddenly emanated from his body. However, at this moment, Yuan Kai's Mountain Shattering Strike arrived in front of Zhuge Xiang.
"Zhuge Xiang lost…" Many people shook their heads secretly.
Although the Frost Headband's effect instilled caution, the sheer power of the Mountain Shattering Strike was overwhelming. Coupled with Yuan Kai's cultivation at the third level of the Qi Nourishing stage, Zhuge Xiang had no time to hurriedly activate the Blood Lightning Slash, even with the Bloodthirst Technique. He simply lacked the means to defend against Yuan Kai's valiant attack.
Yuan Kai's strongest attack. In terms of destructive power, even Zhuge Xiang might not be able to block it when he activated the Blood Lightning Slash with the Bloodthirst Technique.
Although Zhuge Xiang had exerted himself to the fullest in the final moment, he still lacked the strength to block Yuan Kai's attack. Thus, everyone believed that Zhuge Xiang would undoubtedly lose. However, Lu Yuling had been observing Zhuge Xiang closely and suspected that he was putting on an act. It seemed improbable for Zhuge Xiang to be defeated so easily after his explosive display.
Ding!
There was a crisp sound of metal colliding. Zhuge Xiang held the Blood Refining Blade in his right hand and waved it left and right. A dagger had appeared in his palm at some point in time. The fierce mountain-breaking attack was easily blocked by Zhuge Xiang's dagger, the Blocking Blade.
Impossible!
Even Lei Potian had to temporarily evade his most powerful assault. Yet, Zhuge Xiang, a practitioner at the second level of the Qi Nourishing stage, had hastily blocked it with a dagger. This caused Yuan Kai to widen his eyes in disbelief.
Likewise, Lei Potian, Ling Wufeng, as well as Hua Nongying and Ji Wuxue, who were below the stage, also widened their eyes at this moment. The successful block was incredibly unexpected. It was akin to a lion exerting its full force only to be effortlessly stopped by a goat.
"Is this his trump card? How did he do it?" Even Lu Yuling, who was very confident in Zhuge Xiang, had a look of confusion on his face.
Despite his cultivation being at the second level of the Qi Nourishing stage, he effortlessly thwarted the strongest martial technique of a disciple at the third level of the Qi Nourishing stage. This completely defied everyone's expectations.
Would Zhuge Xiang's attack falter due to the astonishment of others? Clearly not. Just as the Blocking Blade successfully hindered Yuan Kai's assault, Zhuge Xiang's Blood Refined Blade struck the opponent's chest. Blood sprayed, a few ribs were fractured, and a gruesome knife wound appeared on Yuan Kai's chest. This bloody scene elicited screams from many disciples who had just arrived at the Asura Sect.
Asura Sect was a sinister sect. Even if they met their demise in the arena, it was solely due to their lack of skill. Today's competition had already claimed the lives of at least a hundred disciples. Prior to becoming official disciples, the sect had imparted a profound lesson to everyone. Asura Sect was not a place where righteous sects could blissfully pursue the cultivation of the Great Dao.
"I admit defeat!" Intense pain coursed through Yuan Kai's chest, prompting him to react. He had mistakenly believed that his opponent had lost focus after blocking his attack. Realizing his error, Yuan Kai hastily uttered the words of surrender.
If his opponent did not admit defeat, Zhuge Xiang would have ruthlessly killed him until he was incapacitated or dead. He had no intention of being so merciful as to suffer a miserable failure. However, since his opponent had admitted defeat, there was no need for Zhuge Xiang to deliver the killing blow. He ceased his assault.
"Ding! You have defeated a disciple at the third level of the Qi Nourishing stage. You have received 142 EXP and an EXP scroll."