"142 EXP? In other words, despite both being at the third level of the Qi Nourishing stage, Yuan Kai is slightly weaker than Ji Wuxue?" Zhuge Xiang pondered to himself upon hearing the mechanical notification from the system in his mind. If he were to be honest with himself, it was indeed the case.
While Zhuge Xiang's victory was largely attributed to his acting, which caused the opponent to lower their guard, Yuan Kai was still a formidable contender who had made it to the top eight. He possessed great strength, but when compared to Ji Wuxue, he appeared to be slightly weaker.
In Zhuge Xiang's estimation, Ji Wuxue's power had already approached the level of Lu Yuling and the others. Throughout the battle, he was the only one who had inflicted serious injuries upon Zhuge Xiang.
"He… He won… He actually defeated Yuan Kai… and advanced to the top four?" The sudden surge of power that vanquished Yuan Kai left the audience below the stage dumbfounded. Another three-move agreement, followed by an unexpected burst of power, resulting in an improbable reversal.
"This… Is he a martial genius? He has only been cultivating Qi Force for half a month…" The other exceptional disciples gazed at Zhuge Xiang in astonishment.
The recent surge of power had mysteriously reduced Yuan Kai's speed. Furthermore, a simple dagger effortlessly blocked Yuan Kai's formidable attack. All of this deeply astonished them. If someone had claimed that Zhuge Xiang was fortunate to have reached the top eight and encountered disciples at the second level of the Qi Nourishing stage, such remarks were no longer heard. Zhuge Xiang had proven himself through his strength. He truly deserved a place in the top four.
"He… He isn't injured at all…" Following Zhuge Xiang's surge of power and victory over Yuan Kai, he still appeared vibrant and unscathed. At this point, if they remained oblivious to his earlier act, they would all be fools. He wasn't injured? Had they been deceived by him?
"He's not injured? I see." Ji Wuxue, who was standing below the stage, nodded in understanding. He was in a good mood. Zhuge Xiang's advancement to the top four proved his strength. It was just that Ji Wuxue had lost to him.
"You're not injured?" Lei Potian and Ling Wufeng looked at Zhuge Xiang, who had achieved a complete victory on the stage. Fear flashed across their eyes. They had also been deceived by Zhuge Xiang's acting. If they were to fight against Zhuge Xiang in the top eight, would they underestimate him just because he was injured? If they underestimated him, would they be defeated?
"It seems that Zhuge Xiang has his own methods to heal his injuries." Ji Wuxue had been stabbed in the chest, which would normally result in severe injuries. Yet, at this moment, he appeared healed, indicating that the sect wouldn't be able to treat him. The outcome was quite obvious—he possessed his own means of treatment.
Despite everyone's shock, Zhuge Xiang maintained a calm expression. He carried the Blood Refined Saber on his back and, after the host announced his victory, descended from the dueling platform. He lowered his head to examine the EXP scroll in his hand, and a message naturally appeared.
EXP Scroll (Special Consumable): Increases EXP by 100. No other requirements.
"I can gain 100 EXP?" Zhuge Xiang was slightly taken aback upon reading the information on the EXP scroll. Then, he felt joy surge within him. After obtaining 142 EXP, he was only 60 EXP away from reaching the third level of the Qi Nourishing stage. Did this EXP scroll mean he could directly break through to the third level?
At the third level of the Qi Nourishing stage, Zhuge Xiang believed that he had more confidence in winning first place in the competition. However, Zhuge Xiang resisted the urge to use the EXP scroll.
Zhuge Xiang vividly remembered his last encounter with the Demon Fox. When he broke through, not only did his injuries heal, but all his negative states were also eliminated. In a duel, instant breakthroughs held greater value than immediate breakthroughs.
The top four positions had already been determined, and battles for the fifth to eighth places were also underway. After a few consecutive matches, all the rankings except those of the top four had been decided.
"The top four, Lei Potian, Ling Wufeng, Lu Yuling, and Zhuge Xiang. Which one of them will become the strongest?" When the host announced the start of the top four, the battle had already come to an end. However, the atmosphere was even more lively. Everyone's faces were filled with anticipation and excitement.
"I can't take it anymore. The battle between the top four is so exciting that I am trembling!" Some spectators' bodies trembled slightly due to their excitement. Nobody could figure out who would win amongst the top four candidates.
Lei Potian was one of the most outstanding geniuses. His Bloodthirst Technique had reached the Advanced level, making him the most aggressive contender among all the disciples.
Ling Wufeng's throwing knives were unstoppable and unpredictable. Throughout the competition, he had only needed one throwing knife to force his opponents back. His limits remained unknown, and his strength was truly unfathomable.
Lu Yuling, the most remarkable female genius disciple, seemed unremarkable at first glance, relying only on her Clear Wave Palm and a few sturdy threads. She possessed no extraordinary martial arts techniques or powerful Dharma artifacts. However, it was precisely because of this that she might have concealed her true depth. Even with just these abilities, she managed to secure a place in the top four, showcasing her strength.
Lastly, Zhuge Xiang had the least experience and had only comprehended Qi Force for half a month. However, after a series of battles, no one doubted his strength. He could be considered the biggest dark horse of this year's competition—so unexpectedly outstanding that he seemed to radiate a dark brilliance.
Despite being at the second level of the Qi Nourishing stage in terms of cultivation, he possessed the peculiar ability to diminish his opponent's attacks, effortlessly block their strikes, and wield the Bloodthirst Technique at an advanced level. Furthermore, he possessed the Blood Lightning Slash, a seemingly useless technique in a duel but with formidable attacking power. No one could be certain that this disciple at the second level of the Qi Nourishing stage would unquestionably be defeated.
No one knew who among the top four disciples was stronger or weaker. However, this very uncertainty heightened people's anticipation and curiosity.
Regarding Zhuge Xiang, there were rumors suggesting that he could only learn a single martial art. The sect staff clarified the situation, stating that Zhuge Xiang had indeed chosen the Blood Lightning Slash from the Martial Storage Pavilion. However, they were uncertain where he had learned the Bloodthirst Technique. It was possible that he had obtained it elsewhere during his training.
If anyone persisted in questioning Zhuge Xiang, the sect would promptly intervene, explaining that the restriction on martial arts practice was in place to prevent the wasteful cultivation of Qi Force. The gains would not outweigh the losses. As for Zhuge Xiang, being able to reach the second level of the Qi Nourishing stage in just half a month justified his ability to learn the Bloodthirst Technique. Such a justification silenced any further inquiries.
Some found it unbelievable that a disciple could achieve the second level of the Qi Nourishing stage in such a short time without comprehending Qi Force. Even Lei Potian and the others could not accomplish that, right?
Moreover, the mention of the Bloodthirst Technique sent shivers down everyone's spines. They were well aware of the dangers associated with it. Only a select few—Lei Potian, Ji Wuxue, and now Zhuge Xiang—had successfully cultivated it. How many would dare to delve into the Bloodthirst Technique?
Returning to the main topic, as the last four finalists concluded their duels, they noticed the approaching darkness in the sky. People exclaimed, "What's that? What's approaching?"
The black dot quickly expanded and soon appeared above the martial arts arena, leaving everyone astonished.
A massive black ship about a thousand feet long was suspended in the air above the martial arts arena. Its immense presence weighed heavily on people's minds. The ship resembled a colossal airborne beast, its warship-like form adorned with towering cannons and covered in intricate array formations. Gazing up, its sheer size exuded an unparalleled sense of pressure.
"The Asura Battleship. Even though I've seen it before, it's still awe-inspiring," Zhuge Xiang muttered, captivated by the ship's intimidating appearance in the sky.
The first time Zhuge Xiang encountered the Asura Battleship was when he joined the Asura Sect. The purpose of the battleship was straightforward: to transport disciples. Once the competition concluded, all disciples who successfully comprehended Qi Force would be transported by the Asura Battleship to the Asura Sect's headquarters, located deeper in the Endless Mountains.
As everyone marveled at the presence of the Asura Battleship, the host in the arena regained their attention. "Alright, this is the Asura Battleship of the Asura Sect. It has arrived to transport the disciples who have successfully comprehended Qi Force back to the headquarters. The battle has reached its most thrilling climax. Now, I announce that the top four battle has officially commenced: Lei Potian versus Zhuge Xiang."