"We've truly struck gold this year—a combat genius and an array puppet prodigy," the competition host commented with a smile as he watched the battle between Zhuge Xiang and Lu Yuling on the stage.
Although Lei Potian and the others were also exceptional, they paled in comparison to Zhuge Xiang and Lu Yuling at this moment.
This was particularly true for Lu Yuling, who possessed mind-reading abilities and displayed impressive talent in array formations. Encountering geniuses like Zhuge Xiang and Lu Yuling was a rare occurrence within the Asura Sect, happening only once every few years. To have two of them in the same year was beyond his expectations.
The fox-shaped puppet proved to be incredibly swift. In Zhuge Xiang's estimation, it was no different from the one-star medium-grade Demon Fox he encountered before. Furthermore, the puppet's material was remarkably sturdy, surpassing the Demon Fox's body in terms of resilience against attacks. With such an ally, Zhuge Xiang felt as though he was contending against two exceptional disciples simultaneously. If not for the fact that Violent Steps had no cooldown or energy consumption, he would have been defeated long ago.
Initially, with Zhuge Xiang's rapid movements and relentless attacks, Lu Yuling struggled to keep up, teetering on the verge of defeat. However, with the appearance of the mechanical puppet, the frequency of Zhuge Xiang's successful attacks on Lu Yuling naturally decreased. His assault became less intense, allowing Lu Yuling to evade them effortlessly.
20 seconds was a fleeting timeframe. Zhuge Xiang's Bloodthirst Technique only had that much time remaining. His expression turned completely serious, leaving no room for contemplation.
The fox-like mechanical puppet exhibited impressive speed and resilience. If he were to dismantle it first, those precious twenty seconds would have already elapsed, leaving him with no choice but to target Lu Yuling. However, with the mechanical puppet acting as a hindrance, Zhuge Xiang had limited opportunities to strike at her.
"It seems I have no other option but to abandon all defenses," Zhuge Xiang swiftly made up his mind. He retrieved a pill from his possession and placed it in his mouth. It was the Blood Recovery Pill that he had never utilized before.
[Health Recovery Pill: No level requirement, Provides continuous HP recovery, HP Recovery rate: 10 per second, Duration: 10 seconds.]
Employing the Violent Steps, Zhuge Xiang lunged towards Lu Yuling. The Blood Refined Saber in his grip transformed into a flurry of dense saber beams that swept across the area. Despite Lu Yuling's attempts to evade, Zhuge Xiang's relentless attacks persisted under the influence of the Violent Steps. It was as if he was going all out.
The puppet naturally pursued Zhuge Xiang, attempting to bite him and push him back. However, at this moment, Zhuge Xiang chose not to evade. He endured the puppet's assault and continued swinging the Blood Refined Saber…
"What?! Is Zhuge Xiang out of his mind?" Niu Geng's eyes widened. Though he could barely discern Zhuge Xiang's movements, Niu Geng could still perceive that Zhuge Xiang had withstood the puppet's attack.
"So ruthless…" Hua Nongying, Ling Wufeng, and the others widened their eyes slightly upon witnessing Zhuge Xiang's willingness to risk his life. He had forsaken all defense and disregarded the mechanical puppet's onslaught solely to defeat Lu Yuling. This level of ruthlessness was truly astonishing. He was merciless towards others, but even more so towards himself.
"He truly is a ruthless individual." Ji Wuxue wasn't particularly surprised by this scene. Having faced Zhuge Xiang in battle, he had already grasped the extent of Zhuge Xiang's ruthlessness. Under the threat of his own life, Zhuge Xiang didn't consider retreat but fought fiercely until the end. Ji Wuxue had already recognized this unyielding aspect of Zhuge Xiang's character.
The mechanical puppet's attacks remained potent. With each strike, Zhuge Xiang could feel his health points decreasing by 17. However, Zhuge Xiang paid no mind to this. Attack, attack relentlessly. That was his primary concern now…
Zhuge Xiang possessed 130 HP and 100 Blood Recovery Pills. With the added benefit of the Blood Refined Saber's life-stealing effect, Zhuge Xiang fought with a total of 230 HP for the remaining 20 seconds. Considering the defense provided by the Star Chasing Boots and the Frost Headband, as well as the 50% defense bonus from the Bloodthirst Technique, he should be able to withstand the mechanical puppet's onslaught for 20 seconds, right?
Huff huff…
The saber moved like flowing blood, dancing with the wind. Despite never having learned any intricate saber techniques, in the realm of martial arts, swiftness alone was invincible. When one's speed reached its apex, even the simplest slash became incredibly fearsome.
Zhuge Xiang's ferocity elicited a strange expression from Lu Yuling. Though she could read minds, Zhuge Xiang's high-speed attacks made it impossible for her body to keep up with his assault. Even with the presence of the mechanical puppet, Zhuge Xiang's disregard for defense at this moment did not significantly hinder him…
"What's happening? Why is he still so energetic?" Lu Yuling was contending with whether she could withstand Zhuge Xiang's blood saber or if she would be defeated by his mechanical puppet first. Lu Yuling was well aware of this. However, after some time, she was on the verge of exhaustion, while Zhuge Xiang appeared to be tireless. This surprised and perplexed Lu Yuling. Considering the injuries inflicted upon Zhuge Xiang by the mechanical puppet, he should not have been able to endure any longer.
"This is…" In her bewilderment, Lu Yuling noticed numerous wounds on Zhuge Xiang's body. Despite being drenched in blood, upon closer inspection, she observed these wounds healing at a visibly rapid rate. Her eyes widened in response. Then, she recalled the pills Zhuge Xiang had consumed and felt somewhat helpless. Where did he obtain such potent healing pills?
Amidst the swift movements of the Violent Steps, Zhuge Xiang's act of ingesting a pill might have gone unnoticed by others, but Lu Yuling could read minds. She had not expected Zhuge Xiang to possess such a powerful healing pill…
One slash followed another, as dense as a storm. Zhuge Xiang then activated the Frost Headband's speed reduction effect. Finally, under Zhuge Xiang's relentless attacks, Lu Yuling crumbled. Her defense and evasion completely collapsed beneath the onslaught of fierce and unyielding strikes.
With a swift movement of the blood saber, Zhuge Xiang positioned the Blood Refined Saber horizontally at Lu Yuling's neck. The Blood Refined Saber was both vicious and razor-sharp. With the slightest force, Lu Yuling's lovely head would be severed.
Time seemed to have stopped at this moment. Lu Yuling and Zhuge Xiang's bodies stopped. Even the movements of the mechanical puppet ceased. The battle that had been incredibly fast-paced and intense transformed into sudden silence.
Looking at the Blood Refined Saber on his neck, Lu Yuling smiled calmly and admitted defeat. As Lu Yuling admitted defeat, Zhuge Xiang heaved a long sigh of relief. Then, the system notification sounded in his mind.
"Ding! You have defeated Lu Yuling, who is at the fourth level of the Qi Nourishing stage. You have earned 200 EXP and a skill."
"Ding! The effect of the Bloodthirst Technique has automatically turned off. You have fallen into a weakened state. All attributes have decreased by 80%. Duration: 2 days."
The system notification caused Zhuge Xiang's eyes to widen slightly. Fourth level of the Qi Nourishing stage? Lu Yuling had actually reached the fourth level of the Qi Nourishing stage? Zhuge Xiang had not anticipated this. He had always assumed she was at the third level of the Qi Nourishing stage. However, as the Bloodthirst Technique dissipated, an unprecedented exhaustion washed over him, almost causing Zhuge Xiang to lose his balance.
Under the assault of the mechanical puppets, the clothing on his body was in tatters. He resembled a beggar who had forsaken all defense, leaving Zhuge Xiang's body covered in wounds. More than half of his form was drenched in blood. Coupled with his weakened state, compared to Lu Yuling's injuries, Zhuge Xiang appeared even more wretched. As the victor, his wounds surpassed even those of Lu Yuling.
However, as the host walked onto the stage and announced that he had obtained the first place in the competition, the people below still erupted with their own cheers, cheering for him.
The champion of the competition could be considered the strongest among this year's 100,000 disciples. He had emerged from the sea of 100,000 disciples and reached the pinnacle. This was a moment of glory. The wounds on his body and his disheveled appearance were evidence of his victory. That exhilarating battle and his ruthlessness had thoroughly captivated everyone. Undoubtedly, he stood in first place…
The big competition had finally come to an end. The top ten participants of the big competition were all standing on the arena. Seventeen prizes were placed in front of everyone, making the people below envious.
Zhuge Xiang, the first-place winner, had the highest priority to choose. Moreover, he was entitled to select five prizes for himself. However, Zhuge Xiang did not rush to make his choices. Instead, he turned to Lu Yuling and inquired about her preferences. Lu Yuling did not hesitate and pointed out a secret manual for the Wave-like Steps, first-grade Dharma artifacts like protective inner armor and a ring.
"Oh? Isn't the most valuable item the storage belt? Don't you need it?" Zhuge Xiang asked in surprise, observing Lu Yuling's selection.
Lu Yuling turned and calmly smiled. "How did you obtain my mechanical puppet? It's quite large. I already possess a storage belt."
"In that case, I won't stand on ceremony," Zhuge Xiang nodded, realizing the situation, and proceeded to make his choices.
The storage belt was the most practical and precious item. Zhuge Xiang wasted no time and put it into his bag. There was also a certificate, which he also stored in his bag. This certificate allowed for the enhancement of Dharma artifacts' quality. With it, he could visit a blacksmith at the Asura Sect headquarters and upgrade the quality of one of his Dharma artifacts for free.
To be honest, Zhuge Xiang's needs were relatively limited. Martial arts and Dharma artifacts could be obtained by defeating opponents. However, he would not decline the opportunity to claim all five prizes. Zhuge Xiang then selected another Dharma artifact, a cloak, and examined it carefully. He also chose a Yin Gu Pot and a martial art technique known as the Five Poison Palm. Niu Geng possessed extensive knowledge of poisons, making these two items the most suitable for him.
Among the available prizes, the Five Poison Palm and the Yin Gu Pot were considered less valuable. Witnessing Zhuge Xiang's choices, everyone naturally felt content. Lu Yuling stored away the three prizes he had already chosen. Regarding Zhuge Xiang's decisions, he merely smiled calmly and remained silent. He understood precisely why Zhuge Xiang had chosen the Yin Gu Pot and the Five Poison Palm.
Subsequently, the others approached one by one to claim their rewards. Ling Wufeng, in third place, chose two prizes, while Lei Potian, wearing a gloomy expression, selected one prize. The remaining participants each chose one prize. The seventeen rewards were swiftly distributed, officially concluding the competition…