Whether they supported Shen Mo or hoped for his defeat, at this moment, all eyes were on Shen Mo.
Or rather, on the piece of paper in his hand.
The Verdant Vine Sect leader was astonished. "A profound-grade spiritual weapon? No, it's a damaged profound-grade spiritual weapon."
Mo Yuheng's beautiful eyes sparkled with intrigue. "The Qingxuan Sect actually gave him a profound-grade spiritual weapon as a trump card?"
The Verdant Vine Sect leader shook his head. "Impossible. The Qingxuan Sect's profound-grade spiritual weapons were almost all destroyed, and the remaining few should be with their Golden Core stage cultivators. They wouldn't give one to a Foundation Establishment disciple."
"That item must be Shen Mo's own fortuitous encounter. Luck is also a part of strength."
Zhang Mo slammed her chair in cold fury.
That kid actually had a damaged profound-grade spiritual weapon!
Unbelievable!
If it weren't for that damaged profound-grade spiritual weapon, it would be Shen Mo lying on the ground now!
As for the Qingxuan Sect.
Zhao Rou's eyes were red as she was the first to shout out.
"He won!"
Zhao Ting and the other disciples also followed with a loud shout, "Shen Mo! He won!"
Even Murong Yue was moved.
Everyone had thought he would lose, but he won.
The stark contrast and the emotional rollercoaster made it hard for the Qingxuan Sect disciples to contain themselves.
Even she, a Golden Core stage cultivator, found it hard to control her emotions.
He won!
Her disciple defeated one of the Five Young Supremes, the Young Supreme of Thunder, and advanced to the third round!
Xiao Fan muttered, "Using a spiritual weapon, not his own strength, what's the big deal…"
Bam!
Luo Shengnan's massive fist struck his face.
Xiao Fan staggered, almost falling to the ground.
He clutched his cheek, glaring at his robust senior sister.
Then, he backed down.
Given her cultivation level and physique, she could easily crush him.
He didn't dare provoke Luo Shengnan.
He just hadn't expected her to hear his low muttering.
"Shen Mo fought with his life on the line up there, and here you are muttering insults. Have you no shame?" Luo Shengnan scolded.
Xiao Fan remained silent, clutching his face.
He didn't dare speak.
Deputy Sect Leader Liu Yuanfeng noticed the commotion and scolded, "What's going on? Attacking your fellow disciple in front of everyone, where's your sense of honor for the Qingxuan Sect?"
Murong Yue also said, "Shengnan, return to your seat."
"Yes." Luo Shengnan released Xiao Fan's collar, huffed, and returned to her seat.
This scene in the Qingxuan Sect's ranks also drew curious glances from nearby sects.
Was there really such discord within the Qingxuan Sect?
At this moment, on the martial stage, the presiding elder announced loudly, "Shen Mo versus Wan Renjie, Shen Mo wins!"
Luo Shengnan, Zhao Ting, Zhao Rou, and others jumped up, shouting, "Shen Mo, victory! Shen Mo, victory!"
Their voices were highly infectious.
Soon, teams from smaller sects around them joined in.
Then, the spectators who came for the excitement also joined the chant.
In an instant, the entire martial arena echoed with one name.
Shen Mo!
"Hmph!"
Zhang Mo snorted coldly, swishing her sleeves as she left.
Yin Xuege, Bai Ziyue, and other disciples of the Heavenly Water Sect stared fiercely at the proud figure on the stage.
Their eyes filled with shock and humiliation.
Especially Yin Xuege, who could hardly believe Shen Mo had defeated Wan Renjie.
The battle between Shen Mo and Wan Renjie concluded.
The second round of the Hundred Sect Ceremony also came to an end.
The sects and spectators began to leave.
However, as they left, almost everyone was discussing that battle.
After all, there wasn't much to say about the other matches.
Zhou Qingcang of the Divine Sword Sect, Hong Chilong of the Rising Sun Sect, and Mo Yuheng of the Verdant Vine Sect defeated their opponents in less than five rounds.
Only the match between Shen Mo and Wan Renjie was worth talking about.
And the city of Divine Sword was a martial city.
That day, the streets, alleys, and dining tables of the city were abuzz with discussions about Shen Mo's battle.
Some were envious, some admired, and some sneered…
Dragon Pavilion
Shen Mo was practically surrounded by the Qingxuan Sect's team as they returned to the Dragon Pavilion.
Along the way, Zhao Rou, Luo Shengnan, and the others chatted excitedly, creating a lively atmosphere.
Murong Yue kept glancing at Shen Mo, her lips curling into a gentle smile.
Midway through, Xiao Fan and Liu Yunxuan slipped away quietly.
Shen Mo noticed their movements from the corner of his eye and saw their life panels, pondering over it.
"Why is Xiao Fan's face swollen?" he asked casually.
Luo Shengnan proudly said, "I hit him! That guy said you only won against Wan Renjie because you relied on your weapon and not your own strength."
Zhao Ting scoffed, "How is a powerful weapon not part of one's strength? It's like saying Wan Renjie didn't have any powerful weapons."
"Right, I heard Wan Renjie had one too, but he didn't even have the chance to use it before Senior Brother Shen knocked him out." Zhao Rou giggled.
Shen Mo nodded slightly.
People like Wan Renjie and Yin Xuege, being among the Five Young Supremes of Xuanjiang, likely had life-saving trumps. However, they probably didn't want to use them under the watchful eyes of the audience. If everyone knew about their trumps, they wouldn't be trumps anymore.
"Master, why don't we find a restaurant to celebrate tonight?" Luo Shengnan suggested happily.
"Yes, we should celebrate! Two of our Qingxuan Sect members made it to the third round," Zhao Rou agreed.
In today's battles, Luo Shengnan lost, while Shen Mo and Liu Yunxuan won, so the Qingxuan Sect had two members advancing to the third round.
Murong Yue smiled and nodded, "Alright, let's go to Sleeping Phoenix Pavilion!"
Luo Shengnan's eyes widened, "That's the most luxurious restaurant in Divine Sword City! Master, you're the best!"
Shen Mo's heart stirred. Sleeping Phoenix Pavilion was precisely where Xiao Fan's opportunity lay. It was perfect timing to seize it.
Earlier, when Xiao Fan and Liu Yunxuan left, Shen Mo had noticed a new opportunity on Xiao Fan's life panel.
[Recent Opportunity: Feeling increasingly upset by midnight, Xiao Fan goes to Sleeping Phoenix Pavilion to drown his sorrows. He drinks the most exquisite Divine Phoenix Brew and gains insight from the Phoenix Rebirth painting in the pavilion, leading to the first layer of the fragmented Heaven-grade lower cultivation technique, Nine Suns Divine Phoenix Technique.]
"Xiao Fan's opportunities are far superior to those of Yin Xuege and Liu Yunxuan. I must seize this chance!"
Shen Mo nodded slightly.
...
That evening, at Sleeping Phoenix Pavilion.
Murong Yue led Shen Mo, Zhao Ting, Luo Shengnan, Zhao Rou, and Liu Yunxuan to the most luxurious restaurant in Divine Sword City.
The entrance was bustling with people.
The scent of wine and food filled the air, enticing the appetites of the patrons.
As the Qingxuan Sect team appeared, they immediately drew attention from all sides.
The first to catch the eye was the stunning beauty, Murong Yue.
Dressed in a gradient blue-purple palace dress, her perfect figure was accentuated flawlessly.
Compared to the enchanting Mo Yuheng, Murong Yue exuded a more mature and captivating charm.
After noticing Murong Yue, people quickly recognized the young figure in the team.
Shen Mo!
The very Shen Mo who had defeated the Young Supreme of Thunder, Wan Renjie, in the second round of the Hundred Sect Ceremony today!
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