The next round for the Mo Sect was against the Mystic Moon Sect.
Their core technique, known as the Mystic Lunar Technique, derives its name from the significant elements of "Mystic" and "Moonlight." This technique's efficiency doubles when performed under visible moonlight at night, while its power reaches terrifying heights during a lunar eclipse.
Among disciples from similar sects, it is widely regarded as unwise to engage in combat with a Mystic Moon disciple during an eclipse, further emphasizing the mystique surrounding this art.
Additionally, the technique can influence the emotional state of its users, as the eclipse may trigger berserk tendencies if emotions are not properly controlled. The Mystic Lunar Technique is often considered as occult art within the murim world.
Xiao chen Stepped to Stage, Mystic Moon Sect sent Qian Long, a 2nd core formation stage cultivator.
As the match began, Qian Long unleashed the Mystic Moonlight Strike, a devastating long-range energy beam channeled from concentrated moonlight. In response, Xiao Chen swiftly countered with his Heavenly Sword Strike, deflecting the beam, and followed up by combining Heavenly Steps with another Heavenly Sword Strike for an aggressive advance.
Though Qian Long had anticipated Xiao Chen's next move, he was unable to match Xiao Chen's blinding speed and was sent flying by the powerful attack. Rising to his feet, Qian Long quickly employed the Night Blooming Lotus, a deceptive technique that conjured illusory lotus flowers. Without the assistance of his AI, Xiao Chen would have struggled to differentiate the real attack from the illusions. As he dodged the barrage of lotus attacks, he was unexpectedly hit by Lunar Tide Arts, causing his Qi to destabilize and weaken his control over it.
The AI guided Xiao Chen through the next steps, helping him avoid disaster, as using techniques with unstable Qi could lead to overload or even internal injury. Despite the difficulty, Xiao Chen managed to execute the Heavenly Palm. Qian Long, caught off guard, hadn't expected Xiao Chen to counter after being struck by Lunar Tide Arts, a technique that usually left opponents unable to use their Qi for a brief period.
Seizing the opportunity during Qian Long's moment of hesitation, Xiao Chen struck decisively, sending his opponent out of the arena. The judge promptly declared Xiao Chen the winner.
Xiao Chen inquired with the AI, asking if it could analyze Qian Long's Mystic Lunar Technique
[Ding... Affirmative... Analysis of Mystic Lunar Technique - Mystic Moonlight Strike - 89%, Night Blooming Lotus - 60%, Lunar Tide - 70%, Others - unknown ]
[Ding... Saved to knowledge database]
To Xiao Chen, it had been a tough fight, even with the assistance of the AI—he had nearly lost. Three key factors contributed to his victory. First, the AI provided crucial support in analyzing and countering Qian Long's techniques. Second, his Golden Core was unique and purer than that of most cultivators, allowing him to resist the effects of the Lunar Tide Art more effectively than a regular cultivator. Lastly, Qian Long's overconfidence after executing the Lunar Tide Art led him to lower his guard, believing too strongly in the invincibility of his technique. Had it not been for this moment of complacency, Xiao Chen would likely have been the one to lose.
The disciples from the Mystic Moon Sect were filled with remorse, knowing they were on the verge of victory but ultimately lost in the final moments. The bitter taste of defeat lingered, especially after being so close to claiming triumph.
The fifth match for the Mo Sect was against the True Martial Sect, a highly respected sect among the lower ranks, known for its vast array of derived techniques rather than a singular core art. True Martial Sect sent out Yang Jie, a disciple at the 3rd layer of Core Formation, while Mo Sect fielded Zhou Tianchen.
Zhou Tianchen initiated the battle with his signature swordplay, Cherry Blossom Arts, starting with its 1st step. Yang Jie responded by summoning his True Martial Qi Shield, a technique renowned for absorbing and dissipating incoming attacks. Zhou Tianchen pressed forward, skillfully executing the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th steps of his swordplay in quick succession, but the shield remained unbroken.
Despite his relentless assault, Zhou Tianchen couldn't crack Yang Jie's formidable defense. When Zhou Tianchen finally withdrew his attacks, Yang Jie countered by using Silent Step to close the distance, following up with a powerful True Form Fist. Zhou Tianchen barely evaded using Whispering Breeze Step and countered with the 6th form of his Cherry Blossom Strike. Yet, Yang Jie's True Martial Qi Shield effortlessly blocked the attack.
Frustration mounted as Zhou Tianchen struggled to land a decisive blow, the battle dragging on with Yang Jie continually relying on his shield. Unable to hold back any longer, Zhou Tianchen taunted, "Why are you hiding in that turtle shell?"
Yang Jie laughed proudly, "Are you jealous of our shield art? Ha! We have the number one shield art!"
Zhou Tianchen smirked and responded, "Are you sure of that? Then try using your turtle shell to block this."
With a determined gaze, Zhou Tianchen unleashed the 10th step of his Cherry Blossom Sword Art. At first, The True Martial Qi Shield held strong, but suddenly, a visible crack formed. The shield shattered, and Yang Jie coughed up blood, overwhelmed by the backlash from his broken defense. Unable to withstand the damage, he fainted on the stage floor.
The judge declared Zhou Tianchen the winner.
Thus Mo sect secured 5 wins securing a pass to the semi-final round.
An expert who saw the matches of the Mo sect was interested in the Whispering Breeze Step technique.
He said to his fellow cultivator, "That's an interesting movement art. Though an inferior version, It reminds me of the 'Shengong' movement technique used by the infamous Spirit King Thief, Fei Ying, who terrorized the entire continent for ten years before vanishing. He was never seen again, even after the top powers of various kingdoms formed an alliance and searched for years, regrettably unable to catch him.
He was able to escape because of his movement technique, It is said that he possesses numerous treasures stolen from different regions of the world, all hidden away in a secret location. Whoever manages to acquire those treasures could become as wealthy as if they had got hands of two high realms world at once."
"That means Mo sect has a connection with Fei Ying," asked the other cautiously, he was wearing the Royal insignia of Verdant Sky Empire
"No ..not really, Fei Ying movement technique can be considered top grade movement technique unmatched in the same realm, This technique has the same prowess and a hint of essence of the Shengong technique.
There were numerous attempts to imitate Fei Ying's movement technique, This technique seems only one succeded in that" said the expert
After pondering "Shi Jian did Mo sect disciples use this technique in the previously held competition".
"It's highly unlikely. Though the Mo Sect was once among the top sects, it has declined and is now reduced to a mere third-rate sect. The only thing they can still take pride in is their past glory, all because of the losses they've suffered." said Shi Jian.
Most of the Sects are eliminated, Now there are only 4 sects eligible for the semi-final round.
The first semi-final showdown was True Martial Sect vs Asura Cloud Sect
Xiao Chen doesn't have a good opinion about the Asura Cloud Sect due to their bloody nature whereas the True Martial Sect has a Taoist nature.
Li Xuefeng 4th Core Formation stage cultivator from the True Martial Sect stepped onto the stage, facing Zhang Wei 3rd Core Formation stage cultivator from the fearsome Asura Cloud Sect. The air was tense as Zhang Wei immediately unleashed his signature move, Asura Blood Wave. A torrent of qi-infused blood surged toward Xuefeng, crashing with terrifying force. Not only did the wave cause physical damage, but its poisonous nature infiltrated his bloodstream, threatening to weaken him and leave him vulnerable.
Without hesitation, Li Xuefeng summoned the True Martial Qi Shield, the hallmark of his sect, successfully defending against the bloody assault. Wasting no time, Xuefeng used Silent Steps to close the distance between him and Zhang Wei, his movement swift and silent. In one fluid motion, he unleashed the True Form Fist, aiming for a decisive counterattack.
However, Zhang Wei responded with deadly precision, activating Scarlet Moon Devour. A sinister red aura enveloped Zhang Wei, and with it, he began to siphon Li Xuefeng's blood and vitality. Xuefeng felt his qi drain rapidly, his strength diminishing. His martial techniques were now a shadow of their full potential, leaving him vulnerable.
Sensing his disadvantage, Xuefeng attempted to retreat using Silent Steps once more, but Zhang Wei was relentless, closing the gap effortlessly. With a savage grin, Zhang Wei launched the Raging Hellfire Fist, his hands igniting with dark flames. Xuefeng raised his qi shield to block, but the draining effects of Scarlet Moon Devour had sapped too much of his strength. The shield faltered, and Zhang Wei's fist broke through, slamming into Xuefeng with brutal force.
Zhang Wei showed no mercy, his fists raining down in a barrage of Raging Hellfire Fists followed by the Vein Shattering Strike. The precise strikes targeted Xuefeng's vital veins and meridians, sending his qi into chaos. His internal energy spiraled out of control, his own qi turning against him, leading to violent ruptures within his body.
Bloodied and battered, Xuefeng was beaten into a pulp, his body barely holding together under the relentless assault. Using the last of his strength, he activated Silent Steps one final time, managing to escape Zhang Wei's merciless onslaught and creating enough distance to shout, "Surrendered!"
Li Xuefeng collapsed a broken mess. His injuries were severe, and the damage from the Vein Shattering Strike left his qi flow in utter disarray. Xiao Chen, watching from the sidelines, wasn't sure if Xuefeng would ever recover enough to practice martial arts again. The extent of the internal damage was too great—his future as a martial artist now hung by a thread.
Xiao Chen's sharp eyes caught Zhang Wei discreetly swallowing a crude, blood-red pill after the match. The first time he noticed it, he brushed it off, but now something felt off. Normally, warriors would take healing pills or panaceas to recover after a fierce battle—nothing unusual. However, as an accomplished alchemist, Xiao Chen had vast knowledge of medicinal pills, particularly those meant for healing.
This pill, however, seemed poorly refined, its rough appearance almost offensive to his alchemist's eye. The pill was so crude and unlike any other pill, that it stirred a flicker of disgust in him. Xiao Chen wondered if he was overanalyzing, maybe his alchemist's obsession with perfection making him scrutinize the pill too closely. If he were a bit nearer, his sharp senses could likely pick up the scent of the ingredients or, with the aid of his AI, even analyze it fully.
Still, he chose to set the thought aside for now. His match was approaching, and he needed his focus elsewhere.