Chapter 15: Da Cai's First Fight
The day of the Outer Sect Disciple Competition had finally arrived. Da Cai stood among the throng of disciples, the tension in the air almost palpable. Though he was still stuck at the peak of the first stage of Muscle Refinement, his relentless efforts in cultivating both Body and Spirit Qi had given him the edge to contend with weaker second-stage Muscle Refinement opponents.
The elder overseeing the competition stood at the front, his voice commanding as he addressed the participants.
"The rules are simple," he began. "All Outer Disciples will face each other in one-on-one battles. Three hundred matches will be conducted daily until each disciple has fought one match. This process will continue until only ten participants remain. The final ten will compete in a battle royale outside the sect's perimeters."
The crowd erupted into murmurs of excitement and anxiety. Da Cai and his friends huddled together, cheering each other on.
"Do your best!" Lian Hua said, her sharp wit replaced by genuine encouragement.
The first few matches went by quickly. Then, the name of Da Cai's usually silent friend, Feng Yi, was called. Da Cai watched intently as Feng Yi stepped into the ring. His opponent, a muscular disciple at the second stage of Muscle Refinement, smirked confidently.
The fight began with a flurry of strikes from the opponent, but Feng Yi moved with precision and calmness. His analytical nature was evident as he exploited openings in his opponent's technique. As the battle progressed, it became clear that Feng Yi had reached the peak of the second stage of Muscle Refinement. With a decisive strike enhanced by his mastery of spiritual Qi, Feng Yi ended the match, earning a roar of approval from the spectators.
"I didn't know he was that strong," Ren Zhen muttered, impressed.
Soon after, Da Cai's name was announced. He stepped into the ring, his heart pounding but his resolve unshaken. His opponent was introduced as Zhang Tai, a fellow first-stage Muscle Refinement cultivator who specialized in Spirit Qi with an Earth affinity. Zhang Tai's battle method was heavily focused on defense, with a unique technique that reflected a portion of damage back to his opponent.
The fight began with a clash of brute force. Da Cai lunged forward, combining his physical strength with bursts of Spirit Qi. Zhang Tai stood his ground, his defensive technique absorbing and reflecting some of Da Cai's strikes. The exchange was grueling, each blow leaving both combatants visibly fatigued.
Da Cai's dual-path cultivation proved to be his advantage. While Zhang Tai relied solely on his defensive battle technique, Da Cai's Body Cultivation gave him the stamina to endure, and his Spirit Qi techniques allowed him to chip away at Zhang Tai's defenses. The fight dragged on, with both fighters pushed to their limits. In the end, it was Da Cai's unrelenting endurance that secured his victory.
As Zhang Tai fell to his knees, unable to continue, the crowd erupted in applause. Da Cai extended a hand to his fallen opponent, helping him to his feet. Though exhausted, he felt a surge of pride. His efforts had paid off, and he had proven himself in his first battle.
Returning to his friends, Da Cai was met with cheers and pats on the back.
"That was incredible!" Shi Lang exclaimed.
"You lasted longer than anyone expected," Lian Hua added with a grin.
Da Cai smiled, his confidence growing. The competition was far from over, but he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.