Chapter 17: Feng Yi
The Outer Sect Disciple Competition continued to whittle down the ranks. The intensity of the battles grew with each passing day, and while Da Cai was steadily advancing, his friends were beginning to struggle.
Lian Hua's Battle
Lian Hua stepped into the ring, her opponent a second-stage Muscle Refinement cultivator named Meng Xiu, known for his quick strikes and sharp reflexes. Though Lian Hua's wit and resourcefulness shone in her battle, Meng Xiu's superior cultivation and combat experience proved too much. Despite her best efforts, she was ultimately overwhelmed, and the referee called the match in favor of Meng Xiu.
After the match, Lian Hua returned to the group, her face flushed but her spirit unbroken. "Guess that's it for me," she said with a wry smile. "But I gave him a run for his money."
Shi Lang's Turn
Shi Lang's cheerful demeanor did little to hide his nerves as he entered the ring. His opponent, Wei Dong, was a brute of a fighter who relied on raw strength to overpower his enemies. Shi Lang attempted to use his agility and humor to throw Wei Dong off balance, dodging strikes and delivering counterattacks. However, Wei Dong's sheer power eventually caught up with him. A crushing blow sent Shi Lang sprawling, and the match was declared over.
"Well, that didn't go as planned," Shi Lang joked as he limped back to the group. "At least I'm still good at making people laugh."
Ren Zhen's Battle
Ren Zhen entered his match with determination etched on his face. His opponent, a second-stage Muscle Refinement cultivator named Yu Lin, was a tactician who combined moderate strength with exceptional technique. Ren Zhen relied on his brute force and endurance to push through, but Yu Lin's precision strikes gradually wore him down. Despite his best efforts, Ren Zhen was unable to land the decisive blow he needed, and the match ended in Yu Lin's favor.
"I'll get him next time," Ren Zhen grumbled, wiping sweat from his brow as he rejoined the group. "He was slippery, I'll give him that."
Feng Yi Stands Strong
Amidst the defeats, Feng Yi—the silent and analytical member of the group—continued to impress. His precise movements and calculated strikes earned him another victory, propelling him further in the competition. While the others lamented their losses, Feng Yi remained stoic, offering quiet encouragement to his friends.
Da Cai Reflects
Watching his friends' battles left Da Cai with a mix of emotions. He admired their resolve and camaraderie but felt the weight of the competition's challenges. Though they had fallen short of the top 900, their determination inspired him to push forward.
"Feng Yi's still in," Da Cai thought, glancing at his silent friend. "I'll fight harder, not just for myself but for all of us."
With each match, Da Cai's focus sharpened. The competition was far from over, and as the number of contestants dwindled, the stakes grew higher. Together with Feng Yi, he prepared to face the battles yet to come.