Chapter 9 - an opportunity
Han's words were like a splash of cold water, dousing Ryujin's enthusiasm and bringing him back to reality. "Like he could read Ryujin's mind," Han said with serenity, his voice calm and collected. "But all that are just wishful thinking. Because no matter how hard the lower ranks try, it's not easy to fight opponents that are higher than you in rank." Han's eyes seemed to bore into Ryujin's soul, as if daring him to disagree. "The final winner of the competition is definitely going to be among the ninth heaven realm of Qi gathering level."
Han started walking away, his parting words a mixture of advice and warning. "It's better to focus on our job and work diligently. You should go home early and get some rest." His tone was dismissive, implying that Ryujin didn't stand a chance in the competition.
Ryujin grabbed Han's shoulder, his grip firm but not aggressive. "Wait, where are they signing up?" he asked, his face set in a serious expression. His eyes burned with determination, and his jaw was set in a firm line.
Han looked at him suspiciously, his eyes narrowing slightly. "At the Righteous Qi Hall," he replied, his voice cautious.
Ryujin's eyes gleamed with gratitude, and he nodded his thanks. "Thanks for the information," he said, his voice sincere.
Han's expression turned skeptical, and he raised an eyebrow. "Wait, but why are you asking about it? Hopefully, you're not thinking of signing up with your weak cultivation, are you?" His tone was mocking, and his words were laced with disdain.
Ryujin avoided the question, his tone light and nonchalant. "Sorry, but I've got to go. Goodbye, I'll see you later." He smiled, but his eyes didn't quite match the curve of his lips.
Han's reply was equally casual, but his eyes lingered on Ryujin's face for a moment longer. "Okay, goodbye."
As Ryujin walked away, his thoughts turned inward. "This is a really good opportunity that I can't miss at all. But the system is only like a repelling factor for demons, and it does nothing to other cultivators. That's where the problem comes from – because I can't be harmed by demons, but the same can't be said for cultivators or humans, to be precise."
Ryujin's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the possibilities. "I could still get seriously injured from fighting other cultivators, or I could even die. But with everything I've gotten from the system so far, I should be able to defeat cultivators that are still at the Qi gathering realm. Even if I'm only at the third heaven realm of Qi gathering."
Ryujin decided to check his skills window from the system.
SKILLS:
- Copper Skin-Iron Bones (Mastered)
- Iron Cloth (Mastered)
- Illusion Vision
- Strength of Nine Bulls and Two Tigers
Ryujin felt a surge of confidence. With his four skills, he should be able to easily come out on top in the competition. And he had three days to get stronger.
The competition commenced in three days. With this thought, Ryujin clenched his fist, and yellow and red energy started appearing around his forearm due to his determination. His eyes blazed with a fierce inner light, and his jaw was set in a firm line.
Unbeknownst to Ryujin, Han was still watching him, a glint of curiosity in his eyes. Han's expression was thoughtful, and he seemed to be reevaluating Ryujin's potential.
"The highest limit of strength for the ninth heaven realm of Qi gathering is 9,000 jin," Ryujin thought, his mind racing with the possibilities. "But I think I have up to 25,000 jin of immense strength. I have to get into that competition. Fortune favors the bold."
Han's eyes widened in surprise as he watched Ryujin walk away with a determined look on his face. "When did this kid become so cool? Is he crazy?" Han muttered to himself, shaking his head in a mixture of confusion and concern.
Han called out to Ryujin, trying to get his attention. "Hey, are you being bewitched by demons and monsters?" But Ryujin was already too far away, and Han's words fell on deaf ears.
Han tried running out of the prison to catch up with Ryujin and stop him from going to sign up for the competition. However, when he emerged from the prison, Ryujin had already run a significant distance. Han's eyes scanned the horizon, but Ryujin was nowhere to be seen.
Han thought to himself, "This kid, when did he become so agile? He's like a different person." Han realized he couldn't catch up to Ryujin, so he decided to look for another way to persuade him.
"I'll check the manual to find something to persuade you," Han said to himself, pulling out a piece of paper. He began to flip through the pages, searching for any information that might help him change Ryujin's mind.
Meanwhile, at the Righteous Qi Hall, a guard held a flag that read "Registration," while other guards stood nearby, holding spears. A man sat at a table, writing down the names of participants. A long line of people waited in front of him, all eager to sign up for the competition.
The man looked up at the next person in line, his face tired. "What's your name?" he asked, his voice monotone.
A young lad stepped forward confidently. "I'm Hu Banqing, and my cultivation level is the ninth heaven realm of Qi gathering. I'm from the seventh squad of demon hunters."
The crowd began to murmur among themselves. "So that's Hu Banqing. I heard he single-handedly killed an iron armor zombie," someone said, their voice filled with awe.
Another person added, "What? Isn't that something that only an internal energy realm cultivator can do? He's only at the ninth heaven realm of Qi gathering. I think he's the perfect candidate to be promoted to a yellow-ranked demon hunter."
Someone else chimed in, "And the descendant of the White Horse with a shiny silver spear, Bai Ma Ming, is also participating in the competition." The crowd began to buzz with excitement, all speculating about the outcome of the competition.
A voice filled with regret spoke up, "Ah, if I had known he was coming, I wouldn't have come." The crowd erupted in laughter, and the atmosphere became more relaxed.
The man at the table wrote down Hu Banqing's name. "Next person, please," he demanded, his voice firm but polite. The line moved forward, and the next person stepped up to register.
As the registration process continued, the crowd grew larger, and the atmosphere became more electric. Everyone was eager to see who would emerge victorious in the competition, and the tension was palpable.
A guy with long, silky hair pushed through the crowd and approached the man at the table. "I'm Ye Xuan, I'm at the seventh realm of Qi gathering, and I'm from the squad trainee demon hunter," he declared, his voice firm and confident.
The man at the table raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by Ye Xuan's bold declaration. "Seventh heaven realm of Qi gathering? Are you sure you want to register?" he asked, his tone laced with skepticism and a hint of amusement.
Ye Xuan nodded confidently, his eyes shining with determination. "Yes, I'm sure I want to register," he replied, his voice unwavering.
The crowd erupted into murmurs and snickers, with some people laughing outright. "Is he serious? Seventh heaven realm of Qi gathering daring to participate in the martial arts competition for the position of a yellow-ranked demon hunter? Has this kid not woken up yet?" someone jeered, their voice dripping with disdain.
Another person chimed in, "Hahaha, another foolish dreamer has appeared! Does he think he can just waltz in here and compete with the big boys?"
A third person added, "Even I, at the eighth heaven realm of Qi gathering, didn't dare register for the contest. This kid surely doesn't know his limits. He's just going to get himself killed."
Ye Xuan's face reddened with anger, his eyes flashing with indignation. "These narrow-minded people! If victory is solely based on cultivation level, why not just display your cultivation level and get the position? Why bother making a contest?" he retorted, his voice rising in frustration.
One of the onlookers, an eighth heaven realm cultivator, shot back, "They lack the courage to challenge themselves but mock others. Truly arrogant. You think you're some kind of genius just because you're brave enough to sign up?"
Just then, a voice rang out from the crowd. "I have self-awareness, unlike a certain someone who lacks insight," Ryujin said, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
The crowd turned to see Ryujin, who was grinning and giving Ye Xuan a thumbs-up. "Brother Ye is right, I wholeheartedly agree," Ryujin said, his voice filled with enthusiasm.
Ye Xuan's face lit up with a smile, clearly grateful for Ryujin's support. "Thanks for the support, brother!" he exclaimed.
Ryujin continued, "Brother Ye's courage is truly admirable. I'm truly inspired. We should support each other and show these people what we're capable of!" The crowd began to buzz with excitement, and Ye Xuan's confidence grew.
The man at the table looked up at Ye Xuan, a hint of surprise still on his face. "Alright, Ye Xuan, you're registered. But don't say I didn't warn you." He handed Ye Xuan a small, intricately carved wooden token. "This is your registration token. Don't lose it."
Ye Xuan took the token, his eyes shining with excitement. "I won't, thank you!" he exclaimed, before turning to Ryujin and grinning. "Let's do this, brother!"