Chapter 269 - 242: Grudges Settled (Part 2)

Chapter 269: Chapter 242: Grudges Settled (Part 2)

In contrast, the atmosphere on the Spirit Dragon Sect’s side was much more somber.

Almost no one had expected that, under those circumstances, Tang Chen would still be killed by Yu Changsheng. The implications of this were...

"A bunch of paper tigers, that’s all."

Watching the scene, Li Minghan shook his head and chuckled softly. ’The thought had suddenly flashed through his mind.’ After a period of silence, Mo Pengchen and Mu Yongxian, who were on the high platform, finally spoke again.

"The previous match, due to a personal grudge between the participants, will not be counted as part of the competition between our two sects. That is why we did not intervene. The upcoming matches will be considered the official contests between our disciples."

"Let this matter be put to rest. There is no need for further discussion. For the rest of the competition, both sects should continue to do their best, compete well, and maintain a friendly atmosphere. Any actions that endanger a participant’s life are strictly forbidden. The two of us will act as supervisors to prevent any such incidents."

"We will now take a one-day break. The competition will resume tomorrow!"

After they finished speaking, it took a long moment before everyone seemed to wake from a dream. No one said anything more, but the memory of that battle was now buried deep in their hearts, impossible to erase.

Tang Chen’s desperation and Yu Changsheng’s ferocity were seared into their minds.

’Looks like this competition just got a little more interesting... and unpredictable...’

The bright moon hung high in the sky. When it suddenly broke through a thick layer of clouds, moonlight spilled down like water, shimmering with a silver glow, a fine gauze draping over Beast Taming Peak.

At night, the lights of the Wanxiang Sect were few and far between. It was utterly silent, as cultivators everywhere were busy with their training. That night, many tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

In Yu Changsheng’s residence, a candle flame flickered.

"Whew... I’ve finally recovered completely. Peak Master Mo is a straightforward person, I’ll give him that."

Yu Changsheng exhaled. As he stretched his limbs, a feeling of comfort washed over his entire body, and he couldn’t help but let out a soft groan.

Looking at the now-empty Pill Bottle in his hand, Yu Changsheng smiled faintly.

"One Life-Returning Pill and one Spiritual Autumn Pill. Not bad."

The effect of the Life-Returning Pill was undeniable. Although Yu Changsheng’s injuries had been severe, the elixir was more than enough to treat them. In fact, he had only used half of it to return his body to its Peak Status.

He fed the remaining half to his Spirit Beast, which also recovered from its injuries. As for the other elixir, the Spiritual Autumn Pill, it was also a Third-Grade Elixir. Though its value was considerably less than the Life-Returning Pill’s, it was still quite precious.

Its effect was also simple: it accelerated the rate at which a Foundation Establishment Cultivator could solidify their Spirit Platform. In this regard, it had a similar function to the Condensation Platform Pill, though its effects weren’t nearly as astonishing.

’Is this his way of compensating me?’

Yu Changsheng muttered to himself. He understood that this was Mo Pengchen’s way of expressing his apology. For various reasons, he had been unable to intervene at the time, so he could only use this method to compensate Yu Changsheng afterward and make his stance clear.

After all, when Tang Chen had erupted with power comparable to the Foundation Establishment Eighth Layer, his combat strength had been enough to terrify everyone. The danger was immense, and the risk of death was ever-present.

And for a disciple to die right in front of the Peak Master on Beast Taming Peak itself... that would have had a considerable impact on Mo Pengchen’s reputation.

Fortunately, Yu Changsheng had won. Now the headache belonged to the Spirit Dragon Sect.

’Oh well. I’m not far from the Foundation Establishment Fifth Layer anyway. My Cultivation has improved after that battle. If I had to face Tang Chen again, I probably wouldn’t have been in such a sorry state.’

Sensing that his Fourth-Layer Spirit Platform was now almost eighty percent solidified, Yu Changsheng smiled faintly and thought to himself.

He estimated that even without relying on external aid and just cultivating diligently, he could completely solidify the remaining twenty percent in about three months.

At that point, reaching the Foundation Establishment Fifth Layer would be a certainty.

’If I can win first place in this competition, I’ll get the Condensation Platform Pill as a reward. With that, I’m guaranteed to advance another layer in my Realm...’

Yu Changsheng pondered this, his eyes shining brightly.

’It’s just a shame that I only have a Seventh-Layer Spirit Platform. At this rate, it seems I’m already nearing the end of the Foundation Establishment stage. I’ll have to see if I can find a way to form another layer for my Spirit Platform later...’

’Forget it. That’s something for later. I’ll see. Yang Chengxu is no simple opponent...’

Shaking his head, he cast aside these messy thoughts. His gaze became clear and determined once more, and he resumed his Cultivation.

The night passed peacefully.

...

「At noon the next day」

The Flat-top Square was bustling with noise once again as the competition resumed.

However, compared to the previous two days, the atmosphere today had changed ever so slightly.

Yu Changsheng didn’t have a match that day, but wanting to observe and learn, he was dragged over early by Li Minghan.

As soon as he entered the crowd, countless pairs of eyes turned toward him—some held awe, others complex emotions. Yu Changsheng paid them no mind.

"How’s your recovery? Are there any other serious issues?"

Zhang Tianwen asked gently, his face filled with concern.

"I’m fine. With the elixirs the Peak Master gave me, it’s no longer a problem. Please thank the Peak Master for me."

Yu Changsheng said with a light laugh.

"That’s what Master should do. There’s no need for thanks. But it was hard on you."

Zhang Tianwen waved his hand, then let out an almost imperceptible sigh and shook his head.

"As long as you’re all right. You didn’t have to come today, but it’s good you’re here to watch. Sit next to me."

"Okay." Yu Changsheng nodded without saying more. In a way, it was indeed what Mo Pengchen should have done.

After Mo Pengchen gave his usual brief remarks, the remaining matches began.

Overall, perhaps because of Yu Changsheng, the disciples of the Wanxiang Sect were generally in a state of Euphoria, and their performance was better for it. As for the disciples from the Spirit Dragon Sect, they were rather dejected.

Soon, after the seven matches of the half-day were over, Beast Taming Peak still held the advantage, winning four and losing three. Counting Yu Changsheng’s match from yesterday, this meant that in the first eight matches of the second round, the Wanxiang Sect had won five.

Among these, the Spirit Dragon Sect won three matches, and that was including Yang Chengxu’s victory. However, to Yu Changsheng’s slight disappointment, Yang Chengxu didn’t even have to fight; the Wanxiang Sect disciple had voluntarily conceded.

But no one blamed the disciple. After all, it was normal to concede when facing such an opponent.

Likewise, Zhang Tianwen’s opponent also voluntarily conceded.

This situation made Mu Yongxian, whose expression was already unpleasant, look even more grim.

The following day, another eight matches were held. What was both surprising and perfectly understandable to Yu Changsheng was that Li Minghan also advanced successfully. His opponent’s strength was far inferior to even his previous opponent.

Soon, after a total of sixteen matches over two days, the second round of the trials came to an end.

Below the high platform, Mo Pengchen pressed his arm down, and the arena instantly fell silent. Everyone watched him quietly.

"After these days of competition, I will now announce the list of those advancing to the next round."

"From the Wanxiang Sect, the disciples are Yu Changsheng, Zhang Tianwen, Li Minghan, Chen Menghan, and Gao Yiming... a total of eight people."

"From the Spirit Dragon Sect, the disciples are Yang Chengxu, Wang Junjie, Gu Yangguang, and Liu Xin Ying... also a total of eight people."

After two rounds of competition, it was unknown how Mo Pengchen and Mu Yongxian had negotiated it, but the final list of advancing disciples had once again resulted in an even eight-versus-eight situation.

"Tomorrow, the next round of matches will be held. Those who have advanced, remember to arrive on time. Those who did not advance, don’t be discouraged. Keep working hard."

After casually announcing a few more things, Mo Pengchen and Mu Yongxian left. Before leaving, Mo Pengchen deliberately glanced over at Yu Changsheng and gave him a slight nod.

At this point, the competition was basically entering its final, white-hot stage. A tense atmosphere began to rise quietly, and even Yu Changsheng could feel a trace of pressure.

Only Li Minghan remained carefree. Upon hearing that he had also advanced, he was overjoyed, throwing an arm around Yu Changsheng’s shoulder and acting like his sworn brother.

"Let’s go! Senior Brother Zhang, you come too. We’ll go to my Ten Thousand Beasts Tower for a good meal. Haha."

But that joy vanished without a trace at the start of the next day’s matches.

"The first match of the quarterfinals: Li Minghan of the Wanxiang Sect versus Yang Chengxu of the Spirit Dragon Sect!"