Chapter 2378 Before the Great Battle, Conspiring Together!

"Begin the drawing of lots!"

When the Elder overseeing the draw announced, Du Yunlong and the other three approached the box one by one, each extracting a sealed black sphere from the black iron box. Then, the Elder displaying the draw box indicated there were only four iron balls inside.

At this moment, the venue fell silent.

Almost everyone held their breath and concentrated, awaiting the revelation of who the four contestants had drawn as their opponents.

Inside each of the four iron balls was a slip of paper with a number written on it, two inscribed with "1", two with "2".

"All of you, display your draw numbers together."

The Elder, seeing Qin Tian and the others had already opened their balls, instructed them.

The four first glanced at their own numbers, then unfolded them for everyone below the stage to see.

Qin Tian discovered his number was "1".

But he didn't know which of the other three also drew "1", so he could only display his—

"Oh!"

As expected, when the four revealed their numbers, the audience erupted in exclamations!

No matter how the draw turned out, there would be gasps!

"Wow!"

"Now it's interesting!"

"Haha, the most intense draw outcome I imagined didn't happen. Looks like this is the mildest draw..."

"Hiss... Could this be another arrangement by the Qiankun Immortal Sect? The plot feels familiar. Are they aiming to secure a spot?"

"Indeed possible, it's too fake. Du Yunlong and Tang Yaosong again avoided each other, not in the same group. Are they going to be directly ushered into the finals again? This seems very similar to the last competition."

"Yes, and this time their opponents are both surprising dark horses. Overall, their combat power certainly differs... Tsk tsk, won't the result be just like the last seven sects' competition? Then there's no point watching..."

Qin Tian didn't know whom he would face, but after listening carefully to the discussions below, he took a deep breath and then smiled.

Thankfully, he didn't draw Yan Lingshuang, which was the outcome Qin Tian least wanted to face.

"Haha, look, Qin Tian is actually smiling. Does he know who his opponent is?"

"He's smiling, such confidence..."

"In the upcoming semifinals, he might be beaten till he cries. This year's Tang Yaosong is considerably stronger than the last time, even Du Yunlong can't say he'd definitely beat him... This dark horse making it to the top four is impressive enough, dreaming of an upset is impossible, this is the end of the road."

After hearing people's comments, Qin Tian's eyes lit up, thinking to himself, haha, he drew Tang Yaosong, not bad.

As long as he didn't draw Yan Lingshuang, any result was acceptable for Qin Tian.

Moreover, comparatively, he felt Du Yunlong was stronger than Tang Yaosong.

Thus, drawing Tang Yaosong was indeed the best possible outcome for him.

A favorable draw naturally warranted a smile.

At this moment on the drawing stage, the Elder had the four sign their names, afterwards, they each descended the stage, preparing for battle.

Qin Tian observed that after the draw, not just he but Yan Lingshuang was also smiling, seemingly satisfied with the result.

Tang Yaosong was smiling too, his grin was the brightest among them, happy to have drawn Qin Tian, just as he wished?

Among the four, the one who appeared slightly discontent with the outcome was Du Yunlong.

His expression remained calm, yet he shook his head slightly, walking ahead of Tang Yaosong, whispering, "Junior Brother Tang, I originally planned for me to beat Qin Tian and for you to defeat Junior Sister Yan, for us to meet in the finals."

"But now, I actually hope Qin Tian defeats you, at least he'll face me in the next round. Apologies."

The four descended from the stage, Qin Tian and Yan Lingshuang returned to their sect's viewing area, Tang Yaosong held Du Yunlong back, speaking in a tone only they could hear, "Senior Brother Du, I understand your idea, but I'm sorry, absolute strength stands, do you think Qin Tian can resurrect his hopes against me? The grudge you have against Qin Tian, let me help you exact it, if I defeat Qin Tian, it's like you have."

"Oh? That proposal sounds good."

Du Yunlong's eyes lit up, a shadow of malice appeared in his expression, "I have a suggestion, how about you cripple Qin Tian for me? If you accomplish that, I'll owe you a favor. I want Qin Tian to wish for death!"

"No problem."

At this moment, Tang Yaosong was already discussing the match outcome with Du Yunlong, as though they could control everything.

"I can help ensure Qin Tian's path to cultivation is cut short, I won't need you to owe me a favor, Du Senior Brother, I need your help with something."

Tang Yaosong looked at Du Yunlong, his face dark and malicious.

"Oh? What do you need my help with?" Du Yunlong was taken aback.

Tang Yaosong replied, "Help me cripple Yan Lingshuang, but don't kill her, don't destroy her appearance, just make sure she can't advance her cultivation, with damage to her Dan Tian Qi Sea, how about it?"

"Hmm?"

Upon hearing Tang Yaosong's proposal, Du Yunlong froze, "Junior Brother Tang, did I hear wrong? You want me to ruin Yan Lingshuang's future? Didn't you always admire her? She's your fellow disciple... Haha, are you sure you want me to act?"

Seeing others around them were staring, they left the audience and returned to their respective viewing areas.

Yet, they still communicated through True Qi Transmission, audible only to them.

Tang Yaosong stated, "Yes, I once intended to marry my Junior Sister, still do... But, my Junior Sister is too arrogant, she inherently doesn't want to marry me! Moreover, she seems to have a close relationship with Qin Tian... So, besides crippling Qin Tian, I need to strike at Yan Lingshuang's inherent arrogance when the opportunity arises!"

"I'll take care of Qin Tian, you target Yan Lingshuang, Du Yunlong, here's to a cooperation!"

Watching Tang Yaosong's angry expression, Du Yunlong stared back with an odd expression.

The two peered across, maintaining strange expressions, causing those nearby to presume their mutual animosity from past grievances, unaware they were contemplating a cooperative conspiracy!

"Since you can strike so viciously at the Sister you admire, alright then, you help me, I help you, see you in the finals!"

Hesitating briefly, Du Yunlong agreed to Tang Yaosong's proposal.

The two exchanged sinister smiles.

Sitting not far from Tang Yaosong, Yan Lingshuang was completely unaware of her Senior Brother's malicious plot against her.

While responding to the Sect Leader and Elders' instructions, her thoughts drifted.

Because, her gaze would involuntarily drift toward Qin Tian.