Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1285 - 665: Overcoming Skill with Strength (Part 2)

"The regulations are as follows."

The examiner gestured with his sleeve, and nine stone pillars, each carved with a dragon, ascended around the platform.

"The third round is comprised of three contests.

The first contest is an individual duel, offering three available slots; the second contest is a continuous battle, where slots are randomly assigned, capping at six; the third contest is a free-for-all, where everyone vies for the final spot."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Ling Xiao’s hand shot up.

"Senior! What is the maximum number of slots that can be seized in the second contest?"

"Six."

The examiner cast him a look laden with meaning.

"Provided you possess the requisite strength."

A dangerous grin spread across Ling Xiao’s lips, his eyes ignited with the fervor for battle.

This declaration sent ripples of shock through the surrounding cultivators, and several disciples from prominent Holy Lands erupted in derisive laughter.

"Six? What audacious boasting!"

"A mere Rogue Cultivator dares to dream of claiming all the spots?"

"If you can take all six, I’ll stand on my head and consume refuse!"

This final taunt emanated from a Holy Land disciple whose face was as broad as it was rugged.

Ling Xiao remained unfazed, instead offering a smile and making a throat-slitting gesture towards him.

"Remember your words."

The examiner cleared his throat softly, quelling the rising cacophony.

"For the first individual battle, select your own opponent; the victor advances. Commence immediately!"

Cultivators from the other two areas sprang into action, their gazes converging as one on Xu Guangzhi.

This "easy target," a cultivator who had barely scraped into the top three of the second round.

"I choose him!"

"No, I spotted him first!"

"Esteemed Mr. Xu, please show us your prowess!"

Xu Guangzhi’s face contorted in fury, the veins on his forehead throbbing conspicuously.

After all, he was a cultivator at the Golden Core mid-stage; when had he ever been subjected to such blatant disdain?

"You!"

He abruptly pointed at one of the less imposing cultivators.

"Ascend the stage!"

The chosen cultivator had not anticipated being selected by Xu Guangzhi, and his face instantly drained of color.

Yet, with all eyes upon him, he could only summon his courage and leap onto the platform.

The remaining participants swiftly picked their adversaries as well.

Ling Xiao stretched his wrists and strode directly towards a burly man clad in black, who wielded a Nine-Ringed Great Saber.

"You will suffice."

Ling Xiao smirked.

"I anticipate you will provide a decent warm-up."

The hulking figure in black let out a cold snort.

"Presumptuous!"

Nevertheless, he followed Ling Xiao to the designated combat area.

In a flash, only three individuals remained unchosen.

Among them was Gu Sheng, a scholarly youth wielding a fan crafted from wood, and an elder whose hair and beard were streaked with gray.

The young man appeared to be in his early twenties, draped in a flowing green robe that billowed gently in the breeze, holding his wooden fan with an air of utter harmlessness.

Given his second-place standing in the Array assessment of the previous round, he was undoubtedly no ordinary cultivator.

Presently, the third round of the competition commenced. Nine cultivators, having emerged victorious from their respective arenas, stood upon the central platform, surrounded by a throng of spectators far exceeding the numbers from the preceding rounds.

"All participants, the rules for this round are as follows."

The voice of the presiding Elder resonated like a colossal bell, echoing throughout the entire square.

"The nine of you shall voluntarily form into four pairs for combat, leaving one individual unpaired.

The lone participant will then engage with the subsequent winners after all initial matches have concluded."

The moment these instructions were delivered, the nine contestants began to size each other up.

Gu Sheng positioned himself at the periphery of the group, his gaze, concealed beneath his black robe, as placid as still water, yet he was subtly assessing the strengths and vulnerabilities radiating from everyone's aura.

His eyes briefly met with Ling Xiao’s, and in that instant, both recognized a shared spark of combat readiness, but they tacitly averted their gazes.

"A regrettable turn of events, that we cannot be paired against one another."

Ling Xiao grinned, revealing his signature canine teeth.

"Otherwise, I would have genuinely relished the opportunity to test my fists against yours right now."

Gu Sheng offered no verbal reply, merely acknowledging with a slight nod.

He understood that Ling Xiao's statement alluded to the incident where he had surpassed him in the second round’s rankings.

This outwardly carefree young man harbored a pride that burned more intensely than that of anyone else.

The selection devolved upon Gu Sheng.

His gaze traversed the remaining individuals, ultimately settling on a scholar who appeared to be the youngest among them.

This scholar, attired in a green robe and holding a wooden fan, possessed a fair complexion and observed everyone with an amiable smile.

"I select him."

Gu Sheng indicated the scholar, his voice devoid of any particular inflection.

The scholar appeared momentarily taken aback, then cupped his hands in greeting.

"I am Dai Hongmao, pleased to make your acquaintance."

Ling Xiao let out a low whistle.

"Sharp eyes, Gu, picking out another seemingly weak opponent."

Although the smile on Dai Hongmao's face remained unchanged, a subtle coldness flickered within his eyes.

The formation of combat pairs was swiftly finalized.

Ling Xiao flexed his wrist, striding purposefully to the center of the arena.

"I'll take the first match!"

His gaze soon settled upon a burly figure standing amidst the crowd.

"Jiang Dashan, correct? I heard you placed second in some local competition? Come, have a spar with me."

Jiang Dashan's countenance darkened considerably. Gripping a great saber, he leaped onto the platform.

"An arrogant brat! I've been at the Nascent Soul Peak for three years, and you dare to look down on me?"

Ling Xiao placed a hand on his hip, gesturing with the other.

"Enough talk, I'll give you three moves."

"You're courting death!"

Jiang Dashan roared, his spiritual power surging forth. A crimson flame ignited upon his saber as he charged directly at Ling Xiao.

The spectators held their breath, witnessing the display. Jiang Dashan's Saber Qi was astonishing; even cultivators of the same cultivation level would hesitate to confront it head-on.

Yet, Ling Xiao remained utterly still. Only when the blade was less than three feet from his head did he suddenly extend two fingers.

"Clang!"

A sharp metallic clash echoed through the entire arena.

Astonishingly, Ling Xiao had caught the formidable saber strike with merely two fingers!

"Is that all you've got?"

Ling Xiao sneered, twisting his fingers ever so slightly.

With a crisp "snap," the steel-forged saber shattered!

Jiang Dashan's eyes widened in disbelief, too slow to react as Ling Xiao's foot slammed into his chest.

The kick appeared casual, yet it harbored terrifying power, sending Jiang Dashan hurtling off the platform in a disheveled heap.

A moment of stunned silence fell upon the crowd, which then exploded into thunderous cheers.

"Ling Xiao! Ling Xiao!"

His supporters among the cultivators erupted in wild shouts.

Disciples from other squares wore grim expressions, particularly those from the Qinghe Holy Land.

They exchanged glances, clearly taken aback by the unexpected prowess of this unknown contender.

"Hmph, he merely defeated someone at Nascent Soul Peak," one Qinghe Holy Land disciple feigned composure.

"When Senior Brother Wang makes his move, we'll see just how arrogant he can be then!"

The mention of "Wang Chenyu" restored a measure of pride to the Qinghe Holy Land disciples.

This genius, who stood at the half-step Earth Palace Realm, was their ultimate source of confidence.

Ling Xiao leaped off the platform, passing Gu Sheng with a knowing wink.

"It's your turn now."

Gu Sheng offered no verbal response, but his gaze grew significantly more solemn.

The strength Ling Xiao had displayed surpassed his expectations; the seemingly simple kick involved an incredibly precise control of spiritual power.

Next to enter the fray was Tian Kun, the first-place victor from another square.

He possessed a stern demeanor and was clad entirely in black. Upon reaching the stage, he dispensed with any pleasantries, launching a palm strike that sent his opponent flying.

The unfortunate contestant, who had secured third place, had no opportunity to react, spitting a mouthful of blood as he tumbled out of the arena.

"Boring," Tian Kun declared coldly, dropping the two words before exiting the platform.

And so, four individuals had successfully completed their respective matches.

Among the remaining five, Gu Sheng and Liang Yu had yet to step onto the stage.

Dai Hongmao meticulously straightened his robes before walking slowly towards the arena's center.

A gentle smile still graced his face, yet it exuded a subtle, chilling aura.

"Mr. Gu, if you would please," Dai Hongmao said, offering a respectful bow.

Gu Sheng silently ascended the platform, retrieving a blue longsword from his Void Ring.

This sword was a mere artifact he had casually acquired from some ruins; though it was a Xuan Rank Spiritual Artifact, its unremarkable origin ensured it wouldn't reveal his true identity.

"Let us commence," Gu Sheng stated indifferently.

Dai Hongmao's smile vanished abruptly, replaced by fierce, sharp eyes.

"I am honored to learn from you, Mr. Gu!"

His wooden fan suddenly unfurled, its inscribed runes igniting with light. Dozens of sharp beams shot forth, aimed directly at Gu Sheng!

The crowd collectively gasped.

Where was the scholarly demeanor they had perceived moments ago?

This was undoubtedly a ruthless combatant!

Gu Sheng, however, had been prepared. He swept the blue longsword in a circular arc, conjuring a barrier of spiritual power that blocked the majority of the incoming beams.

Nevertheless, a few managed to penetrate his defense, grazing his robe and leaving behind distinct scorched marks.

"Interesting," Gu Sheng mused inwardly.

Dai Hongmao's actual strength was far greater than initially suggested; he was at least at the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

Noticing his initial surprise attack had failed, Dai Hongmao swiftly shifted his strategy.

The wooden fan snapped shut, transforming into a short sword. His figure blurred as he closed the distance on Gu Sheng, aiming his thrust directly at the latter's throat!

Gu Sheng intended to respond with a punch, seeking to overcome technique with raw force.

But the instant his fist clenched, he realized the potential folly of such a move—his unique Fist Skill was too distinctive, easily betraying his identity to any discerning observer.

In a flash of inspiration, Gu Sheng pivoted from a fist to a palm strike. Simultaneously, he covertly employed a secret technique to suppress his aura, downplaying it to the mid-stage Nascent Soul level.

The blue longsword pulsed with spiritual power as it met the wooden fan, now a short sword, in a direct clash!