160: Chapter 160 The Top Eight are Born, and the Unexpected List is Revealed

After two days of fierce fighting, the round of thirty-two for this Outer Sect Grand Competition finally came to a close.

As the final duel concluded, the clamor on the Martial Arts Arena gradually subsided.

In the end, only eight figures remained standing on the stage.

These eight were the top eight of this Outer Sect Grand Competition, standing proud above thousands of their fellow Disciples!

Everyone's gaze was fixed on these eight people, filled with awe and envy.

From the high platform, Elder Zhao Wuji's voice spread throughout the venue, announcing the final top eight list: "In this Outer Sect Grand Competition, the top eight Disciples are as follows..."

"Ranked fourth on the Heaven Rank, 'Yan Yang Hand' Lie Yang!"

As the voice fell, Lie Yang stood proudly on the stage with his arms crossed. A scorching Aura surged around him, and a wild, uninhibited smile played on his lips.

His advancement was no surprise; he had won both matches with overwhelming dominance, leaving his opponents either dead or crippled, his fierce reputation preceding him.

"Ranked fifth on the Heaven Rank, 'Thousand Machine Guide' Mo Ling!"

Dressed in black, Mo Ling was like an elf of the night, toying with the shimmering components in her hand, a faint smile on her face.

Her opponents often lost inexplicably, not even knowing how they were defeated.

"Ranked ninth on the Heaven Rank, 'Surging Wave Sword' Liu Jingtao!"

Liu Jingtao's expression was cold and stern as he held his long sword, his eyes sharp like an eagle's.

His path to the top eight was equally forceful. His swordsmanship was fierce, and he showed signs of a Breakthrough to the eighth level, leading many to believe he had a chance to challenge for the top five of the Heaven Rank.

"Ranked tenth on the Heaven Rank, 'Cold Ice Finger' Han Bing!"

When this name was called, it immediately caused quite a stir below the stage!

Han Bing, who was at the bottom of the Heaven Rank, had actually fought her way into the top eight?

This was definitely the biggest upset of this competition!

Countless gazes focused on that cold, ice-blue figure, filled with disbelief.

Han Bing herself remained expressionless.

"New Outer Sect Disciple, Ye Tian!"

When Ye Tian's name was called, the crowd erupted in a deafening uproar, even louder than when Han Bing's name was announced.

Although he had performed a miracle by defeating strong enemies consecutively with a cultivation of the Ningyuan Fifth Stage Peak to reach the top eight, most people still attributed his success to luck.

After all, the strongest opponent he had defeated was only Lin Xiao, ranked fourteenth on the Heaven Rank. In many people's eyes, the weight of that victory was far less than Han Bing's match.

Ye Tian's expression was calm, ignoring the various gazes as he stood silently.

"The final three, the top three of the Heaven Rank!"

Elder Zhao Wuji's voice suddenly rose, carrying a hint of solemnity.

"Ranked third on the Heaven Rank, 'Immovable Wisdom King' Shi Gandang!"

Shi Gandang stood like an iron tower, his muscles bulging, emitting a suffocating sense of pressure.

"Ranked second on the Heaven Rank, 'shadow sword' Luo Qiushui!"

Luo Qiushui's hair flowed like a waterfall, and her face was breathtakingly beautiful yet bone-chillingly cold. Her Sword Qi formed a Domain around her that warned others not to approach. Just by standing there calmly, she attracted countless infatuated gazes.

"Ranked first on the Heaven Rank, 'Tyrant Blade' Lei shock, Half-step True Martial!"

When Zhao Wuji announced this name, the atmosphere in the arena reached its absolute Peak.

Everyone's eyes were filled with worship and awe.

This was a legendary figure in the outer sect; in their eyes, this man was invincible!

Lei Zhen stood with his hands behind his back, his purple robes fluttering slightly. His face was calm, and his eyes were as deep as the stars.

Standing there, he seemed to be the center of the entire Martial Arts Arena. Without even releasing his Aura, he naturally exuded an invincible air that looked down upon all living beings!

His presence made the brilliance of the other seven prodigies dim in comparison.

These eight were the final top eight!

However, behind this list was a cruel elimination process.

The most regrettable cases were Jin Wushuang, 'Gold Splitting Hand' ranked sixth on the Heaven Rank, and Feng Xinglie, 'Wind-Chasing Leg' ranked eighth.

Both were extremely powerful and had the potential to break into the top five. Unfortunately, their luck was poor, and they encountered Luo Qiutian and Shi Gandang in the round of sixteen!

Although Jin Wushuang's Gold Splitting Hand was sharp, he only lasted twenty moves against Luo Qiushui's unpredictable 'shadow sword' before being defeated, his shoulder blade pierced by Sword Qi and suffering serious injuries.

And the supreme speed that Feng Xinglie took pride in was useless against Shi Gandang's 'Immovable Wisdom King Body', which was considered an absolute defense. Despite a fierce assault of nearly a hundred moves, he couldn't shake his opponent in the slightest and was eventually sent flying out of the arena by a 'Mountain Shaking Fist' from Shi Gandang, spitting blood as he lost.

The defeat of these two caused many spectators to sigh.

Had they not encountered those two monsters early, their entry into the top eight would have been almost guaranteed.

This also made the top eight list slightly less suspenseful.

But the biggest surprise was naturally Han Bing's advancement!

Her opponent was Shi Hao, 'Monolith Punch', ranked seventh on the Heaven Rank and known for his tenacity!

Shi Hao's cultivation was at the Condensing Essence Seventh Level Peak, and his external martial arts were extremely solid. His fist techniques were powerful and heavy. Before the match, almost no one favored Han Bing.

That battle could only be described as bizarre.

Han Bing changed her usual swift and agile style, taking a defensive stance throughout the match. Relying on her bone-chilling finger strength, she continuously kited him, exhausting Shi Hao's True Essence.

Shi Hao had plenty of brute force but was restricted at every turn, becoming increasingly frustrated by the harassment of Han Bing's Cold Ice Finger strength.

Unable to land a blow for a long time, Shi Hao grew more agitated and revealed a weakness. He was struck in a vital chest acupoint by a blast of Han Bing's finger wind, and the cold Qi instantly invaded his heart vessels, causing him to lose on the spot!

Han Bing defeated a stronger opponent, and she did so with such calm and... "cleverness," leaving everyone stunned.

Now, standing among the top eight, although her Aura seemed the weakest of the eight, no one dared to underestimate her again.

Many Elders looked at her with more contemplation in their eyes.

This girl's shrewdness, resilience, and grasp of timing far exceeded her surface ranking.

In contrast, Ye Tian's advancement seemed somewhat plain.

Although he defeated Lin Xiao, ranked fourteenth on the Heaven Rank, and showed decent combat power, the gap between Lin Xiao's rank and strength compared to Shi Hao's was significant.

In the eyes of most, Ye Tian's ability to enter the top eight was largely due to luck, as he didn't encounter any of the monsters from the top ten of the Heaven Rank earlier.

"Hmph, he just relied on a bit of luck. If he encounters a truly strong person, his true colors will be revealed!"

Below the stage, Sun Xiao, who had been defeated by Ye Tian, clutched his bandaged shoulder and stared at Ye Tian with venomous eyes, cursing under his breath.

He didn't dare to cause trouble for Leng Feng, so he vented all his hatred on Ye Tian.

In the audience, Liu Ruyan's beautiful eyes sparkled with excitement. She was happy for Ye Tian but also clenched her fists secretly, feeling a huge amount of pressure.

Although Leng Feng was grounded, his icy eyes lingered on Ye Tian for a long time, his Battle Intent surging.

Ren Qianyang and Chen Jianfeng had come to terms with it, focusing on observing and learning to prepare for the future.

In the Elders' area on the high platform, discussions also quietly began.

"This girl Han Bing is not simple. She seems cold and indifferent, but in reality, she is as meticulous as hair, good at using strategy to defeat the strong. With this Heart-Nature, her future is promising."

Elder Shuiyue commented, appearing to quite appreciate Han Bing, who was also a woman.

"As for this boy Ye Tian, I still can't see through him."

The refined Elder stroked his beard and pondered, "When he defeated Lin Xiao, he clearly didn't give his all. His Physical Body strength far exceeds his peers. I'm becoming more and more curious about where his limit actually lies."

Elder Lei Gang laughed heartily, his voice like a booming bell: "Who cares where his limit is, as long as he fights well! I like this kind of tough kid!

Next round, it would be best for him to face that blockhead Shi Gandang. A head-on clash would be a sight to see!"

Elder Zhao Wuji nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the eight people below the stage as he said solemnly: "The top eight are decided. Rest for one day. Tomorrow, the quarterfinals will take place! Opponents will be decided by drawing lots!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the entire arena instantly became tense again!

The round of eight!

This meant that four prodigies would stop here!

The duels would be even more cruel and intense!

Everyone's eyes scanned back and forth among the eight people, guessing the possible matchups.

Lie Yang licked his lips, his eyes burning as he looked at Lei Zhen, his Battle Intent unconcealed.

Calculating glints flashed in Mo Ling's eyes.

Liu Jingtao's gaze swept over Ye Tian several times, intentionally or otherwise, with intense Battle Intent in his eyes.

Han Bing remained expressionless, as if none of it had anything to do with her.

Shi Gandang rubbed his hands together, eager for a big fight.

Luo Qiushui remained as cold as ever.

Lei Zhen closed his eyes to rest, calm and unruffled.

Ye Tian felt Liu Jingtao's hostile gaze and understood perfectly.

He looked back calmly, his eyes as still as an ancient well.

Who could take the top three and obtain the Opportunity to enter the Liuxin Pool?

And who would finally ascend to that supreme throne of the champion?

The answer was drawing closer and closer.