86: Chapter 86 The Nine Nether Sect's Underhanded Tactics

Ye Lingtian shifted the topic, smiling confidently. "However, combat isn't just about head-on clashes."

"Although Chu Xiao is strong, he is only at the seventh level of the Golden Core Stage. His spiritual energy Foundation is bound to be less profound than mine."

"That palm strike of his was peerless in power, so its consumption must be equally significant."

"I only need to rely on my speed to maneuver around him, constantly draining his spiritual energy. When he is exhausted, that will be my chance for victory."

Elder Zhao Yuan nodded after hearing this, a hint of approval appearing on his face.

Knowing how to analyze pros and cons and not being blindly arrogant.

This was the Heart-Nature one should have to achieve great things.

On the other side, at the Divine Sword Sect's seating area, the lead Elder spoke with a face full of emotion to the Disciples beside him: "Did you all see clearly? That is a true Prodigy!"

"I have lived for over three hundred years and have only seen such things from those few little monsters on the heavenly prodigy ranking. Whether it is a blessing or a misfortune for you to be born in the same era as him, I do not know."

The several True Disciples behind him all smiled bitterly upon hearing this.

The gaze they directed toward Chu Xiao was filled with awe and powerlessness.

After a brief rest, the referee's high-pitched voice rang out again.

"Everyone, according to the schedule, today we will determine the top four of this competition!"

"Next, we will proceed with the third round of matches!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere of the entire arena was ignited once more.

This meant that top geniuses like Chu Xiao and Ye Lingtian...

...would have to fight at least two more matches today!

Soon, the new match list was drawn.

"Group Four, Second Match! Tianyan Sect, Chu Xiao! Versus! Wanfa Sect, Yang Lin!"

*Whoosh—*

Another wave of commotion swept through the crowd.

"It's Chu Xiao again! His opponent is Yang Lin, the third-ranked True Disciple of the Wanfa Sect?"

"I've heard of this Yang Lin. He has an eighth-level Golden Core cultivation, and his strength isn't weak, but... facing Chu Xiao, I'm afraid things look grim for him."

In the Wanfa Sect's seating area, the young man named Yang Lin's face instantly turned somewhat pale.

He glanced at Ye Lingtian beside him, then looked at Chu Xiao in the distance.

Ultimately, he steeled himself and walked onto the arena stage.

He couldn't surrender without a fight; that would lose face for the entire Wanfa Sect.

"Let the match begin!"

The referee gave the order.

Yang Lin took a deep breath, instantly pushing his state to its Peak.

He didn't dare hold back in the slightest; as soon as he started, he summoned his Lifebound Treasure.

It was a cyan Flying Sword. Simultaneously, his hands formed seals, preparing to execute his strongest killing Move.

However, while he was fast, Chu Xiao was even faster.

The moment the treasure left his hand, Chu Xiao moved.

With no fancy movements, he simply took a step forward, clenched his fist, and punched out.

*Buzz!*

The air emitted a dull sonic boom.

A golden fist imprint, carrying a domineering Fist Intent capable of splitting mountains and cracking stones, arrived first despite being launched second.

In an instant, it shattered the protective spiritual light Yang Lin had hastily deployed.

That Fist Intent was incomparably fierce and powerful!

"That Move again!"

An Elder on the high platform cried out in shock.

Before everyone could react to the shock, the battle on the stage was already over.

After the fist imprint shattered the protective light, its momentum remained undiminished.

It slammed into Yang Lin's chest.

Yang Lin felt as if he had been struck by lightning. He was sent flying like a kite with a broken string, crashing below the arena.

He fainted on the spot.

From start to finish, it had only been a few short breaths of time.

Another one-hit knockout!

The entire field was dead silent at first.

Then, a burst of exclamations even more intense than before erupted.

"Incredible! Truly incredible!"

"Is... is he even human? How on earth does he Cultivate?"

"A monster! A true monster! I'm afraid even Wanfa Sect's Ye Lingtian is in trouble!"

The discussions of the crowd caused the expressions of Elder Xing Tu and Gu Yan at the Jiuyou Sect's seating area to become increasingly dark.

Their killing intent almost condensed into substance.

Chu Xiao, however, still walked off the stage with a calm expression!

The subsequent matches were uneventful.

Ye Lingtian of the Wanfa Sect also cleanly defeated his opponent and successfully advanced.

By this point, only two people remained in Group Four.

Tianyan Sect, Chu Xiao.

Wanfa Sect, Ye Lingtian.

The two of them would engage in the deciding battle for the group. The winner...

...would advance directly to the final four.

After a short break, under the expectant gazes of the entire audience...

...the two of them stepped onto the arena stage simultaneously.

"Wanfa Sect, Ye Lingtian."

Ye Lingtian cupped his hands toward Chu Xiao from a distance. His expression was solemn, and Battle Intent surged in his eyes.

"Tianyan Sect, Chu Xiao," Chu Xiao replied indifferently.

"Begin!"

As soon as the referee's voice fell, Ye Lingtian's figure instantly vanished from where he stood!

He chose to execute his predetermined tactic!

*Swish! Swish! Swish!*

Streaks of cyan sword light, like ghosts, continuously slashed toward Chu Xiao from all directions.

Ye Lingtian pushed his speed to the limit, his entire being transforming into a streak of light that moved at high speed around Chu Xiao.

The sword light was continuous, yet he avoided direct collisions with Chu Xiao, seeking only to wear him down.

For a moment, Sword Qi crisscrossed the entire arena, and afterimages were everywhere.

It was a dazzling sight.

"What incredible speed! Is this the Wanfa Sect's 'Flowing Light Phantom Sword'? It truly lives up to its reputation!"

"Ye Lingtian's tactic is clear; he wants to exhaust Chu Xiao to death! This is indeed the best way to deal with Chu Xiao as things stand!"

However, facing this storm-like attack...

...Chu Xiao, standing in the center, had not moved an inch from beginning to end.

He stood quietly. Whenever a sword light attacked, he would casually raise his hand, using a finger or a palm.

He always managed to precisely strike just a split second before the sword light reached his body...

...accurately crushing it.

His movements seemed slow, yet each time he arrived first despite starting second.

It was as if he possessed foresight.

Ye Lingtian grew more alarmed as the fight progressed. He found that no matter how fast his speed or how tricky his attacks...

...he could not break through the three-foot space in front of his opponent.

The opponent was like an immovable mountain; all of his attacks were like stones sinking into the sea.

This feeling made him incredibly frustrated and even gave him a deep sense of powerlessness.

"I can't drag this out any longer!"

Ye Lingtian steeled his heart. He knew that his attrition tactic had completely failed!

If this continued, the one whose spiritual energy would be exhausted first would definitely be him!

He abruptly stopped his movement and ceased circling.

Instead, he poured all the spiritual energy in his body without reservation into the longsword in his hand!

"Chu Xiao! Take my strongest sword!"

"Flowing Light Phantom Sword Art—Startling Swan!"

*Buzz!!!*

The longsword in his hand emitted a resonant sword cry, and a ten-zhang long, incredibly brilliant cyan sword beam suddenly took shape!

That sword beam contained the full power of his Sword Intent and was incomparably sharp.

It seemed as if it could tear through space!

This was an Earth-Grade Low Grade sword technique, his trump card Move!

He wanted to use this single sword strike to decide the outcome!

Facing this ultimate strike capable of killing an ordinary Peak ninth-level Golden Core Cultivator...

...Chu Xiao nodded slightly: "A bit interesting."

He slowly raised his right fist, the spiritual energy around him surging violently. An aura far more domineering than before...

...soared into the sky!

Fist Intent!

This time, he didn't hold back in the slightest!

He didn't use any fancy Moves, but simply met that brilliant sword beam tearing through the air...

...with a simple punch!

This punch had no fist imprint and no radiance.

There was only pure power.

Under the horrified gazes of everyone in the arena...

...Chu Xiao's fist collided head-on with that ten-zhang long sword beam!

There was no world-shattering explosion as imagined, nor was there a storm kicked up by the clashing spiritual energy.

Time seemed to have been paused at this moment.

On the arena stage, that cyan sword beam capable of tearing space...

...had its tip pressed against Chu Xiao's fist, unable to advance even an inch further.

*Crack...*

A faint sound of cracking rang out.

Immediately following that, the sword beam that had made countless people feel trepidation...

...began to show cracks starting from the tip.

*Crack! Crack-crack!*

The cracks spread like a spiderweb across the entire sword beam at a speed visible to the naked eye!

"No..."

Ye Lingtian's pupils shrank violently.

He could feel that all the spiritual energy and Sword Intent he had poured into the sword beam were being destroyed!

*Boom!!!*

In the next instant, the brilliant cyan sword beam exploded violently!

It turned into a sky full of cyan light dots.

Like fireflies, they dissipated into the air.

And Chu Xiao's fist's power remained undiminished!

Passing through that rain of light, it landed solidly on the blade of the longsword in Ye Lingtian's hand.

*Clang!*

With a metallic wail, the weapon that had accompanied Ye Lingtian for many years couldn't even hold out for a single breath.

It instantly bent into a horrifying arc and then snapped inch by inch.

An irresistible massive force was transmitted through the broken sword.

*Puff!*

Ye Lingtian felt as if he had been struck by a mountain.

A mouthful of blood sprayed out wildly, and he was sent flying like a broken sack.

He crossed a distance of dozens of zhang and crashed heavily below the arena.

A cloud of dust was kicked up.

He struggled to get up, but another mouthful of blood sprayed out.

His chest heaved violently, and his eyes were full of disbelief!

He had lost.

The speed he took pride in, the sword technique he relied on for his fame, and even his ultimate trump card strike were so vulnerable before the opponent.

From beginning to end, the opponent hadn't even moved his feet half a step.

This was no longer a gap in strength.

This was a crushing defeat.

A hopeless, absolute crushing.

The entire Fighting Arena was pin-drop silent.

Everyone was rendered speechless by this clean, even brutal scene.

Golden Core seventh level versus Golden Core ninth level Peak.

One punch.

With just one punch, he had crushed the full-power strike of the Wanfa Sect's number one True Disciple.

He had even sent both the person and the sword flying off the stage.

This had already exceeded the understanding of the vast majority of Cultivators present.

"The... the winner is Tianyan Sect's Chu Xiao!"

The referee on the stage was stunned for a long while before coming back to his senses and loudly announcing the result.

"A monster! He really is a monster!"

"He took Ye Lingtian's strongest sword strike head-on and even shattered his Lifebound Spiritual Artifact! How terrifying must his Physical Body be?"

"That's Ye Lingtian of the Wanfa Sect, one of the top five from the previous competition! He was... defeated in just one Move?"

Discussions, gasps of admiration, and sounds of people sucking in cold air rose and fell!

On the high platform, the Elder of the Wanfa Sect looked at his Disciple's despondent appearance.

His lips moved, but in the end, it only turned into a long sigh.

He turned his head and cupped his hands bitterly toward Elder Ling Yun, whose face was flushed with pride and whose beard was almost sticking up to the sky: "Brother Ling Yun, congratulations."

"Your Sect producing a Qilin-like talent like Chu Xiao is truly something to be envied. My Wanfa Sect is thoroughly convinced of our defeat."

Elder Ling Yun stroked his beard and laughed heartily, modestly saying, "It's nothing, it's just that the juniors were lucky."

[part:gemini-2.5-flash]

But the triumphant expression on his face was impossible to hide.

The Tianyuan City Lord was also full of emotion. He looked at the young man on the arena, and his resolve to deeply align with the Tianyan Sect grew even stronger.

This child's future is limitless; he is no ordinary talent!

In the Tianyan Sect's seats, Xu Linger's beautiful eyes sparkled with brilliance.

She watched the figure slowly walking down from the arena, her heart filled with pride and admiration.

This was the man she had chosen.

Unparalleled in the world!

Unlike the shock of the entire audience and the joy of the Tianyan Sect,

the Jiuyou Sect's seats were utterly silent.

Elder Xing Tu's face was so grim it looked like water could drip from it.

The more demonic Chu Xiao's performance, the more it felt like steel needles,

piercing his heart.

This way, he would undoubtedly make it to the finals.

At that time, he would face... Gu Yan!

No one knew that just last night, the Holy Sect Envoy

had personally bestowed an incredibly precious Nascent Soul Breaking Pill upon Gu Yan.

And Gu Yan, naturally, lived up to expectations.

With the medicinal power of that Divine Pill, he had successfully broken through and condensed his Nascent Soul last night!

Now, Senior Brother Gu Yan was no longer a Golden Core Cultivator.

But a genuine Nascent Soul Immortal Master!

No matter how strong Chu Xiao was, he was ultimately just a Golden Core.

Golden Core and Nascent Soul, that was the difference between heaven and earth.

...

The day's competition, after Chu Xiao sent Ye Lingtian flying with a single punch, held no further suspense.

As the final match concluded, the list of the top four for this True Disciple Grand Competition was officially released.

Tianyan Sect, Chu Xiao.

Tianyan Sect, Xu Linger.

Jiuyou Sect, Gu Yan.

Divine Sword Sect, first True Disciple, Liu Zigui.

This result brought the Tianyan Sect's prestige to its Peak.

Occupying two out of the top four spots, their momentum was unmatched.

And the matchups for tomorrow had also been drawn.

Chu Xiao, against Divine Sword Sect's Liu Zigui.

Xu Linger, against Jiuyou Sect's Gu Yan.

Night fell, and Tianyuan City was brightly lit.

Countless Cultivators were discussing today's exciting duels, as well as tomorrow's top four battles.

In a heavily guarded room at the Jiuyou Sect's temporary residence,

Holy Sect Envoy Gui Cang quietly appeared.

He looked at Gu Yan, who was sitting cross-legged, his aura even deeper and more obscure than during the day, and nodded in satisfaction: "Not bad, your Foundation is stable. It seems you have fully adapted to the power of the Nascent Soul Stage."

"All thanks to the envoy's bestowed pill."

Gu Yan opened his eyes and respectfully bowed to Gui Cang.

"Medicinal Pills are merely external aids; seizing the Opportunity still depends on yourself."

Gui Cang waved his hand, then changed the subject, his expression becoming serious: "Tomorrow, you will be facing Xu Linger of the Tianyan Sect. There is one thing you must remember."

"Envoy, please speak."

"Hide your cultivation."

Gui Cang's voice carried a commanding tone: "In tomorrow's battle, you must suppress your cultivation to the Peak of Golden Core Ninth Layer. You can win, but you cannot win too easily, and you absolutely cannot expose the fact that you are already a Nascent Soul."

Gu Yan was startled by these words, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes: "Why? If I reveal my Nascent Soul cultivation, not only can I easily crush Xu Linger, but I can also awe the entire audience and bring glory to my Jiuyou Sect!"

"Foolish!"

Gui Cang snorted coldly.

He paced twice, then slowly spoke: "That Chu Xiao is a Prodigy in talent, and his Heart-Nature is even more ruthless and decisive, far surpassing ordinary people."

"If you expose your Nascent Soul cultivation today, do you believe that in tomorrow's finals, that old fellow Ling Yun will definitely make Chu Xiao directly concede and withdraw?"

"In an arena match, as long as one concedes, no further killing Moves can be made."

"Although he is arrogant, he is definitely not a fool who would actively seek death."

"Our goal is to kill him legitimately on the arena! Therefore, we absolutely cannot let him detect anything amiss beforehand, and we cannot give him any chance to withdraw!"

"Tomorrow, you will use your Golden Core cultivation to fight a difficult battle against Xu Linger. Let everyone believe that you are just a powerful Golden Core Peak Cultivator."

"This way, Chu Xiao will step onto the final arena completely unprepared."

"Once the gong for the finals sounds and the life-and-death contract is signed, he will be a fish on the chopping block, with no retreat!"

"At that time, you will reveal your Nascent Soul power and slowly torture him to death!"

"Let him experience what true despair is!"

After hearing Gui Cang's explanation, Gu Yan suddenly understood, and a cruel glint instantly appeared in his eyes.

"Envoy is far-sighted, this Disciple understands!"

He licked his lips, as if he could already see Chu Xiao's desperate and tragic death in his hands.

"Very good."

Gui Cang nodded in satisfaction, his figure flickered, and he vanished from the room.

...

Meanwhile, on the other side.

In Xu Linger's room, she was sitting cross-legged, adjusting her breath and preparing for tomorrow's battle.

The door, however, was silently pushed open.

A figure walked straight in.

Xu Linger suddenly opened her eyes. Just as she was about to be on guard, she saw who it was, and her pretty face immediately flushed red, her heart pounding like a drum.

"Chu... Junior Brother Chu, you..."

The person who came was Chu Xiao.

He ignored Xu Linger's shyness, walked directly in front of her, his expression calm, but his eyes held an undeniable seriousness.

"Tomorrow, you will face Gu Yan of the Jiuyou Sect."

"Mm, I know."

Xu Linger nodded, feeling a little sweet in her heart. Was Junior Brother worried about her?

"Tomorrow's match, wear the Spiritual Armor from a few days ago."

"Ah? Junior Brother... this..."

"Wear it."

Chu Xiao interrupted her: "In tomorrow's battle, the people of the Jiuyou Sect are very likely to go for a killing blow against you."

Xu Linger's heart tightened, and she put away her girlish demeanor, becoming serious.

Chu Xiao looked at her and continued: "That Gu Yan, he has something hidden."

"After you go on stage, don't think about winning; focus on probing. Once you feel something is wrong, or detect any life-threatening danger, immediately concede, understand?"

"Your safety is more important than the outcome of a match."

"But..."

Xu Linger wanted to say more; fighting for the Sect's honor was their responsibility.

"No buts."

Chu Xiao's voice deepened: "Leave him to me; I will personally take care of him."

Xu Linger's heart trembled violently. She looked into Chu Xiao's eyes and nodded forcefully.

"I... I understand."

After sorting out Xu Linger, Chu Xiao returned to his room.

He did not immediately start Cultivating, but sat by the window, watching the myriad lights of Tianyuan City, his expression calm.

He told Xu Linger to wear the Black Tortoise Sea-Suppressing Armor and instructed her to concede immediately if she couldn't win, naturally out of concern.

Another reason was that he didn't want any accidents

to disrupt his script of personally crushing the Jiuyou Sect's last hope.

He naturally didn't take that Gu Yan seriously.

But the Jiuyou Sect and that Immortal Sect Envoy, after losing two True Disciples in succession, would surely resort to any means.

Xu Linger's opponent being Gu Yan, there must be a trick involved.

"Jiuyou Sect..." A cold glint flashed in Chu Xiao's eyes.

He no longer thought about these trivial matters, his mind sinking into his Sea of Consciousness.

The incomplete chapter of the Returning Void Realm Cultivation Outline, like a vast sea of stars,

still slowly circulated in his Sea of Consciousness.

After yesterday's initial absorption and today's two actual combat sessions, his understanding of this insight

had deepened by another layer.

This wasn't just about him learning some Divine Ability!

Instead, it fundamentally elevated his perception of the concept of power.

He extended his right hand, spread his five fingers, then slowly clenched them.

He could clearly feel the circulation of every bit of power within his body,

every surge of spiritual power.

The True Intent of the Primordial Mountain Monarch perfectly integrated with his Physical Body, and with every Move,

it contained an overbearing charm that could suppress mountains and rivers.

The former him possessed a huge treasure trove,

but could only crudely throw out gold and silver to harm people.

Now, he had learned how to forge this gold and silver into sharp swords.

"God-Suppressing Prison Finger..."

Chu Xiao's mind once again focused on that Heaven Rank Divine Ability.

The Profound Truth of this Divine Ability was too profound, involving the application of Laws.

It was far beyond what he could completely master now.

But with the help of the Returning Void Realm insights, he could barely activate a trace of its divine charm.

Just a trace of divine charm was enough to give his previously unremarkable palm strike

the power to turn decay into magic.

One Jiang Bai had already brought him rich rewards.

Then how many more Sons of Destiny like Jiang Bai were there in this world?

How many Opportunities were hidden in the shadows?

His gaze seemed to pierce through the roof of the Moon-Gazing Pavilion, looking towards the distant Tianyan Sect.

In his mind, an peerless figure involuntarily emerged.

The Sect Master of Tianyan Sect.

That exceptionally beautiful woman.

How many Opportunities must she possess?

Chu Xiao withdrew his thoughts, his eyes returning to the calm stillness of an ancient well.

The immediate priority was to win first place in this True Disciple Grand Competition.

Eliminate all potential threats, and then quietly await the opening of Liyang Cave Heaven.

He closed his eyes.

His mind was completely immersed in organizing and controlling his own power.

The spiritual power within his body, driven by his will, repeatedly flushed through his Meridians.

Becoming increasingly condensed and pure.

The night passed without incident.

...

The next day.

The Tianyuan City Fighting Arena was packed with people, and the atmosphere was more fervent than any previous day.

Because today would be the final day of the True Disciple Grand Competition.

The top four battles and the final decisive battle would all be decided today.

Countless Cultivators eagerly awaited to witness the birth of the ultimate champion.

On the high platform, the Tianyuan City Lord personally appeared and announced loudly: "Everyone! Today is the day of the finals for this True Disciple Grand Competition! The ultimate winner will receive a High Grade Earth-Grade Cultivation Technique bestowed by the Immortal Sect, as well as massive Cultivation resources!"

As these words were spoken, the entire audience erupted.

A High Grade Earth-Grade Cultivation Technique!

Such a treasure was enough for any second-rate Sect to regard as its Sect-Protecting Treasure.

Yet now it was being used as a reward for a competition.

The Immortal Sect's generosity was indeed extraordinary.

Soon, under the expectant gazes of the crowd,

the matchup list for the first semifinal appeared.