27: Overcome all obstacles and advance to the semi-finals

On the high platform, the Elders were all chattering, filled with emotion about the result of this competition.

“This Lin Yuan is truly remarkable. An Opening Meridian Third Level Cultivator actually defeated an Opening Meridian Ninth Level Body Cultivator. This achievement ranks among the top in the history of our Cloud Ripple Sect.”

“For an Opening Meridian Third Level Cultivator to pass the first round of the grand competition, isn’t that already a miracle?”

“Indeed, it seems we all guessed wrong. He is the biggest dark horse of this grand competition!”

It could be observed that in previous competitions, half of those who passed the first round were Opening Meridian Ninth Level Cultivators, and the rest were Opening Meridian Eighth Level. Opening Meridian Seventh Level Disciples were quite rare, let alone Opening Meridian Third Level.

Therefore, Lin Yuan’s achievement undoubtedly held extremely high value.

In a corner below the stage, Liu Yuyan looked at the simply dressed young man not far away, a hint of surprise appearing on her face.

She still remembered this guy.

The last time she encountered him in the training room, he was only Opening Meridian Second Level. He Breakthrough to Third Level in just half a month?

Moreover, he could defeat an Opening Meridian Ninth Level Cultivator across realms; his strength was truly extraordinary.

“Is your performance on the arena meant to prove that I misjudged you? Heh heh, then I will quickly tell you that even if you defeat Shi Ya, you are still a piece of trash.”

A cold light flashed in her eyes, Liu Yuyan secretly scoffed.

Cao Jun also stood not far away, watching the competition. Seeing Lin Yuan defeat Shi Ya, he couldn't help but sneer, “Interesting kid. Revered Master even specifically told me to look after you before. I didn’t take it seriously, but now it seems I need to be serious.”

Lin Yuan was unaware of their attitudes.

Even if he knew, he would certainly not be afraid.

Possessing the Nine Yang Divine Meridian meant unlimited stamina, coupled with the assistance of Tongbei Fist and Eight Extremes Pulse, he was confident in defeating any opponent.

Time slowly passed.

Fifty matches quickly concluded, and they entered the second round of drawing lots.

This time, Lin Yuan again drew an Opening Meridian Ninth Level opponent.

Just like defeating Shi Ya, he easily defeated his opponent.

Then came the third round, with only twenty-five people remaining.

One person received a bye, and the remaining twenty-four entered their matches.

Lin Yuan’s opponent was named Guo Wei.

On the arena, Guo Wei, dressed in green, smiled and said, “Junior Brother Lin, I am a member of the Guo Family. I presume you’ve heard of my Family?”

Lin Yuan responded, “Yes, are you here to avenge Guo Cheng and the others?”

“No, they lost to you because their strength was insufficient, and they deserved it. Our Guo Family is not such a petty Family. It’s just that Elder Guo is my Elder, and I couldn't refuse his request, so this time I will go all out.”

“Understood. Then, let’s begin.”

After speaking, the two began their battle.

Without any surprise, Guo Wei was defeated.

“Thank you for the match.”

“Junior Brother Lin, you are too kind. With your strength, even if you don’t get the top spot in this grand competition, getting into the top few is still very easy. When you and I enter the Inner Sect in the future, don’t forget to find me, your Elder brother, for a drink.”

“Alright.”

This Guo Wei’s Heart-Nature was quite good, unlike Guo Cheng, who was rude.

As he walked off the arena, Lin Yuan thought.

On the other side, the two Guo Cheng brothers stood among the crowd. After watching the result of this battle, their bodies trembled uncontrollably.

Guo Wei was the most outstanding Family member of their generation in the Guo Family. Even he was defeated by Lin Yuan. Wasn’t their previous provocation just asking for death?

Originally, the two still had thoughts of revenge, but now they were completely gone.

...

After twelve battles, the third round of the competition also ended.

In the fourth round, only thirteen people remained. After drawing lots, twelve people competed, and one person again received a bye.

Lin Yuan won again, entering the fifth round.

This time, only seven people remained. Besides him, Liu and Cao were both among them.

This time, he was very fortunate to draw the bye slip.

The remaining six people drew their numbers and competed, eliminating three.

The only three remaining were Liu Yuyan, Cao Jun, and a Sword Cultivator named Guan Mao.

They, plus him, four people drew bamboo slips for their numbers.

After drawing, they displayed them. His number was one.

Turning to look at the other three, Guan Mao’s number was the same as his, while Liu and Cao both had number two.

Upon learning the results of the draw, Liu Yuyan looked at Lin Yuan and sneered, “You’ve managed to precisely avoid me for so many rounds. Your luck is truly good.”

Lin Yuan spread his hands and said, “Isn’t this also a kind of fate? It means you and I are destined to meet in the finals.”

Liu Yuyan snorted, “First defeat your opponent, then talk about the finals. If you lose in this round, that would be too embarrassing.”

Lin Yuan smiled calmly, “The same words apply to you. Senior Brother Cao’s strength is not ordinary; you’ll have to work hard.”

Liu Yuyan turned and moved away, leaving a message, “Just an Outer Sect ant. You should take care of yourself first.”

The woman’s arrogant words made Cao Jun’s face quite unsightly.

All four of them had fought their way through to the top four. Why did Liu Yuyan only value Lin Yuan and look down on him?

Was he really inferior to that kid?

“Arrogant bitch, I will make you beg for mercy at my feet later.”

Staring at the other party’s curvaceous body, Cao Jun thought viciously to himself.

Lin Yuan’s number was one, so he would be the first to appear in the semifinals.

On the other side of the arena, Guan Mao had also entered, holding a long sword, and cupped his fists, “My name is Guan Mao, and I specialize in using the sword.”

Lin Yuan returned the salute, “Lin Yuan of the Outer Sect, I specialize in fist techniques.”

“Swords and blades have no eyes. If I accidentally injure you, I hope Brother Lin will not blame me.”

“No problem, Brother Guan, just unleash your moves.”

“Then I will make the first move.”

As Guan Mao finished speaking, he raised his sword and thrust forward.

Lin Yuan dodged, thinking, “This person’s speed is good, no wonder he made it to the top four.”

Outside the arena, Disciples and Elders stared at the battlefield, their eyes filled with curiosity.

Who would win this battle, they wondered?

Gu Shuqin sat in her seat, her emotions already numb with surprise.

Lin Yuan making it into the top hundred was already a pleasant surprise for her, but she never expected his achievements to go beyond that, sweeping his way into the top four.

Yuan’er, oh Yuan’er, you truly surprised your Revered Master.

The Mei Fu sighed in her heart.

On the arena, sword light flashed repeatedly as Guan Mao continuously swung his long sword, hacking at his opponent.

Lin Yuan employed Eight Extremes Pulse, moving left and right within the arena, dodging the opponent’s attacks.

Facing a man like a rat, Guan Mao’s forehead began to sweat, and his sword-wielding technique became increasingly chaotic.

“Damn it, why is this guy so good at running?”

He felt quite helpless inside; his normally proud swordsmanship was useless against the opponent.

Lin Yuan noticed the change in his opponent and secretly shook his head.

Although this person specialized in using the sword, his Heart-Nature was too impatient. When he encountered a slightly troublesome opponent, he would become flustered.

“You’ve been showing off for so long, it’s my turn to attack.”

Lin Yuan suddenly spoke, activating his movement Martial Skill, and instantly appeared before his opponent.

Guan Mao’s expression stiffened. He hadn't even clearly seen the opponent’s footwork, yet this man had suddenly appeared.

“Tongbei Fist!”

Lin Yuan threw a punch, and Guan Mao quickly brought his sword across to block.

“Bang!”

The fist struck the sword blade. Guan Mao felt a tremendous force, and his treasured sword began to vibrate, his tiger’s mouth aching from the shock.

“Thump, thump, thump!”

Lin Yuan raised his fist again, pressing his advantage, his hard fists raining down on his opponent like a violent storm.

Guan Mao was caught off guard and could only resist hastily, his exquisite swordsmanship completely useless.