A Demon's Path Volume 1 Chapter 35

Representatives? Ling Xiao paused for a moment. But before he could come to his senses, Cheng Qiantai said without giving it a second thought, "Ling Xiao, go up."

Ling Xiao knew Cheng Yu was a very headstrong woman. He threw her a glance since she too was part of their newcomers team and asked, "Why don't you go?"

"You were asked to go, so go. What are you blathering so much for?!" Cheng Yu unhappily said.

Ling Xiao shrugged, then headed to the center of the arena where Shen Mingfang was at.

Even though Shen Mingfang had a gentle smile on her face and looked like a big sister, all the newcomers on the field had heard of her magnificent historical achievements from their seniors. Their hands spasmed when they walked up to her as though they were suffering from what was known as Parkinson’s disease in another world.

Shen Mingfang threw a large pile of small golden iron plates up into the air like she was performing a magic trick. The representatives forgot to catch them with their hands, almost letting the plates drop on the ground.

Ling Xiao was one of the 20 who did catch a plate.

Everyone had their eyes glued on these 20 representatives who stood out from the rest of the crowd. They were all disciples of outstanding talent from their own respective sects. The calmness they exuded didn't come as a surprise to anyone.

Qian Hai from the Everlasting Pool Sect had also gotten his hands on a plate. To some extent, everyone found this to be a little unexpected.

A small smile played on Shen Mingfang's lips. She had a general idea about the outcome of this year's newcomers tournament. She was not the only one who felt that way. Naturally, those with a discerning eye did, too. These people had different expressions on their faces be it joy or despair.

The less talented newcomers who came to their senses moments later quickly scrambled to get a plate before they curiously waited for Shen Mingfang's next procedural command.

Shen Mingfang nodded and stretched out her lily-white hands that resembled antique brassware before snapping her fingers. The plates in the representative's hands immediately turned into golden rays of light and flew toward a white layer of light in the sky.

Soon after, not only did the name of every sect appear in gold on that white layer of light, but all of them had also been matched to their allies.

The spectators couldn't help but to gasp in amazement at the scene. "What a beautiful technique!"

While the connoisseur recognised the artistry, the layman simply enjoyed the show. The disciples who were inadequately equipped in terms of cultivation were only amazed at the brilliance of the display, while the Sect Masters were filled with admiration and reverence. Shen Mingfang was worthy of being a violet ranked Celestial Soul Master and a powerhouse of the present generation. The spiritual power required for a simple trick like that was enough to make many Chain Soul Masters who cultivated their spiritual power feel inferior. To make matters worse, Shen Mingfang's field of expertise was the Strength Soul, and not her spiritual power.

There was perhaps only a single person who could rival her achievements in the use of spiritual power, and that was Castellan Li Xuanyu from Heavenly River City.

Ling Xiao stared at the white layer of light in the sky with rapt attention and observed the name of the sect grouped together with the Northern Jade Sect. To his immense annoyance, he realised they were paired with the Everlasting Pool Sect.

Ling Xiao didn't need Cheng Qiantai to say anything because even he knew they had to work together with Qian Hai this time around.

The sects that were paired together had to form a team of three or four to compete. For the Northern Jade Sect, this meant that Ling Xiao and Cheng Yu would have to cooperate with Qian Hai.

Ling Xiao subconsciously glanced at Qian Hai and realised that Young Master Horseman was also looking at him with his eyes that resembled a wild beast. "I know. You're probably the one who did it. Don't worry, I'll have my revenge. I hope we meet in the solo eliminations. But for now, let's put our differences aside and work together. I hope you can be as focused as I am and go all out in the team battles."

Ling Xiao walked up to Qian Hai and stared him dead in the eyes, a faintly discernible smile playing on the corner of his lips. "But of course. Why wouldn't I? There's no such thing as an everlasting enemy, for there is only eternal benefit to be gained from each other."

"Alright. Representatives, please return to your seats and organise your teams. Afterwards, report the number of people in your team to me." Shen Mingfang's bright voice resounded in the open space. With the assistance of her soulforce, she made it so that everyone present could clearly hear her words, yet none would feel the sound blast apart their eardrums.

Ling Xiao and Qian Hai returned to their seats. Cheng Yu stood up and coldly looked at Qian Hai. "I will work together with you and strive to emerge victorious in the team battles. But you better hope we don't meet each other in the solo eliminations."

Ling Xiao bitterly laughed. These two were like two sides of the same coin. It was no wonder why Cheng Yu had a very good first impression of Qian Hai.

Shen Mingfang quickly matched every group to an opponent. Ling Xiao, Cheng Yu, and Qian Hai's first match was against the team formed by the Pellets Sect and Copper Leg Party.

"Master, what do we have to take note of?" Ling Xiao's first thought was to scout out his opponents and get a feel of what they were like from Cheng Qiantai. Even though he didn't think they would pose a threat to him, he didn't wish to expend more energy than absolutely necessary. A fast and decisive victory was his goal.

Qian Gui nodded, feeling pleased when he heard Ling Xiao's question. "You truly are a careful youngster."

A hint of pride flashed in Cheng Qiantai's eyes. What more can I ask for with a disciple like this? Even so, Cheng Qiantai earnestly introduced the two sects to Ling Xiao. "The Pellets Sect is widely known for their Metal Palm technique. Their hands are their greatest weapon. Don't fight them head on and whatever you do, don't come in contact with their palms." Cheng Qiantai paused for a moment before continuing, "The Copper Leg Party are experts in kicking. Their legs are comparable to two solid metal rods. If they manage to land a kick on you, there's a good possibility you'll lose all strength to fight."

"Using hands and legs as weapons? These two sects really are a perfect match." Ling Xiao had somewhat of a basic understanding of his opponents' abilities and felt even more confident. "Relax, Master. They're not our opponent."

Cheng Qiantai realised Ling Xiao was brimming with confidence these days and couldn't help but to find it somewhat strange. He cautioned them, "Master believes in your abilities, but it's best if you guys remain vigilant."

Ling Xiao smiled and nodded. That petite shadow had long since filled his brain to the brim. Let's fight. I'll fight and properly vent out for a while. Maybe that'll help me get my mind off Tang Yingying.

A little while later, Shen Mingfang loudly spoke up, "Alright, the arena has already been clearly partitioned. Competitors, please enter your respective competing zones."

Another wave of oohs and aahs rang out from the crowd. Everyone was admiring the arena for this year's newcomers tournament. Shen Mingfang had separated the circular field with an array, cutting it into 100 equal zones. The Sect Masters and Elders from the Sunken Wind Valley could tell from a glance that although this arena looked to be open and transparent, reality proved to be different. When the newcomers entered the arena, they would be incapable of seeing or hearing anything going on outside the field. The effect the array had in confining them was of sublime quality.

The zone allocated to Ling Xiao's team was at the outer rim of the circular field and was very close to the Northern Jade Sect's seats. This too was within their expectations. No one thought highly of sects like theirs so it was only natural they weren't positioned right in the center of the arena. That spot was reserved for only the most talented competitors!

Ling Xiao was actually very pleased with this arrangement. The less attention he received, the more beneficial it was to him in exhibiting his abilities.

When the three of them entered the field, they noticed their opponents were already waiting for them with vicious looks in their eyes. One fellow who had pockmarks covering his face fiercely said, "If you know what's good for you, you'd best forfeit. If you don't, you can't blame this young master for being ruthless when I destroy every single one of you!"

Ling Xiao helplessly shook his head. How can there be so many narcissistic people in this day and age?

His face was full of pockmarks, yet he wasn't embarrassed to call himself a young master in front of Qian Hai the pretty boy? He dared to ask them to forfeit just because he was a little skillful? He really was a blind and narcissistic maniac!

Ling Xiao held his hand out, palm facing upwards as he gestured toward them with four fingers. "Release the pigs."

Pockmark furiously roared out when he heard Ling Xiao's taunts, "You're courting death! Go, Big Zhu, Little Zhu!" He assaulted Ling Xiao face forward with a pair of metal palms. At the same time, Big Zhu and Little Zhu ruthlessly swung their legs that were as thick as pig trotters at Cheng Yu and Qian Hai.

When Ling Xiao heard Pockmark calling his comrades Big Zhu and Little Zhu, or big pig and little pig, he fought hard not to die of laughter. "He really did release the pigs!" Although Ling Xiao couldn't hold his laughter in, he still reacted with pinpoint accuracy to Pockmark's attack. He raised his fists just as Pockmark used his palms to launch a frontal assault.

Engaging in a fist fight with me? What an idiot! Pockmark was exulted. He exerted more strength in his palms hoping that he could decapitate that brat who dared to look down on him in just one move.

"Alright, got him!" Pockmark's palms were only centimeters away from Ling Xiao's fist. He even had an image of him turning Ling Xiao's arms to dust in his mind.

It was at this exact moment Pockmark suddenly noticed that Ling Xiao had a cold smile on his face. A shiver ran down his spine for no apparent reason. But when he realised that Ling Xiao might possibly still have something up his sleeve, it was already too late. Ling Xiao disappeared before his eyes and appeared behind him.

It was one of the first techniques he'd learned—Spatial Alteration!

Pockmark was startled. "What's going on? Wah!"

Ling Xiao landed a strong punch on Pockmark's back, causing him to spurt out large amounts of blood. His body lost its balance as he fell straight to the ground.

Ling Xiao didn't stop just because his opponent fell down. He jumped on top of Pockmark without the slightest hint of hesitation and viciously stomped him until all he could do was gasp for air. "Damned Pockmark, I'll stomp you flat!"

The sects who were in the vicinity of Ling Xiao's battling zone all saw this scene, causing their eyes to nearly pop out from their sockets. This guy doesn't have the slightest hint of the demeanour a Celestial Soul Master should have! How is this a newcomers tournament?! This is clearly a street brawl amongst rascals!

The few remaining disciples of the Northern Jade Sect and the Everlasting Pool Sect sniggered, temporarily forgetting the grief of losing their comrades as they watched Ling Xiao display his martial prowess. Qian Gui also chuckled. "Martial Nephew Ling really is one of a kind."

Cheng Qiantai let out a dry cough and pretended he didn't hear what Qian Gui said. Cheng Shi pursed her lips and softly laughed. "Xiao'er is pretty good at fighting."

Cheng Qiantai turned his attention away from Ling Xiao's insanity and toward his daughter and Qian Hai.

Ling Xiao dealt with Pockmark very quickly, but it was clear that Qian Hai and Cheng Yu had their hands and legs tied down by their opponents. They were tangled up with Big Zhu and Little Zhu from the Copper Leg Party. Both of them had legs that were as heavy and thick as metal pillars, but swung them at lightning speed. Even if Qian Hai and Cheng Yu had experienced a battle where their lives were on the line, they had no power to retaliate. They were solely preoccupied with defending the duo's penetrative attacks.

"Ling Xiao, come over and help! Hurry!" Cheng Yu shouted out since she knew Ling Xiao had settled his match.

Ling Xiao was unexpectedly standing to the side with his arms crossed over his chest. He said in a dismissive manner, "If you need help in the first match, what are you going to do in the next?"

Qian Hai's eyes were so red that it seemed as though blood was going to seep out of them. "Ling Xiao, I understand what you're trying to say! Even if I lose this match, I don't need your help!"

Cheng Yu also came to a sudden realisation. Ling Xiao was training her! Since that was the case, she couldn't let that bastard look down on her!

Chapter end