Chapter 149: Toying with the Perfected Qi Refiners, Rejecting Cen Xianzi (Part 1)

Chapter 149: Toying with the Perfected Qi Refiners, Rejecting Cen Xianzi (Part 1)



On the high platform of Fei Hong Island, Jiang Hongguang and the other two had long been waiting there, filled with excitement.

As they awaited Chu Ning's arrival, Jiang Hongguang's face lit up with joy, and he exclaimed:

"Fellow Daoist Chu, you've truly given us a delightful surprise! Who would have thought that your strength would be so formidable!"

At this moment, Jiang Lan, standing beside him, had a flushed face, but she still looked directly at Chu Ning and said sincerely,

"Chu Shangxian, I apologize for my previous rudeness. Please forgive me."

Hearing the words of the siblings, Chu Ning smiled gently.

"What I said to you all before wasn't empty talk. There's one more round of challenges tomorrow. We can celebrate then if I win."

Seeing Chu Ning's calm and unperturbed demeanor, Jiang Hongguang sighed inwardly once again. He felt even more convinced about his previous assessment of Chu Ning.

At this moment, the rest of the challenges were still ongoing on the stage.

Although Chu Ning's consecutive victories over three Qi Refinement Ninth Layer cultivators had indeed caused quite a stir, as time passed and the trials from the second-tier islands commenced, the focus shifted.

The battles between Foundation Establishment cultivators also sparked lively discussions among the crowd.

Gradually, fewer people recalled Chu Ning's earlier fights.

Since Fei Hong Island had already faced a challenge that day, the final round was postponed until the next day.

Chu Ning and his companions could now watch the proceedings with ease.

After the day's trials concluded, Chu Ning returned to the stone chamber in the inn as usual.

Before parting, Jiang Hongguang mentioned that Bei Lin Island's strength was even greater than Qing Quan Island's. He also inquired if there was anything he could assist Chu Ning with.

Chu Ning politely declined, stating there was no need.

Although Jiang Hongguang's cultivation was relatively strong among Qi Refinement Eighth Layer cultivators, he wouldn't be of much help against a Qi Refinement Ninth Layer opponent.

As for Jiang Hongguang's speculation that the island master of Bei Lin Island might have reached the Perfected Qi Refinement realm, Chu Ning wasn't overly concerned.

To be honest, if it weren't for his desire to conceal his abilities, Chu Ning could have won even more effortlessly against those Qi Refinement Ninth Layer cultivators.

Regarding the Perfected Qi Refinement realm, he had already slain Qingxi Zong's proud disciple, Shang Rui, back when he was at the Qi Refinement Eighth Layer.

However, in such trials, he couldn't display many of his abilities.

He would have to devise a strategy in case his opponent included a Perfected Qi Refinement cultivator, ensuring he could deal with them while still concealing his full strength.

That night, Chu Ning didn't cultivate the Yanhuo Shenmu Gong in the stone chamber. Instead, he spent the entire night drawing talismans.

The next morning, Chu Ning appeared at the dojo as usual.

When the crowd saw him, they recalled his performance from the previous day, and a buzz of discussion filled the air.

Chu Ning approached the high platform of Fei Hong Island with a calm expression.

To be honest, the usually low-key Chu Ning wasn't very comfortable with being the center of attention.

However, in order to find a good foothold for himself, he had no choice but to endure it.

The atmosphere on the high platform of Fei Hong Island was markedly different from the previous day's solemnity. The three members of the Jiang family wore smiles on their faces.

They weren't sure if Chu Ning would win today's trial, but at the very least, even if he lost, someone would help them with the three years' worth of offerings.

The process was the same as the previous two days, and the trials began promptly.

Fei Hong Island's trial was scheduled for later in the day, and the highlight of the morning was a challenge by an island ranked 25th or 26th against the 15th-ranked island.

Each island fielded eight cultivators, including two Foundation Establishment cultivators, and the battle was intense. In the end, the 15th-ranked island successfully defended its position, causing a stir in the audience.

The subsequent duels were less remarkable, with around sixty percent of the challengers emerging victorious, similar to the previous days.

In the blink of an eye, half a day passed.

"The next trial will be Bei Lin Island challenging Fei Hong Island."

Just as everyone thought that the trials were becoming less exciting, Cen Wenquan's voice rang out from the main stage, causing a stir among the audience once again.

"The challenger for Fei Hong Island has arrived. Bei Lin Island is known as the top island among those with first-tier spiritual veins. They are said to have five cultivators at the Qi Refinement Ninth Layer and above, and there are rumors that their island master, Gongsun Lang, has already reached the Perfected Qi Refinement realm. What do you think? Can Fei Hong Island's Chu Ning, who is at the Qi Refinement Eighth Layer, still win today?"

"I think it's unlikely!"

"I believe he has a chance against a Qi Refinement Ninth Layer cultivator, but it would be extremely difficult for him to defeat a Perfected Qi Refinement cultivator."

"Let's wait and see. If he wins, it will be the biggest upset of this Thousand Islands Trial."

...

Unlike the previous day's one-sided ridicule and doubt, there were actually quite a few voices of support for Chu Ning this time.

Aside from some uncertainty when the topic of Chu Ning potentially facing a Perfected Qi Refinement cultivator was brought up, the overall sentiment was quite positive.

And Chu Ning did not disappoint those who supported him.

Just like the trials from the day before, although the cultivator from Bei Lin Island today was more cautious, they still found themselves in a difficult position due to Chu Ning's various fire-based spells and talismans.

There were also those who tried to catch Chu Ning off guard with a sudden attack.

However, what they witnessed next was Chu Ning deploying one elementary high-grade talisman after another.

In fact, when faced with the assault of a Qi Refinement Ninth Layer cultivator, Chu Ning directly used ten elementary high-grade defensive talismans in succession.

Once they found themselves unable to breach his defenses, they fell into a passive position and could only face defeat under Chu Ning's relentless onslaught.

"This person is indeed a talisman master!"

"To have so many elementary high-grade talismans, his talisman-making skills must be quite high."

...

As information about Chu Ning spread, the crowd's gaze towards him became more serious.

Just then, a voice suddenly shouted out.

Following the direction of the shout, everyone saw a man in a brocade robe flying out from the high platform of Bei Lin Island and landing on the battle stage.

The man was slender and petite, and his brocade robe gave him a rather comical air.

However, when the crowd saw his cultivation level, exclamations of surprise rang out.

"Perfected Qi Refinement!"

"We're in for a treat! A Perfected Qi Refiner against the dark horse at the Eighth Layer of Qi Refinement!"

"Everyone, place your bets! Who do you think will win between this Perfected Qi Refiner, Gongsun Lang, and the dark horse, Chu Ning?"

"Definitely Gongsun Lang. After all, he's at Perfected Qi Refinement."

"Yeah, no matter how strong an Eighth Layer cultivator is, they can't compare to someone at Perfected Qi Refinement. Unless this Chu Ning has some hidden tricks up his sleeve."

...

Down in the spectator square, the crowd was abuzz with discussion.

Even the group of Foundation Establishment cultivators on the main platform were engaged in an animated conversation.

The elderly cultivator from the Yin Demon Sect, who had praised Cen Xianzi earlier, spoke first. "Fellow Daoists, what are your predictions for this match?"

"If this Chu Ning has shown all his cards, then Gongsun Lang will definitely win. If he still has some tricks up his sleeve, his chances of victory are less than 30%."

The middle-aged man in blue sitting in the leftmost seat added, "Gongsun Lang's earth-type cultivation art is exceptional, especially in defense. Even against a newly advanced Foundation Establishment cultivator, his art and spells would give him a fighting chance."

The elderly cultivator nodded slightly, indicating his agreement with the blue-robed man's assessment.

The middle-aged man in black also chimed in, "Indeed! Moreover, there's a gap of two whole cultivation layers between them. It's almost impossible for Chu Ning to win."

"I'm not so sure about that," said the white-robed Cen Xianzi, surprising everyone.

Among the younger generation, she was the only Foundation Establishment cultivator and thus the only one qualified to join their discussion.

"Oh? Do you have a different opinion, Niece Cen? Do you think this Chu Ning can win?" the first elderly cultivator asked, sounding amused.

"I don't have a different opinion, Uncle," Cen Xianzi replied with a light laugh, her voice as clear as a silver bell. "I just feel that since this Chu Ning at the Eighth Layer of Qi Refinement dared to come out and accept the challenge, he must have some tricks up his sleeve. Or maybe I'm overthinking it. I think their chances of winning are about even."

"Fifty-fifty! I thought you were going to say that this Chu kid would win outright, Niece Cen," the first elderly cultivator teased.

"Well, even saying it's fifty-fifty is giving him the benefit of the doubt. Let's just wait and see," he added.

...

As the cultivators on the main platform discussed the match, Gongsun Lang cupped his hands toward Chu Ning in greeting.

"Gongsun Lang of Bei Lin Island, requesting a friendly spar with Fellow Daoist Chu."

Gongsun Lang spoke as Chu Ning was just about to take a Recovery Pill.

Although he still had ample spiritual energy, he had only revealed his cultivation at the Eighth Layer of Qi Refinement.

After fighting several matches in a row, it would be suspicious if he showed no signs of fatigue.

Moreover, his opponent was at Perfected Qi Refinement, so Chu Ning did not dare to underestimate him.

At this moment, Chu Ning's expression turned solemn as he cupped his hands in return.

"Chu Ning of Fei Hong Island."

Just as the spectators below had shouted, this Gongsun Lang was indeed a cultivator at Perfected Qi Refinement.

Chu Ning was certain that after he had defeated six cultivators at the Ninth Layer of Qi Refinement in two days, this Island Master Gongsun would not be taking him lightly.

It wouldn't be easy for him to win while still trying to conceal his true abilities.

As expected, as soon as the host, Cen Wenquan, announced the start of the match on the high platform, Gongsun Lang's figure flickered, and he directly tunneled underground, causing the barrage of fireballs Chu Ning had launched at him to miss their target completely.

"Earth Tunnel Technique?"

Chu Ning immediately understood what had happened, but he reacted swiftly. He leaped into the air, and at the same time, a dark shield appeared in his hand, which he slammed onto the ground half a meter behind where he had been standing.

"Bang!"

The next moment, a muffled sound emanated from underground, causing everyone who understood what had happened to wince in sympathy.

"This Chu Ning's reaction speed is incredible!"

On the main platform, Cen Xianzi, who was standing next to Cen Wenquan, narrowed her eyes slightly, a hint of surprise flashing through them. Her red lips parted as she exclaimed in surprise.

As Foundation Establishment cultivators, they could sense the direction of Gongsun Lang's tunneling technique.

But what surprised everyone was that Chu Ning had also predicted the direction with uncanny accuracy.

By placing a large shield at the exit point of Gongsun Lang's tunneling technique, he had effectively blocked his escape route, and the collision must have been painful.

Indeed, when Gongsun Lang's figure reappeared elsewhere, there was a noticeable bump on his head.

Although he quickly dispersed it with his spiritual energy, several sharp-eyed cultivators had already noticed it.

Coupled with his slightly comical appearance, the bump only added to the comical effect.

Gongsun Lang's expression was less than pleasant at the moment, but he had no time to worry about his appearance.

As soon as he emerged from the ground, he was greeted by a barrage of fireballs, both from Chu Ning's Thorny Blaze art and the fire talismans in his left hand.

However, all these fireballs were blocked by a layer of yellowish light that Gongsun Lang had conjured around himself.

Gongsun Lang looked up, his expression calm. As a cultivator of earth-type spells, his defense was his forte.

His body flickered as he tunneled toward Chu Ning again, but this time, he did not go underground.

At the same time, a hammer-shaped artifact appeared in his hand, its grade seemingly quite high.

Unlike the fireballs before, these pillars of fire were blazing columns.

They were the Crimson Flame Talismans that Chu Ning had tirelessly crafted the previous night.

He did not want to sell these fire talismans, fearing that people would associate them with the Qingxi Sect.

However, using them himself was, of course, not a problem.

After all, many fire talismans produced such effects when used.

"Are those... Elementary High-Grade Talismans?"

Watching the dozen or so pillars of fire flying towards him, Gongsun Lang finally realized what he was up against.

Even though he had reached Perfected Qi Refinement, he dared not be careless when faced with an onslaught of a dozen Elementary High-Grade Talismans.

He halted his pursuit and channeled his spiritual energy to the maximum, bolstering the earthen shield around him to its utmost defensive capability.

"Patter, patter, crackle!"

Amidst the dazzling spray of fire, the shield trembled relentlessly, and although it held firm in the end, the earthy yellow color had faded significantly.

Evidently, if Gongsun Lang hadn't stopped to reinforce his defense, the shield would have surely been breached.

Withstanding the assault, Gongsun Lang once again gave chase to Chu Ning.

However, to his dismay, Chu Ning once more evaded him with an Evasion Talisman of no trivial grade.

Then, just like before, when Gongsun Lang attempted to pursue him again, countless pillars of fire rained down.

Gongsun Lang had no choice but to halt and reinforce his defenses.

Thus, this scene played out repeatedly in the arena.

Outside the arena, the spectators were left dumbfounded.

Even though Chu Ning seemed to be the one on the defensive, retreating as he was, he showed no signs of injury and remained calm and unhurried.

Aside from the fact that the talismans he used were so exquisite that they pained the onlookers to see them being consumed, he didn't seem to be suffering from any significant depletion of resources.

On the other hand, after five or six rounds of this back and forth, Gongsun Lang's expression clearly showed his impatience.

He couldn't catch up to Chu Ning, nor could he land a hit, and he was frequently forced to expend spiritual energy to bolster his defensive shield. His spiritual energy was being drained considerably.

It seemed as if Gongsun Lang was being toyed with by Chu Ning.

At this moment, the situation in the arena was much the same. After evading, Chu Ning unleashed another barrage of a dozen pillars of fire, which Gongsun Lang defended against.

However, at this point, the earthy yellow shield around him had noticeably faded and was almost transparent.

Just as everyone thought that the previous scenes would repeat themselves yet again, Chu Ning's expression suddenly changed on the stage.

He suddenly stopped using Evasion Talismans.

Instead, he chose to take to the wind and flee.

Upon seeing this, Gongsun Lang's eyes lit up.

Without another word, he immediately used a Profound Art to pursue Chu Ning.

With the aid of the Profound Art, Gongsun Lang's speed far surpassed Chu Ning's Wind Riding Technique, and he quickly closed in on him.

At the same time, the hammer in his hand, which had been prepared for a strike, descended towards Chu Ning.

Gongsun Lang had not forgotten about the black shield-like high-grade artifact in Chu Ning's hand.

So, as he brought the hammer down, he suddenly changed direction mid-strike.

As expected, he saw Chu Ning's black shield come up to meet the blow, but it only struck empty air.

This delighted Gongsun Lang, and the hammer, glowing with an earthy yellow light, descended without hindrance.

However, what surprised Gongsun Lang slightly was that the black artifact in Chu Ning's right hand had disappeared.

In its place was a talisman.

In the next moment, the talisman in Chu Ning's hand was activated.

Instantly, a layer of white light enveloped and protected Chu Ning's entire body.

The hammer, glowing with a faint yellow light, struck the shield, but it didn't even budge, not even a tremor.

"A Medium-Grade Defensive Talisman?"

Gongsun Lang seemed to suddenly realize something, and a hint of astonishment flashed in his eyes.

The next moment, his expression changed drastically.

Because, at the same time, he saw the black shield in Chu Ning's other hand also disappear.

It was replaced by several talismans, and before he could react, three beams of golden light flew out from Chu Ning's hand, rushing towards him.

The speed was so fast that Gongsun Lang didn't have time to dodge.

They were Medium-Low Grade Talismans! They were the talisman arts that Chu Ning had learned by deciphering the talismans he had bought from Yunhai Pavilion.

At this moment, Gongsun Lang could only focus on channeling his spiritual energy to bolster the nearly transparent defensive shield around him.

Gongsun Lang's earthen defensive art was originally quite extraordinary.

Under normal circumstances, even three or four Medium-Low Grade Talismans wouldn't be a problem for him to defend against.

But he had already expended a considerable amount of spiritual energy, and with the sudden turn of events, he couldn't fully utilize his art's power.

The beams of light struck the earthy yellow shield, and in an instant, the shield shattered.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end