https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-343-Recruitment-Offers-and-the-Scramble-for-a-Golden-Core/12932085/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-345-The-End-of-the-Dao-Seed-Battle/12932089/
Chapter 344: Dragon Binding Pillar, Purple Apex Heavenly Flame
Chapter 344: Dragon Binding Pillar, Purple Apex Heavenly Flame
Fu Li, as the third-ranked contestant, effortlessly defeated Shangguan Yan.
Her high ranking was primarily due to the immense support from the Shangguan family.
She even invited her clan uncle, paying a high price, to invite the renowned loose cultivators, You Ming and Er Sha, from Baiyun Immortal City.
Therefore, she secured the third position in the first round.
Unfortunately, in the second round, due to Huang Hezi's poor performance, she slipped to the fifth position.
Facing Du Changfeng from Yuanhua Mountain, she won by a stroke of luck.
After a bitter battle, she barely managed fifty rounds before conceding defeat.
Next, Fu Li was to face the third-ranked He Yuanqing.
Facing what could be the most perilous battle, Fu Li's expression was unusually relaxed.
At the sword dueling platform, he glanced at the distant Tao Wan.
The two had an unspoken understanding and nodded to each other.
Although they were allies, even if their rankings were separated, they could still cooperate.
When He Yuanqing descended from the high platform, he smiled slightly.
"Brother Yuanqing, please go easy on me later!"
He Yuanqing frowned, "Too much nonsense!"
As he spoke, a longsword appeared in his hand, its spirit energy fluctuations were intense, clearly a treasure-grade flying sword.
Seeing this stance, Fu Li calmly prepared, first pasting a Vajra talisman on himself, then taking out a shield and a flying sword.
A strict formation!
However, He Yuanqing was puzzled.
These two were both treasure-grade items.
Although an ultimate-grade defensive artifact was already quite extraordinary.
But with the battle having progressed to this stage, to still use this to deal with him, was he looking down on himself?
"Please!"
With a single word, Fu Li immediately launched his attack.
The flying sword was nimble, like a swallow circling, and under his control, it continuously probed He Yuanqing.
"Trivial tricks, unworthy of the grand hall!"
He Yuanqing coldly snorted, and the longsword in his hand, a treasure-grade flying sword, unleashed powerful spirit energy, dispersing the nearby flying swords.
The two's weapons had a gap in their grade, so the might they could unleash was naturally different.
Subsequently, He Yuanqing pinched spirit art, and the flying sword flew towards Fu Li.
The flying sword's might was immense, and the ultimate-grade flying sword's obstruction could only serve as a minor disturbance.
Seeing this, Fu Li retreated.
Between his fluttering sleeves, several cold lights flew from his sleeves.
They continuously struck the flying sword's sword light, gradually eroding its momentum.
Those cold lights, He Yuanqing saw clearly, were obviously Fu family's unique art, the Binding Yuan Pearl.
With the ability to erode spirit energy and bind the enemy, it was so-called, a surge of momentum, then decline, and exhaustion.
When the flying sword artifact smashed into Fu Li's ultimate-grade defensive shield, its might had already diminished to the extreme.
Boom!
In He Yuanqing's eyes, Fu Li lightly fluttered away, clearly unaffected.
"I merely controlled the flying sword artifact, I definitely can't win against him."
"I must use my ultimate move!"
He Yuanqing didn't plan to entangle with Fu Li like in the previous rounds.
To truly fight for hundreds of rounds, his own spirit energy consumption would be quite significant, not to mention his trump card would be exposed to the second-ranked Dan Yangzi.
Therefore, using the flying sword artifact, to decisively end it, was the king's way!
With a thought, he waved his hand, and the flying sword returned like a swallow to its nest, circling above his head.
He constantly pinched spirit art, and the flying sword continuously released spirit light, its accompanying formation was transforming spirit energy, forming a special attack.
"If you don't use treasures, don't blame me!"
Thinking of the treasure's might about to be unleashed, he was inwardly excited.
However, in his gaze, he saw Fu Li leisurely pointing at him.
The ultimate-grade flying sword, like a meteor, flew towards him.
"Do you want to interrupt my concentration and disrupt my killing move?"
"Hmph, you think too simply."
The next moment, the jade plate divided into three small jade pieces, barely blocking the sword light's attack.
However, He Yuanqing vaguely sensed something amiss.
He seemed to have overlooked something.
"Not right!"
He suddenly lowered his head, only to see cold lights surrounding the three small jade pieces from all directions.
At this moment, Fu Li stood opposite with his palms pressed together, his hands forming an empty grip.
The ultimate flying sword suddenly merged into one.
A condensed blade aura emerged from the gap between three jade steps and flew towards his forehead.
"Damn!"
He Yuanqing cursed inwardly and was forced to abandon the flying sword treasure he had been gathering, quickly drawing out a shield.
He blocked this fatal strike.
However, the power of the treasure was such that it could be unleashed but not retracted.
He Yuanqing suddenly looked up, and a surge of spirit energy spread from the flying sword treasure.
Being the closest, he immediately suffered the most direct backlash.
Boom! A loud noise reverberated, and He Yuanqing was sent flying several zhang away.
Amidst the hazy smoke, a figure tore through the air.
Before him, the ultimate flying sword moved like a swimming dragon, piercing through layers of residual spirit energy and heading towards He Yuanqing's neck.
"How could this be?"
He Yuanqing's eyes widened, filled with despair.
The next moment—
Whoosh! The figure arrived, grasping the hilt of the sword.
The sword tip pointed directly at He Yuanqing's forehead, trembling incessantly.
"Brother Yuanqing, yield!"
"How could this be!" He Yuanqing couldn't believe it, opening his mouth to speak words of resentment.
But as soon as he opened his mouth, a mouthful of fresh blood spurted out.
Pfft!
Fu Li sidestepped to avoid the blood, his gaze shifting towards the Golden Core Elder who was maintaining the defensive formation.
The elders of Dragon Head Peak watched with appreciation.
"In this battle, Fu Li wins and advances to the next round!"
"You may rest for an hour."
Fu Li smiled slightly and sheathed his sword, walking away.
On the sword dueling platform, only He Yuanqing remained, his face deathly pale.
He couldn't believe that he had lost so easily and quickly. Clearly, Fu Li had advanced to the Foundation Establishment Ninth Level in a much shorter time than him.
Moreover, he hadn't even had a chance to use his most crucial fatal strike.
No one answered his questions for the time being.
However, on the celestial platform, the Golden Core Elders had already seen through the truth.
"He was outmaneuvered!"
Luo Chen looked up and spoke, and it was indeed the Food Fragrance Master, the Golden Core Elder from Hundred Flowers Palace.
It was rare for her to show interest.
Watching He Yuanqing's dejected face through the water mirror technique, she commented, "Regardless of cultivation level or weapon power, he is superior to Fu Li."
"If he had played it safe and steady, within two hundred rounds, Fu Li would have undoubtedly lost to his sword."
"However, his eagerness to win was too strong. He only wanted to conserve his strength for the next round against his opponent, but he forgot that only by playing it safe and steady, and winning this round, would he have the chance to face Dan Yangzi."
"Fu Li clearly saw through this. From the beginning, he kept his distance and focused on attrition and pulling."
"If this had continued, Fu Li would have lost. But he had already figured out He Yuanqing's psychology and knew that his opponent would definitely aim for a decisive strike."
"That's why, when He Yuanqing tried to gather his fatal strike, it was countered, resulting in the backlash of his treasure."
After this analysis, the Golden Core Elders in the arena all nodded in agreement.
Fu Li's raw strength was slightly inferior, but his strategic calculations and combat tactics far surpassed He Yuanqing.
Or perhaps, there was no real strength to speak of.
Combat talent is, in itself, a part of one's strength.
After listening, Luo Chen also nodded slightly.
His assessment aligned with his own judgment.
The only thing that puzzled him was why Fu Li had meticulously designed the battle and quickly won this round.
With his alliance with Tao Wan, wouldn't it have been more suitable to let He Yuanqing win this round easily and then let the fully-recovered opponent test the second-ranked Dan Yangzi?
...
Luo Chen's thoughts also arose in the conversation between Tao Wan and Fu Li.
"You changed your mind?"
"Yes!" Fu Li replied to Tao Wan's sound transmission while regulating his breathing during meditation, "Because I discovered that He Yuanqing is too weak. It's impossible for him to probe Master Brother's trump card."
In the distance, Tao Wan seemed deep in thought.
So, Fu Li had changed his strategy at the last moment, deciding to win this round and then personally challenge Master Brother?
He's quite decisive.
Tao Wan thought so.
But as she watched Fu Li's calm and unhurried recovery, she felt something was amiss.
"That's not right!"
"He's not just trying to secure the Dao Seed position for me and clear the obstacles!"
"Beneath that polite and courteous demeanor lies a resolute determination. His goal is also the Dao Seed position!"
After realizing this, Tao Wan's expression changed slightly.
At this moment, the alliance between them became fragile, as there was only one rank separating them.
If Fu Li won, he would become her rival!
An ally?
Even allies have their priorities! Is it Tao Wan who will marry Fu Li in the future, or a Fu family daughter who will marry into the Tao family? The implications are vastly different!
Time passed slowly.
An hour went by in the blink of an eye.
"The seventh match, Fu Li versus Dan Yangzi!"
"Please send the disciples to the arena!"
The rolling sound wave emanated from the mouth of the Golden Core Elder on Dragon Head Peak.
The next moment, Fu Li stood tall, transforming into a streak of light and landing on the sword dueling platform.
Master Senior Disciple Dan Yangzi arrived, riding on clouds.
Gazing at the man before him, the usually silent Dan Yangzi finally spoke.
"Junior Disciple, you are not my match. Concede defeat!"
Fu Li smiled slightly, a longsword in his hand radiating spiritual light. "However, the Dao is not easily proven. This Dao Seed Position is also something I desire, Senior Brother!"
Dan Yangzi remained silent.
Without further ado, a longsword appeared in his hand as well.
In the Celestial Palace.
Luo Chen, who had been closely observing this battle, raised his eyebrows in surprise.
An Ultimate Magic Tool?
In the first round of the competition, Dan Yangzi had consistently used his flying sword treasure to battle.
Why, as the finals approached, did he switch weapons?
As he wondered, he looked towards the Golden Core Elders.
This time, it was the Crimson Cauldron Elder who spoke up.
He sighed, "Dan Yangzi's spiritual energy is nearly depleted."
With these words, Luo Chen instantly understood why Dan Yangzi had changed his preferred combat style.
In the first round's group battle, Dan Yangzi had to strike swiftly and decisively to secure the top position and allow himself sufficient time to recover.
His plan had a certain degree of feasibility, but the second round was equally exhausting.
The first round lasted half a month, and the second round continued for three days.
After such a long time, Dan Yangzi had been fighting alone.
Even though he had advanced to the Foundation Establishment Ninth Level years ago, his spiritual energy had been significantly depleted.
Now, in the third round, starting from the ninth place and fighting his way up, only three days had passed.
Even with the sect's Foundation Establishment support, it was impossible to quickly restore himself to perfect condition.
Initially, when Duan Feng and Jade Purity Monastery's Precious Jade Immortal fought with all their might, it took a long time for their spiritual energy to gradually recover.
Because of this, Luo Chen hadn't even assigned Duan Feng any combat missions during that period.
Dan Yangzi had a deeper foundation than Duan Feng, and his recovery was faster.
But his consumption was also greater!
Therefore, in this second-to-last battle, he chose to use an Ultimate Magic Tool.
Firstly, it would consume less spiritual energy.
Secondly, he wanted to avoid He Yuanqing's mistake and planned to defeat Fu Li with sheer strength.
As expected, the battle on the Sword Dueling Platform unfolded as Luo Chen had anticipated.
Both sides were mostly testing each other, primarily looking for their opponent's mistakes.
They refrained from using powerful moves that would deplete their spiritual energy.
Unknowingly, over a hundred rounds had passed.
Fu Li could no longer hold back.
In a prolonged battle, he was no match for his opponent, and in just a hundred rounds, he had sustained minor injuries.
If he didn't go all out now, it would only become more difficult, and the opportunity would grow more elusive.
A loud thud! A massive wooden pillar suddenly appeared on the Sword Dueling Platform.
Coiling dragons encircled the pillar, and chains stretched across it.
Roaring sounds echoed from the pillar.
"What treasure is this?" Luo Chen was astonished.
As he wondered, the Azure Cloud Elder at the head of the platform shook his head.
"Senior Brother Fu Li's lifespan is almost at its end. He has bestowed his Soul Bound Treasure, the Dragon Binding Pillar, to his descendants."
Dragon Binding Pillar? Judging by its name, it seemed to be a treasure related to suppression and binding.
"But it's not a treasure personally refined by Fu Li. His haste in using it has already revealed his weakness."
"Fu Li is about to lose!"
The Crimson Cauldron Elder muttered.
Just as the Golden Core Elders had predicted.
When Fu Li couldn't help but use the Dragon Binding Pillar, Dan Yangzi's eyes flickered.
He paid no attention to the coiling dragon chains spreading in the void.
The next moment, a purple pattern moved in his eyebrows.
A wisp of purple flame emerged from his body, spreading along the dragon chains.
Fu Li's face paled.
"Purple Apex Heavenly Flame!"
He never expected that Master Senior Brother would use the Primordial True Fire incorporated into his body to deal with him.
At this moment, scorching Heavenly Flame climbed along the chains.
Fu Li's connection to the Dragon Binding Pillar treasure was evident, and it would only bring him trouble.
"My life is over!"
Just as he resigned himself to his fate, a gentle breeze blew, and the Purple Apex Heavenly Flame retracted.
The Dragon Head Peak Elder glanced at the dumbfounded Fu Li and said indifferently, "In this battle, Dan Yangzi wins!"
Was it that simple? However, beneath this simplicity, Dan Yangzi had seized that fleeting moment of weakness and struck Fu Li's most vulnerable spot.
The Dragon Binding Pillar was powerful, but it wasn't a treasure refined by Fu Li for many years, and his control was too slow. Moreover, the connection between his mind and the treasure was too obvious, creating an opportunity to exploit.
Outside the Sword Dueling Platform, countless disciples cheered, shouting, "Master Senior Brother is invincible!" and "Long live Master Senior Brother!"
The appearance of the Purple Apex Heavenly Flame signified a victory.
This had become a common occurrence in the previous True Transmission Sword Duel.
Now, it was happening again, adding another victory to Master Senior Brother's undefeated record.
In the Celestial Palace.
Luo Chen's mind kept replaying the fleeting purple flame from earlier.
"Purple Apex Heavenly Flame..."
(End of Chapter)
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