https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-354-Everyone-Advances-Sixth-Round-Part-1-/12965300/
Chapter 353: The Battle Begins! (Part 2)
Chapter 353: The Battle Begins! (Part 2)
"
So, not many people came?"
"Actually, there are quite a few. There are at least dozens of people. What more do you expect?"
"In comparison, I'm more curious about Shi Hao's region. They... are probably from the Moon Embrace Palace, right? Sixteen pillars of light, sixteen participants? That's more than the top-tier powers, only second to the Holy Lands!"
"Wow, that's impressive!"
"Sixteen Young Heroes?"
"No, I'm from the Southwest Domain, and among them, three are not disciples of the Moon Embrace Palace!"
"Thirteen? That's already more than all the top-tier powers, only second to the Holy Lands. Such a number of Young Heroes is truly astonishing, no wonder their reputation has been spreading like wildfire recently."
"Wow, recognized by the Prodigy Grand Tournament..."
"As long as the Moon Embrace Palace doesn't falter, they will undoubtedly become another formidable force in the future."
"It's bound to be so."
"..."
Murmurs arose from the surroundings.
Long Ao Jiao quietly straightened her chest, her face filled with pride.
Quite a few people recognized this young lady.
Hmph!
At this moment, she was in a good mood.
It was at this moment that everyone began to notice the issue with the colors of the pillars of light.
"Twelve colors, twelve groups."
"Look, they're separated!"
"The colors of the Moon Embrace Palace disciples are indeed beautiful, but inevitably, there are some 'collisions'."
"There's no other way, there are too many people."
"Quick, look, which color group doesn't have a Holy Son or Holy Daughter?"
"Red, orange, yellow..."
"Eh?!"
"Black, it's a black pillar!"
"So, the black group?"
"Indeed, there are no Holy Sons or Holy Daughters in the black group. Those Young Heroes assigned to the black group are indeed lucky."
"That's true."
"Without the threat of a Holy Son or Holy Daughter hanging over their heads, they don't have to worry about encountering an invincible opponent in their next match. They only need to give it their all..."
"The black group is so lucky!"
Long Ao Jiao, cloaked in black light, heard these words, and the smile on the corner of her mouth gradually faded.
Then, she stood up, looked around at the crowd, stretched her body, and the perfect arc of her lazy posture and voice made countless people's hearts flutter.
She opened her mouth.
Her voice wasn't loud, but it spread in all directions: "Why do you think being in the black group is the greatest luck?"
The crowd was taken aback, and then someone 'reacted' and smiled lightly: "Miss, you misunderstood. We didn't mean that your strength is insufficient."
"It's just that compared to the other groups, without a Holy Son or Holy Daughter leading the way, it's undoubtedly much easier."
"It's natural to consider this good luck."
"Is that so?"
Long Ao Jiao laughed, her laughter shaking the branches: "Hahahaha."
"Unfortunately, you're wrong."
"You're so wrong."
"You say that being assigned to the black group is good luck?"
"But in fact, being in the black group is the greatest misfortune."
"Don't you understand?"
She pointed to the pillar of light covering her, a smile on the corner of her mouth: "Black is the very color that represents misfortune."
"This..." The crowd was stunned.
Are you so young and yet so superstitious?
Speechless!
"Why did the young lady say that?"
"Based on colors... it's too arbitrary and not rigorous at all."
"Oh?" Long Ao Jiao nodded: "That's indeed the case."
"But..."
"Being in the same group as me is their greatest misfortune!"
Boom! Long Ao Jiao's astonishing aura erupted, and her tone instantly changed, becoming solemn, cold, and devoid of emotion.
"As for the other eleven groups..."
"They should consider themselves fortunate."
"Fortunate that they aren't in the same group as me."
"Otherwise, they wouldn't even have the chance to imagine themselves qualifying for the top twelve."
The crowd: "???!"
Σ(⊙▽⊙"a!?!
What the fuck, you stood up and showed off, but it turns out you're just full of hot air?
Who would've thought that you're just showing off?
Damn!
You really got me.
But who would believe it?
According to you, you're even better than the Holy Sons and Holy Daughters?
Pfft!
You're so full of it...
They were speechless.
They thought Long Ao Jiao would give a good lecture, but instead, she pulled a fast one!
What the hell is this deja vu?
"The grouping is complete."
Xian Lao Zhe waved his hand lightly: "Next, we'll draw lots."
They said they would draw lots.
However, the Young Heroes didn't draw lots themselves.
It was just that with a wave of his sleeve, a number appeared on each person's pillar of light.
"Within each group, one versus two, three versus four, and so on."
"The twelve groups will fight simultaneously, and after determining the winners, the next pair will immediately take their place."
"If someone hasn't appeared on stage after one incense stick's worth of time, they will be considered to have forfeited."
"If a group has an odd number of participants, the last person will automatically advance to the next round."
"As for whether it will take up time..."
"Those who successfully sign up are all true Young Heroes, each with their own exceptional qualities and strengths. Therefore, missing any match is a kind of regret."
"To minimize such regrets, the maximum number of simultaneous matches is twelve."
"We also hope that fellow cultivators will watch the matches civilly."
As he spoke, twelve massive arenas slowly rose around Xian Lao Zhe.
They were called arenas, but they were just 'elevated platforms'.
Naturally, they couldn't be like modern boxing rings with ropes to block the fighters.
The twelve arenas were not simply platforms, but twelve distinct terrains. Some were mountainous landscapes, while others were dusty deserts, vast oceans, swamps, grasslands, or forests—each unique in its own way. The only commonality was the powerful array formations protecting them, making it nearly impossible to destroy them even with the formidable destructive power of a Ninth Level cultivator within a short time.
This was the confidence of the Holy Lands and the organizers of this event.
"The Prodigy Grand Tournament of the Immortal Martial Continent, an unprecedented gathering of Heaven's Pride during the Golden Age, begins now."
Elder Xian waved his hand, signaling the start, "Enter the arenas, and begin the countdown!"
"Hahaha, it's finally starting!"
"Here I come!"
"Victory and defeat are common in battles, but in this fight, I will win!"
Twenty-four figures entered the arenas one after another.
A gust of wind suddenly picked up, causing the spectators' clothes to flutter and their hair to dance in the wind.
"Please!"
In the orange arena, a black-robed young hero laughed, "To be able to participate in this gathering is a blessing from the heavens. Win or lose, it is all fate."
"From the Northern Domain, Duan Kun of the Vast Palace."
"May I ask your name?"
The young hero across from him, dressed in white with even his hair silver-white, was equally excited, his eyes shining with anticipation.
"Brother Duan, it's an honor."
"From the Eastern Domain, Lin Xue."
"Fellow cultivator Lin, show us your skills."
"Alright!"
The two exchanged smiles and simultaneously attacked without hesitation, unleashing their full power in an instant.
Both were strong, and despite being at the Seventh Realm, their burst of power exceeded that of an average Eighth Realm cultivator, reaching the level of the late Eighth Realm.
Not only that, but they displayed various ultimate techniques, each of which had a renowned reputation in the 'River of History.' It was no simple feat.
The moment they made their moves, countless spectators around them couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.
"Wow!?"
"So strong!"
"This... it's only the first round, and it's already this terrifying? It's truly shocking!"
"The first round? I feel like I've never seen such prodigies in my entire life. If this is just the first round, what about the later rounds and the finals? What kind of brilliance will they display then?"
"You've never seen such talent? Then you've had a narrow view."
"I admit my limited experience, as I come from a small region and can't compare to you Central Province cultivators. But are such prodigies common in the Central Province?"
"Well, I wouldn't say they're common, that would be an exaggeration, but I have seen them before... I've just seen a few. I can only say that such prodigies are rare wherever they may be."
"..."
At this moment, most Central Province cultivators stopped their disdain and arrogance, realizing their sense of superiority was not as solid as they thought.
Regardless of their usual pride and superiority, few could maintain that attitude at this moment.
These young heroes were truly formidable.
Of course, while not many could maintain their superiority, there were still some whose sense of superiority as Central Province cultivators was deeply ingrained in their bones, and they couldn't help but scoff.
"What's this?"
"Boosting others' morale while diminishing your own? It's uncommon, but so what? Do such prodigies appear frequently in the Eight Domains?"
"I doubt you'd find more than a few even if you searched the entire Eight Domains."
"Moreover, who said the first round is always the weakest? Are the later rounds guaranteed to be stronger?"
"Nonsense! The drawing of lots is completely random. They appeared in the first round, first match, not because they are the weakest, but simply because they were drawn first. That's all."
"Perhaps the next round or the following groups of contestants will only have two or three times their strength?"
"I can assure you that they are the rare gems among the young heroes of the Eight Domains."
"Furthermore, the young heroes of the three great Holy Lands of the Central Province have yet to make their appearance."
"So, what are you all so shocked about?"
"Hmph!"
Upon hearing this, the other Central Province cultivators nearby fell silent.
Damn it, our sense of superiority usually surpasses yours, but now that reality has hit us, you're still putting on a show?
It was unclear if this person was genuinely stupid or just stubbornly clinging to their sense of superiority.
A Central Province spectator coldly laughed, "What you say isn't entirely unreasonable, but I'm curious."
"The young heroes of the Central Province Holy Lands haven't made their move, does that mean the young heroes of the Eight Domains' Holy Lands have?"
"As for the rare gems..."
"Are you blind or what?"
"Unless you are, please open your eyes wide and take a good look at the young heroes on the other eleven arenas."
"If you're not blind, then take a good look at the current scene and situation on the other arenas."
"What situation could there be?" The person sneered, and as he shifted his attention, he said, "It's just..."
"Huh?"
At that moment, his expression changed.
"This, this is impossible!"
"What's impossible?"
"It's all just your wishful thinking."
"I'm just curious, is this your wishful thinking, a case of being blind to the truth, or do you know the truth but refuse to acknowledge it?"
The person's face changed again and again.
"I, I don't understand what you're saying."
After speaking, he hurried away as if he had urgent business, no longer daring to linger in this place.
Xiao Ling Er and the others, as well as the nearby cultivators from the Eight Domains, witnessed all of this.
The atmosphere was somewhat complex.
"As expected, strength is indeed the best language."
"Instead of explaining everything with great effort, it's better to let them witness the prowess of the Young Heroes of the Eight Domains!"
"No matter how much you talk, it's not as useful as having a strong fist."
"..."
Xiao Ling'er turned to her junior disciples, suddenly feeling spirited: "Then, all of you, my junior brothers and sisters."
"Give it your all."
"Let them see the brilliance of our Moon Embrace Palace."
"Of course!" Wang Teng laughed heartily.
Ya Ya smiled and nodded.
Shi Hao waved his fist, his enthusiasm high: "Oh~!"
Even Huo Yun'er and the other two girls were greatly inspired, already prepared to give it their all, and they would never admit defeat unless absolutely necessary.
Sensing their emotions, Medusa Queen was momentarily at a loss for words, unsure of what to say.
"How wonderful!"
She couldn't help but exclaim: "Youth is truly wonderful."
"Such vitality..."
"Actually, you're quite young too, aren't you?" Xiao Ling'er suddenly smiled.
Medusa Queen briefly pondered, then said: "It depends on the comparison."
"Amongst cultivators of the same realm, I am indeed considered young. But compared to you, I'm old enough to be your great-grandmother."
"Ha."
Xiao Ling'er laughed exaggeratedly: "But speaking of which, Medusa Queen doesn't really sound like a name, it's more like a nickname. Why not choose a name that suits you better?"
"Choose a name?"
Medusa Queen thought for a moment, then furrowed her brows.
"What should I choose?"
"When I first saw your true form, it was a multicolored white python, its scales reflecting a radiant, colorful glow in the sunlight. How about Cai Lin?"
"Cai Lin?"
Medusa Queen fell silent.
But there was no response for a long time.
Xiao Ling'er wasn't in a hurry.
Speaking of which, this was a little bit of her peculiar sense of humor.
Since the Master had already 'guessed' it, she might as well go all the way.
Moreover, this would also prevent Medusa Queen from choosing another name in the future, which would save her the trouble of remembering a new name.
But speaking of which...
"Fate is indeed a peculiar and mysterious thing."
...
Whether it was intentional or a coincidence,
The thirteen members of Moon Embrace Palace, along with Jian Zi, totaled fourteen people.
Among them, Jian Zi and Jiang Li, Huo Yun'er and Jiang Ni, were in the same group.
Xiao Long Nu and Wang Teng were also in the same group.
As for Long Aojiao, she was grouped with He Qiang.
Of course, it wasn't a 'first-round' matchup, but they were indeed in the same group. Unless someone was eliminated early, they would inevitably face each other later on.
Jian Zi had a nonchalant expression.
Jiang Li, Jiang Li, and Huo Yun'er were even less worried. They didn't have high expectations for themselves, and being able to give it their all and showcase their abilities was enough.
Xiao Long Nu remained carefree as ever.
Long Aojiao chuckled: "Fishing guy, it seems like you have the worst luck among the members of Moon Embrace Palace."
"But rest assured, for Ling'er's sake, I won't be too harsh on you. However, it's best if you just admit defeat."
"After all, fists and feet have no eyes."
"If I accidentally hurt you, don't come looking for trouble."
"Hey, I don't really mind." He Qiang spread his hands and laughed.
"As long as I can keep fishing, it's not a big problem."
Long Aojiao: "..."
Damn it, I was asking you a question, wasn't I?
I was clearly...
...
The battles on the twelve arenas were all spectacular!
They could even be described as abnormal.
Regardless of their realm, the true combat power of those who stepped onto the stage was not below the Eighth Level!
Back and forth, they fought with great enjoyment.
Various ultimate techniques were displayed, eliciting waves of exclamations from the audience.
Some of the Young Heroes' identities were clear, while others were more obscure, but after their all-out battles, information and identities related to them were continuously exposed.
After all, while people could hide and be hard to recognize, the unique techniques of powerful Loose Cultivators were easily identifiable.
This very fact made it challenging for many spectators to look away.
"Hiss!"
"Strong individuals are emerging!"
"They all have impressive backgrounds."
"Each one is more formidable than the last."
"Here comes another one. Hasn't his inheritance been lost for tens of thousands of years? I thought it had already been severed, but I never expected there to still be a successor in the world."
"Is this young man a descendant of an ancient martial clan? In the Immortal Martial Continent, the 'Wu' character has been in decline for many years, but I never thought I'd see a descendant of an ancient martial clan, and his strength is truly not weak."
"Straightforward and simple, with efficient offensive techniques, they are actually even better than Cultivators! Just a bit one-dimensional."
"..."
Some won, while others lost.
The opponents on the twelve arenas changed in waves, but without exception, every battle was incredibly exciting!
Evidently, the organizers had put their hearts into the screening and review process, so those with the qualifications to participate were all outstanding.
And the result of this was...
The spectators were so enthralled that they didn't even want to leave for a moment, not even for a short break.
Even when the urge to urinate struck, they held it in, not wanting to miss a moment.
Some even...
Refused to blink, fearing they might miss a memorable moment.
It was amidst this thrilling battle, with the spectators cheering, that the first participant from Moon Embrace Palace finally took the stage.
"I didn't expect to be the first one."
Ya Ya stood up, not very old, but she had already matured.
Like a celestial fairy, she stood out in the world.
She raised her hand, and the ghost face mask covered her face, neither crying nor laughing, with a single tear mark that was particularly noticeable...
(End of Chapter)
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