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Chapter 37: The Sparring Match and Its Consequences
Chapter 37: The Sparring Match and Its Consequences
Initially, the disciples remained calm, but their expressions changed upon hearing the mention of potential injuries and risks.
"Mr. Ji, aren't sparring matches supposed to be non-contact? How can injuries occur?" one of them asked.
"Do you young ones even understand the concept of non-contact sparring? Even if you do, do your opponents?" Mr. Ji Sheng replied with a smile, his casual tone making his words sound more severe.
"Just relax. If you feel your strength is insufficient, conceding is always an option. This sparring tournament wasn't meant for you anyway. Consider it a participation award."
These words of consolation made the disciples feel uneasy. They felt belittled, yet unable to refute his statement.
"Mr. Ji, you underestimate us. I've learned that other disciples under different instructors are not much higher in realm either. Many are only at the middle stage of the Eighth Stage Essence Refinement Realm, only one small realm higher than me.”
“Before reaching the Seventh Stage, it's actually quite difficult to create a significant gap in strength. When I was at the Eighth Stage, many of my peers could keep up. Their realms were only slightly lower than mine. But do you think that because our realms are similar, our strengths must be as well? It's normal for there to be a huge gap even within the same realm. The slight realm difference only gives you an opportunity to exchange moves without being defeated in one strike."
Since the beginning of his teaching, Mr. Ji Sheng's words seemed to be devoid of any encouragement. He constantly criticized and belittled the disciples.
However, among the many disciples present, several were considered genius-level martial artists in their hometowns.
"Additionally, after reaching the Seventh Stage, you'll realize the importance of innate talent. While you might struggle for three to five years to reach this stage, others may only need half a year. It's not impossible to be stuck at the Eighth Stage for a lifetime."
Hearing these words, the disciples fell silent. They knew that Mr. Ji Sheng was a genius, and his words held weight. If he didn't possess the strength, they could have dismissed his comments as jealousy or intentional belittlement. But seventeen years ago, he was the top disciple in the new disciples' sparring tournament, giving him the right to critique.
"If there are no further questions, I'll take my leave. I advise you all to concede if you feel unprepared. In case of injury, not only will you suffer, but you'll also have to endure a long recovery period, wasting time."
After speaking, Mr. Ji Sheng waved his hand and left. Many disciples looked at his departing figure with disdain.
"He's just trying to make things easier for himself by asking us to concede," said a disciple sitting next to Su Chen, feeling indignant.
Noticing Su Chen's gaze, the disciple explained, "According to Heaven's Pole City's rules, he is responsible for our safety during the sparring tournament. If we concede, he can relax and rest on the sidelines."
It seemed that Mr. Ji Sheng's concern was indeed for his own convenience. Su Chen commented that Mr. Ji Sheng probably didn't care whether the disciples got injured.
At this point, another disciple nearby sighed, "I think Mr. Ji Sheng's words are reasonable. The reason we were assigned to him is clear as day. It's because our innate talent and potential were deemed insufficient by the others."
Despite admitting defeat, it's probably for the best.
With Ji Sheng's current state, it's hard to say if he can protect us.
It's best we try to avoid getting injured."
The disciples present seemed somewhat pessimistic, even falling into self-doubt.
Su Chen wanted to say something, but after hesitating, he chose to remain silent.
In this situation, no words of comfort would help, and they might even have the opposite effect.
In comparison, Su Chen still maintained confidence in his heart.
With two days left, he calmly awaited the start of the Duel Assembly.
The weather had become warmer, and after the Duel Assembly, the disciples were expected to return to the frontlines to carry out various missions.
After a day's rest, Senior Brother Wu Yi and the others invited everyone to gather.
The gathering was held in the city's largest tavern, renting a private room.
The team Senior Brother Wu Yi put together, we all got along well last year.
We earned contributions, and everyone was satisfied.
There were injuries, but thankfully no one perished.
So, we're gathering again this year to carry out missions together.
It's definitely safer when people who trust each other work together.
This self-formed team in Heaven's Pole City is much more suitable than the semi-forced arrangements of the Yunyang Sect.
Everyone talked about their gains during this winter.
Several senior brothers had improved in their strength realms.
Even Senior Brother Wu Yi had advanced a step closer to the Initial Stage of the Valley Embrace Realm.
After a long period of accumulation, he finally broke through to the Perfection Realm of the Valley Embrace Realm during this cold winter.
No wonder he had a joyful expression, ordering the finest wine and dishes at the tavern.
After some conversation, the topic turned to Su Chen.
The new disciples' Duel Assembly was approaching, and everyone naturally knew that this was the highlight every year.
The performance at the Duel Assembly wasn't just about gaining rewards, as Senior Ji Sheng said.
It was also a chance for the sect's elders to observe which disciples had potential.
They would consider inviting them to join future missions.
Additionally, the sect's elders were watching, and those with exceptional performance might even be included in the direct disciples' ranks.
Senior Brother Wu Yi and Senior Sister Yao Xiaoyu became direct disciples largely due to their outstanding performance in the Duel Assembly.
But when it came to Su Chen, everyone's faces showed some concern.
"Su Shidi, are you prepared for the Duel Assembly?"
Senior Sister Yao Xiaoyu was the first to speak, and as she mentioned the Duel Assembly, her eyebrows furrowed slightly.
"I'm mostly prepared, and I shouldn't lose too badly."
His response remained humble, as Su Chen didn't like to boast.
Hearing this, Senior Brother Wu Yi coughed lightly beside him.
"We've known Su Shidi for so long, and his strength is actually quite good.
But at the Duel Assembly, the opponents you'll face are much stronger than those Greater Demons."
After a pause, Senior Brother Wu Yi continued.
"You had some unpleasantness with Elder Ouyang Chuan.
They intend to make things difficult for you during this Duel Assembly."
Upon hearing this news, Su Chen smiled, "If my strength is lacking, it's right that I face challenges."
Senior Brother Wu Yi glanced at Senior Sister Yao Xiaoyu.
Senior Sister Yao also wore a serious expression.
"Su Shidi, don't take this lightly.
Elder Ouyang Chuan's disciples are all very talented and strong.
Even compared to previous years, his disciples' strength is evidently superior.
Especially Jin Yue, the youngest daughter of the Jin family, who is also under Elder Ouyang Chuan.
If you accept the challenge, you're likely to get injured."
(End of Chapter)
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