In the afternoon's martial arts competition, the Loose Cultivator Alliance suffered a defeat in their first match. Qin Yougong spoke a few words to boost morale, striving to stabilize the fighting spirit of the scattered cultivators. Yue Xiyang sustained serious internal injuries and was taken away by an Alchemist from Wuhua Island for treatment, with Mo Shengyuan staying by his side.
Before Yue Xiyang's defeat, another match had already begun at Station Four. The competition at Station Two, where Yue Xiyang fought, had just concluded, and the outcome at Station Four was also determined.
Chen Ming from Wuhua Island defeated Zheng Zhong from Wan Jian Sect in just three strikes. The three strikes were as swift as thunder, clean and decisive, showcasing Wuhua Island's dominance in this battle.
Cai Shujun from New Moon Sect also made a strong impression in her first match, defeating Du Yong from Wan Jian Sect with a single strike. This match sparked considerable controversy among the audience; based on strength alone, it seemed impossible for Cai Shujun to defeat Du Yong with just one strike. Many disciples from various sects shouted accusations of foul play and fixed matches, likely because they had placed bets privately.
Following that, three more members of the Loose Cultivator Alliance took the stage one after another, all facing off against experts from Wuhua Island and suffering defeats. Fortunately, none were seriously injured or faced life-threatening situations.
Half-Dead Bao's face turned pale; with two wins out of eight battles, it would be difficult to avoid finishing last.
"Lin Fangxin from the Loose Cultivator Alliance versus Fang Zong from Wuhua Island." The last Tiger Warrior from the Loose Cultivator Alliance finally stepped onto the stage.
"Why is it Wuhua Island again?" In the five matches that afternoon, four were against Wuhua Island—what a coincidence! In fact, this matchup had been determined yesterday when Half-Dead Bao drew the lots himself. He even taught the scattered cultivators some special techniques to counter Wuhua Island during lunch. However, it seemed completely ineffective; although the three scattered cultivators fought desperately in retaliation, they still could not secure a victory.
Fang Zong wore white robes and appeared calm and composed, neither arrogant nor impatient. The demeanor of a disciple from the top sect of Xian Dao was evident in him as he raised his hand and said, "Fang Zong from Wuhua Island, please guide me."
"Lin Fangxin from the Loose Cultivator Alliance." The two exchanged names according to custom. "Please."
Wuhua Island was entirely composed of Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivators; as expected, they were brimming with experts. Lin Fangxin was also at Foundation Establishment Late Stage, matching Fang Zong in strength and momentum.
This was the final match of the elimination round: one team on a winning streak and the other on a losing streak. Disciples from both participating teams cheered for their respective sides. Disciples from other sects also came to observe and learn.
Xu Feng had already watched three matches involving Wuhua Island and had gained some understanding of their Falling Petals Nine Swords technique. However, this sword technique was too profound; he couldn't think of any way to counter it at the moment. Not only him—even Half-Dead Bao at Golden Core Stage would find it impossible to devise a countermeasure. If Xian Dao's top sword techniques were so easily broken, they wouldn't hold the title of being the best sect.
“Falling Flowers Leave No Trace.” Fang Zong made his first strike. The Wood Element sword energy transformed into falling flowers, attacking Lin Fangxin from multiple angles.
Falling Petals Nine Swords is a set of sword techniques practiced by disciples of Wuhua Island Outer Sect, and it is also one of the signature martial arts of Wuyao Island. The complete set consists of nine swords and can be powered by any Spiritual Energy, not limited to any specific attribute.
Lin Fangxin twirled her long sword, moving to the left to create a path. The verdant sword energy transformed into a wooden shield, blocking Fang Zong's first strike, utilizing the Wood Qi Technique.
Not only did they share the same Cultivation Method, but both were also wielding Medium-Grade Spirit Swords. For a major sect like Wuhua Island, it is normal for disciples to fight with medium-grade spirit swords, but for a loose cultivator, it seems somewhat extravagant; at least it indicates that this loose cultivator is quite valuable.
“Falling flowers everywhere.” After his first strike was blocked, Fang Zong made no adjustments and launched his second attack directly, shifting from a sneak attack to an open assault, increasing the area of attack and causing flowers to fall around Dong Wei. This swift change in sword techniques required significant skill; without sufficient experience, it would be impossible to achieve.
With a flick of her Daoist robe, a gust of wind surged forth from Lin Fangxin, and within the airflow, sword shadows appeared continuously, producing a series of sharp sword strikes. The ground covered in fallen flowers was swept back by a layer of sword energy from Lin Fangxin, like autumn winds sweeping away leaves.
With two strikes blocked, Fang Zong paused for a moment to contemplate his strategy. The similarities between them made it difficult to determine who had the upper hand.
Finally shifting from defense to offense after blocking two strikes, Lin Fangxin leaped into the air, her half-sky sword shadow transforming into a brilliant light that suddenly exploded.
“Iron Tree Blossoms.” Lin Fangxin’s sword technique bore great resemblance to Fang Zong's, giving off an impression of returning the favor with his own methods.
Fang Zong did not block; instead, he retreated ten meters out of the attack range. Following that, he executed a sidestep to evade the final three strikes. This movement seemed effortless, but being forced back on Wuhua Island's territory was quite embarrassing for him. His expression darkened slightly.
The disciples of Wuhua Island below also wore displeased expressions. Their earlier victories had raised expectations; they not only sought victory but also aimed for a beautiful win. Even a single step back felt like a significant failure for Wuhua Island.
Feeling the discontented gazes from below, Fang Zong could no longer afford to hesitate. The brilliance on his sword suddenly intensified.
“Flowers bloom and wither.”
“Willow Shadows and Flower Brightness.”
“Floral Splendor.”
“……”
With a series of five swords, each more powerful than the last, Fang Zong broke through, sweat beading on his forehead as his spiritual energy dwindled significantly.
Lin Fangxin, under the assault of the five swords, retreated repeatedly until he reached the edge of the Meeting Platform. His expression shifted unpredictably; with just one more strike, he could be sent flying off the stage.
Fang Zong stepped closer. Many eyes in the audience were fixed on him, waiting for him to raise his sword and deliver the final blow.
Qin Yougong exchanged a glance with Half-Dead Bao, both filled with resignation. Seven had already been eliminated in the First Round, and it seemed this year’s Immortal Path Conference would end up at the bottom again. At this rate, let someone else take on the role of the next Scattered Cultivators Alliance Leader. I’m done with this.
Fang Zong halted five meters away from Lin Fangxin. The sixth sword was poised to strike; once unleashed, even if Lin Fangxin didn’t get knocked off the stage, he would have no strength left to continue fighting. If he attempted to endure it, he would exhaust himself and lose the match.
This was the decisive final blow, and the outcome seemed inevitable. Lin Fangxin swayed at the edge of the platform, barely standing; even a slight gust of wind could send him tumbling away.
Fang Zong gently lifted his sword, its tip slightly angled. This was the starting stance for Falling Petals Nine Swords, and next, he would accelerate with his footwork to execute a stunning assault. Under this strike, it would either result in death or serious injury.
The sixth sword had a name: Chrysanthemum Injury.
Lin Fangxin’s sword had vanished. At that moment, he surprisingly sheathed his own sword. Was he giving up? Was this a surrender? Could it be that he feared Fang Zong’s eighth sword would injure him?
In the next instant, Lin Fangxin did something that left everyone on and off the stage dumbfounded: a stack of Martial Talisman appeared in his hand—high-grade mid-tier Martial Talisman, at least fifty in total, each worth at least ten thousand spirit stones.
Ten Martial Talismans flew towards Fang Zong, transforming into ten flames along the way. Fang Zong dodged eight of them.
Another ten Martial Talismans flew over, turning into ten points of cold light. Fang Zong avoided six.
Yet another ten flew past, morphing into ten giant stones. Fang Zong evaded three.
Finally, ten more flew through the air, changing into ten azure rays. Fang Zong failed to dodge any of them.
Boom! Boom! The muffled sounds echoed repeatedly as Fang Zong curled up on the ground, hands over his head, like an old man from the countryside being beaten by a group of thugs. His clothes were torn, his pants were ripped, and he was injured in more ways than one.
No one had stipulated that Martial Talismans could not be used. A high-grade mid-tier Martial Talisman worth ten thousand spirit stones had enough power to injure a Foundation Establishment Mid-Stage cultivator. Forty Martial Talismans attacked the already weakened Fang Zong.
Forty Martial Talismans, worth four hundred thousand spirit stones, were casually thrown out. If you have money, you can do the same.
There was no dispute; the battle was decided. Fang Zong fainted on the stage, and two disciples from Wuhua Island hurriedly carried him off. Lin Fangxin also staggered back to the Loose Cultivator Alliance's group.
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