CHAPTER 976: CHAPTER 549: WINNING WITHOUT LIFTING A FINGER (PART 2)

Everyone was bewildered, completely unclear why Chen Mingsha suddenly admitted defeat.

The junior Qi Refining disciples couldn’t grasp the entire exchange, but the short and stout old referee saw everything clearly.

Not only him, but the Chen Family Elders sitting on the White Jade High Platform also sensed the presence of the Invisible Sword, naturally understanding why Chen Mingsha was defeated so miserably.

"Hiss, this child can actually control two flying swords at the same time; could it be he has the ability to multitask?"

Watching Zhao Sheng step down from the stage, the fat elderly Sili Wuwo took a deep breath and said in astonishment.

Sitting next to him, Chen Daqian responded with a smile, "It’s just opportunism. Brother Wuwo, don’t mind it."

Sili Wuwo looked at the Chen Family Master meaningfully, suddenly smiled, but said nothing more.

After Zhao Sheng’s lightning victory, one fierce battle after another began in quick succession.

Scene after scene of thrilling duels captivated the thousands of Chen Family’s Disciples below the stage, who would occasionally burst into thunderous cheers.

Except for Zhao Sheng, the other top ten contestants were all of Qi Refining Great Perfection, with similar strengths between them.

Therefore, the subsequent matches would last long, with the loser often losing by a tiny margin, and the winner’s victory hard-won.

In the world, nothing is more daunting than comparison.

Once they compared to Zhao Sheng’s effortless win, everyone was astonished to realize Chen Mingxi’s power was terrifying, far surpassing the others by a considerable margin.

Approaching noon, the first round of the top ten contest finally concluded.

The top five contenders came to light, while the other five losers battled for the remaining positions.

In the five-person match, one was bound to get a bye.

As if by coincidence, Zhao Sheng drew the blank lot.

Thus, he "luckily" advanced to the top three automatically.

...

As the sun set in the west, a fire cloud burned across the horizon.

Zhao Sheng, having dozed for most of the afternoon, finally awaited the other two lucky contestants.

One was none other than the most favored contender, Chen Minglong.

The last was a woman named Chen Mingyin, from the ancestral lineage, merely twenty-two years old, and had achieved Qi Refining Great Perfection a year ago.

Chen Mingyin, aside from Zhao Sheng, was the dark horse, fighting her way to the final, truly a heroine among women.

According to tradition, the top three battle required another draw.

Sure enough, Zhao Sheng once again "luckily" drew the bye.

If Zhao Sheng’s strength wasn’t evident, the audience would probably have shouted fraud... demanding a refund.

However... even knowing there was something fishy with the draw, none raised any objections.

Thus, under the watchful eyes of all, Zhao Sheng sat below, eating delicious food delivered by seven ladies, watching on leisurely as the other two opponents fought fiercely on stage!

...

"Knife, attack her lower body!" Chen Minglong’s eyebrows arched as he suddenly shouted.

At his command, a large Spirit Mantis, half human-height and completely emerald green, transformed into a streak of light and rushed before Chen Mingyin in an instant.

Swish, swish!

Two emerald "sword lights" tore through the air, slashing towards Chen Mingyin’s neck with lightning speed.

The large Spirit Mantis was an Ancient Exotic Insect, not only extremely fast but wielded razor-sharp forelimbs, surpassing ordinary Spiritual Artifact Flying Knives.

Especially since Chen Minglong’s Mantis had broken into the Second Order, comparable in strength to a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, already spiritually bonded with its master, needing no verbal command.

The prior command was merely a guise.

Chen Mingyin seemed well-prepared, shouted, "Ta!" without hesitation.

The word "Ta!" transformed into a rolling sound wave, easily shattering the approaching sword lights, and revealing the true body of the large Spirit Mantis.

In the next second, the Mantis’ mouth emitted hissing sounds, its forelimbs crossed, and a flash of electric light, dense sword lights like a torrential rain, enveloped Chen Mingyin entirely.

Yet Chen Mingyin twisted her waist, her slender body suddenly elongated, ghost-like slipping out from the bladelight web.

In a blink, she eerily appeared behind Chen Minglong, flicked her graceful hand, and a streak of silver-white electric light pierced through the void, vanishing in a flash.

Despite having experienced countless battles, Chen Minglong never imagined someone in the Qi Refining Realm could have such a swift and elusive body technique, even faster and more cunning than his spirit pet.

At that moment, he couldn’t evade, only able to activate the Defensive Magic embedded in his vestment robe, instantly transforming the flimsy robe into a piece of Mystic Iron Armor.

But... a mere Mystic Iron Armor couldn’t withstand a Spiritual Artifact Level Magic hairpin.

With a muffled sound, the hairpin pierced through the armor, flying into his back, then out through his chest, bringing forth a large splash of blood.

Chen Minglong’s face turned pale, his body severely injured, and his entire Spiritual Power was scattered, leaving him temporarily powerless to retaliate.

"What a pity..." The short and stout old man sighed quietly seeing this.

Several Golden Core Masters, witnessing the scene, had varied expressions but soon became calm as water.

With victory decided, the short and stout old man promptly announced Chen Mingyin as the winner.

Then, following the routine, he inquired if she needed to rest and recover her Spiritual Power, to which Chen Mingyin unexpectedly admitted defeat, acknowledging she was not Chen Mingxi’s match.

This rendered the final match unnecessary.

Zhao Sheng won consecutive byes, ultimately claiming first place in the tournament without breaking a sweat.

Hiss, hiss!

For a time, boos erupted from the crowd below, accusing Chen Mingyin of cowardice.

However, Chen Mingyin offered no explanation for her choice. Being a woman who achieved second place in the tournament was explanation enough.

In fact, Chen Mingyin had little desire for victory, indifferent to fame.

Since the top three all received a top-grade Foundation Establishment Pill, why face the terrifying Chen Mingxi!

Besides, she was self-aware, knowing she was no match for Chen Mingxi.

With Chen Mingyin’s voluntary defeat, the top ten rankings were finalized, and Zhao Sheng "slept his way" to first.

The outcome surprised everyone, leaving Zhao Sheng rather speechless.

At this moment, atop the White Jade High Platform, Bai Mei had already disappeared, and Chen Daqian stood, ready to announce the tournament results.

Just then, Sili Wuwo suddenly stood up, smiling as he said, "Hold on!"

Hmm?

Chen Daqian’s gaze flickered, turning to him, and asked in a deep voice, "Brother Wuwo, do you have something to say?"

"Indeed!"

Sili Wuwo nodded, raising his voice slightly, shouting to the crowd below, "Qiu’er, come on out!"

At that moment, as everyone looked on in confusion, the crowd parted creating a path, followed by a flash of light, and a young lord emerged with a smile.

He appeared to be around twenty, with clear features, wearing a golden robe embroidered with a Dragon Serpent, exuding a domineering aura.

The young lord never glanced at the others, but directly approached the White Jade High Platform, cupped his hands as a gesture of respect to the members of the Chen Family.

"I am Sili Qiu, greeting all the elders!"

Hearing this, Chen Daqian was initially taken aback, then his face showed great surprise, but after a brief hesitation, he said with a smile, "There is no need to be so formal, dear nephew. May I inquire if Samadhi True Monarch is doing well?"

"The Old Master is in good health!

Ahem! Brother Wuwo, that’s not right. Since our dear nephew is already here, why didn’t you invite him onto the stage sooner." Chen Daqian said, turning to "reproach" Sili Wuwo.

Sili Wuwo laughed heartily, shaking his head, and said, "This was all Qiu’er’s intentional request, you cannot blame this old man."

"Uncle, there’s no need for pleasantries. May I know if Almighty True Monarch is well?"

"The Old Master is well."

"Though what you said, Uncle, was quite nice, the smile on your face is truly off-putting, clearly disingenuous."