Chapter 398: Fight! Fight! Fight!
The trial’s horn finally blared, and in a blink, the disciples who passed through the teleportation arrays were accurately dropped into various layers of the secret realm.
Though each team’s level was determined by their written exam scores before the trial started, the exact landing positions within the secret realm were random. Some might land in resource-rich central areas while others could end up in remote corners. Everything was possible.
Yun Zhonghe and his three companions found themselves in Layer Three Central, surrounded by bizarrely tall vegetation akin to a lush tropical rainforest.
From deep within the woods came the sporadic growls and roars of monster beasts, likely agitated by the sudden arrivals of competing disciples.
This secret realm was like a battle arena or a game of “PUBG.”
Not only did the disciples race against time to collect valuable spiritual herbs, but they also had to stay vigilant as they faced not just rivals battling for resources but also unpredictable attacks from monster beasts lurking around.
To sum it up, everyone was an enemy except your teammates!
The official opening of the grand contest caused the floating water screens above the spectator zone to flicker with light.
Light rippled across every water screen, projecting the scenes live onto them. The ongoings inside the arena were displayed in real-time for all present spectators.
Most cultivators were no strangers to this, but those who hadn’t seen water screens before stared wide-eyed in genuine amazement when such clear, smooth live feeds were shown.
Moreover, there were over a hundred water screens, scattered across the spectators’ zone, allowing cultivators to watch the scenes they found most interesting.
Right from the start, the water screens displayed a flurry of intense fighting!
The Xuantian Sect disciples didn’t disappoint, full of battle prowess. Collecting vegetables could wait; battle first, then discuss later!
Only those left standing could pick up carrots.
Of course, fights weren’t solely among disciples but also against ferocious beast attacks during the competitions. Still, the majority of the battles happened between differing teams.
Despite the violence, it was highly entertaining. The elegant movements, fierce attacks, dazzling spells, and magical treasures ignited the spectator zone, causing an uproar among attendees.
In that moment, the world finally witnessed the raw strength of Xuantian Sect disciples.
Especially notable was the clash between two top-tier teams at the first layer of the trial field.
One team was led by the prodigy Li Yifeng, previously mentioned by Qin Hongye!
Facing them was an elite Inner Sect team, with the captain being one of the peak talents from the Beast Tamers’ Peak. A top twenty Disciple Ranking holder and a capable spellcaster with three Third-Grade Talismans. His skills included skillfully crafting and connecting talismans mid-air to form powerful formations.
He was also a rare formation master!
With the perfect blend of talisman techniques and formations, he fortified the defense of his team and provided boundless offensive possibilities.
Three spirit pets charged forward, unstoppable torrents, while their three teammates harmoniously worked with the pets, like a combined arms operation. In a wave-like motion, they ruthlessly rolled over the opposing team where Li Yifeng stood.
A clash between two prodigies opened the match!
Representatives from various territories watched intently, fearing missing a single detail.
Is this the high caliber of the Xuantian Sect geniuses? It was incredible.
Many gifted individuals struggle to rival these prodigies’ expertise, even when focusing solely on one path. Meanwhile, their rivals excelled in multiple fields, leaving people in awe.
Are these prodigies?
Even ordinary geniuses would have to look up to them!
Some powerhouse cultivators whispered on the main peak’s viewing platform.
The Peak’s Head sighed wryly seeing his outstanding disciple face Li Yifeng: “Bad luck. This team’s potential was promising, but they met Li Yifeng on landing.”
Against other prodigies, maybe the spirit pets’ might could disarray the opponents’ formation. Especially vulnerable would be fragile spellcasters and swordsmen. But Li Yifeng was no ordinary swordsman.
His physical strength matched that of a raging bull!
Ripping off the massive rhinoceros horn with bare hands, he roared and effortlessly lifted the beast overhead, launching it away like a giant stone!
Brutal beauty, indeed.
Spectators gasped; such sheer physical power was unprecedented.
BOOM!
The intensity of the fight even rattled the hovering water screens.
The battle ended in under ten seconds.
In the blink of an eye, the prodigy and his team were ruthlessly swept out.
The spirit pets, too, returned to their talismans, losing battle capabilities.
Li Yifeng’s team won!
Silence fell over the spectator zone. Representatives from distant regions paled, while a few managed to keep calm.
All were prominent figures, representing various elites and heirs from prestigious families. Their mission was to broaden horizons and observe the true capabilities of Xuantian Sect disciples.
Facing such high-stakes matches from the start shook their confidence. How long could they last against Li Yifeng’s team?
Both sides were formidable, yet the battle ended in seconds.
The prodigy wasn’t weak; he was among the best in his generation, but Li Yifeng’s team was too dominant.
Even the Outer Sect members were top of their class, reaching the Golden Core stage.
Remarkable.
Defeated, the prodigy and teammates exited the secret realm.
Watching the replay of their crushing defeat, they felt defeated.
“Prodigies are just too dominant,” the prodigy muttered, bitterness in his voice.
He didn’t feel unjustly beaten, knowing his opponent was far superior.
Before the battle, he hoped his team could cause trouble, but Li Yifeng’s sheer brute strength threw their plans out the window.
Li Yifeng was stronger than ever this year.
Noone scoffed at the prodigy’s withdrawal. After all, they were already impressive, merely facing a better opponent.
On the main peak, the sect head shook his head, witnessing his disciple’s defeat with disappointment.
It was too quick!
“Not bad for someone from the Li family!” exclaimed a Transmutation expert, regretting not seeing their transformation phase performances, which would show greater spectacle!
Li Yifeng was kin to Li Yifeng, suggesting an extended relation with Sect Master Qin Wushuang.
Another Transmutation expert noticed a unique scene on a different water screen: “Isn’t that Zhao Lingxiao, the sect deputy head’s son?”
This screen became popular after featuring Li Yifeng’s stunning battle, drawing significant attention.
Zhao Lingxiao, another young prodigy, held seven-striped Golden Core and three casted Yuan Ingns! Unmatched as a genius anywhere.
Opposing teams faced despair.
Encountering such a prodigy at the outset seemed hopeless.
Zhao Lingxiao’s demeanor was humble: “Fellow Apprentice, don’t worry, I feel pressure too. Let’s exchange moves.”
Opponents puzzled, yet Zhao Lingxiao remained gracious.
He gently gestured for the other side to attack first.
As expected, Zhao Lingxiao dominated, winning decisively.
Defense crumbled in about thirty seconds.
Despite dominance, Zhao Lingxiao spared his opponents dignity, not forcing them out immediately.
They bowed gratefully, “Thank you, senior Zhao!”
Their loss was undeniable, but Zhao Lingxiao’s respect gained admiration.
Defeated teams exited gracefully, conceding their fate by shattering their identification tokens.
In just minutes, several teams were knocked out.
Spectators marveled at the combat prowess of Xuantian Sect disciples.
Others might boast of equally gifted individuals like Li Yifeng or Zhao Lingxiao, but none matched their practical experience. Each Xuantian Sect disciple seemed battle-hungry.
No one knew how they cultivated such abilities.
“Hey, what’s with the varying sizes of the water screens?”
Curious observers asked genuinely.
“This is due to a realm spirit controlling them. It magnifies scenes based on battle excitement. The bigger the screen, the more spectacular the fight,” explained the expert.
“Ah! Makes sense.” He looked enlightened, asking further, “Then how do I find a specific person or team?”
“These scenes aren’t fixed. Find them manually in the array. Good Samaritans often help newcomers navigate.”
Realizing, he plunged into the myriad screens.
Master Youyue scanned for Mu Jixue and Yun Zhonghe but couldn’t find them.
Perhaps that was a good thing; they were safe and not in a critical situation.
While higher layers saw furious battles, Layers Three and below remained peaceful.
Yun Zhonghe surveyed the surroundings; the landing point suited them well.
“This thick vegetation will suit you nicely, Xiao Xiao,” he reassured the nervous Su Xiaoxiao.
Su Xiaoxiao studied under Su Xinghe and diligently sharpened her skills.
She shared her abilities freely with her team.
Su Family techniques spanned beyond healing, offering tactical advantages too.
But Xiaoxiao struggled with these battle techniques, needing time to read and gather natural energy. Without preparation, she couldn’t execute instantly.
Luckily, the dense environment supported Xiaoxiao’s initial read.
“Good… good!”
Xiaoxiao tightened under Yun’s command, voice trembling.
The prospect of watching thousands of viewers amplified her social anxiety.
Although comfortable in school, facing strangers heightened her nervousness.
Imagine if poor performance upset spectators, prompting angry demands for refunds. Anxiety welled up; her palm grew sweaty.
Fortunately, Zhong Yu offered comfort and encouragement.
“Go ahead, I’ll protect you!”
Nodding, Xiaoxiao readied herself.
“Let me gather energy. Stay sharp!”
Xiaoxiao required nearly ten minutes.
Distractions interrupted her concentration. Any interruption required a restart.
Luckily, peace prevailed, avoiding other teams.
Occasionally, low-level beasties appeared, easily dispatched by the trio.
All went smoothly.
Su Xiaoxiao’s zero score proved beneficial. Their strategic placement in less competitive layers ensured tranquility.
Battle raged in upper layers, but here, they enjoyed a calm.
Zhonghe circled the terrain, finding the location favorable.
