Chapter 18: I Want to Challenge Senior Sister Nalan

"Lost, Senior Brother Mo Li actually lost."

"A five-star Dou Fighter lost to a two-star Dou Fighter, crossing three minor levels. Even Senior Sister Nalan couldn't do that."

With Mo Li's admission of defeat, the entire square fell into silence. If Chen Mo's earlier feat of blocking the Three Thousand Thunderstorm had surprised everyone, this head-on collision had left them utterly dumbfounded.

Chen Mo's exceptional talent was evident, but what truly supported him in battle were his formidable defense, abundant Dou Qi, and his indestructible black spear.

"Mo Li's loss isn't unjust. This kid Chen Mo is simply a monster."

In the council of elders, an elderly man in a white robe murmured, and several other elders, including Yun Ling, nodded in agreement. Yun Ling sighed, "The sect master has truly found another prodigy."

Chen Mo's victory confirmed that he would become the sect master's personal disciple.

The elders and Yun Yun had discussed it, and they planned to announce it after the grand competition ended.

As Chen Mo stepped down from the arena, Yun Hai, Yun Ling, and Yun Fei all came forward to congratulate him. Even Nalan Yanran, who had been sitting quite far from Chen Mo, smiled and said, "From today, you are officially my junior brother."

"Senior Sister," Chen Mo replied with a smile.

Mo Li, who had just lost and left the stage, watched this scene with a sullen expression. His hand, hidden in his oversized robe, clenched tightly.

"Despicable woman."

Every day, he had followed her, trying to win her favor, but she had always been indifferent. Now, she was treating a man she had just met differently.

Sharp nails dug into his palm as Mo Li recalled the recent news from his family.

"If necessary, you can use other means. As long as you can make Nalan Yanran a woman of the Mo family, we won't oppose you using some underhanded methods."

"It seems it's time to use that trick. You forced me to this."

Nalan Yanran was unaware of Mo Li's plotting. After exchanging greetings with Chen Mo, she returned to her usual cold demeanor.

Meanwhile, Yun Hai and the others chattered on, pestering Chen Mo about any hidden cards he might still have.

"Why would I tell you? Then it wouldn't be a hidden card, would it?" Chen Mo teased.

"So, you do have more tricks up your sleeve?"

"Yes, I'm saving them for my match with Senior Sister Nalan," Chen Mo admitted without hesitation.

His words left Yun Hai and the others stunned. Yun Hai even touched Chen Mo's forehead, "No fever, so why are you talking nonsense?"

"I'm not sick," Chen Mo brushed Yun Hai's hand away and asked, "Why, can't I fight Senior Sister Nalan?"

"It's not about whether you can fight her, but..."

"Boom!" A loud noise interrupted Yun Hai's words, followed by the referee's announcement, "Zheng Tian wins."

"Zheng Tian won? He broke through to a three-star Dou Fighter."

"Yun Ya must be pretty weak if he can't even beat Zheng Tian."

"Not just weak, but fast too. How long did the match last? Less than half an incense stick?"

"I heard Zheng Tian is from a remote village in Daomu City. He couldn't even afford basic cultivation elixirs and had to rely on sect missions for resources."

...

"What's his background?" Chen Mo asked, looking at the unremarkable Zheng Tian below.

"No significant background, but this kid loves to play the underdog and has a knack for breakthroughs in battle."

"In the last Outer Sect promotion exam, his apparent strength was a nine-star Dou Fighter, but as soon as he entered the arena, he was already a one-star Dou Fighter."

"And during the practical combat test a few months ago, he was a two-star Dou Fighter fighting against a three-star disciple. He was being suppressed, but then he broke through, and the situation immediately reversed."

Yun Hai provided a detailed explanation before steering the conversation back to Chen Mo.

"You may have beaten Mo Li, but don't think you can defeat Senior Sister Nalan. She and Mo Li are on entirely different levels."

"If you fight her, the outcome will be like Yun Ya's," Yun Hai said, pointing to Yun Ya, who lay unconscious below. "You might end up even worse."

"Is that so?" Chen Mo's fighting spirit only grew stronger after hearing this, leaving Yun Hai speechless.

"Next match: Yun Hai versus Nalan Yanran."

As the referee called his name, Yun Hai said, "Alright, it's my turn. You'd better drop those unrealistic thoughts. We might even face off in the challenge round."

Yun Hai stepped into the arena.

Cheers erupted from the surrounding disciples, chanting Senior Sister Nalan's name.

In contrast, Yun Hai only had Yun Ling and Yun Fei cheering him on.

The two combatants stood in the center of the square, and as the referee gave the signal, the match officially began.

And then, it was over in an instant.

Yes, the peak five-star Dou Fighter Yun Hai was defeated instantly.

As Yun Hai activated his Ice Spirit Physique, Nalan Yanran seized the opportunity, her Wind attribute giving her incredible speed. With one move, the Wind Extreme—Gale Spiral Dance, she ended the match.

"Junior Brother, I know the terrifying power of your Ice Spirit Physique, so I won't waste any time. Forgive me for being impolite," Nalan Yanran said.

Cough, cough. Yun Hai climbed out of the pit, tidied his clothes, and forced a bitter smile, "There's no need for apologies, Senior Sister. Even with my Ice Spirit Physique, I'm no match for you. It's better this way, ending it early."

Nalan Yanran nodded and, without further words, left the stage.

The referee's voice rang out belatedly.

"Nalan Yanran wins."

Soon, the top eight contestants were determined.

They were Nalan Yanran, Chen Mo, Zheng Tian, and five unnamed participants.

The final ten spots would be selected from those eliminated in the top sixteen.

Ultimately, Yun Hai and Mo Li secured their places in the top ten.

However, being in the top ten didn't determine the final rankings.

Only after entering the top ten could one pursue their true rank and compete for first place.

Next came the challenge round.

The rules for the top ten challenge round had not been mentioned earlier because they followed the same rules as previous years, well-known to the disciples of the Yunlan Sect, so there was no need to emphasize them.

"I'm claiming the fifth spot. If anyone disagrees, come and fight me," one of the participants declared as he stepped forward.

"I'm claiming the fourth spot. If anyone disagrees, come and fight me," Mo Li announced, calculating his strength. Aside from Chen Mo, who had defeated him, only Nalan Yanran and Yun Hai were stronger than him.

He had calculated that fourth place was his.

"I disagree. I want to challenge you."

"I disagree too."

"So do I."

After a series of challenges, the rankings from one to nine were determined based on strength.

Chen Mo watched the nine of them, rubbed his nose, and said, "Finally done? Now it's my turn!"

Under the referee's expectant gaze, Chen Mo loudly declared, "I want to challenge Senior Sister Nalan."