The Wastrel Shin Jinni

Yaan picked a man by the name of Shin Jinni to be his next opponent in the Bloody Arena…

He started training as a cultivator at 30 years of age. He was found to have mediocre talent, but an eccentric old woman at the Spirit Core Realm took him in as her third disciple.

His talent was average at best, as was his work ethic and willpower. He only put any effort into his cultivation because he desired to accumulate wealth and to live a longer life.

For the first 80 years of his cultivation, he stayed with his teacher, consuming high quality resources to forcefully improve his cultivation. After reaching the Innate Qi Realm, he discovered that his perception was decent, and when combined with the surplus of resources, he reached the Peak Innate Qi Realm within 77 years.

His teacher realised that he would never improve further if he remained sheltered under her wing forever, so she sent him out into the world, albeit with multiple life-saving treasures, many resources, guides, and a jade to contact her in case of emergency. It was really excessive, no other teacher in the Ghu Province would provide their pupil with such extravagant assistance!

He was supposed to enter the cultivation world, to explore and adventure, to fight, to learn, to experience…but instead, he decided to take over a mortal kingdom where he lived as a king, wasting away his life with wine and women.

This went on until one day, at 133 years of age, he by chance discovered a 'heavenly treasure'. Whatever this treasure was, it supposedly allowed him to gain an unusual sort of enlightenment after he entered a bizarre illusion, where he slept with 10,000 female beauties…or so he claimed. It was noted in Yaan's information that this bizarre claim of his was doubted by many people.

Supposedly, when he awoke from the illusion, the treasure was gone, but he had somehow reached the 1st Layer Qi Temple Realm. After discovering his newfound power, he began to explore the cultivation world properly. He was no longer satisfied by mortal riches and women, now coveting the cultivator equivalents.

His master was a Spirit Core Realm elder known for doting to the extreme on her disciples, so very few people were willing to offend him, allowing him to steal, kill and develop an extremely inflated ego. He learned flashy looking spells and used high level treasures. He possessed riches far beyond the norm for his level of power.

Shin Jinni always believed himself to be above others. He had never been in a true life and death battle, because such a barbaric thing was below him. He killed, but others didn't dare to threaten him. He honestly believed that he was powerful, but the reality was that people were scared of his teacher and the treasures that she had given him.

Clearly, this person was far removed from reality. The fact that he constantly boasted about his life and his riches, never hiding a single thing, showed that he didn't understand how the world worked. Eventually, this behaviour of his was guaranteed to catch up with him.

"So…why haven't you just robbed this guy already?" Yaan looked up from the file and asked Ghu Nadda and his great grandfather doubtfully.

"His teacher told him that he needed to behave in the Ghu Clan cities, so he hasn't broken any of our laws, or stepped outside of the city at all since he entered three years ago. He's a bit famous for all the wrong reasons, we can't kill this person within the city without damaging our reputation." Nadda's great grandfather explained.

Yaan glanced at the older man briefly, who wore a black robe with a green symbol meaning 'Ghu' printed on the back. He still remembering how this person had appeared from nowhere, then disappeared just as quickly during his unexpected battle against the Qi Temple Realm old man.

Yaan understood the situation with Shin Jinni now. The Ghu Clan was a demonic clan, but they upheld firm laws within their cities. They couldn't break their own laws, or else millions of cultivators across the Ghu Province would lose faith and leave their cities. This would be a big financial loss to the Ghu Clan, they wouldn't risk it, even if the guy was a walking treasure trove.

When Yaan saw the look in the old man's eyes, he understood something and smiled.

"You want part of the winnings from this person?"

The old man paused, then laughed openly and nodded.

"There are just three things I want. Two of his life saving treasures and one of his spiritual treasures. None of these three include his most valuable treasure, but that thing is useless to me anyway."

"Fine." Yaan readily agreed, slightly surprising the Ghu Clan elder.

"It's only because of your Ghu Clan that I have this opportunity, I don't mind sharing a bit…not to mention that I owe Nadda 15 Rank 4 recovery pills at this point, so this is a good chance to pay it back."

The ghoulish young man and his demonic great grandfather blinked. Ghu Nadda saw his great grandfather's expression and laughed, understanding how he felt.

'Just when you think you understand Yaan, he does something unexpected…what kind of demon proactively pays back their debts? Is he trying to maintain a good relationship with us, or maybe he just doesn't like to feel indebted to others, or perhaps he just sees repaying someone's help as normal? I think it's probably a bit of everything…'

The following day, a large crowd gathered all around the Bloody Arena. The seating area was truly packed. After all, today, the recently famous mysterious red robed child would be battling Shin Jinni, the notorious wealthy wastrel! No matter the outcome, this match was sure to be entertaining.

Innate Qi Realm juniors sat on stone benches down below. Qi Temple Realm elders occupied more lavish and spacious seating a bit higher up. There were also certain individuals with their own enclosed spectating room…

In fact, three Spirit Core Realm elders were spectating this match!

All three were from the Ghu Clan. They stood above the seating areas, on special podiums which towered above the rest, reserved specifically for Ghu Clan elders. Most people couldn't comprehend why such esteemed figures would be so interested in this match, but some people knew about this Shin Jinni's reputation as an untouchable walking treasure chest.

Whoosh!

The instant that Yaan and his opponent walked out onto the arena, a grand aura spread out from the centre. People felt the aura before they saw the old man standing there calmly, causing them to feel a great deal of shock, since they didn't even see when he arrived on the stage!

'As always, Nadda's great grandfather's entrance is impossible to track…' Yaan thought mildly.

"Young friend crimson robe is a guest of my Ghu Clan in North Ghu City, so I hope that everyone won't make things difficult for him, since he wishes to keep his identity hidden for now."

The old man smiled, but a trace of threat was only barely hidden within this smile, making everyone shudder as they fell silent.

However, soon after this eery silence, murmurs of shock spread through the crowd…who would have thought that the red robed child would have such a powerful supporter!

Honestly, even Yaan felt bewildered when he thought about how rapidly all of this had developed.

Nadda's great grandfather glanced towards Shin Jinni and saw his ever-arrogant expression. The old man showed no change in his expression, it was impossible to discern his thoughts.

"As per the rules of this battle, you may bring at most two spiritual treasures to the arena and to the battle. Young friend crimson robe only has his robe and a single sword…I don't think that you intend to bully a lower realm junior with those talismans, hidden weapons, trinkets and flying swords, do you?"

Shin Jinni turned bright red and scowled at the old man. People never dared to speak to him like this!

"You, you, my teacher-"

"Your teacher is a fellow Spirit Core Realm cultivator, like myself and the other 14 Ghu Clan Elders stationed in this city. Not to mention the city lord, a grand elder of the Ghu Clan. If you don't wish to fight according to the rules, then please leave and stop wasting everyone's time."

Yaan's eyes lit up as he watched this. He saw Shin Jinni becoming increasingly embarrassed and angry, but in the end, he opened his coat and discarded tens…no, perhaps there were hundreds of explicitly forbidden items hidden within that coat!

Treasure after treasure stacked up on the stage, creating a small hill of valuable items. This hill released an enticing aura, but nobody dared to try stealing anything.

The entire audience became silent. They were all totally speechless…there was cheating, and then there was breaking every single rule ten times over!

After the initial fuss calmed down and the treasures were cleared out of the way, Ghu Nadda's great grandfather stepped onto a sword and flew into the air; apparently, he was going to referee this battle. His expression was indifferent, but he secretly hoped that Yaan would win.

"Begin!"

Whoosh!

Yaan didn't wait around and instantly rushed forwards. He used his Agile Sword Arts to instantly accelerate to an extreme speed, then switched to using the Falling Leaf Strike Art. The gentle sword art allowed his extreme speed to continue onwards, whilst giving the illusion of a leaf casually floating forth through a spring breeze.

It created the illusion of being slow, but after seeing the distance that he crossed in a short few seconds, everyone's eyes widened in shock. His highest speed was reached in an instant, then he maintained this speed without any disruption to his breathing!

"Oh, chaining multiple sword arts?" One of the Ghu Clan Elders commented.

"Perhaps, or perhaps he has only practised this specific combination." The other pointed out, to which the first elder nodded. Nadda's great grandfather appeared besides the two of them, but he remained silent for now.

Shin Jinni snorted coldly. He raised one arm and a golden spear appeared in his hand. He pointed the spear towards the sky, then stood there proudly, striking an imposing figure, as if everything was in the palm of his hand.

Some people thought that he was being too arrogant right now by wasting time like this and not moving, but at this moment, Yaan narrowed his eyes. Without any hesitation, he gave up on rushing at his opponent and dived to the side.

Rumble…BANG!

A few people jumped in fright as a golden lightning bolt descended from above, detonating the ground where Yaan had just been standing a moment ago.

Yaan's expression was calm. Even now, he did not avert his eyes from his enemy's own gaze.

"He's stronger than we thought…" Ghu Nadda muttered with a frown besides his great grandfather. He stood to the other side of the old man, such that he wasn't in the way of the other elders. Upon hearing his great grandson's worry, the Ghu Clan Elder shook his head with a faint smile.

"His treasures are strong. His body has been nourished countless times by rare medicines, so it is also strong. His spells are all extremely powerful and domineering. His armour is beyond strong, its value should be close to the peak for spiritual treasures..."

After saying this, he chuckled lightly.

"But this person is not strong."

Whoosh!

Yaan ignored the clouds rumbling above his head. They released a golden aura which gave cultivators the urge to submit, but Yaan resisted this desire forcefully, refusing to bow down to such a ridiculous urge that would endanger his life!

Using this aura, Shin Jinni was well accustomed to forcing higher stage Qi Temple Realm cultivators to submit and kneel before him. He stared at Yaan with an aloof gaze, waiting for him to drop to his knees in submission. He could already imagine it, causing a sadistic smile to spread across his face.

Yaan's gaze remained serene, even though blood could be seen leaking out from his eyes, nose and ears. He ignored the pain brought on by the tremendous pressure from above and continued using the Falling Leaf Strike Art to move rapidly towards his target.

Shin Jinni paused for a moment. He was taken aback…why was this person not kneeling? Did he not fear the heavens' wrath? Did this child not fear him, the rightful son of the heavens?!

"You dare oppose this king?!" The crazy old man finally pointed his spear towards Yaan as he closed in. He roared out loud, sending his white beard fluttering about as golden lightning bolts formed in rings around the spear. Eventually, there were nine golden rings, but they rapidly fused into one. Once there was only a single ring, he thrust directly forwards towards Yaan.

'Hahaha, truly a naive child, charging directly towards my spear!' Shin Jinni began laughing as the golden ring collapsed and shot at Yaan in a compacted beam.

The golden beam arrived almost instantly, but Yaan was already beginning to slash down towards the lightning with his sword.

This sword was the very same sword that his old teacher gave him as a gift. It was a spiritual weapon, meaning that he couldn't use it properly, but it was an extremely well balanced, sharp and durable sword. His teacher gave him this sword after taking into account his powerful body, meaning that it was actually quite suitable for body temperers like Yaan.

"He's crazy!"

"Why is he taking it head on, does he have a death wish?!"

"Fighting someone at a higher realm with brute force, hmph, it seems we have overestimated…him…"

The audience suddenly fell silent. As Yaan's sword landed on the golden lightning, it seemed to transform into a blade made from water. However, the water blade was much weaker compared to the ferocious lightning, it was ripped apart by the golden beam, before the lighting slammed into Yaan's body!

Yaan did not pull away, but instead, leaned forwards as his water blade collided with the golden beam. The blade of water was pushed down by the lightning and partially dispersed, but this caused a barrier of water to surround the front of his body. Like this, he managed to avoid taking the damage head on, but as a result, he was flipped multiple times through the air due to the momentum behind Shin Jinni's attack!

BOOM!

The golden beam tore a hole in the wall at the edge of the arena, but Yaan escaped without the slightest scratch! He nimbly rolled over, regaining control over his body and landing gently on his feet whilst turning around by three quarters. The blade of water once again manifested, before stretching out and softly tapping the tip of the golden spear.

At this instant, Yaan's entire demeanour changed. His calm gaze became filled with boundless killing intent, his relaxed body became filled with strength, and he pushed forwards with the full extent of his physical prowess!

The Flowing River Blade transformed into the Synchronised Pierce Art!

CHI!

"Combining multiple sword arts!" Ghu Nadda's great grandfather exclaimed in shock. Besides him, the other two Ghu Clan Elders also showed surprised expressions. They knew Yaan's age and his cultivation level, making them feel like it was absurd that he had reached such a level in his sword arts!

Yaan delivered a single strike, yet also nine strikes attacking the same point at the same time. The power was amplified by nine, but it was still unable to damage the spear.

However, the spear wielder was a different matter altogether.

Those sharp piercing wind strikes transformed once again, back into a blade of water. The aquatic blade curved around the outside of the spear before slamming into the stunned Shin Jinni's hands. Yaan took another step and suddenly, he was standing on top of the spear tip itself!

"AHHHH!" Shin Jinni screamed out loud as the skin was torn straight from his hands. He dropped the spear and staggered backwards as pain, horror, anger, confusion, and unwillingness, all mixed together within his bloodshot eyes.

"You bastard!" He roared out loud.

Right now, his demeanour was not befitting for his status as a Qi Temple Realm elder, but he couldn't help it…this was the first time in his life that he had suffered such a loss in battle!

Yaan's eyes widened and he hurriedly leapt into the air. Although it sounded pathetic, that scream was actually a spell!

He reacted a moment too slowly, causing the shockwave to slam into his shins. If he did nothing, his legs would be shattered completely.

Yaan allowed his legs to be pushed back by the shockwave as his body was forced to summersault forwards due to the momentum. The skin across his shins disintegrated, then his flesh and muscles started to erode, and gradually, even his bone started to break down.

He gritted his teeth, but he pushed on. After being forcefully flipped forwards, a glint appeared in Yaan's eyes and the sword in his hands once again became water.

Yaan smiled.

"I win."

With his sword in hand, Yaan used his momentum to propel himself forwards through the air. Exerting his full strength, he forced himself to spin around. His sword transformed into water, yet the metal blade was still present.

Yaan was now standing within a typhoon with his opponent. The air cut against Shin Jinni's skin time and time again, causing him to let out miserable cries of pain and sorrow.

As the blade stabbed in and out of the spinning vortex, it created nine sharp spears of water with each and every stab. Soon, the vortex was filled with chaotic stabbing swords, all of which directly targeted the pitiful Shin Jinni.

Were it not for his second treasure, an imposing golden armour, he would have long since died.

Ching, Ching, Ching!

The armour was not damaged in the least as it was struck time and time again, but it only protected his upper body. His legs were slashed, tendons and ligaments cut, until finally…

Yaan's figure drifted through the typhoon like a ghost. He arrived before Shin Jinni and stabbed mercilessly, piercing into his neck with the metal blade.

Instantly, the chaotic scene dispersed. The crowd was silent. All eyes were on Yaan, who stood there calmly, holding his blade in his opponent's throat.

Everyone was thinking the same thing. Whenever Yaan went all out and displayed his sword arts, which lacked Innate Qi, so brazenly, everyone would have this thought…

Just what sort of spell was that?!