Ch.22 BattleShip

"142 experience points? So, even though they're both at the third level of Qi Cultivation, is Yuan Kai weaker than Ji Wuxue?" Zhuge Xiang pondered to himself upon hearing the mechanical reminder from the system in his mind. He questioned whether this was true.

While Zhuge Xiang's victory was partly due to his acting skills, which had lulled his opponent into lowering their guard, and involved a fair amount of trickery, Yuan Kai had also made it to the top eight, indicating his considerable strength. However, when compared to Ji Wuxue, it seemed that Yuan Kai fell short.

In Zhuge Xiang's estimation, Ji Wuxue's strength had reached a level close to that of Lu Yuling and others. Throughout their battle, Ji Wuxue was the only one who had inflicted a serious injury on Zhuge Xiang.

"Victory... He's victorious... He actually defeated Yuan Kai and advanced to the top four?" Zhuge Xiang's sudden burst of power that defeated Yuan Kai left the audience stunned. Another three-move agreement and another unexpected surge had resulted in a major and seemingly impossible turnaround.

"Could he be a fighting genius? He only realized Qi half a month ago..." The onlookers were astounded by the events that had transpired. Zhuge Xiang's recent explosive performance had left a deep impression. Some had initially attributed his advancement to luck, given that he had mostly faced second-level Qi Cultivation Realm disciples. However, Zhuge Xiang had now demonstrated his true strength, securing his place among the top four.

"He... he wasn't injured at all..." Following Zhuge Xiang's sudden outburst and victory over Yuan Kai, he still appeared unharmed, his complexion rosy. Anyone who had believed he was genuinely injured would now feel deceived.

"He wasn't injured? That explains it." Ji Wuxue in the audience nodded knowingly. He was in a good mood, as Zhuge Xiang's entry into the top four had also proven his strength. His previous judgment had been inaccurate.

"Not injured?" Lei Potian and Ling Wufeng, who had scored impressive victories on stage, exchanged worried glances. They had been completely deceived by Zhuge Xiang's acting. If they had faced him, would they have underestimated an injured opponent? Had underestimating the enemy led to their own downfall?

"It seems that Zhuge Xiang possesses a means to heal his injuries," Ji Wuxue commented as he recalled his own encounter with Zhuge Xiang, during which he had inflicted a serious chest wound on him. "Clearly, he has a method for self-healing."

Despite the astonishment of the crowd, Zhuge Xiang's demeanor remained composed. After the host announced his victory, he stepped down from the dueling ring and examined the experience scroll in his hand. Information naturally flowed into his mind.

Experience Scroll (Special Consumable): Grants 100 experience points upon use, no specific requirements.

"Can it grant an additional 100 experience points?" Zhuge Xiang couldn't help but feel a surge of joy. Having just earned 142 experience points, he was only 60 points away from reaching the final 60 points required to advance to the third level of the Qi Cultivation Realm. Could this experience scroll allow him to break through directly to the third level of Qi Cultivation Realm?

At the third level of the Qi Cultivation Realm, Zhuge Xiang believed he would have a higher chance of winning the competition. However, he resisted the temptation and chose not to use the experience scroll.

Zhuge Xiang vividly remembered the day he had encountered the demon fox for the first time. When he broke through to the next level, not only would his injuries be completely healed, but all negative states would also be cleared. Breaking through meant reaching an even higher level.

With the top four contenders decided and the duels for the final four underway, the rankings of the last six participants in the competition had been determined. Now, it was time for the top four duels.

"The top four contenders: Lei Potian, Ling Wufeng, Lu Yuling, and Zhuge Xiang. Who among them will emerge as the strongest?" The host's announcement of the top four duels filled the air with excitement. Anticipation and excitement were etched on everyone's faces.

"I can't believe it! The top four duels have me so pumped up, I'm practically trembling with excitement!" One spectator expressed their excitement, causing a slight tremor in their body due to the intensity of their emotions. "Among this year's disciples, who will prove to be the strongest? It's impossible to predict."

Lei Potian, one of the most dazzling geniuses, had already reached the stage of bloodthirstiness. With his imposing great axe, he was undoubtedly one of the most aggressive and formidable contenders among all the disciples.

Ling Wufeng, with his unstoppable flying knives, had maintained an enigmatic aura throughout the competition. From the very start to this point, he had always retreated while wielding his flying knives. No one had been able to discern his true limits. His strength remained shrouded in mystery, making him a formidable competitor who seemed unfathomable.

Lu Yuling, the most brilliant female disciple, had appeared unassuming up to this point. She relied solely on her Shiba palm techniques, utilizing a set of delicate silk threads to assist her. Without any special martial skills or powerful magical weapons, she had reached the top four with these simple tools, showcasing her formidable strength. Her unassuming appearance hinted that she might be concealing her true potential, making her a formidable contender.

Finally, there was Zhuge Xiang, the least experienced and lowest-ranking among the top four. He had only taken half a month to comprehend his strength, yet his performance had silenced any doubts about his abilities. Zhuge Xiang was undoubtedly the biggest dark horse in this year's competition. Despite having only reached the second level of Qi Cultivation Realm, his unique ability to reduce opponents' attacks, his skillful defense, and his powerful Blood Thunder Slash left everyone hesitant to underestimate him in any duel.

Among these top four disciples, it was impossible to determine who was the strongest and who was the weakest. This uncertainty only heightened the anticipation and curiosity surrounding the upcoming matches.

Questions about Zhuge Xiang's dual martial arts practice also circulated among the spectators. How could he learn two martial arts at once? To clarify this matter, the sect's staff explained that Zhuge Xiang had indeed chosen the Blood Thunder Slash from the Cangwu Pavilion. However, it was unclear where he had learned the bloodthirsty technique. It was suggested that he may have accidentally acquired it during his experiences outside the sect.

When further inquiries arose, the sect's staff offered a simple explanation. The restrictions on practicing multiple martial arts were in place to prevent disciples from wasting their energy on ineffective practices. The benefits of dual practice often did not outweigh the drawbacks. In Zhuge Xiang's case, the bloodthirsty technique was learned separately, and he was allowed to proceed. This explanation silenced any lingering doubts.

Practicing the bloodthirsty technique was no small matter. Many were aware of the risks involved. Among hundreds of brave disciples who had attempted it, only Lei Potian, Ji Wuxue, and Zhuge Xiang had successfully cultivated it. Few dared to dabble in such a perilous art.

As the final four duels were set in stone, the sky began to darken. People gazed upward as a black speck in the sky rapidly growing larger, prompting exclamations from the crowd. What could it be? Was something approaching?

The black dot continued to expand until it hovered directly above the martial arts arena. However, when it came into full view, everyone was left in stunned silence and disbelief.

Hovering above the Martial Arts Field, the colossal Shura battleship stretched about a hundred feet long. Its entire form exuded a sense of imposing grandeur, casting a heavy presence over the onlookers. Towering gun barrels encircled its exterior, and mysterious formations covered its surface. The sheer size alone was enough to induce an overwhelming sense of pressure in those who gazed upon it.

"Even though I've seen the Shura Battleship before, it never ceases to amaze," Zhuge Xiang remarked softly, his eyes fixed on the colossal, beast-like battleship in the sky.

Zhuge Xiang's first encounter with the Shura Battleship had occurred when he first arrived at the Shura Sect. The primary purpose of the battleship was simple: to transport disciples to the Shura Sect's headquarters, located deeper within the endless mountains.

Just as the crowd marveled at the presence of the Shura battleship, the host on the duel stage called for their attention once more. "Alright, this is the Shura Battleship of our Shura Sect, designated for transporting disciples who have successfully comprehended energy back to our headquarters. The grand competition is reaching its thrilling climax. Now, I announce the official commencement of the duel between the top four: Lei Potian versus Zhuge Xiang."