Volume One, Chapter Seventeen: First, Seize by the Handle
Shortly after, the first round of the competition concluded, ushering in the second round of the drawing. From Class 10, only Tang Xi, Mu Fan, Tong Cheng, and Zhao Xiaomin advanced; Zhao Haoyu and Wang Ya did not qualify for the next stage.
Tang Xi drew number 1, Mu Fan number 68, Tong Cheng number 109, and Zhao Xiaomin number 31.
Tang Xi’s opponent was a girl from Class 1, with strength at the third level of Qi Refinement.
She politely said, “Tang Xi, my name is Zheng Mei. Please give it your all—I want to see the gap between you and me.”
Tang Xi smiled faintly. “Alright.”
Zheng Mei wielded a blade and fully displayed her third-level Qi Refinement power. She had also cultivated a set of body techniques, making her extremely fast.
With a light breath, she charged at Tang Xi. Their blades clashed, producing the sound of metal striking metal.
Zheng Mei had solid close-combat experience. Tang Xi, meanwhile, took the opportunity during their fight to correct his shortcomings. How much she could comprehend depended on herself.
Seeing the time was nearly up, they ended the battle without hesitation and moved on to the third round.
Mu Fan’s next fight was not a one-punch finish as before; how his opponents treated him dictated how he responded.
Zhao Xiaomin was defeated. Tong Cheng won, but with some difficulty.
Qing Hua unquestionably advanced to the third round. Tang Xi also noticed several opponents who concealed their true strength but were quite formidable.
For example, the Class 1 monitor, Wu Hao, who was already a Qi Refinement cultivator before entering the Bronze Gate. His current strength was roughly at the fourth level of Qi Refinement, making him, aside from Qing Hua, the strongest Qi Refinement cultivator.
There was also a girl from Class 2 named Ying Ying, who was a Qi Refinement cultivator before entering the Bronze Gate, now at the fourth level, slightly weaker than Wu Hao.
Another was a boy from Class 3, Pu Nan, who ranked first in academics. Before entering the Bronze Gate, he was at the limit of body refinement. Unexpectedly, after entering, he became a fourth-level Qi Refinement cultivator.
Many others had also gained opportunities.
So far, these were the notable strong contenders Tang Xi had found.
After more than an hour, the second round ended, with 90 students advancing to the third round. The competition paused until the afternoon, allowing them time to eat, rest, and adjust to face the next battles in their best condition.
...
During the meal break, Tang Xi used the system to check on Sword Qingyu.
She was already cultivating.
“She’s only slept four or five hours! That girl works hard. Compared to her, I really am just a salted fish.”
“If she wins the afternoon match, she’ll receive cultivation resources.”
...
At 2:30 in the afternoon, the third round drawing began.
Tang Xi was number 45, Mu Fan 28, Tong Cheng 10.
Mu Fan and Tong Cheng were scheduled to compete in the same batch. Tang Xi wasn’t worried about Mu Fan, but Tong Cheng faced danger. His opponent was the Class 2 monitor, Zhang Yaodao, with strength at the third level of Qi Refinement.
Tong Cheng was also at the third level.
However, Zhang Yaodao’s mastery of immortal techniques was clearly superior, with higher combat experience. After a single slash, Zhang Yaodao severed Tong Cheng’s sword, ending his run at the third round.
Tang Xi’s opponent was a boy from Class 15, with strength at the limit of second-level Qi Refinement. His reckless fighting style probably got him this far, but against Tang Xi, who utterly outclassed him, it was ineffective.
The third round also lasted over an hour.
Forty-five students advanced to the fourth round.
In the fourth round, Tang Xi drew number 11, Mu Fan number 6.
The battles took longer now, with everyone showing their true strength, making the fights more thrilling to watch.
...
Time passed by minute after minute, and the fourth round concluded. Twenty-three advanced to the fifth round.
Tang Xi drew number 2, Mu Fan number 9, divided into ten groups.
Tang Xi’s opponent was the monitor of Class 43, Shang Yao, with strength at the peak of third-level Qi Refinement. He had a delicate appearance and slender build, yet wielded a large blade—a striking contrast.
“Tang Xi, please show me your skill.”
“There’s no need to speak of teaching; let’s just learn from each other.”
They faced each other, energy surging within, rushing toward one another.
“Blade one!”
Shang Yao slashed, but Tang Xi’s sword shattered the blade’s light.
Shang Yao followed with three consecutive stronger slashes, likely using spiritual-grade immortal techniques.
Blue arcs of electricity appeared around Tang Xi’s body. He unleashed a sword slash that shattered Shang Yao’s blade light.
“I lost. That last strike was my strongest. Continuing would be pointless.”
With that, Shang Yao returned to his team.
Mu Fan finished his battle around the same time as Tang Xi.
Qing Hua’s fight was similar to before; no matter the opponent’s strength, she defeated them within a set time. How much power she truly exerted remained unclear to Tang Xi.
In the sixth round, only twelve students remained.
Two from Class 1: Wu Hao, Qing Hua.
One from Class 2: Ying Ying.
Two from Class 3: Pu Nan and Jiang Zhixue.
Two from Class 10: Tang Xi and Mu Fan.
One from Class 15: Du Qifeng.
One from Class 30: Qin Yanyan.
One from Class 31: Hai Xie.
One from Class 42: Feng Shuyi.
One from Class 58: Li Wujiao.
Immortal Way teacher Zhao Kuang announced:
“After several grueling rounds, twelve students have entered the sixth round. This round will decide the top six. The six who lose will compete for seventh to tenth places. The competition will now continue.”
Tang Xi’s number was 3, Mu Fan’s 11. Qing Hua was close by with number 8.
Tang Xi’s opponent was Li Wujiao from Class 58, with strength at the peak of third-level Qi Refinement, on the verge of breaking into the fourth level.
“Tang Xi, I know I’m no match for you. If you win this round, I’ll conserve my energy to fight for seventh place.”
With that, he left gracefully.
Thus, Tang Xi advanced to the seventh round without question. He looked at Li Wujiao and smiled slightly, “A carefree fellow.”
Mu Fan’s opponent was Du Qifeng from Class 15. Du Qifeng avoided close combat, constantly keeping distance and cutting at Mu Fan with sword light after sword light.
“Hey kid, is running fun? Then don’t blame me.”
Mu Fan suddenly burst with speed matching Du Qifeng’s.
He unleashed a passionate martial artist’s punch. Blood and golden light intertwined as Du Qifeng was pushed back, falling to the ground.
Mu Fan won.
Qing Hua’s opponent was Jiang Zhixue from Class 2, also third-level Qi Refinement.
“Qing Hua, I have a sword strike. If you catch it without injury, I admit defeat.”
Jiang Zhixue gripped her sword with both hands, raised it high, and a dense sword intent radiated. A sword light about three meters long slashed out with tremendous momentum.
Qing Hua’s lips curled slightly as she countered with a sword slash. Two sword lights intertwined, producing a wave of force. Jiang Zhixue stepped back and was defeated.
The final six to advance were Tang Xi, Mu Fan, Qing Hua, Wu Hao, Ying Ying, and Pu Nan.
They drew lots again: Tang Xi number 3, Mu Fan number 2, Qing Hua number 6, Wu Hao number 1, Ying Ying number 4, Pu Nan number 5.
Qing Hua’s opponent was Wu Hao.
Tang Xi’s opponent was Pu Nan.
Mu Fan’s opponent was Ying Ying.
...
Pu Nan pointed his sword at Tang Xi.
“Tang Xi, I know you’ve been hiding your strength. Unfortunately, your journey ends here.”
“Golden Flame Slash.”
Flames rose over Pu Nan’s body, adorned with fiery red patterns—he was a unique constitution holder. His fourth-level Qi Refinement power was fully demonstrated. The slash carried sharp sword intent and scorching heat that could be felt from afar.
The sword light transformed into a fiery dragon aiming to engulf Tang Xi. Tang Xi’s expression remained calm as gray and blue energy surged from within, faint arcs of lightning flickering over his body.
He countered with a sword slash that shattered the fiery dragon. The remainder of the attack struck Pu Nan, who looked shocked and quickly retaliated but could not dissipate the sword light’s power.
“Bang!”
A loud crash echoed as Pu Nan was sent flying backward.
He rose and cupped his hands toward Tang Xi. “I lost, and I admit it wholeheartedly.”
Chen Huaian looked at his colleagues. “Tang Xi defeated Pu Nan, who possesses a special constitution, with a single sword strike. It seems he hasn’t even unleashed his full strength. This generation truly has a remarkable group of talents.”
Ying Ying also had a special constitution. Her sword light carried an icy aura, exuding chilling cold.
Her combat experience, footwork, and immortal techniques were also impressive.
Mu Fan’s body was surrounded by a faint golden light; Ying Ying’s ice attribute posed no threat to him. After several exchanges, Mu Fan emerged victorious.
Some martial arts students cheered, relieved by Mu Fan’s win.
Wu Hao’s body was enveloped in a heavy golden armor-like aura. His sword moves were fierce, forcing Qing Hua to constantly evade and seek chances to counter.
“Qing Hua, everyone says I’m not as good as you. Show me your true skill, or don’t blame me for crushing flowers with harsh hands.”
Qing Hua’s expression turned serious. “Wu Hao, as you wish.”
She lightly thrust her sword out, unleashing a three-meter-long sword intent that engulfed Wu Hao.
The golden armor on Wu Hao’s body cracked repeatedly. He looked incredulous—what kind of strength could shatter his special constitution with a single sword?
He had thought their powers were similar, but the gap was vast.
His eyes filled with unwillingness, yet he stubbornly uttered, “I admit defeat.”
“Qing Hua, you’re strong, but I will keep improving. One day, I will beat you.”
Wu Wu laughed heartily. “Tang Xi and Mu Fan are both from my class. They’re ours!”
Some teachers struggled to contain their anger, wanting to give this boastful fellow a good scolding.
Zhao Kuang announced again.
“The top three are now decided. Draw lots for the final battle to determine first, second, and third places.”
Mu Fan said to Zhao Kuang, “Teacher, I voluntarily give up competing for first and second place. I’m not a match for Tang Xi or Qing Hua.”
Qing Hua also said, “I also give up competing for first place. I’m no match for Tang Xi.”
Zhao Kuang frowned and looked at the principal. Nothing like this had occurred before, and he was unsure what to do, so he sought the principal’s advice.
Zhao Huaian smiled slightly.
“Ha ha! Rules are rigid, but people are flexible. Since none of you object, I now declare that in this competition, Tang Xi takes first place, Qing Hua second, and Mu Fan third!”
...