Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Battle of the Fat Tigers
Gu Xiaopang, Zeng Hu, Chu Ling, and Leng Zikang directly secured the top four positions.
Shang Yu and Lu Zifeng, both unconscious, were rescued and revived by their elders from the sect, but it would be difficult for them to return to their peak states in the near future, so they were jointly ranked fifth.
Qin Mengyun, Li Chenglong, Song Jiayan, and Chen Xue had to compete for the last four spots.
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Unexpectedly, Chu Ling, who had already received a superior Foundation Establishment Pill from her master and felt certain she could not claim first place, applied to withdraw from further competition after securing her spot in the top four, thereby fixing her rank at fourth. Her master, pleased with her performance throughout the matches, supported her decision to withdraw.
Gu Xiaopang had originally intended to forfeit as well, but Gu Lao Wu threatened him so openly with his divine sense that he had no choice but to obediently stay. According to Gu Lao Wu, “If you dare to withdraw, I'll throw you into a pack of second-tier mystic beasts for three days and nights.”
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The competition for the top three was once again determined by drawing jade talismans.
Three or four jade talismans were gathered together. Each participant drew one, and when the numbers flashed, they were transported to their corresponding dueling platforms.
Only Gu Xiaopang remained, glancing at the three newly activated platforms and the symbol appearing on his jade talisman, then mischievously returned to his seat in the audience.
“Gu Xiaopang gets a bye?”
“What ridiculously lucky!”
“You just don’t get it! Isn’t there an old saying—good luck is also a form of strength?”
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The disciples below all had their own opinions about Gu Xiaopang’s bye.
The matches began, even more spectacular than the last round.
Gu Xiaopang watched with relish, smacking his lips as he enjoyed the spectacle.
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Nearly half an hour passed.
Zeng Hu, having perfected the ninth layer of Qi Refining, spent a year training outside and had long shed the naivety of the average disciple.
Leng Zikang, the chief of the outer sect for two consecutive terms at Three Peaks, often secluded himself, and few had the chance to witness him fight.
Their battle was evenly matched, with neither having a clear advantage; it was impossible to predict the victor.
As the two continued to clash, revealing their hidden cards, an unexpected event occurred.
Leng Zikang, who had repeatedly suppressed his cultivation from crossing into Foundation Establishment, each time managing to pull back just as he was about to step over, was not so lucky this time.
Having just forcefully blocked Zeng Hu’s massive axe, Leng Zikang’s aura suddenly surged; his internal true energy could no longer be restrained. His blue robe and long hair billowed without wind...
“What’s happening to Senior Brother Leng?”
“Has he gone mad?”
“Stupid! He’s about to advance to Foundation Establishment!”
“Envy! I wonder when I’ll reach Foundation Establishment myself.”
“What about the match?”
“What’s the point? How can a Qi Refining cultivator compete with someone at Foundation Establishment?”
“That’s true. But if Senior Brother Leng could have held out a bit longer and taken first place before advancing, it would’ve been perfect.”
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“Third brother, your Three Peaks inner sect has produced another fine talent!”
“Yes, indeed!”
“To break through to Foundation Establishment in battle without even needing a Foundation Establishment Pill, shows just how solid his foundation is.”
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Both on and off the stage, discussions erupted—some congratulated, others regretted that the breakthrough couldn’t have come a bit later.
“Congratulations,” Zeng Hu said, rarely speaking, before jumping off the platform.
Meanwhile, the contest for the last four places among Qin Mengyun, Li Chenglong, Song Jiayan, and Chen Xue had concluded.
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Now the next battle would determine the rankings between Gu Xiaopang and Zeng Hu.
Later, some disciples jokingly referred to this match as the “Fat Tiger Showdown.”
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