The participants retired to their mansions. The test they just undertook had taken quite a toll on them.
It was the first time for some. After reaching the lodgings, each of the figures went into closed-door training, for recuperation and processing the insights gained in the test.
The test could break one's Martial heart to pieces or could forge it to be a lot stronger than before. The benefits gained by the top 32 peoples was undeniable.
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The Crimson Lord world-
" Did you manage to get some gains from the test?".
" The test was just too easy for me. Having gone through the Heaven Pestle art and the '12 forges', it failed in comparison."
" I do gain some idea for research. The illusion this time was quite realistic. Does the manor have someplace like that." Long Tao was anxious to know the answer.
" I am sorry to inform you that we don't have such facilities." The puppet said.
" I need to learn and research into the illusion formations and arts. If my imagination comes true, it will help in improving my martial will and Dao-heart."
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At night the announcement regarding the next round was made:
"The next round, also the final one is going to be one on one duel. The lots will be drawn randomly."
"All of the chosen participants are required to be present on the grounds in the early hours of dawn. The event will proceed until we get our top 8 and at, he ends the top 3 contestants."
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Hearing the announcement, the participants who were qualified for the next round got more and more excited—looking forward to what they will gain.
Every single one of the Top 32 participants was one of the top geniuses of the younger generations in the Jiao country. The aim of every participant was the number 1 position.
3rd day of the martial gathering:
The participants were standing in anticipation of the event. The elder responsible for the gathering soon stood up.
"Congratulations to all the participants who managed to reach this position. The next round as announced will be on one fight. The lots will be drawn randomly, so could all the participants please come forwards according to their name being called. "
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Soon two figures were standing on top of the arena. They were called Di Tian and Clang Huang and were from minor clans in the Jiao country.
The continuous clash of the two figures resounded through the arena. Both were proficient in fist arts.
The fist art Di Tian practised was called 'stone first', and the one Clang practised was called 'rage fist'. Both were having good attack power if considered in the eyes of the people of Jiao country.
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Although Clang Huang's Rage fist was good with explosive power, it consumed a significant amount of Qi. Di Tian's stone fist was much more economical in terms of Qi expenditure, and hence Di Tian won at the end.
Jiao Shen, Long Mengchen, the seven silhouettes, Long Dangtian, and the other heaven chosen managed to pass and quickly get into the top 16.
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The next phase soon started. One of the silhouettes was matched against the heaven chosen of Tu clan. Tu clan always concentrated more on defensive arts, and the current genius was proficient not only in defence but also in attack arts.
Tu Lao stepped forward, but before he could move the silhouettes said:
" You are not a match of mine, kindly get down the stage. Otherwise, you will get hurt."
Tu Lao was stunned for a moment and then with his face bubbling with anger said:
" Although your martial talent is higher than me, did you think that you would scare me. Let me show you that talent doesn't signify everything about an individual."
Tu Lao barred his feet to the ground, took the stance of attack, and barged towards the Silhouettes.
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Thie attack art concentrated on the speed of one's attack on the opponents. The practice of the defence arts resulted in a lowering of Tu Lao's movement speed.
It was compensated in the preparation of the Lighting fists. Tu Lao attack was getting nearer to the silhouettes, but to the astonishment of the spectators, he didn't even bother moving away or dogging.
Tu Lao's Punch landed solidly on the figure and the crowd expected for the fight to be over.
" Overestimating oneself" was what the clan lord of Tu clan was about to say, but then an astonishing scene appeared.
The silhouette hadn't even moved from the position he was standing at, with Tu Lao's fist on his chest. He looked at Tu Lao and said:
" Is this all you have got. Let me show you what real power is" the figure lifted his fist, and made a move towards Tu Lao with pure physical strength.
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Tu Lao circulated the Grand earth art but to no avail. His figure was sent flying on contact. Tu Lao was now on the other side of the arena, coughing out blood from his mouth. The crowd was shocked as were the judges.
What high physical strength! How did he train in to get such a monstrous body? He slowly walked towards Tu Lao, looked at him with pity, and asked:
" Is this good enough or do you want another go. This time I will not restrict myself to just physical strength, I will use Qi too."
Tu Lao looked at the figure with despair in his eyes. He was ashamed of his earlier words and was getting out when he heard:
" Although you are defeated by me, as you said talent isn't everything. Get better and start improving your strength. We can save a fight for the future"
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The depraved look on Tu Lao's face vanished, and he became resolute, turning and bowing to the silhouette he said:
"I will follow the advice and continue to hone myself. I will be sure to win the next fight we have.".
There was a look of appreciation appeared in the eyes of spectators. He showed respect for his opponent even after winning.