Chapter 86: Tournament: Arrival

Chapter 86: Tournament: Arrival

A faint heat emanated from the back of Huis hand. He glanced down and found the silver mark shifting, reshaping into a name. Shan Xe.

I dont recognize that name. But then, I dont know many people from our sect. If they werent in the outer sect with me, I probably wont recognize them, though havent I surpassed most of the people I was in the outer sect with, by now?

Huh. Maybe I am incredible.

Though! Incredible or not, I have no talismans left, and no time to make moreif I make one now, Im wasting qi I could use in battle, and Id rather make one in-battle depending on the scenarios I face than make a bunch of fire talismans now only to find myself facing a flame-resistant cultivator.

Theres the talismans in the spatial ring but no, I dont want to use them except in an emergency. Not until I take the time to sit down and memorize the formulae, anyways.

That means theres only one thing to do! Play dead and sneak attack! It might not be honorable, but its better than losing! Im not going to rend any meaningful hearts in the losers bracket.

So decided, Hui trekked out of the forest and back toward the plaza.

Eh? Xiao Hui, is that you? a familiar voice asked.

Hui froze. A smile spread across his face, and he whipped around and ran toward the kitchens rear door. Sis Mei! You didnt forget me?

How could I? Silly Xiao Hui, she greeted him with a smile. Though Im surprised to see you out so early. Did the Sect Master reconsider?

Ah something like that, Hui said.

She nodded, knowing him well enough not to ask more. Are you taking part in the tournament?

He showed her his hand.

Shan Xe? I dont recognize that name, Sis Mei said, a finger on her cheek.

So hes not a part of Starbound Sect? Hui asked.

Probably not? Certainly not a member of Starbound Peak that Ive ever seen, Sis Mei said.

Thats good news. If hes not a sword cultivator, thats a step in the right direction. Hui bowed to Sis Mei. I should head to the arena. Master said thered be battles on the first day.

How calculating, Hui muttered, putting a hand on his chin. So they picked a few prize fights for the first day makes sense. Itd be boring to kick off the tournament with a bunch of losers who can barely fight. But wait Hui paled. Er, Master, but then doesnt that suggest that the strongest geniuses are being put out for the first matches?

Naturally. I would not disgrace myself to see my disciple against anything less, Weiheng Wu replied.

Huis stomach went cold. No talismans, no tricks, no strategy. I dont even know my opponents personality or fighting style. My back is really against a wall this time. Er, could I beg Master to reconsider my entry?

You defeated the lotus, no?

With strategy and talismans! Er, yes.

And forced Zhang Zhou, a higher-stage demonic cultivator, to retreat?

With the help of Bai Xue and Li Xiang! I suppose.

Weiheng Wu nodded. Then you will win.

Hui took a deep breath. Okay. Okay. Its not hopeless. Theres still a chance. As soon as I see my opponent, I have to get into his head! No hesitation. Whatever makes him tick, whatever hes afraid ofthats what I have to attack with!

I could always do the tumultuous-qi attack I did with Chang Bolin

No, no, absolutely not! If Lan Taijian gets proof that I intentionally forced Chang Bolin to have a qi deviation, Im finished!

Besides, this is a friendly battle between sects! If I go for the kill on the first fight like that, putting everything else asideand its a lot to put asidewont I basically be asking the other fighters to try to kill me?

Off the table! Ill attack dishonorably, Ill use tricks, but that is the one attack I can never use in front of Lan Taijian, or anyone in the sect who dislikes me!

Besides, Im trying to rend hearts, not turn myself into the villain of the tournament!

Psychological! This first battle will be psychological! If I cant draw my opponent into my rhythm, its all over. The first strikes will also be the last!

Hui summoned the dark robes from his spatial ring and draped them over his head as they approached the ring. He stepped off the back of Weiheng Wus sword, waved a short goodbye, then casually tipped his nameplate over so it couldnt be read. Circulating his death qi once more, he made sure his qi was suppressed, barely enough to keep him alive.

Preparations complete. The Sect Master shouldnt notice me until the battles already started. Now, whos my opponent?