Chapter 77: Competition

Chapter 77: Competition

There was no better way to familiarize with a breakthrough in martial arts than by having a match with an equally strong opponent.

The next day, Li Pin and Fang Lingjue arrived early at the Jiang Province Martial Society. The place was still as flooded as ever.

The ordinary citizens viewed the Jiang Province Martial Competition as the grandest event in the entire region. They would never imagine the dark secrets and undercurrent swirling beneath this grand spectacle.

At ten o'clock, Li Pin arrived promptly at the second training area.

After waiting for less than half an hour, he stepped into the center of the arena. Following his arrival, a middle-aged man emerged from the crowd and slowly approached the stage.

Li Pin had already gained considerable fame due to the incident involving Zhang Chiyan. His appearance caused quite a commotion among the spectators.

The people in the crowd already even started to question Li Pin's matches' arrangement.

"I remember that Master Li has fought several matches in the past few days. Each martial artist usually needs to go through six to eight matches depending on the number of participants before reaching the Round-Robin stage.

"But aren't these matches supposed to be spread over ten days? It's only the third day, and Master Li has already competed in four matches. Isn't the schedule a bit too packed?'"

"I've noticed that too! Did you guys realize? All of Master Li's opponents are Core Formation martial artists! How unlucky is he to face martial artists of this level in four consecutive matches?"

"Once could be luck, twice might be excessive, but three times is too much. Facing four Core Formation experts in a row, that can't be explained simply by luck."

The crowd discussed fervently.

However, as the incident had not yet escalated, only a minority of people had noticed it. It had yet to gain public attention or become a topic of discussion. Some reporters, however, had taken note of this unusual situation.

They vaguely sensed that this had the potential to be breaking news.

Of course, whether this breaking news could eventually be reported was uncertain to them. After all, if their speculations turned out to be true, the issues involved would be substantial.

In today's age, the title of "uncrowned king" for journalists was no longer what it once was. The number of journalists who disappeared without a trace after exposing truths wasn't low. While the enterprises they exposed often continued to thrive. It could be said that if these enterprises were just forced at the end to make superficial gestures of sincerity, it would be considered a win for the public opinion.

Therefore, they simply documented these anomalies, leaving the decision of whether to publish to higher authorities.

"Zanglong, Li Pin," Li Pin said.

"Luochuan, Jing Feng," replied the man, hands cupped.

He continued, "Master Li, circumstances leave me no choice but to face you in this match. I hope you'll take it easy on me."

"Once you've chosen to stand here, you have only one option: give it your all and show everything you've learned along your journey. This is how you honor martial arts," Li Pin affirmed.

After Fang Lingjue emerged victorious, he and Li Pin proceeded together to the fifth training area.

This was where Wang Zuocai would face the seeded competitor, Gu Haoran. The outcome was practically a foregone conclusion. Gu Haoran was a practitioner of Aura Force, having mastered it. This was unlike Fang Lingjue, who had only managed to unleash it once.

While Gu Haoran couldn't manifest Aura Force with every move like a true External Aura Grandmaster and had to rely on secret arts and ultimate techniques to do so, he was still significantly stronger compared to Wang Zuocai, the injured Core Formation Practitioner.

He seized upon Wang Zuocai's injury, gathered his strength, and exploited the opportunity to unleash his Aura Force, decisively ending the match. The explosive power of Aura Force echoed like thunder, stirring the spectators into a frenzy. Reporters, who had been poised around the training area, quickly snapped photos, capturing Gu Haoran's display of power over Wang Zuocai.

There was no need to guess. It was already clear that Gu Haoran's defeat of Wang Zuocai with Aura Force would dominate today's headlines in Jiang Province.

"He's putting on a show," remarked Li Pin, observing the spectacle where Wang Zuocai served as a mere backdrop for Gu Haoran to showcase his abilities.

Whoosh-whoosh!

Under the spotlight, Gu Haoran commanded everyone's attention. Meanwhile, Wang Zuocai quietly exited the stage with his friends and team members, heading toward the nearby emergency medical unit.

Taking in the scene, Fang Lingjue remarked, "Wang Zuocai's injuries look serious. Let's hope there won't be any underlying issues."

Li Pin nodded in agreement, acknowledging his concern.

At that moment, Gu Haoran, basking in the limelight, seemed to notice Li Pin. He glanced over and raised his eyebrows proudly.

"Aura Force.... That would qualify someone for the Senior title and even earn them the esteemed title of grandmaster," Fang Lingjue remarked, catching Gu Haoran's gaze. He turned to Li Pin and said, "If you aim to win first place in Jiang Province, he will be your greatest rival."

"I know," Li Pin responded. "Let's hope he maintains this form and doesn't falter when it counts."

With that said, the two left the martial arts competition to have a meal.

In the afternoon, Li Pin once again took the stage at the first training area.

Li Pin stood calmly at the center of the arena. "Black Sword Yun Yi, a well-known figure, son of the hall master of the Four Pillars Martial Hall and its future leader. Hopefully, he won't disappoint."

Having already witnessed the Core Formation battle earlier in the morning, the spectators were already stirred with excitement, and their discussions became more fervorous.

Li Pin remained cool as he quietly awaited his opponent's arrival.

However, to everyone's surprise, Black Sword Yun Yi did not show up....

Instead, a Core Formation martial artist who looked somewhat confused stepped onto the stage.

1. Emphasizes someone achieved their greatest success at the beginning of their journey. ☜