Chapter 211: Final Battle

Chapter 211: Final Battle

In another heavily guarded estate, Zhang Songbai, who was from the Central Dynasty, was reviewing the profiles of the adult category competitors.

Behind him stood Zhang Jiuwu, a special commissioner from the same dynasty, along with Yue Gaofeng, the tactical instructor of Yan Hongtu and a top-tier Martial Saint.

Zhang Jiuwu said, "If nothing unexpected happens, this year's intermediate category world champion will likely be decided between Li Pin and Zhao Yushi. And... if Zhao Yushi doesn't have any unique secret art or ultimate move, Li Pin will probably be taking first place.

"I heard that Song Wuya has regained consciousness after his treatment. Surprisingly, his Saber Intent didn't suffer any backlash. In fact, since he had gained the upper hand over Li Pin during their swordfight, this battle has sharpened his Saber Intent and made it even stronger.

"Now, Li Pin has become the mountain he aims to surpass. The stronger Li Pin becomes, the stronger Song Wuya's Saber Intent will grow. One day, when he finally defeats Li Pin, his Saber Intent will reach perfection. With this supreme power, he will ascend to the path of Astral Cultivation, meditate on the Astral God, and become an Astral Cultivator."

Zhang Songbai was a bit surprised. "So... Song Wuya has bounced back even stronger?"

"Indeed, and if he were to face Li Pin in battle once more..." Zhang Jiuwu's voice trailed off.

However, as of now, it would be rather pointless to have another match between Song Wuya and Li Pin. Li Pin's transcendent-like technique was simply too powerful—so powerful that it seemed almost unfair.

It was precisely after witnessing Li Pin's almost transcendent state that Zhang Jiuwu confidently declared Zhao Yushi would inevitably lose during Li Pin’s last showdown unless she had something up her sleeve.

"Li Pin is simply too powerful, and he's only twenty-three. Whereas, Wang Liancheng is already twenty-nine and personally groomed by several top-tier figures in the Federation. With such talent, Li Pin will undoubtedly secure one of the Dragon Prince spots, regardless of the outcome of his battle with Zhao Yushi," Zhang Jiuwu remarked.

Yue Gaofeng and Zhang Songbai nodded in agreement.

"We have missed out on the top three of the adult category, and it's clear that we're going to miss out on the top three in the intermediate category as well. Among Li Pin, Zhao Yushi, Song Wuya, and the Great Sun Chosen One, who could Yan Hongtu possibly defeat?" Yue Gaofeng asked.

Zhang Jiuwu glanced at Yue Gaofeng. "And don't forget Cheng Yufeng."

None of the four Dragon Prince spots in either the intermediate or adult category would go to the Dragon Gate Hall. It was simply... absurd.

Yue Gaofeng felt somewhat helpless. "I never thought the competition in this year's World's Top Martial Arts Competition would be so intense. Considering Yan Hongtu's exceptional Martial Will, he could have easily secured a top-three finish in the previous years, couldn't he?"

The contestants' performance had been disappointing, and there was little he could do about it.

Zhang Jiuwu, clearly aware of this, turned to Zhang Songbai. "With eight more Dragon Prince spots available, the pressure on our Dragon Gate Hall has increased significantly. Perhaps we should reconsider our training methods and the benefits we offer to the Dragon Princes?"

"Absolutely not!" Zhang Songbai immediately rejected the proposal. "The status of the Dragon Princes cannot be compromised. It is the very foundation of our Dragon Gate Hall."

Zhang Songbai declared firmly, "If we hadn't always adhered to the principles of fairness and justice, how could the Dragon Gate Hall have possibly safeguarded that legendary astral equipment? Without it, how could we have reached our current standing?

"Don't forget, decades ago, there were at least eighty or even a hundred factions of the same level as the Dragon Gate Hall within the Tianyuan border.

“If not for the previous Hall Master's exceptional foresight and his unwavering neutrality in contributing the legendary astral equipment, how could the Dragon Gate Hall have risen to prominence and become an institution on par with the Tianyuan Royal Academy?"

"But once everyone has an abundance of points and no longer faces shortages, using these sacred cultivation grounds will become almost like getting a fifty percent or even seventy percent discount for them. This will encourage everyone to actively apply for the use of the sacred grounds and astral equipment, indirectly diminishing the special treatment accorded to Dragon Princes."

Zhang Jiuwu nodded. "Exactly. Moreover, we are benefiting all the members while presenting it as a righteous mission to scout ferocious beasts. Even if the Dragon Princes suspect something and are displeased, they won't dare to openly oppose us for fear of antagonizing the powerful factions that support the thousands of disciples."

Zhang Songbai smirked. "By the time these disciples have consumed the resources earned from their tripled rewards, the biannual ranking competition will be upon us. At that point, some of the Dragon Princes will undoubtedly lose their privileged status....”

Even if people figured it out, it wouldn't have any adverse effects, especially since they were acting under the banner of great justice. This was a well-calculated plan, executed with integrity.

It was perfectly reasonable to incentivize Dragon Gate Hall's Martial Saints to gather intelligence on ferocious beasts by offering substantial rewards.

Even if there were some casualties, it was of little consequence. They would always be individuals eager to join the Dragon Gate Hall and soar to new heights.

Zhang Songbai made his decision. "I'll inform the Hall Master about this matter immediately."

***

The decision to triple the points, driven by discontent among the members of Dragon Gate Hall, was kept a closely guarded secret.

Meanwhile, Li Pin had dedicated the past two days to deep meditation. He was nourishing his mental spirit and replenishing his depleted primordial qi with the Innate Qi-Refining Technique, which he had exhausted through his repeated use of the Blood-Seething and Great Sun Infinite Secret Arts.

Despite the brief period, Li Pin's meticulous control over his condition allowed for a swift recovery.

By the time the third round of the World's Top Martial Competition commenced, he appeared fully rejuvenated, showing no signs of his previous exertions.

***

As Li Pin stepped into the World's Top Martial Competition venue through the competitor's passage, the crowd erupted in thunderous cheers.

Everyone was shouting the names "Li Pin" and "Zhao Yushi."

Even the ordinary spectators understood that the battle between Li Pin and Zhao Yushi today would likely determine the world champion of the intermediate category.

If Li Pin won, he would rightfully claim the title of world champion.

If Zhao Yushi won... she would still need to face formidable opponents like the Great Sun Chosen One and Song Wuya. Nevertheless, as long as she didn’t suffer two defeats, the title would be hers to keep.

Given that Li Pin had already defeated the Great Sun Chosen One and Song Wuya, a victory over Li Pin would elevate Zhao Yushi's standing above them.

Understanding this, what would have been a relatively uneventful third round of the competition saw tickets sell out almost immediately. The unprecedented demand stemmed from the public's eagerness to witness what was destined to be a historic martial competition.

Amidst this feverish anticipation, all eyes were instinctively drawn to Li Pin and Zhao Yushi.



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