C52 Challenge
The arena was abuzz with noise as the disciples engaged in animated discussions, visibly shaken by recent events. It took some time before they managed to regain their composure. When they looked at Lin Xuan now, their eyes held a new light—filled with admiration and envy. Lin Xuan had once again demonstrated his extraordinary talent through his strength, and he had earned the reverence he was receiving. They could no longer regard him as just another new disciple; even the seasoned disciples paled in comparison to Lin Xuan.
Those who had previously ridiculed Lin Xuan now hung their heads in shame, unable to meet his gaze. They had never anticipated that Lin Xuan could achieve what they deemed impossible. Amidst their astonishment, they were also burdened with shame for having underestimated him simply because he was new.
Chen Yuze, Zhou Lei, and Guan Yuanshuang watched Lin Xuan, their hearts pounding with shock. They had assumed that despite Lin Xuan's evident talent, his brief period of cultivation would not be enough to challenge them. As a result, they hadn't given him much thought since the start of the competition. But now, they realized how wrong they were; Lin Xuan's talent far exceeded anything they could have imagined. To call him the top genius of the Outer Sect was an understatement.
If the spectacle before them was any indication, then Lin Xuan was indeed a threat to their standings. Just a month ago, Lin Xuan was at the Early Enlightenment Stage. Now, he had ascended to at least the Qi Gathering Stage, his prowess even surpassing the peak of that stage. They were profoundly taken aback.
Chen Yuze's face took on a grave look. If Lin Xuan had indeed conquered the Puppet Tower in under a minute, Chen might not stand a chance against him. Despite the overwhelming evidence, Chen knew he couldn't fully accept it without witnessing it himself. Furthermore, he had recently advanced to the Qi Transformation Stage, significantly boosting his strength.
Most crucially, he had an ace up his sleeve—the nascent form of sword intent. Though still in its infancy, it embodied a Concept, the fundamental manifestation of the laws of heaven and earth. With it at his command, he wielded the formidable power of the cosmos itself.
His power was poised to surge dramatically once more.
Even those in the Inner Sect who were just starting out in the Qi Transformation Stage might not stand a chance against him.
He was convinced that Lin Xuan, despite his exceptional talent, wouldn't be able to compete with him.
First place in this tournament was destined to be his.
Yet, the realization that he'd need to play his ace to best Lin Xuan sent a shiver of shock through him.
He figured this might be the only time he'd edge out Lin Xuan in the competition.
Soon enough, Lin Xuan would join the Inner Sect.
And he might well leave him in the dust.
Meanwhile, the Head Elder's eyes landed on Lin Xuan, betraying a hint of astonishment.
He had encountered many prodigies.
But few possessed the innate gift that Lin Xuan had.
In their generation, only Liu Qianyu and Xu Annlan boasted such talent.
And even Xu Annlan might fall a bit short compared to Lin Xuan.
Within the sect, Liu Qianyu and Xu Annlan were already quite impressive.
Now, Lin Xuan had emerged.
What an unexpected delight.
"Lin Xuan, well done," the Head Elder said with a smile, offering a few words of praise before surveying the crowd and announcing loudly:
"With the puppets in the Puppet Tower all destroyed, there's no need for the remaining groups to go through the elimination round.
From Group Seven, the ones advancing are Lin Xuan and Lee Cheng.
For Groups Eight, Nine, and Ten, the advancing disciples are those who ranked in the top twenty of the previous session.
Of course, this may seem a bit unfair.
Therefore, I will offer you an opportunity to freely challenge the top twenty.
With that, the first round of eliminations is concluded.
Next, we'll proceed to the second round to determine the top ten.
Let's head back to the Martial Arts Practice Field."
With a wave of his hand, the Head Elder directed the deacons to escort the disciples back to the Martial Arts Practice Field.
Lin Xuan's eyes twinkled with amusement.
He gazed at the rapidly increasing energy points on his attribute panel, feeling more pleased than ever.
"I've gained another 80,000 energy points," he said to himself with a slight nod.
Currently, he was a mere ten meters from the Head Elder and Xu Annlan, having accrued a substantial number of energy points.
"Expending 30,000 energy points. Replication successful. You have obtained the [Gale Sword Art (Rank 6 High-grade, Great Completion)]."
"30,000 energy points consumed. Replication successful. You've obtained the [Gale Phantom Spell (Rank 6 High-grade, Great Completion)]."
In no time at all, Lin Xuan had depleted the 80,000 energy points he had recently acquired.
He now held several treasures of considerable quality.
Lin Xuan gave a nod of approval.
He then joined the throng heading to the Martial Arts Practice Field.
Lin Xuan utilized all the treasures he had gained.
His power had risen once more.
Regrettably, he hadn't managed to replicate many of the treasures belonging to the Head Elder and Xu Annlan.
For the forthcoming tournament, he'd need to demonstrate more of his abilities to amass additional energy points.
Led by several deacons, the Outer Sect disciples swiftly departed from the Puppet Tower.
Meanwhile, the Head Elder and Xu Annlan remained standing by the heap of puppet debris.
Xu Annlan gazed at the remnants, lost in thought.
"Could you have done this when you were in the Outer Sect?"
The Head Elder inquired.
"No."
Snapping out of his reverie, Xu Annlan shook his head, expressing his astonishment, "I never imagined such an exceptional talent would emerge among this year's new disciples.
It seems likely he'll secure a top spot on Cangyuan Country's Potential Roll in the future."
"Yes, it's quite unexpected," the Head Elder remarked with a sigh.
"So, your visit wasn't in vain, was it?"
"No."
Xu Annlan nodded in agreement.
"Let's move on. There might still be surprises ahead."
With that, they left the Puppet Tower.
Before long, the Head Elder, Xu Annlan, and all the Outer Sect disciples made their way back to the Martial Arts Practice Field.
The Head Elder and Xu Annlan ascended a raised platform to the side, while the disciples positioned themselves around the perimeter of the field, encircling the three central stages.
From the platform, the Head Elder declared:
"The first round of eliminations is complete.
The top twenty contenders have been determined.
However, due to the damage sustained by the Puppet Tower, groups eight, nine, and ten were unable to compete in the first round.
To maintain fairness, you are free to challenge anyone in the top twenty.
Should you win, you'll take their place among the elite twenty.
Bear in mind, each of you may only issue a single challenge.
Likewise, those in the top twenty will only face one challenge each."
Additionally, you have just thirty minutes.
As the half-hour mark passed, the top twenty rankings would be firmly established.
"Begin!" he announced, and the square erupted into a commotion.
Several deacons, following the Head Elder's orders, escorted Chen Yuze, Zhou Lei, Lin Xuan, and others to the base of the elevated platform.
The rest of the disciples gathered on the opposite side of the square.
Chen Yuze, Zhou Lei, Lin Xuan, and twenty others stood at the foot of the platform. Some, like Lin Xuan and the other elite Outer Sect masters, appeared calm and unfazed.
In contrast, those who had advanced in rank over the past few months were visibly anxious, eyeing their counterparts warily, dreading a drop from the top twenty.
Such was the disparity.
Yet, the opposing disciples hesitated to issue challenges.
Indeed, even the least of the top twenty were formidable Outer Sect masters – not easily defeated.
But with only thirty minutes to challenge, time was slipping away.
Before long, impatience got the better of one disciple.
"I'm Wu Chen, and I challenge Zhao Qun!"
"Proceed," a deacon responded with a nod.
He ascended to the platform to referee the match between the two.
The fight commenced swiftly on the platform, and it didn't take long for a victor to emerge.
Wu Chen, the challenger, triumphed and secured a spot in the top twenty.
His victory inspired the other Outer Sect disciples, and a flurry of challenges ensued across the three platforms.
Regrettably, the strength of those in the top twenty was not to be underestimated.
Success was elusive.
One by one, the challengers were bested, with only two managing to break through.
The initial excitement among the disciples waned.
But as time dwindled, they continued to step forward with their challenges.
"I'm Wang Kui, and I challenge Lin Xuan!"
A muscular disciple declared boldly, causing a stir among the onlookers.
Lin Xuan had demonstrated remarkable prowess in the first round at the Puppet Tower.
Even the top three Outer Sect masters, including Chen Yuze, the preeminent expert who had reached the Qi Transformation Stage, seemed to pale in comparison to his skills.
Despite the case being built on a multitude of evidence, not a single person had witnessed it firsthand. Even with irrefutable proof, a thread of doubt lingered in people's minds. Now, at last, someone stepped forward to challenge Lin Xuan. The challenger had to be one of the elite in the Outer Sect, having reached the Peak of the Qi Gathering Stage. They might not witness the full extent of Lin Xuan's abilities, but they would certainly catch a glimpse of his potential. The anticipation among the crowd was palpable.
Lin Xuan showed a flicker of surprise. The idea of someone challenging him hadn't crossed his mind. Yet, this presented an opportunity to accumulate a surge of energy points. With that thought, he stepped forward to meet the challenge.
