Chapter 183: with translation of chapter title

After Ying Wuji and Cang Li stepped down from the platform, the applause gradually faded.

This round of the competition was exceptionally fierce.

The showdown between Holy Sect's Ling Huya and Thunder Sect's Nan Feiyan actually lasted over an hour, making it the longest battle so far.

Starting from tentative probes, they gradually launched attacks, then later unleashed all their strength to defeat each other.

Now only Nan Feiyan from Thunder Sect has a chance to enter the top ten of the disciple rankings, so she will definitely not lose to Ling Huya.

Ling Huya looked at the wounded Nan Feiyan before her, her eyes narrowing slightly, and said: "Nan Feiyan, you lost to me in the previous sect grand competition; this time, it's still the same!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Ling Huya rose with her sword, sword qi like a rainbow, instantly carrying terrifying momentum as it surged toward Nan Feiyan.

Nan Feiyan's weapon is a giant bow; she suddenly drew the bow and shot an arrow!

In an instant, the platform flashed with lightning and thunder; the thunder arrow collided with the sword qi, erupting in a series of fierce booms on the platform.

Both were severely wounded, yet their brows and eyes remained firm, reflecting their desire for victory!

They were also fighting for their respective sects!

Both of their cultivations were at the early Nascent Soul Realm; the power they unleashed was astonishingly oppressive, and the originally sturdy platform had already become battered from their attacks.

"Ling Huya, this time I might not lose to you!" Nan Feiyan's pale face was filled with resolve; she turned, planted a foot to brace the bowstring, and with her other hand gathered surging thunder power.

The thunder power condensed into a spirit arrow!

"Thunder-Shattering Heaven-Piercing Arrow!"

Boom!

An arrow shot forth!

Ling Huya condensed a defensive spirit shield over her whole body, she gripped her long sword and darted forward swiftly!

She raised the sword in her hand and swung!

"Sage's Heart!"

A deafening explosion rang out, and the entire grand competition venue seemed to tremble.

Everyone's faces showed astonishment; only the two on the platform swayed, blood continually trickling from the corners of their mouths, while the center of the platform was split open by sword qi and thunder power into a huge pit!

Ling Huya's lovely face was now as pale as a ghost; she spat out a mouthful of blood, lifted her gaze, and her eyes remained fierce.

Usually gentle in demeanor, Nan Feiyan now unleashed her aura, gaining a hint of lethal intent.

Nan Feiyan knew she was Thunder Sect's hope; she had to represent Thunder Sect and enter the top ten of the disciple rankings, otherwise in the next three years, many cultivators of the Ninth Province would mock Thunder Sect: as one of the seven major sects of the Ninth Province, Thunder Sect actually had no disciple make it into the top ten.

Ling Huya could not tolerate losing to a former underling she had defeated; moreover, she had ranked third in the previous sect grand competition's disciple rankings, and if she failed to enter the top ten now, wouldn't she become a laughingstock thereafter?

Each had her own stance and reasons she could not afford to lose.

This battle would definitely not be a mere touch-and-go.

Instead, they would fight until unable to rise!

At the instant their gazes met, they launched another attack against each other.

Although there were multiple platforms in the middle of the grand competition venue, with matches proceeding simultaneously,

everyone's attention would be drawn to the central platform.

Because it represents who will claim first place in this sect grand competition's disciple rankings!

On the high platform, the Thunder Sect sect leader's wrinkled old face showed a hint of depth; her grip on the cane tightened tighter and tighter.

"Feiyan, you must hold on until the end!"

The Thunder Sect members also wore tense expressions.

They understood the principle of shared honor and shared loss.

Meanwhile, the Holy Sect sect leader leisurely sipped tea, even taking great interest in blowing the fragrant tea steam that rose.

The corners of her mouth curled into a faint smile.

Seeing their sect leader so composed, the Holy Sect elders also felt relieved.

The Holy Sect had originally lost a genius disciple before this sect grand competition—Gongsun Hong, who had tied with Ling Huya for ranking in the previous disciple rankings.

Thus, they could only place their hopes on Ling Huya and Zhai Qingye.

Both of them must enter the top ten!

Otherwise, as the number one sect of the Ninth Province, the Holy Sect would be blamed and ridiculed.

Holy Sect Grand Elder Yan Lao's gaze inadvertently fell on the row of youths in the waiting area, among whom six were from the Carefree Sect!

Yan Lao felt increasingly suffocated in his chest.

Damn Thousand Jade Mountain!

Damn the Six Sons of the Thousand Mountains!

Clearly the Carefree Sect's overall strength is inferior to that of the Holy Sect, yet the Carefree Sect has managed to gain a foothold in the Ninth Province thanks to Thousand Jade Mountain and the Six Sons of the Thousand Mountains!

Yan Lao's gaze unconsciously fell on Yuan Yao; the hand resting on the armrest of his chair suddenly clenched.

That little slut Yuan Yao actually got so lucky, relying on just floating in air to enter the top ten!

If Ling Huya were to face Yuan Yao, she would surely eliminate Yuan Yao quickly!

The more Yan Lao thought, the angrier he became, a dull pain blooming in his chest.

He was so angry he felt like he might have a myocardial infarction.

He couldn't help but curse: "Damn the Carefree Sect!"

…

The battle between Ling Huya and Nan Feiyan actually lasted a full three hours.

Both of their spiritual powers were nearly exhausted; their faces were deathly pale, their bodies almost covered in blood.

This battle ended without a clear winner!

Fan Quan Immortal Venerable saw their perseverance, and also knew that their strength absolutely could enter the top ten of the disciple ranking.

He sighed lightly.

"I, the Venerable, believe that Ling Huya of the Holy Gate and Nan Feiyan of the Thunder Sect are tied; both should advance to the next round of the competition. What do you all think?"

These words spread throughout the entire competition venue.

Upon hearing this, everyone spoke up in response.

"Tie! This is definitely a tie!"

"They should both advance to the next round's ranking competition."

"This isn't right; it seems unfair to the other competitors..."

Yan Lao spoke in a rough voice: "If it were truly fair, how could someone get a bye and earn a qualification to rank in the top ten of the disciple list without competing?!"

This clearly refers to Yuan Yao!

In an instant, many people turned their gazes toward Yuan Yao.

Yuan Yao blinked and said, "?" Is getting a bye my fault?

Fan Quan, the Immortal Venerable, sighed lightly and said: "Since everyone thinks Ling Huya and Nan Feiyan should be tied, I, the Venerable, announce that both Ling Huya and Nan Feiyan may advance."

"The Immortal Venerable is wise!" many people exclaimed.

The two on the stage stood upright, bowed to each other, then stepped down.

Just as they stepped down, both staggered a few steps and were about to fall when people from their respective sects rushed to support them.

Immediately, they were taken to treat their injuries.

Yuan Yao's eyes flickered; she still admired them in her heart.

Because they persisted until the end for their own goals.

Just as she was thinking that, she suddenly sensed someone far away looking at her; following her instinct, she lifted her gaze.

A familiar figure appeared in the spectator stands.

Yuan Yao slightly narrowed her eyes.

This person's face was pitted and scarred, with several knife marks...

So ugly.

She had thought it was Xie Yan.

No, Xie Yan's true appearance could be like that.

Yuan Yao observed the boy from afar for a moment, saw nothing unusual, and then withdrew her gaze.

It must have been a case of mistaken identity.

At that moment, a thought arose in her mind.

If Xie Yan's true appearance is really ugly, then...

Yuan Yao suddenly felt she could not accept it.

She still cares about looks.

No, what does he have to do with her? Why should she care about his appearance?

Her mind involuntarily recalled those slightly intimate gestures between her and Xie Yan, leaving her mood inexplicably complex.

She hopes Xie Yan will always wear his mask and never take it off in front of her.

That way, she wouldn't have to imagine his disfigured ugliness.