Chapter 491: Just Do It (Third update, 10k words today)

Just as Ren Yidao was slaughtering his way through the arena matches, the Elimination Tournament had already entered its final stage.

As the competition progressed, the gap in strength between the contestants narrowed, and the battles became increasingly intense and spectacular.

Among these matches, quite a few outstanding talents emerged and became known to the public.

And among these people, the most stunning were a pair of women who had suddenly risen to prominence.

Li Yaoyue and Li Canglan from the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect—although these two had never shown their true strength, no opponent had ever been able to last a single move under their hands.

They arrived at the semi-finals with this astonishing record of defeating enemies in one move.

Their opponents were no ordinary pair either; it was the combination of Li Qiushui and Snow Heroine, who had also swept through to this point with unstoppable force.

If Ren Yidao were here, he would certainly be very excited.

Both sides had one thing in common: only Li Qiushui and Li Canglan made moves, while the other person merely held the line and never struck.

However, the scene of the final showdown exceeded many people's expectations.

They had originally thought they would finally be able to see the true strength of Li Yaoyue and Snow Heroine, but they did not expect these two to still tacitly stand in the corners of the arena, not actively participating in the battle.

Even until the winner was decided, the two of them did not make any moves, as if they were deliberately hiding their strength, or perhaps secretly competing to suppress each other.

Perhaps, in a place unknown to outsiders, a fierce battle had already taken place!

Although the truth was simply that Snow Heroine was still spacing out while borrowing the tiger's prestige, while Yaoyue felt bored and kept imitating Shi Xue's movements.

As for the final result of the entire match, to put it simply, it can be summed up in one sentence.

Li Qiushui won by a narrow margin, and Canglan drank the cup of regret due to carelessness.

Regarding this result, Canglan was actually unconvinced.

"Damn it!"

An angry Canglan stomped her foot hard, nearly crushing the entire arena and leaving a deep footprint, drawing sidelong glances from many.

Unlike the Heaven Realm arena, the Earth Realm Elimination Tournament arena was not that sturdy and could only withstand attacks up to the Void Refining Realm.

Canglan's previous performance had not touched the edge of Void Refining, so it was unexpected that after the match ended, she displayed a flash of strength due to anger.

In fact, that was just Canglan nearly exposing her true strength in her rage.

Because of Ren Yidao's requirements, the strength Canglan exerted was limited to the Spirit Transformation Chuji, and she was only allowed to use fifty percent of her physical power.

If she were allowed to use her full strength, she was confident she could easily take down her opponent.

But she also had to admit that under the same level of conditions, the other party was indeed a very powerful opponent.

That sharp blade was sharper and more dangerous than the claws of any Demon Beast!

The opponent's attacks were extremely tricky, and every move made Canglan feel extremely uncomfortable; her speed, which she prided herself on, was not fully utilized due to the limitations of the venue.

And the most critical point was that the opponent was still an uncut jade, and many techniques were not yet mature.

If Li Qiushui were given more time to study these techniques, her strength would become even more formidable!

In time, this woman would certainly reach the pinnacle of the Human Race and become a major threat to the Demon Race.

But Canglan did not think too much about it, nor did she have any thoughts of wiping her out early.

On one hand, Canglan had already sworn allegiance to Ren Yidao, to that moon she pursued; she was now his servant alone, and her sense of belonging to the Demon Race had greatly diminished.

On the other hand, it was the scent emanating from Li Qiushui; she smelled a very heavy, familiar odor.

That was the scent of Ren Yidao.

From her hands, from her mouth, from her shoulders, from her chest... that scent constantly reminded Canglan of the identity of the person opposite her.

Even if she wasn't the master's partner, she definitely had a very deep relationship with him!

Even more annoying!

Although annoyed, Canglan still did not lose her head out of jealousy, and she did not commit any acts that would be out of line for a servant.

Only after the match ended did Canglan glare at Li Qiushui with envy and hatred, leaving the Ninth Princess feeling very confused.

This person, what is going on?

Why is she looking at me with those eyes?

Being angry about losing the match is understandable, but why the envy?

Is she envious that I won?

But that's clearly not it!

This feeling is just like... how other concubines look at Ran Guifei.

Yes!

That's exactly the feeling!

The kind of look that wishes they could be the other person.

"Hmm???"

When Li Qiushui realized this point, her eyes widened.

"You too?"

Ren Yidao!

What on earth is going on with you?

How can I encounter your women from the outside just by participating in a competition!!?

Just how unrestrained are you, you guy?

Ren Yidao!

You Evil Dao!

After silently fuming for a long time, Li Qiushui let out an angry huff.

"Hmph!"

She had noted this debt down, and she would settle it properly with that Ren fellow when the time came!

"Why is Qiushui so angry? Could it be that you don't want to cross swords with your brother?" Just as Li Qiushui was fuming, Li Fengyao's teasing voice came from another arena.

Just a moment ago, she had also easily finished off her final opponent.

After Ren Yidao's enhancement, her current strength had seen a significant improvement compared to before, allowing her to stabilize at the mid-stage of Spirit Transformation.

Such strength was enough for Li Fengyao to completely sweep through this stage; she could even put up a fight against those in Void Refinement.

However, because those in Void Refinement are already considered great cultivators in this world, very few were willing to lower their status to participate in this Immortal Sect Grand Competition, and even if they did, most had already withdrawn by the Elimination Tournament stage.

It would be fine if one won in the Elimination Tournament, but losing would be a huge loss of face, so many people simply didn't participate to avoid that humiliation.

As long as I don't participate, I won't fail.

It is just like how the national football team has maintained an undefeated record in the World Cup for many years.

"Just you?"

Li Qiushui turned her head, also understanding that the final battle would unfold between the two siblings, "A defeated foe, yet you still dare to speak of courage?"

"This time is different! There is also me!"

Fan Zhuying jumped out, puffing out her unremarkable, youthful chest, "Don't get cocky! Senior Brother and I will definitely teach you both a good lesson!"

Li Qiushui didn't care about Fan Zhuying at all and chose to ignore her directly, but Shi Xue, who was posing to the side, raised an eyebrow.

This is bad!

When the siblings fight, will this Fan Zhuying end up facing me?

I've endured until this moment!

I've pretended to be an expert all the way here; I can't fall at the final hurdle and get exposed now, can I?

Fortunately, Li Fengyao also knew what kind of person her clanswoman was and understood her true level.

She looked at Shi Xue's panicked expression, shook her head, and took the initiative to say to Fan Zhuying, "Junior Sister Fan, can I ask you for a favor?"

"A favor? Senior Brother, please don't be so polite, go ahead!" Regarding Li Fengyao's request, Fan Zhuying was somewhat flattered and looked at her with anticipation.

I wonder what Senior Brother wants me to do!

If, if Senior Brother makes an excessive request, should I refuse or not~

"Can the final battle be conducted by Li Qiushui and me alone?"

"This... Senior Brother, do you not believe in my strength?"

"No, I am very clear about your strength; you are the most talented disciple of this generation in Wanhua Valley."

Li Fengyao looked at the young girl, shook her head, and said gently, "But this is a duel between us siblings. I don't want anyone to intervene, and you wouldn't want people saying I won unfairly, would you?"

"This, this... alright." Although Fan Zhuying really wanted to fight side-by-side with Senior Brother and defeat this annoying woman, she also understood Senior Brother's predicament and was unwilling to become a handle for others to attack him.

"Many thanks, Junior Sister." After obtaining Fan Zhuying's agreement, Li Fengyao looked at the expectant Shi Xue over there, blinked, and said, "Since Junior Sister Fan has already agreed, surely the renowned Snow Heroine won't refuse either, right?"

Refuse?

How could I possibly refuse!?

Shi Xue moved her lips, gave a light cough, and said indifferently, "Mm, let's do that."

After speaking, she nodded at Li Qiushui and then walked quickly off the arena without looking back.

This heroine's mission is complete!

Finally, I don't have to pretend anymore!

Although acting like a fox borrowing a tiger's might is really satisfying, it is indeed a challenge for my heart.

Snow Heroine, officially off the clock!

Li Qiushui watched Shi Xue's skipping back, her mouth twitching slightly. She sniffed and whispered to Li Fengyao:

"... Thank you."

"Thank for what? Thanking me on her behalf?" Li Fengyao raised an eyebrow at Li Qiushui and said somewhat helplessly, "Qiushui, you and Xiaoxue are close, but is she not my sister too?"

Li Fengyao felt a bit helpless; she couldn't help but reflect on whether the things she had done in previous years were too infuriating to Heaven and man... that such a small matter actually required someone to thank her specifically.

Li Qiushui was silent, shook her head, and said, "Without her as a helper, you will not be my opponent."

In her view, Li Fengyao's approach clearly meant giving up the possibility of victory entirely.

Facing her alone, Li Fengyao would not have any chance of winning.

But Li Fengyao didn't think so and leaped onto the arena with a light laugh, "Perhaps, but one must always try, right?"

"We already tried before; you... are not my opponent."

Before Heaven Gate, the two had already fought once, and that time ended with Li Fengyao's defeat.

And since that time, less than ten days had passed; Li Qiushui didn't feel there was any need to have another match in such a short period.

The outcome wouldn't change.

"That was then, this is now; perhaps I have already become stronger during this time."

"Besides, it's not like I don't have other preparations."

Li Fengyao took out a long saber and waved it lightly.

"Because of the sword in your hand, my master bestowed this Dharma treasure upon me for the sake of fairness."

She didn't inject any Dharma Power, but the blade created fine fissures as it swung.

Although it couldn't compare to the original Sanlu Sword, it was still a top-tier heavy treasure, enough to rival its avatar.

With the addition of this Dharma treasure, Li Fengyao's strength had indeed seen a significant improvement.

"Since you insist on a fight..." Li Qiushui frowned, sighed after a long while, and shook her head, "Fine, I will grant your wish and let you see the gap between us."

"I couldn't ask for more." Li Fengyao smiled brightly, touched her lower abdomen unobtrusively, and completely digested the final bit of energy.

"After all, I really am different now."

At the same time, Ren Yidao, who had been winning consecutive battles, pointed his sinful little hand toward the old beggar who had been silent for a long time.

"Gang Leader Yu, please."

Yu Hongjian shook his head, knowing he would certainly be treated as a soft persimmon to be squeezed.

He was a dignified Formless expert, the leader of the Gaitian Gang; when had he fallen to such a state?

He sighed, leaning on his cane as he walked onto the arena, and muttered, "This old man has no leverage for you to grab, so Fellow Daoist Ren had better give up on that idea."

"Haha, rest assured~ dealing with you doesn't require using any leverage."

Yu Hongjian:?

Ren Yidao looked at the Gaitian Gang leader's unnatural expression with a smile and spread his hands.

"Let's just get to it."

And just as the competition was in full swing, a figure quietly walked out of the Cangbaoge of the Sword Casting Pavilion.

This place could be said to be the most important location in the Sword Casting Pavilion besides the Ancestor Shrine, and outsiders were absolutely not allowed to approach it.

That person had their face covered with a black veil, and a wide black robe concealed their figure.

She had hidden many details, yet she deliberately revealed a striking head of blood-red hair.

And behind her, the pavilion-guarding Elder had already been reduced to a pile of flesh, dying miserably on the spot...

But just as that person was about to leave, the lifeless pile of corpse fragments behind her suddenly exploded.

Boom!

The next moment, a piercing alarm suddenly sounded, echoing throughout the entire Sword Casting Pavilion!

Hum—