Chapter 278: Unprecedented Battle!

Qin Zhen and Kou Fa both successfully broke through the realm and became Martial Arts Masters!

One was thirty-one and the other was sixty-one, a thirty-year age gap, so Qin Zhen's prospects were definitely higher than Kou Fa's.

But Qin Zhen was not as happy as Kou Fa, because he had ultimately failed to ascend to the overall Wind and Cloud List.

In this challenge against Kou Fa, Qin Zhen hoped to defeat the opponent before breaking through the realm, so that he would have successfully ascended to the overall Wind and Cloud List.

It was a pity that he ultimately lacked the strength.

Fighting to the end, both were very clear that unless it was a fight to the death, it would be hard to determine a winner, so both chose to break through the realm.

Qin Zhen had ultimately failed to defeat someone on the overall Wind and Cloud List, breaking through the realm as a candidate, and from then on, he had no chance with the overall Wind and Cloud List.

Not only that, there would be no similar lists in the future for him to "contend for fame."

Because clashes between Martial Arts Masters and Grandmasters were rare, lacking sufficient combat records to rank them.

And even intelligence organizations like "Under Heaven" dared not compile rankings for Martial Arts Masters and Grandmasters; that was too easy to offend people.

"Under Heaven" couldn't afford to offend them either!

Qin Zhen sighed in his heart and turned to walk out of the competition stage.

This scene made many people present somewhat confused.

How could this person successfully break through the realm and become a universally respected Martial Arts Master, yet look somewhat lonely?

"Principal Qi, congratulations."

On the main spectator stand, True Person Xuan Chen of the Shangqing Sect said to Principal Qi Zhou of Tianqu University.

"Hahaha."

Qi Zhou laughed heartily.

His university had gained another Martial Arts Master; anyone would laugh heartily.

The reporters present today would report this matter extensively after returning.

In this Martial Arts Exchange Tournament, professors from two universities breaking through the realm on the spot to become Martial Arts Masters would inevitably be passed down as a fine story in the future!

Plus, there was Li Fei, a university student who had made it into the top four, contending with top-tier sects like the Daluo Sect, the Shangqing Sect, and Pudu Temple.

In this martial arts tournament, the university side had both face and substance, enough to account to the imperial court.

And Tianqu University, as the organizer, would naturally receive commendations, and there would be more resources and more generous funding next year.

"The True Person seems to have a plan in mind; it seems Gan Jingcheng still has a trump card?"

Qi Zhou glanced at True Person Xuan Chen and asked with a smile.

As the organizer, Tianqu University had already achieved its goal, but the Shangqing Sect had not.

Their goal this time was to let the world know that the Shangqing Sect of the three Daoist sects was no worse than the Daluo Sect!

To break the stereotype that the Daluo Sect was the representative of Daoism.

Although relying on one martial arts exchange tournament was certainly not enough, the Shangqing Sect needed such a good start.

So the Shangqing Sect only had one goal for this tournament—to win the championship!

After Ming Qi of Pudu Temple displayed astonishing combat power, True Person Xuan Chen still looked calm.

This indicated that Gan Jingcheng must also have a trump card!

"Some minor means, not really a trump card."

True Person Xuan Chen said indifferently.

Qi Zhou nodded: "Then we shall wait and see."

He glanced at Li Fei, who had risen from his seat.

It seemed this "First in History" could no longer create miracles.

That night, major newspapers reported the news of the two newly promoted Martial Arts Masters.

Because this breakthrough battle of the two was broadcast live nationwide, the "Under Heaven" restaurant in Lanling City also updated the list outside the restaurant at the first opportunity:

Wen Ren Zheng, the deputy commander of the Forbidden Army who had been squeezed off the overall Wind and Cloud List because the Green-Faced Ghost ascended the list, returned to tenth place on the overall Wind and Cloud List.

Xue Fu, the hall master of the Punishment Hall of the Tianshan Sect, and Lin Xintian, the eldest grandson of the Lin family in Zhaozhao Province.

These two ascended to the candidate list for the overall Wind and Cloud List.

Besides the sects of Buddhism and Daoism, the most top-tier sects in the Jianghu were known as "One Tower, One Pavilion, Sanshan, Four Sects, Seven Great Families."

Among them, the Tianshan Sect was one of the "Sanshan," and the Lin family of Zhaozhao Province was one of the "Seven Great Families."

Xue Fu was exactly forty years old this year, and Lin Xintian was thirty-three.

These two ascending to the overall Wind and Cloud List meant that neither the Tianshan Sect nor the "Lin Family of Zhaozhao" had a gap in succession.

It also meant that there were two more Jianghu people on the overall Wind and Cloud List and the candidate list.

Out of a total of twenty people, there were now only six Dao Foundation stage powerhouses belonging to the imperial court side.

This numerical comparison was also roughly the comparison of martial arts power between the imperial court and the Jianghu.

What the imperial court was strong in was the whole, the Imperial Camp Army, the iron cavalry, and now there were also guns and cannons.

What the Jianghu was strong in was the individual.

September 23rd.

At 9:00 AM, the spectator stand of the Tianqu University competition stage was packed.

Zhu Yue, the Inspector of Cang Province, appeared on the main spectator stand again today.

This high-ranking official had only appeared at the opening ceremony on the first day, and this was his second appearance.

"First match of the semi-finals, Li Fei of Wu'an University versus Gan Jingcheng of the Shangqing Sect!"

Without any extra ceremonies, as soon as the match time arrived, the staff announced the match list in a loud voice.

"Good luck!"

On the spectator stand, Li Tianyu said to Li Fei.

Li Fei nodded with a smile and stood up to walk down the steps.

Only this time, he didn't go empty-handed; he was carrying a package in his hand.

Under the gaze of everyone, Li Fei arrived at the side of the competition stage and accepted the pre-match inspection.

"You can choose the weapons you want to use."

The staff said to Li Fei.

"Wait a moment."

Li Fei said, while untying the package in his hand and taking out a medicine bottle from inside.

"What is he doing?"

Li Fei's actions immediately attracted the attention of the entire arena, and people looked over here curiously.

"It seems... he's taking medicine?"

"He's taking medicine? What kind of medicine is he taking?"

"Can you take medicine before the match?"

"It seems it wasn't said that you couldn't?"

"..."

Under the gaze of everyone, Li Fei took out a bottle of elixir from the package, opened it, and poured it directly into his mouth.

Then he threw away the medicine bottle, took out another bottle from the package, and continued to pour it into his mouth...

Soon, Li Fei's physique began to expand, and he involuntarily unleashed "Tyrant Body."

The bulging muscles stretched his clothes, and then tore them!

The originally copper-colored skin gradually turned red, and white steam constantly rose from Li Fei's body.

Now everyone knew what kind of elixir Li Fei was taking.

It was an augmentation-type elixir.

In the blink of an eye, Li Fei had taken out seven bottles of elixir from the package one after another and finished them all!

This scene dumbfounded everyone.

"Is he crazy?!"

"Eating like this, isn't he afraid of ruining himself?"

"Just for a competition, is it worth it?"

"..."

The Martial Arts Exchange Tournament did not explicitly prohibit contestants from taking augmentation-type elixirs before going on stage.

Because no matter how good an augmentation-type elixir was, it had certain side effects; the better the efficacy, the more so.

Some side effects could even cause permanent damage to oneself!

Those who came to participate were all geniuses with high talent, so naturally, no one would be stupid enough to ruin their own future for a competition.

So when everyone saw Li Fei swallow seven bottles of elixir in one breath, they were all shocked and puzzled.

The breakthrough speed of the "First in History," such talent, actually wanted to ruin their own future?!

Many people looked at the newly promoted Martial Arts Master Qin Zhen on the spectator stand, wanting to know what Wu'an University was thinking?

Could they not protect such a peerless prodigy well?

Qin Zhen frowned slightly.

He also didn't know why Li Fei wanted to do this, but he believed Li Fei wouldn't really ruin himself; doing this must be something he was sure about.

Li Fei, who had taken seven bottles of elixir, took off the white martial arts uniform that had already been torn by his muscles, revealing the black elastic vest inside.

This elastic vest and the long pants he wore were specially made, at least they wouldn't be damaged by the exertion of force.

Muscles like rocks, bulging veins, and the constantly rising white steam made Li Fei's body look like it contained terrifying power!

In front of so many Martial Arts Masters and Grandmasters, he didn't want to risk using the Ten Thousand Blood Bead.

Even if he integrated five types of implants in the future and had new weapons, he wouldn't reveal any flaws in the number of implants and weapons, but the details of using the Ten Thousand Blood Bead to bear damage wouldn't change.

Once he used the Ten Thousand Blood Bead to bear damage in front of so many powerhouses today using Li Fei's identity, if the Green-Faced Ghost were to meet these powerhouses in the future and also used the Ten Thousand Blood Bead to bear damage, there would be a possibility of exposure.

In non-essential situations, Li Fei didn't want to take such a risk.

So he chose to take medicine:

Subduing Tiger Pill, significantly enhancing physical strength.

Divine Elephant Pill, significantly enhancing Qi and blood.

Flowing Heart Pill, significantly enhancing mental power.

Rising Gold Pill, significantly stimulating metal-attribute implants, thereby enhancing innate primordial Qi and extraordinary abilities.

Earth Nether Pill, significantly stimulating earth and dark dual-attribute implants, also enhancing innate primordial Qi and extraordinary abilities.

Gold Source Pill, rapidly replenishing metal-attribute innate primordial Qi.

Dark Earth Primordial Qi Pill, rapidly replenishing earth-attribute and dark-attribute innate primordial Qi.

Li Fei had taken one bottle of each of these seven types of elixirs!

Simultaneously using the Ten Thousand Blood Bead to bear the side effects brought by the drugs.

As for why others would be puzzled as to why he could be unaffected by the side effects of the drugs.

Couldn't the "First in History" have some special features?

This kind of special feature didn't even need Li Fei to explain it himself; naturally, someone would fill in the blanks for him.

Li Fei stood on the sidelines for a few minutes, waiting for the efficacy of the drugs to be fully exerted, and also waiting for the side effects of the drugs to be fully exerted.

He used the blood souls within the Blood Spring to bear the damage brought by the drugs; the blood souls decreased by over fifty in total.

If this were replaced by an ordinary Dao Foundation stage martial artist, half their life would be gone!

Cutting off the connection with the Ten Thousand Blood Bead, Li Fei walked toward the weapon rack on the side.

This time he didn't choose the single-handed long saber he had been using, but came to a separate weapon rack.

Placed on it was a straight slashing saber, two meters and three long, sixty centimeters wide, with a saber back a finger wide, the saber edge unsharpened, and the saber body black.

This was a heavyweight weapon specially prepared by Tianqu University, weighing eight hundred catties!

Some martial artists practicing specific martial arts would need to use this kind of heavy weapon.

Li Fei walked to the weapon rack, grabbed the saber handle with one hand, easily picked up this straight slashing saber, and carried it on his shoulder.

A weapon weighing eight hundred catties, picked up with one hand.

Such a thing could be done by any martial artist, but the prerequisite was to catalyze innate primordial Qi or strength.

And Li Fei picked up the saber purely by relying on physical strength.

After taking a bottle of Subduing Tiger Pill, his current physical strength was roughly equivalent to consuming 20 blood souls to unleash 【Blood Rage】!

Li Fei carried the giant saber on his shoulder and walked onto the competition stage step by step.

"It's just a competition, why go to such lengths?"

Gan Jingcheng rubbed his chin and looked at Li Fei in confusion.

"Just a few bottles of elixir, Senior Brother Gan doesn't need to worry."

Li Fei said nonchalantly.

Gan Jingcheng: "..."

Li Fei looked at the opponent and asked sincerely:

"How many moves does Senior Brother Gan intend to let me have?"

Previously, Gan Jingcheng had chosen to let Wang Fengqing have thirty moves; now facing Li Fei, who was younger, there was no reason not to let him have moves.

In order to maintain his demeanor (showing off), Gan Jingcheng had indeed decided to let him have moves before the match.

He had originally thought about letting Li Fei have fifty moves, but now seeing Li Fei swallow seven bottles of elixir in one breath, he couldn't help but change his mind:

"Junior Brother Li is so desperate, then thirty moves it is; within thirty moves, I will only defend and not attack."

"Good, Senior Brother is indeed generous!"

Li Fei gave Gan Jingcheng a thumbs up.

"Hahaha, Junior Brother Li, please."

Gan Jingcheng held his sword with one hand, in a reverse sword stance, and gestured for Li Fei to strike as he pleased.

Li Fei stepped forward and walked toward Gan Jingcheng; his speed was not fast, strolling leisurely.

As he walked toward Gan Jingcheng, one "Li Fei" after another appeared on the field.

Seeing Li Fei directly use "Ghost Shadow," Gan Jingcheng didn't feel surprised.

Facing him, Li Fei naturally had to use his strongest means from the beginning.

Soon, the number of clones exceeded ten.

Gan Jingcheng's smile remained unchanged.

Previously, Li Fei had used at most six clones; under the circumstances of taking medicine, it was very normal for the number of clones to be a bit higher.

A few seconds later, the number of clones exceeded twenty.

Gan Jingcheng's smile remained the same.

The number of clones exceeded thirty.

Gan Jingcheng was slightly surprised.

When the number of clones exceeded forty, the smile on Gan Jingcheng's face became somewhat stiff.

Fifty, sixty, seventy...

When Li Fei walked to a position thirty meters away from Gan Jingcheng, one hundred and eight of him had already appeared on the field!

Excluding the real body, Li Fei had used a total of one hundred and seven clones!

Everyone at the scene was dumbfounded.

The principle of using "Ghost Shadow" was to use one's own Qi and blood, innate primordial Qi, power of intent, and the earth Qi in the environment to condense clones.

As long as one was not in a special environment, the earth Qi in the environment was usually sufficient.

One's own Qi and blood were related to the strength of vitality; the vitality of an ordinary Dao Foundation stage expert was roughly equivalent to one hundred blood souls.

Even if Li Fei didn't use the Ten Thousand Blood Bead, his vitality was four times that of an ordinary Dao Foundation stage powerhouse!

After taking the Divine Elephant Pill, his Qi and blood were further enhanced, and the number of clones increased accordingly.

Besides that, he had taken elixirs that could rapidly replenish innate primordial Qi, so he didn't need to worry about not having enough "Qi."

Finally, his power of intent was already far stronger than martial artists of the same realm, and even more so after dual-cultivating martial arts and magic.

Originally, his power of intent was close to the peak of the Dao Foundation stage, and after taking the Flowing Heart Pill, at least in terms of "quantity," it was no worse than Qin Zhen and the others before they broke through the realm!

Combining these various factors, Li Fei had successfully condensed over a hundred clones.

The expressions of everyone present went from surprise and astonishment to confusion and doubt, and finally gradually became numb...

Gan Jingcheng's expression also didn't know how to be arranged anymore.

He had originally thought Li Fei intended to rely on clones to confuse him, just like the tactics Li Fei had used in several previous matches.

But he didn't expect Li Fei to actually want to convince people with "force"!

So the "First in History" could be so unreasonable!

After condensing one hundred and seven clones, Li Fei's "performance" had not yet ended...

There is another chapter tonight.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 279 =====