Chapter 88

The grand tournament at Luoxian Plaza had entered its most intense phase. With the four strongest participants no longer fighting, the remaining competitors—whose strength was more evenly matched—were all fiercely battling for a spot in the top sixteen. It was a brutal, all-out melee that showed everyone what real combat looked like.

Cries of support filled the air.
“Go, Brother Zhou Hong! You got this!”
“Boss Xiao Long, you’re the best!”
“Our Piaomiao Peak is the strongest!”

The cheers rolled like thunder, shaking Luoxian Plaza as if it would burst apart from the excitement. The crowd was wild with passion, fully swept up in the spectacle.

After a series of fierce duels, twelve more names were added to the roster of top fighters. These were none other than the Twelve Yama, all cultivators who had completed six refinements of their spiritual essence.

With the first round concluded, the crowd was left exhilarated, still savoring the shock and awe the competition had delivered.

“Round One is over. Now, onto the draw for the next matchups,” announced Elder Jin Hou, his booming voice echoing through the plaza.

The sixteen top young cultivators stepped forward and stood in the center of the stage, receiving thunderous applause. These sixteen would be the future of Luoxian Sect—their rise was now inevitable.

Thanks to Elder Jin Hou's management, the four strongest participants didn’t clash just yet. The draw ensured a balanced fight for now. The contestants were then given a half-hour break before the top-eight elimination round.

As they left for their individual resting areas, supporters rushed to offer encouragement.

Inside Chi Xiao’s resting room, Ye Qingqing entered like a gentle breeze. With her soft demeanor and warm smile, even the fiery Chi Xiao found herself drawn in.

“Xiao, how do you feel?” Qingqing asked kindly.

“Don’t worry, Sister Ye. I’ll take first place and bring honor to Piaomiao Peak,” Chi Xiao said confidently, clenching her fist.

Ye Qingqing chuckled, then held her hand gently. “Just do your best. After all, you’ll be the next senior sister of Piaomiao Peak. You’ll need to think for the others now—not just charge ahead on impulse.”

Chi Xiao’s passion seemed endless, but she nodded solemnly. “I understand. I’ll protect our sisters, and we’ll wait for your return. We’re still going to build a kingdom of women together. We’ll show those stinky men that we can be true cultivators too.”

“Then I’ll come back for that,” Ye Qingqing said, smiling as they sealed their promise.

— — —

In Wu Dao’s resting room...

Silence.

He and his weapon, Ba Dao, sat still. No words were needed.

— — —

Meanwhile, on Xian Ding Peak...

Lu Dancheng, the senior brother, was advising Li Jun. “It’s fine not to go all out at first, but as the sect’s leading disciple, you must show your strength when it counts.”

Looking at Li Jun, he saw a younger version of himself—charming, clever, with natural leadership. The only thing left was to polish away that greasy overconfidence.

Li Jun nodded, already formulating his plan. “Don’t worry, senior brother. I’ve been saving my best for the next round. Wu Dao and Chi Xiao aren’t taking all the spotlight this time.”

Lu Dancheng reminded, “Don’t underestimate Shen Xian’er either. Even if you lose, lose with grace. Setbacks are just shadows on the path forward—keep walking, and you’ll find the light.”

“Exactly what I was thinking,” Li Jun agreed with a nod.

— — —

Back in Shen Xian’er’s room...

“Go, Xian’er! You were amazing!” said Du Ming and Lan Caicai as they entered.

They were here in place of their unpredictable senior, Bu Xiu, who even their master Wu Dao couldn’t locate.

“Ehehe~” Shen Xian’er smiled, happily munching on her lollipop. “Hi, senior brother, senior sister!”

“Keep it up, alright?” Lan Caicai said, hugging her tightly. She had adored Shen Xian’er from the moment she joined the sect.

“Don’t worry. I’ll win first place!” Shen Xian’er said with a gleaming smile, lollipop raised like a sword.

Du Ming chuckled. “Good, good. Just don’t push yourself too hard. You’re our little treasure.”

Then, Han Luo walked in, flipping through his ever-present notebook.

“Xian’er, your next opponent is a disciple from Xian Ding Peak. His name is Miao Huo,” he began, adjusting his glasses.

He listed off every detail:

• Name: Miao Huo

• Level: Qi Refinement Stage, seventh layer

• Temper: Arrogant, doesn’t take advice

• Technique: Fire Python Technique—can control four fire serpents, offense and defense combined

• Favorite food (before fasting): fish

• Favorite color: Chi Xiao Red (probably her fan)

• Current residence: Fire Blaze Cavern, Cave 18

• Background: Only child, father Miao Jiangyun (Foundation Establishment Stage), mother Zhang Lan (Refiner), entire family in the sect hierarchy

Han Luo even added:

• Special habits: Likes picking his nose and doesn’t wash hands afterward…

Lan Caicai and Du Ming were dumbfounded. Had Han Luo dug up the guy’s entire ancestry?

“Listen, his fire pythons are tough to crack. Normally, they don’t have any weaknesses,” Han Luo explained. “So we make one. Throw the fire talismans I gave you. Don’t hold back. Once you’ve thrown 113 of them, his technique will start to over-expand and freeze up. Then just toss one explosive charm—boom! The pythons pop, and you win.”

“Really? That simple?” Shen Xian’er was skeptical.

“Of course,” Han Luo replied confidently. “Your brother makes a living off this kind of plan.”

Then he went on to explain seven more backup strategies—each practical, safe, and incredibly effective. Du Ming and Lan Caicai were speechless. They had never heard of so many ways to win a fight. What shocked them even more: every plan was feasible.

Even if Miao Huo was stronger, he could be toyed with and defeated.

In another room, Miao Huo was feeling pumped. Surrounded by friends and encouraged by Elder Yun Ding, he felt ready to crush Shen Xian’er.

He believed that despite her talent, her personality was her greatest flaw. As long as he exploited that, victory was his. And with a few tricks up his sleeve, he was certain the crowd would be stunned by his performance.

He was already imagining the look of shock on the faces of the ten thousand spectators when he defeated her.

And so, after a tense half-hour…

The second round officially began.