Chapter 19

The top 32 competitors have already been decided. In the center of the arena, Zhuge Xiang and the other 32 stood together. After a morning of intense duels, these disciples, who were all at the Qi Nourishment stage, were greatly exhausted.

As the top 32 were decided, a man in his thirties walked onto the stage and announced that the morning duels were over. The remaining matches would be held one by one, not simultaneously. It was already late, and after lunch, the grand competition would continue.

Being able to rest for an hour was naturally what Zhuge Xiang and the others desired. Of course, the nearly 200,000 disciples below were also hungry. High-quality duels were what everyone wanted to see, especially the prospective disciples who had just joined the Asura Sect and were about to undergo special training. They were full of anticipation, hoping that in a year, they could also stand out in the grand competition. However, out of 100,000 disciples, only 32 made it, a ratio of one in ten thousand, which meant that most of them were destined to be disappointed.

"Zhuge Xiang, is your injury okay?" When Zhuge Xiang walked off the stage, Niu Geng approached with concern. Although there was no obvious abnormality in Zhuge Xiang during the subsequent battles, the chest-piercing sword strike from Ji Wuxue was clearly a severe injury, not easily treated.

"It's fine," Zhuge Xiang said, his hand covering his chest, a trace of pain flashing across his face, but it quickly disappeared as he shook his head.

The pain that flashed across Zhuge Xiang's face was naturally noticed by Niu Geng, who grabbed Zhuge Xiang. "No, with such a serious injury, as a friend, I won't let you participate in the afternoon matches. None of the top 32 are weak. Participating with a severe injury is too dangerous. We should go and treat your injury."

"Alright, Niu Geng, trust me, it's really fine," Zhuge Xiang said firmly, his face showing determination, clearly resolved to participate in the afternoon competition. Niu Geng's tugging naturally drew the attention of many people. Many of the top 32 had a smile on their faces, knowing very well about Zhuge Xiang's injury. No matter how much Zhuge Xiang tried to hold on, they saw his threat greatly reduced.

While these people were observing Zhuge Xiang, Zhuge Xiang, as one of the top 32, was also observing them. The top 32 were indeed not simple. Among them, twelve were at the third level of the Qi Nourishment stage, and the others, even at the second level, had formidable combat abilities and their own unique methods.

Those twelve at the third level of the Qi Nourishment stage were, of course, the pride of the heavens, all of whom had comprehended Qi Force within half a year of joining the Asura Sect. Not only were their Qi Forces thick, but because they had comprehended Qi Force early, their martial arts skills were also at a high level. Most importantly, no one knew if they had any other hidden cards.

"Zhuge Xiang, your fame today is well-deserved, congratulations..." On the way to the dining hall, just as Zhuge Xiang and Niu Geng were tugging at each other, a clear female voice sounded. Turning his head, it was Lu Yuling.

"Where, who doesn't know about Senior Sister Lu's talent, and your good looks, making you the ideal woman in many seniors' hearts," Zhuge Xiang smiled in response to Lu Yuling's praise. With the improvement in his strength, Zhuge Xiang had the qualifications to look at Lu Yuling on equal terms, even to joke with her.

"Oh? Including you?" Lu Yuling did not dislike Zhuge Xiang's teasing and asked in return.

"I, Zhuge Xiang, am a normal boy, so naturally, I am no exception. But for me now, strength is the main focus," Zhuge Xiang's character was indeed straightforward, showing no hesitation when it came to matters of love.

Lu Yuling smiled, finding Zhuge Xiang's answer satisfactory.

For her, cultivation was the top priority now, and matters of love were indeed too early. If Zhuge Xiang expressed his intention to pursue her, Lu Yuling would keep her distance. He likes me? This wasn't a strange answer; Lu Yuling was well aware of her own charm. If Zhuge Xiang said he didn't like her, it would be truly hypocritical.

Looking into Zhuge Xiang's clear eyes, Lu Yuling suddenly smiled brilliantly. "If all men in the world were as straightforward as you, being liked wouldn't be a bad thing."

Suddenly, Zhuge Xiang keenly felt several clearly hostile gazes fall on him. He subtly turned his head to look, and they were all geniuses of this session, also among the top 32. Seeing Lu Yuling's helpless expression, Zhuge Xiang understood the underlying meaning of her words: these people's affection for her was not straightforward, only making her feel annoyed.

"Are you doing this on purpose? Stirring up their hostility towards me? To reduce your competition? As the saying goes, the most venomous are women. The ancients were not wrong. You even scheme against someone with an injury," Zhuge Xiang said, looking at Lu Yuling with some helplessness.

"Injury? Are you really injured? When I said I would deal with the demon fox, you clearly wanted to know the demon fox's strength before agreeing. Someone who values their life as much as you, would really participate in the top 32 competition with a severe injury?" Lu Yuling shook her head, clearly not believing Zhuge Xiang. Her meaning was clear: the dispute between you and Niu Geng can fool others, but not me.

"Too smart a woman, no one will marry you, you know?" Zhuge Xiang was not surprised that Lu Yuling saw through his act. After half a month of interaction, Lu Yuling had some understanding of his character, and similarly, Zhuge Xiang had some understanding of her. In Lu Yuling's heart, Zhuge Xiang was a strong competitor, and in Zhuge Xiang's heart, it was no different.

The two chatted back and forth, and with Niu Geng being somewhat nervous in front of Lu Yuling, the three arrived at the dining hall. They got some food and sat down in a secluded spot. Due to the reputation of Lu Yuling and Zhuge Xiang, others did not come to disturb them.

In front of Zhuge Xiang, Lu Yuling felt no need to maintain the same vigilance she had with other male disciples. Other male disciples, when they got closer to her, would always have improper thoughts, leading to romantic entanglements that would hinder their cultivation.

Zhuge Xiang's straightforward and honest character made Lu Yuling feel very relaxed, whether in conversation or interaction. Perhaps because both of them prioritized cultivation, Lu Yuling was not afraid that Zhuge Xiang would be distracted by improper thoughts.

In everyone's heart, Lu Yuling was like a solitary moon in the sky, proud and distant, making people dare not to offend her. She always maintained a cold and clear demeanor, especially to those who considered themselves talented and qualified to pursue her, who often faced rejection. But today, Lu Yuling was chatting and laughing with Zhuge Xiang, which made many who had designs on her feel hostile towards Zhuge Xiang.

Feeling the hostility around him, Zhuge Xiang was not only not afraid but secretly delighted. With the super game system, Zhuge Xiang feared no competition. Hostility from others was a good thing; through competition, victory would make him stronger. As for failure? Zhuge Xiang had never considered it.

Although many were hostile towards Zhuge Xiang, no one deliberately challenged him. After all, Zhuge Xiang's strength was not weak, and with the grand competition approaching, they could not waste their Qi Force. However, at this moment, a familiar male voice suddenly sounded behind Zhuge Xiang, calling him.

"What? Are you still不服气 (unconvinced) and want to fight me again?" Looking at the person behind him, Zhuge Xiang's eyes narrowed slightly, and Niu Geng stood up nervously, clearly not wanting this person to disturb Zhuge Xiang.

It turned out that the person standing behind Zhuge Xiang was none other than Ji Wuxue. After being carried away by the staff for treatment, although Ji Wuxue's face was still pale and he had not fully recovered, his injuries seemed to have stabilized.

"I lost today, but I will seek revenge in the future, not now," Ji Wuxue shook his head, flipped his hand, and took out a blood-red pill. "This is a Blood Ginseng Pill, a healing medicine from the sect. Your injury from my sword strike should be quite severe. This pill should help heal your injury."

"Ah?" Zhuge Xiang's eyes widened, completely not expecting that Ji Wuxue had come not to seek revenge but to help him heal. It seemed that this pill was given to him by the sect for his own healing, but he had kept it and now offered it to Zhuge Xiang.

Zhuge Xiang's surprised expression was naturally understood by Ji Wuxue, who said frankly, "Although I lost to you, I hope you can achieve a better ranking in the grand competition, so others will know that I lost to you without regret. If you are defeated by others soon, it will tarnish my reputation."

Zhuge Xiang shook his head, declining Ji Wuxue's offer. "I can promise you that I will definitely win the first place in this grand competition. As for the pill, it's not necessary. My injury is not serious."

Pausing for a moment, Zhuge Xiang continued, "Also, I want to say that someone like you is not suitable for a demonic sect like the Asura Sect."

Since Zhuge Xiang was confident, Ji Wuxue said no more and turned to leave, not commenting on Zhuge Xiang's evaluation of him.

Sitting down, Niu Geng said, "Although Ji Wuxue is ruthless, he is a straightforward person, worth befriending."

"He is a true swordsman, but such a character is not suitable for a demonic sect," Niu Geng's words made Zhuge Xiang shake his head. Looking at Niu Geng, he realized that Niu Geng's character, being too open with friends, was also not suitable.

The incident in the dining hall was just a small interlude. After lunch, they rested for a while, and Zhuge Xiang and the others returned to the arena. The others had already gathered, and the afternoon competition, the top 32 championship, officially began.

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