Chapter 23

In this battle, Qin Fengming used all his means and tactics. Although the young man with the spear in front of him was not one of the four people his master said could defeat him, he was certainly no ordinary opponent. (www..com)

Despite the hard work, it was inevitable. What puzzled Qin Fengming was that no matter how tired he was, as long as he meditated for a short while, his strength would be completely restored.

However, observing the other disciples, although they could recover their strength very quickly through meditation, it took them several times longer than him. This situation left Qin Fengming very puzzled.

In the morning, the winners and losers had both determined their top eight.

After lunch, the losers only needed to determine their top four. However, the winners' group, where Qin Fengming was, needed to determine the first place.

Qin Fengming still held the number seven badge. After one match, he was once again on the stage for another match.

Standing in front of Qin Fengming was a young man holding a wooden stick. This young man had a steady expression, and there was a sense of authority in his eyes. At first glance, Qin Fengming was startled. This young man was undoubtedly a tough opponent.

After listening to the young man hosting the match introduce both of their names, Qin Fengming learned that the person in front of him was named Lin Yongfeng. Upon hearing these three words, Qin Fengming was startled again. This name was one that Little Senior Sister had once introduced to him, knowing that his Tiger Subduing Staff technique was extremely elusive.

The reason why Qin Fengming was so wary of this person was that this Lin Yongfeng was indeed one of the four people who could surpass him.

Looking at the young man in front of him, Qin Fengming could not help but feel uneasy. But this unease was fleeting. He had already completed the task of entering the top ten, and now he just needed to give it his all.

Seeing the young man in front of him, who was only twelve or thirteen years old, Lin Yongfeng already knew that he was a true talent. Therefore, he did not look down on Qin Fengming at all.

Although Qin Fengming was not on Lin Yongfeng's list of predetermined opponents, after two days of matches, he had stood out among many skilled opponents at just twelve or thirteen years old, and his toughness was evident.

After observing Qin Fengming for a moment, Lin Yongfeng had a plan. He decided not to treat his opponent as an ordinary young man. In the match, he would be more cautious and give it his all to ensure victory.

With the signal from the young man hosting the match, Qin Fengming's most difficult battle since he started martial arts began.

At the start of the match, both sides were very cautious. Although they both attacked and defended, they were mostly probing each other, and the scene lacked the intense atmosphere of the morning.

Qin Fengming performed the Thirteen Willow Techniques, his movements were unpredictable, and his attacks and retreats were very disciplined. His sword followed his body, and a white streak of light spun around the platform, making it hard to see his figure.

Lin Yongfeng also wielded his long staff, displaying layers of illusory staff shadows that protected him in the center. His staff technique was three parts attack and seven parts defense, aiming to avoid mistakes rather than achieve success.

The two spun around the platform, fighting intensely. This battle lasted for about half an hour. Although neither side was trying to win at all costs, the continuous display of exquisite techniques earned loud cheers from the audience.

Although the two were evenly matched, neither could gain the upper hand.

During the battle, Qin Fengming kept stealing glances. He saw that the staff technique of his opponent was incredibly skillful. Even if he gave it his all, he could not guarantee victory. His master's words were indeed accurate; his opponent had the strength to defeat him.

As the battle dragged on, it became increasingly disadvantageous for Qin Fengming. But to win quickly with all his strength was difficult. After some consideration, Qin Fengming decided to admit defeat.

At this point, the outcome of the match was no longer attractive to him.

After another fifty rounds, Qin Fengming suddenly flew back a dozen feet. He stopped, bowed, and said loudly:

"Junior Brother admires Senior Brother Lin's Tiger Subduing Staff technique greatly. I admit that I cannot defeat Senior Brother Lin. This match is won by Senior Brother Lin."

After saying this, Qin Fengming bowed again to the surprised Senior Brother Lin and gracefully left the platform.

On the platform, Qin Fengming's master smiled without a word. Even the seated Sect Master Sima showed an approving look.

For Qin Fengming's decision to admit defeat, the other disciples standing below the platform burst into cheers. No one felt disappointed by his admission of defeat.

Qin Fengming's performance in this match deeply moved everyone. Not only the young disciples but also the disciples from the previous two years praised him greatly. The way they looked at him no longer had the original contempt.

The match on the platform did not stop until it was dark, and all the matches were finally decided.

In this grand competition, the person who won first place was Lin Yongfeng, who had fought with Qin Fengming. The second place was Hu Shuheng, and the third place was Cui Liang, who was in the same group as Qin Fengming. Cui Liang won third place using only his bare hands, without any weapons, which Qin Fengming also admired greatly.

"Thus, the grand competition of the Hundred Refinements Hall is now complete. The top twenty disciples will enter the Elite Hall for further training. Tomorrow at the hour of the Snake, gather at the foot of Dan Yun Peak and officially report to Wang Yue Peak. The other disciples will continue to train in the Hundred Refinements Hall and strive to achieve good results in the next competition."

Standing on the platform, Elder Wang, with a stern expression, silenced the crowd and then said loudly.

Following Elder Wang's words, the central hall elders on the platform all stood up and left, disappearing into the valley.

Qin Fengming did not return to his residence with Duan Meng and the others but went directly to the Hundred-Foot Cliff.

Facing the praise from his master's wife and Little Senior Sister, Qin Fengming's face turned slightly red. Apart from responding obediently, he did not show any hint of pride.

After eating dinner at his master's wife's place, the head of the central hall, his master, returned excitedly. Upon seeing Qin Fengming, he said with a pleased expression:

"Fengming, due to your performance in this grand competition of the Hundred Refinements Hall, it has brought great glory to us. Just now, I have already spoken to Sect Master Sima, hoping he will admit you to the Dark Night Hall as an exception. Although the Sect Master did not immediately agree, he said he would consider it carefully. You just need to train well in the Elite Hall and not neglect your martial arts."

Hearing his master's words, Qin Fengming was overjoyed. Although the Sect Master did not agree to his entry into the Dark Night Hall, being able to enter the Elite Hall at this age was already several years ahead of his peers, a rare occurrence in Luoxia Valley.

"The head of the Elite Hall, Li, is a good friend of mine. If you have any questions about martial arts, you can ask him. Tomorrow, there will be some rewards for the winning disciples. I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity. You are tired, so go back and rest." After giving him some instructions, his master waved him off.